Violent protests erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, over the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, passed last week. Following Friday prayers, protestors clashed with police, torching vehicles and blocking NH-12. At least 10 police officers and several protestors were injured. Train services were disrupted, with 2 cancelled and 5 diverted. West Bengal Governor warned of “strong action,” while BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari demanded Article 355 and claimed 86 Hindu shops were looted. Police arrested 22 individuals and imposed prohibitory orders in affected areas. The BJP accused the state government of failing to prevent extremism, linking the violence to alleged appeasement and cross-border provocations. (PC: PTI)

Starting April 2025, Karnataka residents are grappling with a surge in prices across essential services. Diesel prices rose by ₹2 per litre due to increased sales tax, while Nandini milk and curd rates climbed ₹4 per litre/kg. Electricity tariffs dropped slightly per unit but saw a ₹25 rise in fixed charges. Bengaluru introduced a solid waste management fee (₹10–₹400/month), and water bills, vehicle prices, stamp duties, and toll charges also increased. These widespread hikes have sparked public concern over affordability and the growing burden on household expenses across the state. (The News Minute)  

During the Budget Session that ended on April 4, 2025, the Indian Parliament passed 16 crucial bills, showcasing an impressive legislative output. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha recorded over 118% productivity, with extended sittings and focused debates. Among the bills passed were the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, and the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which drew significant opposition criticism over its impact on religious trusts. The Rajya Sabha notably held a marathon 17-hour session to push through pending legislation, reflecting the government’s urgency in advancing its legislative agenda before the session concluded. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the brutal gang rape of a 22-year-old woman in Varanasi’s Shivpur area. He has directed officials to ensure the “strictest possible action” against those involved. The assault took place on April 10, 2025. Two suspects have been arrested, and a manhunt is underway to capture the third accused. The survivor is currently receiving medical treatment. PM Modi also assured the victim’s family of full support and emphasized swift justice to maintain public trust in the legal system. (PC: News 18)    

On April 11, 2025, a Delhi court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 18-day custody of Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national extradited from the U.S. for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana was formally arrested at Delhi airport and brought before the Patiala House Court amid tight security. The NIA aims to trace the full chain of events and key operatives behind the 26/11 conspiracy. Medical examinations have also been mandated during custody. Rana is the first of nine accused named in a 2011 chargesheet to face trial in India. (PC: The Print)

A 2011 tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeting the UPA government for its handling of Tahawwur Rana’s case has resurfaced and gone viral, following a recent U.S. court decision denying Rana’s extradition to India. Rana, accused of involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was sought by Indian authorities, but the U.S. court cited insufficient grounds. The decision is seen as a foreign policy setback for the Modi government. Opposition parties have seized on the old tweet, criticizing the BJP’s current diplomatic handling and accusing it of hypocrisy and ineffective counter-terrorism efforts on the global stage. (PC: CNBC TV 18)  

During his visit to Varanasi on April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple development projects totaling over ₹6,100 crore. Key initiatives include the ₹2,870 crore expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, new civil enclaves at Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra airports, and new terminal buildings at Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur airports. Additionally, he will inaugurate the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, phases 2 and 3 of the Varanasi Sports Complex redevelopment under the Khelo India scheme, and tourism development projects in Sarnath, including pedestrian-friendly streets and upgraded drainage systems. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, sports facilities, and tourism in the region. (PC: YouTube/@narendramodi via PTI)

Upon arriving in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the alleged gangrape of a 19-year-old student. He directed officials to take the strictest possible action against the culprits and implement measures to prevent such incidents. The victim was reportedly lured, intoxicated, and raped over several days by 23 individuals; nine have been arrested and sent to judicial custody, while others remain at large. The victim's father expressed his anguish and called for severe punishment to deter future crimes. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting demands for swift justice and stricter laws to protect women. (PC: SNS)

The Maharashtra government has approved relocating over 50,000 Dharavi residents to the active Deonar landfill site as part of the Adani-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This decision contravenes Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, which prohibit residential developments within 100 meters of active landfills due to health risks. Deonar emits approximately 6,202 kg of methane hourly, posing significant environmental and health hazards. The relocation plan, sanctioned just before the 2024 Assembly elections, has drawn criticism from environmentalists and urban planners. The project's Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) claims it will seek environmental clearance before construction, while the Adani Group has declined to comment. This move raises serious concerns about public health and regulatory compliance. (PC: Trip Advisor, NomadicMacs, Medium & Viator)

Tahawwur Rana, a 26/11 Mumbai terror attack conspirator, was extradited to India from the US after a prolonged legal battle. The 64-year-old Canadian of Pakistani origin arrived in Delhi on April 10 aboard a special Gulfstream G550 flight. He will face trial under multiple charges including murder and conspiracy at a special NIA court in Delhi, not Mumbai. Security was tightened as he was moved to NIA headquarters. Rana, a close associate of David Headley, allegedly provided logistical support for the 2008 attacks that killed 166 people. India assured the US of humane treatment during extradition negotiations. (PC: India Today)