The Supreme Court has criticized Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi for delaying action on 10 bills passed by the state legislature. The Court emphasized that under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor must either assent to a bill, withhold assent and return it with recommendations, or reserve it for the President's consideration. Simply withholding assent without communication is not permissible. The bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, noted that the Governor appeared to have adopted his own procedure, which frustrates the provisions of Article 200. The Court urged the Governor to resolve the impasse, highlighting the limited options available to him under the Constitution. (PC: The Tribune)

A family in Kovaya village, Amreli district, Gujarat, experienced a harrowing encounter when a lion entered their home through the roof at night. The lion perched on a 12-foot-high kitchen wall, peering inside, as captured in a viral video. The intrusion caused panic among the residents, but prompt action from nearby villagers, who used torch lights and loud noises, successfully scared the lion away, preventing any casualties. Reports indicate that approximately five other lions have been spotted roaming the village market, suggesting increased lion activity in the area. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Lord Ram will be ceremonially crowned as King at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir in May, according to The Indian Express. The coronation will follow the installation of Ram Durbar on the temple’s first floor. Unlike the grand January 22, 2024 pran pratishtha event, this ceremony will be more subdued. Sculpted in Jaipur from Makrana marble, the Ram Durbar features work by 20 artisans. Construction, led by Nripendra Misra, is nearly complete. A statue of Saint Tulsidas is also being added, and the International Ramkatha Museum nearby will showcase Ramayana-themed exhibits, including a holographic Lord Ram and artefacts from archaeological digs. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged with over 100 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), reflecting on the scheme's decade-long impact. Since its inception in 2015, PMMY has disbursed loans totaling ₹32 lakh crore to support non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. Notably, 74% of these loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, and 55% to individuals from SC/ST and OBC categories. Beneficiaries shared transformative stories, such as Kiran Kumari from Jharkhand, who expanded her toy business, and Munirabanu Malek from Gujarat, who now earns ₹25,000 monthly driving an auto-rickshaw. PM Modi emphasized that PMMY has liberated entrepreneurs from exploitative moneylenders, fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment across marginalized communities. (PC: UxDT & Mint)

A mother dog named Shakti in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony was caught on CCTV being dragged away by a leopard in front of her 10 puppies. Miraculously, she escaped the predator and returned, injured, to feed her pups. Despite a torn neck and a punctured food pipe, Shakti's maternal instinct prevailed. She was rescued by the NGO World For All and underwent surgery at Top Dogs Pet Clinic in Andheri. Tribal residents are caring for her puppies. “Food was dripping from her neck wound,” said Dr Makarand Chousalkar. Her bravery has gone viral online, earning widespread admiration and support. (PC: TOI/Facebook)

The government has increased the price of cooking gas by ₹50 per cylinder. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the hike on Monday. The price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will now be ₹853 for regular users and ₹553 for Ujjwala scheme users. The minister said prices are reviewed every few weeks. He also clarified that the recent excise duty hike on petrol and diesel will not affect consumers. The government said oil companies will adjust fuel prices based on global crude oil rates. The new cooking gas prices take effect immediately. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Mukesh and Nita Ambani's residence, Antilia, faces legal scrutiny over its land's origins. The Maharashtra Waqf Board asserts that the 4,532 sq. mt. plot was originally intended for an orphanage, donated by Currimbhoy Ebrahim in 1895. In 2002, this land was sold to Antilia Commercial Pvt Ltd for ₹21 crore, significantly below its market value of ₹150 crore, without proper authorization from the Waqf Board. The sale's legitimacy has been contested, with claims of procedural violations and unauthorized approvals. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the matter, and a ruling could potentially impact the Ambanis' occupancy of Antilia. (PC: India Today)

On April 7, 2025, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna addressed the Supreme Court regarding petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, sought urgent listing of the case. CJI Khanna emphasized adherence to the established procedure for such requests and assured that the matter would be reviewed promptly. The Act, which received Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, has faced multiple legal challenges from figures including MPs Asaduddin Owaisi and Mohammad Jawed, and organizations like Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama. Petitioners argue that the Act is arbitrary, discriminatory, and infringes upon the Muslim community's rights to manage its religious institutions. (PC: Maktoob Media)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara's recent remark that "such incidents do happen" in reference to sexual assaults during festive occasions has ignited widespread criticism. His comments, perceived as dismissive, have been met with rebuke from various quarters, including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who emphasized the gravity of the situation and the need for serious attention. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about women's safety in Karnataka, especially during public celebrations. Critics argue that such statements from high-ranking officials may contribute to a culture of impunity and deter victims from reporting crimes. The government faces mounting pressure to address these issues more effectively and ensure stringent measures for the protection of women. (PC: Facebook)

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear urgent petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, and Advocate Nizam Pasha, representing MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have requested expedited hearings. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna acknowledged the requests, stating they would be reviewed promptly. The petitioners argue that the amendments undermine waqf administration and threaten numerous historical waqf properties, especially those established through oral dedications lacking formal documentation. They also contend that changes to the composition of Waqf Boards infringe upon the Muslim community's rights to manage their religious affairs. (PC: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap)