 "Since taking office a few months ago, Trump has aggressively pursued tariff policies. AP/File Photo")
‘Liberation Day’ reciprocal tariffs, Waqf bill in Lok Sabha - today is set to be a busy day.
US President Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs, aimed at matching the duties imposed by other countries on American products, comes into effect today.
The Centre is set to introduce the amended Waqf bill in the Lok Sabha today.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Hungary today, despite an ICC arrest warrant.
European Union defence ministers will hold a conference meeting today.
Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti will stand trial today.
In sports, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Bengaluru today during the ongoing IPL 2025 season .
Here’s a look at these events in detail:
Trump’s tariffs will come into effect
US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, designed to match the duties imposed by other nations on American goods, will come into effect today.
Trump has repeatedly referred to April 2 as “ Liberation Day ,” claiming that these measures will reduce US dependence on foreign imports.
Since taking office a few months ago, Trump has aggressively pursued tariff policies, creating uncertainty with his fluctuating trade actions.
ALSO READ | Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs are here: What this will mean for global trade
The new tariffs are expected to impact multiple countries , including India, China, the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Canada.
Trump argues that tariffs will protect US industries from unfair competition, generate revenue for the federal government, and strengthen the country’s position in trade negotiations.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAmended Waqf bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha
The Centre is set to introduce the amended Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha today.
The legislation, which was referred to a joint parliamentary committee in August 2024, seeks to improve transparency and fairness in managing Waqf properties.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that the bill will be presented after the Question Hour for discussion and possible passage. An eight-hour debate is expected, subject to further deliberations, he added.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Samajwadi Party (SP), have called the bill “unconstitutional”, arguing that it interferes with religious affairs.
Notably, the proposed law seeks to reform the administration of Waqf boards, which oversee properties designated for religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community.
Israel’s Netanyahu to visit Hungary
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Hungary today, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Netanyahu is expected to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who extended the invitation in November , shortly after the ICC announced the warrant.
This marks Netanyahu’s second foreign visit since the ICC warrant, following his trip to Washington in February, where he met Donald Trump.
The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has since resulted in over 50,000 deaths in Gaza and displaced more than 90% of the region’s population.
EU defence ministers to hold meeting
Defence ministers from across the European Union will meet today for a conference that will continue until tomorrow (April 3), focusing on “bringing about the rearmament of Europe and strengthening its defence industry in the current security situation.”
According to a statement from the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, discussions will also address continued support for Ukraine and the EU’s role in achieving a just and lasting peace.
Ministers will further examine broader geopolitical developments, including conflicts in West Asia.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to stand trial
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will stand trial today over allegations that he failed to declare income to Spain’s tax authorities.
Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for the 65-year-old Italian, accusing him of withholding more than $1.1 million in undeclared earnings from image rights in 2014 and 2015.
Authorities claim that, despite being registered as a Spanish tax resident, Ancelotti only declared his salary from Real Madrid while omitting income generated from his image rights.
Ancelotti, the most successful manager in Champions League history, has denied the charges and expressed confidence in the legal process.
“I have total confidence in the law and in justice,” he told reporters last Friday.
IPL 2025: RCB vs GT showdown in Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today.
RCB has secured back-to-back wins in its last two matches and will play its first home game of the season.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans recently lost to Punjab Kings at home but secured a victory against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad.
The match is set to begin at 7:30 PM (IST).
With inputs from agencies