Murshidabad witnessed violence during Waqf Act protests. Pramod Tiwari holds TMC and BJP responsible. He demands an end to the exodus of families. Governor Bose calls violence and corruption cancerous. NHRC investigates human rights violations. Calcutta High Court orders central forces to stay. The court also warns against provocative remarks. Relief efforts are underway for the affected.

“Uncertainty is costly,” Kristalina Georgieva has said, pointing to stalled investment, slowing growth and higher inflation amid trade wars Read Full Article at RT.com

Police in Chisinau earlier prevented Bishop Marchel of the Moldovan Orthodox Church from undertaking a ritual visit to Jerusalem Read Full Article at RT.com

The ANC has stressed inclusive dialogue and governance reform following fiscal negotiations with DA and FF+ Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia is committed to resolving the crisis, the Kremlin has said, after the US president stated he wanted an answer about a peace agreement Read Full Article at RT.com

Kenyan officials have seized thousands of rare queen ants in a smuggling attempt aimed at supplying the exotic pet market Read Full Article at RT.com

[WHO-AFRO] N'djamena -- In a renewed effort to eradicate circulating polio variant type 2 in the Lake Chad Basin, Ministers of Health from Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger and Nigeria launched today a synchronized regional vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 83 million under 5 children. The initiative is a crucial milestone in the fight against variant poliovirus type 2, which continues to pose a threat to millions of children across the region.

[New Times] Preserving memory is not just about remembering, according to Gakwenzire, but it's also a form of resistance.

[The Conversation Africa] The April 2025 flooding disaster in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, wasn't just about intense rainfall. It was a symptom of recent land use change which has occurred rapidly in the city, turning it into a sprawling urban settlement without the necessary drainage infrastructure.

Baba Ramdev defended his «sharbat jihad» remark, claiming he didn't target any specific brand, while Congress leader Digvijaya Singh filed a police complaint alleging promotion of religious hatred. Singh accused Ramdev of indirectly targeting Rooh Afza, implying its sales fund religious institutions, and demanded an FIR for inciting communal sentiments. Police are investigating Singh's complaint.

Kapil Sibal criticized Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's disapproval of the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential bill decisions and Tamil Nadu governor's bill withholding. Sibal emphasized that both the President and governors must act on ministerial advice, accusing the governor of interfering with legislative authority.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has voiced strong concerns about the judiciary's increasing reliance on Article 142 of the Constitution, describing it as a threat to democratic forces. He called for a review of constitutional interpretation practices, particularly in light of recent judicial directives to the President regarding state bills.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has refuted claims of a nationwide satellite-based tolling system replacing FASTag by May 1, 2025. Instead, MoRTH will introduce an ANPR-FASTag-based barrier-less tolling system at select locations to ease traffic flow. This hybrid system will use number plate recognition and FASTag, with penalties for non-compliance.

[allAfrica]

The People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) will be fielding 14 candidates in seven constituencies in the upcoming General Election. The constituencies include Tanjong Pagar and Jalan Besar GRCs, and Mountbatten, Potong Pasir, Queenstown, Radin Mas and Yio Chu Kang SMCs. At a walkabout at Pek Kio Market and Food Centre on Saturday (April 18), PAR's secretary-general Lim Tean said that they would not contest for the Marymount, Jalan Kayu and Kebun Baru SMCs.  Red Dot United (RDU) had previously announced plans to contest Jalan Kayu, while the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has said that it will contest Kebun Baru and Marymount SMCs. PAR also revealed their potential candidate for Queenstown SMC, Mahaboob Baatsha, who will be making his electoral debut. 

The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra have been inscribed in Unesco’s Memory of the World Register, marking a significant recognition of India’s civilisational legacy. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed this as a historic moment, emphasizing their role as philosophical and aesthetic foundations.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has firmly dismissed Bangladesh's remarks regarding the Murshidabad violence, urging them to address the persecution of their own minorities. The MEA refuted Bangladesh's denial of involvement and accusations against India, following unrest that claimed lives and displaced families.

Anurag Thakur criticized the Congress party following the ED's chargesheet in the National Herald case, alleging repeated corruption. He stated the party's unease indicates guilt, referencing historical scams. The ED's chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi involves alleged proceeds of crime, while Congress dismisses the case as politically motivated, leading to protests.

Harpreet Singh, a key suspect in multiple Punjab terror attacks, has been apprehended in California by the FBI and US Immigration. Wanted in India and linked to international terrorist organizations, Singh illegally entered the US in 2021. He faces charges related to the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack, where he allegedly provided support alongside Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu.

Harpreet Singh, wanted in India for alleged involvement in multiple terror activities, including grenade blasts and drug trafficking, has been apprehended in Sacramento, California. The FBI and US immigration authorities detained Singh, who illegally entered the US via Mexico in 2021.

[allAfrica]

[allAfrica]

Al Masirah said the US Air Force launched at least 14 air raids, some of which continued even after doctors and civil defense teams arrived on the scene

L'Economie de la Polynésie était au cœur de notre rubrique Regards Croisés ce jeudi 17 avril. Le ministre de l'économie, du budget et des finances Warren Dexter et le maître de conférences en sciences économiques Florent Venayre ont donné leurs points de vue sur le prêt à taux 0, la taxe de développement local, les marges mais aussi les conséquences des décisions de Donald Trump.

Lars Klingbeil still stressed that «Germany should remain Ukraine’s biggest military supporter in Europe»

Ding Xuexiang noted that work was underway on major projects as the two countries kept expanding areas of cooperation

The Russian delegation will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk

Under separate agreements with the regional government, $455,000 have been allocated for upgrade of the Vorkuta airport's runway and apron

Governor Artur Parfenchikov called promising seaweed extraction and cultivation due to the region's access to the White Sea

Delhi Airport alerted passengers on Friday about potential flight delays due to shifting wind patterns. Arrival management measures were implemented from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm to ensure operational safety. While other airport operations continue normally, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates. The IMD forecasts strong winds and thunderstorms in Delhi, potentially impacting flight schedules.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured citizens that their safety remains the government's top priority amidst heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across multiple districts. He directed officials to conduct surveys, initiate relief operations, and promptly distribute relief funds for casualties and injuries.