Politics / The Times of India
In New Seelampur, Delhi, a 17-year-old named Kunal was fatally stabbed, igniting local tensions. Police are investigating Zikra, a woman with alleged ties to a jailed gangster, for her potential involvement. The murder appears to be a revenge act for a prior assault on Zikra's cousin, leading to community unrest and police deployment to maintain order.
BRICS nations, including India, have launched the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership to combat land degradation and promote sustainable agriculture within its expanded 11-member group. The initiative aims to create a fairer, more inclusive global agri-food system, emphasizing the welfare of small farmers and addressing climate change through collaborative programs and shared best practices. The group reiterated commitment to food security, climate adaptation, and empowerment of women and youth.
The Allahabad High Court granted bail to Arun Kumar Mishra, accused of rape, raising concerns about failed relationships leading to criminal charges. Justice Krishan Pahal noted the consensual nature of the relationship and the delayed FIR filing. The court highlighted a societal trend of transient relationships and cautioned against misusing penal laws amid emotional fallout.
India's census of central government employees, a practice since 1960, has been stalled since 2011, despite its importance for welfare scheme planning. While employee numbers peaked in 1995 and later declined, women's representation steadily rose. The census, along with reports like the Employment Review, faces challenges with data collection and has been discontinued, raising concerns about informed policy-making.
Following the tragic death of Air India Express First Officer Armaan after a Srinagar-Delhi flight, the DGCA has launched a thorough investigation. The probe will examine his medical history, airport medical care, and adherence to rostering protocols. ALPA has highlighted the urgent need for improved pilot rest regulations and mental health support within the aviation industry, emphasizing concerns about pilot welfare and working conditions.
BJP leader Amit Malviya has challenged Mamata Banerjee's claims regarding the Murshidabad communal violence, citing police reports that contradict her narrative of outsiders being responsible. Malviya alleges that the violence, which resulted in three deaths and numerous arrests, was instigated by local youths, as indicated by intelligence inputs and police findings.
The FBI has apprehended Harpreet Singh in Sacramento, California, wanted in India for multiple terror attacks across Punjab. Singh, linked to Pakistan's ISI and the Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International, illegally entered the US and used burner phones to evade capture. He is accused of masterminding attacks and supplying resources to operatives.
The Delhi High Court discharged a man in an adultery case, referencing the Mahabharat to highlight the patriarchal roots of the now-defunct adultery law. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasized the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment decriminalizing adultery, stating that the law treated women as property. The court quashed the complaint, asserting that the outdated notion of marital ownership over women is unconstitutional.
In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, Arvind Shrivastava, a 1994 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary. Vumlunmang Vualnam will take over as Secretary, Department of Expenditure, succeeding Manoj Govil. Vivek Aggarwal has been named Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, marking key changes in central government departments.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that the cabinet discussion on the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, also known as the caste census, was inconclusive and postponed to May 2. Despite concerns raised by ministers regarding the survey's unscientific nature and outdated information, Siddaramaiah denied reports of heated arguments, emphasising that no one opposed the survey outright.
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.
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.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticized the central government, asserting that the state will not submit to New Delhi's authority. He challenged Amit Shah's ambition to form a government in Tamil Nadu in 2026, emphasising that tactics like party poaching and raids will not succeed there. Stalin said Tamil Nadu will never yield to Delhi's administration.
BJP MLA Usha Thakur sparked controversy by asserting that voters who accept money or gifts will be reincarnated as animals. She highlighted the BJP government's financial aid programs, expressing dismay that votes are still traded for small sums. Thakur urged citizens to protect democracy and support the BJP, which she believes serves national interests.
West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose is visiting Malda to meet victims of the Murshidabad communal violence, defying chief minister Mamata Banerjee's request to postpone the trip. He aims to assess the situation firsthand, visiting hospitals, residences, and relief camps to formulate recommendations. The governor plans to meet victims who fled there following recent communal violence in Murshidabad district.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Munis Natyashastra have been inscribed in Unescos Memory of the World Register, marking a significant recognition of Indias civilisational legacy. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed this as a historic moment, emphasizing their role as philosophical and aesthetic foundations.
Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda, along with director Gopichand Malineni and producer Naveen Yerneni, face legal trouble. A case has been registered against them at Jalandhar's Sadar police station. The charges stem from their film 'Jaat,' accused of hurting religious sentiments.
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.
Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist wanted in India for numerous violent crimes, was apprehended in Sacramento, California, by the FBI and US immigration authorities. Singh, also known as Happy Passia and Jora, is linked to two international terrorist groups and had illegally entered the US from Mexico in 2021.
