India

Police in Maharashtra have booked self-styled godman Hrishikesh Vaidya for allegedly raping a Pune-based woman. The complainant gathered courage after the Kharat case. Police have registered a Zero FIR and are trying to trace the accused

The defence ministry signed two contracts worth Rs 858 crore: Rs 445 crore with Russia for Tunguska air defence missiles for the Indian Army, and Rs 413 crore with Boeing India for P-8I aircraft maintenance, strengthening air and naval capabilities

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a married man living with an adult woman in a consensual live-in relationship does not commit a criminal offence. The court granted interim protection from arrest and emphasised separating morality from law

Retired Calcutta High Court judge Shahidullah Munshi said his name was deleted from the West Bengal voter list after SIR scrutiny. He plans to approach an appellate tribunal, while political parties and the Election Commission remain involved in the dispute

Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the Centre may hike LPG and fuel prices after the West Bengal assembly elections. He criticised the BJP government over rising costs, welfare issues and claimed the TMC would continue its social schemes if re-elected

The government will review windfall tax on diesel and ATF exports every fortnight to ensure domestic supply. Alongside, a Rs 10 excise duty cut aims to ease consumer burden as global oil prices surge due to geopolitical tensions

The government has reduced excise duty by Rs 10 per litre on petrol and diesel but retail prices remain unchanged. OMCs absorb under-recoveries to maintain supply amid soaring global crude prices, while an export levy on diesel prioritises domestic demand.

Indian stock markets ended sharply lower on Friday, with Sensex and Nifty falling over 2 per cent, as geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran dampened investor sentiment and triggered broad-based selling across sectors

The government has kept petrol and diesel prices unchanged despite reducing excise duty by Rs 10 per litre, using the relief to offset losses of oil marketing companies amid rising global crude prices and supply disruptions linked to West Asia tensions

The Centre has increased commercial LPG allocation to 70 per cent to ease supply shortages caused by import disruptions linked to the Iran war, prioritising key industrial sectors while urging consumers to register and apply for PNG connections

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Sanju Samson could take over MS Dhoni’s role at Chennai Super Kings, highlighting the wicketkeeper-batter’s form and connect with fans. Dhoni’s finishing role has diminished with age, making Samson a natural successor.

  Jefferies exited HDFC Bank holdings after chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned, citing differences. The move reduced India exposure, raised governance concerns, and impacted investor sentiment, with the stock witnessing recent declines 

The Yamunotri Temple Committee announced open entry for all devotees at Yamunotri Dham regardless of religion or caste. The decision comes ahead of the Char Dham Yatra beginning April 19

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will campaign for AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections, addressing eight rallies across key constituencies to consolidate minority votes as parties intensify their campaigns before polling on April 9.

Gold and silver prices surged on Multi Commodity Exchange amid West Asia tensions, driven by safe-haven demand. Analysts cited geopolitical uncertainty and volatility, with metals holding key support levels and likely remaining sensitive to global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments

An Assam Rifles personnel was injured after suspected NSCN-K-YA militants opened fire during border fencing near Pangsau Pass. Forces retaliated, and search operations were launched to trace the attackers

Rajasthan Police arrested Akashdeep, accused of spying for Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, after conducting reconnaissance across multiple states and sharing sensitive videos. Authorities said the network posed serious threats to national security, with further investigations underway 

KC Venugopal accused Pinarayi Vijayan of targeting Rahul Gandhi while avoiding criticism of Narendra Modi. He asserted UDF unity and confidence in electoral victory in Wayanad

Han Kang, Karen Hao and Arundhati Roy were honoured at the National Book Critics Circle Awards. Frances FitzGerald received lifetime achievement, while NPR and PBS were also recognised

S Jaishankar met Anita Anand at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, discussing West Asia crisis, trade, and cooperation. Focus remained on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping

Donald Trump praised Narendra Modi, expressing confidence in stronger India-US ties. During discussions on West Asia tensions, both leaders emphasised peace, stability, and ensuring the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains secure

The government cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre to ease global oil price pressures, while assuring adequate fuel supplies and dismissing shortage fears amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Chennai Super Kings enter IPL 2026 with a revamped, youth-focused squad led by Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Strong batting and spin depth boost their chances, but concerns over death bowling and inexperience could shape their campaign

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has strongly opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it “dangerous” and “alarming”. The body warned that provisions enabling government control over NGOs and minority institutions undermine constitutional freedoms.