India Weekly Wrap: Key National Stories You Shouldn’t Miss (Apr 6–12, 2025)

The past week in India was packed with transformative developments — from bold economic moves and technological leaps to legislative shifts and environmental urgency. While mainstream headlines often favor the glamorous, this roundup cuts through the noise to highlight the real stories shaping India’s future — from the grassroots to the global stage.

Whether it’s a new bridge changing coastal lives or a shift in how universities admit students, each of these stories carries weight. Let’s take a deeper look at what truly moved the nation last week.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement: 90% Finalized, Eyes on Final Stretch

• India and the United Kingdom have reached a critical stage in finalizing their long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As of last week, officials confirmed that over 90% of the terms have been agreed upon, with only a few complex issues left to resolve.

• The FTA aims to reduce tariffs on several UK exports, such as automobiles, whisky, and processed foods, which currently face steep Indian import duties. For India, the focus is on greater market access for its IT professionals, textiles, and pharmaceutical products.

• One major sticking point — social security payments — appears to have been resolved. Indian workers in the UK were previously required to pay into British social schemes without receiving benefits. A mutual agreement is now on the table to prevent double contributions.

• Another concern is the UK's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could impose environmental tariffs on carbon-intensive imports. India is seeking an exemption, citing its developmental needs and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

• Negotiators hope to conclude the FTA before the UK’s upcoming general elections, which could delay ratification if not finalized in time.

India’s Growth Holds at 6.3–6.8% Despite US Tariffs, Concerns Grow

• Last week, the Indian finance ministry maintained its GDP growth projection at 6.3% to 6.8% for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This announcement comes in the wake of new U.S. tariffs — most notably, a 26% tariff on Indian diamond exports, which is expected to heavily impact the cut and polished diamond industry in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

• The tariff move is part of broader U.S. efforts to reduce trade deficits, but for India, it poses significant economic consequences. The diamond export sector supports over 1 million jobs, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses.

• In response, the Indian government is reportedly considering

  • Export-linked credit support

  • Subsidized interest schemes

  • Incentives for market diversification

• While the government remains optimistic, private economists are more cautious. Several firms, including CRISIL and ICRA, have lowered their forecasts to around 6.1%, citing the dual impact of global headwinds and domestic inflation.

West Bengal’s Murshidabad Sees Violence Over Waqf (Amendment) Act

• Murshidabad district in West Bengal turned into a flashpoint last week after the central government passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, triggering intense protests. The amended Act centralizes control over Waqf properties — religious endowments used by Muslim communities — prompting fears of state overreach and loss of community ownership.

• On April 9, thousands of protestors took to the streets. Events spiraled out of control when police vehicles were torched, and highways and railway tracks were blocked. The violence resulted in three civilian deaths and left dozens of police officers injured. Over 110 individuals were arrested, and the administration suspended internet services for 72 hours to contain the unrest.

• The West Bengal government stated it would not implement the Act, calling it “non-consensual and unconstitutional.” Meanwhile, opposition parties have blamed both state and central administrations for the failure to initiate dialogue with religious leaders before passing the legislation.

• The region remains tense, with heavy police deployment and surveillance still in place.

New Pamban Bridge: India’s First Vertical-Lift Sea Bridge Inaugurated

• In a historic engineering achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on April 6. This is India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, designed to allow ships to pass below by lifting a central span vertically — a feature typically seen in advanced maritime nations.

• Built at a cost of around ₹535 crore (approx. $64 million), the bridge replaces the 100-year-old structure that often disrupted rail and sea movement. It spans 2.07 kilometers, connecting Rameswaram Island to mainland India via the Indian Railways network.

• The bridge is expected to:

  • Boost tourism to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage site.

  • Enhance freight and rail connectivity along India’s southern coast.

  • Improve disaster resilience during cyclones and floods.

• Engineers from Indian Railways say the structure was designed to endure coastal wear and seismic activity, making it one of the most resilient rail bridges in South Asia.

India-US Joint Military Drill ‘Tiger Triumph’ Enters Advanced Stage

• The fourth edition of the India-US joint military exercise 'Tiger Triumph' continued throughout last week along the eastern coastline of Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

• This tri-service drill (involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force) focuses on interoperability during humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and amphibious warfare. Notably, the U.S. Space Force participated for the first time, indicating deeper technological collaboration.

