UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, expressed hope for the protection of political and civil rights in India amid upcoming national elections. He emphasized the importance of a free and fair atmosphere for voting, addressing concerns over political unrest following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest and the freezing of Congress Party's bank accounts. Dujarric's remarks underscored the need for safeguarding democratic processes, urging for inclusive participation and ensuring fundamental rights during the electoral process.

During Good Friday prayers at St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram, Latin Catholic metropolitan Archbishop Thomas J. Netto highlighted violence against Christians in Manipur and across India, urging action against perpetrators. He criticized authorities for inadequate intervention. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Thomas Tharayil of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church emphasized the community's observance of Good Friday in Kerala, cautioning against fear, which he said facilitates subjugation. Christians in Kerala adhered to traditional customs, forsaking luxuries for prayer. The call for action against reported violence resonated throughout the service, underlining the need for protection and solidarity within the Christian community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Good Friday, recognizing the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ and emphasizing the importance of compassion and forgiveness. His message, shared on X, resonated with the nation. Good Friday is solemnly observed nationwide with prayers and processions depicting the 'stations of the cross'. It's a time for reflection on the teachings of Christ and the values he embodied. As people come together in prayer and contemplation, the essence of compassion and forgiveness is reaffirmed, fostering unity and understanding among communities across the country.

Skyroot Aerospace takes a step forward in India's private space race by testing the second stage of its Vikram-1 rocket. This solid-fuel, three-stage rocket is primed for India's inaugural private orbital launch, scheduled for mid-2024. The successful test-fire of the second stage is pivotal, as it thrusts satellites from Earth's dense atmosphere into the expansive vacuum of outer space. Skyroot's achievement underscores the company's commitment to advancing India's space technology and marks a significant milestone in the nation's quest for independent space exploration capabilities.

Opposition's INDIA alliance, facing hurdles like Maharashtra seat-sharing discord, finds hope in Bihar. Congress and RJD set to finalize seat-sharing deal on Friday, a key component of the alliance. Left parties already secured five seats in Bihar out of 40. The coalition aims to strengthen its position for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Despite challenges elsewhere, Bihar agreement signals potential unity within the opposition camp.

A man in his 20s suffered a life-threatening stab wound on a London train. Witnesses heard pleas to halt the attack. Police arrested a 19-year-old for attempted murder. The victim's condition is critical but stable. The incident began as rough play but turned violent. The knife-wielding assailant targeted the victim between Shortlands and Beckenham Junction, heading to London Victoria. Passengers intervened to stop the assault. The victim is hospitalized as authorities investigate.

Following the Delhi High Court's rejection of pleas against tax reassessment, the Congress party faces a Rs 1,700 crore tax notice from the Income Tax Department. The notice, covering assessment years 2017-18 and 2020-21, includes penalties and interest. Congress leader Vivek Tankha confirmed the development. The court's decision, coming a day after rejecting Congress's petitions, upholds tax authorities' right to reassess for four years. The ongoing dispute highlights the party's legal battles over reassessment proceedings, extending back to assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17.          

A controversial cartoon by Foxford Comics, depicting Indian crew members aboard the cargo ship involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse, has ignited fury on social media. The illustration, criticized for its racist portrayal and negative depiction of the crew, contrasts with praise from Governor Wes Moore and President Joe Biden. Despite federal laws mandating American maritime pilots, social media users emphasize the heroism of the all-Indian crew. President Biden lauded their quick response, underscoring their role in averting further catastrophe during the bridge collapse crisis.

Illegal gold mining, climate change, disease, and mismanagement devastate cocoa farms in West Africa, leading to catastrophic harvests in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Experts warn of long-term decline in production, with over 590,000 hectares infected with a deadly cocoa virus in Ghana alone. New York cocoa futures soar, pushing chocolate prices up by over 10% in the US. The crisis spells trouble for millions of cocoa farmers and consumers alike, signaling a potential shift in global cocoa production dynamics. Traumatized farmers like Janet Gyamfi face ruined livelihoods amid the decimation of their cocoa plantations.

Following the death of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari due to cardiac arrest, his son Umar Ansari alleges his father was slowly poisoned, vowing to pursue legal recourse. Ansari's body undergoes post-mortem amidst controversy. Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes authorities for alleged negligence. Samajwadi Party demands a thorough investigation, while Congress questions the circumstances. Ansari, with a history of convictions, including life imprisonment, leaves behind a contentious legacy. His son's claims add a new layer of intrigue, casting doubt on the circumstances surrounding his demise. The allegation of slow poisoning raises questions and intensifies political scrutiny.