THE HEADLINES
- India rejects remarks made by Bangladesh on developments in West Bengal; Asks Dhaka to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.
- Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
- Good Friday being observed across the globe today.
- Hamas rejects Israel’s latest cease-fire offer; Says it is ready to release all hostages to end the war.
- In IPL cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru to take on Punjab Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this evening.
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India has rejected the remarks made by Bangladesh officials on the developments in West Bengal. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the remarks as a disguised and disingenuous attempt to correlate with India’s concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh where the criminal perpetrators of such acts still roam free. He added that instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.
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The Calcutta High Court rejected the plea of NIA investigation into the violence over the protest against Waqf Amendment Act in Murshidabad district.
“The division bench of Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chaudhary of the Calcutta High Court ordered that the central forces would remain deployed in the tension hit areas of the Murshidabad district. But the Court rejected the plea for NIA investigation into the violence . Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari and others had requested for NIA investigation. Meanwhile, under the vigil of administration and central forces and police normalcy is returning to the violence hit areas . The Officer in Charge OCs of Suti and Samsherganj police stations were transferred yesterday. Police have arrested another person in the killing of a father – son duo at Jafrabad. 274 people have been arrested till now in connection with the violence related incidents in the district.”
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The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra are now inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. Responding to a post by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the inclusion as a global recognition of India’s timeless wisdom and rich culture. He added that both Gita and Natyashastra have nurtured civilisation, and consciousness for centuries and their insights continue to inspire the world.
“With this historic feat, India now has 14 inclusions in UNESCO Memory of the World Register which is a global initiative that preserves documentary heritage with superlative value. It recognises important historical texts, manuscripts and documents that have influenced the societies across generations. The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra joined the list alongside the Rigveda, Shantinatha Chaitra, Gilgit Manuscript among others. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, has been regarded widely for its spiritual and philosophical prominence. On the other hand, the Natyashastra which was composed by ancient sage Bharat Muni is considered to be a foundational texts on performing arts like theatre, arts and dance.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to CEO of Tesla Elon Musk and discussed collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. In a social media post, Mr Modi informed that he talked about various issues, including the topics that he covered with Mr Musk during his meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. Mr Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment in advancing partnerships with the US in the domains of technology and innovation.
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Wanted gangster Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, who reportedly plotted 14 terrorist attacks in Punjab, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the US. He was also wanted by India’s premier anti-terror body, the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Earlier this year, NIA had announced a reward of 5 lakh rupees on Passia over his alleged involvement in grenade attacks on a house in Chandigarh and police stations in Punjab.
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Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the Electronic manufacturing has increased five times in the last 10 years. Talking to reporters in Manesar, Gurgaon today, Mr Vaishnaw said, there is a big jump in electronic manufacturing sector because of the Make in India initiative. He said, the Electronics export has also increased six times in the last ten years and it has crossed three lakh 25 thousand crore rupees. Mr Vaishnaw added, electronics manufacturing today is employing around 25 lakh persons.
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Former Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur today slammed the Congress party over the National Herald case. Addressing a press conference on the case in New Delhi, Mr Thakur said the entire ecosystem of the Congress started to feel sensation after hearing the name of National Herald. He asserted that Congress continues to fail in its attempts to relaunch itself. Mr Thakur also accused the Congress of being involved in several scams since independence.
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In Chhattisgarh, 22 Maoists, including nine female naxals, surrendered today in Sukma district. A total reward of 40 lakh 50 thousand rupees was announced on these Maoists. These Maoists surrendered before the senior officers of Police and CRPF.
All the Maoists have been given an incentive amount of fifty thousand rupees each under the rehabilitation policy of the state government. Apart from this, other facilities will also be provided to them.
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The result of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2025 will be declared tomorrow. The National Testing Agency in a statement said, the final answer keys of JEE Main 2025 Session-II is available for download on the JEE Main website from 2 PM today.
