Times of India

PM Modi defended the Waqf Act amendments, stating they rectify UPA's appeasement policies that favored fundamentalists and land grabbers, contributing to India's Partition. He asserted the 2013 changes prioritized land mafia interests over the Constitution, hindering justice for victims. The new law aims to protect common Muslims, with Parliament passing it after extensive debate and public consultation.

A grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence, the 22nd such incident in Punjab since September, has sparked investigations into potential ISI and Lawrence Bishnoi gang links. Two suspects are arrested for the attack, allegedly orchestrated by Zeeshan Akhtar and Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti. The incident led to the removal of Punjab's intelligence chief.

V Senthil Balaji, reappointed as a minister after bail, defended his position in the Tamil Nadu cabinet before the Supreme Court, asserting his popular mandate. He argued that courts cannot constitutionally disqualify a minister and emphasized his adherence to bail conditions. Balaji highlighted that the corruption case against him began while he was already a minister, suggesting no undue influence.

Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is expected to arrive in India, prompting special security arrangements in Delhi and Mumbai jails. Rana, an LeT member, facilitated David Headley's reconnaissance for the attacks and even gloated over the casualties.

Trump's Trade Representative, Jameson Greer, stated that India and other nations are considering lowering tariffs following new trade measures. Greer defended Trump's trade policies, citing the need for reciprocity and addressing the US trade deficit. He highlighted the decline in manufacturing jobs and the administration's commitment to reversing industrial decline through these trade adjustments.

Meghalaya's Principal Secretary, Syed Md A Razi, was found dead in his Uzbekistan hotel room on Monday, suspected of cardiac arrest. Razi, an IRTS officer on deputation since 2021, was in Bukhara on a personal trip. Hotel staff discovered him after he didn't respond to calls. His wife is traveling to Uzbekistan to retrieve his remains.

In Jaipur, a tragic incident unfolded on Nahargarh Road as an SUV driven by Congress official Usman Khan ran over nine people, resulting in three fatalities and six injuries. Khan, allegedly speeding at 70km/h, collided with multiple vehicles over a 500m stretch.

Nintendo has paused Switch 2 pre-orders in Canada, initially scheduled for April 9, aligning with a similar delay in the US due to potential tariff impacts. The June 5 launch date remains unchanged. Retailers like Walmart Canada and GameStop have confirmed the pre-order delays.

Suchana Seth, accused of murdering her son in Goa, has been further charged with assaulting a female police constable in Colvale Central Jail. The incident occurred when Seth allegedly took a register without permission and then physically attacked the officer, causing injuries.

Sanjay Bhandari, accused of tax evasion and money laundering, has won his extradition battle against the Indian government in the UK. The UK high court denied Delhi's final appeal to extradite him, citing concerns about potential human rights violations and a fair trial in India.

Pakistan's political arena is witnessing a fierce power struggle among the military, Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif's government, further complicated by US foreign policy and the Pakistani diaspora's growing influence. Khan, alleging a US-backed conspiracy, challenges the status quo from prison, while Sharif grapples with economic woes and security threats amidst a legitimacy crisis.

Jammu and Kashmir's assembly witnessed turmoil for the second day as opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion against Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather over a Waqf law debate. Despite calls from his own party, National Conference, for flexibility, Rather insisted assembly rules prohibited discussion on the sub-judice matter.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired security and development review meetings in Srinagar, reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and urging coordinated efforts to eliminate it. He lauded the reduction in terror activities and emphasized the commitment to lasting peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Priyansh Arya's explosive century propelled Punjab Kings to a thrilling 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings. Arya's breathtaking 103 off 42 balls, including nine sixes, lifted PBKS from a precarious position to a commanding 219/6. Despite Conway's 69 and Dhoni's late fireworks, CSK fell short, as Arya's onslaught proved decisive, snapping PBKS's losing streak.

In Mumbra, a 20-year-old unemployed man has been arrested for the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl. He lured the victim from her friends with the promise of toys, took her to his apartment, and sexually assaulted her. After gagging and stabbing her, he disposed of her body in a building duct, where it was later discovered.

Salim Akhtar, a prominent producer of Hindi films, is no more. He produced successful films like 'Phool Aur Angaare' and 'Qayamat'. Salim Akhtar died in Mumbai on April 8. The details of his death are unknown. This news comes after the recent death of Manoj Kumar. Salim Akhtar is survived by his wife, Shama Akhtar, and son, Samad Akhtar.

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam preliminary stage wrapped up in Paris. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen led with 8.5 points each. Nepomniachtchi secured the top spot via tiebreaks. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave finished third. Arjun Erigaisi and Nodirbek Abdusattorov also advanced. Hikaru Nakamura qualified after a tough endgame. Gukesh Dommaraju was eliminated. Vincent Keymer's victory secured his place.