Category: India

India sees a surge in ultra tall towers since 2020, led by Mumbai landmarks like Lokhandwala Minerva and World One, with SAS Crown signaling new skylines in Hyderabad

India’s skyline has changed faster in the last five years than it did in the previous two decades. Since 2020, a wave of ultra-tall residential and commercial towers has reshaped major cities, pushing heights past 250 and even 300 metres. Most of this growth has been concentrated in Mumbai, but newer cities are now entering the race.

Here’s a look at the top 10 tallest buildings in India completed after 2020, based on the latest available data as of April 2026:

Lokhandwala Minerva (Mumbai, ~301 m, completed 2023-24)

Currently India’s tallest completed building, this 78-floor residential tower set a new benchmark for height and luxury living. Arav Tower, Piramal Aranya (Mumbai, ~282 m, completed 2023)

One of the tallest residential towers in the country, part of a premium cluster in Byculla that pushed heights well beyond 250 metres.

World One (Mumbai, ~280 m, completed 2020)

World One really kicked off the era of modern skyscrapers in India. It was supposed to be even taller. Still, it stands out as one of the tallest towers in the country and set the stage for everything that followed.

World View (Mumbai, ~277 m, completed 2020)

This one rose right next to World One. Seeing them together, you can tell Mumbai isn’t slowing down with high-rise homes anytime soon.

Lodha Park Towers (Mumbai, ~264–268 m, completed post-2020 phases)

Here you’ve got a cluster—Marquise, Kiara, Allura—all built as part of one big “vertical neighbourhood.” The days of stand-alone skyscrapers are out; now, it’s about creating entire communities in the sky.

Trump Tower Mumbai (Mumbai, ~268 m, completed 2021)

Luxury and branding meet here. Trump Tower tapped into the growing appetite in India for high-end, branded living spaces that feel more like a statement than just a place to live.

Three Sixty West Tower B (Mumbai, ~260 m, completed 2020)

This tower packs in both hotel and residential spaces. It’s one of the tallest mixed-use buildings in the country and highlights that these projects don’t just pick one function—they do it all.

Rustomjee Crown Towers (Mumbai, ~259 m, completed 2023)

You get two towers here, both part of the wave of fancy, high-rise homes that are changing how Mumbai’s skyline looks. The ultra-luxury vibe is clear.

Oberoi Commerz (Mumbai, ~225 m, completed 2023)

Not everything tall is residential. Oberoi Commerz proves even office towers are heading skyward these days. It’s one of the biggest commercial towers built recently and keeps the business game strong.

SAS Crown (Hyderabad, ~235 m, completed 2025)

Finally, a break from Mumbai. SAS Crown in Hyderabad joins the 200-meter club and shows skyscraper fever isn’t just stuck in one city. This project signals the rise of new skylines all across India.

What’s changed in just five years

The biggest shift is scale. Before 2020, buildings above 250 metres were rare in India. Today, multiple towers cross that mark, and several more are under construction.

Another clear trend is that most of these skyscrapers are residential, not office buildings. Developers are focusing on premium housing, driven by demand in dense urban areas.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/indias-skyline-has-doubled-in-height-since-2020-and-these-10-towers-prove-it-ws-el-10053141.html

Gen Naravane also said that the government ‘came strongly in my support’ after the incident

In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18 on Thursday, former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) shed light on his latest literary venture, “The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries”. The book, published by Rupa, arrives exactly 80 days after his previous memoir, “Four Stars of Destiny”, became the centre of a fierce political storm in the Lok Sabha. Moving away from the strategic controversies of his earlier work, the General described his new book as a pivot towards the “shared cultural heritage” and “lighter lore” of the Indian Armed Forces, focusing on traditions, folklore, and the human side of military life.

What motivated the shift to ‘The Curious and the Classified’?

General Naravane revealed that the motivation for this new work was sparked by a moment of casual intellectual curiosity. While his previous memoir explored his four-decade career and high-stakes events like the Galwan Valley standoff, he found himself inspired by Shashi Tharoor’s book, “A Wonderland of Words”. While browsing through Tharoor’s exploration of language, the idea germinated to document the lesser-known corners of the military—its quirks, enduring legends, and unique vocabulary. The General noted that even though he had toyed with the idea of moving into fiction, the Indian Army still had “too many stories marching around” in his head to ignore.

General Naravane on Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha tactics

Addressing the most significant controversy of his post-retirement life, General Naravane spoke candidly about the incident where Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi brandished a copy of his unpublished memoir in Parliament. He expressed deep disappointment over the political manoeuvring, stating that it was “totally unfair to drag me and the armed forces into politics” by using unpublished texts to score points. The General emphasised that the manuscript was undergoing a standard review process by the Ministry of Defence, and its appearance in the Lok Sabha was a breach of protocol that politicised a neutral institution.

He further clarified his relationship with the establishment following the uproar, noting that despite the dramatic claims made in the House, the government “came strongly in my support” after the incident. General Naravane reiterated that the delay in the memoir’s release was a procedural matter between the publisher and the government, and any attempt to frame it as a sign of him being “abandoned” was factually incorrect.

The Tejas crash and the Russian tribute

Reflecting on the tragic Tejas MK-1 crash during the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, which claimed the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the General highlighted a poignant moment of international camaraderie. He noted that the Russian contingent—specifically the Russian Knights Aerobatic Team—showed immense respect to the fallen Indian pilot. Following the disaster, the Russian pilots dedicated their performance to their “Indian brothers who never returned”, a gesture the General believes exemplifies the deep-rooted bond and mutual respect shared between professional aviators across borders.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/unfair-to-drag-me-forces-gen-mm-naravane-on-rahul-gandhi-citing-unpublished-memoir-in-lok-sabha-exclusive-10052636.html

Heavy rush at Kedarnath Temple on day one of Char Dham Yatra leads to chaos, with devotees jumping barricades and crowding lines, raising serious safety concerns online.

The doors of Kedarnath Temple opened on April 22, marking the start of this year’s Char Dham Yatra. Thousands of devotees gathered on the very first day to seek blessings at the holy site. Reports say nearly 38,000 people visited the temple on day one. But with such a huge crowd arriving at once, managing the rush became difficult, leading to chaos in several areas near the temple.

Crowd Breaks Lines And Jumps Barricades

Amid the rush, a video from the temple area shows how things quickly got out of control. In the clip, people can be seen climbing over barricades and pushing their way into the queue. Many try to skip the line and move ahead, which creates even more pressure on the crowd. The situation looks tense, with people packed tightly together and struggling to move. At one point, the crowd becomes so dense that some people appear to get crushed between others. The visuals show how unsafe the situation was turning when basic order is not followed.

The clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with a caption that read, “Bhai, people like these should have their hands and feet broken, only then will they reform after turning this country into a heavy-penalty nation.”

People React To The Situation

The video led to strong reactions online, with many users expressing concern over safety and lack of discipline.

A user wrote, “WTF is happening, No place is left where people can go with family.”

Another said, “Tell me, there are lines everywhere in temples. These people want a separate VIP treatment. No heat or anything, just comfortably stay in line.” Some users pointed at poor arrangements. “Arrangements in the four dhams and 12 jyotirlingas should be unprecedented. It is wrong that there is no proper arrangement in Kedarnath, where people live in such exhaustion,” a comment read.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/kedarnath-temple-sees-massive-rush-on-day-1-video-shows-people-breaking-queue-indian-civic-sense-10052981.html

A stray dog named Kali sacrificed her life to save over 30 children in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district by fighting off a venomous snake.

What began as an ordinary day for a group of kindergarten children in a quiet village in Odisha turned into a story of extraordinary courage, one that is now leaving the internet emotional.

In Dhirakula village of Mayurbhanj district, a stray dog named Kali has become an unlikely hero after sacrificing her life to protect more than 30 young children. The children were reportedly playing outside near their school, completely unaware of the danger that was quietly approaching them.

A venomous snake had made its way toward the village school, posing a serious threat. Before anyone could react, Kali sensed something was wrong. Without hesitation, she rushed toward the snake, placing herself directly between the danger and the children.

What followed was a fierce and desperate fight. Villagers say Kali attacked the snake relentlessly, refusing to let it move any closer. In the process, she was bitten multiple times, particularly on her face and mouth. Despite the pain and the spreading venom, she did not back down.

Kali continued the fight until she managed to kill the snake, ensuring the children were safe. But the battle had taken its toll. Moments later, after driving away the threat, she collapsed. By the time help arrived, it was too late, the venom had already claimed her life.

Not a single child was harmed.

The heartbreaking sacrifice has left the entire village in mourning. For the people of Dhirakula, Kali was no longer just a stray dog, she was a protector, a guardian.

In a rare and deeply emotional gesture, villagers came together to give her a farewell usually reserved for loved ones. Her body was wrapped in white cloth, decorated with flowers, and taken in a funeral procession through the village. Many gathered to pay their respects, some in tears, remembering the life she gave to save others.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/stray-dog-kali-fights-venomous-snake-saves-30-children-dies-a-hero-in-odisha-article-154149575

BMW F 450 GS launched in India at Rs 4.70 lakh with a 48 hp twin-cylinder engine, 180 mm suspension travel, TFT display and ADV-focused hardware targeting highway touring and mixed-road riding.

The BMW Motorrad India has launched the BMW F 450 GS at Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom), introducing a twin-cylinder adventure motorcycle in a segment largely dominated by single-cylinder options. For Indian buyers, this directly expands choice in the sub-500cc ADV space with a focus on smoother highway performance and touring ability. The motorcycle replaces the G 310 GS as the brand’s most accessible GS model and is locally produced, which helps keep pricing competitive while offering higher-spec hardware and features than most rivals in this price band.

Engine, Platform And Hardware Explained

The BMW F 450 GS is built around a new 420cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 43 Nm at 6,750 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox. What stands out is the twin-cylinder layout, which is expected to deliver smoother power delivery and reduced vibrations compared to single-cylinder rivals especially at sustained highway speeds.

It uses a steel trellis frame, USD front forks and a rear monoshock with 180 mm suspension travel at both ends. The bike runs on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, balancing road stability with light off-road capability. Braking hardware includes a 310 mm front disc with a four-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc supported by lean-sensitive ABS Pro.

Features, Variants And Real-World Buyer Impact

BMW offers the F 450 GS in three variants: Base (Rs 4.70 lakh), Exclusive (Rs 4.90 lakh), and GS Trophy (Rs 5.30 lakh). Prices are ex-showroom. All variants share the same engine but differ in equipment levels. The bike gets a 6.5-inch TFT display with connectivity, LED lighting, traction control and multiple riding modes including Rain, Road, and Enduro. Higher variants add features like Shift Assistant Pro (quickshifter), engine guards, and off-road-focused components, while the top-spec GS Trophy also includes wire-spoke wheels and Easy Ride Clutch.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/auto/bike-news/bmw-f-450-gs-india-launch-price-specs-features-details-article-154154575

Delhi rape-murder accused Rahul Meena allegedly committed two rapes and a murder within 12 hours, later telling the court, “Mujhse apradh ho gaya, galti ho gayi.”

A 19-year-old man accused of a brutal rape and murder in south Delhi allegedly carried out another sexual assault just hours earlier in Rajasthan, exposing a chilling sequence of crimes that police say took place within a single night. The accused, Rahul Meena, was arrested on Wednesday(April 22) in connection with the killing of a 22-year-old woman in Delhi’s Kailash Hills area. He was produced before the court on Thursday, and according to a report by PTI, he is showing little signs of contrition and has changed his statement repeatedly, officials privy to his interrogation said.

Though in court he said, “Mujhse apradh ho gaya… Galti ho gayi (I committed a crime, a mistake),” before a magistrate granted police custody for further interrogation, a report by PTI said.

2 Rapes And 1 Murder In 12 Hours

According to police, Meena raped a woman in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on Tuesday night before travelling to Delhi early the next morning. He allegedly knew the victim’s husband and had accompanied him to a wedding before returning alone and committing the assault. “A special team has been formed to probe the rape charge against Rahul Meena here. We have detained over half a dozen people for questioning,” Alwar SP Sudhir Chaudhary said, as per PTI.
Investigators said Meena then travelled to Delhi and entered the home of a former employer using a spare key. He had worked there for eight months before being dismissed. Knowing the family’s routine, he allegedly went straight to the rooftop study where the 22-year-old daughter was present.

30 minutes of Horror: Raped, Killed, Then Dragged

Meena said that the moment he reached upstairs, the victim confronted him about his presence. He began demanding money, which led to an argument. According to the accused, originally, he planned to only rob the house, but the rest “just happened” after she refused to open the safe.
Police said Meena attacked the woman, strangled her with a charging cable and struck her with a heavy object. “The investigation suggests that the accused raped the victim while she was still unconscious. He then dragged her down the stairs to another room where a locker was kept, and attempted to open the biometric lock using her fingerprint, but it did not open,” a police official said.

He later broke open the locker, stole valuables and fled. CCTV footage shows he was inside the house for around 30 minutes.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/delhi/mujhse-galti-ho-gayi-the-30-minutes-of-horror-inside-delhi-irs-officer-home-raped-killed-dragged-article-154154071

In the latest development, Lawrence Bishnoi’s cousin, Ramesh, sought a ban on the upcoming Hindi ZEE5 docuseries, Lawrence of Punjab. He revealed that the makers were never granted permission, as the case is still under trial.

A complaint was filed against a woman who confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a traffic jam in Mumbai’s Worli after a protest march caused heavy congestion. The complainant, Zen Sadavarte, criticised the woman’s alleged abusive behaviour toward police and officials. The incident, caught on video, has sparked debate over public inconvenience and protest conduct.

A complaint has been filed against a woman who confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a traffic jam in Worli, after a protest march over the Women’s Reservation Bill led to massive congestion on city roads.

The complaint was lodged on Thursday by Zen Sadavarte, daughter of advocate Gunratna Sadavarte, following a viral video showing the woman angrily questioning the minister over the disruption caused to commuters.

While speaking to the media after filing the complaint, Zen Sadavarte slammed the woman’s behaviour against the authorities. She also criticised the woman’s abusive language against the cops and her poor choice of words for raising the issue.

Later, she also questioned her intent for disrespecting Minister Girish Mahajan. Zen then said that insults towards the hardworking police officers and public functionaries will not be tolerated. She showed her complaint letter to the media, confirming the plaint filed at the Worli police station, and also urged the cops to file an FIR against the woman as soon as possible.

What Is The Controversy About?

A gunman opened fire at Mexico’s Teotihuacan Pyramids, killing one person and injuring 13 others, sparking panic among tourists. The attacker, identified as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, later died by suicide. Authorities said he was obsessed with ancient sacrificial rituals. The incident, captured on video, has raised concerns over security at the historic site.

A chilling viral video capturing the exact moment a gunman opened fire at the Teotihuacan Pyramids has sparked global outrage and concern, after the attack left one person dead and 13 others injured.

The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows tourists descending the Pyramid of the Moon when the attacker suddenly climbs onto the structure, pulls out a firearm and begins shooting. Panic-stricken visitors can be seen scrambling down the steep steps as gunshots ring out, turning a popular tourist site into a scene of chaos within seconds.

Authorities identified the shooter as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, a 27-year-old Mexican national, who later died by suicide at the scene. The shooting occurred around 11:30 am when dozens of tourists had gathered at the top of the pyramid.

According to a report by Fox56news quoting eyewitnesses, the gunman initially fired into the air before directing shots toward people attempting to flee. In total, seven people suffered gunshot wounds, while six others were injured during the stampede and confusion.

Canadian National Killed In Shooting

India’s Embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran amid rising tensions and urged those there to leave via designated land routes in coordination with officials. Despite limited flights, uncertainty persists. Emergency contacts have been shared as India prioritizes citizen safety and closely monitors the volatile West Asia situation.

The Embassy of India in Tehran issued an advisory on April 23, urging Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Iran, whether by air or land, amid rising regional tensions. The advisory also strongly recommends that Indian nationals currently in Iran leave the country using designated land border routes, strictly in coordination with the Embassy.

See more

⚠️ Advisory as on 23 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/WIPNNtFspd

— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) April 23, 2026

Additionally, the Embassy has provided emergency contact numbers and an official email address for assistance, encouraging people to stay informed and seek guidance when necessary.

The advisory comes despite reports of limited flight operations between India and Iran, highlighting continued uncertainty over the situation in the West Asia region. The advisory underscores the Indian government’s priority to safeguard its citizens during a period of instability affecting international travel.

This development reflects the seriousness of the situation in the West Asia region following months-long conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, as well as India’s proactive measures to protect its citizens abroad while maintaining close monitoring of evolving circumstances in an uncertain environment.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/india-issues-urgent-exit-advisory-for-nationals-in-iran-amid-escalating-regional-tensions

 

The victim was allegedly raped and strangled with a mobile phone charger cable by suspect Rahul Meena at her house in Delhi’s Kailash Hills.

The 23-year-old former household employee who allegedly raped and murdered a 22-year-old woman in south Delhi’s Kailash Hills on Wednesday morning dragged the victim down from the fourth floor to the third floor in an unsuccessful attempt to unlock a fingerprint-access locker, investigators aware of the case details said on Thursday.

The victim, an IIT graduate and UPSC aspirant, was allegedly raped and strangled with a mobile phone charger cable by suspect Rahul Meena, who was arrested Wednesday evening.

Meena, who hails from Rajasthan’s Alwar where he was wanted for sexually assaulting another woman Tuesday night, had been employed in the household and gained entry after exploiting a narrow window when her parents stepped out in the morning to go to the gym.

Knew where the key was

According to a senior police officer, Meena entered the house at 6.39am using a smart key that the family kept outside the main door near a shoe rack, which the domestic helps – including Meena – knew about.

Meena told cops that the victim was studying when he barged into her room. “He said that he straightaway demanded money to pay off debts, but she refused and asked him to leave. He argued, after which she started to call her father. Before she could, he first pressed her throat, then used a charger wire to strangle her, and then attacked her with a water bottle and a lamp on her head. She fell unconscious,” an officer said.

Raped when alive but unconcious

Meena then allegedly raped her “while she was still alive, but unconscious” and then dragged her down the staircase in an attempt to use her biometric details to open a fingerprint-protected safe. “He knew that the lock could only be opened using the fingerprints of the four family members. He then tried to use her finger to open the lock, but failed. Therefore, he broke it open using a heavy object,” a second officer said.

The accused took around ₹1.5-2 lakh in cash and jewellery worth around ₹10 lakh in a black backpack he found in the house and left. He told police he changed his bloodstained trousers and shoes.

Postmortem reveals horror

The postmortem examination has confirmed that the victim died due to strangulation following a violent assault, according to a senior official at AIIMS, where the victim’s autopsy was carried out. The body bore multiple external injuries, including abrasions and contusions on both arms, hands, and legs, along with multiple lacerations and abrasions on the face and a fracture of the nasal bone, the official, who asked not to be identified, said

Neck dissection revealed intramuscular haemorrhage in multiple muscles, and both horns of the thyroid cartilage were fractured. “The deceased died of strangulation following assault,” the official said. Multiple samples have been sent for forensic examination to ascertain whether sexual assault occurred.

Wanted for sexual abuse in Alwar

During the probe, police found that the accused reached Delhi after an hours-long showdown in an Alwar village. “He had allegedly sexually assaulted his friend’s wife, and she raised an alarm. Several villagers gathered, and he ran atop a hill called ‘Kali Pahari’ and hid there for the next two and a half hours until the villagers left,” an officer said.

Once the coast was clear, he came down, stole a bicycle, and rode to a wedding which he allegedly gatecrashed “to have dinner” around 1 am. He then took a lift on a motorcycle, reached the highway toward Delhi, and waited near a petrol pump. He hired a van at around 2am and reached Kailash Hills around 5.30am, where he waited for the victim’s parents to leave before entering at 6.39am.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/woman-walks-5-km-every-morning-but-nearly-falls-while-washing-her-face-neurologist-explains-the-puzzling-case-101776928084567.html

The appointment is for a period of three years or till the completion of trial of the case

The Centre has appointed noted lawyer Karambir Singh Nalwa as Special Public Prosecutor to lead the trial in Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony operator last year.

In an order notified on Wednesday, the Union Home Ministry said it exercised the powers under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 to appoint senior advocate Nalwa as Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for conducting trial and other matters related to the case on behalf of the agency in NIA special court, Jammu and the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pahalgam-attack-govt-appoints-karambir-singh-nalwa-special-public-prosecutor-to-lead-trial-3977404

A man narrowly escaped a serious accident while attempting a 165 kg bench press as the barbell slipped toward his neck, with a woman stepping in just in time to help him.

A clip showing a man nearly losing his life during a heavy gym lift has caught attention online. The man was supposedly attempting a 165 kg barbell bench press when things suddenly went wrong. What started as a normal lift quickly turned into a dangerous moment, leaving both him and the person assisting him shaken. The video highlights how risky such lifts can be, especially when proper support or safety measures are not in place.

The video opens with the man lying on a bench while a woman helps him get ready for the lift. Both of them hold the barbell and carefully bring it into position.

A clip showing a man nearly losing his life during a heavy gym lift has caught attention online. The man was supposedly attempting a 165 kg barbell bench press when things suddenly went wrong. What started as a normal lift quickly turned into a dangerous moment, leaving both him and the person assisting him shaken. The video highlights how risky such lifts can be, especially when proper support or safety measures are not in place.

The video opens with the man lying on a bench while a woman helps him get ready for the lift. Both of them hold the barbell and carefully bring it into position.

As they continue trying, the barbell slips lower and comes close to his neck. The man appears stuck and is seen pushing hard to free himself. The woman also keeps trying to lift the bar, but it does not move easily.

For a few tense seconds, both of them struggle with the weight. The situation looks serious as no one else is around to step in and help.

After putting in a lot of effort, the woman finally manages to push the barbell up just enough. The man quickly moves and rolls away from under it. He then gets off the bench, clearly shaken. Both of them appear shocked by what just happened and hug each other at the end of the clip.

The video led to many strong reactions online. A user wrote, “What an idiot, why is he asking her to give him a spot.” Another said, “That spotter is it even 40kgs in weight and he was expecting her to save him? What a moron.”

A person commented, “Complete idiot, ego lifting. Don’t put locks if you know you can’t lift it clean, have a spotter that actually has strength to spot you. He could have easily died there; that weight on neck could be fatal.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/man-chokes-as-165-kg-bench-press-falls-on-neck-narrow-escape-caught-on-camera-developing-muscles-not-brains-10050131.html

A techie earning over Rs 70 lakh a year revealed he had been moonlighting for years, sacrificing his social life and savings in pursuit of financial success

A young techie’s now-viral Reddit confession about earning over Rs 70 lakh a year while balancing two remote jobs has struck a chord online, highlighting the hidden emotional cost of India’s hustle culture. Despite the impressive salary, the engineer said the long hours left him burnt out, socially isolated and constantly prioritising work over personal life.

In a now-deleted post titled “Been moonlighting as a Platform Engineer — earning -70L/year — now stepping back,” the Reddit user explained that he had been working two jobs at the same time for more than a year.

One role was with an Indian startup on a contract basis, which took up more than four hours every day. The second job was with the Indian arm of a US-based company. Although that role was officially structured as an eight-hour workday, he said it frequently extended beyond 10 hours on weekdays.

Since both positions were remote, he was able to manage the workload for a while. However, the long hours eventually took a toll on his personal life.

“Both were WFH, so it was manageable — but my social life has basically been zero,” he wrote.

The engineer, who graduated in 2022 from a tier-3 college and came from a non-traditional engineering background, said moonlighting had been a part of his career for years. He revealed that he began working while still in college, initially taking up Android development jobs that paid between Rs 1000 and Rs 2000 a month.

Over time, he expanded his skills into Python, backend systems and platform engineering. He also contributed to Google Summer of Code both as a student and later as a mentor, and eventually landed roles at startups and a unicorn company despite not following the traditional big-tech path focused heavily on DSA interviews.

