India

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

A Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Umer Harris alias ‘Khargosh’ reportedly fled India using forged documents and is believed to be in Saudi Arabia. Investigations by Srinagar Police uncovered a wider inter-state terror module involving fake identities, infiltration routes, and arrests across states

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami accused the DMK of opposing the women reservation bill and said women voters would not forgive the ruling party, while also targeting the state government on delimitation concerns, law and order, and welfare issues

A BDS student’s death in Kannur sparked controversy as college authorities denied caste discrimination claims, attributing it to a loan app issue. Police booked faculty for abetment and SC/ST Act violations, while investigations continue amid conflicting allegations

Akshaya Tritiya is expected to generate over Rs 20,000 crore in gold and silver trade despite rising prices, with consumer behaviour shifting towards lightweight jewellery and alternative investments, even as overall consumption volume shows a decline

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched India’s first advanced 3D glass chip packaging unit in Bhubaneswar, aiming to boost semiconductor innovation, jobs, and position Odisha as a global electronics manufacturing hub

Chief Justice Surya Kant will deliver the D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on cybercrime challenges, highlighting policing and judicial roles. He will also launch ‘ABHAY’, an AI chatbot by the Central Bureau of Investigation to verify notices

India plans to expand nuclear power capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, said Ghanshyam Prasad. The roadmap includes reforms, private participation, and new technologies like SMRs to boost reliable, clean baseload energy

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan met Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, discussing housing projects, Cyclone Ditwah aid and fishermen issues. The visit aims to deepen India–Sri Lanka ties under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the All India Trinamool Congress of appeasement, infiltration and neglect of tribals in West Bengal. He alleged corruption and “jungleraj”, positioning the BJP as a development-focused alternative ahead of state elections

The Election Commission of India ordered the transfer of IPS officer K.A. Senthil Velan, appointing Avinash Kumar as IG (Intelligence) ahead of Tamil Nadu polls. The move aims to ensure neutrality, transparency, and free, fair elections

Karnataka Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar criticised the Centre over the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging lack of consultation and poor timing. He claimed the Bill’s defeat was a democratic victory, warning delimitation could reduce South India’s representation

Death toll in the Vedanta power plant blast in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has risen to 24 after another worker died. The explosion, caused by boiler pressure from fuel accumulation, left several injured, with probes underway and negligence charges filed

Government may raise FDI limit in pension sector to 100 per cent, aligning with insurance sector reforms. A Bill amending the PFRDA Act is expected in upcoming Parliament session, separating NPS Trust from regulator to strengthen governance and investment inflows

Gulab Chand Kataria approved the Punjab sacrilege amendment law, making the Sri Guru Granth Sahib protection act stricter with life imprisonment and heavy fines for desecration. The move aims to deter sacrilege and preserve religious sanctity in Punjab

India’s aerospace and aviation sector is poised for significant growth, driven by manufacturing and advanced technologies. Experts at a global conference urged a shift towards design, MRO and innovation, while highlighting the need for supportive policy frameworks and global collaboration.

Fresh snowfall in Kashmir’s higher reaches, including Zojila Pass and Gurez Valley, along with rain in plains, lowered temperatures and forced closure of key routes like the Srinagar-Kargil and Mughal Road

Mumbai International Airport Limited fined AI Airport Services Limited ₹10 lakh after a detached dolly damaged a Gulf Air aircraft, causing operational disruption, financial losses, and reputational damage at the busy Mumbai airport

Lenskart apologised after backlash over a grooming policy, issuing a new guide allowing religious symbols like bindi, hijab, and turban. Founder Peyush Bansal clarified the controversial document was outdated, reaffirming inclusivity and respect