International News
Iran Nuclear Talks: Iran agreed to “high-level” indirect talks with the United States in Oman on April 12, led by Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The discussions will focus on limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment and missile programs. (Capital: Tehran, President: Ebrahim Raisi).
Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum: US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% higher tariff on Chinese goods if China does not withdraw its 34% tariff on US imports. This has caused global market instability. (Capital: Washington, D.C., President: Donald Trump).
Energy Cooperation Between India and Sri Lanka: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka and met President Anura Dissanayake in Colombo. Both nations signed an agreement to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub and inaugurated the Sampur solar power project. PM Modi was also conferred the ‘Mithra Vibhushana,’ Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor. (Capital: Colombo, President: Anura Dissanayake).
Saudi Arabia Visa Restrictions: Saudi Arabia temporarily halted Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, until mid-June. (Capital: Riyadh, Crown Prince: Mohammed bin Salman).
National News
Waqf Amendment Act Comes Into Force: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, aimed at improving waqf property management and promoting transparency, was approved by President Droupadi Murmu and came into effect on April 8, 2025. (Capital: New Delhi, President: Droupadi Murmu).
Congress Party Meeting in Gujarat: The Congress party held its first major national meeting in Gujarat since 1961 to strategize for upcoming elections.
RBI Policy Review: The Reserve Bank of India began a three-day meeting to decide changes to the repo rate for the financial year 2025-26. (Capital: Mumbai, Governor: Shaktikanta Das).
Blast in Punjab: A major explosion occurred near a BJP leader’s residence in Jalandhar, Punjab; investigations are underway.
India Marks 10 Years of PMMY: India celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), which has supported micro-enterprises across the country.
Sports News
Virat Kohli’s Milestone: Virat Kohli became the first Indian cricketer to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket.
ISSF World Cup Victory: Rudrankksh Patil won gold in the 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup held in Argentina.
IPL Matches:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Mumbai Indians by 12 runs.
Lucknow Super Giants edged Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 runs.
Monte-Carlo Masters: Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in men’s doubles alongside Ben Shelton.
State News
Solar Power Initiative in Gujarat: PGVCL announced plans to build a massive 276 MW solar power plant to boost clean energy production.
Curfew in Manipur: Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Lilong after political unrest led to arson near a BJP leader’s house.
Education Reforms in Punjab: Punjab launched a 54-day ‘Sikhya Kranti’ festival aimed at modernizing government schools.
