April 14 to April 20, 2025
Top News ( For the week of April 14 to April 20, 2025 )
1. Top legal news stories from India
2. Top world News
3. Top Corporate news from India
1. The top legal News in India
Supreme Court Reviews Waqf Act Provisions
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, flagged three key aspects of the Waqf Act, 2025: the concept of waqf-by-user, non-Muslim representation on waqf boards, and the powers of Collectors to alter disputed waqf land status. The court indicated it might stay certain provisions due to potential “huge consequences” of de-notifying waqf-by-user properties. The bench, including Justices P V Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, is reviewing these contentious elements.
Supreme Court Criticizes Madhya Pradesh High Court on Bail Denial
The Supreme Court pulled up the Madhya Pradesh High Court for “inventing a clause” to deny bail, emphasizing stricter adherence to legal principles in bail decisions. This ruling underscores ongoing judicial scrutiny of lower court practices.
ED Chargesheets Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, alleging financial irregularities. This development intensifies political and legal scrutiny on the Congress leadership.
Karnataka Government Explores Legal Options for Bangalore Palace Land
Following a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing Transferable Development Rights (TDR) payments for Bangalore Palace land acquisition, the Karnataka government is weighing legal strategies to address compensation and compliance issues.
ED Searches EaseMyTrip in Mahadev Betting Case
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches on EaseMyTrip premises as part of an investigation into the Mahadev betting scam. The company denied any association with the betting platform, highlighting the legal complexities of online betting probes.
Jalna Collector Orders Inquiry into Rs 50 Crore Embezzlement
In Maharashtra, the Jalna Collector initiated a detailed probe into a suspected scam where lower-level government officials allegedly embezzled Rs 50 crore meant for crop loss compensation, signaling a crackdown on public fund misuse.
Legal Sector Embraces AI to Reduce Case Backlogs
The legal sector in India is undergoing a transformation with the adoption of artificial intelligence tools aimed at improving efficiency and addressing case backlogs. This shift is seen as a step toward modernizing judicial processes.
SEBI Proposes Increased Limits for MFs in REITs and InvITs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed raising investment limits for mutual funds in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), aiming to boost market liquidity while ensuring regulatory oversight.
Congress CMs Allegedly Funneled Money to National Herald
BJP leader Anurag Thakur claimed that Congress-ruled state governments diverted public funds through advertisements to the National Herald, prompting potential legal scrutiny over misuse of government resources.
Legal Drama ‘Court: State Vs A Nobody’ Released on OTT
A Telugu legal drama, Court: State Vs A Nobody, directed by Ram Jagadeesh, premiered on SonyLIV on April 11, 2025, in multiple languages. While not a legal proceeding, its release highlights public interest in legal narratives within India’s entertainment landscape.
2. The top world news
Trump Tariffs Escalate Global Trade Tensions
On April 5, 2025, a baseline 10% U.S. tariff on imports took effect, with ongoing negotiations reported by April 19. China retaliated, raising duties on U.S. goods to 125% from 84%, while U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports included a 125% reciprocal tariff and additional levies to address the fentanyl crisis. These moves intensified trade disputes between the world’s largest economies, impacting global markets.
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Progress
On April 19, Iran’s top diplomat announced that experts from Iran and the U.S. would meet to discuss a potential deal regarding Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. This follows a second round of talks, marking a cautious step toward diplomacy amid heightened regional tensions.
Russia Announces Easter Truce in Ukraine, Kyiv Skeptical
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine starting April 19, 2025. Ukraine expressed skepticism, stating it would reciprocate only if the truce was genuine. The announcement comes amid ongoing conflict with no significant resolution reported.
Venezuelan Migrants Face U.S. Deportation Uncertainty
On April 19, a U.S. court ordered the Trump administration to halt deportations of Venezuelans held at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas pending further review. This follows increased immigration enforcement, with deportations already occurring to Venezuela.
Canada Prepares for April 28 Election Amid Trump Pressure
Canada’s upcoming election on April 28, 2025, is shaped by U.S. President Donald Trump’s provocative suggestion to make Canada the “51st state.” The Conservative and Liberal parties are in a tight race, with the election seen as critical for Canada’s sovereignty and trade relations.
