Tata Consultancy Services’s Nashik unit faces a major crisis after allegations of sexual harassment, rape, and attempted religious conversion escalated into nine FIRs. Police say seven male accused operated as an “organised gang” targeting female employees, while two women are also implicated. A covert 40-day operation by undercover officers confirmed complaints, triggering arrests of eight employees, with one accused absconding. Victims alleged coercion, workplace abuse, and HR inaction. Sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been invoked. A Special Investigation Team is probing the case, while the National Commission for Women has formed a fact-finding panel to investigate further. (PC: Reuters)

A minor ground collision occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport when a SpiceJet aircraft struck a stationary Akasa Air plane on April 16. The incident took place around 2:15 pm near Terminal 1 while both aircraft were taxiing. The SpiceJet plane’s winglet hit the tail section of the Akasa aircraft, causing visible damage to both jets. No injuries were reported, and passengers and crew were safely disembarked. Both aircraft have been grounded, and aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

A SpiceJet aircraft hit a stationary Akasa Air plane while taxiing at Delhi airport. Both aircraft were damaged in the incident. SpiceJet said its B737-700 suffered damage to the right winglet. The Akasa plane was hit on its left horizontal stabiliser. Akasa said its aircraft was stationary at the time. “Preliminary information indicates that Akasa’s aircraft was stationary,” a spokesperson said. All passengers and crew were safe and later moved out. SpiceJet has grounded the aircraft. Both airlines said authorities have been informed and an investigation is underway. (PC: India Today)

Thousands of migrant workers from West Bengal are returning home to vote, fearing loss of voting rights and citizenship. Many say the recent SIR exercise and political messaging have raised concerns. “I don’t care even if I lose my job,” said Podda, a house help in Delhi. Workers from cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are travelling despite ticket shortages. Some fear removal from voter lists or losing access to schemes. In places like Khurja and Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar, work has slowed as labourers leave. Around 60% of artisans in Mumbai have already gone back, citing an “urge to vote” after the SIR drive. (PC: India Today)

A shocking case from Nashik has exposed serious allegations of sexual harassment, abuse, and coercion at a multinational IT firm, with nine FIRs filed by multiple victims. Investigations revealed accusations including rape, inappropriate touching, stalking, and pressure linked to religious practices. Several women employees, mostly aged 18–25, came forward, alleging workplace exploitation over years. Police conducted a covert operation to gather evidence, leading to multiple arrests, including a senior HR official accused of ignoring complaints. Authorities are probing possible systemic failures under workplace safety laws, while the company has suspended accused employees and launched an internal inquiry. (PC: India Today)

Over 40,000 factory workers protested in Noida against low wages and poor conditions. Many workers earn around Rs 13,000 a month, with some getting only Rs 39 raises. Protests spread across 80 locations and turned violent in some areas. Vehicles were set on fire and stones were thrown at police. Workers said rising costs make survival difficult. They also complained of long hours and harsh treatment at work. The protest was triggered after higher wages were announced in nearby Haryana. Authorities are monitoring the situation as tensions remain high.

The government has proposed increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats. A draft bill has been shared with MPs. The move will support a 33 per cent reservation for women and a new delimitation process. The changes are likely to take effect from the 2029 elections. Under the plan, 815 seats will go to states and 35 to Union Territories. Opposition parties have raised concerns over using 2011 Census data. They are seeking more clarity on the bill and reservation details before supporting the amendments.

Enforcement Directorate arrested Vinesh Chandel under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in a coal scam-linked case ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections. The probe stems from a 2020 FIR by Central Bureau of Investigation alleging a coal pilferage racket tied to Eastern Coalfields Limited. ED claims hawala transactions routed funds to I-PAC’s entity. Earlier searches targeted associates, including Rishi Raj Singh and Vijay Nair, sparking political controversy with Mamata Banerjee. The matter, including alleged obstruction of raids, is now before the Supreme Court of India.

The Supreme Court refused to allow lakhs of West Bengal voters, whose names were deleted, to vote before their appeals are decided. Over 34 lakh appeals are pending just days before polling on April 23. The Chief Justice said, “We cannot create a situation where we burden the appellate tribunal judges.” Petitioners argued genuine voters should not lose their right. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee said people want to vote and seek relief. The court stressed a balance between voter rights and proper checks. Justice J B Pardiwala said the court will try to find a “via media” between rights and verification needs. (PC: India Today)

Workers in Noida protested low wages, saying “we work 12 hours a day” but earn only ₹13,000 a month. Many demanded higher pay as living costs rise. The protest turned violent after clashes with police. Vehicles were burnt and stones were thrown in Phase 2 and Sector 60. Officials said the unrest also caused heavy traffic jams on nearby roads. Authorities held meetings to discuss wage hikes, overtime pay, and safety. Police were deployed in large numbers. Workers said their salaries have not increased despite rising rent and daily expenses. (PC: PTI)