A major tragedy was averted on Friday as the Dehradun–New Delhi Jan Shatabdi Express suffered a rare wheel melt while in motion. Near Tapri Junction, the loco pilot detected unusual vibrations while increasing fan speed and immediately stopped the train. Upon inspection, it was found that a section of the engine wheel had begun melting, also damaging a part of the rail track. Railway engineers were rushed to the spot. Experts say had the train continued at speed, a derailment was likely. The Railway Board is now investigating the cause behind the severe mechanical failure. (PC: The Wall)

The Calcutta High Court has conditionally allowed two Ram Navami rallies in Howrah on April 4. Each rally can have 500 participants—morning for Anjani Putra Sena, afternoon for VHP—carrying PVC-made religious symbols only, not metal weapons. All must carry ID. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh said, “If I stop, I stop all—not just political parties.” He rejected central force deployment but emphasized police enforcement. Comparing with Durga Puja, he questioned, “If there’s trouble, will we stop Puja?” Locals, citing daily unrest, sought relief. The court approved split-time rallies after changing the route earlier demanded by the groups. (PC: Getty Images)

Massive protests erupted in Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad after Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill. Thousands, including actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and AIMIM members, marched against the bill, calling it “anti-democratic” and a threat to Muslim rights. Protesters demanded the bill's withdrawal, fearing it could retroactively affect Muslim properties. In Lucknow, police monitored the situation, urging public calm. The bill, passed with 288 votes in Lok Sabha and 128 in Rajya Sabha, mandates two non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies. Union Minister Rijiju claimed it won’t alter Muslim control, while Sonia Gandhi slammed it as a “brazen assault” on the Constitution. (PC: ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film producer and businessman Gokulam Gopalan in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Gopalan, known for producing the Malayalam film Empuraan and heading the Gokulam Group, is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities and violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids targeted his residences, offices, and institutions connected to the group. Sources indicate the probe is related to suspicious financial transactions and potential misuse of funds. Authorities are scrutinizing documents and digital evidence seized during the operations to trace the money trail and establish accountability. (PC: Kerala Kaumudi)    

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introducing non-Muslims into waqf boards and increasing government oversight of Muslim charitable endowments. Supporters argue this will enhance transparency and reduce corruption, while critics, including Muslim groups and opposition parties, contend it infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the management of waqf properties. The bill has sparked significant protests in cities like Kolkata and Chennai, with demonstrators demanding its withdrawal. Concerns are growing among India's Muslim minority, who fear the amendments could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation. (PC: The Economic Times & The Week)

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel over 25,000 teacher and non-teaching staff appointments in West Bengal due to significant recruitment irregularities. BJP leader Sambit Patra accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of institutionalizing corruption, asserting she will face legal consequences. He emphasized that under BJP governance, law enforcement would address these issues. Patra also criticized opposition parties for their silence on the matter. The controversy centers on alleged manipulation and fraud in the School Service Commission's recruitment process, leading to widespread political debate and legal scrutiny in the state. (PC: The Tribune)

A seven-month-pregnant woman, Tanisha Bhise, tragically died after allegedly being denied treatment by Pune's Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to insufficient funds. Her husband, Sushant Bhise, claimed the hospital demanded ₹10 lakh for her care and refused admission when he could only offer ₹2.5 lakh upfront. This delay forced the family to seek alternative medical assistance, but Tanisha succumbed to complications after delivering twins. The hospital has denied these allegations and announced an internal inquiry. This incident highlights critical concerns about healthcare accessibility and the prioritization of financial considerations over patient care. (PC: Hindustan Times & Asianet News)

The Delhi High Court has directed Wikipedia to remove allegedly defamatory content from the Wikipedia page of Asian News International (ANI), stating that Wikipedia cannot evade responsibility by merely citing its intermediary status. The court emphasized that, as an encyclopedia, Wikipedia's content is often accepted as factual, thereby imposing a higher duty of care. It noted that the statements on ANI's page were sourced from opinion pieces and were presented out of context, leading to potential harm to ANI's professional reputation. Consequently, the court concluded that these statements are prima facie defamatory and ordered their removal. (PC: OneZero)

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, aiming to reform the management of Muslim charitable endowments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this as a "watershed moment" for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. The legislation introduces non-Muslim members into Waqf boards and increases governmental oversight. Supporters argue it will reduce corruption and enhance accountability, while critics contend it infringes upon Muslim property rights and could lead to the seizure of religious properties lacking formal documentation. The bills now await President Droupadi Murmu's approval to become law. (PC: ShutterStock)

  In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court sharply criticized the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) for orchestrating a widespread recruitment scam involving over 25,000 illegal appointments between 2016 and 2021. The court highlighted a “staggering scale of manipulation” and systematic cover-up at every stage—ranging from tampered documents to politically influenced selections. Declaring the appointments illegal, the court ordered their immediate cancellation and directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the entire recruitment process. The verdict intensifies pressure on the Mamata Banerjee government and underscores deep-rooted corruption in West Bengal’s education recruitment system. (PC: Millennium Post)