Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann began his visit to the Netherlands, his office said. He was welcomed by India’s Ambassador Kumar Tuhin. During the trip, he will meet global companies to attract investment and promote Punjab as an industrial hub. He also highlighted ongoing development projects, including roads, education, health, and irrigation initiatives in the state.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra challenged the government after its Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. She urged the center to bring the earlier women’s reservation bill in Parliament on Monday for a clear vote. She accused the BJP-led NDA of misleading voters and branding Opposition parties as anti-women ahead of elections.
The first batch of Indian pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia today for the annual Haj pilgrimage, the Indian mission said. They were welcomed at Madinah Airport by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and officials. Khan also inspected facilities and met volunteers assisting pilgrims. The embassy wished them a safe, smooth and spiritually enriching Haj experience.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the BJP’s downfall has begun after the Centre failed to pass a Constitution amendment bill for 33% women’s reservation in legislatures from 2029. Addressing a rally in Howrah’s Uluberia, she claimed the BJP has been defeated and is surviving in power only with ally support.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said at a Farakka rally that voting for any party other than TMC would benefit the BJP. He accused the BJP of weakening the Congress while claiming TMC is countering BJP influence. He also alleged Congress leaders failed to support people’s issues over the past two years, especially in rural areas […]
A fire broke out in a five-stair commercial building near Lal Chowk city center but was quickly extinguished before spreading in the busy market area. Officials said firefighters recovered 19 gas cylinders during the operation, and no casualties were reported. The blaze reportedly started in a restaurant kitchen attic, cause under investigation.
Chhattisgarh is reeling under a heatwave as Raipur temperature crosses 43°C, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for central regions. Meteorologists say temperatures have risen sharply over the past week and conditions may persist for days. Officials advised avoiding outdoor activity during peak hours and increasing fluid intake to stay safe.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inspected RK Ashram Marg Metro Station construction under Phase 4 of the Delhi Metro project. She reviewed progress with DMRC officials, stressing quality, safety and timely completion. Rekha Gupta called for transparency, faster work and better passenger facilities, saying Phase 4 is key to modernising Delhi’s connectivity.
Former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today held a courtesy meeting in Patna with his successor Samrat Choudhary, who was sworn in on April 15. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and senior leaders were present. Samrat said he welcomed Nitish at his official residence, received his greetings, and valued his guidance during the interaction.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra intensified her attack after the women’s quota bill failed in the Lok Sabha, calling it a conspiracy to weaken democracy. She alleged the Centre planned delimitation for political gain. Calling the defeat a victory, she praised opposition unity and warned the government against misleading people, especially women, on the issue.
Former CM K. Palaniswami is seeking a sixth term from Edappadi in the April 23 Assembly polls. Facing DMK’s C Kasi and NTK’s Priyadarshini, he alleged “dynasty rule” under MK Stalin. Palaniswami urged voters to end family dominance and corruption, while campaigning for NDA candidates and cautioning rivals against personal attacks during the election campaign.
Earthquake tremors measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, with an epicentre in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, were felt across Kashmir Valley today. Disaster management officials said the quake occurred 190 km deep, at coordinates 36.55°N and 70.92°E. Kashmir lies in a seismically active zone and remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
Malayalam television actor Siddharth Venugopal passed away at 41 after battling cancer. Actress Seema G Nair confirmed the news, expressing deep grief. Tributes poured in from the industry, remembering him as a popular serial actor. Hailing from Chalakudy, he began as a presenter and rose to fame through shows like “Kasthooriman” and “Bhagyajathakam.”
Rahul Gandhi will undertake a high-intensity campaign tour across Tamil Nadu today ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections. He will address public meetings in Ponneri, Sholingur, Tiruchirappalli, and Thuraiyur to strengthen Congress outreach. The party, part of the DMK-led alliance, has been allotted 28 seats, aiming to boost its electoral prospects.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the Congress blocking the Women’s Reservation Bill denied India a historic step toward women’s empowerment. The Lok Sabha rejected the 33% quota bill with 298 votes in favour and 230 against. Chandrababu Naidu called it political obstruction and a betrayal of women’s representation and federal balance.