Comedian Kunal Kamra said he is “deeply sorry” after a Navi Mumbai banker was forced to return early from a 17-day vacation following police summons in a defamation case related to Kamra’s show. “I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience that attending my show has caused to you,” Kamra said, offering to sponsor the banker’s next vacation anywhere in India. The banker, summoned as a witness, said, “Police were skeptical about my out-of-town status.” The controversy erupted over Kamra’s special ‘Naya Bharat,’ which allegedly called Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “traitor.” (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Telangana government clarified that the 400-acre Kancha Gachibowli land was never classified as forest in revenue or forest records. A government note stated that the land, set for auction, could bring ₹50,000 crore in investments and create 5 lakh jobs. University of Hyderabad students continue to protest, demanding its transfer to the university. Concerns over environmental impact persist, but officials promised to protect historical rock formations. “This land was always classified as grazing/waste land,” the note emphasized. The Environment Ministry has sought a report on vegetation removal in the area. (PC: The Hindu)

Former President Donald Trump will impose new tariffs from April 2, targeting countries with high duties on US goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent identified the “Dirty 15,” including China, India, Germany, and Mexico, as key offenders. Trump called the move “Liberation Day” for American trade. The tariffs will vary by industry, with higher duties on automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. The US Trade Representative also flagged 21 nations for unfair trade practices. “These countries have taken advantage of us for too long,” Trump stated. The tariffs are expected to impact global trade significantly. (PC: India Today)

Israel has escalated its military offensive in Gaza, aiming to seize significant territory to create expanded “security zones.” Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would capture extensive land, urging Gazans to expel Hamas and release hostages. The assault has intensified, with at least 21 Palestinians killed in the latest attacks. Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens as all bakeries shut down due to supply shortages. The ongoing blockade has left civilians struggling for food and medicine. International organizations have condemned the offensive, warning of a deepening catastrophe as Israel continues its large-scale military operations. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questioning the democratic process behind the selection of its new party president. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit back, accusing Yadav of promoting dynastic politics. The exchange reflects the ongoing political battle ahead of the upcoming elections, with both leaders attempting to undermine each other’s credibility. While Yadav criticized the BJP's internal selection process, Shah highlighted SP's history of family dominance. The war of words underscores the growing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition in India’s political landscape. (PC: PTI)  

Mumbai Indians’ star pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s return has been delayed as BCCI remains cautious over his back injury. A BCCI source told The Times of India, “Bumrah’s injury is serious, and we don’t want to risk a stress fracture.” The pacer, recovering since injuring his back in the Sydney Test, has resumed bowling at Bengaluru’s CoE but isn’t at full intensity. Mumbai Indians were expecting him by April 1, but no timeline is set. Former Kiwi bowler Shane Bond warned against over-bowling him, stating he’s "on the borderline of a fracture."

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP government of using the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to “dilute the Constitution and disenfranchise minorities.” Challenging Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s claim that the UPA transferred 123 properties to the Delhi Waqf Board in 2014, Gogoi demanded proof and accused him of misleading Parliament. He criticized the BJP for neglecting minority concerns, questioning the bill’s “certificate of religion” requirement. Rijiju countered, asking Gogoi to specify his objections. The debate intensified as Gogoi accused the government of reviving colonial-era tactics and ignoring opposition voices. (PC: PTI)

Students at the University of Hyderabad staged protests against the Telangana government's decision to auction 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli for IT parks. The land, originally allocated for the university, has been a site of contention. Protesters argue the move disregards Telangana’s history and ecological concerns. The Telangana High Court previously directed the state to register the land under the university, but officials claim legal loopholes justify the sale. Critics accuse the government of prioritizing corporate interests over education and the environment. "This land is our legacy," a protester said. Opposition parties demand the auction be halted.

Israel has intensified military operations in Gaza, with Defence Minister Israel Katz announcing plans to seize "large areas" for security zones. Airstrikes killed 15 in Khan Yunis and Nuseirat, as humanitarian conditions deteriorate. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 50,399 killed since the war began. A group representing Israeli hostages expressed concern that territorial expansion is taking priority over rescue efforts. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations continue, with Hamas approving a new proposal. The UN condemned an Israeli attack on an aid convoy that killed 15 workers. Hunger worsens in Gaza as bakeries shut down due to food shortages. (PC: NDTV)

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled in Lok Sabha, removes Section 40, which allowed the Waqf Board to declare land as Waqf property. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju called it the "most draconian" provision, alleging misuse for mass land conversions. The Bill, now renamed the UMEED Bill, allows legal challenges in high courts within 90 days. It also removes 'Waqf by user,' ensuring only self-owned property can be declared Waqf. Rijiju cited cases from Kerala and Haryana, where Christian and Sikh communities opposed Waqf land claims. The Bill shifts property decisions to district collectors, preventing arbitrary conversions. (PC: