Month: April 2025

Indian stocks witnessed a bloodbath as the new week kicked off, triggered by the Trump reciprocal tariffs. These tariffs have set off a sell-off in equities globally, and India was no exception.

In the early trade, the Sensex dropped 5 per cent lower at one point, but as the day progressed, it pared some of the losses and closed 3 per cent lower. The Sensex closed at 73,137.90 points, down 2,226 points. Similarly, the Nifty also slipped 3 per cent to close at 22,161.60 points.

“The market tumbled as the carnage over high US tariffs and the retaliation by other countries may kickstart a trade war,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

“Sectors like IT and metals have underperformed relative to the broader market due to the risk of high inflation with slower growth that may result in a potential recession in the US,” Nair added.

“Though the overall impact on India may be limited when compared with other countries, investors are advised to play cautiously during this fray. Focus will be on pure-play domestic themes, where the rebound is likely to be fair when the dust settles,” Nair further said.

Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement last week has been sending tremors across asset classes globally, including here in India. Equity markets worldwide slumped, particularly after Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs, which stoked fears of an all-out trade war and a global economic recession.

Indian stock indices closed the week that passed by on a sour note, weighed down by the Trump reciprocal tariffs and the uncertainties surrounding them. The Sensex slumped about 2,100 points during the week.

Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the United States will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade.

Going ahead, the market focus will gradually shift towards the RBI monetary policy and the upcoming corporate earnings season. (ANI)

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has BookMyShow to not “delist” him and provide him with the contact information of his audiences of his solo shows that the ticketing platform has collected so that he can continue living his life “with dignity” and “work towards a fair livelihood.”

Taking to X, he wrote, “Dear @bookmyshow- I still don’t know if I have your platform or no. Below is humble view – To the audiences I’m not a fan of boycotts or down rating a private business… Book my show is well within their right to do what’s best for their business |”

In the note he posted on X, Kamra wrote, ” “Dear BookMyShow, I understand that you need to maintain a cordial relationship with the state, and I know that Mumbai is a major hub for live entertainment. Without the state’s cooperation, iconic shows like Coldplay and Guns N’ Roses wouldn’t be possible.”

“However, the issue at hand isn’t about whether you can or will delist me — it’s about your exclusive right on listing our shows. By not allowing artists to list their shows through their own websites, you’ve effectively prevented me from accessing the audience I’ve performed for from 2017 to 2025.”

He continued, “You take a 10 per cent cut of the revenue for listing shows, which is your business model. However, this raises an important point: No matter how big or small a comedian is, we are all compelled to spend between 6,000 to 10,000 rupees a day on advertising to reach our own audience. This cost is an additional burden that we, as artists, must bear.”

On the data protection, he added, “While you might argue that data protection is a concern, the question of who protects what data, and from whom, is a much broader conversation. What I’m requesting is simple: please ensure that you hand over the contact information of the audiences you’ve collected from my solo shows so that I can continue living my life with dignity and work towards a fair livelihood.”

“As a solo artist, especially in the world of comedy, we are both the show and the production. For instance, if I performed at the Pune Comedy Festival with 30 other artists, that would be considered comedy’s collective data. But my solo shows-that’s my audience. The least I deserve, should you choose to delist me, is access to them.”

“With that in mind, I request one of the following:- Do not delist me, or – Provide me with the data (contact information) I’ve generated through your platform from my audience. Thank you for your understanding,” he concluded.

Earlier, Yuva Shiv Sena General Secretary Rahool N Kanal had formally written to BookMyShow, urging the ticketing platform to refrain from facilitating ticket sales for comedian Kunal Kamra’s upcoming shows. The letter, dated April 2, highlighted concerns over Kamra’s controversial content and its potential impact on public sentiment.

In the letter, Kanal stated, “I, Rahool N Kanal, am addressing this letter in my individual capacity as a concerned citizen to bring to your attention a matter of significant public interest concerning the operations of BookMyShow,” adding “It has come to my notice that BookMyShow has previously facilitated ticket sales for shows featuring Mr Kunal Kamra, an individual with a documented history of habitual offensive behavior.”

Kanal further criticised Kamra for his alleged campaign of vilification, which targeted key public figures, including the Prime Minister of India, Deputy Chief Ministers, and other notable personalities.

He claimed, “These actions appear to be part of a broader criminal conspiracy, driven by motives that extend far beyond humor or satire.”

Kanal emphasized that Kamra’s provocative remarks could incite public mischief and disrupt social harmony, particularly in Mumbai, a city known for its vibrant diversity.

The letter concluded with a strong appeal to Big Tree Entertainment and BookMyShow, “I earnestly request that you refrain from publishing or promoting Mr. Kamra’s shows on your platform. Continuing to facilitate ticket sales for his events could be perceived as an endorsement of his divisive rhetoric, which may have serious repercussions for public sentiment and order in the city.”

In a latest development, the Madras High Court on Monday extended the interim protection from arrest granted to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra till April 17.

Last month, Kunal approached the Madras High Court to seek transit anticipatory bail, claiming he has been receiving many threats following the satirical comments that he made during his show at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio.

The comic sang a parody of ‘Bholi Si Surat’, a popular song from the Bollywood movie ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. With this parody song, he allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, leading to multiple FIRs against him.

Following the controversy, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena youth group, Yuva Sena, vandalised the Habitat comedy venue where the show was filmed.

The comedian, who has had several run-ins with the BJP-led Centre, has refused to apologise for his remark against Shinde. However, he has said that he would cooperate with the police.

“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served”, Kunal Kamra’s statement read.

Kunal also replied to political leaders ‘threatening’ him to teach a lesson in his official statement.

Kamra stated that the ‘inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change’ the nature of his right.

He added that it is not against the law as far as his knowledge.”Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system”, his statement continued.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has scheduled a hearing on stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s petition seeking the quashing of an FIR lodged against him by the Mumbai Police.

Kamra’s counsel mentioned the matter for urgent listing during today’s post-lunch session, and the court has agreed to hear it on Tuesday.

The petition, reportedly filed on April 5, challenges the FIR on constitutional grounds, arguing it violates Kamra’s fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21, namely, freedom of expression and the right to life. A division bench comprising Justice SV Kotwal and Justice SM Modak will hear the matter.

Kamra’s legal representatives contend that his satirical performance, part of his show ‘Naya Bharat’, is protected speech and should not attract criminal prosecution. (ANI)

Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav on Monday criticized the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it “absolutely unconstitutional.” Yadav also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will ultimately strike it down.

Speaking to ANI, Ramgopal Yadav accused the government of disregarding the Constitution and using the Act to divert public attention from pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and law and order.

“The Act is absolutely unconstitutional. Government has formed this by overlooking the Constitution. This has been done to divert public’s attention from unemployment, inflation, law and order. This has appealed against in the Court. I am confident that the Supreme Court will cancel this,” the Samajwadi Party MP said.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the largest body of Islamic scholars in India, has moved to the Supreme Court, challenging the “constitutional validity” of the new law.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan and others also approached the Supreme Court.

On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during the budget session of Parliament. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed, which seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowerment of stakeholders relevant to the management of waqf properties, improving the efficiency in survey, registration and case disposal processes, and development of waqf properties. While the core purpose remains to manage waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed. (ANI)

The central government has raised the excise duties on diesel and petrol each by Rs 2 per litre, effective from Tuesday, according to a notification from the Department of Revenue.

Currently, the government charges excise duty of Rs 19.90 per litre on petrol. From Tuesday, it is going to be increased to Rs 21.90 a litre.

Similarly, the current excise duty on diesel is Rs 15.80 per litre, and it will increase to Rs 17.80 per litre effective Tuesday.

Although it has not been announced yet, the excise duty hike is expected to be absorbed by the oil companies rather than being passed on to consumers.

The retail selling price of petrol in Delhi is Rs 94.77 per litre, and diesel is being sold for Rs 87.67 per litre.

Crude prices have softened over the past from over USD 70 per barrel to USD 63 per barrel on Monday, raising margins for the oil marketing companies (OMCs).

This substantial decline in oil prices may have prompted the government to hike the excise duties on petrol and diesel. (ANI)

LPG cylinders, both Ujjwala and non-Ujjwala, will be Rs 50 dearer starting Tuesday, Minister Hardeep Puri announced on Monday at a press conference.

“The price per cylinder of LPG will increase by Rs 50. From Rs 500, it will go up to Rs 550 (for PMUY beneficiaries), and for others, it will go up from Rs 803 to Rs 853,” the minister said.

“This is a step which we will review as we go along. We review these every 2-3 weeks,” he added.

The minister said the imposition of additional excise duties on petrol and diesel is intended to compensate the oil marketing companies for losses they have incurred earlier.

“The two rupee excise duty has been imposed by the finance ministry. It will not be passed on to the consumer. It will come into the general kitty, and it will be utilized for reimbursing the LPG losses of the same (oil marketing) company,” the minister added.

According to a notification from the Department of Revenue, the central government has raised the excise duties on diesel and petrol by Rs 2 per litre, effective Tuesday.

Currently, the government charges excise duty of Rs 19.90 per litre on petrol. From Tuesday, it is going to be increased to Rs 21.90 a litre. Similarly, the current excise duty on diesel is Rs 15.80 per litre, and it will increase to Rs 17.80 per litre effective Tuesday.

