Heavy security was deployed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of 'Alvida Juma' due to ongoing tensions related to a dispute over the Mughal-era Jama Masjid since November 2024. Guidelines were issued for offering prayers, and compliance was emphasized to prevent further unrest.

Security forces engaged in fresh gunfire with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. The encounter follows Thursday's clash, which led to the deaths of three J&K policemen and three suspected Pakistani terrorists. Advanced surveillance tools and reinforcements have been deployed as the operation continues.

The Delhi assembly will consider a resolution proposed by deputy speaker and BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht to rename the Mustafabad constituency to Shiv Vihar. The AAP has opposes the proposal, urging the government to focus on development rather than name changes.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board urges Muslims to wear black armbands during Ramzan's final Friday to protest the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which they claim aims to seize Muslim properties. While Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Stalin denounces the bill as discriminatory, the controversy has sparked significant protests, with further demonstrations planned in Vijayawada.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee spoke at Oxford University on women's empowerment in Bengal, but was interrupted by students protesting post-poll violence and a controversial case. She emphasized the importance of unity and inclusive development while addressing accusations and challenges raised during her speech.

Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, requested the governor to deploy paramilitary forces following violence in Malda's Mothabari. Adhikari highlighted a state of lawlessness in the region and urgency for Central Armed Police Force intervention.

The standoff between the Centre and opposition-led states over the release of funds under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and the PM SHRI scheme has escalated. The central government stresses the importance of uniformity in education standards, urging reluctant states to reconsider signing the MoU for their students' benefit.

CBSE plans to amend its examination bylaws to bar Class XII students with insufficient attendance from board exams. Students missing regular classes may be directed towards National Institute of Open Schooling exams instead. Schools promoting such students could also face disciplinary action from the 2025-2026 academic session.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board urges Muslims to wear black armbands during Ramzan's final Friday to protest the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which they claim aims to seize Muslim properties. While Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Stalin denounces the bill as discriminatory, the controversy has sparked significant protests, with further demonstrations planned in Vijayawada.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Delhi Police head constable and a constable for taking a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from a complainant. They had demanded Rs 5 lakh to not implicate the complainant in a drug case. The SHO has been suspended.

Jailed MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, imprisoned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, has approached Delhi High Court seeking relief from paying Rs 1.45 lakh a day for transportation and security arrangements while attending the Parliament session. Rashid, who won the Baramulla seat from prison, argues that the costs imposed are excessive and beyond his financial capacity.

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw supported the summons issued to comedian Kunal Kamra for comments on Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde, underlining the importance of balancing constitutional rights with safeguards. Vaishnaw also announced India's forthcoming introduction of its first indigenous semiconductor chip amid a growing electronics manufacturing sector.

Nagpur police have arrested Faizan Khatib, linked to a radical Islamist group, for allegedly instigating riots on March 17. His arrest follows those of Fahim Khan and Hamid Engineer, who are charged with sedition. The riots led to one death and significant property damage.

India and Russia's relationship continues to thrive with expanding economic cooperation and trade exceeding $60 billion, despite challenges. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted India's balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis, while both countries prioritize strengthening their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

A 32-year-old woman, Gauri Khedekar, was found dead in a suitcase in Bengaluru, with her husband Rakesh Khedekar apprehended in Pune after fleeing. The couple had recently moved to Bengaluru, and the motive behind the murder is under investigation. Forensic experts have collected samples from the scene to aid the ongoing investigation.

Kashmir’s chief priest and PDP president condemned the administration's decision to disallow night-long Shab-e-Qadr prayers at Jamia Masjid. The authorities closed the mosque on this sacred night, causing significant grief to the community, thereby challenging claims of normalcy in the region.

Three terrorists and three police officers were killed, and seven others injured, including a deputy superintendent, in an intense battle in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. The clash, involving heavy gunfire and explosions, targeted militants from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group. Operations were halted for the night but will resume at dawn on Friday.

Isro successfully completed a rolling experiment with its Space Docking Experiment mission, involving circumnavigation of one satellite to verify control over satellite maneuvering. This experiment, crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, will provide valuable data and help Isro validate multiple software and ground station control. More experiments and dockings are planned in the coming months.

Comedian Kunal Kamra has accused mainstream media of being a miscommunication tool for the ruling party, calling them vultures. Kamra's recent video targeting Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde has sparked controversy. Despite backlash and threats, Kamra remains unapologetic, while his video is blocked due to copyright claims.

Security forces killed two terrorists and injured five security personnel during an encounter in Rajbagh. Acting on intelligence inputs, the operation involved collaboration between multiple security agencies. The terrorists are believed to be from a group that evaded capture earlier this week.

Union home minister Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for relying on NGO data and speeches during a debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, emphasizing India's stricter immigration policies to ensure national security. Shah reiterated the government's stance against illegal entries, stressing the need to protect India's growing economy and internal security.

Satish Salian, father of the late celebrity manager Disha Salian, has approached the Bombay high court for a fresh investigation into his daughter's death. He has filed a complaint naming prominent figures, including Aaditya Thackeray, alleging foul play and a cover-up concerning her death in June 2020.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak highlighted the substantial development and improvement in infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years. He noted the end of mafia rule, increasing investment, and the visible accomplishments in various development projects, especially in the Cantt Assembly constituency.

Roshni Nadar has made history as the first woman to join India’s top 10 wealthiest list with a net worth of US$40 billion, thanks to her father Shiv Nadar’s 47% stake in HCL Technologies. She joins other prominent women like Alice Walton and Francoise Bettencourt Meyers in the Hurun Global Rich List 2025.