Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli is witnessing distressing scenes as Telangana government bulldozers clear 400 acres of green cover for a ‘Future City’ project. Peacocks, deer, and other wildlife are fleeing as trees and shrubs are uprooted, threatening their habitat during nesting season.   Government agencies are shifting responsibility, with Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation directing the issue to the forest department, which in turn awaits a formal request. Environmentalists warn of fatal consequences as animals struggle to relocate amid urban expansion. A Supreme Court stay on tree felling raises hopes for intervention. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized Thailand’s crucial position in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision during the SAMVAD Global Hindu-Buddhist Initiative in Bangkok. He highlighted the synergy between India’s Act East and Thailand’s Act West policies, fostering regional growth and cooperation. Modi underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations, citing shared reverence for the Ramayana and Buddhism. He also acknowledged the late Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s contributions to initiating the SAMVAD dialogue in 2015, promoting regional collaboration and historical understanding. (PC: ANI)

Salman Khan’s latest film, Sikandar, has faced a disappointing box office performance, leading to widespread fan criticism on social media. The hashtag #SalmanKhanDoBetterFilms trended on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens urging him to choose stronger scripts and age-appropriate roles, comparing him to actors like Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal. The film saw a 50% drop in earnings on its fourth day, collecting ₹9.75 crore, bringing its total to ₹84.25 crore. Fans are calling for a shift in his film choices, hoping for a revival of his box office dominance with more meaningful projects. (PC: Instagram)  

Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza, seizing more land and creating new security zones. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new corridor to divide southern Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that captured areas will be added to existing security zones. Airstrikes in Khan Younis and Rafah killed at least 21 people, including children. Gaza’s health ministry reports nearly 1,000 deaths since Israel resumed attacks. Ceasefire talks remain stalled as Hamas rejects disarmament. Protests in Israel are growing, with hostage families demanding an end to the war. (PC: AP)

The IPL 2025 season has seen controversy over pitch conditions, with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) expressing concerns. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane wanted a more spin-friendly pitch at Eden Gardens, while LSG mentor Zaheer Khan was unhappy with the Lucknow surface. A BCCI source stated that teams should communicate their pitch needs earlier, as changes cannot be made mid-season. Meanwhile, the KKR vs. LSG match was postponed from April 6 to April 8 due to security deployment for Ram Navami. KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad face off next at Eden Gardens. (PC: AFP)

India is reviewing the impact of US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, which include a 27% duty on Indian imports. The Commerce Ministry is speaking with industry experts and exporters to assess the situation. A high-level meeting was held to discuss the issue, with top officials from the PM’s office, NITI Aayog, and other departments. India and the US are negotiating a new trade deal covering investments, supply chains, and technology. The US tariffs start on April 5 with a 10% duty, increasing to 27% for India by April 10. India aims for a fair solution. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday night. The crash happened around 9:30 pm due to a technical issue. Two pilots ejected before impact, but one died, while the other was injured. CCTV footage shows the jet falling and a bright flash after it hit the ground. The crash site, 12 km from Jamnagar, caught fire but was later controlled. The injured pilot is in the hospital. The IAF has ordered an investigation to find the cause. Officials rushed to the spot, and a search was launched for the missing pilot. (PC: PTI)

On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the felling of nearly 1,000 trees in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, planned for an infrastructure project. The decision came after environmental activists petitioned against the move, citing ecological concerns and potential violations of environmental laws. The court has directed local authorities to submit a detailed environmental impact assessment before proceeding. This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding urban greenery and emphasizes the need for sustainable development in Hyderabad amid rising deforestation concerns linked to rapid urban expansion. (PC: The Hindu)  

Donald Trump’s new tariffs have drawn sharp reactions worldwide. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned of “dire” consequences, saying there is “no clear path through the complexity and chaos.” French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency meeting, while Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni said the tariffs were “wrong” but sought a deal. China’s Xi Jinping framed the move as proof that the U.S. promotes “chaos” while Beijing stands for “stability.” Indian economist Priyanka Kishore cautioned that tariffs would have a “knock-on impact on domestic demand and GDP.” South Africa’s presidency condemned them as “punitive.” (PC: Reuters)

On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam, confirming large-scale corruption in hiring. The court imposed fines of up to ₹26 lakh on candidates who secured jobs illegally. Investigations revealed manipulated merit lists and unauthorized appointments in government schools. The ruling aims to uphold transparency and accountability in public sector recruitment. The decision sets a precedent for stricter oversight of government hiring processes and serves as a warning against systemic fraud in educational employment. (PC: Zee Business)