The BJP has intensified its attack on the Gandhi family regarding the National Herald case, labeling it a clear instance of fraud and money laundering. BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri asserted that Congress workers are being misled by leaders implicated in the chargesheet.
Karnataka's cabinet meeting on the contentious caste census concluded without a resolution, postponing further discussions to May 2 amidst pressure from Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities. The government has not taken a conclusive stand due to concerns about the survey's scientific validity. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested ministers to submit written opinions before the next meeting.
The Supreme Court has ruled that peaceful protests by homebuyers, including holding banners expressing grievances against realtors, do not constitute defamation if no abusive language is used. The court emphasized the importance of the right to dissent lawfully as part of freedom of speech.
The Congress party is set to intensify its protests against the alleged misuse of investigative agencies by the BJP government, with a key meeting scheduled to strategize further action. These demonstrations are expected to coincide with potential government actions against the Gandhi family, particularly in light of the National Herald case.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the CRPF for significantly curbing Naxal influence, confining them to a few districts and aiming to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. He highlighted the crucial role of the CoBRA battalion in this effort, noting a 70% reduction in violence due to CRPF's presence.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the Supreme Court's ruling that set a timeline for the President and governors to decide on bills. He questioned the court's authority to direct the President and expressed concern over the use of Article 142, deeming it a 'nuclear missile' against democratic forces.
India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal will visit Washington DC next week to meet with US counterparts, paving the way for initial discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. This visit aims to resolve outstanding issues before the formal trade talks commence.
The Supreme Court intervened by ordering a stay on the demolition notice for the Hazrat Saatpeer Sayed Baba dargah in Nashik. However, the Nashik Municipal Corporation had already demolished the structure before the hearing, leading to violence and injuries to 21 policemen.
The Union government assured the Supreme Court it would refrain from appointments to the Central Waqf Council and Auqaf Boards, maintaining the status quo on waqf properties. This assurance preempted a potential stay on contentious provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Jaipur is making preparations to welcome US Vice-President J D Vance, his wife Usha, and their children on April 22. During their visit, Vance will meet with industry leaders and government officials, as well as tour Amber Fort and City Palace. He is also scheduled to speak at an industry event focused on trade and technology.
Farooq Abdullah disputes A S Dulat's claim of supporting Article 370 abrogation, but Dulat clarifies he meant Abdullah's desire to align with Delhi on his terms. Dulat's book praises Abdullah's leadership, revealing insights into the Rubaiya Sayeed abduction and IC-814 hostage swap, highlighting Farooq's initial opposition and eventual acquiescence to decisions.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor CV Ananda Bose are at odds over Murshidabad, with Banerjee urging against visits to avoid escalating tensions following Waqf law-related violence. Bose intends to assess the situation and report to the Centre, having met with affected individuals.
Congress has strongly criticized the new waqf law, labeling it a BJP tactic to target minority institutions and undermine their autonomy. The party argues that the law, particularly Clauses 9 and 14, infringes upon the religious freedom guaranteed by Article 26 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is considering petitions from a Muslim woman, an NGO, and an advocate challenging the inheritance provisions of Sharia law, arguing they discriminate against women. They seek the freedom to follow the secular Indian Succession Act instead.
Calcutta HC overturned the dismissal of an RPF constable who allegedly praised a colleague for fatally shooting a senior officer during the 2018 Meghalaya elections and cautioned about a potential mutiny on Facebook.
A recent report evaluating India's Information Commissions reveals that a majority of commissioners, particularly chief commissioners, are retired government officials, defying the RTI Act's call for diverse backgrounds. Gender disparity persists, with women holding only a small fraction of positions. Case disposal rates vary significantly across commissions, with some returning a high number of cases without orders.
Adani Enterprises will share approximately 42% of revenue with NHLML for the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project, a 13 km route expected to drastically cut travel time to 36 minutes. This Rs 4,081 crore project, approved on PPP mode, aims to transport 18,000 pilgrims daily.
Following Tahawwur Rana's extradition, India has urged Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to justice, emphasizing Pakistan's continued shielding of those responsible. India reiterated its commitment to cooperating with Pakistan for a swift conclusion to the trial, while also highlighting Pakistan's reputation as a hub for global terrorism and ISI's involvement in the attacks.
Pakistan's army chief, Gen Asim Munir, delivered a provocative speech urging Pakistanis to uphold the 'two-nation theory,' sparking concerns in India. Intelligence sources view this as a diversionary tactic amid internal security challenges and escalating conflicts with the TTP and Baloch insurgents.
India has withdrawn transhipment facilities for Bangladeshi exports due to actions by Dhaka affecting bilateral trade, according to the External Affairs Ministry. This decision follows Bangladesh's suspension of Indian yarn imports and closure of three land ports. The move aims to address congestion at Indian ports and airports.