Thu Apr 03 13:18:18 UTC 2025: ## India Today: Rijiju Defends Waqf Bill Amidst US Tariff Concerns and Other Developments

**New Delhi, April 3, 2025** – Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju today defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, dismissing opposition claims that it infringes on Muslim rights. He asserted the bill aims to empower Muslim women and protect the rights of all Muslim sects.

Simultaneously, India is grappling with the implications of new reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the world is shifting towards self-reliance, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation. The Department of Commerce is currently reviewing the impact of these tariffs, which range from 10% to 50% on imports. The gems and jewellery industry, a major exporter to the US, anticipates a significant downturn due to the 27% tariff imposed on Indian goods.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s handling of both the tariff issue and alleged Chinese encroachment of 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory.

Elsewhere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded delegation-level talks with his Thai counterpart in Bangkok, where he is attending the 6th BIMSTEC summit.

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of delayed anti-defection disqualifications, stating it has the power to prevent such petitions from being indefinitely stalled.

Other news includes: 24 hoax bomb threats targeting airlines this year; a 12-day multi-agency operation to apprehend terrorists in Kathua; the US and UK are likely to host future Women’s World Cups; Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming mission to the ISS; and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledging support to teachers whose appointments were recently nullified. Finally, the head of Myanmar’s junta arrived in Bangkok for the BIMSTEC summit amidst the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives.

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