The Supreme Court is set to hear multiple petitions today challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Among those questioning the legislation is AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Meanwhile, two separate pleas have sought either a Special Investigation Team or a court-monitored probe into the recent violence in West Bengal allegedly sparked by the law. One of the petitions also urges the court to direct the West Bengal government to submit a report detailing steps taken to control the unrest and protect civilians and public property. These developments come against a backdrop of distress and fear, especially in districts like Murshidabad, where 221 people have been arrested and many residents remain displaced despite a temporary calm.
In a different corner of the world, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his conflict with Harvard University, threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status unless it agrees to government oversight. This follows a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funding, amplifying tensions between the administration and academic institutions.
Closer to home, retail inflation in India has eased to a five-and-a-half-year low of 3.34% in March 2025, primarily due to falling food prices. Vegetables, eggs, and pulses have become more affordable, offering much-needed relief to households. However, prices of edible oils and fruits remain high. This economic breather comes after back-to-back repo rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India.
Political developments also made headlines. Hemant Soren has been appointed central president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), taking over from his father Shibu Soren, who led the party for 38 years. This familial succession has drawn criticism from the BJP, which accused the JMM of indulging in dynastic politics.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has recorded the statement of Robert Vadra in connection with a 2008 land deal case in Haryana. Vadra, who walked to the ED office flanked by supporters, decried the summons as politically motivated and accused authorities of targeting him for speaking out in favor of minority rights.
In a judgment that reflects growing concern over child exploitation, the Supreme Court has warned parents to remain vigilant against trafficking syndicates exploiting children for forced labor, sexual abuse, and illegal adoption under the guise of inter-country placements.
On the cybercrime front, the CBI has arrested four individuals from Mumbai and Moradabad in connection with the ‘Digital Arrests’ scam. The crackdown, under Operation Chakra-V, followed searches across 12 locations and came at the behest of the Rajasthan government.
In Bihar, a political ripple was created when Nishant Kumar, son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, confidently stated that his father would retain his post, reaffirming Union Minister Amit Shah’s promise amid speculation over BJP’s leadership choices in the upcoming state elections.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch region launched a counter-insurgency operation after encountering militants on April 13. The situation remains tense as the forces continue combing the area.
In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken strict steps against private schools following numerous complaints of unjustified fee hikes. Warning of severe action, she asserted that no child should be removed unfairly or parents harassed over fees.
Ahead of a Mahagathbandhan meeting scheduled in Patna, senior RJD and Congress leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, conferred in Delhi to finalize their joint strategy for the upcoming elections.
Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi continues to draw attention after a housing society in Mumbai revealed he owes approximately ₹63 lakh in maintenance dues for flats he owns at Gokul Apartments in Malabar Hill. The unpaid dues date back seven years, with allegations of illegal occupation of common property.
On the economic front, wholesale inflation slowed to 2.05% in March, compared to 2.38% in February, largely due to cheaper food items. However, inflation in manufactured goods rose slightly.
The Supreme Court has extended protection from arrest to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of misusing reservation benefits to gain entry into the civil services. The court will hear the matter further on April 21.
In a culturally significant move, the Assam government has declared Assamese the mandatory official language for all administrative communications starting April 15, marking the Assamese New Year. Government orders and notifications will now be issued in both Assamese and English.
These stories reflect a nation grappling with complex legal, political, economic, and social challenges—each intertwined with the lives of its people who hope for justice, stability, and a better tomorrow.
