India

The BJP has criticised Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her remarks on the defeat of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Bill failed to secure a two-thirds majority, triggering a sharp political confrontation between the ruling NDA and Opposition parties

An explosion at the Vanaja Firecracker Factory in Tamil Nadu killed 18 workers and injured six others. The blast, likely caused by friction during production, destroyed parts of the unit and triggered a large-scale rescue operation

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is recovering steadily after undergoing a sinus procedure in Hyderabad. He thanked political leaders, ministers and actors for their wishes, while family members and colleagues expressed confidence in his quick recovery

Global technology companies have laid off over 73,000 employees in early 2026 as they cut costs and shift focus to artificial intelligence. Firms including Snap, Meta and Oracle are restructuring operations, with more job losses expected across white-collar roles

The government has initiated procurement of a compact UAV system for the IAF’s Garud Special Forces. The system will support high-altitude operations, enhance surveillance capabilities and promote indigenous defence manufacturing with a focus on improved range and endurance

The BJP criticised Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a demon, calling it an insult to a constitutional post. The party accused the Congress of spreading hatred and targeting Modi deliberately

The West Bengal Assembly election narrative has shifted from corruption and governance to identity and citizenship after large-scale voter roll deletions. Political parties are now focusing on voter identity, making the polls a contest shaped by both numbers and emotions

The Supreme Court issued pan-India road safety guidelines, banning parking on highways and ordering strict enforcement measures. It directed authorities to remove illegal structures, improve monitoring and ensure safer roads, stressing that protecting human life is a constitutional obligation

A passenger bus fell 200 feet into a gorge near Pushkar Valley in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, killing two women and injuring 31 people. Rescue teams and locals carried out emergency operations as authorities investigate the cause and search for the driver

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of betraying women by opposing the women’s reservation bill and said they would be punished in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls. He also announced welfare promises and targeted the ruling party’s governance

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing government machinery for political campaigns. She alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct and questioned the delay in implementing the women's reservation bill

A goods train wagon derailed in Bokaro, Jharkhand, after colliding with a car at a level crossing near a DVC power plant. No injuries were reported, and officials are investigating the incident involving the rolling train and open gate situation

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will present his stand in the Allahabad High Court over allegations of dual British citizenship. The court is examining a petition seeking FIR registration, after earlier orders directed police inquiry into the complaint by a BJP worker

The All India Trinamool Congress denied reports that I-PAC halted operations in West Bengal, calling them baseless and alleging BJP-linked intimidation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central agencies of targeting the party’s campaign machinery ahead of polls

A sexual harassment and conversion case at Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik has triggered arrests and multiple FIRs. The family of accused employee Raza Rafiq Memon alleges internal rivalry and office politics behind what they claim are false allegations

Sadhvi Satish Sail of Goa won Femina Miss India World 2026 in Bhubaneswar and will represent India at Miss World. Femina Miss India 2026 crowned winners including Rajnandini Pawar and Sree Advaita G amid Odisha’s first-ever hosting of the event

Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin released DMK’s ‘Chennai Super-6’ manifesto ahead of Assembly polls, promising improved urban infrastructure, AI-enabled transport, 1,000 mini-buses, stormwater upgrades, and initiatives in emerging tech and civic management

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the All India Trinamool Congress of protecting infiltrators and enabling corruption during a rally in Jhargram. He claimed the upcoming West Bengal election is a battle to protect the state’s identity

Indian negotiators led by Darpan Jain will meet US officials in Washington from April 20–22 to advance the bilateral trade agreement. Talks may revise tariff terms amid shifting US policies and ongoing trade disputes under Section 301

India is integrating artificial intelligence with digital infrastructure, local-language systems and governance safeguards to improve rural access. A report says the approach focuses on low-cost solutions, enabling farmers and village institutions to use AI directly and address real-world challenges

The Election Commission of India warned parties ahead of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu polls against AI-manipulated content, mandating clear labelling. Over 11,000 illegal social media posts have been removed since March 15 under monitoring and enforcement actions

India’s nuclear programme reached a milestone as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, advancing toward thorium-based self-reliance. The development strengthens long-term fuel security by converting plutonium fuel efficiently, though nuclear power still contributes a small share

United Breweries CEO Vivek Gupta said the Indian beer industry is facing major challenges due to rising input costs, supply shortages and pricing restrictions, urging government support to sustain growth, manage costs and prevent supply disruptions in the sector

The Himachal Pradesh Government has deferred salaries of officers and employees for six months from May 2026 to manage finances. Higher officials face up to 30% deferment, with assurances of later release and no impact on benefits