On April 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit, scheduled for April 3-4. The summit brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to strengthen regional trade, security, connectivity, and climate action. Modi is expected to engage in bilateral talks with leaders to boost economic and strategic partnerships. Key discussions will focus on counter-terrorism, disaster management, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation, highlighting India’s commitment to regional integration and economic growth in the BIMSTEC region. (PC: X@PMOIndia)  

On April 2, 2025, the Telangana High Court ordered an immediate halt to the clearing of 400 acres of green cover near the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in Kancha Gachibowli, following protests from students, faculty, and environmentalists. The state government planned to auction the land for an IT park, but petitioners argued it is rich in biodiversity and acts as a natural climate regulator. The court has paused all land-clearing activities and scheduled the next hearing for April 3, 2025, to further assess environmental concerns and the legality of the land auction. (PC: Business Standard)

On April 2, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after a 12-hour heated debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The bill aims to streamline the administration of Waqf properties, ensuring transparency and better governance. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the legislation, stating it would protect poor Muslims and prevent land misuse. However, opposition leaders called it unconstitutional, alleging it could curb minority rights. The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha, where eight hours have been allocated for further discussion, potentially setting the stage for more political confrontation. (PC: ANI)

The son of a Kenyan diplomat, accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old on a school bus in Delhi last August, has fled the country despite multiple FIRs filed against him. Although the Delhi Police registered charges under sexual harassment and child protection laws, the accused, a Class 12 student, cannot be prosecuted due to diplomatic immunity under international law. The girl's parents have petitioned the Delhi High Court to revoke his immunity, seeking prosecution, but the case is pending, with the next hearing on April 7, 2025. Diplomatic immunity protects foreign officials from host-country legal actions. (PC: Firstpost)  

On April 2, 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by eight wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, handing RCB their first loss of IPL 2025. Mohammed Siraj starred for GT with a 3/19 spell, dismissing key RCB batsmen early. Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, supported by Sai Sudharsan’s 49, powered GT to chase down 170 runs in 17.5 overs. RCB’s batting struggled despite a strong start, ending their two-match winning streak. GT’s dominant performance puts them among the top contenders for IPL 2025. (PC: India Today)  

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s 52% tariffs on U.S. goods and trade imbalances. Despite calling PM Modi a "great friend," Trump criticized India’s protectionist policies, digital taxes, and currency practices. The tariff, effective April 9, 2025, targets textiles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. India’s recent tariff reductions failed to prevent the move. This decision, part of Trump’s broader trade strategy, may strain U.S.-India relations and lead to retaliatory measures, impacting bilateral trade talks and American businesses relying on Indian imports. (PC: Bloomberg.com)

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs, imposing a 10% levy on UK imports, 20% on EU goods, and a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles starting at midnight. Calling it "Liberation Day," Trump claimed the move would usher in a "golden age" for America. He criticized trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, China, and India, for "unfair" practices. Holding a chart titled "Reciprocal Tariffs," he defended the measures, stating, "They charge us, we charge them." Analysts warn the tariffs could raise global prices and strain trade relations. (PC: BBC)

The Lok Sabha is voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju concluded his remarks. The bill has sparked strong opposition, with INDIA bloc parties calling it "unconstitutional." NDA allies, including TDP and JD(U), have issued whips supporting the bill. MP NK Premachandran proposed an amendment allowing non-Muslims on Waqf boards. Rijiju defended the government, stating, “No place is safer for minorities than India.” The bill will move to the Rajya Sabha next, with both Houses allotted eight hours for debate. The final outcome of the Lok Sabha vote is awaited. (PC: India Today)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka had an intense on-field chat with captain Rishabh Pant after LSG's defeat to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. The franchise spent ₹27 crore on Pant, but his batting and captaincy have drawn criticism. This was Goenka’s second such discussion with Pant, following a similar exchange after LSG’s loss to Delhi Capitals. The owner, known for questioning captains, previously confronted KL Rahul in past seasons. Pant admitted the team fell "20-25 runs short" against Punjab. The interaction has sparked debate among fans on social media. (PC:  X/@SPORTYVISHAL)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised India’s rapid AI growth. In a post on X, he said India is "outpacing the world" in AI adoption. He called India OpenAI’s second-largest market and said the company tripled its users there in the last year. Altman also noted India's progress in AI technology, including chips and models. He said the cost of AI development is still high but will drop 10 times in a year. Earlier, he doubted India’s AI potential, but now he sees it as a leader. Altman believes India should play a big role in the AI revolution. (PC: AFP)