A view of a polling station that was damaged by a crowd during the first phase of the general election, in Khurai in Imphal East, Manipur, India, April 19, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Election Commission orders re-polling in 11 Manipur booths on April 22

The Election Commission of India has declared void the polling conducted at 11 booths across five Assembly segments in Inner Manipur on Friday, with presiding officers reporting mob violence, gunfire and destroyed Electronic Voting Machines in some booths.

The ECI has announced that a re-poll will be conducted at these booths between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on April 22, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Manipur said in a statement on Saturday night.

BJP’s Moradabad candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar dies a day after polling

BJP’s Moradabad candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Singh died on Saturday a day after his constituency went to the polls in phase one of the Lok Sabha election.

Dharmapuri records Tamil Nadu’s highest poll percentage

The Dharmapuri Lok Sabha constituency registered a voter turnout of 81.48%, the highest in Tamil Nadu in the 2024 general election, according to data provided by the Election Commission.

Pakistan govt to deploy army to maintain peace during key by-elections on April 21

Pakistan on Saturday decided to deploy army troops to maintain peace during key by-elections that are to be held in the country on Sunday to fill the seats vacated by various candidates or where elections were postponed due to the death of candidates.

Ahead of U.N. meet, India chooses to ‘regulate’, not ban, single-use plastic

Ahead of week-long negotiations involving 192 countries that are expected to begin in Toronto, Canada, next week on getting the globe to progress on eliminating plastic pollution, India is in favour of “regulating” and not outright eliminating single-use plastic, according to an analysis of various countries’ public negotiating positions by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a not-for-profit based in New Delhi.

Delhi BJP to hold mega gathering of Hindu saints and seers at IGI stadium in Delhi on April 21

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital, the Delhi BJP will host a mega conclave of Hindu priests, saints and seers to celebrate the Hindu new year and construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, at the IGI stadium on Sunday, party leaders said.

Prison report says Kejriwal does not need insulin, AAP calls it ‘slow death’

Raj Niwas on Saturday released a medical status report submitted by the Director General (Prisons) to Lieutenant-Governor V.K Saxena which states that according to the doctors who examined him, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s blood sugar levels were “not alarming” and “administration of insulin is not required as of now”.

More than Naxal conflict, expansion of railways, connectivity issues drive campaign in Kanker

In the backdrop of an ongoing Lok Sabha campaign in Kanker constituency, that votes on April 26, the deadliest anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s history was carried out in the fringes of the district, with as many as 29 Naxalites killed on April 16.

U.S. House passes billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle

The House swiftly approved $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies in a rare Saturday session as Democrats and Republicans banded together after months of hard-right resistance over renewed American support for repelling Russia’s invasion.

IPL-17: DC vs SRH | Sunrisers batters turn on the heat as Capitals wilt

Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Australian sensation, played a blinder to give Delhi Capitals a slim chance to pull off a miraculous chase. But the right-handed power-hitter proved to be an exception on a night dominated by left-handers.

Unidentified miscreants destroyed the EVMs at the Khongman polling booth during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, in Imphal East, Manipur on April 19, 2024
| Photo Credit: ANI

Despite heatwave, Phase I of Lok Sabha polls registers 62.37% polling

The voter turnout in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 19, which sealed the fate of candidates in 102 constituencies across 21 States, was 62.37%. The voting percentage is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement. The poll body also commended the “high” voter turnout “despite the heatwave”.

T.N. registers 69.46% as polling passes off largely incident-free

The fate of 950 candidates in 39 Lok Sabha constituencies of Tamil Nadu was sealed on April 19, with 69.46% of the electorate turning up to exercise their franchise in a four-cornered contest. Except for a few minor incidents, there was no major untoward incident during the polling, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo told journalists. 

Manipur Lok Sabha elections | Over 72% votes cast as violence mars polling; 3 arrested

Amid complaints of voter intimidation, booth-capturing, and violence across several polling booths, the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in Manipur concluded on April 19 evening, with officials pegging the average turnout of the State’s two constituencies at 72.17%. Three persons were arrested in connection with the violence.

Donald Trump’s hush money trial | Full jury of 12 people and 6 alternates is seated in New York

A full jury of 12 people and six alternates was seated on April 19 in Donald Trump’s hush money case, drawing the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president a step closer to opening statements. Lawyers spent days quizzing dozens of New Yorkers to choose the panel that has vowed to put their personal views aside and impartially judge whether the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is guilty or not.

