Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed key concerns over the controversial ₹10 crore grant to the State Waqf Board, asserting it was an administrative oversight during the caretaker government period. He confirmed the grant's withdrawal and announced an inquiry. Fadnavis also criticized the Congress for allegedly opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill due to vested interests in Waqf land. The clarification aims to counter political backlash and ensure procedural transparency. (PC: Times of India)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first vertical lift sea bridge, the New Pamban Bridge, on April 6, 2025, connecting Rameswaram to the mainland. Spanning 2.08 kilometers with 99 spans and a 72.5-meter vertical lift span, it allows ships to pass by elevating up to 17 meters. Constructed with stainless steel reinforcement and protective coatings, the bridge is designed for durability and minimal maintenance. It accommodates dual rail tracks to meet future demands. Replacing the original 1914 Pamban Bridge, this modern structure enhances connectivity for pilgrims, tourists, and trade. (PC: Mint & PTI)

India's first comprehensive river dolphin survey reveals 6,327 individuals—6,324 Gangetic and 3 Indus dolphins—across 58 rivers in 10 states. Gangetic dolphins, India’s national aquatic animal, are endangered and nearly blind, relying on echolocation in murky waters. Their survival is threatened by fishing nets, poaching, collisions with boats, and the growing river cruise industry. Though conservation efforts have improved since 2009, including a national action plan and a dedicated research center, threats persist. With slow reproduction and growing human disturbance, experts warn of extinction risks similar to China’s Baiji dolphins. Despite challenges, conservationists remain cautiously optimistic, urging sustained efforts to ensure the species' survival. (PC: ShutterStock & Getty Images)

Authorities in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, have issued notices to 300 individuals for staging a silent protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by wearing black badges during Friday prayers on March 28. The protesters have been directed to appear before the court on April 16 and furnish bonds of ₹2 lakh each. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha with a 288-232 majority and later cleared by the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, aims to improve management of Waqf properties, introduce transparency and efficiency, streamline administrative complexities, and leverage technology for better governance. Despite assurances from Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju that the legislation is not anti-Muslim, several minority groups and leaders have expressed concerns over the implications of the bill on religious autonomy and property rights. (PC: Al Jazeera)

West Bengal has received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven culturally significant products, including the beloved Nolen Gur Sandesh, a winter-special sweet made from chhena and date palm jaggery. Joining the list are three more sweets—Murshidabad’s Chhanabora, Bishnupur’s Motichur Laddu, and Kamarpukur’s Sada Bode—alongside Malda’s Nistari Silk Yarn, Radhunipagal Aromatic Rice, and Baruipur Guava. These GI tags aim to protect the identity of traditional products and boost rural economies through recognition and marketability. With this, West Bengal’s total GI-tagged items rise to 35, reinforcing its rich culinary and artisanal heritage. (PC: The Telegraph)

On April 5, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu signed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 into law, following its passage in the Lok Sabha on April 3 and the Rajya Sabha on April 4. The bill has stirred political controversy, with opposition leaders like Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi challenging its constitutional validity in the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the bill's enactment as a “watershed moment” aimed at ensuring socio-economic justice and promoting inclusive national development. (PC: ANI)

On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu — India's first vertical lift sea bridge. Built at a cost of ₹550 crore, the 2.08 km bridge features 99 spans and a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can rise up to 17 meters, enabling smooth passage for ships while maintaining uninterrupted train movement. Engineered with stainless steel reinforcements and fully welded joints, the bridge promises durability, low maintenance, and future readiness with provision for dual rail tracks. (PC: PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu has granted her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, officially enacting it into law. This follows its passage in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after extensive debates. The legislation introduces significant reforms to the management and regulation of Waqf properties across India, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency. Key provisions include the establishment of a Central Waqf Council for centralized oversight, mandatory audits and public disclosures to combat corruption, measures to protect Waqf properties from encroachment, and the empowerment of Waqf tribunals for more effective dispute resolution. (PC: Business Standard)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the Bastar Pandum festival in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, appealed to Maoists to surrender and integrate into mainstream society, emphasizing that "whenever a Naxal is killed, no one feels happy." He reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026 and announced that villages declaring themselves Naxal-free would receive ₹1 crore for development projects. Shah highlighted the government's focus on enhancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the Bastar region, aiming to achieve in five years what hadn't been accomplished in the past fifty. He assured surrendered Naxals of safety and rehabilitation. (PC: Daily Pioneer)

A woman has accused an IndiGo crew member of stealing her child's gold chain during a flight from Ranchi to Chennai. She filed a complaint with the Chennai police, prompting an investigation into the alleged theft. IndiGo stated they are cooperating fully with authorities and have initiated an internal inquiry. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and assured appropriate action based on the investigation's outcome. This incident raises concerns about in-flight security and crew conduct, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect passengers' belongings. (PC: Wikipedia)