India has successfully tested a powerful 30-kilowatt indigenous Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), capable of shooting down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the high-power laser weapon represents a major leap in India's advanced defense systems. The demonstration marks India’s entry into an elite group of nations—including the US, China, and Russia—with operational laser-based weaponry. This cutting-edge technology is expected to be deployed on various military platforms, significantly enhancing India’s ability to counter emerging aerial threats with speed, precision, and stealth. (PC: ANI)

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi created a political stir during his speech at Thiagarajar Engineering College in Madurai by leading students in chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” Referring to poet Kambar and the Kamba Ramayanam, Ravi encouraged the audience to echo the chant, which quickly went viral online. Opposition parties, including the DMK and Congress, criticized the act as an imposition of Hindutva ideology and a breach of secular conduct expected from a constitutional authority. The incident adds to existing tensions between the Governor and the Tamil Nadu government. (PC: India Today)

A blast at a fireworks factory in Kailasapatnam, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, killed eight workers and injured seven on Sunday. The explosion happened in Kotavuratla mandal. Two of the dead were women. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and asked officials to give the best medical care to the injured. Home Minister V Anitha confirmed the details and said all injured are being treated. Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also shared his sorrow and asked party leaders to support the victims. The cause of the blast is still being investigated. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Violent protests erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to three deaths and over 150 arrests. The unrest intensified in areas like Suti and Samsherganj, prompting the deployment of nine Border Security Force (BSF) companies. BSF personnel faced direct attacks, with vehicles torched and minor injuries reported. The Calcutta High Court mandated the immediate deployment of central forces to restore order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared the Act would not be implemented in the state, a stance criticized by the BJP, which accused her of inciting unrest. Prohibitory orders and internet suspensions were enforced in affected areas to curb further violence. (PC: OpIndia & PTI)

On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court, addressing a dispute between Tamil Nadu's government and Governor R.N. Ravi, clarified that a Governor cannot indefinitely withhold assent to state legislature bills. The court emphasized that if a Governor deems a bill unconstitutional and reserves it for the President's consideration, the President should, under Article 143, seek the Supreme Court's opinion. While such an opinion isn't binding, it holds significant persuasive value. The judgment reinforces that Governors must act within constitutional confines, ensuring that the democratic process isn't stalled by unilateral decisions. This ruling aims to uphold the balance between state legislatures and gubernatorial authority, preserving the integrity of India's federal structure. (PC: Newsx & The Indian Express)

In West Bengal's Murshidabad district, 12 additional individuals have been arrested in connection with recent violence related to the Waqf Act. This brings the total number of arrests to over 130. The unrest, which began on April 11, has led to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 and suspended internet services in affected areas to prevent further escalation. The Calcutta High Court has directed the deployment of central forces to restore order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the Waqf Act is not applicable in Bengal and questioned the motives behind the violence. Investigations are ongoing. (PC: The Hindu & India Today)

The Calcutta High Court on April 12, 2025, ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to Murshidabad, West Bengal, following deadly violence related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act protests. The court expressed concern over the state government's failure to take timely action to prevent the unrest, which resulted in at least three deaths, including a father and son. It criticized the lack of adequate measures to curb violence and called for urgent intervention. CM Mamata Banerjee clarified that the Act wouldn't be implemented in the state. The next hearing is set for April 17.    

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, extradited from the U.S. for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi. During his detention, he requested a Quran, a pen, and paper, which were granted under strict monitoring. He reportedly offers Namaz five times daily. The NIA is interrogating him about his links with David Headley, his travel history, and connections to Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba, aiming to uncover more details of the 26/11 conspiracy. (PC: AFP)  

Violent protests over the Waqf Act in West Bengal's Murshidabad district have resulted in three deaths and 118 arrests. Clashes erupted in Samserganj and Suti, with demonstrators torching vehicles and attacking police. In response, the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that the state opposes the central law and will not implement it, questioning the rationale behind the unrest. Internet services remain suspended, and prohibitory orders are in place. The court has demanded detailed reports from both state and central governments, with further hearings scheduled for April 17. (PC: Times of India & PTI)

On April 12, 2025, violent clashes erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, during protests against the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill. A father-son duo was killed with machetes, raising the death toll to three. The unrest began in Beldanga over an objectionable message on a Kartik Puja pandal's neon signboard. Mobs from both communities engaged in stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, damaging shops, houses, and a police vehicle. Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and suspended internet services. Seventeen individuals were arrested, and six injured are receiving treatment. The situation remains tense, with heavy police deployment to prevent further escalation. (PC: PTI)