The CBI conducted raids on the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai in connection to the Mahadev betting app case. The raids come ahead of Baghel's scheduled meeting at the Congress headquarters in Delhi. This follows previous raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to the multi-crore liquor scam.
Amidst heightened tensions, Nepal has finally lifted the curfew in the Baneshwar-Tinkune stretch and surrounding areas following Friday's violent clashes between security personnel and pro-monarchy protesters. The protests, which resulted in deaths, arrests, and property damage, have led to a decline in public support for the royalists. With more arrests expected and divisions within the pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy groups, the Nepal Home Ministry is determined to contain any further disruptions.
BJP leader Ajay Mahawar has raised the issue of renaming Babarpur during the ongoing Delhi Assembly session, stating that it should be named after someone who contributed to the nation's development. He argues that figures like Abdul Kalam, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Ashfaqulla Khan, who fought for freedom or contributed to nation-building, can be honored instead. Mahawar emphasizes that the issue is not about division but preserving the cultural identity and heritage of Delhi. This demand comes as the Delhi Assembly also discusses the renaming of the Mustafabad Assembly Constituency.
In response to a written query, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that the government's Fact Check Unit (FCU) identified 1,575 fake news stories from 2022 to March 19 this year. The FCU, set up in 2019, also received over 25,000 queries and identified 338 fake news stories in 2022. The report highlights the efforts of the government in countering the spread of misinformation.
On Friday, tensions rose in the eastern part of Kathmandu as pro-monarchy protesters clashed with security personnel, leaving two people dead. The curfew imposed in the area has been lifted on Saturday as calm returns to the city. At least 105 people have been arrested for their involvement in the violent demonstration, as protesters demand the reinstatement of the monarchy and a Hindu kingdom. Durga Prasai, the leader of the agitation and the main culprit behind the violence, is currently at large.
A group of unidentified individuals vandalized an idol of Lord Shani Dev in the Mirhachi area of Uttar Pradesh's Etah district, causing tension among locals. This was the second such incident to occur within a week, with the idol's head, hands, and mace being damaged. The village head has filed a complaint and police officials are investigating the matter. Authorities have assured locals that measures have been taken to maintain peace in the village.
In light of the state government's concern over the spread of false or misleading news related to its functioning, the Maharashtra government has issued guidelines for its departments to respond promptly to such reports. The move comes after the establishment of a media monitoring centre to keep track of news coverage. The directive aims to improve the government's image and address citizen concerns more efficiently, while opposition parties have criticized the decision to merge municipal corporations in Jaipur.
A three-member committee in Ahmedabad has started the process of acquiring 650 acres of land for the development of Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and Olympic Village. The plan includes relocation of three ashrams, including one belonging to rape convict Asaram Bapu. The proposal has caused controversy, with opposition parties demanding the withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and calling for the implementation of the Sachar Committee's recommendations to improve the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India.
At the first general council meeting of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), actor and party leader Vijay launched a scathing attack against the Centre and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu. Vijay accused the BJP-led Centre of trying to reduce the state's power, and warned PM Narendra Modi to "handle Tamil Nadu carefully". He also criticized the DMK for creating obstacles for TVK's functioning and declared that the upcoming assembly polls in 2026 will be a two-party fight between TVK and DMK. The party passed several resolutions, including urging the Centre to withdraw the controversial Waqf Bill and finding lasting solutions for challenges faced by fishermen.
In a strong opposition to the proposed Waqf bill, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has urged all Muslims in the country to wear black armbands during Friday prayers as a sign of peaceful protest. This appeal comes ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections and the Union Budget announcement, showing the board's determination to make their voices heard. With this move, the community hopes to bring attention to their concerns and urge the government to reconsider their decision.
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has written a letter to the Governor requesting the deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Mothabari, after a large-scale attack on Hindus by miscreants. Adhikari has accused the state government and ruling party of appeasement politics and claimed that the police have failed to contain the violence. He vows to take legal action against the perpetrators and protect the Hindu community.