During a key meeting at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to ensure the protection of Hindu minorities amid reports of rising communal violence. Modi emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability. Yunus dismissed many reports as misinformation and cautioned India against interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. He also requested the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina, now in India—a move India reportedly declined. Talks also touched on border issues and prospects for a bilateral free trade agreement. (PC:The Economic Times)    

On April 5, 2025, the United States officially began collecting a sweeping 10% "baseline" tariff on nearly all imported goods, a key part of former President Donald Trump’s revived trade agenda. The policy dismantles decades of global trade norms and introduces retaliatory "reciprocal" tariffs—up to 50%—on 57 countries, including 20% on EU goods and 34% on Chinese imports, starting next week. Global markets reacted sharply, losing $5 trillion in S&P 500 value. While Canada and Mexico are exempt, other nations face a 51-day grace period for goods in transit and limited product exemptions. (PC: The Hindu Business Line)

In a sharp political move, BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga put up posters across Delhi accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of destroying forests in Telangana. The campaign, aimed at countering Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, features slogans alleging environmental damage under Congress rule. The posters have appeared in several key areas of Delhi and reflect the intensifying pre-election narrative war between BJP and Congress.

In the March 13 Vadodara crash that killed Hemali Patel and injured seven others, 23-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia tested negative for alcohol but positive for marijuana, according to forensic reports. The crash occurred when Chaurasia’s car rammed multiple vehicles at high speed near Amrapali Chaar Rasta. His co-passengers, Praanshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad, also tested positive for cannabis use. Chauhan has been arrested, while Bharwad is on the run. Chaurasia faces charges under the NDPS Act and Motor Vehicles Act for drugged driving and causing death by negligence. (PC: NDTV)  

The U.S. under Donald Trump’s renewed focus on China has imposed a 54% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to curb reliance on Chinese imports. This policy shift may benefit India, as global firms look to diversify their supply chains and move manufacturing out of China. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are also affected due to their deep integration with Chinese firms. India now has a chance to attract foreign investments, but it must improve infrastructure, ease regulatory hurdles, and scale up manufacturing capacity to seize this opportunity. (PC: The Economic Times)  

A young Indian national was stabbed to death in Clarence-Rockland, Ontario, east of Ottawa. The Ontario Provincial Police responded to the incident near Lalonde Street, where they arrested a suspect. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack. The Indian High Commission in Canada has extended condolences and is coordinating with local community groups to support the deceased's family. The case has raised concerns among the Indian diaspora in the region. (PC: Pixabay)

On April 4, 2025, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by Parliament, sparking immediate legal challenges. Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court, arguing that the bill infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the sanctity of waqf properties. The bill permits inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards and expands government powers over waqf land, raising concerns about potential property seizures lacking formal records. Critics see it as an attack on minority rights. The bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to be enacted into law. (PC: PTI)  

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face the in-form Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5, 2025, at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. With skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to miss the match due to an elbow injury, veteran MS Dhoni may return as captain. CSK, coming off two back-to-back losses, will aim to bounce back against a confident DC side riding an unbeaten run. Historically dominant at home, CSK leads DC 30-19 in head-to-heads, including seven wins out of nine at Chepauk. A bowler-friendly pitch is expected, with average scores around 156 runs. (PTI)    

On April 5, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his pro-tariff stance despite a massive $5 trillion drop in global market value over two days. Markets reacted sharply to China’s 34% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, set to take effect April 10. Trump dismissed investor concerns on Truth Social, claiming big businesses aren’t worried and a “BIG, BEAUTIFUL DEAL” will boost the economy. The S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq 5.8%, and Dow Jones 5.5%. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned of inflation risks and economic slowdown, but Trump demanded interest rate cuts, insisting, “ONLY THE WEAK WILL FAIL!” (PC: CNN)    

On April 5, 2025, a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, triggering a brief tsunami warning. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with the epicenter located 194 kilometers east of Kimbe. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially predicted potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters but later canceled the alert. No immediate damage or casualties were reported. Authorities in Australia and New Zealand confirmed no tsunami threat to their territories. Papua New Guinea lies in the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire." (PC: Hindustan Times)