The Redditor said he recently decided to quit the Indian startup role after receiving a salary hike from the US-based company, which took his annual compensation there to around Rs 74.5 lakh.

The decision, he explained, was not only about reducing stress and reclaiming time for himself, but also about taxes. By staying below Rs 75 lakh in annual income, he said he would remain eligible for presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA, which would significantly reduce his tax liability.

“Otherwise, I’d need to earn Rs 20 lakh more just to make the extra work worth it,” he wrote, adding that it would otherwise feel like “working extra for taxes.”

Despite earning a substantial income, the engineer admitted that he has not built up traditional savings or investments in mutual funds or equities. Instead, he used his earnings to buy a Rs 1.3 crore property outright without taking a loan. He also said he is close to paying off a low-interest car loan.

Apart from that, he has purchased a gaming laptop and built a home gym, though he admitted that he has barely had time to use either. He added that he has taken a term insurance policy and health insurance for both himself and his parents.

Now that he has stepped back from one of the roles, he said he finally has time to think about other priorities in life, including health, relationships, and marriage.

“Most of my career has been about being at the right place at the right time. Now that I’ve dropped one job, I’m getting some time back, once the notice period is over, and thinking about life (marriage, health, social life),” he wrote.

The post triggered a flood of reactions online, with many users praising his hard work and others reflecting on the personal cost of such an intense lifestyle. One user wrote, “Example of how hard work and luck combined together can take you places. Great job OP. Go play that game you always wanted to play.”

“It’s like a fictional story😂😂” said another.

“Legend. Now retire brother – make kids and enjoy your life… Respect OP”, commented another.

“How did you get a contract job at the Indian startup. I am looking for such jobs where the working hours are low ideally <=6 even if it pays less am I want to prepare for competitive exam beside it is there any way to get such type of a gig,” asked one user.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/techie-earning-over-rs-70-lakh-a-year-reveals-ive-been-moonlighting-my-entire-career-bought-rs-1-3-crore-home-without-loan-ws-el-10050082.html

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Bengal’s identity lies not with Kaaba, but with Maa Kalibari, and alleged that the ‘aunt-nephew duo’ wants to erase Bengal’s existence.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath challenged Mamata Banerjee, saying that the saffron flag will fly in West Bengal on May 4. After that, the countdown for Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons will begin. Taking an indirect dig at Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee, he said the “aunt-nephew duo” wants to erase Bengal’s identity. Referring to remarks about Urdu, he said no one can dare to play with Bengali identity. TMC members should understand that Bengal’s identity is linked to Maa Kalibari, not Kaaba.

On Wednesday, CM Yogi addressed public meetings in Jorasanko, Chakdaha, and Udaynarayanpur assembly constituencies of West Bengal. Despite alleged intimidation by TMC workers and the scorching heat, thousands gathered – many carrying towels and umbrellas – to listen to him. A large number of people held posters reading, “Yogi ji, bring the bulldozer, we are with you.”

CM Yogi said, “The first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, and BJP is set to win 80% of the seats in this phase. When the results are declared on May 4, the saffron flag will be hoisted in Bengal. Bengal will once again establish its identity as ‘Sonar Bangla’. We must protect Bengal’s identity and stop those promoting extremism at all costs.”

He appealed to voters to use the power given to them by democracy wisely. Bengal stands at the threshold of change. Like Uttar Pradesh, if a double-engine government is formed, a new era of development, security, and cultural resurgence will begin in Bengal.

CM Yogi said, “Mamata Didi says ‘Khela Hobe’; I say, ‘This time the game ends and development begins.’” He alleged that the Bengal government has been looting funds sent by Prime Minister Modi for development, and that this will stop. Festivals like Ram Navami and Durga Puja will be celebrated with full enthusiasm, and anyone who creates obstacles will face consequences.

The strength of voters will free Bengal from hooliganism. “Amar Sonar Bangla will become TMC-free Bengal. Darkness will fade, the sun will rise, and the lotus will bloom.” Just as Article 370 was permanently removed in Kashmir, he said, Bengal must also be freed from the grip of TMC, Congress, and Communists, whom he accused of fostering lawlessness and mafia rule.

CM Yogi said, “Bengal has made an unparalleled contribution to nation-building through the penance, sacrifice, and efforts of great personalities born on its soil. In literature, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali was the first Indian work to win the Nobel Prize. At Gurudev’s heritage premises, statues or photos of him and Bharat Mata should have been installed, but TMC workers allegedly occupied the place and put up Mamata Didi’s photograph instead.” He termed this an insult to Indian values and Bengal’s identity.

CM Yogi said that Bengal’s land is fertile and rich in water resources. The youth here are talented, farmers are hardworking, and traders and entrepreneurs are diligent. There was a time when people from across the country came to Bengal for employment, but first Congress looted it, then Communists drained it, and for the past 15 years, TMC goons have been trying to push Bengal into poverty.

The land of knowledge is now lost in the darkness of unemployment. A state that was once the growth engine of India’s economy has seen over 7,000 large industries and thousands of MSME units shut down in the last decade.

More than 30 lakh youth have become unemployed. Production of paddy and fish has declined. Potato farmers are distressed due to lack of fair prices, yet Mamata Didi remains unmoved. TMC, he said, has become synonymous with terror, mafia rule, and corruption.

Highlighting Bengal’s condition, CM Yogi said that cow slaughter is rampant there. Mamata Didi, he alleged, is irritated by the name of Lord Ram. She does not permit Durga Puja freely and restricts processions, even imposing curfews during the festival.

TMC goons extort money from traders. He added that before 2017, Uttar Pradesh faced similar chaos – riots, curfews, and unrest. Members of TMC’s ally, the Samajwadi Party, used to collect “goonda tax.” Taking Lord Ram’s name would invite violence. But today, he said, such disturbances are not possible in UP. Festivals like Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Kanwar Yatra, Durga Puja, and Saraswati Puja are celebrated openly.

People of UP are now living in a new era of “Ram Rajya” – no curfew, no riots, everything is peaceful. If any mafia tries to rise, a bulldozer crushes their illegal empire and it is converted into housing for the poor. Those who threaten the safety of women and traders face strict consequences, and illegal encroachments on the poor are dealt with decisively.

CM Yogi said, “The whole world came to Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, and Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. Such respect for heritage is possible only under a double-engine government.”

While these cities have been developed and beautified in Uttar Pradesh, he alleged that in Bengal, TMC goons are encroaching upon the ancestral land of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. In UP, he said, any mafia attempting such acts would have properties of generations confiscated and used to build homes for the poor.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the current TMC government is playing with the sentiments of the people. He referred to a mayor who allegedly said that half the population in Bengal would be made to speak Urdu. In response, he said Urdu should be spoken where it is the medium of education, while Bangla should be spoken in Bengal.

Referring to a statement by a TMC MP – “Kaaba in the heart and Medina in the eyes” – he countered by saying that Bengal’s heart belongs to Mahakali, and its vision reflects Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Belur Math.

In Udaynarayanpur, CM Yogi met the mother of late BJP worker Subodh Jeet on stage and shared her grief. He said that by killing Subodh, TMC goons have created thousands like him. He added that he learned TMC workers were trying to prevent the BJP candidate’s rally – refusing permission for tents or arrangements.

He then decided to hold the rally standing in the open sun, postponing several other programs to attend. Calling BJP workers brave, he boosted their morale and said that after May 4, the countdown for TMC goons will begin and they will be answered. He saluted the enthusiasm of voters standing in the scorching heat.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/cm-yogi-adityanath-thunders-in-west-bengal-says-saffron-flag-will-wave-on-may-4-article-154142128

The Calcutta High Court paused an Election Commission order to identify nearly 800 Trinamool Congress workers and leaders ahead of the April 23 and 29 West Bengal Assembly polls, ruling that no preventive arrests can be made against them until June 30.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday paused an Election Commission order to identify nearly 800 Trinamool Congress workers and leaders ahead of the April 23 and 29 West Bengal Assembly polls, directing that they cannot be preventively arrested until June 30.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen said that while authorities were barred from carrying out advance arrests as a precautionary measure, action could still be taken if any individual was found involved in criminal activity.

“They cannot be arrested in advance,” the bench observed, while clarifying that law enforcement agencies remained free to proceed “as per law” in specific cases.

The matter came up during the hearing of a plea filed over fears that around 800 TMC members could face preventive detention ahead of polling after being identified on the basis of directions allegedly issued by the Election Commission.

During the proceedings, the Election Commission informed the court that the list had been prepared solely to prevent possible disturbances during elections and not to facilitate arrests.

Appearing for the poll body, advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu told the bench, “The commission has not directed anyone to be arrested. It refers to extreme situations. Action is to be taken only if someone obstructs the path of a peaceful election.”

Naidu said the exercise was based on confidential reports received by the Election Commission and argued that monitoring certain individuals was necessary to ensure peaceful polling.

“These measures were taken following certain confidential reports. If an eye is not kept on certain individuals, the situation could deteriorate,” he submitted.

Naidu further said that the poll body had the authority to adopt preventive measures to safeguard free and fair elections and that anyone facing unjust action could seek legal remedy.

Chief Justice Paul questioned the logic behind the move, noting that the Election Commission had already put in place extensive arrangements for neutral polling. “The commission has taken extensive steps for a peaceful and neutral election. What, then, is the logic behind issuing such a directive?” the bench asked.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/calcutta-high-court-halts-ec-plan-to-arrest-tmc-workers-2900101-2026-04-22

The plea was originally scheduled for a hearing today. However, with Justice Tejas Karia backing off, the plea will now be heard tomorrow.

Delhi High Court Justice Tejas Karia, on Wednesday, withdrew himself from hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) involving the former Chief Minister of Delhi and the Aap Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, Arvind Kejriwal, several other AAP leaders, and journalist-turned YouTuber, Ravish Kumar, for allegedly recording and circulating court proceedings in an unauthorised manner.

“This matter will not be heard by this bench. List tomorrow before a bench of which one of us (Justice Karia) is not a member,” the division bench also comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya said, as reported by Live Law.

Delhi High Court Justice Tejas Karia, on Wednesday, withdrew himself from hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) involving the former Chief Minister of Delhi and the Aap Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, Arvind Kejriwal, several other AAP leaders, and journalist-turned YouTuber, Ravish Kumar, for allegedly recording and circulating court proceedings in an unauthorised manner.

“This matter will not be heard by this bench. List tomorrow before a bench of which one of us (Justice Karia) is not a member,” the division bench also comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya said, as reported by Live Law.

In his plea, Singh requested the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. He also sought the removal of the videos from social media and alleged that Kejriwal, along with his associates, tarnished the image of the judiciary by circulating those videos.

The plea was originally scheduled to be heard today. However, with the recusal of Justice Karia, it will now be heard tomorrow. Justice DK Upadhyaya will determine the specific bench that will hear the PIL.

WHAT HAPPENED ON APRIL 13

Arvind Kejriwal, on April 13, questioned judicial neutrality while seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from a CBI matter related to the Delhi liquor policy case.

Calling the issue politically sensitive, he cited a “reasonable apprehension of bias,” pointing to the judge’s reported participation in events organised by Adhivakta Parishad, a lawyer’s body affiliated with the RSS.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/delhi-high-court-judgetejas-karia-recuses-from-pil-involving-arvind-kejriwal-2900075-2026-04-22

The case arose from a relationship in which the appellant, employed as domestic help in the respondent’s household for three years, alleged that the respondent established a sexual relationship with her on the pretext of marriage. The parties eventually married in March 2016, and a child was born the following month, in April 2016.

The Supreme Court has held that a man cannot be compelled to pay maintenance for a child once a DNA test conclusively establishes that he is not the biological father — even if the child was born during the subsistence of a valid marriage.

A Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice NK Singh upheld a Delhi High Court judgment and dismissed an appeal filed by a woman challenging the denial of maintenance to her daughter.

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

The case arose from a relationship in which the appellant, employed as domestic help in the respondent’s household for three years, alleged that the respondent established a sexual relationship with her on the pretext of marriage. The parties eventually married in March 2016, and a child was born the following month, in April 2016.

However, the marital relationship deteriorated rapidly, leading the woman to approach the court in July 2016. She sought interim maintenance of Rs 25,000 per month and a protection order for herself and her minor child against her estranged husband and his family.

TRIAL AND APPELLATE FINDINGS

During the proceedings, the Trial Court allowed the respondent’s request for a DNA test. The report concluded that the respondent was not the biological father of the child. Relying on this finding, and noting that the appellant had allegedly concealed her income, the Trial Court rejected her plea for interim maintenance.

The First Appellate Court upheld this decision, observing that the claim for the child’s maintenance was no longer being pressed and agreeing with the Trial Court on the issue of concealment.

DELHI HIGH COURT’S OBSERVATIONS

The Delhi High Court examined the legal presumption of legitimacy under Section 112 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which ordinarily protects children born during a valid marriage. The Court said that protection of this section would have been available to the appellant only if the DNA test, which has attained finality, had not been conducted, since the intent of the Section is to grant the presumption of legitimacy to every child.

Since the DNA test had been conducted with the appellant’s consent and its findings remained undisputed, the High Court ruled that the statutory presumption stood rebutted. It therefore denied maintenance for the child while remanding the issue of the woman’s maintenance to the Trial Court for reconsideration.

SUPREME COURT’S RULING

Affirming the High Court’s decision, the Supreme Court acknowledged the judiciary’s general reluctance to order DNA tests in paternity disputes. However, it emphasised that the present case was distinct, as the test had already been conducted, accepted by the parties, and had attained finality.

The Court held that when such conclusive scientific evidence is available, it must prevail over the statutory presumption under Section 112. Consequently, the respondent could not be held liable to pay maintenance for a child proven not to be his.

Finding no legal infirmity in the High Court’s reasoning, the Court dismissed the appeal as “bereft of merit.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/man-not-liable-to-pay-maintenance-if-dna-test-proves-he-is-not-father-of-the-child-supreme-court-2900198-2026-04-23

India Today carried out a sting operation to find out if the Schedule H drug – Pregabalin – can be obtained over-the-counter in Mumbai. This is what our reporter found.

Recently, a video went viral showing a man in an extremely disoriented state on a road in Maharashtra’s Thane. Rumours said he was under the influence of a so-called ‘zombie drug’. However, police later clarified that the man overdosed on Pregabalin, a medicine used to treat nerve pain. The medicine is a Schedule H drug, which means it can only be sold with a prescription from a registered doctor and breaching it is illegal. India Today conducted a sting operation in Mumbai’s Mira Road–Bhayandar area to see whether this prescription-only drug was being sold over-the-counter.

Our reporter went to as many as four medical stores, and each one was openly selling the Schedule H drug without following the rules. They were being shown the name of the medicine on a mobile phone, and that was good enough to obtain it.

At the first medical store, our reporter asked for Pregabalin by simply displaying the name ‘Pregabalin 300 mg’ on his mobile phone. The chemist said the 300 mg version was unavailable but offered 75 mg tablets and was ready to sell them without asking for a prescription.

Another medical store had the 300 mg tablets. Therefore, our reporter not only purchased them but even prepared a bill before he left the store. Here too, the medicine was available without any prescription.

The third medical store also did not have 300 mg tablets but offered 75 mg ones. The shopkeeper acknowledged that the medicine is used to treat nerve pain but still agreed to sell it without asking for a prescription.

At the fourth medical store, Pregabalin 75 mg tablets were offered without a prescription. The shopkeeper even suggested taking four 75 mg tablets as an alternative to a 300 mg dose and advised buying 150 mg tablets instead, indicating how easily such medicines can be accessed.

The India Today reporter spoke to neurosurgeon Dr Adil Chagla, who explained the grave impacts of Pregabalin, without medical supervision.

He said that the medicine affects sensations in the nervous system and is typically prescribed for seizures.

“These drugs affect sensations in the nervous system. They were originally developed for seizures but are also prescribed to reduce nerve pain. Without proper medical supervision, misuse can be dangerous,” he told India Today TV, cautioning that selling such drugs without a prescription is illegal.

He also called for ethical responsibility from chemists, stressing that a person’s life is associated with the tablet.

In the Thane case, wherein the viral video was recorded earlier last week, the man – identified as Sameer Rajendra Rawal, 22 – told police that he had been addicted to Pregabalin tablets for the past two years. A labourer from Nepal’s Achham district, he came to Mumbai a month ago in search of work and currently lives on a footpath outside Borivali railway station in Mumbai.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pregabalin-sold-without-prescription-in-mumbai-thane-viral-zombie-drugs-video-india-today-sting-operation-seizure-nerve-2900136-2026-04-22

The government notified the long-awaited rules to operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, laying down the procedural framework for implementation and enabling the creation of an online gaming authority. The provisions are set to come into effect from May 1.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) on Wednesday notified the much-awaited rules providing the procedural framework to operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which will also facilitate the creation of an online gaming authority.

Most online games – if they are not real money games, which are already and explicitly banned under the provisions – will not mandatorily need to be registered or determined, IT Secretary S Krishnan said.

Oversight will be triggered only in certain circumstances.

Esports, however, will require mandatory registration as specified in the parent Act.

“…We wanted to, as far as possible, keep this entire thing as regulation-light as possible. Most games, which are not money games, should be able to operate with no obligation to necessarily either be determined or registered. So that entire process is optional,” he said.

“We are not obligating anybody to apply to determine whether it is an online money game, or online social game, or esports.”

That said, such ‘determination’ will be triggered in three situations.

The first trigger is where it is done suo moto by the authority, and the second is where it involves esports games.

“And third, the central government may notify any specific category of social games, which, as of now, we have not notified anything specifically,” Krishnan said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indias-new-online-gaming-rules-notified-effective-may-1-2025-2900114-2026-04-22

After the assault in Alwar, Rahul travelled to Delhi, where the murder took place.

A 22-year-old engineering graduate and UPSC aspirant was found murdered at her home in southeast Delhi’s East of Kailash on Wednesday.

The woman, the daughter of an Indian Revenue Service officer, was found by her family. Preliminary inquiries suggest she was sexually assaulted before being strangled with a mobile phone charger cable, according to police.

A 19-year-old former domestic help, Rahul, has been arrested from a hotel in the Dwarka area in connection with the case. He had been dismissed from the household more than a month ago because he had a habit of borrowing money from other servants and never repaying them. Police tracked his movements after the incident was reported, leading to his capture at the local hotel.

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CCTV Footage Of Suspect | Month After Being Fired, Help Rapes, Kills IRS Officer’s Daughter In Delhi https://t.co/0ZzThTWZ7R pic.twitter.com/JIakc80ZPm

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 22, 2026

While probing the incident, police found troubling details about the accused. According to officials, just hours before committing the crime in Delhi, Rahul allegedly raped another woman in his village in Alwar.

The survivor in Alwar informed her family about the incident. Rahul was reportedly friends with her husband, and they frequently played Ludo together. The family had previously lived as tenants in the Alwar victim’s house, and there were existing links between the two families.

After the sexual assault in Alwar, Rahul travelled to Delhi, where the murder took place. Police stated that the motive behind the killing is still under investigation. Officials are currently examining whether resentment following his dismissal from his job may have played a role in the attack.

On the possible motive for the murder in Delhi, Joint Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar said, “If you are asking about the motive behind the incident, he committed another crime, a similar offence, in Alwar just yesterday. It is possible that he possesses a criminal mindset of this nature, something that will be further confirmed through interrogation.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-irs-daughter-murder-east-of-kailash-2-days-2-rapes-1-murder-ex-house-helps-crime-trail-from-alwar-to-delhi-11395167?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

A record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces, comprising nearly 2.5 lakh personnel, have been deployed across West Bengal for the polls.

Voters in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu headed to the polling booths on Thursday, amid tight security arrangements and a high-stakes battle between the National Democratic Alliance and the opposition bloc.

Voting for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly began at 7:00 am and will continue till 6:00 pm in a single-phase election. In Bengal, polling is being done in two phases with 152 constituencies lined up today. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

In Tamil Nadu, the election battle is shaping up primarily between the ruling Congress–DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the BJP–AIADMK coalition. However, the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has added a new dimension, turning the contest into a multi-cornered race.

As many as 4,023 candidates are contesting across the state, including several prominent political figures. Chief Minister MK Stalin is seeking a second consecutive term from Kolathur in Chennai, while his son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is contesting from Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni.

On the opposition front, AIADMK chief and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting from Edappadi in Salem district. Vijay, making his electoral debut, is contesting from two constituencies—Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East.

West Bengal

According to the Election Commission, over 3.60 crore electors are eligible to vote in this phase, including around 1.75 crore women and 465 third-gender voters.

For Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the opposition, the BJP, it is a desperate battle amid the political firestorm over the voter list revision.

A record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces, comprising nearly 2.5 lakh personnel, have been deployed across the state for the polls, with over 8,000 polling stations identified as highly sensitive. The Election Commission has placed districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Birbhum and Purba Bardhaman under special surveillance.

The first phase assumes political significance because it includes all 54 seats in north Bengal, the region that powered the BJP’s rise in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and helped it emerge as the principal challenger to the TMC in the 2021 assembly polls.

Source : https://www.ndtvprofit.com/india/assembly-elections-2025-polling-starts-for-first-phase-in-bengal-single-round-in-tamil-nadu-11396061

The court highlighted that the allegations “cannot be looked into in isolation, when there are serious criminal antecedents against the applicant”.

A local court has denied interim protection from arrest to TCS employee Danish Shaikh in another case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible conversion at the local unit of the firm, noting that there are “serious criminal antecedents” against the accused.

Citing the preliminary stage of the investigation, the court also stated that the purported offence has wide social repercussions affecting law and order in the society.

“The allegations in the FIR suggest that Shaikh had indulged in deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of the informant,” said Additional Sessions Court Judge V V Kathare.

The court highlighted that the allegations “cannot be looked into in isolation, when there are serious criminal antecedents against the applicant”.

The 31-year-old accused is already arrested in one of the nine FIRs registered in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation and religious harassment case at the Nashik unit of TCS . He is currently in judicial custody.

He has requested interim bail in the case registered at the Mumbai Naka Police Station in Nashik until the main plea was decided.

Opposing the plea, the prosecution sought time to file a response.

The court on Tuesday refused interim relief and directed the prosecution to file its response by April 27.

The court acknowledged that the FIR “reveals uttering of the specific words by the applicant with the deliberate intent to wound the religious feeling of the informant”.

“The offence charged is having wide social repercussions affecting the law and order situation in the society,” the court said, adding that the investigation is at a nascent stage and his release would certainly affect the progress of the investigation.

In this specific case, Shaikh has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 75 (Sexual harassment), 299 (Deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings), among others.

The SIT is probing a total of nine cases registered in connection with the alleged exploitation, attempt of forceful conversion, hurting religious sentiments, molestation and mental harassment of female employees at the TCS unit.

Eight employees, including a woman HR manager of the Nashik TCS unit, have been arrested so far.

The other arrested accused have also moved bail applications, which will be heard in the coming days.

Source : https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/tcs-case-no-interim-relief-to-arrested-employee-in-related-matter-court-cites-criminal-antecedents-11395151

In an Instagram video, a job seeker claimed that her request for Saturday flexibility was met with a lecture on corporate devotion from HR.

A job seeker’s viral video has reignited the debate over “hustle culture” after a promising interview ended abruptly. An Instagram user recently shared a bizarre encounter where a simple request for Saturday work-from-home flexibility was met with a lecture on corporate devotion. When HR claimed they only hire people with a “CEO-level attitude,” the candidate’s witty retort about the actual job title prompted the recruiter to hang up.

“Asked for WFH on Saturdays… got told they need a ‘CEO-level attitude,’ Instagram user Udita wrote. She added, “If setting boundaries disqualifies me, I’m okay missing out — because real leadership isn’t about overworking, it’s about knowing your worth.”

In a now-viral video, Udita recounted a recent job interview experience that took a sharp turn into absurdity. Throughout the initial conversation, everything seemed to be progressing smoothly until the discussion shifted to the company’s rigid six-day workweek policy. Seeking a bit of flexibility, Udita politely asked whether there was any possibility of a work-from-home arrangement on Saturdays.

