Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah faced accusations of threatening a police officer during a Congress rally in Belagavi after BJP workers breached security and protested on stage. Siddaramaiah, visibly agitated, questioned the officer's actions and demanded the removal of the protesters while AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil tried to calm him.

Global military spending surged to a record $2.718 trillion in 2024, marking the steepest increase since the Cold War. India ranks as the fifth-largest military spender, allocating $86 billion, but faces challenges from China and Pakistan.

India's high-emission industries, including aluminum, cement, and pulp & paper, face mandatory greenhouse gas emission intensity reduction targets starting 2025-26. The environment ministry's draft notification, covering 282 entities, introduces penalties for non-compliance. These industries will need to purchase carbon credits if they fail to meet the specified targets under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.

Deteriorating Indo-Pak relations and heightened security concerns have drastically reduced medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals seeking treatment in India. From over 1,600 visas in 2016, the number plummeted to just over 200 in 2024, a trend exacerbated by events like the Kulbhushan Jadhav case and the Pulwama attack.

Shashi Tharoor faced internal criticism after commenting on the Pahalgam attack, stating that no country can have foolproof, 100% intelligence. Udit Raj questioned Tharoor's remarks, accusing him of providing a clean chit to the BJP government despite their admission of security lapses.

I Periyasamy, Tamil Nadu's rural development minister, will face trial in a disproportionate assets case after the Madras High Court overturned a Dindigul court's discharge order. The court directed the special court to reopen proceedings against Periyasamy, who is accused of amassing assets with his family between 2006 and 2010.

The ceasefire along the Line of Control with Pakistan is increasingly strained, escalating beyond Kashmir to the Jammu region following the Pahalgam massacre. Despite this, the situation hasn't reached the intensity of pre-2021 artillery duels. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with PM Modi to discuss potential military responses, including limited punitive strikes against Pakistan, as ceasefire violations rise.

Lucknow University teacher Madri Kakoti, known online as Dr Medusa, faces sedition charges following a social media post about the Pahalgam attack. An ABVP member filed a complaint, alleging her remarks promoted disharmony. Kakoti defends her statement as a factual observation about acts constituting terror, while the university issued a show-cause notice after student protests.

The Siachen base camp is now accessible to tourists without prior authorization, announced Tashi Gyalson, CEC of LAHDC, Leh, following the early reopening of Zojila Pass on April 1, 2025.

A Delhi court has extended the NIA custody of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, by 12 days. The NIA sought the extension to confront Rana with evidence and investigate the conspiracy's full extent, citing non-cooperation. Rana's plea for telephonic access to his family was dismissed due to concerns about jeopardizing the ongoing investigation.

The reintroduction of cheetahs in Kuno National Park has significantly boosted tourism, with footfall increasing by over 120% and revenue more than doubling. This surge is transforming Sheopur and Mandsaur districts, once known for banditry and opium cultivation, into thriving wildlife destinations.

The Supreme Court questioned the Gujarat government's need for a 12-foot wall around land near the Somnath temple, recently cleared of encroachment, including a dargah. Justices Gavai and Masih suggested a more reasonable 5-6 foot wall to prevent further encroachment. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that no religious activities were permitted on the government land.

The Supreme Court stated that the Allahabad High Court was initially correct in permitting Hindu litigants to include the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The Allahabad HC had allowed amendments to lawsuits, enabling petitioners to include the home ministry and ASI as respondents.

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that 'Court of Kazi', 'Darul Kaja Kajiyat', and 'Sharia Court' lack legal standing, rendering their declarations, including fatwas, non-binding and unenforceable. This reiteration came while the court addressed a Muslim woman's maintenance plea, overturning lower court decisions that denied her support based on assumptions about second marriages and dowry demands.

Tamil Nadu government schools will introduce artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to students in classes VI to IX starting this academic year. The syllabus was developed in consultation with tech firms to ensure relevance. The government is also investing heavily in smart classrooms and improved facilities in rural schools, with 25,000 schools already equipped with smart boards.