Congress wants EC to take note of BJP’s use of “one issue” to seek votes

The Congress on Friday accused the BJP of using “one particular issue” on social media to attract voters, and urged the Election Commission (EC) to take note of it. “The BJP is using one particular issue on social media as an appeal to voters. This is a flagrant and blatant violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, and also of numerous judgments of the Supreme Court,” Congress general secretary (communication) Jairam Ramesh said.

Congress leaders should advise Rahul Gandhi to withdraw statement urging ED to arrest Pinarayi Vijayan, says Brinda Karat

Congress leaders of Kerala should advise Rahul Gandhi to withdraw his statement inviting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to arrest Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat has said. Ms. Karat termed Mr. Gandhi’s statement shocking and added that he was strengthening the cause of the BJP by demanding the arrest of the foremost Opposition leader who was fighting the BJP and the Union government on all issues.

Fossils of massive prehistoric snake found in lignite mine in Gujarat

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed and likely lived 47 million years ago during a period called the Middle Eocene. The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 metres and 15 metres long, or as big as a modern-day school bus.

Great Nicobar’s particularly vulnerable tribal group, Shompen, cast their vote for the first time

For the first time, members of the Shompen, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the country and who reside in the dense tropical rain forests of the Great Nicobar island, on Friday took part in the election process by casting their votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.

Left a safer bet than Congress, its leaders not turncoats: Sitaram Yechury

Before hurling allegations at the CPI(M) in Kerala, the Congress will do well to ask itself why a large number of people joining the BJP are Congress leaders, said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in an interaction with The Hindu at Parakkandy early this week. “In Kerala, too, people think it’s a safer bet to have the Left which is unlikely to defect to the BJP. In West Bengal and Tripura, we are getting killed. But our leaders don’t become turncoats. That sort of character you require in the party, which the Congress doesn’t have,” Mr. Yechury said.

India delivers first batch of BrahMos to Philippines

India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines on Friday. In January 2022, Philippines concluded a $375-million deal with India for three batteries of shore-based, anti-ship variant of the BrahMos becoming the first export customer for the joint venture missile between India and Russia.

China sets up powerful information warfare force to support ‘military struggles’

China’s military helmed by President Xi Jinping on April 19 unveiled a powerful information warfare support force in a major overhaul of a largely opaque structure of strategic units with the aim of supporting “military struggles” in all areas.

IPL-17: LSG vs CSK | Rahul, De Kock fifties propel Lucknow Super Giants to 8-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings

Openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, who made classy fifties on a slow pitch, produced a chasing masterclass to power Lucknow Super Giants to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL match in Lucknow on April 19.

Unidentified miscreants destroyed the EVMs at the Khongman polling booth during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, in Imphal East, Manipur on April 19, 2024
| Photo Credit: ANI

Despite heatwave, Phase I of Lok Sabha polls registers 62.37% polling

The voter turnout in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 19, which sealed the fate of candidates in 102 constituencies across 21 States, was 62.37%. The voting percentage is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement. The poll body also commended the “high” voter turnout “despite the heatwave”.

T.N. registers 69.46% as polling passes off largely incident-free

The fate of 950 candidates in 39 Lok Sabha constituencies of Tamil Nadu was sealed on April 19, with 69.46% of the electorate turning up to exercise their franchise in a four-cornered contest. Except for a few minor incidents, there was no major untoward incident during the polling, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo told journalists. 

Manipur Lok Sabha elections | Over 72% votes cast as violence mars polling; 3 arrested

Amid complaints of voter intimidation, booth-capturing, and violence across several polling booths, the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in Manipur concluded on April 19 evening, with officials pegging the average turnout of the State’s two constituencies at 72.17%. Three persons were arrested in connection with the violence.

Donald Trump’s hush money trial | Full jury of 12 people and 6 alternates is seated in New York

A full jury of 12 people and six alternates was seated on April 19 in Donald Trump’s hush money case, drawing the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president a step closer to opening statements. Lawyers spent days quizzing dozens of New Yorkers to choose the panel that has vowed to put their personal views aside and impartially judge whether the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is guilty or not.

Congress wants EC to take note of BJP’s use of “one issue” to seek votes

The Congress on Friday accused the BJP of using “one particular issue” on social media to attract voters, and urged the Election Commission (EC) to take note of it. “The BJP is using one particular issue on social media as an appeal to voters. This is a flagrant and blatant violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, and also of numerous judgments of the Supreme Court,” Congress general secretary (communication) Jairam Ramesh said.

Congress leaders should advise Rahul Gandhi to withdraw statement urging ED to arrest Pinarayi Vijayan, says Brinda Karat

Congress leaders of Kerala should advise Rahul Gandhi to withdraw his statement inviting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to arrest Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat has said. Ms. Karat termed Mr. Gandhi’s statement shocking and added that he was strengthening the cause of the BJP by demanding the arrest of the foremost Opposition leader who was fighting the BJP and the Union government on all issues.

