The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has come into effect after being cleared by Parliament and signed by President Droupadi Murmu. The law aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India. It introduces stricter rules for creating Waqf and ensures no inheritance rights are denied. However, protests erupted in West Bengal, turning violent. Opposition leaders and Muslim organizations have challenged the law in the Supreme Court, calling it unfair. The Supreme Court will hear the case on April 16. The government has filed a caveat, asking the court to hear its side before making any decision. (PC: News18)

Lucknow Super Giants edged Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash at Eden Gardens. Chasing 239, KKR’s top-order gave a strong start, but LSG bowlers pulled things back. Rinku Singh’s late blitz threatened to snatch victory, but KKR fell short at 234/7. Earlier, Nicholas Pooran smashed an unbeaten 87 off 36 balls, Mitchell Marsh scored 81, and Aiden Markram added 47 to power LSG to 238/3. The thrilling finish showcased Rinku’s resilience but Lucknow held their nerve. This win pushes LSG up the points table while KKR is left to rue missed chances. (X/@KKRiders)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops are operating in Russia’s Belgorod region. In a video address, he said the operations are aimed at protecting Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions and easing pressure on the Donetsk front. Zelensky praised the 225th Assault Regiment active in Belgorod, calling them heroes. Russia claims it repelled attacks near Demidovka, but Ukrainian and Western analysts say troops briefly advanced. Some analysts question the military value of these incursions, citing high casualties. Ukraine may be using these operations as leverage in future peace negotiations with Russia. (PC: EPA)

Violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad on Tuesday during a protest against the Waqf Act. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police when authorities tried to stop them from blocking a major road. Several vehicles, including a police van, were torched and stones hurled in the chaos. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused CM Mamata Banerjee of enabling the unrest, blaming her “Muslim appeasement” and “inflammatory speeches.” He claimed internet services in Jangipur were throttled and highlighted past communal tensions during Kartik Puja. Authorities are monitoring the situation amid rising political blame and community tensions in the region. (PC: India Today)

Prince Harry has taken his case to the Court of Appeal, arguing that his UK security downgrade was "unjustified" and "inferior" compared to other royals. His lawyer, Shaheed Fatima KC, said the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) failed to follow standard procedures or conduct proper risk analysis after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The Home Office opposes the appeal, insisting Harry was treated in a “bespoke manner.” The prince, attending court but not testifying, says he wasn't informed about decisions or risk assessments. A written verdict will follow, with some sensitive details discussed privately. (PC: BBC)

China has pledged to "fight to the end" after Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing reverses its own 34% retaliation. China’s commerce ministry called the move “blackmail” and a “mistake on top of a mistake.” Global markets rebounded slightly after steep Monday losses. Trump’s broader tariffs, ranging from 10%–50%, target dozens of countries, prompting EU and Taiwan to propose negotiations. Chinese media slammed Trump’s approach as “naked extortion,” while experts warn of a prolonged economic standoff. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 6% following trade talks. China insists it won’t surrender to US “coercion disguised as policy.” (PC: The Guardian)

Punjab Police arrested two men, including Pakistan-based Shahzed Bhatti, for hurling a grenade at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's home in Jalandhar. The blast occurred at 1 am Tuesday, damaging property but causing no injuries. CCTV showed the attacker arriving in an e-rickshaw. Police identified Zeeshan Akhtar as another key conspirator. ADGP Arpit Shukla said links to banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International are being probed. A forensic team examined the scene, and the autorickshaw used was recovered. Since October 2024, Punjab has faced 16 grenade attacks targeting police, civilians, religious sites, and now a political leader, raising serious security concerns. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Minister Nir Barkat expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting Modi was the first global leader to call Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, offering India's support. Barkat emphasized that Israel will "never forget" this gesture, highlighting the strong personal rapport between Modi and Netanyahu. Following the attack, PM Modi condemned terrorism unequivocally, stating, "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel... We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour." This underscores the deepening ties and mutual support between India and Israel. (PC: The Times of Israel & Sunday Guardian)

The U.K. High Court has denied India's request to appeal the discharge of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari's extradition. Bhandari, accused of tax evasion and money laundering, successfully contested his extradition by highlighting potential risks of extortion and violence in Tihar Jail, as well as concerns over an unfair trial in India. The court found merit in these arguments, leading to his discharge. India's subsequent attempt to appeal this decision was rejected, effectively ending the extradition proceedings. This outcome underscores the challenges faced by Indian authorities in securing the return of individuals facing serious charges abroad. (PC: India TV News)

Network Rail has unveiled revised plans for London's Liverpool Street Station, aiming to enhance passenger experience while preserving its Victorian heritage. The updated design includes eight new lifts, an increase in escalators from four to ten, expanded concourses, and improved step-free access. Additional features comprise new entrances on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, and Exchange Square, better signage, more cafes, shops, and enhanced transport connections. These changes address previous public objections to earlier proposals. The redevelopment is projected to cost hundreds of millions of pounds and seeks to accommodate the station's growing passenger numbers. (PC: BBC, Time Out, The Guardian & PBC Today)