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has revised its influencer advertising guidelines for the BFSI, health, and nutrition sectors. Now, influencers only need to declare qualifications when providing technical advice, distinguishing between general promotions and expert opinions. This update acknowledges the evolving nature of influencer marketing, moving beyond simple endorsements to strategic brand communication.

Urban Company has filed for an IPO with Sebi to raise Rs 1,900 crore, including a fresh issue of shares and an offer for sale by existing investors like Accel India and Elevation Capital. The company intends to use the funds for technological upgrades, office space, and marketing initiatives.

While immediate stoppage of water flow to Pakistan is difficult due to infrastructure limitations, India can regulate flow during winter using existing dams, potentially impacting Pakistan's wheat crop. To exert greater control, India needs to expedite hydropower projects and increase water storage capacity. Abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty allows India to strategically manage its river resources, enhancing water security.

India has initiated its fifth Marine Fisheries Census, emphasizing a fully digital approach with a dedicated mobile app. The census, covering 1.2 million households across coastal regions, will gather detailed socio-economic data on fishers and assess infrastructure. The initiative also launched guidelines for Turtle Excluder Devices to protect endangered species during fishing activities.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have led to the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, jeopardizing dry fruit imports from Afghanistan, a key supplier to India. This disruption, coupled with Pakistan's trade suspension, is expected to cause a surge in domestic prices for almonds, raisins, and pistachios. Alternative routes are being explored, but uncertainty looms over the dry fruit supply chain.

The Supreme Court overturned a woman's murder conviction for killing her daughters, citing a possible temporary mental disorder. The Anganwadi worker from Chhattisgarh claimed 'invisible powers' influenced her actions. The court converted the conviction to culpable homicide, noting the lack of motive and her history of unusual behavior, ordering her release after 10 years in jail.

Gold prices in the national capital plummeted by Rs 1,000 to Rs 98,400 per 10 grams, mirroring weak global trends. Easing US-China trade tensions and a stronger dollar reduced demand for safe-haven assets, impacting bullion. Silver also experienced a sharp decline, while investors are closely monitoring global tariffs and upcoming US economic data for further influence on bullion prices.

Following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26, Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif claimed an imminent Indian incursion, prompting heightened alert and reinforcement of forces. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss counter-terrorism strategies after the attack. Nationwide protests have erupted, demanding strong action against Pakistan for supporting terrorism.

China refuted President Trump's claim of recent tariff talks with Xi Jinping, escalating trade war tensions. This denial raises concerns about the global economy and Trump's strategy, as direct leader dialogue is absent. China's refusal to engage suggests a readiness to endure economic pain, while Trump's credibility faces scrutiny amid conflicting reports.

Jewellery retailers are enticing customers with significant discounts on making charges and gold prices ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, despite soaring gold rates. Brands like Tanishq and Senco Gold are offering attractive deals, while experts highlight gold's safe-haven status amid global economic uncertainties.

US markets opened higher on Monday, buoyed by corporate earnings and economic indicators, despite global trade and macroeconomic concerns. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq saw gains, while gold prices rose as investors sought safety. Domino's Pizza slipped due to disappointing revenue, and uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariffs continued to impact market sentiment.

Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's threat regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, reminding him of his mother's assassination by terrorism. Owaisi questioned Zardari's understanding of terrorism's impact, highlighting the suffering it inflicts on innocent people. Zardari's remarks followed India's suspension of the treaty after a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

A Kerala court convicted a man and his mother for the dowry death of his wife, Thushara, in 2019. The 28-year-old victim was starved and weighed only 20-21 kilograms at the time of her death. Chandulal and Geetha were found guilty of torture and starvation, with the husband demanding additional dowry shortly after their marriage in 2013.

