The BJP alleged that Hindu devotees were attacked during a Ram Navami procession in Kolkata’s Park Circus area, blaming the Trinamool Congress and accusing police of inaction. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar claimed vehicles carrying saffron flags were vandalized and devotees were “savagely attacked” as stones were hurled at them. He called the incident “targeted violence” and criticized Kolkata Police as “silent and spineless.” However, police denied any such procession took place in the area and said a case had been filed. The political row has reignited tensions over religious processions and law enforcement roles in West Bengal. (PC: India Today)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the US has not responded after Russia rejected a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to. “We are waiting,” Zelenskyy said, adding that increased Russian attacks prove diplomatic pressure is insufficient. Russia launched 23 missiles and 109 drones overnight, killing 2 and injuring 7 in Ukraine. A recent strike on Zelenskyy’s hometown killed 18, including 9 children. He criticized the US embassy's “weak” response, accusing it of failing to name Russia as the aggressor. Meanwhile, the US, under President Trump, continues efforts to broker a partial ceasefire amid slow diplomatic progress. (PC: AFP)

Thousands rallied across the US and abroad on Saturday in the largest anti-Trump protests since his second term began. Demonstrations were held in over 1,200 cities, including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. Protesters denounced President Trump's economic, immigration, and foreign policies. In Boston, outrage followed arrests of international students, while London and Paris echoed “hands off” chants against Trump's foreign policy moves. Democratic leaders joined protests in DC, criticizing the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. Trump's approval ratings have slipped, with recent polls showing a drop to 43%. Trump spent the day golfing in Florida. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

In a crucial IPL 2025 encounter, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first against struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. SRH suffered a major setback as their Rs 8 crore star player was hospitalised and ruled out of the match. The team, placed at the bottom of the points table after three straight losses, is desperate for a turnaround. Meanwhile, GT rides high with two consecutive victories, thanks to stellar performances by B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler. SRH banks on Indian talents like Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Shami for revival. (PC:X/@IPL)

During his Colombo visit on April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was approached by Sri Lanka’s national cricket coach and legendary cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, who thanked India for its support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. Jayasuriya requested India’s assistance in developing an international cricket stadium in Jaffna, aimed at uplifting sports infrastructure in the Northern and Eastern provinces. In response, PM Modi acknowledged the importance of the initiative and assured that the Indian government would seriously consider the proposal, aligning with its ongoing commitment to regional development under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. (PC: ANI)

Iran has signaled openness to indirect negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program through Omani mediation, amid increasing threats from Washington. A senior Iranian official said Tehran would assess U.S. intentions before committing to any further steps. Simultaneously, Iran issued stern warnings to regional neighbors—including Qatar, UAE, Iraq, and Turkey—against allowing U.S. forces to use their territories or airspace for potential strikes, labeling such actions as hostile. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered heightened military readiness, escalating concerns over regional conflict and diplomatic breakdown. (PC: Money Control)

Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav, 28, lost his life when his Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat. Just 10 days earlier, he had gotten engaged to Saniya, and their wedding was set for November. At his funeral, a grieving Saniya wept, saying, “Baby, you didn’t come to take me. You promised.” A viral video shows her pleading, “Let me see his face one more time.” Yadav’s last rites were held in his Haryana village with full military honors. He came from a family of military officers. The Indian Air Force has launched an inquiry into the crash. (PC: News18)

Salman Khan’s film Sikandar is struggling at the box office despite crossing ₹187 crore worldwide in its first week. The film had a slow start, earning ₹26 crore on its opening day, much lower than Salman’s previous Eid releases. Trade experts say that while the film will recover costs through digital and satellite rights, its theatrical performance is below expectations. “It’s not a flop, but it’s not a big hit either,” said an industry insider. Sikandar now faces low weekday occupancy, but with no major competition, it remains a top choice for exhibitors.

On April 5, 2025, British Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were detained at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and deported by Israeli authorities. The two were part of a UK parliamentary delegation intending to visit the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel claimed the MPs aimed to document Israeli military actions and promote “anti-Israel hatred.” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the move, calling it “deeply concerning” and a blow to democratic engagement. The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions between the UK and Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and humanitarian crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) plan will be implemented only after 2030. Speaking at SRM University, she said nearly ₹1 lakh crore was spent on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She claimed simultaneous polls could add ₹4.5 lakh crore to India’s economy. Sitharaman accused some parties of spreading false claims against ONOE. She said Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin opposes it, but his father, M. Karunanidhi, had supported it. She urged all to back the idea, saying it is not a new plan but has been discussed for 10 years. (PC: The Wire)