Weekly News Round-Up: April 1–7, 2025 , Jnaanangkur the learning Hub

 Weekly News Round-Up: April 1–7, 2025 , International , national and Assam, northeast india:  Jnaanangkur the learning Hub 

In today's rapidly changing world, staying informed about current events is not just important—it's essential for students, competitive exam aspirants, and curious minds alike. News is more than just headlines; it reflects the political shifts, economic decisions, global conflicts, scientific breakthroughs, and social changes shaping our future. This news analysis article aims to simplify and explain the most significant international and national developments from reputed sources like The Hindu, Times of India, BBC News, Reuters and many more. With detailed context, background, and implications, this article will help learners understand not just what happened, but why it matters. Whether you're preparing for exams, writing essays, or just expanding your worldview, this analysis will provide a clear and insightful understanding of recent key events.

In this article, we specifically cover news from 1 April to 6 April, 2025. 

International news 

1. South Sudan on the Brink of Civil War

South Sudan is facing escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, pushing the nation toward another civil war. The situation deteriorated when Kiir’s defense minister led troops to disarm and detain Machar, jeopardizing the fragile 2018 peace accord that ended a deadly five-year civil war. Ethnic rivalries between Kiir's Dinka and Machar's Nuer groups have reignited, leading to widespread fear and renewed violence. International efforts, including calls from UN Chief António Guterres and U.S. sanctions, have so far been ineffective. The country is also facing a severe economic crisis, with widespread hunger and inflation exacerbated by interrupted oil exports. An estimated 100,000 people have been newly displaced, adding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting over half the population. The International Crisis Group warns of a return to large-scale ethnic conflict reminiscent of the 2013 war. 

2. SpaceX's Polar Human Spaceflight

SpaceX is set to launch its first human spaceflight over Earth's polar regions, known as the "Fram2" mission. This mission includes groundbreaking experiments such as taking the first X-ray in space and growing mushrooms in microgravity, which will aid future Mars exploration 1. This mission highlights advancements in space technology and its potential for future interplanetary travel. It demonstrates how private companies are driving innovation in space exploration.

3. US-Iran Nuclear Deal Tensions

Donald Trump has threatened Iran with military action and economic sanctions if it fails to comply with a proposed nuclear deal. Iran's leadership has rejected these threats23.

 This situation reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, with implications for global security and energy markets.

4. Iran's Warning to Neighboring Countries

Iran has issued stern warnings to neighboring countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain, declaring that any cooperation with a potential U.S. attack would be treated as hostile. This declaration follows Ayatollah Khamenei's firm rejection of U.S. President Trump’s demand for direct nuclear talks. Iran prefers continuing indirect negotiations via Oman. The warnings emphasized severe consequences if U.S. forces were allowed to use regional airspace or territory. Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert, signaling rising tensions. Amid increased military readiness from both sides, the U.S. is reportedly deploying additional assets, including two aircraft carriers and B-2 stealth bombers, in preparation for a potential strike. Iran, meanwhile, is accelerating its nuclear development, with efforts underway to build nuclear warheads for Ghaem-100 solid-fuel missiles capable of hitting targets over 1,800 miles away. Despite escalating rhetoric and military posturing, indirect diplomatic avenues remain open through Omani mediation. European nations continue to push for a diplomatic resolution aimed at limiting Iran's uranium enrichment and averting conflict. 

5. Myanmar Earthquake Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent earthquake in Myanmar a top-level emergency, seeking $8 million for medical aid13.

 This crisis highlights the need for international cooperation in disaster response and the challenges faced by affected regions in accessing medical aid.

6. Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Global Health

Reductions in foreign aid by major donors, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, threaten to reverse significant progress in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. Over the years, international health aid has helped save an estimated 200 million lives and significantly improved global health, especially in vulnerable populations. However, the possible termination of the US’s Pepfar program could lead to devastating consequences. A study by the Burnet Institute warns that such cuts could result in 10 million new HIV infections and 2.9 million additional deaths by decade’s end. Vital initiatives like vaccine programs and virus outbreak responses also face jeopardy, which could weaken global health security. UK-led innovations, such as malaria vaccines and bed nets, have played a substantial role in this progress. Figures like Sir Keir Starmer are advancing awareness and fundraising campaigns, and international cooperation is essential to sustain health gains and avoid counterproductive setbacks. The article urges action and leadership to preserve and build upon the life-saving benefits of foreign aid. 