The recruiter’s response was swift and dismissive. The HR representative not only rejected the request but also went a step further, claiming the company was exclusively looking for candidates with a “CEO-level attitude”. Stunned and frustrated by the high-pressure rhetoric for what was presumably a standard role, Udita fired back, asking whether the position she was interviewing for was actually for the CEO. Rather than providing an answer, the HR allegedly hung up the phone.

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How did social media react?

An individual posted, “Well said, people usually tend to become submissive not just at the interview level but also at the workplace, but the courage you showed is remarkable!!! Keep going.” Another commented, “I don’t think CEOs do as much work as normal employees.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/indian-student-in-us-plans-to-return-home-despite-rs-1-12-crore-job-offer-in-austin-im-too-depressed-101776860560936.html

 

PM Modi paid tribute to the Pahalgam terror attack victims on its first anniversary, asserting that India will never bow to terrorism and the sacrifices will not be forgotten.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary, paying homage to those who lost their lives in the brutal incident and expressing solidarity with their families.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister mentioned, “Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.”

Reaffirming India’s firm stand against terrorism, PM Modi added, “As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as tributes were paid across Jammu and Kashmir to commemorate the victims of the April 22 attack that had shocked the nation.

MEMORIAL ERECTED TO HONOUR 26 VICTIMS

According to news agency ANI, a memorial has been constructed in the hill resort of Pahalgam as a tribute to the 25 tourists and a local ponywallah who lost their lives in the terror attack last year.

The black marble structure, engraved with the names of the 26 victims, stands along the banks of the Lidder River near the meadows of Baisaran Valley, serving as a solemn reminder of the tragedy.

Authorities have stepped up security across Kashmir ahead of the first anniversary, deploying additional police and paramilitary personnel in and around Pahalgam.

Security checks have been intensified, and surveillance has increased to ensure a peaceful commemoration of the victims.

Senior officials were quoted as saying that arrangements have been put in place for the memorial event, which is expected to be attended by political leaders, civil society representatives, families of the victims and local stakeholders.

Three months after the incident, three Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack were eliminated by security forces in a gunfight in the Srinagar hills.

However, investigations into the case continued, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filing a chargesheet in mid-December against seven accused.

The chargesheet named Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), and a handler operating from across the border, among others, in connection with the attack.

POLITICAL RESPONSE AND RESOLUTION IN ASSEMBLY

In a significant political development following the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government convened a special session of the Legislative Assembly on April 28, 2025.

The House unanimously passed a resolution expressing shock and anguish over the incident and resolved to fight resolutely against attempts to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress in the Union Territory.

The resolution reflected a political consensus against terrorism and emphasised the need to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

TOURISM SHOWING SIGNS OF RECOVERY

Despite the impact of the attack on the region’s tourism sector, stakeholders have indicated signs of recovery in recent months.

ANI reported that sustained outreach and promotional efforts led by the National Conference government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have helped revive tourist confidence.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-remembers-pahalgam-terror-attack-victims-anniversary-india-will-never-bow-to-terror-10048950.html

On the eve of the Pahalgam attack’s first anniversary, the Indian Army warned against terrorism while victims’ families continue to face emotional struggles.

The Indian Army on Tuesday issued a stern warning to perpetrators of terrorism on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, as families of the victims said they are still struggling to cope with their loss.

Paying tribute to those killed in the attack at Baisaran valley, a memorial has been erected in the hill resort of Pahalgam. Built of black marble along the banks of the Lidder river, it bears the names of the 26 victims – 25 tourists and local ponywallah Adil Shah.

For the family of N Ramachandran, one of the victims, little has changed. The 65-year-old was on a holiday with his family when he was gunned down in the April 22 attack that shocked the country and led to India launching Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan.

His daughter Arathi R Menon, who witnessed the killing, said, “What more to say. I don’t want to say anything more. A year has gone by, everything is the same. So, I don’t want to comment anything about it. Right now I am not in a state to comment anything. I am so sorry.” She added she will return to Dubai after spending time in Kochi over the past year.

Ahead of the anniversary, the Army said in a post on X, “When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is Served. India Stands United. #SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst.” The message was accompanied by a poster reading, “SOME BOUNDARIES SHOULD NEVER BE CROSSED” and “INDIA DOES NOT FORGET.”

The attack also claimed the life of Lt Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer who was on his honeymoon. His father Rajesh Narwal said the family has been grappling with the loss, calling his son’s death a loss not just for the family but for the nation.

Families of other victims continue to deal with trauma. Manjunath Rao’s relatives said the memories remain vivid, while the family of IT professional Bharath Bushan described being in “deep distress.” Pragati Jagdale, who lost her husband Santosh Jagdale and his friend Kaustubh Ganbote, said, “We were all happy, taking pictures at Baisaran Valley when suddenly gunshots were heard. Within moments, terrorists targeted my husband… and killed them.”

Her daughter Asavari said the trauma persists. “If there is a loud noise… we panic — wondering whether it is another attack. There is always a sense of fear,” she said, adding that no treatment can erase the memory.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/one-year-on-pahalgam-attack-haunts-families-as-army-sends-strong-message-article-154130519

Guwahati Police busted an escort racket and arrested three accused, including Abhiranjan Das, from Dispur on April 20. According to police, victims were lured through fake OLX job offers and coerced into illegal activities. At least eight women were rescued, while one victim alleged prolonged exploitation, harassment, and blackmail using explicit recordings, officials said.

In a major crackdown, three individuals were arrested in Guwahati for operating an escort service racket that lured victims with fake job offers through OLX.

In a major crackdown, city police have exposed a disturbing escort service racket operating across Guwahati, targeting young women who come to the city for education and employment opportunities. Acting on a complaint, the police arrested three accused—Abhiranjan Das, Priyanka Roy, and Minakshi Roy—from Dispur.

According to investigators, the racket lured unsuspecting young women by offering fake job opportunities through OLX, often advertising positions such as personal assistants. Once contact was established, victims were manipulated and gradually pressurized into the illegal network.

The accused allegedly subjected the women to severe physical and mental harassment. Police revealed that Priyanka Roy, identified as Abhiranjan Das’s girlfriend, and Minakshi Roy, his wife, played active roles in trapping the victims into the racket.

The case came to light after one victim, who suffered exploitation for nearly one and a half years, gathered the courage to approach the police authorities. She told police that she had been in urgent need of money and had turned to OLX in search of a job. After responding to an offer, she was informed that the role required establishing physical relationships with the employer. Over time, she was psychologically manipulated.

Initially placed in a massage parlour, the victim was later pushed into escort services. Police sources revealed that the women were paid between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000 per month, while the main accused, Abhiranjan Das, allegedly earned between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹3 lakh monthly from the operation.

The investigation was led by DCP Central, Guwahati IPS officer Shambhabi Mishra, who confirmed that the accused used WhatsApp to communicate with clients and coordinate activities.

Following a raid based on a case registered at the Cyber Police Station (Case No. 7/26), police rescued eight girls, including two who had been recently recruited into the network.

According to police sources, the racket targeted young women, particularly those who had come to the city for higher education, luring them with financial inducements. Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly exploited the victims’ financial vulnerability and coerced them into providing escort services to clients.

Police said the main accused, along with his associates Priyanka Ray and Minakshi Ray, not only facilitated such activities but also subjected at least one victim to severe harassment and blackmail.

The victim was allegedly forced into physical relations and was secretly recorded in compromising situations. The accused then used these explicit photos and videos to blackmail her and control her movements. Sources said the victim was kept under constant surveillance, including location tracking, restricting her freedom and forcing her to attend clients against her will.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/guwahati-police-bust-escort-racket-using-olx-job-scam-3-arrested

This time, the revision has taken around 89 lakh voters off the list, the number corresponding to roughly 11.6 per cent of the electorate.

The biggest and most explosive issue in the West Bengal Assembly elections this time has been the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists — an exercise the ruling Trinamool Congress alleges is politically motivated. The Opposition BJP and the Commission have denied the allegation and now the question everyone is asking is whether the revision could help topple the three-term government of Mamata Banerjee.

Bengal has 294 assembly seats, and the majority mark stands at 148. In 2021, the Trinamool had won 215 seats to the BJP’s 77. The Left and “Others” had won one each.

This time, the revision has taken around 89 lakh voters off the list, the number corresponding to roughly 11.6 per cent of the state’s electorate.

The figure is slightly more than the winning margin of the Trinamool Congress in 2021. Banerjee’s party had polled 10 per cent more votes — 48 per cent to the BJP’s 38 per cent.

The SIR impact, figures show, have pared down the voter list by more than 11.6 per cent in multiple districts — among them West Burdwan and South Dinajpur, where the Trinamool’s winning margin is slim and North Kolkata, where the deletion is almost as much as the winning margin.

In the districts where largescale voter deletions happened, the Trinamool won 129 of the 156 seats.

Will SIR affect the chances of the ruling party on these seats? This is what the Trinamool has been extremely vocal about and cites as evidence of deliberate tinkering.

A simulation indicates that if all the deleted voters happen to be Trinamool supporters, the BJP could end up with 174 seats. But a little tweaking of the scenario — deleting the seats on which there have been close fights and dialing down anti-incumbency, the BJP appears to gain 129 seats. And a one per cent swing against the Trinamool gives the BJP 160 seats.

Considering that the deleted voters were Trinamool-BJP supporters in a 80:20 ratio and including a 1.5 per cent swing against the ruling party, there would be 54 seats up for grabs. This would give a projection of 128 seats for the BJP. A 3 per cent swing, however, could give the BJP 177 seats and place it in a position to comfortably form government.

In case the political divide is a more conservative 70-30 and the swing against the Trinamool 1.5 per cent, that could give the BJP 116 seats.

So what could be the possible scenario out of these multiple possibilities? This, and other questions were up for discussion between experts and reporters on the ground. Opinions varied widely, with some declaring it to be 2011 re-run with BJP in place of Trinamool. Others declared that the anger within the families where a member was knocked out of the voter list would swing the election in Trinamool’s favour.

Yashwant Deshmukh of C Voter pointed out that in Bihar, the BJP had lost in the districts where SIR had taken the maximum toll. On the other hand, it is also a fact that in most cases, the sitting MLA is not given another term.

See more

Watch LIVE | #TheNumbersGame with @rahulkanwal: SIR and other factors that matter in #BengalElections https://t.co/qAecqeZpcV

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 21, 2026

But there is also the possibility that if the deletion of Muslim voters is huge – and obviously they are not Muslim voters – this can harm the Trinamool in north Bengal and the Muslim-dominated areas, said one of the experts.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sir-impact-on-bengal-polls-the-numbers-game-with-rahul-kanwal-11390272?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

Frustrated by the standstill, the woman left her vehicle, walked directly into the centre of the march, and engaged in a heated argument with police officers.

A commuter in Mumbai confronted Maharashtra’s Water Resources Minister, Girish Mahajan, and local police after a political rally caused severe traffic congestion in the Worli area of the city.

The disruption occurred during a protest march organised by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), operating under the Mahayuti alliance. The demonstration in the Worli area was directed at the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, specifically the Congress and other opposition groups. The BJP organised the march to protest the recent rejection of the Women’s Reservation Bill at the Centre, which failed to pass due to a lack of a majority.

Scheduled for 5 pm, the march saw participation from a large number of women raising slogans against the MVA. The designated route began at Worli’s Jambhori Maidan and concluded at the Dome. The Jambhori Maidan precinct is a densely populated neighbourhood housing residents of the BDD chawls, and the roads typically carry heavy traffic in both directions.

A delay in the commencement of the protest led to massive traffic gridlock throughout the district. A local woman, who was driving to collect her child from school, found her vehicle stranded in the congestion for several hours.

Frustrated by the standstill, the woman left her vehicle, walked directly into the centre of the march, and engaged in a heated argument with Mahajan. Raising strong questions about the public inconvenience caused by political rallies, she used harsh language and demanded that the crowd disperse, shouting at the demonstrators to “Get out of here!”

Pointing out the availability of the nearby open space, she shouted at Mahajan, “There are hundreds of people waiting. There is an empty ground there!”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/viral-video-get-out-of-here-angry-mumbai-woman-confronts-state-minister-at-rally-11390029?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

G Parameshwara had reportedly placed a friendly wager of Rs 500 with the district deputy commissioner.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has landed in trouble after a Bengaluru court ordered the registration of a case against him over placing an alleged Rs 500 bet during a kabaddi tournament.

The controversy stems from a statement made by the minister himself during a state-level, pre-university college kabaddi tournament held in Tumakuru. Parameshwara had reportedly placed a friendly wager of Rs 500 with the District Deputy Commissioner, Shubha Kalyan, predicting that the Vijayapura team would win the match. However, the Dakshina Kannada team emerged victorious, defeating Vijayapura 36-26.

While distributing prizes to the winning team, the minister publicly acknowledged the bet.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/g-parameshwara-case-ordered-against-karnataka-home-minister-for-rs-500-kabaddi-bet-11390182?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

The survivor alleged a “scary” workplace where accused employees acted with impunity under senior officials’ protection. She cited an instance where one accused made derogatory religious remarks, questioning how many wives a god had and how a god could not know about his own child.

She joined the Nashik branch of Tata Consultancy Services as an associate in July 2024. Little did she know that, during her time at the office, she would be subjected to ridicule over her gods, her body shape and size.

But it didn’t stop there. One day, one of the arrested accused, Shafi Sheikh, sat next to her and began rubbing his feet against hers. He then went on to touch her private parts on the pretext of using the keypad next to her. Shocked, she moved away. Shafi smiled weakly, rolled his eyes, and left.

She is one of more than a dozen women who have filed complaints alleging sexual harassment in the workplace and forced religious conversion and is the fifth survivor to come forward. Nine FIRs have been registered based on the survivors’ complaints.

The survivor alleged that the workplace environment at the Nashik centre had become “scary”, adding that a group of accused employees operated with impunity and were shielded by senior officials.

She further alleged that senior-level officials, including the Assistant General Manager for Operations, discouraged employees from escalating complaints, effectively protecting the accused.

The survivor claimed that she was subjected to inappropriate touching, while also being targeted with remarks about her gods and goddesses, including statements questioning religious beliefs and characterising deities in a derogatory manner.

Detailing her background, the survivor stated that she has been employed as an Associate at the TCS Nashik branch since July 12, 2024.

At present, she works in a team handling tele-calling operations for bank credit card holders with outstanding dues.

She recalled that the harassment began as early as September 2024 during a training session. She alleged that another arrested accused Asif Ansari stood in front of her without provocation, stared at her chest and made a sexually suggestive remark. Feeling humiliated, she walked away.

She further claimed that Ansari, along with co-accused, Tausif Attar, would frequently stare at her body and pass inappropriate comments about her appearance.

However, the survivor also alleged that the harassment was not just limited to physical misconduct.

In February 2026, she claimed that Attar made derogatory remarks about Hindu religious texts and deities. According to her statement, he approached her and said he had also read the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

She alleged that he then went on to question how many wives a God had, how a God could not know about his own child, and made other such derogatory remarks.

Summing up her ordeal, the survivor stated that between September 2024 and February 2026, multiple accused employees — including Asif Ansari and Shafi Sheikh — made obscene comments about her body and engaged in behaviour that caused her shame and distress.

So far, eight arrests have been made, including a woman and now-suspended operations manager Ashwini Chainani. The ninth accused, Nida Khan, a telecaller who has also been suspended, is in Mumbai. She has applied for interim anticipatory bail, which the court has denied.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tcs-nashik-faces-harassment-religious-discrimination-allegations-2899726-2026-04-22

In Gujarat, a man survived a murder attempt allegedly plotted by his wife and her lover. After over 100 calls, they hired a contract killer who abducted him and threw him into a canal. So, how did he survive? Read more to know…

A chilling murder conspiracy in Gujarat’s Vadodara has come to light after a man miraculously survived an attempt on his life, allegedly orchestrated by his own wife and her lover. Police have arrested six accused, including the wife, in connection with the case.

The incident took place in the Chhani area, where Girish Patel, a paan parlour owner, was abducted on April 15 while returning home. According to police, he was forcibly taken into a car on the Chhani-Sokhda Road by a group of men, threatened with a knife, and driven around multiple locations before being thrown into a canal near Sojitra.

Believing him to be dead, the attackers fled the scene. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Girish managed to cling to a structure inside the canal and struggled for nearly three hours before emerging alive the next morning.

Initial investigations led to the arrest of five suspects within days. As the probe deepened, police uncovered a larger conspiracy involving Girish’s wife, Falguni Patel. Investigators revealed that she had been in a relationship with Kaushik Sharma, a salon owner from Kheda, and the two allegedly plotted to eliminate Girish, whom they saw as an obstacle.

Police said Kaushik Sharma hired a contract killer, Narendra alias Nikul Goswami, for Rs35,000 to carry out the murder. Call records showed frequent communication between Falguni and Kaushik, with over 100 calls exchanged in just two days prior to the incident. Another accused, Rudra Rawal, was allegedly tasked with surveillance.

During the abduction, the assailants also robbed Girish of his ATM card and cash, though they refrained from using the card to avoid CCTV identification.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/gujarat/story/gujarat-man-survives-wifes-murder-conspiracy-six-arrested-in-vadodara-2899714-2026-04-22

Referring to earlier rulings, the high court said that the Maternity Benefit Act, being a law enacted by Parliament, would prevail over any executive instructions or provisions in the financial handbook. In case of inconsistency, the provisions of the Act would have an overriding effect.

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday held that a second maternity leave cannot be denied merely because it is sought within two years of the first, observing that statutory rights under the law override provisions of the financial handbook.

The order was passed by Justice Karunesh Singh Pawar of the high court’s Lucknow bench while hearing a petition by Manisha Yadav, who had challenged an April 4, 2026 order rejecting her request for a second maternity leave.

The petitioner argued that the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 is a beneficial legislation and its provisions must take precedence. The state government, however, relied on Rule 153(1) of the financial handbook to contend that a minimum gap of two years between two maternity leaves is mandatory.

Referring to earlier rulings, the high court said that the Maternity Benefit Act, being a law enacted by Parliament, would prevail over any executive instructions or provisions in the financial handbook. In case of inconsistency, the provisions of the Act would have an overriding effect.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/second-maternity-leave-cannot-be-denied-on-the-ground-of-a-two-year-gap-allahabad-high-court-2899712-2026-04-22

Pappu Yadav’s comment came against the backdrop of the women’s reservation bill failing to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. With 298 votes in favour and 230 against, the bill fell short of the 352 votes required to amend the Constitution.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav has sparked a controversy by allegedly insinuating that most women in India cannot enter politics without providing sexual favours to men in senior political positions.

“In India, women are called goddesses. But unfortunately, they will never be respected in the country. I hold the system and the larger society responsible for this,” he said on Monday, adding that 90% of women cannot start their political career without “entering the room of politicians,” a remark widely interpreted as implying sexual favours.

Following his remark, the Bihar State Women Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to the Purnea MP, seeking his response within three days.

However, he defended himself, claiming he had photographs of Sajal Jha, a commission member, with several leaders and said he would make them public. “One should not throw stones while living in a glass house,” he said in reference to Jha. Moreover, hours after receiving the notice, Yadav fell ill due to heatstroke while campaigning in West Bengal’s Malda.

Yadav’s remark came against the backdrop of the women’s reservation bill failing to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. With 298 votes in favour and 230 against, the bill fell short of the 352 votes required to amend the Constitution.

The defeat marked a rare instance in recent years when Opposition parties managed to unite and block a key government proposal, even as the NDA accused them of undermining a landmark reform aimed at increasing women’s representation in politics.

Meanwhile, leaders from both the Congress and the BJP criticised Yadav over his remarks.

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed called Yadav a “third-rate MP” and urged her party not to support him. “There are many of us who have worked hard to reach where we are. Pappu Yadav must apologise immediately for these disgraceful and derogatory remarks against women,” she wrote on X.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pappu-yadav-90-women-enter-mens-room-for-politics-sexist-remark-sparks-row-2899599-2026-04-21

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rajveer (21) and Vivek Banjara (19), both from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Further investigation into the network and its links is currently underway.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested two operatives linked to Pakistan-based ISI proxy Shahzad Bhatti for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to carry out targeted killings and grenade attacks across the Delhi-NCR region.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rajveer (21) and Vivek Banjara (19), both originally from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Further investigation into the network and its links is currently underway.

HOW THE OPERATION UNFOLDED

Acting on specific intelligence inputs that Bhatti, along with other ISI-linked operatives, was planning grenade attacks and targeted killings in the NCR region, the Special Cell initiated a detailed investigation last month.

Acting on credible intelligence inputs, the Special Cell traced Banjara to Gwalior and arrested him on April 16. He was subsequently remanded to five days of police custody. His interrogation led to the arrest of Rajveer on April 18 from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi.

During the operation, the police recovered one pistol, six live cartridges, and two mobile phones containing incriminating videos and voice messages.

RAJVEER RADICALISED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Investigations revealed that Rajveer had been radicalised and recruited through social media by an individual known as ‘Rana Bhai’, an associate of Bhatti. Rajveer later introduced Banjara to both ‘Rana Bhai’ and Bhatti.

In March 2026, Bhatti instructed Rajveer to send Banjara to Ahmedabad to collect weapons. However, the delivery did not materialise.

On April 9, acting on Bhatti’s instructions, Rajveer and Vivek travelled to Amritsar, where they received a pistol, 15–20 live cartridges, and Rs 20,000. The weapon was intended for an attack on a club in Zirakpur, which had reportedly received extortion threats from Bhatti. On April 11, Rajveer attempted to open fire at the club but failed after the weapon malfunctioned.

After spending a few days in the Delhi-NCR region, Rajveer travelled to Faridkot, where he obtained another pistol and six live cartridges from one of Bhatti’s associates. He then returned to Delhi with plans to target a prominent hotel, but was apprehended on April 18.

SECOND MAJOR OPERATION IN A WEEK

The arrests came days after another Special Cell operation busted an alleged interstate espionage, terror, and arms module directly linked to the Pakistani intelligence agency.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-isi-module-busted-in-delhi-planned-grenade-attacks-killings-2899473-2026-04-21

The video, which surfaced on April 15, showed a man standing in a dizzy condition in the Bhayander area of Maharashtra’s Thane city. Taking note of the clip, the crime detection branch was directed to trace the person and verify claims made on social media that he was under the influence of the alleged ‘zombie drug,’ officials said.

Police on Tuesday clarified that a man seen in a viral video in a disoriented state on a road in Thane was not under the influence of a so-called “zombie drug,” but had taken an overdose of Pregabalin, a medicine used to treat nerve pain.

The video, which surfaced on April 15, showed a man standing in a dizzy condition in the Bhayander area of Maharashtra’s Thane city.

Taking note of the clip, the crime detection branch was directed to trace the person and verify claims made on social media that he was under the influence of the alleged “zombie drug”, the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar police said in a release.

“During the investigation, it was found that the video was recorded at around 10 pm on April 13 and the person seen in the footage was identified as Sameer Rajendra Rawal (22), a labourer hailing from Achham district in Nepal and currently living on a footpath outside Borivali Railway Station in Mumbai,” the police said.

The man was traced to a road in Bhayander on April 17. During questioning, he disclosed that he had come from Nepal last month in search of work and had been addicted to consuming Pregabalin tablets for the last two years, the release said.

“He informed that he used to purchase a strip of 10 tablets for Rs 100 and consume them for intoxication,” it said.

After coming to Bhayander, he procured the tablets from a medical shop in Navghar without any prescription. On April 13, he consumed five Pregabalin tablets at once. Subsequently, while walking in the Bhayander area, he felt dizzy and was unable to move, which left him standing in one place, the police said.

“It has been established that the incident occurred due to excessive consumption of Pregabalin, which is a Schedule-H drug used for nerve pain. No substance such as a ‘zombie drug’ was involved,” they said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/thane-zombie-drug-video-police-reveal-reality-behind-viral-clip-maharashtra-news-2899433-2026-04-21

The interstate gang allegedly sold children outside Gujarat for Rs 1-1.5 lakh.

