A packed day lies ahead with several important developments expected across the globe.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
In Washington, senior Indonesian ministers will meet with their American counterparts to pitch proposals aimed at avoiding the imposition of US tariffs.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court will deliver its ruling on the legal definition of a woman.
As Canada heads towards elections, the leaders of the five main political parties are set to face off in televised debates beginning today.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will travel to Warsaw for bilateral discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
And on the sporting front, the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second-leg ties will see Inter Milan face Bayern Munich and Real Madrid take on Arsenal.
SC to hear pleas challenging the Waqf Act
The Supreme Court is set to hear a series of petitions today that question the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Vishwanathan will take up the matter.
The Central government has also submitted a caveat application, requesting the court to allow it to present its stance before any decision is made. Notably, a caveat serves as a precautionary filing to prevent an order from being passed without the concerned party being heard.
Multiple challenges to the Act have been submitted to the court, with petitioners arguing that it unfairly targets the Muslim community and infringes upon their fundamental rights.
President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 5. The Bill had earlier cleared both Houses of Parliament following intense deliberations.
Indonesian ministers in US for tariff talks
A delegation of senior Indonesian ministers will visit Washington today to put forward proposals aimed at protecting the country from heavy US tariffs.
Indonesia has been among the most severely affected by Donald Trump’s wide-ranging tariff regime, with a 32 per cent duty placing strain on the nation’s economy.
Figures from the US Trade Representative reveal that America’s goods trade deficit with Indonesia reached $17.9 billion in 2024, marking a 5.4 per cent increase from the previous year.
Susiwijono Moegiarso, a top official at Indonesia’s coordinating ministry for economic affairs, said that a proposal to purchase US goods worth between $18 billion and $19 billion was intended to help narrow the trade gap.
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Investment Todotua Pasaribu stated that the country might also suggest investments by state-owned firms in US sectors such as oil, gas, and information technology.
UK Supreme Court to rule on legal meaning of ‘woman’
The United Kingdom’s top court will today deliver its verdict on the legal interpretation of the term ‘woman’.
The matter originates from a legal challenge brought by a women’s organisation against the Scottish government.
The ruling is expected to clarify how trans people are treated under the law, with potential consequences for single-sex provisions and services.
Following a series of hearings in Scotland, the case was escalated to the Supreme Court in London for a definitive judgment.
The ruling will go beyond Scotland, as the court is examining the 2010 Equality Act, which governs the entirety of Great Britain.
Germany’s Scholz in Warsaw for talks with Polish PM
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be in Warsaw today for bilateral discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The leaders are scheduled to meet over a working lunch, with their agenda focusing on EU matters, international issues, and strengthening ties between the two nations.
Scholz last visited Poland in July 2024, when he agreed to increase collaboration to support Ukraine. He had stated that Russia had disrupted peace in Europe and called for a shared commitment of Germany and Poland to Ukraine.
He continues to lead Germany in a caretaker capacity until a new administration is formed.
In the recent elections, the CDU/CSU alliance secured victory, followed by the Alternative for Germany party. Several smaller parties did not cross the threshold to enter the Bundestag.
Canada Elections: Top leaders to hold debate
With Canada approaching its April 28 election, the leaders of the five main political parties are set to participate in two televised debates.
Liberal leader Mark Carney, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, NDP’s Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault will take part in French and English debates today and tomorrow (April 17) at Montreal’s Maison de Radio-Canada.
The French debate is scheduled for 8 pm local time today, with the English debate taking place tomorrow at 7 pm local time.
Patrice Roy from Radio-Canada will moderate the French debate, while Steve Paikin of TVO will anchor the English discussion.
According to the Leaders Debate Commission, the format has been designed to encourage “meaningful exchanges between the leaders” and will remain “simple and flexible.”
UEFA QF: Inter Milan vs Bayern and Real Madrid vs Arsenal
The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals return this week with two high-stakes second-leg fixtures featuring four European giants looking to book their place in the last four.
Bayern Munich will need to pull off a comeback in Milan after falling 2-1 to Inter in the opening leg. The German side must now deliver away from home to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
In Madrid, Arsenal face a critical challenge at the Bernabeu following a 3-0 defeat in the first leg. While Real Madrid has a history of dramatic comebacks, overturning such a margin remains uncharted territory for the Spanish side.
Viewers in India can watch the matches live on Sony Sports Ten 1 and Ten 2, available in both SD and HD. Live streaming will be offered via Sony LIV. Kick-offs are scheduled for 12:30 am IST on April 16 and 17.
With inputs from agencies