Oil marketing companies have informed the Petroleum Ministry that retail prices of petrol and diesel will remain the same.

Crude prices have softened over the past from over USD 70 per barrel to USD 63 per barrel on Monday, raising margins for the oil marketing companies (OMCs). This substantial decline in oil prices may have prompted the government to hike the excise duties on petrol and diesel. (ANI)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeswara on Monday made a shocking comment while reacting to a sexual assault case in Bengaluru and said that though unfortunate, incidents like these occur in large cities like the state capital.

“Incidents like these tend to happen here and there in a big city like this. Whatever legal action needs to be taken will be done in accordance with the law,” G. Parmeswara told ANI.

Parmeswara emphasised the need for increased vigilance, adding, “I have also instructed our commissioner to increase beat patrolling.”

This comes after a woman was sexually assaulted on a street near Sadduguntepalya, Bengaluru. The incident was captured by CCTV cameras on April 3

Police said that following the incident, a probe was launched, and an FIR was registered under sections 74, 75, and 78 of the BNS Act.

Sarah Fathima, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for South East Bengaluru, confirmed that investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the culprit.

The Karnataka Home Minister also responded sharply to the BJP’s ongoing criticism, claiming that the opposition has nothing substantial to discuss about the state government’s achievements.

“BJP has an opposition; they have nothing else to talk about our government. We have given good governance so far, and we will continue to do that,” Parmeswara said.

The minister highlighted the public’s positive reception of the government’s guarantees, emphasising that they have garnered appreciation, especially at the grassroots level.

“Our guarantees have attracted a lot of appreciation from the people at the grassroots level,” he added.

Parmeswara also defended the state’s fiscal management, pointing out that the government has been able to balance its finances effectively.

“We have also been able to manage our finances equally well. The budget has been appreciated by and large. There might be some shortcomings, but nevertheless, it has been appreciated,” he stated.

Addressing the BJP’s “Janakrosh Yatra,” Parmeswara argued that it was a reaction to the ruling government’s success.

“BJP is not able to digest this, and that is why they have taken out this ‘Janakrosh Yatra,” he stated. (ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with teachers who lost their jobs after the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court order to cancel the appointment of over 25,000 staff in Bengal schools by the School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016 and alleged that there is a “conspiracy” going on to destroy the education system.

“There is a conspiracy going on to destroy the education system. Teachers of classes 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th are the gateways to higher education…Many (teachers) are gold medalists, they have achieved great results in their lives, and you are calling them thieves. You are calling them incompetent, who gave you this right? Who is playing this game,” Mamata Banerjee said.

The West Bengal CM further said, “The decision that has come cannot be taken in a positive way. For what I am saying, I may be put in jail but I don’t care about that. The Supreme Court has not yet given the list of those who are eligible and have lost their jobs.”

She further said that as long as she is alive she is not going to let any deserving person lose their job.

“The Supreme Court has not given the list of deserving and ineligible. The state government did not get the opportunity to separate this list. Abhishek Manu Singhvi had fought the case on behalf of the student and we had supported him. Now Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kapil Sibal, Kalyan Banerjee, Prashant Bhushan, and Rakesh Dwivedi have been asked to look into this matter on behalf of the state government,” she added.

Mamata Banerjee further said that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure employment for those who are eligible.

On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to quash the recruitment of more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016 for the state-run and aided schools.

The bench of Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar found that the selection process carried out by the West Bengal SSC was based on large-scale manipulations and fraud.

“In our opinion, this is a case wherein the entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution. Manipulations and frauds on a large scale, coupled with the attempted cover-up, have dented the selection process beyond repair and partial redemption. The credibility and legitimacy of the selection are denuded”, the apex court bench stated in its judgement.

The top court’s verdict came on a petition filed by the West Bengal government that challenged an April 2022 order of the Calcutta High Court which had cancelled the recruitment of more than 25,000 teachers and other staff for state-run and aided schools. The top court had reserved its verdict in the matter on February 10. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked US President Donald Trump over the stock market situation and said that the US president has caused the stock market to tumble.

“The US president has led to a tumble in the stock market. Less than 1 per cent of the people here have their money invested in the stock market, which means the stock market is not a field for you. Unlimited money is made in it, but you don’t get the benefit of it,” the Lok Sabha LoP said, addressing the Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan in Patna.

Asian stock markets witnessed a major sell-off on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs. The markets opened with heavy selling pressure, reflecting growing fears over the impact of the tariffs on global trade and economic growth.

The Lok Sabha LoP said that the people from weaker sections of society were being treated as second-class citizens.

“People say that the Constitution was drafted in 1947. However, I believe that this Constitution is thousands of years old, and it includes thoughts of Ambedkar ji, Pule ji, Gandhi ji, Nehru ji, Guru Nanak ji and Kabir. The Constitution contains the thoughts of those whom India respects,” he added.