Fossils of massive prehistoric snake found in lignite mine in Gujarat

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed and likely lived 47 million years ago during a period called the Middle Eocene. The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 metres and 15 metres long, or as big as a modern-day school bus.

Great Nicobar’s particularly vulnerable tribal group, Shompen, cast their vote for the first time

For the first time, members of the Shompen, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the country and who reside in the dense tropical rain forests of the Great Nicobar island, on Friday took part in the election process by casting their votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.

Left a safer bet than Congress, its leaders not turncoats: Sitaram Yechury

Before hurling allegations at the CPI(M) in Kerala, the Congress will do well to ask itself why a large number of people joining the BJP are Congress leaders, said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in an interaction with The Hindu at Parakkandy early this week. “In Kerala, too, people think it’s a safer bet to have the Left which is unlikely to defect to the BJP. In West Bengal and Tripura, we are getting killed. But our leaders don’t become turncoats. That sort of character you require in the party, which the Congress doesn’t have,” Mr. Yechury said.

India delivers first batch of BrahMos to Philippines

India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines on Friday. In January 2022, Philippines concluded a $375-million deal with India for three batteries of shore-based, anti-ship variant of the BrahMos becoming the first export customer for the joint venture missile between India and Russia.

China sets up powerful information warfare force to support ‘military struggles’

China’s military helmed by President Xi Jinping on April 19 unveiled a powerful information warfare support force in a major overhaul of a largely opaque structure of strategic units with the aim of supporting “military struggles” in all areas.

IPL-17: LSG vs CSK | Rahul, De Kock fifties propel Lucknow Super Giants to 8-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings

Openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, who made classy fifties on a slow pitch, produced a chasing masterclass to power Lucknow Super Giants to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL match in Lucknow on April 19.

Representational image. Indian voters will vote on April 19, 2024, for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections which will cover 102 constituencies across 17 States and four Union Territories
| Photo Credit: ANI

India votes from April 19; 102 seats, 16 crore voters in Phase 1

Over 16 crore voters would exercise their franchise on April 19 as the 2024 general election, the world’s biggest festival of democracy, kicks off with 102 Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls in the first phase. While the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is looking for a third-straight term in office, after successes in the 2014 and 2019 elections, the Opposition Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is hoping to stop the ruling alliance in its tracks.

President, other top Constitutional office holders appeal to people to vote

In a first, top Constitutional office holders on Thursday appealed to the voters through Doordarshan National to come forward and exercise their franchise to further strengthen the Indian democracy. Hours ahead of the first round of elections, President Droupadi Murmu exhorted the electorate, particularly the first-time voters, to participate in the polls and contribute to deciding the country’s future.

U.S. vetoes resolution backing full U.N. membership for Palestine

The United States vetoed a widely backed U.N. resolution on Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 12 in favour, the United States opposed and two abstentions.

ED questions AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in Delhi Waqf Board case

The Enforcement Directorate on April 18 questioned former Delhi Waqf Board chairman and Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan for over 12 hours for his alleged involvement in a recruitment scam. The agency had summoned Mr. Khan to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act

Vice-Admiral Dinesh Tripathi appointed next Navy Chief

Vice-Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. He is currently the Vice-Chief of the Navy, and will take over on superannuation of the current chief, Admiral R. Hari Kumar on April 30.

INDIA bloc partners trade blows in Kerala as BJP seeks to queer the pitch

The CPI(M)-led front in Kerala is not treating Congress with kid gloves and has fielded strong candidates in all constituencies, including Wayanad, where Rahul Gandhi is contesting. The Congress-led grouping hopes to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor.

India must invest more in education, health to capitalise on demographic dividend: IMF

India should focus on investing heavily in education and health to ensure that its growing, young population is adequately employed, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested. The World Bank, the IMF’s ‘twin’ multilateral institution, had said earlier in April that India and other South Asian countries were squandering their demographic dividend.

Plea in Supreme Court seeks access to reports on Manipur riots, arrest of ‘radical’ elements

The Manipur Tribals Forum, Delhi (MTFD), has approached the Supreme Court with an intervening application, seeking that both committees constituted by the court — one headed by Director General of Police (retired) Padsalgikar and the other headed by Justice (retired) Gita Mittal — be directed to supply copies of their reports to them.

12 jurors picked for Donald Trump’s hush money trial

A jury of 12 people was seated Thursday in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, propelling the proceedings closer to opening statements and the start of weeks of dramatic testimony. The first-ever trial of a former American president will unfold in the middle of this year’s race for the White House, ensuring that the legal troubles of the presumptive Republican nominee will be a dominant issue in the contest against Democratic incumbent Joe Biden.

