US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his family, will visit Italy and India from April 18-24. In India, Vance will meet PM Modi to discuss economic and geopolitical priorities amidst ongoing tariff discussions. This visit, which includes stops in New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, marks Vance's second international trip as Vice President.

India's aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, necessitating significant infrastructure development. Over the next five years, the country will require 50 new or enhanced airports to accommodate the increasing demand.

Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Silkyara Tunnel breakthrough ceremony. The 4.531 km tunnel cost Rs 853 crore. It will shorten the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri. The event recalled the 2023 worker rescue. Dhami thanked rescue teams and acknowledged PM Modi's guidance. He also participated in the Baba Boukhnag Temple consecration.

Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the ED's chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, accusing the BJP of political vendetta and misuse of law. Congress plans nationwide protests, alleging the chargesheet is a diversion from economic issues. BJP leaders dismiss the allegations, asserting the law will take its course and accusing Congress of corruption and subservience to the Gandhi family.

The Supreme Court addressed petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, focusing on 'waqf by user' and non-Muslim board inclusion. The court questioned disallowing 'waqf by user' due to document challenges, recognising its historical validity. Concerns were raised about violence during protests against the Act, with the court emphasizing that pending legal matters should not incite unrest.

The Bombay high court has granted comedian Kunal Kamra interim relief from arrest in the «traitor» joke case, following an FIR filed against him for allegedly referring to Maharashtra's deputy CM Eknath Shinde as a "traitor.

Congress leaders have strongly criticized the ED's chargesheet against Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt by the BJP to tarnish their image. Sachin Pilot asserted the ED and CBI are being misused as political tools, while Supriya Shrinate accused Prime Minister Modi of vendetta politics.

Rahul Gandhi has urged for significant reforms within the Gujarat Congress, emphasizing the importance of empowering local leaders and decentralizing decision-making processes. He stressed that district presidents should be granted genuine authority, shifting away from centralized control in Ahmedabad. Gandhi framed these internal changes as crucial for countering the BJP-RSS ideology, highlighting Gujarat's pivotal role in this ideological battle.

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her claim that Bengal shares a border with Sri Lanka. Majumdar linked this remark to the Supreme Court's decision upholding the cancellation of teacher recruitments due to irregularities. He also expressed concern over violence in Murshidabad and urged the governor to intervene for peace.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee addressed the Murshidabad unrest, refuting BJP's claims of TMC involvement in Waqf violence and accusing the Centre of a pre-planned communal riot. She blamed the central government for border security lapses and 'godi media' for spreading misinformation against Bengal.

Prince Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, claiming Mughal descent, has appealed to the UN for the protection of Aurangzeb's tomb following unrest in Maharashtra. Citing the risk from misrepresentations and hate campaigns, he urged the UN to direct Indian authorities to secure the site under the Ancient Monuments Act.

Following the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet against Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case, posters calling for «bulldozer action» have emerged in Mumbai. BJP leader Vishwabandhu Rai urged Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to demolish properties linked to the case. The ED is also moving to seize AJL properties worth over Rs 700 crore, alleging money laundering.

An inter-ministerial panel has recommended the construction of India's longest under-river tunnel across the Brahmaputra in Assam, costing approximately Rs 14,900 crore. This project will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity to northeastern states. However, the panel has deferred the proposal for two tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir due to high costs and the availability of alternative routes.

The road transport ministry has proposed to Finance ministry toll exemptions for National Highways with less than four lanes and annual passes costing approximately Rs 3,000 for unlimited car travel. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on commuters. Exemptions primarily target publicly funded roads where collection costs outweigh revenue, while annual passes seek to provide relief without significantly impacting revenue from commercial vehicles.

PM Narendra Modi will visit Oslo for the 3rd India-Nordic summit, aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, innovation, and green transition. Discussions will also address climate change, the blue economy, and international peace and security, including the Russia-Ukraine war. On his return, Modi is expected to visit Croatia, marking the first such visit by an Indian PM.

Union road transport secretary V Umashankar highlighted concerns about compromised quality in highway development, emphasizing the need for durable roads requiring minimal maintenance. Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged public criticism regarding poor highway quality, while expressing optimism about achieving 100 km daily construction target.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the use of Urdu on the signboard of Patur Municipal Council in Maharashtra, emphasizing that language should not be a cause of division. The court highlighted Urdu's Indian origin and its significance as a language of communication and culture, dispelling misconceptions about it being foreign.

India is expected to receive above-normal southwest monsoon rainfall this year, according to the IMD's forecast. This is crucial for agriculture, boosting Kharif crops and the rural economy. While some regions may experience below-normal rainfall, most of the country, including the monsoon core zone, is likely to receive ample precipitation, potentially exceeding 91 cm.

S. Jaishankar criticized Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, highlighting their double-dealing in Afghanistan and persistent «bad habits.» He emphasized that the 2008 Mumbai attacks marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations, signaling a shift in India's tolerance. Jaishankar also linked national progress to the strength and quality of a nation's universities.

US-China relations face a potential breakdown. Attention shifts to India as a possible replacement. China directs airlines to halt Boeing orders. This move aims to boost domestic aircraft manufacturing. The US President's tariff policies face criticism. Experts question if the US has overplayed its hand. India is seen as a potential beneficiary of the trade war.

India's government has firmly dismissed Pakistan's criticism of the Waqf Amendment Act as unfounded and biased, asserting that Pakistan lacks the authority to comment on India's internal affairs. The external affairs ministry highlighted Pakistan's poor treatment of minorities and advised them to address their own issues instead of lecturing others.

US President Donald Trump regards Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend, according to US State Department spokesperson Margaret MacLeod. She highlighted the «joint interests» between India and the US, emphasizing collaboration on counter-terrorism, advanced technologies, and increased business opportunities.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, prompting a sharp reaction from the party, which called it a «state-sponsored crime.» In other news, Assam has made Assamese the compulsory official language for government work, while India leads global market recovery after rebounding from Trump's tariff shock.