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.
Robert Vadra faces renewed scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate. He has been summoned for questioning in connection to a money laundering probe related to a land deal. Vadra's company is under investigation for a land purchase and subsequent agreement with DLF. Vadra alleges political vendetta and asserts his cooperation with the investigation.
The NHRC has taken cognizance of the communal violence in Murshidabad during anti-Waqf protests, which resulted in three deaths. An on-spot inquiry will be conducted, and a report is expected within three weeks. West Bengal Police have arrested two brothers for their alleged involvement in the killing of a father and son, bringing the total arrests to 221.
Hemant Soren has been elected as the new president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), succeeding his father Shibu Soren, who now holds the title of 'Founder Patron'. This decision was made during the party's 13th 'Mahaadhiveshan'. The JMM, a key member of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, leads the ruling coalition in Jharkhand.
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.
