THE HEADLINES :-
- India expresses deep concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon; Asserts for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
- Government says, it has successfully met the peak demand of electricity and energy requirements amid West Asia crisis.
- In Uttar Pradesh, number of electorates grew by over 84 lakh after completion of Special Intensive Revision exercise.
- Delhi Police busts Pak intelligence agency ISI and Babbar Khalsa International sponsored terror, arms and espionage module.
- India concludes its campaign at 2026 Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar with an impressive haul of 16 medals, including five gold.
- India’s Ayush Shetty enters men’s singles semifinals of Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China.
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India has expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in Lebanon amid continued strikes by Israel despite the two-week ceasefire in West Asia. It asserted that the protection of civilians remains its foremost priority. Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the current situation is very disturbing, particularly given India’s longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the region. He underlined the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Meanwhile, the government has said that it has successfully met the peak demand of electricity and energy requirements of the country amid the West Asia crisis. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Piyush Singh said that all thermal power plants are running in full capacity with adequate coal stocks.
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said, domestic LPG and fuel supply is stable in the country. Ms Sharma assured that there is sufficient availability of petrol and diesel, and no dryout has been reported.
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Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said that Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier to India. He said this after holding discussions with the Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and President and CEO of Qatar Energy Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in Doha. In a social media post, Mr Puri said during the meeting, both sides discussed all aspects of the strategic relations between the two countries. He said that the two sides also expressed hope for early return of peace and stability in the West Asia region.
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Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted despite a two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington that began on April 8, with shipping activity still far below normal levels. Our correspondent reports that Industry estimates indicate traffic has dropped by nearly 95 percent compared to pre-crisis levels.
“Despite the ceasefire, tankers from the GCC countries are still facing major obstacles, Iran has introduced selective passage rules and transit charges that could reach up to two million dollars per vessel. Some payments are reportedly being requested in Chinese yuan, as Tehran seeks to bypass sanctions-linked banking restrictions. Ships must also seek advance permission, undergo political vetting and follow designated routes monitored by Iranian authorities. VINOD KUMAR,AKASHVANI NEWS, DUBAI.”
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US Vice President JD Vance warned Tehran not to play the United States as he departed for Islamabad for negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran. Addressing reporters before departure, he said the US is open to constructive engagement, if Iran approaches the discussions in good faith. However, Mr Vance cautioned that Washington would not respond favourably if Iran attempts to act in bad faith during the talks.
Negotiations between Iran and the US are set to take place in Pakistan tomorrow.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today said the world is today going through a period of deep turbulence and uncertainty. He said that partnerships like the one between India and Mauritius become more important in such times. Inaugurating Mauritius first dedicated Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Dr Jaishankar said that India will always stand with Mauritius as a trusted partner.
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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has held productive discussions with senior White House officials in Washington DC. Embassy of India in Washington said in a social media post that Mr. Misri met National Security Council leadership. He also exchanged views on issues of mutual strategic interest including the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture and the recent developments in West Asia.
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In Uttar Pradesh, number of electorates grew by over 84 lakh to 13 crore 39 lakh after the completion of the Special Intensive Revision exercise. The Election Commission today published the final voter list. Citizens can now verify their names online through official portals such as voters.eci.gov.in.
Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said, the draft electoral roll published on 6th January of this year, had a total of 12 crore 55 lakh 56 thousand 25 voters and the final electoral roll published today shows the total number of voters at 13 crore 39 lakh 84 thousand 792. A report from our correspondent:
“The number of voters in the 18-19 age group has risen to 17,63,360, accounting for 1.32 per cent of the total electorate. The gender ratio has also improved to 834 female voters per 1,000 male voters. Comparing the draft and final rolls, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said the total increase in the number of voters is 84,28,767. Among districts, Prayagraj recorded the highest increase in voters at 3,29,421, followed by Lucknow at 2,85,961.Highest number of voters increased in Sahibabad assembly seat of Ghaziabad district where around more than 82 thousand voters have increased in the final list. SUSHIL CHANDRA TIWARI AAKASHVANI NEWS LUCKNOW.”
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Delhi Police Special Cell has busted Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and Babbar Khalsa International sponsored terror, arms and espionage module. Additional Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, Pramod Singh Kushwaha said eleven accused have been arrested from Punjab and Delhi. He said, these accused were in contact with Pakistan-based operatives on encrypted apps.
