The Indian home ministry extended the validity of FCRA registration certificates for NGOs by six months. This applies to licenses expiring between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025, contingent on timely renewal applications. The extension ensures a smooth transition to stricter FCRA regulations implemented since 2020.
The commerce ministry is preparing for various scenarios as US tariffs on Indian exports loom, potentially impacting key sectors like chemicals, textiles, and electronics. The ministry is assessing the economic effects and exploring strategies to mitigate these impacts, while also addressing non-tariff barriers imposed by the US.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government in Punjab of targeting Bikram Singh Majithia by withdrawing his Z+ security cover. Badal linked this to a broader conspiracy and an alleged assassination attempt on his life.
The US court dismissed Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's claim that court documents were properly served to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during a February visit. Judge Katherine Polk Failla cited the failure to meet specific service delivery requirements mandated by a previous court order.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis questioned Uddhav Thackeray's stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to be introduced in Lok Sabha. The bill faces opposition from Congress-led INDIA bloc and Muslim organizations, with Shiv Sena (UBT) having left the BJP alliance in 2019.
Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has been named as an accused in a new FIR by the CBI in the Mahadev betting app case. Baghel had earlier accused PM Modi and Amit Shah of protecting the app. Recently, the CBI conducted raids at 60 locations related to the investigation.
The BJP government plans to present the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, which the INDIA bloc and other opposition parties unanimously oppose. The bill is criticized for violating constitutional provisions and targeting specific communities. Delhi Police has increased security measures to maintain order.
RSS will allow volunteers to work on the Kashi Vishwanath and Srikrishna Janmabhoomi temples but warns against uncovering temples beneath mosques. Hosabale highlights that focusing on these past issues could detract from urgent social reforms such as eradicating untouchability and managing contemporary societal concerns.
The Lok Sabha is set to debate the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, with the BJP-led NDA pushing for its passage amid strong opposition objections. Key NDA allies, initially against the Bill, now support it after their recommendations were incorporated, despite opposition walkouts and criticism.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath addressed speculation about his prime ministerial ambitions, emphasizing his commitment to serving Uttar Pradesh and rejecting any discord with BJP's central leadership. He defended the government's bulldozer action and the ban on offering namaz on public roads, calling for discipline during public events and religious gatherings.
A Delhi court found a cognizable offence against Delhi law minister Kapil Mishra in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots, ordering further investigation. The order came following an application by Mohammad Ilyas, leading to an FIR registration. Mishra's presence in Kardam Puri was highlighted.
Isha Foundation's Sadhguru Gurukulam completed a 15-day Classical Hatha Yoga training for the Indian Navy, enhancing their physical and mental resilience. The program equipped 72 personnel to teach Hatha Yoga practices, promoting strength and clarity, with plans to extend the initiative annually.
The Supreme Court condemned Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj authorities for illegally demolishing houses without due process, violating residents' Article 21 rights. It ordered Rs 10 lakh compensation for affected owners. The demolitions were reportedly based on mistaken assumptions about the land's ownership.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath justified the ban on offering namaz on public roads, citing the Maha Kumbh's orderly conduct as a model. He emphasized the importance of discipline, noting that 66 crore devotees attended the Maha Kumbh without any incidents. This follows Meerut police's directive to restrict Eid namaz to designated areas, with heightened security measures in place.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that the 'bulldozer model' used by his government is a necessity rather than an achievement. He justified its use for both infrastructure development and removing illegal structures. Earlier, Adityanath emphasised that law and order are upheld through these actions, and opponents must be dealt with in a language they understand to maintain justice.
Starting April 1, 2025, various regulatory and financial changes, including revised income tax slabs, updated UPI regulations, and the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme, will impact taxpayers, digital payment users, and pensioners. These changes aim to lower tax burdens, offer TDS relief, and adjust tolls, medicine, and gas prices.
Astronaut Sunita Williams described her view of India from space during her nine-month stay on the International Space Station. She highlighted the Himalayas' ripple effect, the fishing fleets near Mumbai and Gujarat, and the network of lights visible across the country. Williams expressed excitement about visiting her ancestral home in Gujarat.
Three family members were arrested for murdering SN Mishra at the IAF's Bamrauli base. Saurabh Kumar, along with his parents, tried to burgle Mishra's house to fund a legal case for Saurabh's jailed brother. Saurabh shot Mishra to prevent him from raising an alarm. The suspects had previously worked at the IAF base.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has urged PM Narendra Modi to cancel offshore mining tenders off the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, citing threats to marine life and fisherfolk livelihoods. He pointed out the lack of rigorous environmental assessments and noted strong protests from coastal communities against the mining licenses.
CISF has initiated the 'Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon' to raise awareness about coastal security by engaging with coastal communities. The event concluded with 125 cyclists, including 14 women, covering 6,553 km over 25 days and connecting with 58 communities across 11 states and UTs, reaching a 2.5 crore-strong audience.
A historic colonial-era structure, Mahafezkhana, has been demolished by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority to facilitate the Brahmaputra riverfront expansion. The heritage building, which withstood major earthquakes in 1897 and 1950, was demolished despite public outcry and suggestions for its preservation.
Reimbursements to private hospitals under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) have surged from 24% in 2019-20 to 60% in 2023-24. A significant rise in the number of beneficiaries has driven this increase. Instances of fraudulent billing and overcharging by empanelled hospitals have raised concerns about proper oversight and cost-effectiveness in the scheme.
The Indian government has dismissed a New York Times report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's involvement in transferring sensitive British technology to Russia as inaccurate and misleading. Officials emphasize that the Indian entity adhered to all international trade obligations and laws, highlighting the need for reputable media to ensure accuracy before publication.
Qari Abdul Rehman, a member of the banned anti-Shia outfit ASWJ, was killed in a targeted attack by masked assailants in Karachi's Qaid Abad. The incident, believed to be sectarian in nature, has heightened concerns over Pakistan's sectarian violence. The ASWJ condemned the act as terrorism.
Five months after a bank burglary in Karnataka's Davanagere district, police have arrested six first-time offenders. The mastermind, Vijay Kumar from Madurai, extensively planned the heist by watching crime dramas and documentaries. Motivated by a rejected loan application, they looted 17.7kg of gold worth nearly Rs 16 crore.