Times of India

BJP dismissed Congress's vendetta claims after the Gandhis were charged in the National Herald case, asserting that no one is above the law. Ravi Shankar Prasad urged Congress to address the allegations, highlighting the misappropriation of real estate worth thousands of crores. Sudhanshu Trivedi clarified that the probe began in 2013 under the UPA government, refuting claims of political vendetta.

Congress has denounced the ED's National Herald case as a politically motivated attack orchestrated by the BJP, asserting that Young India, a not-for-profit entity, has not engaged in any financial impropriety. AICC leaders highlighted the absence of any crime under relevant laws, accusing the Modi government of diverting attention from critical issues like unemployment and economic decline.

Kerala High Court has issued notices to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, and others concerning alleged financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd and Veena’s firm. This action follows a PIL seeking a CBI inquiry into the matter.

Edappadi K Palaniswami clarified that AIADMK's alliance with BJP is solely for the 2026 election, not a commitment to a coalition government. He emphasized respecting each party's autonomy, while BJP's Nainar Nagenthran stated coalition decisions rest with party leaders. Palaniswami criticized DMK's discomfort, asserting the alliance aims for Tamil Nadu's development.

The Calcutta High Court and Supreme Court invalidated the 2016 West Bengal School Selection Commission recruitment process due to widespread manipulation. Approximately 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff appointments were cancelled, revealing a scam involving manipulated mark sheets, rank jumping, and appointments of ineligible candidates. Investigations exposed destroyed records and the creation of supernumerary posts to accommodate fraudulent appointments.

Robert Vadra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for the second day concerning a money laundering probe into a 2008 land deal involving his company and DLF. Accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, Vadra asserted that he is a political target and his family is not afraid of anyone. He expressed frustration with repeated summons, claiming the agencies are being misused.

The Supreme Court, during a hearing on petitions challenging Waqf Act changes, acknowledged some provisions as beneficial but sought clarification on others. Concerns were raised regarding 'waqf by user' property scrutiny and the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies.

Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, a former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the chairman of the 23rd Law Commission by the Central Government. The commission's responsibilities include submitting a report on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), studying laws impacting the poor, and identifying laws hindering India's economic progress. The 23rd Law Commission will be functional until August 2027.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused BJP of orchestrating communal riots in Murshidabad over the new waqf law, alleging the involvement of central agencies and Home Minister Amit Shah. She questioned the urgency of amending the waqf Act amid the volatile situation in Bangladesh. Banerjee also criticized the BSF's role in the violence and threatened action.

Colin Carroll, a senior Pentagon official, has been placed on administrative leave amidst an investigation into information leaks within the Department of Defense. He is the third Pentagon official to be put on leave, joining Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick.

A Delhi court has demanded an explanation from Tihar Jail authorities regarding the co-location of Christian Michel James, an AgustaWestland case suspect, with undertrial Shahnawaz, despite the latter's history of disciplinary issues. James alleges inmates cut deals for special treatment and recounts surviving poisoning attempts during his six-year imprisonment.

Justice Kurian Joseph will lead a Tamil Nadu committee to explore greater state autonomy within constitutional limits, addressing long-standing Centre-state issues. The committee will delve into financial autonomy, the role of governors, and other unresolved grievances, drawing from past commissions like Sarkaria and Punchhi. Justice Joseph accepted the role pro bono, upholding his commitment to avoid government jobs post-retirement.

Thousands of Ahmedabad students planning to study in the US this summer are facing visa appointment delays. Since mid-March, securing visa interview slots has become increasingly difficult, causing stress for students with university admissions and I-20 forms. The recent US embassy crackdown on illegal visa appointment methods and potential changes in immigration policies are adding to the uncertainty.

Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot has sent a bill proposing 4% Muslim reservation in government contracts to the President, citing constitutional concerns. The BJP opposed the bill, arguing against religion-based quotas. PM Modi criticized the Congress, accusing them of infringing on SC, ST, and OBC rights.

A United Airlines flight, en route from Denver to Edmonton, was compelled to make an emergency return to Denver due to an engine fire shortly after takeoff. Preliminary reports suggest the fire was triggered by the engine ingesting an animal, possibly a rabbit.

The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of the Telangana government's actions. The government felled trees and removed green cover in Kancha Gachibowli forest. The court warned of potential jail time for senior officers. This is if the green cover is not restored. The court emphasized its commitment to protecting the environment. It demanded a revival plan for the damaged area.

US Vice President J D Vance is scheduled to visit India from April 21 to 24, accompanied by his family and senior Trump administration officials. During his first visit to India, Vance will meet Prime Minister Modi on April 21.

The BJP-led Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC-Leh) has unanimously passed a bill to reserve 33% of seats for women, marking a significant step towards gender equity in the region. This decision by LAHDC-Leh aims to empower women, especially those from rural areas, to participate in leadership roles and contribute to policymaking, aligning with the broader vision of women's empowerment.

Melinda Gates revealed a toxic college relationship fueled years of body image issues, impacting her self-perception well into adulthood. She sought therapy and meaningful work to heal, aiming to model a healthier mindset for her daughters. Gates now prioritizes overall well-being over appearance, finding peace in letting go of perfectionism and embracing self-acceptance.

Despite strained trade relations and anti-India sentiments from Dhaka, India aims to avoid a trade war with Bangladesh. Recent actions, like withdrawing a trans-shipment facility, were intended to ease congestion, not harm Bangladesh's trade. Concerns rise over Bangladesh's renewed ties with Pakistan, especially amid increasing radicalization, as Pakistan seeks to boost exports and high-level contacts resume.