On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court, addressing a dispute between Tamil Nadu's government and Governor R.N. Ravi, clarified that a Governor cannot indefinitely withhold assent to state legislature bills. The court emphasized that if a Governor deems a bill unconstitutional and reserves it for the President's consideration, the President should, under Article 143, seek the Supreme Court's opinion. While such an opinion isn't binding, it holds significant persuasive value. The judgment reinforces that Governors must act within constitutional confines, ensuring that the democratic process isn't stalled by unilateral decisions. This ruling aims to uphold the balance between state legislatures and gubernatorial authority, preserving the integrity of India's federal structure. (PC: Newsx & The Indian Express)

In West Bengal's Murshidabad district, 12 additional individuals have been arrested in connection with recent violence related to the Waqf Act. This brings the total number of arrests to over 130. The unrest, which began on April 11, has led to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 and suspended internet services in affected areas to prevent further escalation. The Calcutta High Court has directed the deployment of central forces to restore order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the Waqf Act is not applicable in Bengal and questioned the motives behind the violence. Investigations are ongoing. (PC: The Hindu & India Today)

In a dinner with Silicon Valley leaders, Former US President Obama asked Steve Jobs why Apple couldn't manufacture iPhones in the U.S. Jobs responded, "Those jobs aren’t coming back," citing the vast scale, speed, and specialized skills available in China. He emphasized that Apple needed 30,000 engineers to support 700,000 factory workers—resources the U.S. lacked. Despite Apple's $500 billion investment commitment in the U.S., challenges remain due to the absence of a comparable manufacturing ecosystem. In the present scenario, US President Trump's push for domestic production through steep tariffs aims to shift manufacturing stateside. However, Apple's reliance on China's infrastructure and workforce continues to be a significant factor in its global supply chain strategy. (PC: LinkedIn)

On April 12, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) achieved a historic eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS), marking the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history. Chasing a formidable target of 246, SRH's triumph was spearheaded by opener Abhishek Sharma's explosive 141 off 55 balls, featuring 10 sixes and 14 boundaries, setting a new record for the highest individual score by an Indian in the IPL. His 171-run opening partnership with Travis Head (66 off 37) laid the foundation for the chase, with Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan sealing the win with nine balls to spare. Earlier, PBKS posted 245-6, bolstered by Shreyas Iyer's 82 off 36 balls. This victory ended SRH's four-match losing streak and showcased their batting prowess. (PC: AP Photo)

The Trump administration has granted key exemptions to US tech companies by removing smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor components from a sweeping list of Chinese goods targeted by new tariffs. Originally set to face reciprocal tariffs as high as 145%, these electronics will now avoid the brunt of the trade measures. The decision is seen as a strategic move to protect American consumers and tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, who rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing. However, these items still remain under a separate 20% China-specific tariff enacted last month, maintaining pressure amid ongoing trade tensions. (PC: Investopedia)  

The United States and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, facilitated by Omani officials, marking a significant step after years of stalled negotiations since the US exit from the 2015 nuclear deal. The discussions, described as "positive and constructive," involved US envoy Abram Paley and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. Core issues included Iran’s rapidly advancing uranium enrichment program and the easing of US sanctions. With the International Atomic Energy Agency warning of enrichment near weapons-grade levels, both sides agreed to continue dialogue next week, signaling cautious diplomatic momentum. (PC: AFP)

The Calcutta High Court on April 12, 2025, ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to Murshidabad, West Bengal, following deadly violence related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act protests. The court expressed concern over the state government's failure to take timely action to prevent the unrest, which resulted in at least three deaths, including a father and son. It criticized the lack of adequate measures to curb violence and called for urgent intervention. CM Mamata Banerjee clarified that the Act wouldn't be implemented in the state. The next hearing is set for April 17.    

A Russian missile struck a warehouse operated by an Indian pharmaceutical firm in Ukraine, according to a statement by the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi. The facility, used for storing essential medical supplies, suffered major damage. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. Kyiv condemned the attack as a violation of international law and called on the global community to hold Russia accountable for targeting civilian infrastructure. The Indian government has not yet responded. The incident highlights the growing risks to international businesses amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: NDTV)

A sudden 45-minute thunderstorm with winds up to 74 km/h hit Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport around 6:30 PM Friday, leading to massive disruption. Over 350 departing flights were delayed and 40 incoming ones diverted. The situation worsened due to the main runway being shut for scheduled upgrades. Passengers faced delays averaging 40 minutes, overcrowded terminals, and poor communication from airlines. Social media was flooded with complaints. Airlines attributed the widespread delays to severe weather, marking one of the worst air traffic disruptions at IGI in recent times. (PC: Mint)

On April 12, 2025, a Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft with six people onboard crashed in a muddy field near Copake, about 50 miles south of Albany, New York. The plane was heading to Columbia County Airport when it went down around 12:15 p.m. amid poor terrain conditions. One fatality has been confirmed, with others unverified. Emergency teams faced difficulty accessing the site due to snow and mud. The NTSB has launched an investigation into the cause. The crash comes just days after another deadly helicopter incident in the Hudson River. (PC: New York Daily News)