Gujarat Police have dismantled an alleged interstate child trafficking racket that kidnapped children and sold them outside the state for Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh and rescued a four-year-old child within hours of being abducted from a busy highway in Banaskantha district.

The child was kidnapped near Dhanpura Patia, triggering panic in the area and prompting swift police action. Authorities launched ‘Operation Dev’, deploying seven teams, including the Local Crime Branch, Special Operations Group and other units.

Investigators examined nearly 70-80 CCTV footage clips from the highway stretch and used technical surveillance to track the suspects. Based on sustained monitoring and analysis, the child was safely rescued near Danta within hours, officials said.

Police arrested Shailesh Gamar, a resident of Kansa village in Danta taluka, in connection with the abduction. His associate, Babu Bhagora, was also taken into custody.

Both accused are being interrogated to ascertain the full extent of the network.

Officials said Gamar had earlier sold a minor girl for around Rs 1 lakh, indicating a pattern of repeat offences. Bhagora is suspected to have been involved in arranging illegal marriages of young women in exchange for money.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/banaskantha-police-bust-interstate-child-trafficking-racket-after-rescue-2899346-2026-04-21

The accused, a former bar dancer, later entered the drug supply business and has been married twice, with one husband having a criminal record. Police recovered five phones and multiple SIM cards, revealing she used different numbers to evade tracking.

What began as action based on a tip-off from an earlier raid led to the recovery of drugs worth Rs 6 crore from an upscale house in a posh housing society in Mumbai’s Kalyan, catching police by surprise. Police have arrested a woman in the case, who earlier worked in a dance bar and later turned into a kingpin.

Following this operation, a wider drug network active in Mumbai and surrounding areas has also been exposed. Significantly, the quantity and quality of the seized drugs, and the scale of the operation, have led police to suspect an international link.

Speaking about the operation, after the Nesco drug party case earlier this month that led to two MBA students dying out of ecstasy overdoes, Mumbai Police had launched a strict campaign against narcotics. Under this drive, this major success was achieved.

Acting on information, police raided a house in a posh society in Titwala and recovered around 5,000 ecstasy pills. A woman named A Paul has been arrested in the case and is believed to be a key part of this network.

HOW A RAID EXPOSED A RS 6 CRORE DRUG NETWORK

The case traces back to a raid in Sakinaka. Police had first arrested Irfan Ansari with 200 ecstasy pills. During interrogation, he revealed the name of a man named Sufiyan, who was an important link in the racket. Based on this information, police began connecting the dots and gradually reached Titwala, eventually arresting A Paul.

Ahead of the arrest, the team collected technical evidence for three days. Through location tracking and surveillance, they traced the accused. Finally, they reached her residence in Titwala and conducted a raid on Saturday night.

The accused believed that police would never reach her home, which is why she had stored such a large stock of drugs there. The recovered ecstasy tablets had markings of Mercedes and dollar symbols.

Similar marked pills were also found earlier in the Nesco drug party case, suggesting a possible international drug supply connection.

Police also recovered five mobile phones and 7-8 SIM cards from the accused. Investigation has revealed that she used different numbers for drug supply operations to avoid being tracked. The police are now examining data from all the devices, which is expected to reveal other members and key suppliers in the network.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mumbai-police-bust-rs-6-crore-drug-ecstacy-network-kalyan-raid-2899402-2026-04-21

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has reiterated that Marathi will be mandatory for those doing business in Maharashtra, with enforcement set to begin May 1 through the RTO. Speaking in Thane, he defended the policy amid criticism, while also inaugurating a well revival project aimed at providing clean drinking water to citizens in the Ovala Majivda constituency.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has once again underlined that knowledge of Marathi is essential for those seeking to work or do business in the state. He said it is unreasonable to operate in Maharashtra while disregarding the local language, adding that pride in Marathi should not be questioned.

Enforcement From May 1, RTO To Act

Speaking at an event in Thane, Sarnaik said the state will implement the rule more strictly from May 1 through the Regional Transport Office. He clarified that the move is not new and has been in place since 2019, but will now see tighter enforcement.

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Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Maharashtra government’s decision to mandate Marathi for auto and taxi drivers, Minister Pratap Sarnaik says, “This is completely not acceptable, but in Maharashtra, if someone wants to conduct business, they must know Marathi, because it is part of the… pic.twitter.com/OgeS2HA6zn

— IANS (@ians_india) April 13, 2026

He also noted that in Mira Bhayander, authorities are reviewing drivers who do not speak Marathi, with a report expected on April 29. A follow up meeting with RTO officials is scheduled for April 30 to discuss implementation.

No Rollback Despite Opposition

 

 

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged PM Narendra Modi’s Jhalmuri stop in Jhargram was “scripted” to woo voters, questioning how cameras reached the spot. TMC also claimed Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren was denied landing clearance. BJP’s Smriti Irani dismissed the row, saying TMC was diverting attention from alleged scams.

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ate ‘Jhalmuri’ in Jhargram, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday termed it as a ‘drama’ to woo voters.

Addressing an election campaign at Murarai assembly constituency in Birbhum district Mamata questioned if the sudden stop at the shop was not planned then how did the photographers reach the spot?

“The entire episode was scripted. How did the cameras suddenly spot the Prime Minister at the shop if it was suddenly planned during his campaign,” said Mamata.

Taking to X, TMC wrote, “Narendra Modi’s Adivasi-Birodhi mindset has been exposed for all to see. Because the “Pradhan Sevak” decided to extend his stay in Jhargram to eat Jhalmuri, Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren and his wife and MLA Smt. Kalpana Soren was denied permission to fly their chopper into Jhargram while Modi was present. Two democratically elected leaders. Grounded. Kept waiting for hours. And ultimately forced to return to Ranchi without completing their scheduled programme, all because a Prime Minister’s extended snack break and photo-ops took precedence over their democratic rights and constitutional standing. This is the respect Modi has for Adivasi leaders. This is the regard he has for elected representatives who do not bend the knee before him. He came to Jhargram to court the Adivasi vote. He left having humiliated the very people he claimed to stand with. Bengal saw it. And Bengal will remember it on 4th May.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/scripted-political-drama-west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-slams-pm-modis-jhalmuri-stop-in-jhargram

Investigators have alleged that Reliance Communications engaged in circuitous transactions through shell entities controlled by company officials. The probe also indicates the use of discounted letters of credit (LCs) for allegedly bogus service-related transactions with group entities, which subsequently devolved and resulted in significant losses to banks.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two senior executives of M/s Reliance Communications, D Vishwanath and Anil Kalya, in connection with an alleged large-scale bank fraud case involving multiple public sector banks.

The case was registered by the CBI on a complaint filed by the State Bank of India (SBI) against Reliance Communications Limited, Anil D Ambani, and others, over alleged fraudulent activities linked to credit facilities extended to the company. According to SBI, the fraud has caused a total wrongful loss of around Rs 2,929.05 crore to the bank, while cumulative losses across 17 public sector banks and financial institutions are estimated at Rs 19,694.33 crore.

Investigators have alleged that Reliance Communications engaged in circuitous transactions through shell entities controlled by company officials. The probe also indicates the use of discounted letters of credit (LCs) for allegedly bogus service-related transactions with group entities, which subsequently devolved and resulted in significant losses to banks.

The CBI stated that D Vishwanath, who served as Joint President of Reliance Communications, was responsible for overseeing the group’s banking operations and played a key role in coordinating with banks for sanctioning and disbursal of credit facilities. Anil Kalya, Vice President of the company, is accused of actively supporting him and assisting in managing corporate finance, banking operations, and fund utilization.

Both accused executives are scheduled to be produced before the jurisdictional court. The investigation remains ongoing.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cbi-arrests-reliance-communications-executives-for-bank-fraud-2899220-2026-04-21

Operation Mahadev, launched after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, culminated in July 2025 with the neutralisation of three terrorists after a 93-day pursuit across Kashmir. One year on, it stands as a symbol of coordinated intelligence, technology, and justice.

One year after the brutal terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, that left the nation in shock, Operation Mahadev stands as a defining example of India’s sustained counter-terror resolve, culminating in justice for the victims after a relentless 93-day pursuit.

On April 22, 2025, terrorists carried out an execution-style attack on unarmed tourists in the scenic meadows of Pahalgam, targeting civilians based on identity. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and grief, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from the Indian Army and security agencies.

Within hours, troops reached the attack site and began reconstructing the sequence of events. Eyewitness testimonies, corroborated by intelligence inputs, identified three Pakistani terrorists—Sulaiman Shah, Hamza Afgani and Jibran Bhai, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, as the perpetrators.

Operation Mahadev was launched soon after, evolving into one of the most extensive counter-terror operations in recent years. Security forces moved swiftly to seal escape routes and prevent the terrorists from fleeing the Kashmir Valley. Intelligence agencies employed a combination of human intelligence (HUMINT), technical intelligence (TECHINT), and survivor accounts to track the attackers’ movements.

As the operation progressed, the terrorists were traced moving across the upper reaches of south Kashmir, including Hapatnar, Bugmar and Tral, eventually taking refuge in the dense forests along the Mahadeo Ridge in Dachhigam. The challenging terrain, marked by high altitude and thick vegetation, slowed movement but also helped narrow down the search area.

By late May 2025, the operational grid had expanded significantly, with additional forces, including elite PARA (Special Forces) units, deployed to intensify the search. With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, security concerns escalated, prompting further tightening of the operational cordon.

Technology proved critical in sustaining pressure on the terrorists. Drones, surveillance aircraft, and electro-optical sensors enabled continuous monitoring of difficult terrain, while real-time intelligence sharing ensured swift tactical adjustments on the ground.

The decisive phase began on July 10, 2025, when fresh intelligence inputs led to coordinated operations across Lidwas, Harwan and Dachhigam. Security forces systematically blocked escape routes, compressing the search area from over 300 square kilometres to just 25 square kilometres.

On July 28, 2025, after nearly three months of pursuit covering over 250 kilometres, a PARA (Special Forces) team executed a precise operation deep inside the forested terrain. Advancing stealthily for hours, the team engaged and neutralised all three terrorists, effectively bringing those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre to justice.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-neutralises-pahalgam-terror-attack-perpetrators-2899214-2026-04-21

BJP worker Vignesh Shishir has approached the Allahabad High Court seeking registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, claiming he possesses documents purportedly proving the Congress leader’s British citizenship and seeking his disqualification from Parliament.

The Allahabad High Court on Monday came down heavily on a BJP worker seeking an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his alleged British citizenship, saying the court had been ‘maligned’ through social media posts casting aspersions on its functioning, before the judge recused himself from the case, according to Live Law.

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi of the Lucknow Bench stepped aside from hearing the plea filed by Vignesh Shishir after taking strong exception to the petitioner’s online posts and media statements. The development came after the bench had earlier indicated it may issue notice to Gandhi in the matter.

During the hearing, the court noted that Shishir had publicly alleged “foul play” and claimed he was being subjected to unfair treatment. Expressing sharp disapproval, Justice Vidyarthi said he regretted hearing the matter, observing that the petitioner appeared to have used the proceedings for “political mileage”.

“How is it justified to sling mud behind our backs? Is it right to speak against the Court? What kind of statements are you making in the media…you are making the Court a part of your political arena,” Live Law quoted Justice Vidyarthi as saying.

The bench also flagged that Shishir had sought public opinion on social media on whether the case should continue before the same bench and had even sought the intervention of the Chief Justice of India. It held that such conduct amounted to casting aspersions on the court and damaging its dignity.

In a notable moment during the proceedings, both the government advocate and the Deputy Solicitor General of India conceded that the petitioner’s social media posts were indefensible.

Responding to the court’s concerns, Shishir argued that his posts were not directed at the bench but at individuals allegedly pressuring him to withdraw the case. He also pointed to earlier posts where he had praised the court’s previous order directing registration of an FIR against the Congress leader.

“I appreciated your earlier order on social media. Please see those posts also where I said that it was a landmark order. But today what is being passed is a one-sided order. Please check my other posts too,” he submitted.

The court, however, dismissed the argument, with Justice Vidyarthi stating that the judiciary does not require appreciation from litigants and that such submissions could be made before an appellate court.

The recusal comes just two days after the bench had effectively paused its own earlier direction delivered in open court on April 17, which had ordered the registration of an FIR against Gandhi. In an order uploaded on April 18, the court halted the operation of that direction before it could be formally signed, observing that Gandhi may be entitled to an opportunity of being heard.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/rahul-gandhi-british-citizenship-case-high-court-slams-bjp-worker-judge-recuses-2899118-2026-04-20

The court will hear her anticipatory bail plea on April 27. During the next hearing, it will consider arguments from the investigating officer and the prosecution before pronouncing its order. In a separate development, the court sent two other accused, Raza Memon and Shafi Sheikh, to 14-day judicial custody.

A Nashik court on Monday refused to grant interim relief to Nida Khan, who is absconding in the sexual harassment and forced conversion case linked to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The court will hear her anticipatory bail plea on April 27. During the next hearing, it will consider arguments from the investigating officer and the prosecution before pronouncing its order.

Khan on Saturday sought anticipatory bail and interim protection from arrest pending the plea hearing, citing her two-month pregnancy. During the hearing on Monday, her lawyer, Rahul Kasliwal, pressed for interim relief, which would have given her protection from arrest until her main plea was decided by the court.

In a separate development, the court sent two other accused, Raza Memon and Shafi Sheikh, to 14-day judicial custody.

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST NIDA KHAN

The Nashik Police have formed three teams to search for Khan, who is accused of using a WhatsApp group to pressure employees into adopting religious practices, including praying and eating non-vegetarian food.

According to the FIR, Khan allegedly advised women employees to dress and behave in accordance with Islamic traditions. Some victims also alleged that they were coerced into adopting religious symbols and changing their dietary habits.

Besides provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to sexual harassment and defamation, Khan was also booked under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The defence, however, contended that the SC/ST Act could not be applied as there were no allegations involving caste-based slurs or insults against her.

PARENTS DEFEND NIDA KHAN

Khan’s parents have described the case as “fake and politically motivated.” Her father told India Today TV that all allegations against his daughter were false and claimed she was being targeted as part of a conspiracy.

According to the family, the case was created to cover other matters, including the controversy linked to self-professed Nashik godman Ashok Kharat, who was recently arrested on charges of rape.

The family said Khan is currently staying at her in-laws’ house in Bhiwandi and is pregnant.

NIDA KHAN SUSPENDED FROM TCS

Meanwhile, a suspension letter issued to Khan has surfaced. The April 9 letter stated that Khan, a Process Associate who joined the company on December 27, 2021, had been suspended after the case came to light.

The company revoked her access to the TCS network and directed her to surrender any company assets in her possession.

It also instructed her not to report to any office or work from home until further communication from the HR department.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tcs-nashik-case-no-interim-relief-nida-khan-judicial-custody-2899082-2026-04-20

 

Bomb attack killing two children in Manipur sparks statewide anger. Fresh protests draw Meitei, Kuki Zo and Naga communities into unrest as shutdown cripples valley districts.

Fresh protests and unrest have once again shaken Manipur. Demonstrations continued in Imphal’s Keishamthong area on Monday night over the Tronglaobi incident.

The protests were triggered by a bomb attack on April 7 in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Moirang. Suspected militants hurled an explosive at a house, killing two children and injuring their mother. The incident has sparked anger and grief across the state.

Conflict spreads across Manipuri communities

For nearly three years, the crisis in Manipur was largely seen as a two-sided conflict between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes. That situation has now changed.

Over the past two weeks, all three major communities – Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga – have been drawn into fresh violence, protests and clashes with security forces. This shift has made the situation more unstable and difficult to control.

Since May 2023, the conflict mainly involved Meiteis in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills. Naga communities, mostly based in northern districts, had stayed largely neutral. That balance has now broken down, with separate but connected incidents involving all three groups.

Shutdown brings life to halt

A five-day total shutdown has brought normal life to a standstill in the valley districts. The bandh began on April 19 and is being led by the Meira Paibis, along with several civil society organisations and a people’s collective formed after the blast.

Markets, schools, government offices and transport services remained mostly closed on the first day. Only essential services were operating in some areas. Protesters have demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack and quick justice for the victims.

Valley districts of Manipur including captial Imphal paralysed owing to a five days complete shut down. A 5-day total shutdown began in Manipur on April 19, shutting down valley districts. Organized by civil society groups, including Meira Paibis, the protest stems from a blast in Bishnupur, causing massive disruption to daily life.

Manipur govt issues strict attendance orders amid shutdown

The Manipur government has issued strict instructions directing employees to attend offices, warning of firm action against those who remain absent. The order comes as the state faces a continuing shutdown across key areas. Today marks the third day of a five-day complete shutdown in five valley districts of Manipur. The protest has been called to demand justice and swift action in connection with recent incidents, drawing widespread participation from civil society groups.

The impact has been visible across sectors. Most educational institutions and government offices have remained virtually shut due to very low attendance. Daily functioning has been disrupted, with only limited essential services operating in some areas. Officials have now made it clear that absence from duty will not be tolerated.

Police warning over protests

Police have warned that anti-social elements are trying to take advantage of the demonstrations. Authorities said some groups are attempting to hijack the protests, raising concerns about further unrest.

Security has been tightened in sensitive areas, and officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent escalation.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/fresh-protests-rock-manipur-over-april-7-bomb-attack-that-killed-2-children-shutdown-continues-ws-l-10046393.html

Techie claims Deloitte revoked his offer after he quit his job, allegedly over a failed background check, leaving him jobless and confused

A software engineer’s claim has triggered a wave of reactions online after alleging that Deloitte revoked his job offer just days after he resigned from his previous company. The incident has struck a chord with many professionals, with several social media users describing the experience as “worse than a breakup.”

According to software engineer Rajeev Anjana, he had successfully completed multiple interview rounds and received an official offer letter from Deloitte. However, shortly after resigning from his existing role and completing his notice period, he allegedly received an email informing him that the company would no longer proceed with his hiring.

Sharing screenshots and details of the incident on social media, Anjana said the sudden reversal left him devastated. He claimed the email came from Deloitte’s Background Investigation Team and stated that a discrepancy review had been completed, following which the company decided to rescind the offer.

“It really hurts when you try your best, crack the Big 4, and finally get the offer, and then one fine morning, you see this,” he wrote in his post.

He further revealed that he had already left his previous job by the time he received the message. “I have already resigned from my company, and my notice period has ended. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry,” he said.

In a follow-up post, Anjana said he tried reaching out to the HR representative at Deloitte to understand what had gone wrong during the background verification process. However, he claimed he was informed that the details were confidential and could not be shared.

“I don’t understand what’s confidential about it. I cleared the interview, I passed the rounds… If I was informed what the problem is, I could have helped resolve it,” he wrote.

He also alleged that the HR representative asked him not to contact them again and informed him that he had effectively been blacklisted from future opportunities at the firm.

The incident triggered strong reactions online, with many social media users expressing sympathy and sharing similar stories from their own careers. One user said they knew several people who had cleared interviews at Deloitte but never received joining letters, though many later landed jobs at firms like Microsoft and other Big 4 and Big 3 companies.

Several others pointed out that job offers are rarely revoked during background checks unless there is a serious issue with documentation.

“Usually, companies do not revoke offers during background check unless there’s something like really wrong with the documents. Sorry you had to go through this, though,” one Instagram user said.

Another person noted that candidates are generally informed about discrepancies and given a chance to explain them before an offer is withdrawn. They suggested that if no such opportunity was provided, it could indicate “non-compliance” by the background verification agency.

Other comments reflected both concern and criticism. “I’m getting anxious… I’ve resigned and accepted a new offer from Deloitte USI, the background verification process is ongoing. Sending positive vibes! Hang in there, brother, and keep applying – your dream job is just around the corner!” one user wrote.

“@deloitte How will it be justify as BIG 4 Standards?” another user asked.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/hurts-more-than-a-breakup-techie-says-deloitte-revoked-his-job-offer-after-he-quit-his-previous-company-ws-l-10045697.html

“I reject this application because my oath is to the Constitution,” Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said on the petition by Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma today rejected a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal seeking her recusal from hearing matters linked to the Delhi liquor policy case.

“I reject this application because my oath is to the Constitution. My oath taught me that justice is not about giving in to pressure, but about not surrendering to it. It is and will remain my resolve,” Justice Sharma said, adding judicial integrity cannot be put to trial by litigants.

Justice Sharma said while the easier path would have been to recuse without hearing the application, she chose to decide the issue on the merits in the interest of institutional integrity.

“While I began penning the judgment, the courtroom fell silent,” she said, adding the issue before her was not a legal question but one that put a judge and the institution itself “on trial.”

She said the impartiality of a judge is presumed unless rebutted by cogent material, and that recusal cannot be granted on the basis of “mere apprehension or personal perception” of a litigant.

“A litigant cannot be permitted to create a situation that lowers the judicial process. A lie, even if repeated a thousand times in court or on social media, does not become the truth,” Justice Sharma said.

“If I recused myself, Kejriwal would say, ‘Look I was right.’ If I don’t recuse and he fails to get any relief from me in future, he will say he knew the outcome already. If I recused myself today, I would be abandoning my duty. Arvind Kejriwal has said so many times while arguing that he is not doubting my integrity but he has doubts in his mind. Such illusions in the mind of Kejriwal cannot be ground for recusal,” Justice Sharma said.

Addressing allegations raised by Kejriwal, the judge said there was no material to substantiate claims of bias, including those relating to her participation in events organised by the Adhivakta Parishad or the professional engagements of her family members.

Referring to cases involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, Justice Sharma said relief granted by the Supreme Court did not amount to setting aside her reasoning on merits.

Referring to past cases involving AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Raghav Chadha, the Delhi High Court said interim relief had been granted in their favour at earlier stages without any allegations of bias being raised at that time.

“A judicial practice accepted without objection when the order is in favour of a party cannot be objected to when it goes against them,” Justice Sharma said, and cautioned that accepting such grounds for recusal would have “deeper constitutional ramifications” and could erode public confidence in the judiciary.

“A courtroom cannot be a theatre of perception. If such applications are accepted, it would not be justice administered but justice managed,” she said.

The AAP, in its reaction, sought to clarify the matter.

“… If the High Court were actually concerned about the judiciary’s image, then Chief Minister Rekha Gupta should have been held for contempt,” AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said in a post on X.

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Today, the decision was delivered in Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma’s court. Arvind Kejriwal and his colleagues, who were discharged, told the court that they had a reasonable apprehension that they would not receive justice from this court. Arvind Kejriwal listed ten points, stating… pic.twitter.com/MeDHXQigAv

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) April 20, 2026

The development comes amid ongoing proceedings in the Delhi High Court on a criminal revision petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which challenged a trial court order discharging all 23 accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, in the corruption case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/arvind-kejriwal-illusions-no-ground-to-recuse-delhi-high-court-judge-justice-swarana-kanta-sharma-in-liquor-policy-case-11384299?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

 

TCS, India’s biggest private-sector employer, has clarified that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form, and the employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office have been suspended.

She joined the Nashik unit of IT giant Tata Consultancy Services, or TCS, as an associate. Newly married, she claims she had to face taunts like “player”, “zero figure”, comments about Hindu gods and other obscene gestures by her fellow colleagues.

She is among more than half a dozen women who have levelled allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion against her male colleagues.

A Special Investigation Team of Nashik police has arrested eight persons, including a woman operations manager, by registering nine FIRs in the case.

TCS, India’s biggest private-sector employer, has clarified that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form, and the employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office have been suspended.

On Friday, the company said that a preliminary review of the records indicated that it had not received any complaints “of the nature that are being alleged on either our ethics or POSH (prevention of sexual harassment) channels”.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the matter is a cause for serious concern as it indicates at “corporate jihad”.

The victim told the police that she lives with her in-laws in Nashik as her husband works in Pune.

