West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited relief camps in Malda on Friday to meet victims displaced by the recent Murshidabad violence sparked by protests over the Waqf law. Ignoring CM Mamata Banerjee’s appeal to postpone the visit, Bose interacted with affected families at Parlalpur High School and assured them of “proactive action.” The riots on April 11–12 forced many to flee to Malda. While the situation is now under control, central forces remain deployed. Mamata has ordered a SIT probe and promised to rebuild homes. Bose is expected to visit riot-hit Murshidabad on Saturday. (PC: ANI)

Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, was arrested in Sacramento by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A key suspect in 16 terror attacks in Punjab, Singh is believed to have collaborated with Pakistan’s ISI and the Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International. The Punjab Police hailed the arrest as a major breakthrough in dismantling ISI-backed terror networks. Singh used encrypted apps and burner phones to evade capture and recruited drug-addicted minors for attacks. India has initiated extradition proceedings, with the NIA and Punjab Police submitting documentation to US authorities. (PC: X/ @FBISacramento)

In a rain-shortened IPL 2025 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The match was reduced to 14 overs per side due to heavy rain, with bowling limits adjusted accordingly. PBKS made headlines by dropping a high-profile Rs 4.2 crore overseas player. RCB, still winless at home after two losses, look to end their drought on home turf, despite a perfect away record so far. The pitch and conditions are expected to challenge both teams in this crucial mid-season encounter.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk discussed strengthening India-US collaboration in technology and innovation during a phone call, revisiting their earlier meeting in Washington DC. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the US, especially in emerging tech sectors. Musk, who leads Tesla, SpaceX, X, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is pursuing major business ventures in India, including Starlink's satellite internet rollout and Tesla’s entry. The conversation comes amid growing trade tensions with the US and ahead of Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to India on April 21 to bolster economic and geopolitical ties. (PC: Getty Images)

The makers of the Bollywood film Jaat, starring Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda, have removed a controversial church scene after it triggered protests for allegedly hurting Christian sentiments. The scene showed Hooda’s character in a crucifixion-like pose beneath a church crucifix, sparking outrage. An FIR was registered under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Responding to the backlash, the filmmakers issued an apology and promptly edited out the scene. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, Jaat released on April 10, 2025, and this move aims to defuse rising tensions over religious sensitivities. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On April 15, 2025, the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu installed its first-ever Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), transitioning away from a cash-only economy. The National Bank of Tuvalu, in partnership with Pacific Technologies Limited of Fiji, deployed five ATMs and 30 point-of-sale terminals across the capital, Funafuti. Until now, residents had to queue for hours at the country’s only bank to withdraw salaries. The new system uses prepaid cards, with plans to launch Tuvalu-issued debit and credit cards soon. This move marks a crucial step in improving digital financial infrastructure and access in one of the world’s most remote nations. (PC: CNN)

On April 17, 2025, UNESCO inscribed two iconic Indian texts—the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra—into its prestigious Memory of the World Register. This recognition celebrates their global cultural, philosophical, and artistic significance. The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is revered for its spiritual guidance, while the Natyashastra is an ancient treatise on drama, dance, and music. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a proud moment for India, highlighting their timeless contributions to civilization. With this, India now has 14 entries in the UNESCO register, which preserves invaluable documentary heritage worldwide. (PC: The Indian Express)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot from the Indian Air Force, is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Axiom Mission 4 in May 2025. Selected by ISRO and trained in Russia and India, Shukla will join the mission as a pilot alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. This joint initiative between NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and ISRO signifies a major step for India's human spaceflight program and its growing role in global space missions. (PC: PTI)

The IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced a frustrating delay as rain intensified at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Scheduled for Friday evening, the toss was postponed with cut-off timings set at 10:41 PM for the toss and 10:56 PM for play to begin. The drizzle, which began ahead of the game, turned into a heavy downpour, dampening fan excitement. RCB, currently third on the points table, are riding high on Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s form. PBKS, close behind, are confident after their recent win over KKR in a low-scoring thriller. (PC: BCCI)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sharply rebuked Bangladesh for its comments on the communal violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, stating, “Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.” The response follows remarks from Bangladesh’s chief adviser’s office urging India to “fully protect” its Muslim population and denying any Bangladeshi link to the April 11 unrest. The MEA called it a “disingenuous attempt” to draw parallels. The Calcutta High Court continues to monitor the situation and has directed all parties to avoid provocative statements. (PC: PTI)