National News

The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of probe agencies' perceived hesitation in investigating Anil Ambani's ADAG group for alleged Rs 40,000 crore loan fraud. Directing CBI and ED to expedite a coordinated inquiry, the court emphasized transparency and fairness. Fresh status reports are mandated within four weeks, with the court urging action against all involved in irregular loan sanctions.

The Supreme Court sternly criticized the West Bengal government for obstructing the Kolkata Metro Orange Line's completion, calling their appeal "frivolous" and an "obstinate anti-development agenda." The court rejected the state's plea for time until May, citing elections, and emphasized the government's dereliction of duty in delaying a vital public transport project.

The government plans to introduce bills for one-third women's reservation in Lok Sabha and assembly polls, potentially increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816. This move aims to empower women and reshape the political landscape. Implementation hinges on delimitation, with a proposal to use the 2011 census data to ensure the quota is effective by the 2029 elections.

An auto-rickshaw driver in Jaipur was apprehended by tourist police for tricking a foreign woman into uttering offensive Hindi phrases. The incident, captured on video and widely shared, led to the driver's arrest on charges of misconduct and tourist harassment. Authorities emphasized the deceptive and inappropriate nature of the act.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's stance on the West Asia conflict in Parliament. He stressed opposition to attacks on infrastructure and trade routes. India advocates for diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Efforts are underway to ensure safe passage for Indian ships and secure vital supplies like oil and gas. The government is in contact with international partners to maintain maritime safety.

Megan Thee Stallion, the six time Grammy winner, has turned heads with her high profile relationship with the Dallas Mavericks’ star player, Klay Thompson. As fans root for an engagement announcement, Megan Thee Stallion's heartbreaking statements about feeling "too much" have sparked chaos and made fans emotional over the pain she has gone through in her life before she met the NBA legend.

Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, carrying substantial cooking gas, successfully navigated the war-torn Strait of Hormuz. This marks the fourth Indian vessel passage since the conflict's onset, with four more Indian ships and crews awaiting safe transit. The government is prioritizing their secure passage amid regional tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the government is actively working to maintain uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers amidst West Asian conflicts. Diversified energy import sources, increased ethanol blending, and extensive railway electrification have significantly reduced dependence on fossil fuels, bolstering India's energy security.

Oil marketing companies are reportedly considering delivering underweight LPG cylinders to ensure more equitable distribution amid critical availability. While the petroleum ministry dismisses these reports as speculative, refiners confirm the proposal is under government consideration. Increased domestic production is now meeting a higher percentage of demand, despite disruptions in West Asia impacting imports.

The manifesto proposes a major administrative overhaul, including the creation of multiple functional capitals across Tamil Nadu to ease pressure on Chennai and improve access to governance

Sunny Joseph dismisses concerns of internal dissent within the Congress over granting electoral berth to former CPI(M) leaders; he says the UDF’s decision to support such leaders will strengthen the coalition; results of local body elections indicate strong anti-incumbency sentiment, he adds

Panic buying gripped Gujarat as rumours of a fuel shortage led to long queues and temporary rationing at petrol pumps. Dealers cited operational shifts, including advance payment requirements and weekend replenishment gaps, as reasons for temporary disruptions. Officials and oil companies have reassured the public that sufficient fuel stocks are available across the state, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary panic.

Petitioner had sought steps to address fare fluctuation, fare transparency, and continuity of essential air services

Part of initiatives unveiled by Ashwini Vaishnaw to boost creative economy; a citizen creator platform, and in-built satellite tuners in television sets for access to DD Free Dish launched

The AIADMK alleged that Kathiravan and his father V. Srinivasan had given SUVs to five panchayat union secretaries and two town panchayat secretaries of the DMK on March 16 and 17 when the Model Code of Conduct was in force

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta promises to personally convey the court’s message to ED and CBI directors in “harsher terms”

The announcement led to cooling of oil prices with benchmark Brent Crude futures (May) slipping more than 12%

“Under the amendments that the government wants to bring in, the basis for the selection of seats will be the Census data of 2011. The number of seats in Parliament will increase to 816, out of which 273 will be reserved for women,” a source said

Country should be prepared and united, says Modi as he condemns attacks on commercial ships and obstruction of Strait of Hormuz; India has 5.3 million tonnes of petrol reserves, and govt. is working towards increasing this to 6.5 million tonnes