An outbreak of African Swine Fever in Mizoram has resulted in the deaths of 503 pigs since March 20. The disease, highly contagious and deadly for pigs, was first detected in Lawngtlai district. Authorities are working to contain the spread and mitigate further losses.
The controversy surrounding the Mohanlal-starrer 'L2: Empuraan' has sparked political exchanges in Kerala, with Congress accusing BJP of intolerance due to right-wing criticism of the film. The BJP, while not officially commenting, faces accusations of hypocrisy for welcoming movies critical of Congress but opposing this one.
India has intensified its relief operations in Myanmar following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Two C-17 aircraft, carrying 60 tonnes of supplies and a 118-member medical unit, have been deployed. Additional aircraft with personnel and supplies are also en route, as Myanmar faces substantial casualties and damage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to Myanmar for rescue operations in earthquake-hit regions. India also dispatched naval ships and plans to send a field hospital from Agra, underscoring its commitment as a first responder in regional crises.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has become a significant revenue generator for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, earning over Rs 226 crore since 2022-23. This income largely comes from aviation meteorological services provided to the Airports Authority of India. Additionally, revenue is also generated through the sale of meteorological data, weather reports, and testing/calibration of equipment.
India and the US completed their initial discussions on a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to finalize the first part by fall 2025. The negotiations focus on lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers to enhance market access and deepen supply chains, aligning with shared goals of growth and job creation.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar urged farmers to repay crop loans by March 31, emphasizing that election promises like loan waivers depend on future decisions and current circumstances. He assured 0% interest loans to ease the burden and highlighted the significant financial commitments the state faces.
India and the US are set to finalize the first part of their Bilateral Trade Agreement by the end of 2025 after four days of productive talks in New Delhi. The agreement aims to expand trade to $500 billion by 2030, focusing on market access, reducing trade barriers, and integrating supply chains. Both nations are committed to ongoing collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to Myanmar's military chief following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. India launched 'Operation Brahma', sending over 80 NDRF personnel and crucial supplies to assist in the aftermath, showing solidarity with its neighbour in this humanitarian crisis.
The Enforcement Directorate attached commercial properties worth Rs. 5.61 crore in Sonipat, Haryana, connected to a money laundering case against TDI Infrastructure Limited. The company allegedly violated environmental regulations in residential projects by failing to treat sewage water and discharging untreated effluent. The directors are accused of generating 'proceeds of crime' through these breaches.
Rahul Gandhi met Manipur leaders amid ongoing violence and criticized PM Modi for not visiting the state. He urged for a national priority in resolving the crisis. Manipur has been under President's rule since February after the chief minister resigned due to ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribes, resulting in over 250 deaths.
Sanjay Raut demands special protection for comedian Kunal Kamra, who faces multiple legal cases over remarks about Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde. He compares Kamra's situation to that of Kangana Ranaut, who received security after a dispute with Shiv Sena, and calls for government intervention.
The Centre has criticised social media platform X for calling the 'Sahyog' portal a censorship tool, describing the claim as unfortunate and condemnable. It emphasized Section 69A's authority for blocking orders under specific conditions and defended the portal's role in addressing unlawful content.
Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences to Myanmar after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage. India has launched 'Operation Brahma' to provide immediate relief, including tents, food, and medical supplies. Myanmar's military junta reports over 1,000 deaths and thousands injured, with rescue operations ongoing.
MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi have accused the central government of preventing parliamentary discussions and undermining democratic processes. Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration over being blocked from addressing key issues, while Speaker Om Birla reminded him to uphold parliamentary decorum. The opposition claims government tactics are sabotaging legislative functions.
ISRO has made significant progress in developing a semi-cryogenic engine, successfully conducting a hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article. This engine, set to power the LVM-3 launch vehicle, uses non-toxic propellants and is expected to boost payload capacity. The breakthrough follows the establishment of a dedicated testing facility, with further tests planned to optimize performance.
An Indian-American student at Houston University has accused a Hinduism course of bias, alleging it misrepresented aspects of the Hindu religion and politically branded PM Narendra Modi as a Hindu fundamentalist. The university defended its course as academically rigorous and committed to exploring complex religious and political issues.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the worsening treatment of minorities in Pakistan, highlighting disturbing incidents involving the Sikh, Ahmadiyya, and Christian communities. He emphasized the lack of dialogue between India and Pakistan, making it difficult to address these issues directly.