7. Climate Pledges in Maritime Shipping

At the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meeting in London, representatives from 175 countries are negotiating a long-anticipated agreement to reduce carbon emissions from shipping over the next 25 years. A proposed carbon levy on ship emissions could generate critical funding for climate actions in poorer nations, particularly vulnerable small island states. However, countries like China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia oppose the levy, citing concerns about consumer price increases, while the EU may support a diluted version of the proposal. Poor nations accuse wealthier ones of backing away from earlier climate commitments and stress the minimal cost impact of the levy on consumer goods. They argue that this measure would promote climate fairness and uphold global environmental responsibility. Although IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed optimism about reaching a binding agreement on emission targets and a global fuel standard, time is short and technical discussions are ongoing. A final deal, if reached, would undergo further refinement and potentially be adopted in October. Environmental advocates warn that failure to enforce decisive action now could derail hopes for decarbonizing the maritime sector. 

8. India's Economic Growth Amid U.S. Tariffs

Despite the imposition of new U.S. tariffs, India expects to maintain its projected economic growth of 6.3%-6.8% for the 2025/26 fiscal year, provided oil prices remain below $70 per barrel. However, several private economists, including those from Goldman Sachs, have lowered their forecasts by 20-40 basis points, anticipating growth at around 6.1%. A 26% U.S. tariff on Indian imports has intensified global trade tensions, significantly affecting sectors such as diamond exports, which heavily rely on the U.S. market, thereby posing risks to employment. Indian officials are engaged in assessing the impact in coordination with ministries and exporters' associations. The finance ministry is reviewing support proposals, including interest subsidies, credit provision, and diversification aid. While officials state that the tariffs are unlikely to disrupt India's core fiscal parameters, the government is prepared to enhance existing export assistance schemes if needed. India does not intend to retaliate against the tariffs, instead opting for diplomatic negotiations. Labor-intensive sectors like textiles, footwear, and agriculture are identified as particularly vulnerable, prompting further scrutiny and potential policy response. 

India 

1. India's Economic Growth Projections

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that India is projected to become a $5 trillion economy by the end of 2025. He attributed this anticipated growth to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting India's rapid ascent from the 11th to the 5th largest global economy between 2014 and 2023. Shah emphasized that such a significant leap is unprecedented in India's 75 years of independence. He also noted that the country's per capita income has doubled over the past decade, with approximately 13.5 crore people rising out of poverty during this period. These remarks were made during the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit in Dehradun. 

Complementing this, Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa and former CEO of Niti Aayog, predicted that India is on track to surpass Japan and become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2025. He cited positive macroeconomic indicators, including consistent GDP growth exceeding 8% in recent quarters, record Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, and India's increasing role in global trade. Kant also highlighted the country's advancements in digital public infrastructure and significant growth in sectors like steel, cement, and automobile manufacturing. 

2. India's Participation in the World Government Summit 2025

At the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai, India underscored its commitment to green growth and climate resilience. Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, represented India, participating in key sessions such as the High-Level Roundtable on the Future of Mobility and the XDGs 2045 Ministerial Roundtable. Yadav emphasized the importance of capacity building in clean technology, electric vehicles, and climate-resilient infrastructure for developing countries. He also highlighted the need for adequate financial resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in combating climate change. Additionally, Yadav elaborated on India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which promotes sustainable lifestyles at individual, community, and national levels. 

3. India's Bid to Host the 2036 Olympics

India has formally submitted its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, marking a significant step in its ambition to host the prestigious event for the first time. The proposed host city is Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, which has seen substantial investments in sports infrastructure. The Indian government aims to showcase the nation's growing capabilities in organizing large-scale international events. As part of its bid, India has proposed the inclusion of traditional sports such as yoga, kho-kho, and kabaddi in the Olympic program, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. This move aligns with India's broader strategy to promote indigenous sports on the global stage. 