India's industrial output experienced a slowdown, growing by 3% in March 2025, lower than the previous year's 5.5%. This decline was attributed to weaker performances in manufacturing, mining, and power sectors. The IIP expanded by 4% for fiscal year 2024-25, marking the lowest growth rate in four years.

A 23-year-old man was allegedly abused and assaulted on a Bhopal-Indore passenger train for watching a reel about the Pahalgam terror attack. The two unidentified accused argued with the victim, made objectionable comments about India and the Constitution, and even threatened to throw him off the moving train. GRP has registered a case and is investigating using CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Amid escalating US tariffs, Chinese firms are seeking assistance from Indian exporters to maintain their American clientele. Indian companies are expected to receive commissions for facilitating these transactions, particularly in sectors like hand tools and electronics. This coincides with advancing trade discussions between India and the US, potentially opening up more opportunities for Indian exporters.

India is projected to become an $8 trillion economy by 2035, fueled by its digital transformation and infrastructure like Aadhaar and UPI. However, challenges such as income disparity, low formalization, and productivity gaps need addressing.

From June, travel between Delhi and Jaipur will be significantly faster, thanks to a new connection from the Delhi-Mumbai expressway to the Jaipur Ring Road. NHAI is ensuring thorough inspections and preventive maintenance to avoid post-inauguration issues as well.

New US tariffs are expected to significantly impact India's automotive component sector, potentially reducing operating profits by 10-15%. ICRA forecasts a moderation in revenue growth for FY2026 due to anticipated decline in US exports. Despite these challenges, India aims to leverage its cost competitiveness and is seeking relaxed export controls and enhanced tech access from the US.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have spilled over into London, marked by escalating protests from both diasporas. An Indian-origin man, Ankit Love, was arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Pakistani High Commission. These incidents follow a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, further straining the already fraught relationship between the two nations, leading to heightened security concerns in London.

A Delhi court has extended the NIA custody of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, by an unspecified number of days. Rana, facing charges including conspiracy and murder, was presented before the NIA Special Court following his extradition from the US.

Starting May 1, 2025, the RBI's revised ATM transaction framework will introduce changes to free limits and charges. Customers get three free ATM transactions in metro areas and five elsewhere. Beyond these, a Rs 23 fee applies, prompting banks like HDFC and PNB to notify customers of the updated charges, aiming to streamline usage and promote digital banking.

Ather Energy has launched its IPO to raise Rs 2,981 crore, featuring fresh equity shares and an Offer for Sale. The IPO proceeds will fund a new factory, debt repayment, R&D, and marketing. Analysts are positive, citing Ather's strong position in the growing electric two-wheeler market, despite reduced government subsidies.

Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the state assembly, expressing his grief and stating he would not demand statehood at this time. He emphasized that militancy can only be eradicated with the support of the people, not just through force.

The TOI River Dialogues 2025 in Lucknow addressed river rejuvenation and sustainable water management in Uttar Pradesh, emphasising Maha Kumbh 2025. Experts highlighted the need for community involvement, focus on smaller rivers, and comprehensive policies. Discussions covered public-private partnerships, technological innovations like drone usage for pollution control, and water management programs to mitigate water crises.

India and France have finalized a significant deal. The agreement involves the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal is worth Rs 63,000 crore. These jets will operate from INS Vikrant. The contract includes weapons, training, and support. Deliveries are expected between 37 to 65 months. This acquisition enhances India's maritime capabilities.

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, has emerged as a strong contender to acquire a significant stake in Haier's Indian operations, intensifying competition with a consortium led by Sunil Mittal. Haier aims to reduce its equity, seeking a valuation of $2-2.3 billion, as Chinese firms are more open to partnerships with Indian entities.

The TOI River Dialogues 2025 in Lucknow addressed the future of vital rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna. Anurag Srivastava emphasized a dynamic policy framework, technological innovation, and community involvement for river rejuvenation. He highlighted initiatives like the River Literacy Program and Har Ghar Nal to improve water access and engage youth in conservation efforts, stressing individual responsibility.