Assam has mandated Assamese as the compulsory official language for all government communications, including notifications and orders, as announced by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Bengali and Bodo will be used in the BTR and Barak Valley districts, respectively. English will remain for communication with the central government, but in case of interpretation differences, the English version will prevail.

India and the United States are commencing discussions this week for a Bilateral Trade Agreement, starting virtually before an in-person meeting in May. This follows Prime Minister Modi and President Trump's agreement to strengthen ties, aiming to finalize the trade deal by fall. Both nations seek to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall for India during the June-to-September monsoon season, estimating 105% of the long-period average. El Nino conditions, typically linked to reduced rainfall, are not expected. This prediction is vital for India's agriculture, which supports a significant portion of the population and contributes substantially to the GDP.

India aims for a beneficial bilateral trade agreement with the United States, following the finalization of terms for the initial phase. Both nations seek to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, targeting completion of the first phase by year-end. Trade liberalization will address both tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Following violent clashes in Murshidabad, West Bengal, triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, displaced families recount harrowing experiences of destruction and fear. Homes and businesses were attacked, leaving several dead and hundreds homeless, now seeking refuge in relief camps. Security forces have been deployed, and investigations are underway to restore peace and provide support to the affected communities.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy addressed the «forest encroachment» controversy, accusing the opposition of spreading propaganda using AI regarding the HCU land allegations. PM Modi criticized the Congress government for attempting to «bulldoze forests,» prompting a strong rebuttal from the Congress, highlighting Modi's own record on environmental clearances and tree felling.

The Supreme Court has overturned the Allahabad High Court's bail order for three individuals accused of child trafficking, criticizing both the court and the Uttar Pradesh government for negligence. The court highlighted the need for parental vigilance and directed state governments and high courts to expedite child trafficking case trials.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for her alleged inaction regarding the Murshidabad violence, accusing her of enabling rioters under the guise of secularism. He also attacked Congress and Samajwadi Party for their silence on the issue, deeming them a burden on India.

The Supreme Court has extended Puja Khedkar's protection from arrest until April 21. Khedkar is accused of cheating and misrepresenting information to avail OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services exam. The Delhi government seeks her custodial interrogation to investigate a fake disability certificate scam. The court is reviewing her rejoinder to the Delhi government's reply.

The Supreme Court has cautioned judges against making inappropriate remarks in sexual violence cases, specifically addressing comments made by the Allahabad High Court that blamed a woman for inviting the alleged rape. This follows the Supreme Court's intervention in another Allahabad High Court case where the court diminished the severity of sexual assault against a child.

Violence erupted in Bengal over the new waqf law, with Bhangar witnessing intense clashes where mobs attacked police, leaving 16 officers injured. The unrest, triggered by police preventing an ISF rally, contrasted with a crackdown in Murshidabad, resulting in numerous arrests and internet suspensions.

Karnataka's potential increase in caste-based reservations faces legal challenges, mirroring the fate of similar laws in other states. While the Supreme Court deemed the 50% quota cap not entirely inflexible, it primarily applies to SC/ST/OBC reservations.

Karnataka's government faces internal pressure following the leak of a caste census report. Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders are contesting the population estimates, claiming higher numbers. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar convened a meeting with Vokkaliga legislators to address their concerns. The leaked report suggests a 10.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a gathering in Hisar on Ambedkar's birth anniversary, strongly criticized the Congress party for allegedly disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during his lifetime and attempting to erase his legacy. Modi highlighted development initiatives under the BJP government, contrasting them with the performance of Congress-led administrations.

Justice B.R. Gavai emphasized the Constitution's pivotal role in maintaining India's unity and stability over the past 75 years, despite challenges. He lauded B.R. Ambedkar's contribution to uplifting marginalized communities, citing President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi as examples.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has branded the BJP-RSS as «enemies» of Ambedkar, alleging they only offer lip service for political gain. Kharge claimed Ambedkar blamed V.D. Savarkar for his 1952 election defeat and urged PM Modi to read Ambedkar's letter detailing this.

India's political spectrum united to honor B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, solidifying his position as a universally respected figure. Leaders like PM Modi and Sonia Gandhi paid floral tributes, mirroring celebrations by Ambedkar's followers.

Prof. Rajendra Prasad, a distinguished respiratory medicine expert, reflects on his 60-year journey in Lucknow, highlighting his transition from Basti and his significant contributions to pulmonary care at KGMU. He spearheaded the renaming of the TB & Chest Diseases department to Respiratory Medicine and introduced advanced facilities like video bronchoscopy and sleep labs.

Riding high on their Doda victory, AAP is now targeting the Kashmir Valley, declaring their intention to contest the Budgam assembly bypoll. This election was triggered by Omar Abdullah's decision to vacate the seat. While AAP J&K chief Mehraj Malik aims to win, National Conference is yet to announce their candidate, with calls for a local representative.

CPM MLA M Y Tarigami criticized the BJP and central government for allegedly hindering the Omar Abdullah government's functioning and demanded the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the executive orders, domicile laws, and media restrictions imposed after the abrogation of Article 370. Tarigami also condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Act, fearing increased communal polarization.

Telangana has become the first state to implement sub-categorization of Scheduled Caste reservations, classifying 59 sub-castes into three groups. This move, coinciding with Dr. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, allocates 1% reservation to Group I, 9% to Group II, and 5% to Group III.

During a public meeting in Yamunanagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rampal Kashyap, who had been walking barefoot for 14 years as a personal vow to meet him after his election. PM Modi, deeply touched, gifted Kashyap a pair of shoes, acknowledging his affection while urging citizens to channel their devotion into nation-building activities.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the ongoing violence in the state, emphasizing the right to protest while urging citizens to maintain peace and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Her statement follows clashes between Indian Secular Front supporters and police in Bhangar, resulting in injuries and the torching of police vehicles after restrictions were imposed on an anti-Waqf Act rally.

Karnataka's chief minister Siddaramaiah defended the 4% quota for Muslims in public contracts, countering PM Modi's accusations of appeasement politics. Siddaramaiah asserted the move aims to uplift economically and socially disadvantaged minorities, while Deputy CM Shivakumar emphasized providing opportunities for all sections of society.

Amidst escalating violence in West Bengal following anti-Waqf law protests, BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar has appealed to Governor CV Ananda Bose for intervention. Majumdar expressed grave concerns over the situation in Murshidabad, citing displacement of families and urged for peace restoration and a judicial inquiry. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for peace and unity, emphasizing religious harmony.

Following communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, triggered by amendments to the Waqf law, the Centre is on high alert. While the situation is currently under control with the deployment of Central forces and arrests made, the Union home ministry is closely monitoring other sensitive areas in Bengal and other states for potential communal triggers.

India is actively pursuing legal actions against individuals involved in major crimes and security threats. Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is being interrogated by the NIA, while efforts are underway to extradite Mehul Choksi from Belgium in connection with the PNB fraud.

The Panguni Vizha in Mylapore showcases faith and tradition. The Therottam car procession fills the streets with music. Refreshments are offered to devotees. Nithya Amirtham restaurant provides buttermilk and sunshades. These small acts of kindness enhance the festival's spirit. The celebration emphasizes community and care. It highlights the importance of simple gestures.