Nearly 77% of beneficiaries of the first batch of PM Awas Yojna (Urban) 2.0 are women, including single women and widows. About 3.1 lakh out of 3.5 lakh approved houses will be allotted to SC, ST, and OBCs. The scheme, promoting inclusiveness and equality, also benefits transgenders, senior citizens, unmarried women, widows, and separated female beneficiaries.
India just sent a spacecraft to the Moon. Pakistan can’t host a cricket match. Yet, according to the World Happiness Report 2025, Pakistanis are happier. If that sounds absurd, that’s because it is—and perhaps, as Camus might suggest, it’s precisely in that absurdity that the secret lies.
The Supreme Court clarified that Justice Yashwant Varma's transfer to the Allahabad High Court is separate from the ongoing in-house enquiry into the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his residence. The court emphasized that the transfer proposal is independent and not connected to the incident involving the fire at Varma's home.
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.
