Swati Maliwal, once a prominent face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), explained her exit by accusing the party of abandoning its core values and indulging in “corruption and loot.” She said she distanced herself to avoid being part of alleged wrongdoing. Maliwal also recalled a 2024 incident where she accused Arvind Kejriwal’s aide of physically assaulting her at the Chief Minister’s residence. The controversy deepened her rift with the leadership. Her departure comes amid a larger rebellion, with multiple AAP MPs leaving the party and aligning with the BJP, signalling serious internal turmoil. (PC: NDTV)

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that 10 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian Army during the ongoing Ukraine war. These individuals were among 26 Indians whose families had approached the court seeking their safe return. According to the Centre, most had voluntarily joined the Russian military, though concerns persist over alleged recruitment through agents and misleading job offers. The deaths have intensified distress among families and raised serious questions about overseas recruitment practices. The government said efforts are ongoing to ensure the return of remaining Indians and to address the issue diplomatically.

In a major political setback for Arvind Kejriwal, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal—who had replaced Raghav Chadha in the Upper House—has joined the BJP along with six other AAP MPs. The move was announced by Chadha, who said more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members supported the merger, allowing them to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws. Aam Aadmi Party leaders criticised the switch as a betrayal. The development highlights deep internal rifts within AAP, triggered by leadership disputes and recent reshuffles, and significantly weakens the party’s presence in Parliament. (PC: PTI)

U.S. President Donald Trump has dispatched senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for high-level talks with Iranian officials, aiming to revive stalled diplomatic engagement. The discussions are expected to address regional security concerns, especially tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Middle East conflicts. Pakistan is acting as a key intermediary in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran. Vice President JD Vance is not part of the current delegation but may join later if negotiations show progress. The move highlights renewed U.S. efforts to pursue diplomacy and reduce escalating tensions. (PC: News 18)

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, intensifying the ongoing political confrontation over the Election Commission’s functioning. The notice, backed by dozens of MPs, follows earlier attempts that were rejected by parliamentary authorities. Leaders allege “partisan conduct” and lack of neutrality, particularly during recent electoral processes, and aim to gather wider parliamentary support. The move marks a renewed push by the opposition to challenge the credibility of the poll body, potentially triggering a complex constitutional process and further deepening tensions between the government and opposition parties. (PC: The Hindu)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her attack on the BJP during the 2026 Assembly elections, declaring she will shift focus to Delhi after winning Bengal. Speaking at a Kolkata rally, she vowed to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre by uniting opposition parties nationwide. Banerjee clarified she is not seeking power but aims to remove the BJP government. Her remarks triggered sharp reactions from BJP leaders, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissing the claim. The statement signals an aggressive national ambition amid a high-stakes Bengal election battle. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Police has confirmed that no FIR has been registered against a woman who confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP rally in Mumbai’s Worli area. The incident, triggered by severe traffic congestion caused by the protest march, went viral on social media. Officials stated that while a complaint was filed by a law student alleging abusive behaviour, no formal case has been initiated. Mumbai Police also urged the public to avoid misinformation. The episode has sparked wider debate over political rallies disrupting daily life and citizens’ right to protest inconvenience. (PC: X)

In a major political development, Raghav Chadha resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with several Rajya Sabha MPs, including Ashok Mittal. The move follows a deepening rift with party leadership, particularly Arvind Kejriwal. Reports suggest over two-thirds of AAP’s Upper House MPs backed the shift, citing internal conflicts and ideological differences. AAP has termed the move a “betrayal” and accused BJP of destabilising the party, while BJP welcomed the leaders. The defection marks a significant setback for AAP and reshapes parliamentary dynamics. (PC: India Today)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revoked the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank, effective April 24, 2026, ending its ability to operate as a bank. The action, taken under the Banking Regulation Act, follows prolonged regulatory concerns including lapses in customer due diligence, governance, and compliance. RBI said the bank’s operations were not in the interest of depositors and will now approach the High Court to initiate winding-up proceedings.  Existing customers can withdraw deposits, as the bank has sufficient liquidity to meet obligations. The move marks a major crackdown in India’s fintech sector and signals stricter regulatory enforcement. (PC: The Times of India)

European leaders are accelerating plans to strengthen regional defence amid growing uncertainty over U.S. commitment to NATO under Donald Trump. At an EU summit, officials proposed activating a mutual assistance clause to ensure collective security, reflecting fears of reduced American support. Trump’s criticism of NATO and threats of withdrawal—driven by disputes over the Iran conflict—have deepened divisions within the alliance. European leaders worry about reliability, with Poland questioning U.S. loyalty in a potential Russian attack. The tensions have prompted Europe to explore independent defence strategies, though leaders remain cautious about weakening NATO unity. (PC: AP)