The Election Commission of India has extended the liquor ban to 96 hours in West Bengal before phase 1 polling. The ban began earlier than usual due to a sharp rise in liquor sales. “There is an unusual spurt in sale of liquor,” the Commission said. Polling will take place on April 23. Sales have stopped in affected areas. Officials also noted a rise in sensitive shops. The move aims to ensure free and fair elections. The state is set for a close contest between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Authorities are increasing monitoring.

Swarana Kanta Sharma refused to step aside from the liquor policy case involving Arvind Kejriwal. She rejected pleas alleging bias. “Recusal has to stem from law, not narrative,” she said. The judge added that giving in would weaken the court. Kejriwal had raised concerns over her links to a lawyers’ body and her family’s roles. The court said no proof of bias was shown. It warned that such claims could harm judicial independence. The case relates to the Delhi excise policy. The CBI has challenged a lower court order that discharged Kejriwal and others.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence has uncovered a ₹1,825 crore tax credit fraud. One person was arrested at Delhi airport while returning from Dubai. Officials said he ignored many summons. “A well-structured arrangement was used to claim fake ITC,” the Ministry of Finance said. The accused ran a network of dummy firms using fake documents. These firms had no real business. Fake invoices were created without actual goods. The fraud used tobacco products to inflate value. Money was claimed through export refunds. Authorities said further investigation is ongoing.

Initial reports claimed that a private aircraft crashed into the Ara Hills in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district on April 20, 2026, with fears of casualties and visuals showing smoke rising from the site. Some reports suggested the plane struck trees while flying at low altitude, possibly killing pilots. However, the state government later denied any confirmed crash, stating no debris or evidence was found despite extensive searches. Police, administrative teams, and forest officials conducted ground inspections and drone surveillance in the area. Authorities continue to investigate the source of the smoke and verify claims, urging caution against spreading unverified information. (PC: India Today)

A fire broke out at the Pachpadra refinery in Rajasthan just a day before its planned inauguration by Narendra Modi. The blaze reportedly started in one of the refinery units, triggering emergency response measures. Firefighting teams quickly reached the site and managed to control the situation, preventing major damage. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The incident has raised safety concerns, and the inauguration event may be delayed pending further assessment and security clearance.

The Supreme Court of India has rejected a review petition filed by Umar Khalid seeking bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The court said, “We do not find any good ground to review the judgment.” Khalid has been in jail since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court also refused an open hearing. It earlier held there was a prima facie case against him. The judges said long time in jail alone is not enough for bail in such cases. The case is still under trial.

A woman employee at Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik has accused colleagues of sexual harassment. She said, “He would pull my saree and touch me without consent.” The woman also alleged repeated vulgar comments and stalking. Police have arrested eight people and filed several FIRs. She said fear of losing her job stopped her from complaining earlier. The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy and suspended the accused staff. An internal probe panel has been formed. Some accused have denied the charges. Police said the investigation is ongoing and more details are being examined.

Passengers on a Fly91 flight faced tense moments after a technical fault forced the aircraft to stay in the air for nearly four hours. Flight IC3401 had left Hyderabad for Hubballi on Saturday afternoon. As it neared Hubballi, pilots reportedly aborted landing after noticing a problem. The aircraft then circled over parts of Karnataka while the crew managed the situation. Videos showed passengers crying and praying inside the cabin. The pilot told passengers, “We are holding. We will keep you updated.” The plane was later diverted and landed safely in Bengaluru. (PC: BBC)

Fresh violence has intensified in Manipur, leaving at least five people dead since April 7, including two children, with no arrests made so far. The killings have triggered protests and heightened tensions, especially in sensitive districts like Bishnupur and Imphal. Residents have taken to the streets demanding justice and stronger action against perpetrators. Authorities have increased security presence, but the lack of arrests has raised concerns over law enforcement effectiveness. The incidents are part of the ongoing ethnic conflict that has repeatedly disrupted peace in the state, keeping the situation volatile and unpredictable. (PC: PTI)

Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar airport on Sunday after security staff found a satellite phone during a luggage check. Officials questioned both travellers and later handed them over to police for further inquiry. One of them was identified as Jeoffery Scot from Montana. Authorities said the device was recovered from his bag. Satellite phones need prior government approval in India and are under strict rules. Unauthorised possession can lead to detention, arrest or seizure under telecom and security laws. India has taken similar action in earlier cases involving foreign travellers carrying banned satellite communication devices. (PC: India Today)