“Since June 20, 2025, following my marriage I have been working at the TCS Nashik branch as an ‘Associate’. My three-month training began on June 24, 2025. My training leaders were Shahrukh Qureshi and Jayesh Gunjal,” she told the cops.

During the training, she claimed, a certain Raza Menon, the Team Lead of the Loans Branch, who had nothing to do with the training-would repeatedly come up to her in the training room and ask about her personal life.

“Since your husband lives away, how do you manage everything? Don’t you get scared? If you ever need anything at all, please let me know, I’ll be there to help you anytime,” the victim told the police.

She said it had only been a month since her marriage but that never stopped Raza from commenting on her married life.

“You’ve just gotten married – where did you go for your honeymoon? What did you do there?” she told the cops quoting Raza.

She said whenever Raza made those remarks, her Team Leader Shahrukh Qureshi would egg him on.

The woman said Shahrukh would often ask her about the nature of her married life.

“Is yours an ‘arranged marriage’ or a ‘love marriage’?” she said Shah Rukh would ask her.

Raza too would join in, harassing her, she claimed.

“If you don’t get along with your husband, let us know; we’ll teach you exactly what to do and how to go about it. You must have had plenty of boyfriends. How did you end up getting married after leaving them all behind? If those boyfriends are still pursuing you in the same way they used to, and your family or husband were to find out about it, what would happen? What would you do?” Raza told her, she claimed.

The woman claimed that it was Raza who had named her “player”.

“Raza had nicknamed me ‘Player.’ Whenever I came to the office, he would address me exclusively as ‘Player.’ If I encountered any difficulties with my work and mentioned them to Shahrukh, he would summon Raza. Raza would then come over and say, ‘What’s up, Player? Can’t handle the work? If you’re struggling, just let me know,'” the woman told the police.

“Why doesn’t your husband ever come here? You’re newlyweds. How can he bear to live apart from you? If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t go anywhere without you; I would stay right by your side,” she said, detailing her harassment.

On the day of Gudi Padwa in March this year, the woman complained that it was Raza who pulled at her saree.

“I had come wearing a saree. As I was walking through the lobby, right across the pantry, I felt someone tug at my pallu (the loose end of the saree). When I turned around, I saw that my pallu was in Raza’s hand. I immediately yanked my pallu back, whereupon he looked at me with a lewd gaze and smiled,” she claimed.

Internal professional rivalry and office politics are the motive for the “false” sexual harassment and conversion allegations levelled against TCS employee Raza Memon, his family said on Sunday, describing him as a “high performer”.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Memon’s uncle Ayaz Kazi said the case was part of a coordinated “conspiracy” spurred by Memon’s academic and professional performance.

Memon, who is among the eight people arrested in the case, is in police custody.

Memon’s family members also made claims of communal discrimination in the case against him. Kazi claimed that the people above Memon in the hierarchy were from different faiths, yet no action had been taken against them.

TCS, Asia’s biggest IT outsourcer, has announced an oversight panel and engagement of external entities in its internal probe, it said.

After the completion of her training, the woman began her regular duties. At that time her team had 27 people and Atul Pandey was her Team Lead.

“During this period, Asif Ansari, an employee from another team, would repeatedly come and sit right next to me, despite there being no vacant seats, and attempt to get physically close. He would deliberately touch my body, grab my hand, and occasionally place his hand on my thigh or shoulder, causing me to feel deeply embarrassed,” she said, detailing her horror to the police.

“Once, he came close to me, touched my stomach and waist, and remarked, “You have a ‘zero figure’. On another occasion, while I was standing in the gallery, Asif approached me and suddenly grabbed me in a tight embrace. I shoved him away forcefully and fled the spot,” she claimed.

She alleged that Asif habitually “made extremely vulgar and obscene remarks” against her.

“Do you like me? I really like you,” she said he would pester her with such remarks.

“I would walk away in anger without giving any reply. Since I was new to the job, and out of fear of losing it, I didn’t tell anyone about this, nor did I file any complaint,” she said.

He would, she claimed, disturb her even during lunch hours, finding any pretext to sit next to her and touch her inappropriately.

“He would come and sit right beside me, and place his hand on my thigh. He would say, ‘Just as you cook for your husband, you should cook and bring food for me as well. You certainly had boyfriends before you got married, so what’s the harm in having one more? Even though you are married now, that’s fine by me. Whatever your physical needs may be, I will fulfill them,'” she said, explaining how she was harassed every day at work.

The harassment did not stop there. It then moved online when he started following her on Instagram. She had blocked him there.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tcs-tata-consultancy-services-nashik-employee-narrates-horror-to-cops-would-touch-my-body-place-hands-on-my-thigh-11382207?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties at the time of filing this report.

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Manipur early Tuesday morning, according to National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred early morning at 5.50 am IST on April 21, with its epicentre located in Kamjong.

“EQ of M: 5.2, On: 21/04/2026 05:59:33 IST, Lat: 24.703 N, Long: 94.415 E, Depth: 62 Km, Location: Kamjong, Manipur,” the NCS X post read.

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EQ of M: 5.2, On: 21/04/2026 05:59:33 IST, Lat: 24.703 N, Long: 94.415 E, Depth: 62 Km, Location: Kamjong, Manipur.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @GSuresh_NCS @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/Z2UScSAau8

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) April 21, 2026

The quake originated at a depth of 62 kilometres beneath the surface, indicating a moderately deep seismic event. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties at the time of filing this report. The tremors were moderate but strong enough to wake residents from their sleep.

Unrest continues in Manipur

Manipur continues to suffer with shutdowns, protests and killings continue in the valleys. Normal life was disrupted across several hill and valley districts of Manipur on Monday as two separate shutdowns, called by different organisations, were observed to protest the killing of two children and a couple of civilians by suspected militants earlier this month, officials said.

Schools, colleges and markets remained shut, and public transport stayed off the roads in all five valley districts dominated by the Meitei community, as well as in the Naga-inhabited districts of Ukhrul and Senapati.

Protests were held at multiple locations across the Imphal valley, including Uripok and Nagaram in the state capital.

Women’s group Meira Paibis has called a five-day shutdown starting Sunday to protest the April 7 bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, where a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister were killed while asleep and their mother was injured.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/manipur-kamjong-hit-by-5-2-magnitude-earthquake-no-damage-reported-101776733013421.html

 

India’s first dengue vaccine, Qdenga, offers protection against all four strains, reducing severe illness risk. Experts say it’s effective but must be combined with mosquito control measures.

India is all set to take a major step in public health with the approval of its first dengue vaccine, Qdenga (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and manufactured locally with Biological E. Expected to roll out soon this year, the vaccine comes at a crucial time as dengue cases continue to rise across the country.

Dengue – a mosquito-borne illness- poses a significant disease burden, as it involves around-the-clock medical care and a personalised approach to achieve complete recovery.

Sources said Dinesh Trivedi is likely to be appointed as the High Commissioner in Dhaka, a key position, in view of his extensive experience. However, there was no formal announcement yet.

Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union minister and veteran politician from West Bengal, is expected to be appointed India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, sources said on Sunday.

Pranay Verma, who had been serving as India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka since September 2022, was on April 10 named as the next ambassador to Belgium and the European Union.

It is learnt that New Delhi has been considering appointing a political figure to the key diplomatic post in Dhaka amid efforts to reset bilateral ties after the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was formed in February following elections.

The relations between India and Bangladesh witnessed a major downturn after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024.

Trivedi, 75, served as the railway minister and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare during the UPA rule. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal and was a Lok Sabha MP from Barrackpore constituency in the state. He quit the Trinamool Congress in February 2021 and joined the BJP.

Sources said Trivedi is likely to be appointed as the High Commissioner in Dhaka, a key position, in view of his extensive experience. However, there was no formal announcement yet.

Verma, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, had assumed charge as the High Commissioner in Dhaka on September 21, 2022.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, accompanied by the prime minister’s advisor for foreign affairs, Humayun Kabir, visited New Delhi early this month. It was the first high-level visit to India by a senior member of the new Bamgladesh government.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bjp-dinesh-trivedi-india-next-high-commissioner-bangladesh-2898673-2026-04-19

Contrary to earlier reports stating that Harris hailed from Karachi, it has emerged that he is from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He joined the LeT to evade police prosecution as he had several arson cases pending against him in Karachi. He was later pushed by the terror group into Jammu and Kashmir in 2012.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Umer Harris, alias ‘Khargosh’ (rabbit), is believed to be in Saudi Arabia after managing to escape the country using a forged passport issued in the name of Sajjad, claiming to be a resident of Rajasthan, officials said on Sunday.

The Srinagar Police, which is spearheading the investigation into the interstate LeT terror module, has shared details with central intelligence agencies, raising concerns about systemic loopholes that allow such abuse, they said.

While the case, registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police earlier this month, is likely to be taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), details have been shared with the state police forces concerned to facilitate urgent action and plug the gaps, they said.

Contrary to earlier reports stating that Harris hailed from Karachi, it has emerged that he is from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He joined the LeT to evade police prosecution as he had several arson cases pending against him in Karachi. He was later pushed by the terror group into Jammu and Kashmir in 2012.

Harris earned the alias ‘Khargosh’ as he could hop from place to place in no time, evading the security dragnet.

According to investigations and interrogations of the arrested accused, Harris, after infiltrating the Kashmir Valley from the northern side, stayed at various locations in Bandipora and Srinagar and married the daughter of an LeT Over Ground Worker (OGW). The Nikah ceremony was held in Jaipur under his assumed name, Sajjad.

Officials stated that the marriage documents were also used to support his application for an Indian passport.

The unravelling of this interstate terror module by the Srinagar Police has exposed several loopholes. Questions are being raised about how a passport was issued by authorities in Rajasthan despite the police verification system in place.

The LeT terrorist managed to flee to Indonesia, from where he is believed to have used another forged travel document to station himself somewhere in Saudi Arabia in 2024–25, the officials said.

They said efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to bring him back to India and seek his deportation from the Gulf country.

These details emerged after the Srinagar Police busted a “deep-rooted” inter-state LeT module and arrested five people, including a Pakistani terrorist, Abdullah alias Abu Hureira, who had been on the run for 16 years and had successfully established bases outside the Union Territory.

The arrest of Abdullah, along with another Pakistani national, Usman alias Khubaib, was another major success for the Srinagar Police, coming six months after the dismantling of a “white-collar” terror cell centred at Faridabad’s Al Falah University.

During interrogation, Abdullah informed his captors about his and Harris’ movements across India, particularly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab.

This included the marriage ceremony, following which the bride’s father was detained as he was well aware of the Pakistani terrorist’s true identity, the officials said.

The operation in Srinagar, which began on March 31 and was monitored by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat who camped in the city during that period, has unveiled the funding and financial pattern of the LeT, they said.

The terrorists used forged documents and identities to create a network not just in Jammu and Kashmir, but in several other states, they added.

Three Srinagar residents, identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bha, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Mama, were among the five arrested. They are accused of providing shelter, food and logistical support to the terrorists.

The elaborate network began to unravel on March 31 when the first of the three Srinagar residents, Naqeeb Bhat, was arrested from Pandach area along with a pistol and other incriminating material.

During his questioning, Bhat told police that he was a part of the LeT and procured the arms and ammunition from another associate, Adil Rashid of Zakoora, and also provided support to foreign terrorists, the officials said.

From Bhat, police were led to Mir and Rashid Bhat, both active associates of LeT in Srinagar and during the investigation, following disclosures from those arrested, various hideouts were also busted in forested areas in and around Srinagar.

The two Pakistani terrorists are categorised as ‘A+’ grade militants and the officials said they infiltrated India approximately 16 years ago and remained active across various districts of the Kashmir Valley, “commanding” around 40 foreign terrorists over the years, most of whom have since been neutralised, the officials said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lashkar-terrorist-khargosh-umer-harris-fled-india-forged-passport-saudi-arabia-2898663-2026-04-19

The tanker Desh Garima, carrying 31 Indian crew members, successfully crossed the Strait and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, the same day Iranian forces opened fire on two other Indian vessels attempting to transit through the volatile route amid the blockade. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the tanker Desh Garima, carrying 31 Indian crew members, successfully crossed the Strait and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22.

The ministry said maritime authorities remain in close coordination to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted shipping operations. It confirmed that Desh Garima completed its passage without incident, even as the broader situation in the Gulf remains volatile.

Two Indian vessels — VLCC Samnar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav — were attacked by Iranian forces while transiting the Strait. Both ships were forced to turn back towards the Persian Gulf, though no injuries were reported among crew members.

All Indian crew members are safe, the statement added.

INDIA SUMMONS IRAN ENVOY OVER FIRING INCIDENT

In response to the firing incident, India summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi, Mohammad Fathali, to convey its concerns. The meeting, held with the Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, focused on ensuring the safety of merchant shipping through the Strait. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s concern at the shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged ships.

“Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India’s views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait,” the MEA said.

DISTRESS CALL FROM INDIAN TANKER

An audio recording from one of the affected vessels captured the tense moment during the firing incident. In the clip, the captain of the tanker Sanmar Herald can be heard urgently appealing to Iranian forces: “Sepah Navy! Sepah Navy! This is a motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me clearance to go! My name is second on your list! You gave me clearance to go! You are firing now! Let me turn back!”

The government said coordination efforts are ongoing across ministries and maritime stakeholders. The Directorate General of Shipping has handled thousands of distress calls and emails since the situation escalated, while also facilitating the repatriation of Indian seafarers from the Gulf region.

Despite the tensions, port operations across India continue without disruption, the statement added.

This came at a time when dozens of commercial vessels and thousands of seafarers have been left stranded in the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of the West Asia war on February 28, sharply limiting movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-tanker-desh-garima-crosses-strait-of-hormuz-on-the-day-iran-fired-on-two-other-vessels-2898627-2026-04-19

Tamil Nadu firecracker unit blast: A preliminary probe suggested that the factory was operating in violation of regulations by functioning on Sunday, a designated rest day. Four special teams have been constituted to trace and apprehend those responsible.

At least 23 people were killed and six injured in a blast at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti village in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district. The fire has since been brought under control.

Virudhunagar District Collector Dr N.O. Sukhaputra said that 19 bodies have been identified so far, including 16 women and three men. He added that 13 people involved in the rescue operations have been hospitalised with minor injuries. Six of the injured are currently in the ICU, he said.

“A senior IAS officer has been appointed to assist the district administration and oversee rescue and related operations. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation into the exact cause of the accident is underway,” he said.

A preliminary probe suggested that the factory was operating in violation of regulations by functioning on Sunday, a designated rest day. Four special teams have been constituted to trace and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, political leaders cutting across party lines condoled the deaths.

PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu called the mishap “deeply distressing” and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too expressed similar sentiments.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, on the other hand, instructed authorities to provide necessary assistance to the victims. Following Stalin’s orders, state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu reached the village to monitor the relief efforts.

Virudhunagar, a major hub for the manufacturing of firecrackers, has seen several fire mishaps in the last few years.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/blast-at-firecracker-factory-in-tamil-nadu-virudhunagar-death-toll-injuries-2898578-2026-04-19

The NIA’s chargesheet in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack positions the incident within a broader pattern of cross-border terrorism allegedly backed by Pakistan, detailing the role of LeT/TRF operatives, local facilitators, and Pakistani handlers.

The National Investigation Agency’s chargesheet filed on December 15, 2025, in the Pahalgam terror attack case reads less like a one-off case file and more like a chapter in a decades-long dossier. Seven accused, including Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba/The Resistance Front operatives, stand charged with religion-based targeted killings that left 25 tourists and one local dead.

The 1,597-page document names Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt and three terrorists — Faisal Jatt alias Suleman Shah, Habeeb Tahir alias Jibran, and Hamza Afghani — who were killed in Operation Mahadev in Dachigam in July 2025. Two locals, Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad Jothad, were arrested for harbouring them.

The NIA’s probe under RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU traces the conspiracy directly to Pakistan, invoking charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Arms Act, and the UAPA, including “waging war against India.” The agency states that Pakistan “has been unabatedly sponsoring terrorism against India.”

A 25-YEAR BLOOD TRAIL

The Pahalgam attack is not an aberration. The record maps a continuum:

• Kaluchak massacre, 2002: Pakistani terrorists attacked an Army family quarters bus, killing 31, including women and children.
• Parliament attack, 2001: Five terrorists attempted to strike at the heart of Indian democracy.
• Mumbai suburban train blasts, 2006: Coordinated IEDs ripped through first-class compartments, killing 189.
• 26/11 Mumbai, 2008: Ten LeT terrorists held India’s financial capital hostage for 60 hours. The burning Taj Mahal Palace became a global symbol of cross-border terror.
• Pathankot airbase, 2016: JeM terrorists infiltrated the IAF base, exposing gaps in base security.
• Uri, 2016: Four terrorists attacked an Army brigade headquarters, killing 19 soldiers — an assault that preceded India’s first surgical strikes.
• Pulwama, 2019: A JeM suicide bomber rammed a CRPF convoy, killing 40 personnel and triggering the Balakot airstrikes.

Each case points to a common denominator in Indian investigations: training, funding, and operational direction from Pakistani territory, often by groups like LeT and JeM operating with impunity.

MODUS OPERANDI: FROM INFILTRATION TO ‘HYBRID’ TERROR

The Pahalgam chargesheet highlights an evolution. The attack relied on local harbourers and targeted killings based on religious identity, aiming to create communal fissures and damage Kashmir’s tourism revival.

TRF, widely seen as an LeT front, has increasingly adopted this ‘hybrid’ model: Pakistani handlers, foreign terrorists, and local logistical support.

Operation Mahadev, which neutralised three Pakistani terrorists in Dachigam in July 2025, underscores that the kinetic track remains active. Yet the NIA’s emphasis on “waging war” signals New Delhi’s view: this is not merely terrorism, but state-enabled proxy warfare.

THE STRATEGIC COST

The cumulative effect extends beyond casualties. As CDS General Anil Chauhan noted at ‘Ran Samwad’, the objective of modern conflict is “paralysis” — deception, confusion, and systemic disruption.

Attacks on institutions such as Parliament, financial hubs like Mumbai, military installations like Pathankot, and tourist centres like Pahalgam are designed to freeze decision-making, deter investment, and push India into a reactive posture.

WHY IT MATTERS NOW

With the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor approaching on May 7, 2026, and the Joint Commanders’ Conference in Jaipur scheduled for May 6–8, India’s military is formalising multi-domain responses that integrate kinetic and non-kinetic tools.

The Pahalgam chargesheet provides the evidentiary backbone for India’s diplomatic and legal push — from FATF mechanisms to UN forums — aimed at sustaining pressure on Pakistan and constraining terror financing.

THE PATH AHEAD

India’s response is unfolding across three layers:

1. Military: Precision operations like Mahadev and the induction of longer-range BrahMos systems to hold cross-border infrastructure at risk.
2. Legal-diplomatic: NIA investigations, UAPA/BNS charges against foreign entities, and structured dossiers for international platforms.
3. Societal: Initiatives such as the Vibrant Villages Programme and border-area development to reduce local support networks for, as reflected in CDS Chauhan’s Harsil visit.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nia-pahalgam-chargesheet-traces-pattern-of-proxy-war-pakistan-terror-sponsorship-2898488-2026-04-19

 

This incident has sparked discussions about security and data privacy when using ride-hailing services.

A social media post by Instagram user Anushka has drawn attention after she shared her experience with a Rapido rider who contacted her on WhatsApp after completing a ride.

The incident has raised concerns about user privacy and rider conduct. In her post, Anushka stated that after dropping her off at her destination, the Rapido rider contacted her on WhatsApp and engaged in a conversation she described as strange. She also shared a screenshot of the conversation to illustrate this conversation.

The post quickly went viral on social media, with many users reacting and expressing concern about how the rider obtained her mobile number.

Rapido’s Response

Following the post, Rapido responded in the comments section and addressed the issue. The company expressed regret over the incident and called such behavior unacceptable.

Rapido stated that it apologises for the captain’s inappropriate behaviour, stating that it violates its service standards.

The company also requested users to share their registered mobile number and ride ID via direct message so that the matter can be investigated on priority and strict action can be taken.

Watch Video Here:

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Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/woman-shares-screenshot-of-rapido-rider-messaging-her-after-trip-company-apologises-11381081?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories 

A clip from a restaurant has sparked criticism online after a staff member dressed as a ghost was seen approaching diners to scare them.

Dining out today goes beyond just food, with many restaurants experimenting with immersive themes and interactive concepts to attract customers. But one such experience in Varanasi has come under fire after a viral video showed a young child being left terrified by a staged “horror” act.

A clip from Kankal Horror Restaurant has sparked criticism online after a staff member dressed as a ghost was seen approaching diners to scare them. While some customers appeared to enjoy the act, one moment in particular has drawn sharp reactions.

In the video, shared on the eatery’s official Instagram page, a young boy is seen growing visibly uncomfortable as the costumed staff member moves closer to him. Within seconds, the child breaks down in tears and repeatedly pleads, “Please papa nahi,” clearly overwhelmed by fear. Despite his distress, the act continues, with no immediate intervention from the parents visible in the clip.

In the video, a woman is seen hurling abuse at the traveller during what he described as a dispute over a breakfast bill.

A video shared by an Indian traveller in Thailand has gone viral after he alleged he faced racist remarks during an argument at a restaurant. The incident was shared on Instagram by user @semicolonsandsuitcases.

In the video, a woman is seen hurling abuse at the traveller during what he described as a dispute over a breakfast bill. The traveller said that the situation escalated after a misunderstanding prompted restaurant staff to call someone to assist with translation.

“We literally had to call the tourist police to sort this out. For all the people who say Thailand is good and all of that, this is the first time I am experiencing racism in Thailand,” the traveller said in the clip.

In a follow-up video, he said that the issue began with a minor billing confusion and took a turn after he revealed his nationality. “I had ordered breakfast, and there was a small confusion in the bill. When they called someone to help with translation, the woman asked where I was from. The moment I said India, it turned into accusations and generalisations about Indians not wanting to pay,” he explained.

He added that he chose not to escalate the situation and instead contacted the tourist police to resolve the matter. “It was never about the money. I chose not to argue and instead called the tourist police to handle the situation calmly. They understood the situation, and the manager later apologised,” he said.

Using the incident to highlight broader concerns, the traveller also spoke out against prejudice. “I’m from Kashmir and have seen prejudice in India too, but that doesn’t make it right anywhere. Generalising an entire group of people is never justified. People are assuming I must have done something to provoke this, that’s surprising. I am a traveller; my goal is to connect with people, understand cultures, and experience how beautiful the world and its people are. I urge people, if you see racism happening anywhere, speak up,” he said.

HT.com has reached out to the traveller. The article will be updated once a response is received.

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How did social media react?

The video has since prompted mixed reactions online. While many users expressed support for the traveller, others shared their own experiences and perspectives on attitudes towards Indians in Thailand.

Reacting to the clip, one user wrote, “This guy is absolutely right . I have stayed in Thailand for a long time and many Thai friends have told me that there are a majority of Thai people who don’t like Indians . It’s true that Indians hold a bad repo in Thailand,” one user wrote.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/indian-traveller-faces-racism-in-thailand-says-dispute-began-over-bill-confusion-i-called-tourist-police-101776613430299.html

 

The visits to West Asian states by Indian leaders are aimed at ensuring energy supplies continue without disruptions and the well-being of the Indian diaspora.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia over the weekend to review the regional situation against the backdrop of the West Asia conflict and to shore up India’s energy security.

Doval’s visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday came close on the heels of external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s trip to the United Arab Emirates and petroleum minister Hardeep Puri’s trip to Qatar. These visits are part of New Delhi’s outreach to key energy suppliers amid disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Doval was received at the Riyadh airport by the Saudi deputy minister for political affairs Saud Al-Sati, who earlier served as the envoy to India.

He met energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Advisor Musaed Al-Aiban. “During the meetings they discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and other issues of mutual interest,” the Indian embassy in Riyadh said on social media without giving details.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency said foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan and Doval “reviewed areas of cooperation and discussed the latest regional developments”.