4. Operation Brahma: India's Aid to Myanmar Post-Earthquake

Following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, India launched Operation Brahma to provide immediate disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. India deployed search and rescue teams, medical professionals, and dispatched multiple aircraft and ships laden with relief materials to the affected areas. This swift response underscores India's commitment to regional cooperation and its role as a first responder in times of crisis in neighboring countries. The operation also reflects India's emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties with Myanmar through humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. 

5. India's Role in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor

India is actively participating in the development of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity between these regions. The corridor is expected to facilitate smoother movement of goods, energy resources, and data, thereby boosting economic cooperation and integration. India's involvement in this project aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives of strengthening ties with the Middle East and Europe, diversifying its trade routes, and enhancing its role in global supply chains. The initiative also complements India's domestic infrastructure projects aimed at improving logistics and transportation networks.

6. Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup Hosted by India

In January 2025, India hosted the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, featuring participation from 23 countries. The tournament aimed to promote the traditional Indian sport on an international platform, showcasing India's cultural heritage and sporting prowess. India's teams clinched both the men's and women's titles, highlighting the country's dominance in the sport. The successful organization of the event reflects India's growing capabilities in hosting international sporting events and its commitment to promoting indigenous sports globally.

Assam, North-East India

1. Mizoram-Assam Border Peace Talks Scheduled for April 25

The governments of Mizoram and Assam are set to hold their fifth border peace talks on April 25 in Guwahati. This meeting aims to address the long-standing border disputes between the two states. Mizoram's Home Minister, K. Sapdanga, confirmed that the Assam government proposed the meeting, and Mizoram has agreed in principle. The Mizoram delegation is scheduled to depart Aizawl for Guwahati on April 24. The upcoming talks are a continuation of previous negotiations, with the last ministerial-level discussions held on August 9, 2024, in Aizawl. The joint statement from that meeting emphasized maintaining previously agreed-upon conditions and tasked district officials from both states to hold regular negotiations to resolve differences. 

2. Assam CM Condemns Remarks by Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly condemned remarks made by Bangladesh's interim government chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, who referred to India's northeastern states as "landlocked" and suggested that Bangladesh serves as their guardian to the ocean. Sarma described the statement as offensive and highlighted the strategic importance of the "Chicken's Neck" corridor. He proposed exploring alternative routes, including underground road and rail connections and pathways through Bhutan, to enhance connectivity between the Northeast and mainland India. Political leaders across party lines in the region have also criticized Yunus's comments, viewing them as provocative and strategically motivated. 

3. Centre Approves NH-115 Upgrade to Boost Assam-Arunachal Connectivity

The central government has approved a project to upgrade a section of National Highway 115 (NH-115) to improve connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The project involves enhancing the stretch from Islampur, near the Dhola-Sadiya bridge, to the Border Outpost at Shantipur in Assam’s Tinsukia district, transforming it into a two-lane road with paved shoulders. With an allocation of ₹50.43 crore, the project is expected to be completed by the financial year 2025-26, aiming to facilitate smoother and safer movement of people and goods in the region. 

4. Assam Police Hosts National Dialogue on Children's Rights

Assam Police, in collaboration with the PIIR Foundation and supported by UNICEF India, is hosting 'Infantia,' India's first national dialogue on children's rights. The virtual event, taking place in Guwahati, aims to address challenges faced by children in the digital realm. The dialogue features discussions on bridging children's real-world and digital rights, parenting in the digital age, and workshops on digital parenting. Bollywood actor and parenting influencer Neha Dhupia is among the guest speakers, contributing to conversations on how media influences children's lives. 

5. Manipur Muslims Protest Against Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

In Manipur, protests have erupted against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Muslim communities in areas such as Thoubal and Kakching districts have expressed strong opposition, fearing that the bill could undermine their rights and autonomy. Demonstrations organized by groups like the Islamic Students' Association and the All Sora Students' Union involved slogans and placards voicing concerns over the bill's implications. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by Parliament and received presidential assent, leading to apprehensions among Manipur's Muslim population, which numbers over 300,000. 

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