Oklahoma City Bombing 30th Anniversary Reflections
April 19 marked the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, the deadliest domestic terrorism attack in U.S. history. Survivors like Amy Downs, buried in rubble in 1995, shared stories of resilience, highlighting ongoing discussions about domestic security.
Global Holy Week Celebrations
Christians worldwide marked Holy Week, culminating in Easter on April 20, 2025. Notable events included a re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in Bensheim, Germany, and a Palm Sunday procession in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflecting cultural and religious unity.
Shein and Temu to Raise Prices After U.S. Import Loophole Closure
Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu announced price increases starting April 25, 2025, following the Trump administration’s closure of an import loophole. This change is expected to affect low-cost retail markets globally.
Indian Students Face U.S. Immigration Enforcement
A report highlighted that 50% of international students targeted by U.S. immigration enforcement actions are from India, followed by 14% from China. This reflects stricter policies under the Trump administration, impacting global student mobility.
World Press Photo of 2025 Awarded
A poignant image of a Palestinian boy who lost both arms in an Israeli strike was named the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year. Described as a “quiet photo that speaks loudly,” it underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
3. The top corporate News
Major Companies Set to Announce Q4 FY25 Earnings
Reliance Industries, HCL Technologies, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Tata Communications, Tata Consumer, Tata Technologies, IndusInd Bank, Maruti Suzuki, and Nestle India were slated to release their Q4 FY25 earnings the following week. These announcements are critical for investors, as they reflect the financial health of India’s corporate giants across sectors like energy, tech, banking, and FMCG.
IT Giants Flag Macroeconomic Concerns
CEOs of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro warned of a cloudy demand environment due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Despite this, they expressed optimism for FY 2025-26, citing strong order books. This highlights the Indian IT sector’s vulnerability to global trade shifts.
Paytm Transitions to Direct Transaction Handling
Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) announced it would handle transactions directly from April 1, bypassing third-party routing via Juspay. This move aligns with similar steps by competitors like Razorpay and Cashfree, aiming to streamline operations and ensure uninterrupted payment services.
Dabur India Expands to the UK
Dabur International FZE, a subsidiary of Dabur India, planned to incorporate a new entity in the UK, signaling the FMCG giant’s push for global expansion to tap into international markets.
Blue Dart Express Boosts Northeast Connectivity
Blue Dart Express expanded its express logistics network by adding Guwahati as a direct flying location, enhancing connectivity to Northeast India. This move strengthens its logistics footprint in a region with growing e-commerce demand.
Google Plans Layoffs in India
Google reportedly planned layoffs in its Bengaluru and Hyderabad offices, signaling a strategic restructuring in its Indian operations. This reflects broader cost-cutting trends in the global tech sector.
TCS Declares ₹45,000 Crore Dividend
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced a 73% increase in its dividend payout to ₹45,000 crore, despite only 6% growth in revenue and profit. This move sparked discussions about limited reinvestment opportunities in its business expansion.
Yes Bank Q4 Results Anticipated
Yes Bank was among the banks expected to release Q4 FY25 results, drawing attention due to its ongoing recovery efforts post-restructuring. Investors closely watched for signs of sustained financial improvement.
HDFC Bank Q4 Results in Focus
HDFC Bank, one of India’s largest private banks, was set to announce its Q4 FY25 results. Given its market influence, these results were expected to impact banking sector sentiment.
Indian Ad Group Faces Price-Fixing Scrutiny
Following antitrust raids, a leading Indian advertising group raised alarms over price-fixing concerns. This development could lead to regulatory changes affecting the media and advertising industry.
Tesla Delays Affordable EV Launch
Tesla postponed the U.S. launch of a lower-cost Model Y, citing strategic adjustments. This move disappointed investors and consumers expecting a more accessible electric vehicle option, impacting Tesla’s market positioning.
Netflix Maintains Revenue Forecast
Netflix projected 2025 revenue between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion, slightly below analyst expectations of $44.27 billion. However, its Q2 forecast of $11.04 billion beat estimates, with executives aiming to double 2024’s $39 billion revenue by 2030 and reach a $1 trillion market cap.
Shein and Temu to Raise Prices
Fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu announced price hikes starting April 25, 2025, after U.S. policy changes under Trump ended an import loophole, increasing costs for their low-cost business models.