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In a landmark announcement, Director General of Police Shivdhar Reddy declared Telangana entirely free from armed Maoist formations following the surrender of the remaining Telangana State Committee and PLGA members. This achievement marks a strategic victory for the state in neutralizing left-wing extremism.
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In Uttar Pradesh, 10 people died when a boat capsized in Yamuna river in Mathura district today. The incident occurred around 2:45 PM, when a boat carrying devotees from Ludhiana capsized in the Yamuna River. District Magistrate of Mathura CP Singh said that around 30 to 32 people from Ludhiana were boating in two boats on the river. The incident took place near Kesi Ghat, where one of the boats sank. He informed that army has been called and teams of NDRF and SDRF have also reached the spot.
President Droupadi Murmu,Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have expressed grief over the mishap.
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The western districts of Tamil Nadu have been providing a conducive ground for the growth of the BJP, as AIADMK also enjoys a majority there. In the last Assembly elections in 2021, out of the 68 constituencies, 44 constituencies were in favour of the NDA alliance.We now take a look into Avinashi constituency, a reserved seat, which is situated in Tiruppur district.
“Avinashi gains significance as Former State BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Information and broadcasting Dr. L.Murugan is contesting from this constituency. The constituency has remained an AIADMK bastion since 1957. AIADMK has won eight times, Congress won the constituency thrice. DMK, CPI and Vivasaya Sangam each once. The incumbent P.Dhanapal has been elected thrice from this constituency. His son has joined actor Vijay’s TVK. Avinashi is famous for the Avinashilingeshwarar temple and has a significant number of weaving and spinning textile mills and engineering industries. Opposing Dr Murugan, contesting from the BJP, is a new-gen medical Dr Gokilamani of the DMK. Dr L. Murugan has contested from Rasipuram and Dharapuram. Joy, Akashvani News, Chennai.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) National President Nitish Kumar on taking oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha. In a social media post, Mr Modi said Nitish Kumar is one of the most experienced leaders in the country and his commitment to good governance has been appreciated everywhere.
The Prime Minister also congratulated former Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. He said that Mr Harivansh has made invaluable contributions to journalism and public life and is a respected intellectual and thinker.
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Min Aung Hlaing has been sworn in as the elected President of Myanmar today. He has led the country with strict military control since taking power from Aung San Suu Kyis government in 2021. His presidency follows a general election that was widely criticized by United Nations experts and human rights groups.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing Kyiv’s willingness to abide it. Russian news agency reported that the ceasefire will remain in effect tomorrow and on Sunday.
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Benchmark domestic equity indices surged over one per cent today supported by broad-based buying across sectors. The Sensex rose 919 points to close at 77 thousand 550, while Nifty added 276 points to settle at 24 thousand 51.
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India concluded its campaign at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia today with an impressive haul of 16 medals, including five gold, three silver, and eight bronze. In the mens 50 kilogram category, Vishvanath Suresh clinched the gold medal today. He defeated Japan’s Daichi Iwai by dominant 5-0 margin in the final, securing country’s first Asian title in mens boxing in five years.
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India’s Ayush Shetty stunned world number four Jonathan Christie of Indonesia to enter the men’s singles semifinals of the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China today. Shetty slayed Christie- 23-21, 21-17 in a fiercely contested quarterfinal.
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India concluded its campaign at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia today with an impressive haul of 16 medals, including five gold, three silver, and eight bronze.
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In IPL Cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were 61 for 3 in 6 overs against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, when reports last came in. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and have opted to field.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-
- India expresses deep concern over civilian casualities in Lebanon; Asserts for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
- Government says, it has successfully met the peak demand of electricity and energy requirements amid West Asia crisis.
- In Uttar Pradesh, number of electorates grew by over 84 lakh after completion of Special Intensive Revision exercise.
- Delhi Police busts Pak intelligence agency ISI and Babbar Khalsa International sponsored terror, arms and espionage module.
- India concludes its campaign at 2026 Asian Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar with an impressive haul of 16 medals, including five gold.
- India’s Ayush Shetty enters men’s singles semifinals of Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China.
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