In Chhattisgarh's largest anti-Maoist operation, 29 rebels, including senior leader Shankar Rao, were killed in a gunfight in Hapatola forest. The joint team of BSF and DRG engaged in the operation, resulting in three injuries. A video captured the tense jungle encounter, with gunfire erupting suddenly. The footage highlights the perilous conditions faced by security personnel as they navigate the dense terrain. This significant blow to Maoist forces underscores ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the nation on Ram Navami, expressing joy and gratitude on this auspicious occasion. He noted the significance of this year's celebration, being the first since the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Modi highlighted the historic moment of Ram Lalla's enthronement in the grand temple and emphasized the reverence for devotees and saints who dedicated their lives to its construction. Ayodhya, he said, is immersed in unparalleled joy, marking a significant milestone after centuries of anticipation.

Ayodhya's Ram Mandir gears up for Ram Navami as the Sun prepares to kiss Ram Lalla's forehead in a unique Surya Tilak ceremony on April 17. Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, engineers design an apparatus of mirrors and lenses to focus sunlight on the deity, blending tradition with technology. The ritual, a first for Ram Lalla on Ram Navami at the newly built temple, highlights the significance of the event, rooted in ancient practices. The ceremony's precision showcases the intersection of science and spirituality, drawing global attention to Ayodhya's cultural heritage.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauds security forces for eliminating 29 Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Kanker. Shah vows to eradicate Naxalism nationwide, crediting government policies and security efforts for limiting its spread. He assures a Naxal-free future under PM Modi's leadership. The encounter occurred during an anti-Naxal operation by BSF and DRG, resulting in one BSF injury. Since December 2023, 68 Naxals have been neutralized in Bastar. Elections in Naxal-hit Bastar are scheduled for April 19 and 26. Shah's commitment signals a decisive stance against Naxal insurgency, aiming for peace and security in affected regions.

The Supreme Court, hearing petitions seeking cross-verification of EVM votes with VVPAT slips, raised concerns over ballot paper voting. Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated, "We all know what happened when there were ballot papers," pointing to issues caused by human intervention. The court questioned the need for complete VVPAT slip counting, asking, "Yes, 60 crore VVPAT slips should be counted. Right?" It observed that while machines can be manipulated, human involvement often leads to problems like biases. The SC sought the Election Commission's response on the EVM voting process, storage, and punishments for tampering, noting no specific provisions exist currently.

The Centre has constituted a six-member committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, to examine various issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The move comes after the Supreme Court's verdict on same-sex marriage, which directed the government to form a panel to ensure the queer community's rights are safeguarded. The committee, comprising top bureaucrats, will explore measures to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing goods, services, and social welfare schemes. It will also look into ways to protect them from violence, harassment, coercion, and involuntary medical treatments. The panel's formation reflects the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of the queer community.

In Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, a fierce encounter occurred between security forces and Naxals. The operation, led by the Border Security Force (BSF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG), resulted in the demise of 29 Naxals, including a prominent leader named Shankar Rao. Rao had a hefty reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head, as per police sources. During the clash, three soldiers were wounded, and 18 bodies were recovered so far. The skirmish unearthed a significant arsenal, including seven AK-47 rifles and three light machine guns. The situation remains tense, with a possibility of more casualties.

The Supreme Court criticized Baba Ramdev for misleading advertisements, stating he was "not so innocent" and exhibited "irresponsible behavior." The court granted him one week to publicly apologize and scheduled the next hearing for April 23. Ramdev offered an "unconditional apology," acknowledging mistakes and promising caution in the future. However, the bench questioned the sincerity of the apology, noting previous violations. This follows the court's dismissal of a previous apology on April 10, citing "wilful, deliberate, and repeated violations." The case, initiated by the Indian Medical Association, concerns Patanjali Ayurved's misleading products.

Fire erupted at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) office in Delhi's north block on Tuesday. Seven fire tenders swiftly responded, extinguishing the flames by 9:35 am. The blaze, reported at 9:20 am, was contained within 15 minutes on the second floor in the IC Division. A Xerox machine, computers, and documents were among the items damaged. Fortunately, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was not present during the incident, but senior officers were. Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.

Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be open for 19 hours on Ram Navami, starting from 3:30 a.m. Devotees can visit until 11 p.m., with brief closures during 'bhog' offerings. The Trust urges distinguished guests to visit after April 19, canceling special passes for April 16-18. Mobile phones and valuables are discouraged during darshan. A pilgrim service center is set up at Sugreev Quila, and Prasar Bharati will broadcast the celebrations live. This marks the first Ram Navami post-consecration, expecting a large turnout in Ayodhya.