Wed Apr 02 12:38:47 UTC 2025: ## India News Roundup: Waqf Bill Passes, Land Dispute Halted, and More

**New Delhi, April 2, 2025** – A busy day in Indian politics and current affairs saw the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, aiming to modernize Waqf property management. The bill, following the largest ever Joint Parliamentary Committee consultation, promises increased transparency and technology integration.

Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court intervened in a land dispute, ordering a halt to land clearing and tree felling on a 400-acre plot in Kancha Gachibowli until April 3rd. The land, slated for auction by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), is opposed by students and local groups.

In other news, comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial show sparked a police investigation, leading to the summoning (later rescinded) of a witness. Kamra subsequently apologized for any inconvenience.

The economic front saw reports of a ₹1,757.56 crore loss for BSNL due to unpaid bills from Reliance Jio, revealed by the CAG. Further, the manufacturing sector showed positive growth, with the PMI reaching an eight-month high in March.

International affairs dominated headlines with impending US tariff announcements and India’s call for the retrieval of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka, following a unanimous resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Additionally, the Indian Army urged Pakistan to uphold the 2021 DGMO understanding for peace along the LoC.

Judicial developments included the transfer of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma from the Delhi High Court to the Calcutta High Court, prompting lawyers’ bodies to abstain from his swearing-in ceremony. The Reserve Bank of India also appointed Poonam Gupta as its new Deputy Governor.

Tragedy struck in Myanmar, where a 63-year-old woman was rescued from earthquake rubble, though hopes for more survivors dwindled past the 72-hour mark. The death toll surpasses 2,700, compounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis. A major escalation of military operations in Gaza was announced by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Finally, the world of entertainment mourned the passing of Hollywood actor Val Kilmer at age 65, while in US politics, Republicans secured victories in two Florida special elections, boosted by President Trump’s endorsement.

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