Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan's security has been bolstered following a recent shooting near Salman Khan's residence. Shah Rukh, who was in Kolkata for a cricket event, was seen leaving amidst heavy security. Armed guards, police, and airport security escorted him as he departed late at night. Videos circulating online captured the heightened security measures. This comes after two individuals fired shots outside Salman Khan's home, prompting concerns. Shah Rukh Khan adhered to security protocols during routine checks at the airport. Despite the late hour, fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the star before his departure.

Members of a religious group vandalized Mother Teresa School in Telangana's Mancherial district after teachers reportedly barred students in 'Hanuman Deeksha dress' from entering classrooms. The dispute arose when teachers objected to the saffron attire worn by some students as part of a religious observance. A case has been filed against school officials under sections 153(A) and 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code. Despite the school management's assertion that students were asked to bring parents due to uniform non-compliance, protests ensued, resulting in property damage. Police are investigating, with no arrests made as of now.          

Enforcement Directorate seizes properties valued at Rs 97 crore belonging to Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, over allegations of a Rs 6,600 crore bitcoin scam in 2017. The agency claims Kundra and associates promised investors a 10% return on funds collected in bitcoins for mining, concealing ill-gotten assets in online wallets. Kundra allegedly received 286 bitcoins from Ponzi scam mastermind Amit Bhardwaj. Despite no direct link to the pornography racket, Kundra faced scrutiny in a 2021 adult-film case. He secured bail in September 2021. Official statement from Kundra pending.            

The 18th Lok Sabha elections commence on April 19 with phase one covering 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories. Concurrently, assembly elections are scheduled in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. Key contests include Tamil Nadu's 39 constituencies with notable candidates like former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran. Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal are also in the fray from Nagpur and Dibrugarh, respectively. The Election Commission of India's schedule extends until June 1, with vote counting set for June 4.

India unveils updated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations for satellite activities, just before Elon Musk's upcoming trip. The amendments allow up to 100% FDI for satellite component manufacturing and related segments. Musk, set to meet PM Modi, is expected to unveil Starlink and investments worth $2-3 billion. Starlink seeks permission to operate in India with its 4,000-strong satellite network. The changes enable easier foreign investment in satellite manufacturing, operations, and data products, aiming to bolster the country's space industry. The move aligns with India's efforts to attract tech giants and boost its space capabilities.

Violent clashes erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, during a Ram Navami procession on Wednesday, leaving several people injured. Videos circulated on social media showed stones being hurled at the procession from rooftops. The police resorted to lathicharge and firing tear gas shells to disperse the mob. The situation was eventually brought under control with additional forces deployed in the area. The BJP accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, while the ruling Trinamool Congress alleged a conspiracy to incite riots. Tensions have been high in the region after previous incidents of violence during religious festivities.

Time's '100 Most Influential People of 2024' includes prominent Indians like Alia Bhatt, Satya Nadella, and Sakshi Malik. Bhatt, hailed for her talent and integrity, shines as an actor, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Nadella's vision in shaping the future through Microsoft's AI investment earns recognition. Malik's activism against harassment in Indian sports earns her a spot. Additionally, the list features Dev Patel, Ajay Banga, and Priyamvada Natarajan, highlighting their diverse contributions. Their inclusion underscores India's growing global influence across various sectors.

A migrant worker from Bihar, Raju Shah, was fatally shot by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The attack occurred in Zablipora, Bijbehara. Despite efforts to save him, Shah succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The incident follows recent arrests of suspected terrorists in the area. Although such attacks have declined, this incident raises concerns amidst Lok Sabha election campaigns in Anantnag. PDP's Mehbooba Mufti and NC's Mian Altaf Ahmed are set to file nominations. Security forces continue operations, with recent arrests and recovery of weapons.

Former RBI Governor D Subbarao cautions that India, projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2029, may still grapple with poverty. Despite PM Modi's ambitions, Subbarao highlights the distinction between economic size and development, citing Saudi Arabia. India's current per capita income ranks low globally at USD 2,600, emphasizing the need to accelerate growth and ensure equitable distribution of benefits. Subbarao underscores the importance of rule of law, a strong state, accountability, and independent institutions for India to progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

India embarks on constructing a domestically produced bullet train surpassing 250 kmph, utilizing Vande Bharat platform technology. Designed at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, the project integrates Indian tech and manufacturing. Funded by JICA, it complements completed pier work and land acquisition for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project. Globally, high-speed trains clock over 250 kmph, with India leveraging Japanese technology for the line between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The initiative underscores India's focus on enhancing railway speed and employing indigenous technology in expanding rail networks.