He further remembered former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi and said that they both loved truth.

“I was asked a question about what your great-grandfather Nehru ji was like and what you learned from him? In the room where I was sitting, there was a picture of not only Nehru ji but also Mahatma Gandhi ji. Looking at that picture, only one thought came to my mind: that both these people loved the truth,” the LoP said.

Rahul Gandhi further said that the Congress will demolish the “fake barrier” of 50 per cent cap on reservations.

The Bihar Legislative Assembly election for all 243 constituencies is scheduled to be held in October or November this year. The last assembly elections were held in October-November 2020. (ANI)

IPL 2025: Sidhu hails Siraj as “complete bowler” after record-breaking spell in Hyderabad

Former cricketer-turned-commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu had special praise in store for Gujarat Titans’ pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj, who quashed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive batters with his swinging deliveries in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Siraj has been on a rollercoaster ride since going out of favour and being axed from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Skipper Rohit Sharma attributed the reason behind Siraj’s ommission from the squad to his ineffectiveness in the middle and death overs.

Siraj, who couldn’t “digest” his exclusion from the squad, has become a man on a mission. A wounded speedster who was looking to earn his place back into the Indian side. Rattling the opposition’s top order in the highly competitive, cash-rich league has been Siraj’s way of indicating his tenacity with the ball, irrespective of the situation in which he is asked to bowl.

“After being dropped from the Champions Trophy squad, Siraj came to the IPL. There were more questions than answers,” Sidhu said in a video he posted on his Instagram account after GT’s seven-wicket victory.

Siraj’s stint with the Titans began with a diabolical outing in the campaign opener against Punjab Kings. In GT’s home den, Siraj conceded 54 runs in his four-over spell, but in the next fixture, he appeared as a reformed figure, a new version of himself.

He snapped back by cleaning up Mumbai Indians’ opening duo Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. On his return to his former home in Bengaluru, Siraj played a starring role with a sizzling three-wicket haul.

The 31-year-old continued his fiery form against the Sunrisers in his hometown and put up a career-best performance in the T20 format. With searing in-swingers and nail-biting yorkers, ‘Miyaan Magic’ and the special Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Suii’ celebration took over Hyderabad.

The local hero returned with figures of 4/17 and earned the Player of the Match award for the second time in a row. Sidhu, with his energetic words, gave a salute to Siraj for putting his critics to bed and rising as a “complete bowler”

“He dismissed Rohit and Rickelton, and then he removed Padikkal and Salt in IPL. Today, he answered all questions. He dismissed Head and Abhishek. With the old ball, the way he got Aniket lbw and bowled Simrajeet with a yorker. Siraj has answered all the questions. He has risen as a complete bowler. I salute your commitment,” Sidhu added.

Siraj has emerged as a genuine threat to the rest of the opposition with his unplayable deliveries in IPL 2025. He has scythed nine wickets in four matches at an average of 13.77 and an economy rate of 7.75 and is the joint second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025. (ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the National capital on Monday, predicting a rise in temperatures and heatwave conditions for the next two days.

A red alert has been issued for Gujarat today, while an orange alert has been issued from April 8 to 10. The Saurashtra and Kutch regions are facing severe heat wave conditions.

According to the IMD, yesterday’s highest temperature was 44°C at Kandla in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

Almost 21 cities across five states have recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius.

“Heat wave conditions very likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on 07th; Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab during 07th-10th; Delhi on 07th & 08th; West Uttar Pradesh during 07th-09th; Madhya Pradesh during 08th-10th April Hot & humid weather is likely to prevail over coastal areas of Gujarat State and Konkan & Goa during 07th-09th April,” as per IMD.

IMD has predicted further heat wave conditions for 21 cities across Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha.

Other states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, are also likely to witness scorching heat.

The heat in Rajasthan’s Barmer has set new records. Yesterday, the maximum temperature was 45.6 degrees Celsius – the highest ever in the first week of April. The departure is 6.8 degrees above normal.

An orange alert has been issued for Rajasthan for April 7 and 8, while a yellow alert has been issued for April 9 and 10. “Heat wave conditions likely over Rajasthan during 07th-10th April with severe heat wave conditions at isolated pockets during 07th-09th April,” IMD added.

Heat wave conditions are expected in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh today. Haryana and Chandigarh may see similar conditions till the 10th of this month.

While, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various districts of Delhi is Anand Vihar is 292, Chandani Chowk is 198, ITO is 209, Najafgarh is 165, Okhla Phase 2 is 293, RK Puram is 221, Patparganj is 252, Wazirpur is 260, as of 9 am. (ANI)