Saudi Arabia is among India’s top three energy suppliers, alongside Russia and Iraq. The kingdom is also home to about four million Indians.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nsa-ajit-doval-visits-saudi-arabia-in-outreach-to-key-energy-suppliers-101776648354503.html

The PM accused TMC of stalling greater representation of women in the assembly through its alliance with the Indian National Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mounted a strong attack on the Trinamool Congress while addressing a rally in Jhargram, accusing the party of opposing women’s reservation and failing to address key issues in West Bengal.

Referring to the debate on women’s reservation, Modi said, “The BJP tried to ensure that women start benefiting from reservations from 2029. But the anti-women TMC opposed it in Parliament.” He further alleged, “The TMC resorted to every kind of deceit and trickery so that Bengal’s 33 percent women could not become MLAs and MPs. Now, Bengal’s women must punish the TMC for this sin.”

The Prime Minister also questioned the party’s commitment to its founding slogan. “I want to caution the sisters of Bengal about the misdeeds of the TMC. The TMC came to power talking about ‘Ma, Mati, Manush’ but the TMC has betrayed the mothers. In the recent past, you also saw in Parliament that the BJP tried to ensure that reservation for women in elections starting from 2029 begins, but the anti-women TMC opposed it in Parliament. The TMC resorted to every kind of deceit and trickery so that women of Bengal could not get 33% reservation,” he said.

Turning to governance issues, the Prime Minister outlined promises for farmers and criticised existing systems. “Form the BJP govt in Bengal, and we will leave no stone unturned to alleviate the problems of farmers. We will drive out the Syndicate of TMC, so that the exploitation of potato and paddy farmers can be stopped,” he said.

He also referred to policy proposals, adding, “Bengal BJP has made two announcements, too. Bengal BJP has decided on Rs 3100 MSP for the farmers of paddy. Besides, they have announced to increase the Kisan Samman Nidhi from Rs 6000 to Rs 9000.”

PM Modi Promises Welfare Push For Women

Highlighting welfare measures, PM Modi said the current government in West Bengal has failed to deliver benefits to women that are available in other states.

He also outlined promises if the BJP forms the government in the state. “If a BJP government comes to Bengal, poor sisters will get free ration; no one will be able to take away your ration. The BJP government in Bengal will provide assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under the PM Awas Yojana for women to build permanent houses—how much? how much? The central government’s Ayushman scheme has been stopped here; as soon as a BJP government is formed in Bengal, women here will get free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh.” PM Modi announced.

Source : https://www.news18.com/elections/anti-women-opposed-reservation-pm-modi-urges-sisters-of-bengal-to-oust-tmc-ws-l-10043879.html

PM Modi makes surprise stop at a jhalmuri stall in Jhargram during West Bengal poll campaign, shares snack with children and interacts with locals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unexpected stop at a roadside jhalmuri stall in Jhargram on Sunday while campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly elections, drawing a large crowd and creating a buzz in the area. The incident occurred shortly after Modi addressed a public rally in Jhargram. He was on his way to board a helicopter when he made the unplanned stop at the roadside stall.

Stepping out of his vehicle, Modi approached the jhalmuri vendor and had the popular snack freshly prepared. He shared the snack with children present at the spot and also interacted with local women who had gathered nearby. The Prime Minister himself tasted the jhalmuri during the brief stop.

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Jhalmuri break in Jhargram! pic.twitter.com/LJNjEojAW4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2026

The stall belongs to Vikram Sah, a native of Bihar’s Gaya district, who has been running the jhalmuri shop in Jhargram for the past 12 years. The sudden stop by the Prime Minister’s convoy turned into a memorable moment for the vendor and onlookers alike.

PM Modi Calls For Political Change In Jhargram

During a rally in the tribal-dominated region of Jhargram, PM Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of being “anti-tribal” and “anti-women.”

Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Sabha, Modi alleged that the state government had ignored key local concerns, including illegal land occupations. He claimed that the voices of tribal communities and women in the region had been consistently overlooked.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/a-street-side-pause-pm-modi-enjoys-jhalmuri-with-locals-during-poll-campaign-in-jhargram-ws-l-10044070.html

 

Sadhvi Sail of Goa was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026, with Rajnandini Pawar and Sree Advaita named runners-up, at a closely contested grand finale in Bhubaneswar.

The campus of KIIT Bhubaneswar, Odisha, sparkled with glamour on Friday night as it hosted the Times Group’s 61st Femina Miss India. The much-anticipated finale of KIIT Bhubaneswar presents the 61st Femina Miss India, co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls, saw Sadhvi Sail from Goa being crowned Femina Miss India World 2026. She will go on to represent India at the Miss World contest. Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra was declared the Femina Miss India 2026 1st Runner-Up, while Sree Advaita from Jammu and Kashmir took home the title of Femina Miss India 2026 2nd Runner-Up.

Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group, addressed the audience and said, “For over six decades, Femina Miss India has stood for one powerful idea: empowering young Indian women to achieve their true potential and shape their own journeys. This platform has been a launchpad for women who have gone on to make their mark across multiple industries, including cinema, media, entrepreneurship, public service, and global advocacy.”

He added, “Over the years, the pageant has earned India global recognition through winners like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Manushi Chhillar and many others, who continue to inspire millions of women. That is the true legacy of Femina Miss India. And tonight, that legacy feels even more meaningful here in Bhubaneswar. Hosting this grand finale at KIIT and KISS is deeply significant, because these institutions reflect the very values we believe in — access to opportunity, the power of education, and the importance of empowering young people, especially young women, to rise and lead.”

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The evening unfolded as a spectacular blend of fashion, music and high-energy performances, elevating the grand finale into a complete entertainment experience. Actor Ishaan Khatter lit the stage on fire with an electrifying performance that had the audience asking for more. Singer Jubin Nautiyal delivered a stirring set, his melodies adding a touch of emotion to a night of dreams and victories. A captivating dance act by Lauren Gottlieb further amped up the spectacle with power-packed choreography and stage presence.

The evening was hosted by Maniesh Paul and Sarah Jane Dias, who brought a seamless blend of glamour and spontaneity to the grand stage.

Opening the showcase, Vishwa Sutra: Weaves of India for the World, spearheaded by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, and designed by Vaishali S, saw the 30 state winners present a powerful tribute to India’s rich handloom heritage. Traditional weaves from across 30 states were reimagined into global silhouettes inspired by 30 countries, seamlessly blending regional identity with modern design sensibilities in a refined, fashion-forward narrative.

The finale designer round witnessed an elegant showcase by Vazaneh by Prbhjiit Maniktala. The collection featured a refined interplay of fluid silhouettes and structured forms, brought to life through light, sheer layers. Intricate embroidery, adorned with crystals and pearls, added depth and a subtle glow to each ensemble.

The evening was judged by an esteemed panel that included veteran actor Zeenat Aman, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, choreographer and actor Terence Lewis, Femina Miss India 2002 and actor Neha Dhupia, Miss Universe 2001 runner-up and actor Celina Jaitly, actor Simran, music composer and singer Amaal Mallik, two-time Olympian and 100m national record holder Dutee Chand, and Miss Diva 2019 and actor Vartika Singh, bringing together voices from across industries.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/fashion/sadhvi-sail-crowned-femina-miss-india-world-2026-article-154108657

 

Over 40 individuals have died due to recent industrial accidents, including blasts at firecracker factories and boiler explosions in Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh. A devastating explosion in Tamil Nadu killed at least 20 people, following a boiler blast in Chhattisgarh that claimed 24 lives. incidents.

More than 40 people have died in separate industrial accidents involving blasts in firecracker factories and boiler explosions in states such as Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh. Such incidents are repeatedly raising serious questions about safety standards, working conditions, and regulatory oversight at industrial units across states.

Earlier today, at least 20 people were killed after an explosion rocked a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu. The incident surfaced within a week when a boiler blast at a Chhattisgarh factory claimed the lives of 24 people, while several others were critically injured. These incidents push for a renewed call for a safety audit and examination of the risky workplace conditions.

The focus has once again shifted towards safety conditions for workers after a powerful blast rocked a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar on Sunday (April 19), claiming the lives of at least 20 people. It is to be mentioned that Virudhunagar is known as one of India’s largest firecracker manufacturing hubs, therefore, an incident like this gives a serious call for workers safety.

While at least 20 died in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar, 24 had died in Chhattisgarh last week after a boiler blast at a Vedanta factory.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who expressed his condolences on the firecracker incident in Virudhunagar, said that he dispatched two senior ministers to the site to oversee rescue and relief operations. He added that the teams were rushed to the spot to search for survivors and assist affected families.

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VIDEO | Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu: Several feared dead in a firecracker factory blast near Kattanarpatti. pic.twitter.com/FLJBiukUtG

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2026

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, MK Stalin said, “My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have requested the esteemed Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families. Upon learning of this, I have contacted the District Collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences after the explosion. “The mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” wrote PMO in an X post.

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விருதுநகர் மாவட்டம் கட்டனார்பட்டியில் ஏற்பட்ட பட்டாசு ஆலை வெடி விபத்தில் பலர் உயிரிழந்துள்ள துயரச் செய்தி மிகுந்த வேதனையளிக்கிறது. உயிரிழந்தோரின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்.

மீட்புப் பணிகளை விரைவுபடுத்திக் கண்காணிக்கவும், பாதிக்கப்பட்ட குடும்பங்களுக்கு ஆறுதல்…

— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) April 19, 2026

Besides TN Chief Minister and PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences, saying, “The loss of lives in a tragic accident at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” wrote President Droupadi Murmu.”

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The mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 19, 2026

 

 

Confusion has prevailed in the online world as the government’s fact-check unit terms the claims of an influencer about Form 157 as ‘fake’, while the influencer has called the government’s interpretation misconstrued

Do you really need an income-tax clearance certificate (ITCC) every time before leaving the country?

Depends on who you are asking.

According to PIB Fact Check, no such certificate is required for regular individuals.

This clarification has come on an Instagram video by influencer Sarthak Ahuja, who is talking about Form 157, which is required to be filed by individuals without a PAN card or without taxable income.

“The selfish politics of the Opposition including Congress, Trinamool and Samajwadi Party have robbed women of their rights,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a strong attack on the Opposition for blocking the government’s move to amend legislation on women’s quota and two other bills. He called the Opposition a group of opportunists who work only for themselves at the expense of the women of the country.

“The selfish politics of the Opposition including Congress, Trinamool and Samajwadi Party have robbed women of their rights,” PM Modi said in an address to the nation this evening, a day after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) failed to push an amendment legislation on women’s quota and two other bills in the Lok Sabha. “Even though we did not get the necessary 66 per cent votes to pass the bill, I know that 100 per cent of the country’s women power is with us,” PM Modi added.

“In parliament, leaders of the Congress, DMK, Trinamool and Samajwadi Party were clapping in defeating the bill. They clapped as they took away what women of the country were entitled to get. It is an attack on women’s self-respect… A woman may forget anything, but will never forget injustice done to her,” PM Modi said.

He warned that women will punish the Opposition leaders who “celebrated and rejoiced in the hall of parliament when the hope for women’s reservation was extinguished.”

“The women of this nation – whenever they encounter these leaders in their own neighbourhoods, they will remember. They will remember that these are the very individuals who celebrated and rejoiced in the halls of parliament when the hope for women’s reservation was extinguished,” PM Modi said.

“I will speak plainly: the parties that opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment are taking the women of India for granted. They fail to realise that the woman of the 21st century is watching every move; she perceives their true intentions and understands the reality of their actions. For the sin the Opposition has committed by blocking this reservation, they will surely face justice. By doing so, these parties have not only insulted the women of today but have also dishonored the vision of our Constitution’s founders. They will not escape the public’s retribution.

“This amendment was never about taking anything away from anyone. It was an act of giving. It was a sacred effort to finally grant women the rights that have been denied to them for 40 long years – to ensure those rights are realised by the next Lok Sabha elections in 2029.

“… It was a sincere, honest, and holy attempt to give 50 per cent of our population their rightful due. It was an effort to make women equal partners in India’s journey of progress. It is the call of the times. This was an effort to strengthen every corner of our land – North, South, East, and West – and to amplify the voice of every state in parliament, regardless of its size or population. It was an attempt to empower everyone in equal measure,” PM Modi said in the address to the nation.

In the strongest remark yet since the bill failed to clear the house yesterday, PM Modi said the Congress and its allies “have committed foeticide of this honest endeavour.” He called the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK and other opposition parties the “perpetrators of this act.”

“They have committed an offence against the Constitution, against the womanhood of this country. The truth is, they harbour a deep-seated resentment toward the very idea of women’s reservation. History shows they have consistently conspired to block it; every time progress was within reach, the Congress placed hurdles in the way. They relied on a succession of lies, distorting numbers and using various tactics to mislead the nation. In doing so, these parties have finally dropped their masks, revealing their true faces to the women of India,” PM Modi said.

“I had personally hoped that the Congress would take this moment to rectify the mistakes of decades past and atone for its previous actions. But they have failed to stand with women and lost their chance to be on the right side of history. Today, the Congress has reached a point where it has lost its very relevance in most parts of the country.

Yesterday’s loss for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha will not deter the government from pursuing the matter, people with direct knowledge of the matter said earlier today. The NDA is speaking to stakeholders on finding another way to get the bill pass a second test in parliament, sources told NDTV, amid a massive protest led by BJP leaders including Hema Malini outside Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s house in Delhi.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/opposition-snatched-womens-rights-then-celebrated-pm-on-reservation-bill-11376702?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The clash intensified when members of one group went to the house of the other individual involved in the accident.

A man was killed in a violent fight triggered by a motorcycle accident in Dhandhuka in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad district on Saturday, after which several shops were set on fire, a police official said.

Two men from different communities clashed this afternoon after their motorcycles collided. The clash intensified when members of one group went to the house of the other individual involved in the accident, he said.

“During the confrontation, Dharmesh Gamara (30) was stabbed in the leg with a knife. He later died due to excessive bleeding. Following his death, tensions flared, and a group of people set ablaze seven to eight roadside shops. Several properties were damaged,” Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat said.

Videos circulating on social media showed small shops engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising in the area.

Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control, Jat told PTI.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/murder-over-minor-accident-triggers-violence-arson-in-ahmedabad-11377436

The prime minister’s address comes a day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 failed to clear Lok Sabha amid a united front from the Opposition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at the Opposition over what he claimed was the “bhrun hatya” or foeticide of Centre’s “honest attempts” at providing equality to women.

PM Modi was addressing the nation a day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 failed to clear Lok Sabha amid a united front from the Opposition.

“This was an attempt to give more voice to every state in the Parliament. Whether states are small or big, whether they have more population or less, this was an attempt to ensure equal distribution of power. But the Congress and its allies committed foeticide of this honest attempt in front of the whole country. They have committed foeticide,” PM Modi said in the video address.

He said opposition parties that opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament were taking women’s power for granted.

Hitting out at the Opposition, PM Modi said parties like the Congress, TMC, SP, and DMK are culprit of this foeticide.

“They are the culprits of the Constitution and the Nari Shakti. Congress hates the subject of women reservation,” he said, adding that the women of our country will give befitting reply to Congress and its allies.

“Congress has always spread falsehoods about necessary reforms, delayed every reform, while it ruled,” he added.

He further said that women had seen how parties like the Congress, the TMC and the DMK “celebrated their selfish politics” against women’s empowerment.

“The opposition has committed a sin by opposing women’s reservation, and they will surely be punished for this. Opposition parties have insulted our Constitution by defeating the bill,” he said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/step-inside-worlds-largest-cafe-bengaluru-rameshwaram-cafe-bommasandra-90000-sq-foot-area-south-indian-temple-adiyogi-101776502129108.html

Nida’s defence lawyers said she has been falsely implicated in the case and does not have any record of any kind of criminal activity.

Nida Khan, 26, the allegedly absconding employee of the BPO linked to Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik, moved the Nashik Sessions Court for anticipatory bail on Saturday.

Khan is one of eight accused in the case relating to alleged sexual harassment and religious coercion at the BPO in Nashik. While seven of the accused have been arrested, Khan eludes law-enforcement authorities, although her family says she is not absconding. All eight employees have been suspended.

Nida’s defence lawyers, Rahul Kasliwal and Baba Sayyed, said the court is expected to take up Khan’s anticipatory bail application for hearing on Monday.

“She has been falsely implicated in the case. She does not have any record of any kind of criminal activity,” said Kasliwal.

The Nashik city police have registered nine FIRs against eight employees of the TCS-linked BPO, including one FIR against Khan. The FIRs were registered in Nashik between March 26 and April 3, following complaints from nine employees, who accused senior colleagues, including team leaders, of alleged sexual abuse, other kinds of harassment and religious coercion.

In the FIR against Khan, registered at the Devlali police station, one of the victims has accused her of hurting religious sentiments, making objectionable comments about a Hindu deity.

Although initial media reports had claimed that Khan was the HR manager at the BPO, TCS has since issued a statement saying she did not occupy that post and was a “process associate”.

Khan’s uncle also told HT on April 17 that after she got married last year, Khan moved to Mumbai in January this year to be with her husband. She had been working at the company’s BPO in Malad, in Mumbai, until her suspension on April 9, her uncle claimed, adding that she is pregnant.

The police have set up three teams in Mumbai to trace and arrest Khan, whose family insists she is not absconding.

Meanwhile, a four-member fact-finding team of the National Commission for Women (NCW) has started investigations into the high-profile case, which began as an inquiry into workplace misconduct but rapidly expanded in its scope following multiple complaints.

One of the commission’s members, Monika Arora, said they would speak to all stakeholders in the case as a part of the investigation. The team is likely to visit the firm’s office in Nashik on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the court of additional chief judicial magistrate R C Narwadiya, on Saturday extended the police custody of two accused, Raza Memon and Shafi Shaikh, till April 20.

In her order on Saturday, the judge observed, “After perusing the case diary and FIR it appears that there is a progress in investigation.” She said that the mobile phone of Memon had been seized by the police and the investigation officer also collected WhatsApp chats of the complainant. “….therefore it clearly indicates that the accused persons tried to outrage the modesty of victim by sending such obscene messages,” the judge said.

Extending the police custody, she said that with the help of cyber experts of the forensic department, it would be necessary to collect the data from the accused’s mobile phone. For that reason, the judge said, the police custody of the accused was justified.

Assistant public prosecutor Aniket Avhad, said the prosecution had sought five more days of police remand as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) needed to secure access to the passwords of the mobile phones, personal computers and social media accounts of the two accused, to access their emails, chats and text messages.

In the FIR lodged on April 2, the two accused were booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment, outraging a woman’s modesty and using words or gestures to outrage a woman’s modesty. However, in their remand application, the prosecution said it had added section 78 (stalking) of the BNS because the accused had followed the complainant to her home.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/chef-kunal-kapur-healthy-high-protein-kala-chana-dosa-recipe-comes-with-a-spicy-and-delicious-twist-101776507062014.html

Kiren Rijiju says defeat of the Constitutional amendment bill to expand seats and fast-track women’s reservation is a loss for women

The Constitutional amendment bill to increase the overall number of seats in the Lok Sabha not being passed in Parliament should not be seen as a failure of the Union government, but as a loss for women who have been denied participation in decision-making, Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday.

The minister went on to say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while chairing the Union Cabinet meeting, also pointed out that the Opposition, particularly the Congress, will have to face the consequences of denying women their rights.gfx

Govt bill to expand seats in LS fails

A day after the central government’s bid to push a Constitution amendment bill to expand the size of the Lok Sabha and fast-track 33% reservation for women failed, the minister doubled down on blaming the Opposition.

“The bills not getting passed is not a failure of our government, or our party. We are sad because it is a loss for women who have been denied participation in decision-making. But the opposition will have to face the consequences as well,” he said.

The minister said the Congress in particular will have to face women who are aggrieved and angry by the development. “They are celebrating women’s defeat, which is proof of their anti-women mindset,” he told media persons.

Congress hits back

The Congress, for its part, has accused the government of conspiring to alter the federal structure of the country by introducing the delimitation bill. The government, however, asserted that its proposal to increase the seats by 50% would have ensured that the proportional representation of the states remained intact.

Rijiju slammed the Congress for suggesting that the government declined to discuss the issue with its opponents and said he reached out to leaders of all the major parties to seek their support for the proposed bills.

“I spoke to the Congress several times. They wrote letters (Kharge had urged the government to hold an all party meeting) but did not attend any meeting. They refuse to come and then claim there was no discussion…” he said.

The minister also explained that he chose to meet the leaders individually as he wanted to address their concerns.

“How we should approach different parties will be decided by us. How can they dictate that we should follow a certain path of consultation? We met individually so we could discuss in detail the nitty gritty…We wanted to negotiate and the meetings (with other parties) were fruitful,” he said.

He said the Congress had been dialling other parties to not attend the meetings called by the government to discuss the issue.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/tamannaah-bhatia-fitness-trainer-says-besan-cheela-is-the-worst-vegetarian-breakfast-shares-3-hacks-for-extra-protein-101776481512428.html

In his address to the nation, the PM expressed deep ‘pain’ at seeing Opposition leaders ‘clapping and thumping their desks’ at the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill’s defeat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 8.30pm on Saturday, delivering a deeply personal and politically charged response to the legislative collapse of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. Speaking just 24 hours after the bill failed to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister framed the defeat not as a procedural setback but as a “betrayal of Nari Shakti” (women’s power) by dynastic political interests.

In a rare public apology, the Prime Minister stated that despite the government’s “most sincere and clean intentions”, it was unable to secure the required mandate. He vowed, however, that while the government may have lacked the 66 per cent support in Parliament, it carries “100 per cent of the country’s women” with it, signalling that the battle for the 850-seat expansion and women’s quota is now moving to the people’s court.

The ‘Betrayal’ Narrative and Parliamentary Conduct

The Prime Minister’s address focused heavily on the optics of the Lok Sabha proceedings on Friday night. He expressed deep “pain” at seeing Opposition leaders from the Congress, DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party “clapping and thumping their desks” as the bill’s defeat was announced. By highlighting these celebrations, the Prime Minister effectively branded the Opposition as “betrayers of the Constitution and women’s empowerment”.

He argued that these parties were not voting against a technical delimitation exercise but were instead protecting their own “dynastic fiefdoms”. According to the Prime Minister, these groups are “afraid” that common women from panchayats and local bodies would eventually overshadow established leaders if the 33 per cent reservation were operationalised through the proposed seat expansion to 850.

Deconstructing the Opposition’s ‘Delimitation Trap’ Charge

Addressing the primary criticism from the INDIA bloc—that the bill was a “Trojan horse” designed to reduce the representation of Southern states—the Prime Minister offered a firm rebuttal. He claimed the legislation was aimed at “equal growth for every state” and accused the Congress of historically creating hurdles for women’s reservation.

He described the Opposition’s focus on the North-South divide as a “diversionary tactic” used to mask their “parasite-like politics”. For the Prime Minister, the 131st Amendment was the “need of the hour” to modernise India’s 55-year-old electoral map and ensure that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in 2023, does not remain a “paper law”.

The Roadmap to 2029 and ‘People’s Punishment’

While the speech lacked a new legislative announcement—such as a joint session—it served as an unmistakable campaign launch for upcoming state polls and the next general elections. The Prime Minister warned that those who “insulted the sentiments of the framers of the Constitution” would face “the people’s punishment”. This rhetoric suggests that the BJP intends to make the bill’s defeat a foundational theme for the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/betrayal-of-nari-shakti-pm-modi-turns-lok-sabha-bill-defeat-into-national-battle-cry-10043221.html

PM Narendra Modi vows to clear the Women Reservation Bill, accuses Congress of an anti-reform mindset, assures women his government will remove all obstacles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his half-hour address to the nation by vowing to continue fight for the Women Reservation Bill.

“I know that today the mothers, sisters, daughters of my country… all of you are grieving. I too am grieving in your grief. But our effort will not stop, our effort will not falter, our inner strength is invincible. More opportunities will come our way ahead as well. We must fulfill this resolve for the dreams of half the population, for the future of the country,” PM Modi said in a televised address to the nation.