IPL-17, PBKS vs MI | Mumbai survives gallant Punjab’s rearguard action

On the 16th anniversary of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the tournament witnessed one of the most dramatic scripts that the crash, bang, wallop of T20 cricket can serve as Mumbai Indians pipped Punjab Kings by nine runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin on the last day campaigning for the first phase of the Lok Sabha election to be held on April 19, 2024
| Photo Credit: R. Ravindran

Campaigning ends for 102 seats in first phase of Lok Sabha polls

Political parties held their last rallies in 102 Lok Sabha constituencies on April 17 as campaigning came to an end for the first phase of the general election. Voting will be held in these seats, scattered across 21 States and Union Territories, on April 19. While the BJP based its campaign on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Opposition INDIA bloc targeted the ruling party by raising issues such as unemployment, farmers’ distress, and price rise. 

Election Commission halts proposed visit of West Bengal Governor to Cooch Behar

Acting tough, the Election Commission of India (EC) on Wednesday advised a halt to the proposed tour of West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to Cooch Behar on April 18-19 saying it would violate the Model Code of Conduct.

Worker from Bihar shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag

Militants shot dead a non-local in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday evening, just two days ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha election in J&K. Security forces busted a hideout and arrested two suspects in the Union Territory.

Chhattisgarh encounter | Tactical adjustments, unusual routes yielded results: police

Not following usual routes, improved coordination between forces, and additional backup helped security personnel minimise risk and inflict more damage in the April 16 anti-Maoist operation in which 29 alleged Maoists were killed in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh.

Wrestler Sakshi Malik listed among 100 most influential people by Time magazine

Olympic medallist Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik has been listed among the 100 most influential people of 2024 by Time magazine. Sakshi, India’s only female Olympic medallist in wrestling, has been honoured for her relentless fight against alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers by former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Ghulam Nabi Azad backs out of race from Anantnag-Rajouri seat

The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Wednesday decided against contesting from south Kashmir’s Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. However, no reasons were cited for the decision. DPAP provincial president Mohammad Amin Bhat said his party had decided to field Advocate Mohammad Saleem Parray for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat.

Israel-Hamas talks on Gaza truce ‘stalling’: mediator Qatar

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas to secure a truce in Gaza and a release of hostages have stalled, Qatar’s Prime Minister said on Wednesday. “We are going through a sensitive stage with some stalling, and we are trying as much as possible to address this stalling,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told a news conference with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

What caused the storm that led to Dubai floods?

Following the floods in Dubai, questions were raised whether cloud seeding, a process that the UAE frequently conducts, could have caused the heavy rains. But the UAE’s meteorology agency said there were no such operations before the storm. The huge rainfall was instead likely due to a normal weather system that was exacerbated by climate change, experts say.

IPL-17, GT vs DC | Delhi Capitals bundle out GT for 89 as bowlers come to party, finally

Delhi Capitals bundled out Gujarat Titans for 89 in their Indian Premier League match here on Wednesday, the bowlers finally having a say after being blasted all over the park in the last few matches. Mukesh Kumar was the most successful bowler for DC with figures of 3/14, while there were two wickets apiece for Ishant Sharma (2/8) and Tristan Stubbs (2/11).

Champions League | Real Madrid eliminate holders Manchester City in penalty shootout

Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive penalty to lift his team to a 4-3 shootout victory over holders Manchester City after their Champions League quarterfinal tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tirunelveli on April 15, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Country being pushed towards black money; everyone will regret attacking Electoral Bond scheme, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 15 said that the country had been pushed towards black money in elections after the Supreme Court scrapped the electoral bonds scheme, and that on honest reflection, “everyone will regret it”. In his first detailed take on the electoral bond scheme after its scrapping, Mr. Modi in an interview to news agency ANI said that the scheme should also be viewed a success story as it had shown who made contributions to political parties.

Modi and Shah visiting TN to make up for the loss that awaits them in the North, says Stalin

DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on April 15, in an interview with The Hindu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had been visiting southern States, particularly Tamil Nadu, to make up for the loss awaiting them in the northern States that used to be their stronghold. Mr. Stalin said the purpose of this election was to decide who should not come to power rather than who should come to power.

Largest ever seizure of inducements before general elections: Election Commission

The Election Commission (EC) on April 15 said it was on track to seize the largest amount of inducements, including drugs and cash during an election in the last 75 years. Even before polling begins for the Lok Sabha elections, it has seized ₹4,650 crore, an amount which is higher than that recovered in the 2019 elections. During the 2019 general elections, ₹3,475 crore had been recovered by the EC.

