Taranjit Singh Sandhu reviewed the functioning of the Delhi Fire Service, directing officials to enhance vigilance. The focus included modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce strengthening. He also examined proposed amendments to fire service rules and called for wider public consultations to ensure an inclusive safety framework.
World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka said India must curb doping and comply with global norms to host major events like the Olympics. He noted India’s high doping cases and called for stronger action, including criminalizing doping. He added that sincere efforts are underway, but challenges remain in ensuring clean sport integrity.
The IDF said it dismantled nearly 70 Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites in 1 minute during ongoing operations. Troops also recovered weapons including RPGs, rifles, ammunition, grenades, surveillance gear and a missile, and eliminated dozens of terrorists. The report follows Hezbollah’s claimed drone strikes on Israeli military positions in northern Israel.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has been given Z-category security after multiple bomb threat emails and a security breach at the Assembly. Around 6-7 threats were received since March 23. Enhanced protection includes round-the-clock armed cover, an escort vehicle, tighter entry controls, patrol units, and upgraded security measures across the Assembly.
Retired Jharkhand High Court judge Justice Amitav Kumar Gupta has been appointed Lokayukta of the state by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. Gupta, who retired in 2021, previously served as an additional judge of the Jharkhand HC. The post had been vacant for years, with the government expediting the appointment process following court directions.
The Supreme Court refused to hear a plea by ex-servicemen challenging pay-fixation rules for veterans joining civil services. The bench allowed a representation to authorities and suggested approaching CAT if needed. Petitioners argued the rules ignore military service, cause financial loss, and violate Article 14 by treating veterans as fresh entrants.
Akhilesh Yadav attacked the BJP in Lok Sabha during the Women’s Reservation Bill debate, alleging it is being used for electoral gain. He raised concerns over implementation and caste representation while supporting women’s empowerment. The government introduced three bills to enable reservation, triggering a sharp debate in Parliament.
IMD has issued an orange alert for hailstorms in Himachal Pradesh as a fresh western disturbance approaches. Light rain is expected from evening, intensifying overnight across districts like Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu and Shimla. Thunderstorms and hail are likely on April 17, with weather activity easing after April 18, though another spell is expected later.
The proposed delimitation exercise linked to the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act has become a flashpoint between the center and southern states. Tejasvi Surya said the government will increase all states’ representation by 50%, calling it beneficial for the region. Bill aims to enable a 33 percent women’s reservation in legislatures nationwide.
The TCS Nashik unit ordered 150 employees to work from home after allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion. An SIT probe has arrested seven people, including HR staff accused of suppressing complaints. The company suspended accused employees, while NCW formed a panel to investigate the serious claims and examine lapses further.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Lok Sabha’s strength will increase by 50% to 815 seats after delimitation, with 272 reserved for women under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He assured no state would lose, addressing opposition concerns over a potential north-south imbalance, and ensured fair representation.
The Ready Mix Concrete sector in Pune has paused operations from today, April 15, midnight, for a few days to improve compliance, safety, and environmental standards. The industry clarified it’s not a strike but a planned move. The shutdown may impact construction timelines while efforts focus on sustainability, audits, upgrades, and workforce training.
PM Modi held bilateral talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker at Hyderabad House during his India visit. They discussed West Asia tensions, Ukraine, and reforms in global institutions. PM Modi stressed peace over conflict. The leaders also focused on boosting cooperation in trade, technology, renewable energy, and strategic sectors.
A lawyer, earlier reprimanded for filing “frivolous and baseless” PILs, sought the Supreme Court of India’s nod to withdraw 17 of his 47 petitions. A bench led by Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Panchol, permitted advocate Sachin Gupta to withdraw the pleas, as he said he would approach concerned authorities […]
The Centre introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, sparking intense political debate during the special session. Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the Bill, while Amit Shah and Kiren Rijiju defended it. Opposition leaders, including KC Venugopal and Akhilesh Yadav, raised concerns over provisions, census delays, and representation issues.