“This is not just a fight over one law, but a larger battle against Congress’s anti-reform mindset, driven by negativity. I have no doubt that the daughters of this country will give a strong answer to this thinking. I said in Parliament, give half the population their rightful share, and I would credit the opposition for it. Yet those who view women through a regressive lens remained stuck in their position and refused to move beyond it,” he said.

PM Modi has slammed Congress, TMC, DMK and SP for doing “sefish politics” by opposing the Women Reservation Bill.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/effort-wont-stop-pm-modi-vows-to-continue-fight-for-women-reservation-bill-ws-l-10043193.html

Naveen Jindal has expressed support for Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal amidst the ongoing investigation into a boiler blast at Vedanta’s Chhattisgarh plant, which resulted in 23 fatalities.

Industrialist and BJP MP Naveen Jindal on Saturday backed Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal in the Chhattisgarh power plant blast case, saying responsibility should be fixed only after a proper investigation and based on evidence. Agarwal has been named in an FIR registered by Chhattisgarh police in connection with the April 14 boiler blast at a Vedanta plant in Sakti district that has claimed 23 lives so far.

He has been booked under stringent IPC sections, including causing death due to negligence.

In a post on X, Jindal expressed grief over the loss of lives and called for support to affected families. “The tragedy in Chhattisgarh is deeply painful. 20 families have lost everything. Proper compensation, livelihood support for the families, and a thorough investigation are non-negotiable,” he said.

He, however, questioned naming Agarwal in the FIR at an early stage. “But naming Shri @AnilAgarwal_Ved Ji in the FIR before any investigation raises serious concerns. Investigate first. Establish responsibility based on evidence. Then act.” Jindal said Agarwal had no role in the plant’s operations and described him as a self-made entrepreneur.

Jindal further questioned about setting the responsibilities of a Chairman when such incidents take place in PSU plants.

“When accidents happen in PSU plants or Railways, do we name the Chairman? We do not. The same standard must apply to the private sector too.” India’s Viksit Bharat vision needs people like Anil Agarwal to keep investing and building. That happens only when investors trust the system, Jindal said.

The blast occurred in a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine at the Vedanta Ltd power plant in Singhitarai village. According to officials, four workers died on the spot, while several others later succumbed to burn injuries in hospitals over the next few days. Twelve injured workers are still undergoing treatment. The incident has triggered scrutiny over industrial safety and accountability.

In another post on X, the Jindal Steel Chairman wrote, “Industry chambers @FollowCII, @ASSOCHAM4India, @ficci_india, @phdchamber and @ICC_Chamber, you have a responsibility beyond conferences and policy papers. When due process is bypassed and investor confidence is threatened, as in the case of the baseless FIR filed against Shri Anil Agarwal Ji, your silence is not neutrality. It is a failure of your core mandate.”

“Speak up for justice and what is right. That is what you exist for,” he added in the post.

Replying to his post, Paras Group of Companies Chairman, Pravesh Jain wrote, “Mr. Navin Jindal, where is your heart? Twenty families in Chhattisgarh are shattered, fathers, husbands, sons blown to pieces in Anil Aggarwal’s plant, their lone earners gone forever. Yet you tweet in defence of the billionaire instead of picking up the phone to your own government’s CM if you are so much concern for Anil Aggarwal? This is not corporate solidarity, this is betrayal of the blood on the factory floor.”

He added, “Routine FIRs against chairmen exist for a reason: lives were lost due to criminal negligence. While your fellow industrialists flee with thousands of crores in NPAs, looting taxpayers, you stay silent. As an MP and industrialist, have you ever wept for the millions of workers dying daily for rupees 10,000 and 12-hour shifts? Never.”

“Anil Aggarwal’s legal army can fight his battles. Stop painting this as a corporate turf war. Stand with the widows and orphans, Mr. Jindal, or forever be remembered as the MP who chose profit over grieving mothers. Workers’ blood is not your PR prop. I don’t see you crying or protesting for millions of poor workers. Just enjoy your glass of wine with your rich friends in Air conditioned Drawing room. Good luck to you.”

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Industry chambers @FollowCII, @ASSOCHAM4India, @ficci_india, @phdchamber and @ICC_Chamber, you have a responsibility beyond conferences and policy papers.

When due process is bypassed and investor confidence is threatened, as in the case of the baseless FIR filed against Shri… https://t.co/4toxlKkCTW

— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) April 18, 2026

Another user wrote on X, “Naveen Jindal, your concern for Anil Agarwal is noted. But where is your concern for the workers who died inside Vedanta Limited’s plant? A boiler blast. 20 families destroyed. And your focus is on why his name is in an FIR?”

“When lives are lost, accountability starts at the top. That’s how systems work. This isn’t about public vs private.. it’s about responsibility vs silence. And right now, your priorities are speaking louder than your words (sic),” the user added.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/chhattisgarh-boiler-blast-naveen-jindal-backs-vedanta-group-chairman-sparks-outrage-online-article-154108802

 

A viral video from Chhattisgarh shows a man staging an unusual protest by scattering almonds on a government officer’s desk over a property file missing for over a year.

An unusual protest inside a government office in Chhattisgarh is drawing attention online after a young man used a symbolic gesture to highlight alleged administrative negligence. A video of the incident has gone viral, showing him scattering almonds across an officer’s desk, an act meant to send a pointed message about a “missing” file.

The incident occurred at the Tifra Housing Board office, where the individual, identified as Tarun Sahu, alleged that his property mutation file has been missing for more than a year. Despite making several visits and repeated follow-ups, he claimed officials consistently informed him that the documents could not be located and were presumed “lost.”

According to a report by India Today, Sahu had purchased an EWS flat through resale around a year ago. However, the mutation process, crucial for confirming legal ownership, has yet to be completed due to the missing file. As a result, he has been left without proper documentation, making multiple visits to the office without any progress.

Frustrated by what he described as inaction, Sahu staged a quiet but striking protest. By spreading almonds, often associated with improving memory, across the desk of a Sub-Registrar (Deputy Registrar), he attempted to symbolically suggest that the department needed to “refresh its memory” to locate his file. He also recorded and shared the moment on social media.

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The video quickly gained traction, with many users interpreting the act as a reflection of the frustrations faced by ordinary citizens dealing with bureaucratic delays. Several comments highlighted larger concerns about inefficiency, lack of accountability, and the challenges of navigating public offices for essential services.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/improve-your-memory-man-throws-almonds-at-officer-desk-over-missing-property-file-in-chhattisgarh-viral-video-article-154108313

 

The number of auto and cab drivers from outside the state is increasing rapidly in various cities of the state, including in Bengaluru

Citing the Maharashtra government’s recent move mandating proficiency in Marathi for auto and taxi drivers, KPCC spokesperson A N Nataraj Gowda has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to implement a similar policy in Karnataka.

In a letter to the CM, Gowda requested that the state follow the Maharashtra model, where starting May 1, all commercial vehicle drivers must be able to read, write and speak the local language (Marathi) to hold a license.

The number of auto and cab drivers from outside the state is increasing rapidly in various cities of the state, including in Bengaluru. Since they do not speak Kannada, local Kannadigas are struggling to communicate in their own state. He also expressed concern over the rising incidence of Kannadigas facing harassment owing to the language gap in cabs. Rules should be framed to suspend or cancel the commercial licence of vehicle drivers who refuse to learn Kannada. Strict disciplinary action should be taken against transport officials who flout language rules and issue licence through corruption. He asserted that it is the duty of anyone who earns a living in Karnataka to learn and respect the land, water and language of the state.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/make-kannada-mandatory-for-auto-cab-drivers-3972079#google_vignette

The driver suddenly lost control while manoeuvring the 13th hairpin bend. It crashed into a two-wheeler and an autorickshaw.

At least nine people in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district died, and several were left injured after a State Transport Corporation bus had a head-on collision with multiple vehicles on the Salem-Coimbatore national highway. All those who lost their lives in the tragedy were teachers by profession, news agency ANI reported.

As per a statement shared by the District Collector’s office, the bus, which was heading to Salem from Coimbatore, suddenly veered off the road after the driver lost control while manoeuvring the 13th hairpin bend. It crashed into a two-wheeler and an autorickshaw, which was carrying nearly 10 passengers, and subsequently plunged into the 9th hairpin bend.

The bus was carrying 13 tourists from Kerala’s Perinthalmanna. Out of these 13, eight people (1 male and seven females) died immediately on the spot. The five injured, which included the driver, two male juveniles aged between 17 and 18 years, and two females, were immediately rescued and taken to the government hospital in Pollachi. One of the injured later succumbed to their injuries.

The state authorities in Tamil Nadu reacted swiftly to the incident. Upon learning about the accident, two senior police officers rushed to the spot and supervised the rescue and relief operations. Fire and Rescue Services personnel were also deployed to ensure a prompt evacuation of the injured.

PM, KERALA CM CONDOLE DEATHS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the loss of lives.

“Distressed to hear about the mishap in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the Prime Minister’s office shared on X.

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தமிழ்நாட்டின் கோயம்புத்தூரில் நிகழ்ந்த விபத்தை அறிந்து மிகுந்த வேதனையடைந்தேன். இந்த விபத்தில் தங்கள் அன்புக்குரியவர்களை இழந்தவர்களுக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்களைத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன். காயமடைந்தவர்கள் விரைவில் குணமடைய பிரார்த்திக்கிறேன்: பிரதமர் @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 17, 2026

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, also expressed his condolences over the death of the Kerala citizens.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/tamil-nadu-bus-accident-eight-dead-several-injured-in-salem-district-2897991-2026-04-17

 

Home Minister Amit Shah took a dig at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, asking him to “learn the art of speaking” from his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday took a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, telling him to “learn the art of speaking” from his seniors, including sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The remark came during Shah’s reply to the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill, wherein he criticised Rahul Gandhi’s tone and language in recent speeches.

“I was listening to the Leader of the Opposition’s speech. It is your responsibility to uphold the dignity of this House across the country and the world. The kind of language used will damage that dignity,” Shah said.

Quoting Gandhi’s remarks, Shah added, “What kind of language is this – ‘you are a coward, you are surrendering, you are afraid of me’? Is this how the Leader of the Opposition should behave? The country is listening, and you and your party are being judged.”

He further accused Gandhi of undermining institutions and making provocative statements. “Language should not merely reflect emotions. Learn the art of speaking in the House from your seniors. And if there are no seniors, then Priyanka is the senior — learn from her,” Shah said, drawing reactions from members.

The remarks came after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered a sharp intervention in the House, where she questioned the government’s approach to linking women’s reservation with delimitation, even invoking Chanakya in her critique – a remark that briefly drew a smile from Shah.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told Shah that had ancient Indian polymath Chanakya been alive today, he would have been startled by the BJP leader’s “political shrewdness”.

“The Home Minister is laughing. He has made this full scheme. Had Chanakya been alive, he would have been startled by your political shrewdness (rajnaitik kutilta). He (Shah) made the whole plan, and he is laughing now. He agrees with me,” he said.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi himself had struck a lighter note while referring to his sister’s speech, saying she managed to do in “five minutes what I couldn’t in 20 years – make Amit Shah smile,” prompting laughter in the House.

The Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures by 2029, along with a proposal to expand the strength of the Lok Sabha, was defeated in the Lower House today.

The legislation secured 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Of the 528 members who voted, at least 352 votes were needed for the bill to pass.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amit-shah-criticises-rahul-gandhi-speech-priyanka-gandhi-speaking-skills-2897941-2026-04-17

As the ED conducted multiple raids on the premises of Punjab cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lashed out at the central government.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led central government after the Enforcement Directorate conducted multiple raids at the premises linked to Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora on Friday. Accusing the BJP of dismantling democratic practices, Mann further called the raids ‘dictatorship.’

Speaking to the mediapersons, Mann said, “Our country is said to be the biggest democracy in the world, where people elect the government of their choice. But we have seen that the democratic set-up is being rattled. Non-BJP states are targeted, and especially AAP is targeted.”

Taking a further jibe, Mann also referred to the incidents where the central agencies conducted raids at the places linked to the erstwhile Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal and the Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia.

“They target non-BJP states. Kejriwal and Sisodia were also subjected to all this. If someone stoops in front of them, then all is good. Is this a democracy? This is a dictatorship,” CM Mann added.

BJP WINS ELECTIONS THROUGH ED, CBI, ALLEGES MANN

Bhagwant Mann further accuses the BJP of winning elections in states through the rapid use of central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED.

“Right now, there is an election in Bengal. They do not win elections through people but ED, CBI, and others.”

Mann said that in Delhi, several AAP leaders were threatened with agency raids and were asked to join the BJP.

He also added that the recent raids at properties linked to Arora are nothing but an effort to weaken the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-criticises-bjp-for-ed-raids-on-sanjeev-arora-2897918-2026-04-17

A woman passenger on the Korba–Thiruvananthapuram SF Express alleged a disturbing incident in a sparsely occupied sleeper coach, where a man behaved inappropriately and made obscene gestures. The traumatic episode, now viral, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over women’s safety in reserved compartments of Indian Railways.

A disturbing incident aboard the Korba–Thiruvananthapuram SF Express (Train No. 22547) has raised serious concerns about passenger safety, particularly for women travelling in reserved compartments of Indian Railways. A video of the incident is doing the rounds on the internet.

According to the woman passenger, the incident took place in Sleeper Coach S1, which was reportedly sparsely occupied at the time. She alleged that an unidentified man approached her and behaved in a deeply inappropriate manner. Initially, he allegedly touched her feet without consent. The frightened woman moved towards the window to create some distance between herself and the man.

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भारतीय रेल के स्लीपर कोच S1 अपराधियों का अड्डा बन गया है KRBA TVCN SF EXP (22647) की घटना!

महिला के अनुसार: कोच खाली था, अचानक एक व्यक्ति मेरे पैर छूने लगा। जब मैं डरकर खिड़की की ओर हटी, तो उसने अपने कपड़े उतार दिए, अश्लील हरकतें कीं और शरीर के निचले भाग से बाल नोंचकर सीट पर… pic.twitter.com/YG1DhkOAgM

— Karishma Aziz (@KarishmaAziz_) April 17, 2026

However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the man reportedly removed his clothes, made obscene gestures, and engaged in plucking hair from his lower body and throwing it onto the seat. The incident was described as traumatic and horrifying by the woman, raising questions about how such an act could occur in a reserved coach of Indian Railways.

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed debate over the safety of women on long-distance trains.

About The Delhi Case

 

Retired life wasn’t enough for Dinesh Mahant Thakordas, who now uses his Blinkit earnings to jet-set across the globe.

In a world where most 66-year-olds are eyeing a quiet life on a porch, Dinesh Mahant Thakordas is eyeing his next delivery location. A retired clerk from Ahmedabad, Dinesh spent 26 years working for a life insurance company, successfully raised three children, and secured a comfortable, “settled” life.

Most people in his position would slow down. Dinesh? He signed up for Blinkit.

What started as simple curiosity after spotting a delivery partner in his neighbourhood has turned into a record-breaking two-year streak. Dinesh has completed a staggering 10,220 orders, adhering to a disciplined routine that would put people half his age to shame.

His day starts at 5:00 AM, and by 6:00 AM, he is at the local “dark store.” He wraps up his morning shift by 11:30 AM, earning his way toward his true passion: Travel. Every rupee he makes as a delivery partner goes into a fund for exploring new cities, states, and even countries.

As he puts it: “Experience is the greatest school master.”

India allows feeding stray dogs but only in designated areas set by local authorities, courts bar random feeding in public spots and let housing societies set reasonable rules

If you’ve ever fed a stray dog or seen someone do it, you might have wondered — is this actually allowed? The short answer is yes, but with important conditions.

Under Indian law, feeding stray dogs is not illegal. In fact, courts have recognised that community dogs have a right to food and that people have the right to feed them.

But things have become more structured in recent years.

In 2025, the Supreme Court stepped in to set clearer rules. It said that feeding stray dogs cannot be done randomly in public places like roads, parks or building entrances. Instead, dogs must be fed only in designated feeding areas set up by local authorities.

So the rule now is simple: feeding is allowed, but not anywhere you want.

The idea is to balance two things — animal welfare and public safety. Unregulated feeding in busy areas has often led to complaints about hygiene, dog bites and conflicts between residents. At the same time, completely banning feeding isn’t considered humane or practical.

That’s why the courts have pushed for a middle ground. Municipal bodies are now expected to create specific feeding spots in each area, usually away from children’s play zones, entrances or crowded spaces.

If someone feeds stray dogs in the wrong place, like on the street or inside restricted areas, action can be taken under local rules or court directions.

Courts have even raised concerns about holding feeders responsible in certain situations, especially if safety issues arise.

In housing societies, feeding is still allowed, but it usually has to take place in spots that have been pre-decided. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) can’t completely ban feeding, but they can set reasonable rules about where it should happen and how hygiene should be maintained.

This is why many societies now have fixed feeding corners.

India’s laws try to walk a fine line here. Stray dogs have protection under animal welfare rules, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program pushes for sterilizing and vaccinating them, then releasing them back where they came from.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/feeding-strays-is-legal-in-india-but-this-one-mistake-can-get-you-in-trouble-ws-el-10041669.html

India and China hold first SCO bilateral talks after Ladakh thaw, discuss implementing SCO decisions, boosting security, trade and connectivity, agree to continue consultations

Following a recent thaw in relations, India and China conducted their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Thursday and Friday, aiming to deepen cooperation.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions focused on how to implement decisions taken by SCO leaders and the organisation’s future direction. Both sides expressed their commitment to sustaining and strengthening collaboration and consultations within the SCO framework.

Engagement between the two countries in multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the SCO has picked up pace after the 2024 resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China last year for the SCO summit, while Beijing has extended its backing for India’s current BRICS presidency.

Focus On Security, Trade And Connectivity

Further, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for May 14-15. Additionally, President Xi Jinping is anticipated to travel to India in September for the summit.

“Both delegations jointly called on secretary (west) Sibi George to review cooperation within the SCO framework, including in the areas of security, trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties,” the MEA said in its statement, adding that India and China agreed to continue bilateral consultations in the future.

India has consistently underscored the importance it places on SCO membership, noting that the organisation was created to tackle terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism. It also views the grouping as a key platform for enhancing regional connectivity, provided such initiatives respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the SCO charter. Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty ultimately loses both trust and meaning, PM Modi had said last year while addressing the summit in Tianjin.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-china-step-up-engagement-with-first-bilateral-sco-talks-after-ladakh-thaw-ws-l-10042164.html

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) intensified its attack on the BJP-led central government following two recent ED raids targeting its leaders in Punjab.

With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducting its second raid in just three days on an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab, the party has escalated its attack on the BJP-led Centre, alleging a deliberate crackdown on opposition, a pattern for BJP before opposition ruled state elections, through central agencies. After earlier raids at Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ashok Mittal and searches now at Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora’s premises, AAP leaders asserted that opposition voices are being selectively targeted while governance issues were being ignored. AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the country was watching how low the Prime Minister was willing to go for power.

Arvind Kejriwal took to X and wrote, “This is the second ED raid in three days at the residence of an Aam Aadmi Party leader. Will the PM tell the country how much black money has been found in the countless raids conducted so far at the homes of AAP leaders? Was even one rupee found? The whole country is watching how low you are willing to stoop for power.”

He further said, “Our country’s economy has now slipped to sixth place. The rupee is continuously weakening, people’s businesses are shutting down, unemployment is rising, but the Modi government has no time except to send ED to the homes of opposition leaders. Is this how the country will move forward?”

Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said on X, “The BJP ruled central government is continuously trying to murder democracy. Why are ED raids being carried out only in those states where BJP is not in power? Those who raise their voice for people’s rights and work for public welfare are either sent ED notices or put in jail. But the BJP must remember that democracy cannot be crushed through fear and pressure.”

Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “From the revolutionary land of Punjab, I want to make it clear that wherever there is oppression, we will stand firmly there. BJP should stop dreaming of winning Punjab elections with the help of ED, CBI and the Election Commission. A Punjabi may lose his head, but he will never bow out of fear. This fight is not for one individual, but to save our country and Constitution, and this struggle will continue. We will keep serving the country and the people with complete honesty.”

On the other hand, senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh stated on X, “Modi ji’s ‘parrots’ have become active again. Before the Punjab elections, these parrots will have to make several visits to Punjab. Action against Minister Sanjeev Arora is dictatorship.”

AAP’s Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj said on X, “ED has now conducted raids at the premises of Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora. This is a clear pattern. This is how BJP begins its preparations for state elections.”

Meanwhile, senior AAP leader and Delhi Assembly LoP Atishi wrote on X, “This is the second action against party leaders in the last three days. First Ashok Mittal and now Sanjeev Arora have faced ED raids. Targeting AAP leaders before elections shows BJP’s fear of defeat and cowardice. The people of Punjab will answer this dictatorship.”

On the other hand, party’s national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda states, “This is the second ED raid against AAP in Punjab within three days. Now ED has raided Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora’s premises. The Modi government has crossed every limit of shamelessness. They are no longer even pretending to follow democratic norms. They have openly declared dictatorship.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/will-pm-tell-nation-how-much-black-money-recovered-in-raids-on-aap-leaders-asks-arvind-kejriwal-article-154105228

BJP leader Kangana Ranaut criticised Rahul Gandhi’s recent Lok Sabha speech, suggesting he should seek therapy for discussing his childhood traumas.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MP from Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut suggested that Rahul Gandhi should go to a therapist as she pointed out the Leader of Opposition (LoP) sharing about his childhood traumas and that he was petrified, in his Lok Sabha speech during the debate on the Women Reservation and Delimitation Bills on Friday. Kangana Ranaut questioned why Rahul Gandhi is subjecting us to all his “childhood traumas” by telling his grandmother stories.

In an exclusive conversation with The Times Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar, when asked what she has to say on Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Parliament, Kangana Ranaut said that he (Rahul) is taking all of this for granted and made Lok Sabha into some sort of a stand-up comedian show. Kangana also pulled up the LoP over his statements where he told the Lok Sabha Speaker, “Maza Aayega Aapko, Intezaar Toh Karo, Maza Aayega Aapko (You will enjoy it, just wait, you will enjoy it.)” during the Parliament special session. She further suggested that Rahul should join movies… but should not do all of this here in the Parliament.

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Rahul Gandhi should go to a therapist. Why is he subjecting us to all his childhood traumas?: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) tells @navikakumar.

Watch this conversation to know why she said so! pic.twitter.com/2VOBsVBArA

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 17, 2026

In another statement, the BJP MP said, “I always say things about his (Rahul’s) speeches but then I’m questioned. Rather than questioning him, why you guys question me about his speeches and when I tell you heartfelt feelings for his speeches than a controversy is made out of this.”

Speaking on the women reservation amendment act that failed to pass the Lok Sabha test, Kangana Ranaut said, “You know it is such a demotivating, absolutely devastating event that I just witnessed, especially because the hopes were very high and we were 100 per cent sure that eventually and finally the women of this country will get justice, and especially because the women’s reservation bill had got unanimous support in 2023… so spirits were high and all the women, especially the ones who have the ambitions of policy making, leadership, and all that… and I’m feeling that someone has stabbed us from the back… it is very unsettling, and I can imagine the collective meltdown that women of this nation are going through. It was so heartbreaking to see when the bill failed and there were these loud cheers, claps, and hooting from the Opposition side that was kind of heartbreaking, but we should have faith in our leadership, and our Prime Minister will give justice to the women of this country.”

 

Nashik TCS ‘Conversion’ Case: Tata Consultancy Services denies complaints in Nashik unit probe and forms oversight panel

Amid the ongoing police probe into allegations of religious conversion and sexual misconduct at its Nashik unit, IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Friday said that it had not received any complaints through its internal channels on the matter.

“A preliminary review of the systems and records pertaining to the Nashik unit indicates that we have not received any complaints of the nature that are being alleged on either our ethics or POSH (prevention of sexual harassment) channels,” the tech giant said.