Denial of pre-certification for poll ads can be challenged only before Supreme Court, not any other court, says ECI

The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to explain the rationale behind its insistence that denial of pre-certification for election advertisements can be challenged only before the Supreme Court and not any other court. Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice J. Sathya Narayana Prasad granted time till Wednesday for the ECI counsel to take instructions after senior counsel R. Shunmugasundaram for DMK argued that the ECI had no right to take away the writ jurisdiction of the High Courts.

Centre removed free movement regime along India-Myanmar border to thwart conspiracy to change Manipur’s demography, says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Narendra Modi-led government had ended the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the 1,600 km India-Myanmar border to thwart a “conspiracy” to change the demography of Manipur. “No matter how hard anyone tries, we will not let anyone divide Manipur,” he said at a campaign rally in support of the BJP’s Inner Manipur candidate in Imphal.

Taliban is ‘particularly committed’ to protect rights of Hindus and Sikhs: Spokesperson of Taliban ‘Justice Ministry’

The Taliban is in “continuous contact” with the Hindus and Sikhs of Afghanistan who were forced to flee and had their homes taken by warlords, said a senior official of the outfit’s ‘Justice Ministry’ on Monday. In a written statement to The Hindu, the representative said the Taliban will respect the property rights of the minority communities of Afghanistan and that they are “particularly committed” to defending the rights of Hindus and Sikhs in the country.

Singapore PM Lee to step down on May 15, hands over power to deputy Lawrence Wong

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Monday that he will step down on May 15 after two decades at the helm, and hand power to his deputy Lawrence Wong. Mr. Lee, 72, will formally advise the city-state’s president to appoint Mr. Wong, who is currently deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, to succeed him, his office said in a brief statement. Mr. Wong, who has the unanimous support of lawmakers in the long-ruling People’s Action Party, will be sworn in at the national palace later the same day, it said.

Europe joins U.S. in urging restraint by Israel after Iranian attack

Israel’s European allies urged the administration on April 15 to show restraint over Iran’s weekend missile and drone attack, calling on Israeli leaders to step away from “the edge of the cliff” of escalation in West Asia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war Cabinet, which is empowered to decide on the country’s response, was set to convene on April 15 afternoon, a government source said.

Former England spinner Derek Underwood passes away

Derek Underwood, England’s best spinner in the post-World War II era, who gave a torrid time to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, passed away at Kent on April 15. He was 78. Underwood, a practitioner of slow left-arm orthodox spin, was highly regarded by his contemporaries because of his pin-point accuracy, something which made him ‘Deadly’ on uncovered pitches of the 60s and 70s.

IPL-17: RCB vs SRH | Sunrisers win by 25 runs in highest-scoring match in T20 history

Travis Head’s destructive hundred fused splendidly with skipper Pat Cummins’ resolve as Sunrisers Hyderabad registered a well-crafted 25-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-scoring affair. Head’s maiden T20 hundred (102, 41b, 9×4, 8×6) and Heinrich Klaasen’s pillaging 67 (31b, 2×4, 7×6) drove Sunrisers to a record-breaking 287 for three, also going past their own 277/3 against Mumbai Indians at Hyderabad this March 27.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, which will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil-Leh Highway, on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

CAA Rules open the door to dual citizenship, anti-CAA petitioners tell SC

The Rules of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act do not require foreign applicants to effectively renounce the citizenship of their native country, creating a possibility for dual citizenship which is directly violative of the Citizenship Act, petitioners argued in the Supreme Court.

Former AAP Minister moves Delhi High Court, seeks removal of Kejriwal from CM’s post

Former Aam Aadmi Party Minister Sandeep Kumar has moved the Delhi High Court “seeking to dislodge” Arvind Kejriwal from holding the office of the Chief Minister. This is the third plea seeking removal of Mr. Kejriwal as Chief Minister after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. The division Bench headed by acting Chief Justice Manmohan had rejected previous two pleas.

All-weather road gives a strategic fillip to Ladakh

The Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) latest feat in Ladakh, connecting Himachal Pradesh and Leh through the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road, has come as a shot in the arm for security forces stationed in the region, and added significantly to India’s strategic depth in the hostile border neighbourhood. 

J.P. Nadda, others take oath as Rajya Sabha members

BJP national president J.P. Nadda and five other newly elected members of the Rajya Sabha took oath on Saturday. Among others who also took oath include Ashokrao Shankarrao Chavan (Maharashtra), Chunnilal Garasiya (Rajasthan), Anil Kumar Yadav Mandadi (Telangana), Sushmita Dev and Mohammad Nadimul Haque (both West Bengal).

