The Times of India

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Priya Sachdev Kapur and 22 others in an estate dispute involving late businessman Sanjay Kapur. The court suggested mediation to resolve the prolonged family litigation, emphasizing an amicable solution. Rani Kapur's plea seeks to restrain respondents from interfering with the estate and its assets, citing concerns over potential dissipation.

The 13th Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards honored Hindustani vocalists Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit in New Delhi. The ceremony, held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, celebrated excellence in Indian classical music and recognized emerging talent. Performances by Kailash Kher and his band marked the event, which also saw the presence of several dignitaries.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected from AAP to BJP, praising their parliamentary conduct. The move significantly boosts BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha, while AAP has petitioned for the disqualification of the defecting members.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit the streets of Kolkata, visiting a local market to connect with vendors and shoppers. She discussed prices of essentials and assured continued state support. This move comes amid a political battle over cultural identity, with Banerjee also criticizing Prime Minister Modi's recent outreach events.

Seven Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, bolstering the NDA's numbers in the Upper House. This move, facilitated by the anti-defection law's provision for two-thirds party mergers, sees the BJP's strength increase significantly. The party anticipates further gains by year-end, nearing a crucial two-thirds majority.

Air connectivity to West Asia is gradually resuming after an elusive ceasefire. Kuwait's Jazeera Airways relaunched direct flights to India and other countries, with plans to expand its network. Gulf Air also resumed services to India, while Saudi Arabia's airspace is nearly fully open. Preparations for Indian Haj pilgrims are underway.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), to protect school children, the government may administer an ORS solution before they leave school, if required, to reduce the risk of dehydration during their commute. For construction workers, strict measures will be enforced during peak heat hours.

Mumbai Police detained several Aam Aadmi Party activists protesting outside Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha's residence after he joined the BJP. Party workers raised slogans, burned his effigy, and held placards expressing anger over his switch. This follows similar demonstrations in Ludhiana against MP Rajinder Gupta.

The Gauhati high court had on April 24 rejected Khera's plea for anticipatory bail in the case registered against him by the Crime Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati. The case against Khera was registered after he claimed at a press brief that Assam CM's wife Riniki Bhuyan holds multiple foreign passports and undisclosed assets abroad.

A Delhi court has also intervened, asking local police to explain why no FIR has been registered so far. The next hearing is scheduled for April 29. Activists warn that any confirmed acts of cruelty could invite strict penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

Ahead of West Bengal's second phase of assembly elections on April 29, a high-level coordination meeting will be held in Kolkata to assess poll preparedness. Senior officials will discuss force deployment, vulnerability mapping, and readiness for smooth, free, and fair polling in key districts.

Six passengers were hospitalized after a SWISS flight from Delhi to Zurich was evacuated on the runway due to an engine fire during takeoff. The Airbus A330's engine number one failed at 104 knots, prompting the crew to abort the takeoff and evacuate all 232 passengers and crew using emergency slides.

India's electricity demand hit a record 252 GW on April 24. Soaring temperatures across the nation drove this surge. Air conditioner usage increased significantly in homes and businesses. This peak demand surpassed previous records. The power ministry anticipates further increases as heatwaves continue. Officials expect demand to rise even higher in the coming days.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu advocated for women's reservation and growth-led welfare, emphasizing wealth generation through reforms and investment. He also suggested encouraging a higher birth rate to maintain India's demographic advantage, urging a collective approach to structural challenges.

Punjab CM seeks time from President, wants recall of MPs.