States

An explosion at a Virudhunagar fireworks unit killed 25 workers, mostly women, injuring several others. A second blast hit rescuers. The owner is absconding, illegal safety violations suspected. Tamil Nadu government announced Rs 5.5 lakh ex gratia and probe ordered

A Fly91 flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi was diverted to Bengaluru after hovering mid-air for hours due to adverse weather, triggering panic among passengers. The airline clarified there was no technical issue and termed the diversion a standard safety procedure

The Supreme Court of India dismissed review petitions by Umar Khalid challenging denial of bail in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, holding no error in its earlier judgment and refusing an oral hearing

Omar Abdullah announced ex-gratia relief from the CM’s fund after a bus accident in Udhampur killed 21 people and injured 29, offering compensation to victims’ families and reaffirming government support

National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged media to report crimes against women responsibly, avoid media trials, protect victim identity, ensure fact-checking, and promote gender-sensitive, accurate, and ethical journalism during a workshop in Mumbai

A Congress-led United Democratic Front alleged strongroom tampering at Vellimadukunnu in Kozhikode, but election officials clarified that only a separate materials room was opened during routine inspection, confirming that Electronic Voting Machine strongrooms remained secure

Arvind Kejriwal praised M K Stalin and said they share a common vision for education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, appreciating Tamil Nadu’s governance while campaigning for the DMK-led alliance in Chennai ahead of the April 23 elections

Rahul Gandhi accused AIADMK of aligning with the BJP due to corruption, calling it a gateway for expansion in Tamil Nadu, while defending federalism and backing the DMK-Congress alliance ahead of the April 23 polls

The Delhi High Court will pronounce its verdict on Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the Delhi Excise Policy case, amid arguments from the Central Bureau of Investigation over alleged bias claims

The Swarana Kanta Sharma recused from hearing bail plea of former Naresh Balyan in an Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act case involving alleged extortion and gang links, with the matter now scheduled before another bench

Mamata Banerjee alleged selective targeting of Trinamool Congress workers ahead of West Bengal polls, accusing central agencies and the Election Commission of India of bias, while claiming attempts to influence arrests, EVM handling, and campaign operations

Amid severe heatwave conditions in Jharkhand, authorities revised school timings to morning hours and issued a yellow alert. Health officials urged preparedness, medical readiness, and public precautions as temperatures rose up to 44°C in several districts

Intelligence inputs warn that Inter-Services Intelligence is focusing on Punjab through targeted killings, drug smuggling, and arms supply, using low-intensity blasts and financial incentives to recruit youth and sustain cross-border terror networks

The Supreme Court of India refused a “fishing inquiry” into alleged addition of 5–7 lakh voters in West Bengal electoral rolls, urging challenges through proper legal process while reviewing related Special Intensive Revision (SIR) petitions ahead of upcoming Assembly elections

The Election Commission of India ordered a 48-hour ‘Dry Day’ in poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu under the Representation of the People Act, restricting liquor sales to ensure free, fair elections and prevent voter influence

Police in Nagpur arrested Riyaz Kazi of Universal Multipurpose Society over alleged religious conversion and misconduct complaints involving children, with authorities investigating possible wider networks and funding behind the reported activities

Janata Dal (United) authorised Nitish Kumar to select its legislative party leader after his resignation as Bihar Chief Minister, deferring any immediate decision and fuelling speculation amid assertions of unity within the party

M. K. Stalin condemned an Income Tax raid on K. Selvaperunthagai in Chennai, alleging political targeting by the Centre, while the Congress leader claimed unlawful detention, escalating tensions ahead of crucial Assembly election campaigning

K Rajan dismissed reports of cracks in Wayanad rehabilitation homes, clarifying markings were inspection indicators. He assured strict quality checks, ongoing support for landslide victims, and timely completion of safe housing under the township project

Pawan Khera approached the Gauhati High Court for anticipatory bail after the Supreme Court of India denied protection in a defamation case linked to remarks against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma

A bus accident in Udhampur killed 21 and injured 61, with Jitendra Singh confirming casualties. Authorities, including Manoj Sinha, have ordered urgent rescue, treatment, and support for victims after the tragic incident

Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that Bharatiya Janata Party will win a clear majority in West Bengal elections, citing alleged misrule by Trinamool Congress, while urging voters for change ahead of the two-phase polling schedule

Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party will form government in West Bengal with “100% certainty” ahead of Assembly elections. He also criticised opposition parties amid debates over women’s reservation legislation and election reforms

The Char Dham Yatra has begun with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri, following a traditional clockwise route. Devotees embark on a spiritually significant journey through Kedarnath and Badrinath, with lakhs registering this year