FSSAI has instructed food manufacturers to use only Ashwagandha roots and their extracts, banning the use of leaves in any form. The regulator said some companies were wrongly using leaves in health products. The move aligns with safety concerns and existing regulations, and authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance and monitoring.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced ten new welfare measures, raising the party’s total election promises to 307 for the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. The party also pledged 24/7 district-level “war rooms” to curb crimes against women. Voting for 234 seats will be held on April 23, with results scheduled for May 4.
A software engineer in Hyderabad was arrested after excise officials found 17 marijuana plants grown on his house terrace in Nacharam. The plants could yield around 10 kg of ganja. Police said he quit his job and began cultivation for personal use due to addiction and financial issues. The accused has been taken into custody.
Tovino Thomas’ “Pallichattambi” is struggling at the Kerala box office, earning around ₹9 crore in five days with mixed responses. Despite a decent start, the film saw fluctuations and weak traction, largely due to the strong wave of “Vaazha 2,” which continues to dominate collections and audience attention, leaving limited scope for recovery.
Redmi has launched the Pad 2 SE 4G featuring a 9.7-inch 2K LCD display, Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 processor, and HyperOS 3. It offers up to 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, and a 7,600mAh battery with fast charging. The tablet targets budget users with strong battery life, media features, and everyday performance balance.
Ram Charan’s “Peddi,” directed by Buchi Babu Sana, has been postponed to June 2026 after multiple delays, missing key summer slots. Despite setbacks, the sports drama enjoys strong buzz due to limited big releases and industry slowdown. With AR Rahman’s music and a star cast including Janhvi Kapoor, the film is expected to open big.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at a rally in Salboni, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and promoting corruption. He also alleged her associate Humayun Kabir wants to build a Babri Masjid in the state. Shah said the upcoming Bengal elections are about freeing the state from infiltration and corruption.
Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 after suffering a left hamstring injury during CSK’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The young top-order batter, in strong form this season, will undergo rehabilitation for several weeks. His absence is a big setback for Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup and campaign.
Maharashtra witnessed a firecracker unit explosion in Palghar district, killing at least two people and injuring four others. The blast triggered panic in the area, with the injured rushed to the hospital and rescue operations launched. The incident comes days after a major firecracker factory explosion in TN’s Virudhunagar that killed 25 people.
India has handed over a 2-tonne consignment of life-saving medical supplies to Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The aid includes oxygen concentrators, microscopes, and essential consumables to boost healthcare services. The Indian High Commission highlighted the move as a reflection of strong bilateral ties and humanitarian cooperation.