Reserve Bank cuts rates amid Trump tariffs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slashed its benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to 6 per cent on Wednesday, its second cut this year, to counter slowing growth as United States President Donald Trump’s 26 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods kicked in.
The RBI cited “challenging global economic conditions” behind its decision.
The move aims to stimulate domestic spending and investment as India navigates a difficult trade environment and softer global demand.
Supreme Court raps Tamil Nadu governor over Bill delays
The Supreme Court criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi for illegally reserving 10 state Assembly Bills for the President, calling his actions “erroneous”.
The court set a timeline for governors to act on passed legislation, boosting federal accountability. One of the Bills had been pending since 2020.
The ruling is a win for state governments like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Punjab, which have protested against governors withholding assent for politically contentious Bills.
India ends transshipment of Bangladesh exports via land
India has withdrawn a key transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s exports to third countries through its land borders, disrupting trade flows and increasing costs for Dhaka, already hit by steep United States tariffs.
India cited delays and export backlogs as reasons. The move affects Bangladesh’s clothing exports to Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.
It comes amid strained relations following Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India during mass protests last August.
Woman dies after falling off roller coaster in Delhi
A 24-year-old woman, Ms Priyanka Rawat, died after falling six metres from a roller coaster at Fun N Food Park in southwest Delhi on April 4.
She was with her fiance and 16 others on the ride when the accident occurred.
Ms Priyanka sustained fatal injuries from the fall, which happened seconds after the ride began. Police have launched an investigation into safety standards at the amusement park.
Mallya loses appeal against UK bankruptcy order
Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya lost a United Kingdom appeal challenging his 2021 bankruptcy order over £1 billion ($1.72 billion) owed to Indian banks, including the State Bank of India.
Judge Anthony Mann rejected his argument that the debt had been settled. The case stems from Mr Mallya’s personal guarantees for loans to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.
His legal team said he would continue fighting to overturn the order.
Commerce Minister sparks row with swipe at Indian startups
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has triggered debate after downplaying India’s start-up achievements at a government summit.
Criticising the focus on food apps and betting platforms, he urged innovation in AI and robotics, seemingly comparing India unfavourably to China.
The remarks drew mixed reactions – some felt he encouraged ambition, others saw them as dismissive of a vibrant sector. Startups contribute significantly to India’s economy, and many called his comments unfair.
Union Minister’s granddaughter shot dead by husband in Bihar
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s granddaughter, Ms Sushma Devi, was allegedly shot dead by her husband in Gaya, Bihar.
The incident took place at her home in Tetua village during a domestic altercation.
Her sister Poonam Kumari, who witnessed the shooting, informed police that Ramesh, the accused, used a country-made pistol in the attack. The police are currently on the lookout for him.
Air India flyer on no-fly list after urinating incident
An Air India passenger has been placed on the no-fly list after allegedly urinating on fellow passenger Hiroshi Yashizane during a Delhi-Bangkok flight.
The accused, Tushar Masand, was reportedly seated in business class and apologised after the incident. The airline confirmed that its crew followed protocol and reported the case to authorities.
NIA arrests key accused in Chandigarh grenade case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Abhijot Singh of Gurdaspur in connection with a 2024 grenade attack on a retired Punjab Police officer’s home in Chandigarh.
Singh is accused of being a key player in the conspiracy masterminded by foreign-based terrorists. His arrest is considered a significant breakthrough in the high-profile case.
Kerala CM slams probe into daughter as vendetta
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan dismissed the Serious Fraud Investigation Office’s investigation into his daughter T. Veena as politically motivated.
She is accused of receiving illegal payments through her now-defunct IT firm, Exalogic, from Cochin Minerals and Rutile.
Mr Vijayan claimed the probe aimed to target him personally, stating: “You want my blood, but you won’t get it easily.” The opposition has called for his resignation.
Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 2 gets five-star rating
Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 in Bengaluru has become India’s first terminal to receive Skytrax’s prestigious five-star Airport Terminal Rating.
The rating was awarded after a detailed audit of over 800 touchpoints, assessing areas like design, cleanliness, security, digital integration and sustainability.
The recognition cements Bengaluru’s place as a leading global travel hub offering a seamless passenger experience.
