Union minister for women and child development, Annapurna Devi, criticized the Allahabad High Court's decision to downgrade charges in a sexual assault case involving an 11-year-old girl. The court ruled the actions did not constitute attempted rape. Devi urged the Supreme Court to address the verdict, warning it could send a harmful message to society.
A fire at Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma's bungalow revealed large sums of unaccounted cash, prompting the Supreme Court collegium to recommend his transfer. The incident raised concerns about judicial accountability and corruption, leading to discussions in the Rajya Sabha. Justice Varma did not hold court, and his transfer to the Allahabad High Court is under consideration.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association opposed the repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his residence. The Bar Association expressed concerns over the decision, questioning the integrity of the judiciary and highlighting the judicial vacancy crisis. The Supreme Court initiated an internal probe, discussing potential resignation or an in-house inquiry for Justice Varma.
RJD staged a protest against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for insulting the national anthem. While the anthem was playing, Nitish conversed with his chief secretary and greeted people instead of standing in attention. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav and former CM Rabri Devi criticized Nitish and questioned his mental stability, demanding his resignation and suggesting his son Nishant replace him.
A fire at the home of Delhi high court Judge Yashwant Varma revealed a large amount of cash, leading the Supreme Court Collegium to transfer him to the Allahabad high court. An urgent meeting was called, and concerns were raised about the judiciary's reputation.
The central government informed Parliament that it had raised concerns with the US about the use of restraints on Indian deportees, especially women. The US assured India that no women or children were restrained on recent deportation flights. Concerns related to religious sensitivities and food preferences of deportees were also addressed by both governments.
The number of Indian nationals awarded a death sentence in the UAE stands at 25. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, confirmed this in Parliament. The Indian government prioritizes the safety of its nationals abroad and provides assistance to those sentenced. There are 10,152 Indian prisoners in foreign jails including those awaiting capital punishment.
Delhi Police have filed a case against 31 individuals accused of operating a visa fraud racket, following a complaint from the US embassy. The accused, including agents and applicants, allegedly forged documents to obtain US visas between May and August 2024. Further investigations are ongoing.
Rahul Gandhi has been summoned by the Sambhal district court over his statement alleging that Congress is fighting against the Indian State. The remarks, made during the inauguration of Congress's new headquarters, triggered legal actions and political backlash. Gandhi faces charges in Guwahati for inciting unrest, while BJP leaders accused him of undermining India's sovereignty.
Centre to continue talks with farmers on May 4, despite detention of leaders by Punjab Police. Focus remains on addressing farmers' demand for legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP). Officials to consult experts on financial implications, while farmer leaders aim to unify different groups for stronger advocacy.
Fourteen toll collection agencies are banned for two years for irregularities in highway-user fee collection, with performance securities of over Rs 100 crore forfeited. The NHAI plans to implement AI-powered audit cameras and a variable UPI payment system to curb toll fraud and ensure accurate transactions.
The Indian government revealed expenses of nearly Rs 258 crore for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 38 foreign trips between May 2022 and December 2024. The most costly visit was to the US in June 2023, costing over Rs 22 crore. Detailed expenses included hotel arrangements, community receptions, transport, and other costs for official delegations.
India's Election Commission is hosting nationwide all-party meetings led by state, district, and electoral registration officers until March 31, 2025, to address poll-related issues. Additionally, the EC is offering training for political party representatives on electoral laws and seeking suggestions to enhance poll conduct by April 30, 2025, focusing on better voter participation and seamless electoral processes.
GL Bajaj Educational Institutions CEO Kartikay Agarwal highlighted that over 50% of the 102 startups incubated by their institution are female-led. He emphasized the importance of programs like the Women Entrepreneurial Development Program, which encourages women to pursue development and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized Amit Shah for his debate with Saket Gokhale in Rajya Sabha. Gokhale accused the home ministry of misusing central agencies to target opposition states and critiqued the expansion of BSF jurisdiction. Amit Shah clarified that the CBI does not fall under home ministry jurisdiction and defended the ministry's actions.
Haryana security personnel fortified the Punjab border, detaining farmer leaders to stop their 'Delhi Chalo' march. The police removed protest structures and cleared roads closed for a year. The seventh round of discussions on minimum support price (MSP) laws took place in Chandigarh. Farmers faced heavy barricading upon their return to Punjab, with ongoing support from state officials.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticizes the move by Disha Salian's father seeking a fresh CBI probe into her death, calling it a political attempt to malign youth leader Aaditya Thackeray. He claims the petition surfaces years later due to political motivations.
A gunfight between two nephews of Union state home minister Nityanand Rai in Bihar's Bhagalpur led to one death and one injury. The incident stemmed from a minor dispute that escalated, with both brothers shooting at each other. Statements are currently being recorded by the police.
US President Donald Trump anticipates that India will likely reduce its tariffs on American goods after recognizing the imbalanced trade barriers. Trump has previously criticized India for imposing high tariffs and referred to the country as a 'tariff king' while discussing significant trade disparities.