The company also announced an oversight panel and engagement of external entities in its internal probe.

Finance industry veteran Keki Mistry, an independent director on the company board, will be chairing the oversight committee, as per the statement.

Police have arrested seven employees, including six men and a woman HR head. Another employee, Nida Khan, is on the run.

TCS Nashik Case: What Are The Allegations

The incident came to light after a woman accused a colleague, Danish Sheikh, of establishing a physical relationship with her after falsely promising marriage in 2022 – when he was already married to another woman.

According to a police report, Nida Khan is the sister of Danish Sheikh. She allegedly made derogatory remarks about the complainant’s faith and attempted to pressure her to change her religion, the report said.

It is further alleged that Khan and another individual, Tausif Akhtar, concealed the fact from the complainant that Danish Sheikh was already married to another woman.

As the police started investigating the matter, seven more women came forward, claiming that their senior colleagues mentally and sexually harassed them, and the human resources department ignored their complaints.

These events reportedly took place between February 2022 and March 2026.

Cops Search For TCS Accused Nida Khan

On Friday, a Nashik police Crime Branch team arrived in Mumbra in Thane district to track down Nida and questioned her husband at his home about her whereabouts.

Her family has said that she is in Mumbai and expecting her first child. She has also approached a local court in Nashik for anticipatory bail, potentially framing her medical condition as a key factor in her application.

Nida Khan Not A TCS HR Manager

TCS in its statement has also clarified that, Khan is neither a HR manager nor responsible for recruitment. She was serving as a process associate and did not hold any leadership responsibilities.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tcs-nashik-conversion-case-nida-khan-no-complaints-received-through-internal-channels-says-tcs-amid-nashik-probe-11374136?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Centre needed a two-thirds majority to get the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed.

The bill to amend the Women’s Reservation Bill failed to clear a key hurdle after the Centre could not secure the votes needed for its passage in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

The Centre needed a two-thirds majority to get the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed, but fell short of the mark. The proposed legislation saw 298 MPs voting in its favour and 230 voting against.

Two other bills, including one for delimitation and increasing the number of seats in the Lok Sabha, were not put to vote after the first one failed, with the Centre saying they were “intrinsically linked” to the legislation related to women’s reservation.

The Lok Sabha debate, which went on past midnight on Thursday and continued on Friday, saw the Centre making a forceful pitch for the reservation of 33% of seats in the Lower House of Parliament and state assemblies for women.

Leading the charge for the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to allay a key fear of the Opposition parties and said he was personally guaranteeing that no injustice would be done to the southern states with the increase in seats in the Lok Sabha.

“Let all of us not miss this important opportunity to give reservation to women. I have come to appeal to you – do not see this from a political lens, this is in national interest,” PM Modi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also assured the House on both days that the current representation of southern states would be preserved, or increase slightly, once the seats in the Lok Sabha were increased from the current 543 to roughly 816.

Both PM Modi and Shah also accused the Congress and other opposition parties of manufacturing issues to oppose the bill and deprive women of reservation. These parties, the BJP leaders said, would have to pay a price at the hustings for blocking the bill.

Opposition’s Take

Opposing the linking of the bill with delimitation, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the government was using the issue of women’s reservation as a smokescreen and was actually attempting to redraw the country’s electoral map in its favour.

“This is not a women’s bill as it has nothing to do with empowerment of women. This bill is an attempt to change the country’s electoral map, using and hiding behind India’s women,” he alleged.

Gandhi also claimed that the government was attempting to bypass the caste census. “They are trying to avoid giving power and representation to my OBC brothers and sisters, and instead take power away from them,” he said.

Reactions

After the legislation failed to clear the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the two other bills were “intrinsically interrelated” with it.

“It is a matter of regret that the Opposition did not support such a historic and important bill meant to give respect and representation to the people of the country. You had an opportunity and you squandered it. The Modi government’s efforts and struggle to give rights to women will continue,” he said.

BJP MPs also protested in the Parliament complex.

Home Minister Shah said the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party did not allow the passage of the bill and termed their “celebration” of this “reprehensible”.

“Now, the women of the country will not get the 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this not for the first time, but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women nor of the country,” he posted on X.

“I want to tell them that this insult to Nari Shakti will not stop here; it will travel far and wide. The opposition will have to face the wrath of women not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, but at every level, in every election,” he added.

Speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the legislation was an attack on the Constitution.

“As I said in the House, this bill was an attack on the Constitution, and we are glad that we have defeated it. This was not a Women’s Reservation Bill, but an attempt to change the electoral map of India. I want to tell the Prime Minister that if the government wants to implement the bill on women’s quota that was passed in 2023, the opposition will support it 100%,” he asserted.

Gandhi also took to X minutes later and called the Centre’s plan an “unconstitutional trick” that failed because the opposition INDIA alliance stayed united.

“Bharat has seen it. INDIA has stopped it,” he wrote.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, who had also spoken forcefully against linking the reservation bill with delimitation, said, “We can never agree to linking women’s reservation with delimitation based on an old Census that does not include the Other Backward Classes. It was not possible for this bill to be passed, and I believe this is a big victory for our democracy and the unity of our country.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/womens-quota-bill-fails-lok-sabha-tst-doesnt-get-two-thirds-majority-11372488?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Sharing the video, Bauddh explained that the guard was performing his duty while sitting under a mosquito net at night.

A video from Hyderabad has caught the attention of many on social media, showing a security guard working under difficult conditions during his night shift. The clip has led to discussions about the situation faced by guards in residential societies.

The video was shared on X by a user named Suraj Kumar Bauddh. In the clip, a security guard is seen sitting on a chair during his night duty while being covered with a mosquito net. A woman can also be heard speaking to him as he continues to stay awake and perform his responsibilities.

Sharing the video, Bauddh explained that the guard was performing his duty while sitting under a mosquito net at night. He also questioned why the guards couldn’t be provided with a safe and comfortable place while the society’s residents live in air-conditioned rooms.

Watch Video Here:

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“Security guard life in India.” 💔

Poor guard is covered under a mosquito
net and doing his duty while awake at night. Society members live in AC; cannot they provide a safe place for their guard?

The real issue is compassion. People have lost their compassion for the poor. pic.twitter.com/aqIweshHeR

— Suraj Kumar Bauddh (@SurajKrBauddh) April 16, 2026

He further stated that the main problem is a lack of empathy among people, and that people are no longer as sensitive to the plight of the poor as they once were.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/security-guard-in-hyderabad-performs-duties-under-mosquito-net-sparks-debate-11374229?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

 

An official said the institute had started measures to review student mental health but the latest incident underlines the need to “strengthen support systems”.

A second-year student was found dead at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, on Thursday, police said, marking the third suspected suicide at the institute this month and triggering student protests over alleged delays in response by authorities.

Kurukshetra police said the 20-year-old student was from Bihar’s Buxar district. An autopsy was conducted in the presence of the family and the matter is under investigation. “An autopsy was conducted at LNJP hospital… and the body was handed over to the family. We are further investigating the matter,” a police spokesperson said.

An NIT-Kurukshetra official said the institute had already initiated measures to review student mental health but the latest incident underlines the need to “strengthen support systems”.

Protesting students alleged administrative negligence, claiming delays in response. The institute did not address these allegations in its statement to HT.

Students on Friday demanded a comprehensive inquiry, improved counselling services and stronger crisis-response mechanisms. A second-year BTech student cited academic pressure, financial stress and family expectations, coupled with inadequate institutional support, as key factors.

A student council member said assigning faculty as mentors after earlier incidents reflected a lack of seriousness. “They have no professional experience in mental health,” the student said.

Gian Bhushan, in-charge of public relations at NIT, said a student delegation met the director on Friday. He said steps taken after the April 8 case included increased faculty-student interaction, identification of students needing counselling, hostel-level stress management activities, and enhanced surveillance through CCTV cameras and restricted access to vulnerable areas.

The institute has announced “preparatory holidays” from April 17 to May 4. Students questioned the move, noting that classes scheduled until April 22 were cancelled despite incomplete syllabus coverage.

The latest death marks the fourth such case on campus in less than two months. A first-semester student was found dead on February 16, followed by incidents on March 31 and April 8.

A member of a three-member review committee set up by the Union education ministry said the recent incidents have prompted scrutiny of student support systems alongside governance and institutional functioning. The panel is expected to visit the institute next week.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/third-suicide-in-a-month-sparks-protests-at-nit-kurukshetra-admin-announces-prep-holidays-till-may-4-101776475950679.html

TMC has complained to the Election Commission of India against BJP over the launch of the ‘Matrishakti Bhorsa Card’ ahead of West Bengal polls. The party alleges electoral bribery and voter inducement targeting women, seeking action under the Representation of the People Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and demands immediate discontinuation of the scheme reports.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday had complained to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for launching Matrishakti Bhorsa Card ahead of the polls scheduled for next week.

“We have written to @CEOWestBengal and @ECISVEEP, demanding immediate action against BJP’s electoral bribery. Suvendu Adhikari, Smriti Irani, and other BJP leaders have launched a scheme called “Matrishakti Bhorsa Card,” promising financial assistance to women, distributing forms across constituencies in the final days before polling. This is textbook voter inducement, targeting economically vulnerable women at the most sensitive stage of the electoral process. It constitutes corrupt practice under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and criminal offences under Sections 61(2), 173, and 174 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. We demand show cause notices, immediate discontinuation of the scheme, and stringent action against all those involved. BJP cannot buy Bengal’s women. They have Lakshmir Bhandar. They do not need BJP’s bribe,” wrote TMC on X.

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We have written to @CEOWestBengal and @ECISVEEP, demanding immediate action against BJP’s electoral bribery.

Suvendu Adhikari, Smriti Irani, and other BJP leaders have launched a scheme called “Matrishakti Bhorsa Card,” promising financial assistance to women, distributing forms… pic.twitter.com/3D1ryU91KP

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 16, 2026

TMC MLA and minister Shashi Panja questioned why women of the state will need ‘Matrishakti Bhorsa’ when they have ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’.

Notably, Olympic medallists Leander Paes and Vijender Singh Beniwal on Thursday had launched Yuva Shakti Card in Kolkata.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/tmc-moves-ec-against-bjp-over-alleged-electoral-bribery-through-matrishakti-bhorsa-card-launch-in-bengal

 

The claims describe a conversion syndicate and a sexual harassment network operating inside TCS, one of India’s largest IT firms.

A former employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has told NDTV that team leaders at the company’s Nashik office used their desks not for official work but to exploit female colleagues mentally and morally. The claims describe a conversion syndicate and a sexual harassment network operating inside one of India’s largest IT firms.

The employee said the accused used vulgar language when summoning women to the team leaders’ desks.

“All the accused, especially their manner of communication, were completely vulgar. Girls were called to the TL desk and subjected to obscene language unimaginable in any professional or commercial office,” the former employee said.

The main accused, Tausif Attar, is alleged to have targeted Hindu religious practices. The witness said he repeatedly ridiculed female employees during festivals when they wore saris or bindis. “On all festivals, when we wore saris, he would question our attire and religion. As we left, he would make such remarks that we began to question how a team leader could mock another religion so much,” the employee told NDTV.

The former employee claimed that a colleague named Krishna used to wear a Rudraksha rosary to the office and later converted to Islam. Another revelation concerned Nida Khan, who is under investigation. The former employee said Khan was not an HR official but a process associate who was “mysteriously striving for a transfer and a domain change”.

The employee claimed that, in the name of security, staff were required to leave their phones, bags and even lunch boxes outside the office floor so that activities remained “off the record”.

The former employee named two other staff, Danish and Raza, who allegedly booked hotels and resorts for weekends from the office floor and pressured young women employees to join them. The witness described the overall environment as toxic and said she now feels safe after leaving the company.

She questioned why senior management in such a large corporate organisation had no knowledge of what she called a “parallel system”.

The allegations come from one former employee but are part of several claims made by eight female staff at the TCS Nashik office involving sexual harassment and forced religious conversion.

On Thursday, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the central and state governments to control deceitful religious conversion.

Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, through advocate Ashwani Dubey, filed the application in a pending case on the same subject.

The petition states that the organised religious conversion in Nashik “has shaken the conscience of citizens throughout the country”. It argues that deceitful religious conversion threatens sovereignty, secularism, democracy, liberty, fraternity, dignity, unity and national integration.

The petition contends that when forced conversion is part of a systematic, organised and coercive campaign.

Police in Nashik are investigating nine complaints of mental and sexual harassment linked to the TCS branch. The complaints were filed by eight women employees and cover the period from February 2022 to March 2026.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tcs-nashik-conversion-case-wore-rudraksha-later-converted-to-islam-more-claims-in-tcs-nashik-case-11367805?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi said the law must take its course.

In a brazen display of privilege and power, a BJP MLA’s son in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri allegedly rammed five people with his Thar SUV and then blamed them for not clearing the road despite him blaring a siren.

Dinesh Lodhi, the son of Pichhore MLA Pritam Lodhi, allegedly rammed three people on a motorcycle and two woman pedestrians around 7:30 AM.

He was seen arguing with the injured people in a viral video. “When I was sounding the siren, why didn’t you move?” he asked nonchalantly.

Lodhi also threatened bystanders filming him: “Don’t record a video, son.”

The injured – Sanjay Parihar, Ashish Parihar, Anshul Parihar, Sita Verma and Pooja Soni – were rushed to the hospital with injuries to their heads, limbs and shoulders.

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ये बीजेपी विधायक प्रीतम लोधी के सुपुत्र दिनेश लोधी हैं, थार से 5 लोगों को टक्कर मार दी, हादसे में बाइक सवार 3 लोग और पैदल चल रही दो महिलाएं घायल हो गईं … विधायक पुत्र बोले “जब मैं सायरन, हॉर्न दे रहा हूं तो गाड़ी को लहरा काहे रहे थे” pic.twitter.com/PBRnabhAda

— Anurag Dwary (@Anurag_Dwary) April 16, 2026

The three men were on their way to Thanra village for work, while the two women were walking on the road when the speeding SUV hit them from behind.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/i-was-blaring-siren-why-not-move-madhya-pradesh-mlas-son-after-ramming-5-with-thar-11368246?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

The Chhattisgarh police on Thursday registered an FIR against Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and others in connection with the blast at the firm’s power plant in Sakti district that claimed 20 lives, an official said.

The Chhattisgarh police on Thursday registered an FIR against Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and others in connection with the blast at the firm’s power plant in Sakti district that claimed 20 lives, an official said.

The explosion occurred on April 14 at the Vedanta plant in Singhitarai village when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine burst, leaving several workers with severe burn injuries. The incident claimed 20 lives and left 16 persons injured.

A case has been registered at Dabhra police station under sections 106 (causing death by negligenThe Chhattisgarh police on Thursday registered an FIR against Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and others in connection with the blast at the firm’s power plant in Sakti district that claimed 20 lives, an official said.ce), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said.

“Eight to ten individuals, including Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, have been named in the FIR. If more persons are found responsible during the investigation, their names will be added,” Thakur told PTI.

Investigation into the incident is underway and several reports are awaited, including post-mortem reports of the deceased and findings from the forensic science laboratory and the industrial health and safety department, he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/case-against-vedanta-group-chairman-after-blast-kills-20-in-chhattisgarh-11369143?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

After scanning multiple photos from protests in different states and using electronic surveillance, police tracked the three for instigating worker protests.

Police have arrested two people while efforts are underway to apprehend a third accused for “systematically” instigating violence and large-scale arson ahead of last week’s factory workers’ protests, the Noida Police chief said on Thursday, adding that investigators have also filed cases against two social media handles that were “being operated from Pakistan.” The National Security Act will also be invoked against them, she said.

“The suspects have been identified as Rupesh Roy, an autorickshaw driver from Chapra, Bihar; Aditya Anand, a B.Tech graduate from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand and a native of Bihar; and Manisha Chouhan from Gopalganj, Bihar,” said Laxmi Singh, commissioner of police, Gautam Budh Nagar, adding that Roy and Chouhan have been arrested.

After scanning multiple photos from protests in different states and using electronic surveillance, police tracked the three for instigating factory worker protests. “Their involvement was found across multiple states, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Haryana’s Manesar protest,” Singh said.

Police registered two FIRs against two handles on social media website X at Sector 20 police station. When electronic data was sought from X, it was revealed that “both accounts were created by someone in India, but for the past three months they have been operated from Pakistan,” Singh said, adding that a few elements are trying to harm major industrial hubs and incite violence using social media.

How was the violence planned?

The movements of the three suspects, along with other people, were found in Noida on March 31 and April 1, she explained. Later, on April 9 and 10, after retrieving data from Haryana-based companies’ WhatsApp groups, they created WhatsApp groups of Noida factory workers by sending QR codes. All groups had more than 1,000 members, and they instigated workers to block roads if they wanted their demands to be approved, the Noida top cop stated.

An official part of the investigation told HT, “Three groups were made at 2 am on April 10, where people were directed to stage protests and informed about locations to reach.”

“On April 11, when workers were satisfied after a meeting with the concerned department, Roy and Chouhan made instigating speeches against police and the administration. They were arrested late on the night of April 11 from Noida, while Anand remains at large,” she said.

Roy and Chouhan were the admins of all three groups and went active on April 13. On the day of violence, directions were given to people for protest.

“On April 13, when we contained the situation in the first half of the day, two X accounts posted misleading content, one of which read ‘six dead and 67 injured,’ while another stated ‘14 dead and 32 injured during police firing in the Noida protest’,” said Singh, adding that these posts led to a resumption of protests in the afternoon. URLs to the posts were also recovered from mobile phones of workers who were part of the protest, she alleged.

Police said Roy has been actively participating in protests across India since 2018, while Anand has been involved since 2020. They are investigating how an autorickshaw driver and two unemployed people were able to travel across India and who is funding them. Roy, Anand, and Chouhan are booked under relevant sections of the BNS and Section 7 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act for instigating violence. The National Security Act will also be invoked against them.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/nida-not-absconding-she-is-at-home-expecting-a-child-says-family-101776367239564.html

Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP-led government of turning “nari” (women) into a “nara” (slogan) for political benefits.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, saying the ruling coalition had turned legislations to expedite the roll-out of the women’s reservation in legislative bodies into an electoral strategy rather than a genuine effort to empower women.

“BJP, along with its allies, has 21 governments in states and union territories. Within these states, how many are women chief ministers? Even your Delhi chief minister doesn’t have the rights of a CM, she is a half CM,” said Yadav, a reference to the limited powers of Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, the only woman chief minister from the BJP.

Unlike full-fledged states, Delhi is a union territory with a legislature and the chief minister lacks control over police, public order, land, and services which remain under the central government through the lieutenant governor.

Yadav continued. “The organisation which BJP has come from, how many women are in it?” he said, a reference to the ruling party’s ideological fount, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Delimitation Bill

The Delimitation Bill, 2026, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seek to raise Lok Sabha seats and conduct delimitation based on the latest, effectively the 2011 census figures, to roll out the quota from the 2029 general elections.

Participating in a debate on three bills introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, and set up a delimitation commission, Yadav accused the BJP of turning “nari” (women) into a “nara” (slogan), and demanded that women from Muslim and OBC groups also be given reservation under the women’s reservation framework.

The Kannauj MP underlined that his party supported women’s reservation but questioned why it was being suddenly rushed.

“The truth is that the BJP wants to postpone the census. Delaying the census also delays the caste census, because it would raise the question of reservation, which the BJP and its allies do not want to address,” he said, adding that women’s reservation without census and caste data would remain incomplete.

“When we exposed the Form 7 and SIR scams that were removing voters’ names, the BJP responded by bringing in these Bills. This time too, the BJP is trying to use women for political games, but it will not succeed,” said Yadav.

He agreed with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who alleged that the BJP wants to change the electoral map of the country through delimitation.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/pak-accounts-fanned-noida-violence-2-held-police-chief-101776365736301.html

The Opposition criticised the government’s amendment to the Women Reservation Act 2023, linking it to the delimitation bill, claiming it undermines women’s empowerment for electoral gain.

The Opposition has questioned the amendment proposed by the Centre in the Women Reservation Act 2023, linking it with the delimitation bill, saying that the intention of the government is not to empower women through these laws but to win elections. Participating in the debate after the Centre tabled three bills in the Lok Sabha, namely – the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Delimitation Bill, 2026; and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the special extention of the Parliament’s budget session, the opposition expressed its concern saying that the delimitation exercise, once completed, would reduce the representation of the southern states in the Lower House. According to the proposed delimitation bill, the strength of the Lok Sabha would increase to a maximum of 850. The Opposition said that though they support women reservation but that should be implemented as per the current strength of the House, which is 543. It’s against the constitutional amendment to increase the strength to 850 in order to operationalise the 33 per cent reservation.

India has slipped to the 6th spot in global GDP rankings, according to the IMF. This comes at a time when India is recording around 9 per cent nominal growth in rupee terms.

India has slipped to the 6th spot in global GDP rankings, according to the most recent estimates by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2025–26. This comes despite India being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

According to the IMF’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook, India’s economy is estimated to have reached $3.92 trillion in 2025, while the UK’s economy stands at $4 trillion and Japan’s at $4.44 trillion. In 2024, India’s GDP stood at $3.5 trillion, placing it above the UK’s GDP of $3.4 trillion.

India is recording around 9 per cent nominal growth in rupee terms. “India’s growth rate is more than two times higher than the average global growth,” said IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva.

The IMF also said that Asia will remain the main driver of global growth with India and China contributing 70 per cent of the regional expansion. However, it said that the energy shock due to the Gulf crisis will negatively impact the region.

The five per cent regional growth witnessed in 2025, despite the impact of US tariffs and trade uncertainty, is projected to moderate to 4.4 per cent in 2026 and 4.2 per cent in 2027, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its report on the Asia-Pacific segment.

“Asia entered 2026 on a solid footing with growth remaining resilient despite the region bearing the brunt of US tariffs and heightened uncertainty,” Krishna Srinivasan, Director for the IMF Asia Pacific Department told reporters here.

However, he said, given the region’s high fossil fuel intensity and reliance on conflict areas for key commodities, the new energy shock will negatively impact the region.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/india-slips-to-6th-spot-in-imf-global-gdp-rankings-despite-strong-growth-article-154097864

An FIR has been filed against Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal and other officials after a boiler blast at a Chhattisgarh power plant killed 20 workers and injured several others.

An FIR has been registered against Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited, along with company manager Devendra Patel and other officials, in connection with the boiler blast at the Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district that killed 20 workers, police said.

According to Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur, the FIR was lodged at Dabhra police station under sections 106 (causing death by negligence), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “Eight to ten individuals, including Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, have been named in the FIR. If more persons are found responsible during the investigation, their names will be added,” Thakur said.

The explosion occurred on April 14 at the plant in Singhitarai village when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine burst, leaving several workers with severe burn injuries. The incident claimed 20 lives and left 16 persons injured.

Police said a preliminary technical investigation found that excessive fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace led to a pressure build-up, triggering the explosion. “According to an initial report submitted by the Chief Boiler Inspector, the excessive fuel inside the furnace generated high pressure, causing a blast in the boiler. The pressure forced a lower pipe of the boiler out of its designated position, resulting in the severe accident,” a police statement said.

A report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Sakti also confirmed that the accumulation of fuel and the resulting excessive pressure were the primary causes of the explosion.

During the probe, officials found that Vedanta and its contractor NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Limited) failed to properly adhere to maintenance and operational standards for machinery and equipment. “Lapses in upkeep and negligent operation led to sudden fluctuations in boiler pressure, ultimately causing the accident. Based on the available evidence and technical findings, negligence has been established prima facie, following which an FIR was lodged,” the statement said.

Police said a technical team has been constituted to investigate the cause of the blast, and several reports are awaited, including post-mortem reports of the deceased and findings from the forensic science laboratory and the industrial health and safety department. Additional sections may be added based on the findings.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vedanta-power-plant-explosion-anil-agarwal-faces-fir-chhattisgarh-2897448-2026-04-17