Mon Apr 14 00:50:08 UTC 2025: ## India News Roundup: Violent Protests, US NSA Postpones Visit, and Temple Opens to All

**New Delhi, April 14, 2025** – India witnessed a range of significant events over the past 24 hours, from violent protests to landmark social change and significant developments in international relations.

**West Bengal Violence:** Seventeen companies of Central Armed Police Forces were deployed in Murshidabad district following violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulting in three deaths and over 150 arrests. One injured protester is hospitalized.

**US NSA Postpones Visit:** US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz postponed his scheduled visit to India (April 21-23) due to ongoing communication security breaches within the US National Security Council.

**Kerala Temple Opens Doors:** The Pilicode Rayaramangalam temple in Kerala ended caste-based restrictions, allowing devotees of all communities access to the temple’s inner sanctum for the first time.

**MGNREGS Scrutiny:** The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development recommended an independent survey to assess the effectiveness of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), citing concerns about worker satisfaction, wage delays, and financial irregularities.

**US Tariff Exemptions:** The Trump administration temporarily exempted electronics like smartphones and laptops from reciprocal tariffs, providing a price break for consumers but leaving future tariff policies uncertain. This move is expected to benefit companies like Apple and Samsung.

**Bangladesh Restricts Israel Travel:** Bangladesh reinstated the “except Israel” clause on passports, prohibiting citizens from traveling to Israel amid public anger over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

**DRDO Successfully Tests Laser Weapon:** The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, joining an exclusive group of nations with this technology.

**Cheaper Indian Electronics Exports to US:** Export of iPhones and other electronics from India to the US will be 20% cheaper than those from China, thanks to the US tariff exemptions.

**Ukraine Accuses Russia of Bombing Indian Warehouse:** The Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi accused Russia of deliberately bombing an Indian-owned pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv.

**Modi Launches Development Initiatives:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched several development initiatives in Haryana to mark Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.

**Sibal Accuses Government of Targeting Congress:** Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal accused the government of using probe agencies to target the Congress party, referencing the Enforcement Directorate’s seizure of assets in the National Herald case.

**Massive Highway Investment Planned:** The Centre plans to invest ₹10 lakh crore over two years to upgrade India’s highways, with a focus on the Northeast.

**Concerns Raised Over RTI Amendment:** Congress leader Jairam Ramesh warned that a proposed amendment to the Right to Information Act could severely impact transparency.

**Maharashtra Coalition Tensions:** Reports of discord within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance surfaced, with Shiv Sena faction expressing concerns over pending files and reversed decisions.

**China Demands Tariff Cancellation:** China urged the US to completely cancel its reciprocal tariffs following the exemptions granted for consumer electronics.

**Wheat Harvest Prospects:** Favorable weather conditions are expected to boost wheat yields in Punjab and Haryana, although recent hailstorms caused some concern among farmers.

**Earthquake Strikes Myanmar:** A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Meiktila, Myanmar, following a larger quake last month.

**RCB Wins IPL Match:** Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets in an IPL match, with strong performances from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt.

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