India

Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down a 229-run target to beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets despite Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 103. Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma led the charge in a high-scoring IPL encounter in Jaipur

The controversy over students being allegedly forced to remove their sacred thread (janeu) during the Common Entrance Test (CET) has spread from Bengaluru to Chikkaballapur, where a fresh incident was reported at Nagarjuna College.

The Congress has strongly criticised AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal after seven Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, defected to the BJP. Leaders like Sandeep Dikshit and Sukhpal Singh Khaira accused Kejriwal of abandoning the party’s founding principles and focusing on money-driven politics.

The Election Commission of India has directed enhanced security measures for the second phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal on April 29. Over 2,300 companies of central forces will be deployed, with the highest concentration in North and South 24 Parganas.

The NDA has strongly criticised the Opposition’s move to seek the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling it an act of frustration after repeated electoral defeats.

Punjab Kings scripted history by chasing down 265 to defeat Delhi Capitals in an IPL thriller. Despite KL Rahul’s 152, PBKS rode on strong contributions from their top order to register the highest successful chase in T20 history

Telugu short film The 3rd, directed by K A Muni Suresh Pillai, has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2026, the film explores academic pressure through a narrative inspired by Newton’s Third Law of Motion

Chennai Super Kings will aim to continue their winning run when they face Gujarat Titans, who are struggling for consistency. Both teams are level on points, making the IPL clash crucial for their playoff hopes

The Embassy of India in Bamako urged Indians in Mali to stay vigilant after coordinated attacks by armed groups. Malian forces said the situation is under control, with counter-operations underway and several attackers neutralised across affected regions

Defence Research and Development Organisation unveiled advanced tracked and wheeled armoured platforms with indigenous turrets and missile capability. Developed with industry partners, the systems enhance mobility, firepower, and protection, boosting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a major crisis after seven Rajya Sabha MPs, led by Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal, defected to the BJP, citing corruption and ideological decline. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has sought presidential intervention to disqualify the rebels.

Lisa Gill was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court by Governor S Abdul Nazeer in Vijayawada, succeeding Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur. The ceremony was attended by judges, lawyers, and officials

Security forces intensified operations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district after a clash left three dead. Authorities have stepped up security, while leaders appealed for peace. Separate operations led to arms recovery and the rescue of a civilian

The KPCC has warned leaders against public comments on the Chief Ministerial choice as factional tensions rise in Kerala Congress. Internal divisions have intensified online, with digital media members also reportedly split over the leadership issue

Swati Maliwal, who recently joined the BJP, criticised Arvind Kejriwal and AAP, citing corruption and internal issues. She alleged misconduct, lack of internal reform and said the party could collapse soon amid growing dissatisfaction among leaders

Former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane said he has not seen a published copy of his memoir and questioned how Rahul Gandhi accessed it. He also defended the government, saying the armed forces were given full freedom during the China standoff

Intelligence agencies have warned of a renewed push by Babbar Khalsa International to revive the Khalistan movement, with a strategy focusing on rural radicalisation and low-intensity attacks in urban centres across Punjab

The Enforcement Directorate uncovered a suspected foreign-funded network in Maoist-affected Chhattisgarh, seizing debit cards, cash, and digital evidence. Authorities are probing alleged fund diversion for local activities, with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai confirming ongoing investigation and further action

At a Uttarpara rally, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of deploying massive resources, including Union ministers and helicopters, to win Bengal polls. She alleged intimidation, false promises, and inflammatory rhetoric, asserting TMC would ultimately prevail

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced a ₹2,500 crore defence manufacturing plant by Adani Group in Kolaras, Madhya Pradesh, expected to create 2,000 jobs and boost industrial growth while strengthening India’s defence production capabilities

Raghav Chadha said AAP MPs quit due to “disappointment, disengagement and disgust,” not fear, after joining the BJP. He cited the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy as damaging the party’s image, while AAP denied allegations and accused BJP of engineering defections

The resignation of Raghav Chadha and six other MPs from AAP to join BJP has triggered sharp reactions. Anna Hazare called it a democratic choice, while BJP leaders termed it a sign of growing trust in the party

Political activity has intensified in the Karnataka Congress as D K Shivakumar meets central leaders in Delhi while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah holds discussions with his supporters, signalling a possible revival of the leadership debate within the party

A Kannur court denied anticipatory bail to former anatomy head M K Ram in a student suicide case while granting relief to Dr Sangeetha Nambiar. The court cited harassment allegations, strict classroom conduct, and ongoing investigation needs