In a dominant bowling display, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowled out Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a mere 111 runs in their IPL 2025 encounter at Mullanpur. Harshit Rana starred with figures of 3/25, turning the game with a crucial double-wicket over. Varun Chakaravarthy (2/21) and Sunil Narine (2/14) added pressure, while Nortje and Vaibhav Arora took one wicket each. PBKS started brightly with a 39-run stand between Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya but collapsed thereafter. KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, capitalized brilliantly after losing the toss, showcasing their bowling depth and tactical sharpness. (PC: BCCI)

The India Justice Report 2025 highlights the dominance of southern states in policing, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid. Karnataka tops the list among 18 large and mid-sized states, being the only one to meet police and judiciary quotas. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu complete the top five. Telangana made a significant leap from 11th to 3rd. West Bengal fell to last place, while Bihar saw the worst police-to-population ratio. Among small states, Sikkim led, and Goa ranked lowest. The report calls for urgent reforms, noting rising undertrial numbers and stagnant police ratios, urging systemic change and societal pressure.

The first reviews for Kesari Chapter 2 are glowing, with political leaders and celebrities praising the film’s powerful portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Starring Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, the film is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called it a “deeply moving cinematic ode” to India’s freedom struggle. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and entrepreneur Rahul Sharma echoed similar sentiments, calling the film “National Award-worthy.” The patriotic drama, releasing on April 18, 2025, captures courage, sacrifice, and justice in a gripping courtroom setting. ( PC: Instagram)

The Congress party has strongly condemned the Enforcement Directorate’s charge sheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, calling it "vendetta politics" orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP government of using law enforcement for political intimidation, asserting the party’s leadership will not be silenced. The charge sheet, also naming Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey, was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The matter is listed for hearing on April 25 at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court. The case was originally filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his visit to Vietnam, urged regional unity against “unilateral bullying” in global trade—a veiled swipe at the United States amid rising trade tensions. Xi’s Southeast Asia tour, which includes Malaysia and Cambodia, comes as US President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs, accusing China and Vietnam of plotting against America. Vietnam narrowly avoided steep US tariffs after a 90-day pause. Xi emphasized strengthening global supply chains and rules-based trade, while Trump dismissed the trip as a ploy. Analysts say China is using the moment to position itself as a reliable economic partner in the region. (PC: Getty Images)

In an exciting IPL 2025 clash at Mullanpur, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Iyer, now leading PBKS, faces off against his former team, whom he led to the IPL title last season. Both teams are tied at 6 points, though PBKS have played one game fewer than KKR. Speaking at the toss, Iyer made a humorous remark saying he "doesn’t remember" his last match against KKR, sparking laughs. PBKS aim to return to winning ways after recent setbacks in the league. (PC: X/IPL)

A California Senate bill (SB 509), aimed at curbing "transnational repression," has ignited tensions between pro-Khalistani groups and Indian-Americans, including Sikhs and Hindus. Backed by Khalistan supporters, the bill would train police to recognize foreign government efforts to intimidate diaspora members. Critics argue the bill risks stigmatizing Indian-American communities as proxies of the Indian state, without evidence of such issues in California. Co-authored by Sikh-American lawmaker Jasmeet Bains, it cites cases involving Khalistani figures Pannun and Nijjar. Indian advocacy groups call it vague, politically motivated, and potentially harmful to free speech and peaceful activism. (PC: India Today)  

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case, naming Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as primary accused. Also named are Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The case, linked to the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian Pvt Ltd, involves alleged misuse of over ₹2,000 crore in assets. The ED has already issued notices to seize properties worth ₹661 crore under PMLA. The court has set April 25 for cognisance proceedings. The charges include bogus donations, rent, and advertisements allegedly used to generate illegal proceeds of crime. (PC: Reuters)

Authorities in Ayodhya are on high alert after the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust received an email threatening a bomb attack on the Ram Mandir. An FIR was filed at the local cyber police station by trust official Mahesh Kumar. Security was intensified across Ayodhya, Barabanki, and nearby areas, with a thorough search operation conducted. The cyber cell has launched a full investigation into the source of the threat. With the Ram Mandir drawing over 135 million visitors in 2024, surpassing even the Taj Mahal, police have ramped up surveillance and patrolling to ensure public safety.

India has become the first country to recover fully from the market losses triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff announcement. On April 15, the NSE Nifty 50 index surged 2.4%, regaining levels seen before the tariffs were signed. Experts credit India's resilience to strong domestic investment, minimal Chinese exposure, and rising manufacturing capabilities. While global markets reel from the US-China trade war, India is seen as a safe investment haven. Lower interest rates, falling oil prices, and potential US-India trade deals have also boosted investor confidence, signaling India's growing strength as a global economic player.