Peter Pellegrini to be Slovakia’s President as ex-Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok concedes defeat

A close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico beat a pro-Western career diplomat to become Slovakia’s new President, and succeed Zuzana Čaputová, the country’s first female head of State. Parliamentary Speaker Peter Pellegrini received 53.85% of the vote with the ballots from over 98% polling stations counted by the Statistics Office in Saturday’s runoff election, topping former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok who had 46.14%.

NIA raids multiple locations in U.P., Bihar in anti-India Naxal conspiracy case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 06 carried out raids at multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar against the CPI (Maoists) in an anti-India conspiracy case, officials said. The raids were carried out by NIA teams on the premises of accused and suspected persons at 11 locations in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh and one location in the Kaimur district of Bihar.

India will not remain a democracy if Modi comes back to power, says Prakash Karat

CPI (M) Politburo member Prakash Karat on Saturday said if Narendra Modi and the BJP came back to power India, would not remain a democracy, and the upcoming Lok Sabha election would determine the future of the country.

Israeli troops recover slain Gaza hostage; Egypt to host new truce talks

Israel said on Saturday its special forces had recovered the body of a hostage killed while being held captive in Gaza, as the Palestinian enclave’s dominant Islamist movement Hamas said it would take part in a new round of ceasefire talks in Cairo.

Tharoor levels cash-for-votes allegation at Rajeev Chandrasekhar; BJP leader initiates legal action

The electoral atmosphere in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency remained rife with mud-slinging as United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Shashi Tharoor accused his rival Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of attempting to sway voters with bribes.

IPL-17: RR vs RCB | Royals on a roll as Buttler’s ton trumps Kohli’s

Rajasthan Royals increasingly looks the team to beat. But, the thing is nobody has found a way to do it yet. Sanju Samson’s men defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets with five balls to spare at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday night. Riding on Virat Kohli’s eighth IPL hundred, RCB had made 183 for three.

Athletic Bilbao beats Mallorca on penalties to win first Copa del Rey in 40 years

Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca 4-2 on penalties to end a 40-year wait for its 24th Copa del Rey title on Saturday. Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saved a penalty by Manuel Morlanes, while Mallorca’s Nemanja Radonjic shot high. Raul García, Iker Muniain, Mikel Vesga , and Alejandro Berenguer — all substitutes — converted their spot kicks.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, which will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil-Leh Highway, on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

CAA Rules open the door to dual citizenship, anti-CAA petitioners tell SC

The Rules of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act do not require foreign applicants to effectively renounce the citizenship of their native country, creating a possibility for dual citizenship which is directly violative of the Citizenship Act, petitioners argued in the Supreme Court.

Former AAP Minister moves Delhi High Court, seeks removal of Kejriwal from CM’s post

Former Aam Aadmi Party Minister Sandeep Kumar has moved the Delhi High Court “seeking to dislodge” Arvind Kejriwal from holding the office of the Chief Minister. This is the third plea seeking removal of Mr. Kejriwal as Chief Minister after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. The division Bench headed by acting Chief Justice Manmohan had rejected previous two pleas.

All-weather road gives a strategic fillip to Ladakh

The Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) latest feat in Ladakh, connecting Himachal Pradesh and Leh through the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road, has come as a shot in the arm for security forces stationed in the region, and added significantly to India’s strategic depth in the hostile border neighbourhood. 

J.P. Nadda, others take oath as Rajya Sabha members

BJP national president J.P. Nadda and five other newly elected members of the Rajya Sabha took oath on Saturday. Among others who also took oath include Ashokrao Shankarrao Chavan (Maharashtra), Chunnilal Garasiya (Rajasthan), Anil Kumar Yadav Mandadi (Telangana), Sushmita Dev and Mohammad Nadimul Haque (both West Bengal).

Peter Pellegrini to be Slovakia’s President as ex-Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok concedes defeat

A close ally of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico beat a pro-Western career diplomat to become Slovakia’s new President, and succeed Zuzana Čaputová, the country’s first female head of State. Parliamentary Speaker Peter Pellegrini received 53.85% of the vote with the ballots from over 98% polling stations counted by the Statistics Office in Saturday’s runoff election, topping former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok who had 46.14%.

NIA raids multiple locations in U.P., Bihar in anti-India Naxal conspiracy case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 06 carried out raids at multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar against the CPI (Maoists) in an anti-India conspiracy case, officials said. The raids were carried out by NIA teams on the premises of accused and suspected persons at 11 locations in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh and one location in the Kaimur district of Bihar.

