Top 5 news of the day: SC asks Centre about waqf by user clause; China tells Trump to ‘stop blackmailing’; and more | India News

‘If you de-notify waqf by user, it’ll be an issue’: SC to Centre during hearing on Waqf Amendment Act, 2025
The Supreme Court heard several petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court observed that reversing “waqf by user” would lead to various complications.
Whilst seeking the central government’s response to more than 100 petitions challenging the legislation, the court declined to impose a stay on the law’s implementation. Read full story
China tells US President Trump to ‘stop threatening and blackmailing’
China responded firmly to Washington, urging an end to “threatening and blackmailing” tactics after US President Donald Trump indicated that Beijing must initiate negotiations to resolve their ongoing trade dispute. Trump has imposed fresh tariffs of 145 percent on numerous Chinese imports, whilst Beijing has countered with 125 percent duties on US products.
“If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. Follow live updates
Rohit Sharma opens up on dropping himself for Sydney Test: ‘There was an argument …’
India captain Rohit Sharma said that choosing to skip the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series was a complex decision that led to differences of opinion with the team management.
Rohit elaborated that his choice to step aside stemmed from self-evaluation and candid analysis of his performance, prioritising what would benefit the team most. Read full story
Mamata calls BJP ‘anti-Muslim’, says it ‘played trick’ to pass Waqf law
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during a meeting with Muslim clerics, claimed that the Centre, instead of amending the Constitution with regard to the Waqf law, passed the bill with just a simple majority.
“If the Waqf Act has to be changed, why did you not amend the Constitution? This Act should be passed by a two-thirds majority,” the Bengal CM said. Read full story
Gold records new high at Rs 98K, soaring more than Rs 1,500 in one day
Gold prices surged to a record high of Rs 98,100 per 10 grams in the national capital, showing a substantial increase of Rs 1,650 in one day.
This remarkable rise is attributed to heightened global demand for secure investments amidst escalating trade conflicts between the United States and China. According to the All India Sarafa Association, gold with 99.9% purity had closed at Rs 96,450 on Tuesday. Read full story