Daily Current Affairs – 05 April 2025

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  SOURCE :THE HINDU  Description (English): In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's 34% tariff on Chinese exports, China has imposed an equal tariff on all U.S. goods effective April 10. The retaliation also includes export controls on rare earth elements critical to high-tech industries, bans on certain American imports, and legal action at the World Trade Organization (WTO). China accused the U.S. of violating WTO norms and engaging in economic bullying, further escalating the trade conflict. This development significantly...

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description (English): The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed by Parliament after a 14-hour debate in the Rajya Sabha, with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The government defended the bill as a move to ensure transparency in Waqf property administration, while the Opposition claimed it marginalizes the Muslim community. A controversial provision allowing non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board and Central Waqf Council was hotly debated but ultimately retained. The government stressed that these...

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description (English): At the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his first meeting with Bangladesh’s new Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus after the regime change in Dhaka. Key issues discussed included border security, the protection of minorities in Bangladesh, and Dhaka’s call for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Despite recent tensions, both leaders committed to strengthening bilateral relations. Mr. Modi also held separate talks with Myanmar’s junta leader and Nepal’s Prime Minister, emphasizing...

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description (English): Shashi Tharoor argues that the Global South — nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America — should lead a UN-backed peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, as Western-led options risk escalating tensions due to NATO’s involvement. With a record of neutrality and experience in peacekeeping, countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa can ensure credibility and balance. India, in particular, with its long-standing contributions to UN missions, is well-positioned to lead. This move would also symbolize...

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description (English): The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for Speakers of Legislative Assemblies to act promptly on defection cases under the Tenth Schedule. This comes amid a pattern of ruling parties delaying disqualification proceedings, with recent examples in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Manipur. While the Court maintains that it cannot dictate the outcome of such decisions, it can compel the Speaker to act within a reasonable time. Despite previous judgments and recommendations to shift disqualification powers...

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description (English): The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for Speakers of Legislative Assemblies to act promptly on defection cases under the Tenth Schedule. This comes amid a pattern of ruling parties delaying disqualification proceedings, with recent examples in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Manipur. While the Court maintains that it cannot dictate the outcome of such decisions, it can compel the Speaker to act within a reasonable time. Despite previous judgments and recommendations to shift disqualification powers...