The Times of India

The BJP has secured its first chief minister in Bihar with Samrat Choudhary's election, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. This move mirrors the party's strategy in Maharashtra, where it reclaimed leadership by strategically strengthening its position within existing alliances, demonstrating a path to dominance without coalition breakdown.

Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump held a significant phone call, reviewing robust bilateral ties and progress in their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also addressed the critical situation in West Asia, emphasizing the need for a secure and open Strait of Hormuz. This marks their third discussion this year, following recent peace talks.

Referring to the special session of Parliament scheduled for April 16, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin alleged that it had been forcibly convened in the middle of elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and claimed the Union government intended to push through a constitutional amendment on delimitation without adequate debate.

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At 57, Choudhary has steadily risen through Bihars political ranks and is regarded as one of the BJPs strongest organisational figures in the state. He currently holds the Home portfolio and has played a central role in the NDA government, often representing the BJP alongside Nitish Kumar at major official and political events.

In a two-pronged attack , Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and the RSS of destroying the Constitution with their hate-filled thinking, while claiming the ruling TMC has failed in fulfilling its promise of providing jobs to the state's youth. Addressing poll rallies in Raiganj and Malda, Gandhi claimed that 84 lakh youths in Bengal have applied for the unemployment allowance promised by the Mamata Banerjee government.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Election Commission and BJP, alleging selective application of the SIR process to benefit the BJP. She accused the BJP of attempting to divide the state and urged voters to unite against Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars to secure a fourth term for TMC.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin campaigned in Vellore for the upcoming Assembly elections. He visited a tea shop and interacted with residents. The DMK faces a rematch against the AIADMK in Vellore. Stalin also criticized the BJP's stance on delimitation and promised welfare schemes for women. Tamil Nadu votes on April 23.

Polling will be held in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results of the assembly polls will be announced on May 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the women of India, emphasizing Nari Shakti and the government's commitment to women's reservation in legislative bodies. He highlighted the upcoming special Parliament session to pass a constitutional amendment for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aiming for its full implementation by the 2029 elections.

A new mobile app for Community Health Officers has been launched to boost last-mile healthcare and emergency response. This digital tool will enable real-time patient management, faster referrals, and early identification of high-risk cases at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres. The initiative aims to streamline care delivery and improve coordination across healthcare levels.

India's farm sector faces potential challenges as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a 'below normal' southwest monsoon. Amidst growing El Nino risks, rainfall is forecast at 92% of the long period average, with a higher probability of deficient rains.

India's Navy is set to receive 18 advanced Kamewa waterjet propulsion systems from Norway's Kongsberg Maritime for its new missile vessels. This significant contract, awarded in partnership with Cochin Shipyard, will equip six stealth corvettes with superior speed, maneuverability, and stealth capabilities, crucial for their role as primary strike platforms.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The agency is investigating past payments to I-PAC, with dealings involving former AAP communication advisor Vijay Nair also under scrutiny.

Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari warned Muslim migrant workers in Nandigram that they might lose work in BJP-governed states after the assembly polls. He cited the presence of thousands of workers in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha, all ruled by the BJP. The TMC criticized Adhikari's remarks as threats and intimidation, vowing to report the matter to the Election Commission.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in connection with a money-laundering probe. The investigation is linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal and also scrutinizes dealings between I-PAC and AAP's ex-communication advisor Vijay Nair.

The NIA has arrested two Congress members and one ISF member in connection with the April 1 siege of judicial officers in Malda. Preliminary findings indicate a pre-planned, multi-layered conspiracy behind the incident. The arrested individuals were produced before an NIA court in Kolkata.

The Supreme Court dissolved a marriage and quashed a domestic violence case, citing misuse of court proceedings in a matrimonial dispute. A woman reneged on a divorce and financial settlement, later claiming her jewelry and gold were excluded to avoid tax. The court found her allegations highly egregious and emphasized strict adherence to mediation settlements.

The Supreme Court has refused to quash the FIR against Lalu Prasad in the land-for-jobs case. However, the court granted him exemption from appearing before the trial court and allowed him to raise the issue of sanction requirement during the trial.

Social activists, academics, and former civil servants have urged the government to publicly share draft bills on women's reservation and delimitation for wider consultation. While wholeheartedly supporting women's reservation, the group expressed concern over the opaque and non-consultative manner of their introduction in the upcoming special parliamentary session.

Sonia Gandhi has questioned the Modi government's planned delimitation, arguing it must follow a census and be politically equitable. She emphasized that states pioneering family planning and smaller states should not be disadvantaged. Gandhi also called for an OBC sub-quota for women in reservation, highlighting the need for broader discussions before proceeding with such consequential amendments.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and states on a PIL demanding a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers to cover production costs and prevent suicides. Petitioners argue that current MSPs are insufficient, citing the M S Swaminathan Commission's recommendations and the impact of free ration schemes on agricultural markets.

The Supreme Court dissolved a marriage and quashed a domestic violence case. A woman broke a divorce settlement after receiving substantial payment. She then filed a criminal case against her husband and his family. The court found her claims about undeclared assets unbelievable. It emphasized that parties must adhere to settlement agreements.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Balen Shah has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation to visit India, even as he unveiled an ambitious 100-point governance agenda at home aimed at curbing VIP culture, reducing political interference in campuses and bureaucracy, cutting delays in public services, expanding free healthcare for the poor, improving womens safety in public transport, and easing academic pressure on young children.

On April 13, 1919, Jallianwala Bagh became a scene of brutal massacre as British forces opened fire on unarmed civilians. This horrific event, fueled by oppressive colonial policies, ignited India's freedom struggle. The unhealed scar of this tragedy continues to resonate, a stark reminder of the immense cost of independence and the enduring power of collective memory.