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In a move to reach out to women beneficiaries and other stakeholders, the Bihar government today launched Mahila Samvad campaign which will continue for the next two months. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the campaign cum outreach programme from his residence at Patna.
“During the Mahila Samvad campaign government officials will reach out to 2 crore women. A wide publicity campaign will be held with 1200 programmes scheduled per day. The purpose of the campaign is to receive feedback about the women empowerment schemes of the Nitish Kumar led government executed in the last two decades. Programme will be conducted at 70 thousand locations across the state. For audio visual publicity specially designed mobile vans are being employed. These will inform people about women empowerment initiatives like reservation of women in Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies, reservation in government jobs, economic empowerment of women through self help groups, entrepreneurship development schemes and promotion of Jeevika groups through livelihood programmes. During the campaign 1.35 lakh jeevika groups will also participate in the dialogue.”
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World Heritage Day is being celebrated today across the globe. It is also called the International Day for Monuments and Sites. This year, the theme is Heritage Under Threat from Disaster and Conflicts. Our Correspondent reports that this day is celebrated every year on the 18th of April to honour and protect cultural and natural heritage.
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Christians across the globe are observing Good Friday today- one of the most solemn and sacred days in the Christian calendar. Marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary, Good Friday is a day of mourning, reflection, and spiritual devotion.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In a social media post the Prime Minister wrote that the day inspires us to cherish kindness, compassion and always be large hearted.
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In the Christian dominated state of Mizoram, Good Friday is being observed in all parts of the State with all solemnity and religious fervour.
“Marking the significance of Good Friday, religious processions carrying the Cross were taken out on the roads in various parts of the State to mark the importance of the occasion. Believers in hues walked the procession hand-in-hand remembering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. In most Churches, Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper were administered as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s body and blood commemorating His sacrifice on the Cross”
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Marking the sacred occasion of Good Friday, thousands of Christians participated in Way of the Cross processions and special prayers held at prominent churches across Puducherry.
“Christians across Puducherry came together in large numbers to observe Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with solemnity and deep devotion. At the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Puducherry and Cuddalore, Rev. Dr. Francis Kalist led the spiritual procession. The procession began from the church and moved through key streets of the city before returning to the church premises. Carrying the cross at the front, priests led the faithful as they walked in prayer and devotion, singing hymns in praise of Jesus. The observance drew participation from devotees of all age groups.”
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Today is also the Parkash Purb of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji. Born in Amritsar in 1621, he was the youngest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji. Known as a principled and fearless warrior, he was a learned spiritual scholar and a poet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru. In a social media post, Mr. Modi described Guru Teg Bahadur as one of the greatest spiritual torchbearers of the land.
“Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is known as the premier of humanity and the protector of human rights and freedom. Guru Ji is called ‘Hind Di Chadar’ for his bravery and sacrifice in protecting the religious freedom of Hindus during the reign of Aurangzeb in Hindustan. His life and martyrdom are an example for protecting religious freedom. A large number of devotees are paying obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and the Prakash Asthan of the ninth Guru, Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal. Gurmat Samagams at the Prakash Asthan are going on and devotees are feeling blessed while listening to the Gurbani Kirtan.”
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Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest cease-fire offer, instead proposing for a comprehensive deal to end the war and exchange all hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Israel’s proposal included a 45-day truce and the release of 10 hostages. Hamas dismissed it as a partial deal serving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political agenda. Hamas said it is prepared to negotiate a comprehensive deal to exchange all hostages for Palestinian prisoners and bring the conflict to an end.
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U.S. air strikes on a fuel port in western Yemen yesterday killed at least 38 workers and injured more than 100, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported.
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In IPL T20 Cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Punjab Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this evening. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM. Last night, Mumbai Indians defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- India rejects remarks made by Bangladesh on developments in West Bengal; Asks Dhaka to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.
- Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
- Good Friday being observed across the globe today.
- Hamas rejects Israel’s latest cease-fire offer; Says it is ready to release all hostages to end the war.
- In IPL cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru to take on Punjab Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this evening.