India will not remain a democracy if Modi comes back to power, says Prakash Karat

CPI (M) Politburo member Prakash Karat on Saturday said if Narendra Modi and the BJP came back to power India, would not remain a democracy, and the upcoming Lok Sabha election would determine the future of the country.

Israeli troops recover slain Gaza hostage; Egypt to host new truce talks

Israel said on Saturday its special forces had recovered the body of a hostage killed while being held captive in Gaza, as the Palestinian enclave’s dominant Islamist movement Hamas said it would take part in a new round of ceasefire talks in Cairo.

Tharoor levels cash-for-votes allegation at Rajeev Chandrasekhar; BJP leader initiates legal action

The electoral atmosphere in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency remained rife with mud-slinging as United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Shashi Tharoor accused his rival Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of attempting to sway voters with bribes.

IPL-17: RR vs RCB | Royals on a roll as Buttler’s ton trumps Kohli’s

Rajasthan Royals increasingly looks the team to beat. But, the thing is nobody has found a way to do it yet. Sanju Samson’s men defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets with five balls to spare at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday night. Riding on Virat Kohli’s eighth IPL hundred, RCB had made 183 for three.

Athletic Bilbao beats Mallorca on penalties to win first Copa del Rey in 40 years

Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca 4-2 on penalties to end a 40-year wait for its 24th Copa del Rey title on Saturday. Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saved a penalty by Manuel Morlanes, while Mallorca’s Nemanja Radonjic shot high. Raul García, Iker Muniain, Mikel Vesga , and Alejandro Berenguer — all substitutes — converted their spot kicks.

Meirav Eilon Shahr, Ambassador of the Permanent Representative Mission of the Israel to the UN, observes the vote on a resolution regarding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Friday, April 5, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

If terrorists run away to Pakistan, we will enter the country to kill them: Rajnath

“If any terrorist tries to disturb the peace in Bharat, or tries to carry out terror activities in Bharat, we will give them a befitting reply (muh tod jawab),” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 5, adding, “If they run away to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan to kill them (Pakistan mein ghus ke marenge).”

He said this in an interview to a television channel in response to a question on an article published in The Guardian that said India had carried out the execution of almost 20 terrorists since 2020 inside Pakistan.

India abstains at U.N. Human Rights Council on vote calling for Gaza ceasefire, arms embargo against Israel

India on April 5 abstained on a resolution at the Human Rights Council that called on Israel for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and called on states to implement an arms embargo, which was adopted by the 47-member Human Rights Council.

While India’s abstention is believed to be in line with previous votes on any HRC resolutions that call for “accountability”, it did vote in favour of three other resolutions that criticised Israel for human rights violations against Palestinians, Israel’s occupation of Syrian Golan, and called for the Palestinian right to self-determination. All four resolutions were introduced at the HRC in Geneva by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.

Congress manifesto vows to undo BJP government policies

From promising to probe the electoral bonds scheme and PM Cares Fund to rejecting the concept of one nation-one election, several sections of the Congress manifesto released on April 05 promises to undo key policy initiatives and promises of the Narendra Modi government if the party comes to power.

Food inflation keeps RBI worried

The spike in food prices has kept the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) worried even though overall inflation has moderated to a certain extent.

On April 5, the Central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.50%. This is the seventh time that the rates have been kept on hold.

Another Indian student dies in U.S, probe underway: Indian consulate in New York

An Indian student in the U.S. state of Ohio has died and police are investigating the case, India’s Consulate in New York said on April 5, the latest in a string of tragedies to shock the community in the country.

“Deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Mr. Uma Satya Sai Gadde, an Indian student in Cleveland, Ohio,” the Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X.

Kejriwal should not be treated differently because he wants to run government from jail: ED

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 5 submitted in a Delhi court that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should not be treated differently just because he wanted to run the government from jail. The ED’s statement came after Mr. Kejriwal, who is lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 scam, had moved an application in court seeking more time for meeting with his lawyers in judicial custody.

Ethnic conflict casts a shadow on Manipur polls; Kuki-Zo, Meitei people devise voting strategies

As Manipur heads into the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in the shadow of an ethnic conflict, the two communities involved in the conflict — the Kuki-Zo people and the Meitei people — find themselves in a peculiar situation.

In the first phase on April 19, most of the violence-affected parts of the State go to the polls. These include all of the Inner Manipur constituency, which covers Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Thoubal districts having a largely Meitei population, and large parts of the Outer Manipur constituency (ST) covering Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Chandel with a majority Kuki-Zo population.

