From Odisha’s Sand Master Glory to Charminar’s Cracks, Here’s What Made Headlines This Week

Local Round-up brings you what’s happening across the country in travel, food, infrastructure, and sports. We have curated the updates from the weekend and the beginning of this week for you. So, read these below.

Odisha’s Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins UK’s Fred Darrington Sand Master Award

Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik made history as the first Indian to win the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award at the prestigious Weymouth International Sand Festival in the UK. Pattnaik’s installation, carrying a “World Peace” message, was lauded for its intricate detail and global relevance. His win highlights India’s growing presence in international art circuits and draws attention to sand art as a serious medium of cultural diplomacy. The artist dedicated the award to India and Odisha’s long-standing legacy in folk arts.

India’s First Vertical-Lift Sea Bridge Opens in Rameswaram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge near Rameswaram, a historic feat as India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge. The 2.07-kilometre-long structure can be raised to allow ships to pass beneath, a crucial engineering advancement for connectivity and marine traffic. The bridge links the Pamban island with the Tamil Nadu mainland and replaces the older British-era cantilever bridge. It is expected to boost tourism, pilgrimage traffic, and regional infrastructure in South India significantly.

IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla to Become Second Indian on ISS Mission

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is slated to fly aboard the Axiom Space AX-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025. He will become the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma to go to space, marking a monumental moment for India’s manned space ambitions. Shukla’s selection reflects India’s increasing participation in global space collaborations and paves the way for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. Training for the mission is currently underway in Houston.

Over 2.5 Lakh Diyas Light Up Ayodhya for Ram Navami

Ayodhya witnessed a record-breaking Deepotsav as more than 2.5 lakh diyas illuminated the city to celebrate Ram Navami. The event was held at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu River and created a mesmerising spectacle that drew thousands of visitors. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh government, this year’s celebration held special significance as it followed the consecration of the Ram Mandir in January 2024. The coordinated display was hailed as a blend of spiritual devotion and cultural grandeur.

Parliament Passes Controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Despite stiff resistance from opposition benches and civil society, the Lok Sabha cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill proposes stricter control and streamlined administration of Waqf properties, including audit mandates and penal provisions for mismanagement. Critics argue it could centralise power and infringe on community rights, whilst supporters claim it ensures better transparency. The debate has sparked intense discussions on religious property laws, with many calling for broader stakeholder consultation in future amendments.

Kunal Kamra’s Shows Removed from BookMyShow Amid Row

In a swift move following political backlash, BookMyShow delisted comedian Kunal Kamra’s shows after a Shiv Sena leader objected to a joke deemed offensive. While the platform did not issue a detailed explanation, Kamra confirmed the takedown via social media. The incident raises fresh concerns around artistic freedom, censorship, and corporate compliance with political sentiments. Fans and free speech activists have since rallied online in support of Kamra, reviving debates around comedy as a space for dissent.

IMD Issues Yellow Alert as Delhi Heatwave Peaks

Delhi is bracing for sweltering heat this week with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert. Temperatures are expected to soar up to 42°C on April 7 and 8, marking one of the hottest early Aprils in recent memory. Authorities have advised limited outdoor activity during peak hours and encouraged hydration. The heatwave has also led to increased power and water demands, with officials initiating contingency plans to prevent supply disruptions across the capital.

Charminar Stucco Collapse Raises Heritage Concerns

A piece of stucco work on Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar monument collapsed following heavy rains, prompting swift intervention by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Though no injuries were reported, the incident has triggered concern among heritage conservationists about the structural integrity of the 400-year-old site. ASI has begun emergency restoration whilst evaluating long-term preservation strategies. The collapse comes amid rising calls for better maintenance of historic structures vulnerable to both climate change and urban pressures.

BSNL’s Rs. 1,757 Crore Billing Oversight with Reliance Jio Exposed

A recent CAG audit revealed that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) failed to invoice Reliance Jio for infrastructure sharing over the past decade, resulting in a massive revenue loss of Rs. 1,757 crore. The lapse concerns shared tower infrastructure and points to alarming inefficiencies within BSNL’s internal systems. The oversight has triggered parliamentary scrutiny and demands for accountability from public sector telecom operators. Experts warn such lapses jeopardise state-run companies’ survival in a hyper-competitive telecom landscape.

SC Halts Tree Felling in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli

The Supreme Court issued a stay on tree felling in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area after environmental activists raised red flags over mass deforestation. The area was earmarked for infrastructure expansion, but locals and ecologists filed a petition citing ecological degradation and loss of biodiversity. The SC’s decision marks a significant win for green activism in urban India and signals the judiciary’s increasing willingness to weigh in on environmental protection in the face of aggressive urbanisation.

Trump’s 26% ‘Reciprocal’ Duty on Indian Imports Sparks Debate

In a fresh twist to his election-season rhetoric, former US President Donald Trump has proposed a 26% “reciprocal” tariff on Indian imports. Framing it as a “discounted” move compared to India’s current duties on American goods, Trump’s comments have stirred both criticism and cautious attention. The announcement reflects his long-standing protectionist stance and could impact bilateral trade dynamics if reinstated. While no formal policy has been enacted, the statement has reignited concerns over trade tensions under a potential second Trump term.