The Supreme Court of India has suggested that state governments allocate 25% of their budgets for health, education, hygiene, and infrastructure to help India become a developed nation. The court highlighted the consistent 'fund constraint' response from states and emphasized the need for intervention, despite acknowledging judicial limitations in financial policy matters.

The adoption process in India remains lengthy, with an average wait time of three and a half years for infants. Despite the number of adoptions reaching over 4,500 in 2024-25, thousands of prospective parents continue to wait anxiously, with the demand for younger children far exceeding available orphans for adoption.

PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus will discuss various issues during the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand on April 3-4. This will be their first meeting since Yunus became chief adviser. While Dhaka has requested the meeting, New Delhi is still considering it. Modi will also engage in diplomatic discussions with other heads of state and Thai royalty.

Hemangi Shrivastava, an Indian master's student at Moscow Power Engineering Institute, has received the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme for women in nuclear science. The program, supported by the IAEA, aims to increase female participation in the nuclear sector. Rosatom, a key partner, has supported 40 female students over the past four years.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it an attempt to dilute the Constitution and disenfranchise minorities. He accused the BJP of misleading claims about the original Act and fostering religious disputes. Concerns were raised about the definition of Muslims and potential misuse of UAPA.

Thousands protested in Ukhrul, Manipur against the Union government's decision to end the free movement regime (FMR) and build a barbed-wire fence along the India-Myanmar border. Tribal communities, like the Tangkhul Naga, voiced strong opposition, stressing that the move would sever familial ties and heighten tensions.

Rahul Gandhi passed the opportunity to speak on the waqf bill in Lok Sabha to his deputy Gaurav Gogoi, who then led the opposition's charge. Gandhi instead chose to sit for other speeches, raising questions about whether he missed a chance to counter BJP's polarisation politics.

The Supreme Court criticized the Uttarakhand government's 2009 policy requiring non-state students in MBBS courses to serve in remote areas or pay Rs 30 lakh. The court emphasized that this policy should be a uniform decision by the Union government, citing challenges faced by students from other states in serving in inaccessible regions.

Authorities in Haridwar are relocating all butcher shops outside municipal limits to improve sanitation and control stray dogs. Around 100 shops, mostly in Jwalapur and Jagjeetpur, will be affected. Validly licensed shops will move to a new site in Sarai village while illegal ones will be sealed. Residents have long complained about the poor hygiene of these shops.

The Supreme Court addressed the increasing trend of rape cases filed on the grounds of false promises of marriage. While hearing a man's plea to quash rape charges by his fiancée, the bench remarked that relationship break-ups should not result in rape allegations. They decided to examine the arranged marriage situation in detail.

Over 300 development projects in Jammu & Kashmir received forest clearance, promoting infrastructure and economic growth. This includes road networks, water supply schemes, and 4G saturation. Necessary compensatory afforestation will be undertaken to maintain ecological balance.

Pakistani soldiers violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch, J&K. Indian troops responded effectively, maintaining control over the situation. This incident follows earlier breaches and highlights ongoing security concerns with 70 to 80 Pakistani terrorists currently active in the region.

DMK MP A Raja has urged party members to avoid Hindu religious symbols when wearing party attire, stating that it blurs the line between the DMK and RSS. This statement has provoked backlash from BJP leaders, who accuse him of undermining Hindu traditions. DMK asserts it's Raja’s personal view.

Lok Sabha saw a heated exchange as Asaduddin Owaisi tore the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on Muslims. Owaisi's actions were criticized by BJP's Jagdambika Pal. Union Minister Amit Shah asserted that the bill aims to regulate Waqf properties and prevent their exploitation. The bill faces intense debate in Parliament.

A US national, Mykhailo Viktorvych Polyakov, was arrested for entering prohibited North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was remanded to custody with video evidence confirming his visit. Polyakov claimed to be a thrill seeker and had previously attempted similar actions, including making contact with isolated tribes.

Starting this summer, five new toy trains with Vistadome coaches will operate from Kalka to Shimla, enhancing the travel experience with large glass windows and roofs. The plan aims to meet the growing demand, offering picturesque views of Himachal Pradesh's hills and forests.

Between 2022 and 2024, 20.8 lakh kg of narcotic drugs were destroyed in India, with annual figures showing a decline. The Narcotics Control Bureau intercepted 96 Darknet trafficking cases between 2020 and 2024. There were also increases in seizures of opium and cannabis-based drugs, while seizures of psychotropic substances and cocaine witnessed a decline.

Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha, accusing the BJP of divisive politics. He hinted at potential shifts in political alliances, particularly involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. The Bill aims to improve Waqf boards' administration, with the Telugu Desam Party supporting it.

Muslim leaders and organizations object to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting it threatens the autonomy of Waqf properties dedicated for religious and charitable purposes. They claim the Bill aims to seize such lands and hampers Muslim religious liberties, labeling it as deceptive and unconstitutional.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant accuses the BJP-led NDA of introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to gain an advantage in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Sawant criticizes the lack of thorough discussions in the JPC and accuses the BJP of lacking justice in their actions.

The Supreme Court has declined to consider Mahua Moitra's plea to disclose details of alternate investment funds and foreign portfolio investors in India's stock market, directing her to first approach Sebi. The Court allowed Moitra to present her concerns to Sebi and seek legal remedies if her representation is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.

The Allahabad high court rejected a petition to quash criminal proceedings in a case involving alleged rape and unlawful religious conversion. The court emphasized the severity of such offences, citing the woman's allegations that the primary accused deceived and coerced her into conversion under false pretenses.

The Supreme Court deferred the request for return of passport and international travel by influencer Ranveer Allahbadia amidst ongoing police investigations on multiple FIRs against him for inappropriate remarks. The court will review the request on April 21, pending completion of the probe by Maharashtra Police.

The Uttarakhand High Court has requested a response from the state government within 48 hours regarding multiple petitions challenging the Uniform Civil Code. Petitions criticize issues ranging from live-in relationship provisions to the neglect of minority customs, and constitutional and women's rights concerns. The next hearing is scheduled in 10 days.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale states the Sangh's opposition to reclaiming thousands of mosques allegedly built on demolished temples. He underscores the potential societal hostility and urgency of other priorities like eliminating untouchability. The Sangh emphasizes focusing on instilling values and cultural preservation rather than pursuing past disputes.

The government is pushing for the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, facing strong opposition from parties and Muslim organizations. Opposition parties plan to participate actively in the debate without causing disruptions, as the NDA holds a numerical advantage in both Houses.