• Key highlights include:

  • Joint simulations on tsunami response and evacuation protocols.

  • Integrated combat operations with Indian Navy vessels and U.S. Marines.

  • Deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite coordination exercises.

• Defense analysts suggest the exercise is a geostrategic signal to China, reinforcing Indo-US cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s Green Commitment Recognized in Climate Index 2025

• India saw a notable improvement in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, moving up five spots globally due to enhanced climate policies and investments in renewable energy.

• India now ranks in the top 10 countries for climate performance among large economies, with strong ratings in

  • Renewable energy capacity addition (solar and wind)

  • Low per capita emissions

  • Government initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and EV subsidies

• However, critics point out that air pollution levels and urban waste management remain significant challenges. While India has made strides in rural electrification and solar adoption, urban ecological reforms need faster implementation.

DGCA Fines Air India ₹90 Lakh Over Pilot Rostering Failures

• India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), imposed a ₹90 lakh (approx. $108,000) fine on Air India for violations in pilot duty rostering norms.

• The DGCA audit found that Air India allowed pilots to fly beyond permissible flight duty limits, raising concerns about pilot fatigue and flight safety. This regulatory breach is particularly alarming in light of increasing flight delays and growing passenger complaints.

• Air India has acknowledged the lapse and promised an overhaul of its crew scheduling system using AI-based alerts and fatigue tracking. Meanwhile, the DGCA is now planning to conduct random audits across all major airlines to ensure strict compliance.

India Launches National Hydrogen Energy Mission

• On April 10, the Indian government officially launched the National Hydrogen Energy Mission, aiming to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production. The initiative focuses on developing infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, with an initial investment of ₹15,000 crore. The mission is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, aligning with India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.​

Supreme Court Orders Review of Environmental Clearances

• The Supreme Court of India directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to review all environmental clearances granted between 2015 and 2020. This decision follows allegations of procedural lapses and inadequate public consultations in several high-impact projects. The court emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to environmental norms to prevent ecological degradation.​

AIIMS Delhi Implements AI-Based Patient Management System

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, introduced an AI-driven patient management system to streamline hospital operations. The system automates appointment scheduling, patient record management, and diagnostic processes, aiming to reduce waiting times and enhance patient care. This move marks a significant step towards integrating technology in public healthcare services.​

ISRO Successfully Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a milestone by successfully testing its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology demonstrator. The test involved a controlled landing of the RLV prototype, bringing India closer to developing cost-effective and sustainable space missions. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce the cost of satellite launches in the future.​

Water Crisis Intensifies in Bengaluru

• Bengaluru faced an acute water shortage this week, with several areas experiencing supply cuts lasting over 48 hours. The crisis is attributed to depleting groundwater levels and delayed monsoon rains. The state government announced emergency measures, including water rationing and the deployment of tankers to affected neighborhoods, while urging citizens to conserve water.​

National Highway Expansion Project Faces Land Acquisition Hurdles

• The ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana, aimed at expanding India's national highway network, encountered setbacks due to land acquisition issues in several states, including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Local farmers and landowners have raised concerns over compensation and displacement, leading to protests and legal challenges that threaten to delay project timelines.​

UGC Proposes Common Entrance Test for Undergraduate Admissions

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) proposed implementing a Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions across all central universities starting from the 2026 academic session. The move aims to standardize the admission process and reduce the burden of multiple entrance exams on students. Stakeholders have been invited to provide feedback on the proposal.​

India Enhances Cybersecurity Measures for Critical Infrastructure

• In response to increasing cyber threats, the Indian government announced the establishment of a dedicated Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) to protect critical infrastructure sectors, including power, transportation, and banking. The CSOC will monitor threats in real-time and coordinate with various agencies to mitigate risks, ensuring the resilience of essential services against cyberattacks.

From the urgency of water scarcity in Bengaluru to the quiet revolution in AI-powered healthcare, last week’s events capture India in motion — complex, driven, and constantly recalibrating. These stories don’t just inform; they illuminate the forces sculpting tomorrow’s India.

As always, it’s not just about what happened — but why it matters. Staying informed helps us understand not just policies and progress, but the human stories interwoven with every decision. Let’s carry that awareness into the week ahead.

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️