Section 144 imposed in Leh ahead of ‘Pashmina March’ to highlight shrinking pastures

The Ladakh administration on April 5 imposed Section 144 in Leh, banning public rallies just two days ahead of proposed ‘Pashmina March’ by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to the Changthang region to highlight shrinking grazing lands of the Union Territory (UT).

Santosh Sukhdeva, District Magistrate, Leh, cited “reliable inputs of apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquility in the district”, while imposing Section 144.

With its core vote intact, BSP seeks to play spoilsport in U.P.

Ahead of the BSP’s first big-ticket rally in western U.P.’s Nagina constituency on April 6, to be addressed by party leader Akash Anand, the caste equation of the party’s candidates for the 16 seats that go to polls on April 19 and 26 reveals that party supremo Mayawati aims to dent the vote banks of both the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc in the region.

Rakhigarhi findings in NCERT books; Narmada Dam references dropped

Among the latest set of revisions that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has proposed in school textbooks are additions about findings from the DNA analysis of skeletal remains found at the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana and the dropping of references to how the Narmada Dam project adversely affected tribals and drew them to displacement leading to greater destitution.

IPL-17: SRH vs CSK | Sunrisers outsmart Super Kings on a slow and sluggish pitch

An inspired collective bowling performance from its pacers, followed by Abhishek Sharma and Aiden Markram’s fireworks with the bat, ensured Sunrisers Hyderabad coasted to an easy six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Friday.

A view of Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka.
| Photo Credit: L. BalachandarL

Government to record parents’ religion to register births

When registering the birth of a child, parents will now be required to separately record the religion of both the child’s father and mother, according to Model Rules drafted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. These Rules will have to be adopted and notified by State governments before they are implemented.

Will build presence in the South: Nitin Gadkari

The Congress is synonymous with corruption and scandals, while the BJP epitomises development, administration and good governance, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

In an interview with The Hindu, Mr. Gadkari said the BJP remains united in its ideological commitment, with no discord between the party and the RSS.

No need for talks with India on ‘resolved’ Katchatheevu issue, says Sri Lankan Foreign Minister

Sri Lanka sees no reason for re-opening talks on Katchatheevu that India gave up 50 years ago, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has said, in the first official reaction yet to the recent remarks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the island.

India urges Israel to ensure safety and well-being of Indian workers

India has urged Israel to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens who are being flown to the conflict-hit nation under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement to work as blue-collar workers, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on April 4.

Biden tells Netanyahu that U.S. support depends on protecting Gaza civilians

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 4 that U.S. policy on Israel depends on the protection of civilians in Gaza, in his strongest hint yet of possible conditions on military aid after an Israeli strike killed seven aid workers.

Pappu Yadav files nomination from Purnea as Independent

Former MP Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, filed his nomination papers from Bihar’s Purnea Lok Sabha seat on Thursday as an Independent candidate.

His move comes days after the Congress denied him ticket for the seat. He had merged his Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik) with the Congress in March reportedly on the sole condition that the latter would be field him from Purnea. However, the seat was allotted to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) under the seat-sharing arrangement of the grand alliance. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan comprises the Congress and the Left parties.

Sandeshkhali violence | ‘Highly shameful’ even if only 1% of claims true: Calcutta HC to Bengal govt.

Observing that it would be “highly shameful” if even one percent of the allegations of sexual assault in Sandeshkhali were found to be true, the Calcutta High Court on April 4 said that West Bengal’s image as the safest State for women will fall.

No sanctions against India for purchasing, refining Russian oil: U.S. Treasury officials

Striking a conciliatory note on India’s imports of Russian oil, U.S. Treasury department officials visiting Delhi said on April 4 that the aim of U.S. sanctions and the oil “price cap” was not to limit the purchase of Russian ‘Ural’ oil, but to limit the revenues made by the “Kremlin”.

CPI(M) promises law on hate speech, scrapping of CAA

Terming the huge increase in unemployment the biggest failure of the Modi government, the CPI(M), in its manifesto released on Thursday at the party headquarters in Delhi, called for inclusion of “right to work” as a constitutional right.

Median age for cancer diagnosis lower in India, says study

The median age for cancer diagnosis in India is lower when compared to the U.S., U.K., and China, said a report released by Apollo Hospitals. According to the hospital’s data, the average age of diagnosis of breast cancer in India is 52 against 63 in the U.S. and UK, while for lung cancer it is 59 years as opposed to around 70 in the West.

IPL-17, GT vs PBKS | Shashank’s swashbuckling knock helps PBKS pips GT in a thriller

In last December’s IPL auction, Punjab Kings bought Shashank Singh under confusing circumstances. There were two Shashanks in the pool and for a fleeting moment, PBKS thought it had bought the wrong player, tried to take back the bid before accepting him as one of its own.