India

A petition has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the constitutional validity of Punjab’s newly notified anti-sacrilege law, which prescribes stringent punishments including life imprisonment for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Goa Police have issued a Look Out Circular against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar after his alleged derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier triggered widespread protests. His brother, Madhav Khattar, was arrested in Haridwar for preparing and circulating the speech.

India has strongly denied reports that its vessels paid cash or cryptocurrency to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The clarification follows an April 18 incident where two Indian ships, including the Sanmar Herald, came under fire from Iranian forces and were forced to turn back.

The Election Commission said seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have crossed Rs 1,000 crore since February 2026, highlighting intensified enforcement efforts to curb electoral malpractices and ensure free and fair elections in the two poll-bound states

The government will implement new online gaming rules from May 1 under the PROG Act, 2025, aiming to regulate money-based games, protect users, and promote the sector, with a new authority set to oversee classification, compliance, and enforcement

Former united Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao passed away in Hyderabad at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness. A veteran politician, he played a key role in state politics and co-founded the Telugu Desam Party

A report by OmniScience Capital projects the Nifty 50 to reach 28,000–31,000 by March 2027, driven by earnings growth, stable macro conditions, and sectoral strength in banks and power, while cautioning on IT stocks due to global uncertainties

West Bengal begins the first phase of its Assembly elections with around 3.6 crore voters across 152 constituencies. Heavy security deployment, electoral roll revisions and close contests between Trinamool Congress and BJP mark the high-stakes polls

Kannada actress Ranya Rao is set to be released after completing one year under COFEPOSA detention in a gold smuggling case. Despite earlier bail, her release was delayed. The case, involving multiple agencies, remains under investigation

A man in Karnataka’s Belagavi district allegedly set his wife on fire after objecting to her wearing a nightdress. The woman sustained severe burns and was shifted for treatment, while the accused has been arrested and an investigation is underway

Shutdowns called by various ethnic groups disrupted normal life across 12 districts of Manipur. Schools, markets and transport services were affected as protests over recent killings and incidents continued in both valley and hill regions

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, quashing all charges against them. The decision leaves unresolved questions about those responsible for the blasts that killed 31 people and injured over 300

Security has been intensified across Kashmir on the anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack. Authorities have deployed forces and introduced new safety measures as tourists gradually return to the region, signalling recovery in tourism after last year’s incident

On the anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the victims and reiterated that India will never bow to terrorism, asserting that the country remains united in grief and firm in its resolve

A report highlights rising demand for digitally skilled workers in India’s green sector, driven by AI and sustainability. While millions of jobs are expected, a growing talent gap and shortage of specialised professionals remain key challenges for the industry

The NHRC has issued notices to the Education Ministry, CBSE and states over allegations that private schools are prescribing costly textbooks. It has sought reports and directed audits, citing possible violations of RTE Act provisions and education policies

Amazon revealed it blocked fake reviews and seized millions of counterfeit products in 2025. Using AI and legal action, the company is intensifying efforts against online fraud and expanding its Counterfeit Crimes Unit to India.

Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh have been appointed brand ambassadors of MSRTC for five years. The actor couple will promote road safety and awareness campaigns. Their appointment was formalised at Mantralaya in the presence of top Maharashtra government officials.

Tesla has launched the six-seater Model Y L electric SUV in India with a claimed range of 681 km. Bookings are open, deliveries begin in June 2026, and the vehicle offers premium comfort, advanced features and improved ride quality

Trinamool Congress accused Central forces in Nandigram of assaulting and intimidating villagers during election-related activity, alleging BJP misuse of CRPF. The party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, demanding action, suspension of personnel, and measures to prevent further incidents

Tej Pratap Yadav met strategist Prashant Kishor in Bihar to discuss state politics and public expectations after his RJD exit. The meeting, shared online, hints at possible political realignments, though Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party remains opposed to alliances

Change of guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will shift from 7:30 am to 8:30 am from April 25, 2026. The 30-minute weekly military tradition involves President’s Bodyguard taking charge, reflecting ceremonial duties of the Indian Army regiment PBG unit statement

The Supreme Court upheld denial of child maintenance after DNA test proved the respondent was not the biological father, ruling scientific evidence overrides legal presumption of legitimacy, while directing welfare assessment of the child by Delhi government authorities

Gold and silver prices rose up to 2% on MCX amid global uncertainty and extended US-Iran ceasefire. Gold crossed Rs 1.53 lakh/10g while silver neared Rs 2.50 lakh/kg, with analysts noting consolidation and potential breakout or correction levels ahead