Month: April 2025

Every year on April 22, people across the world unite to mark Earth Day. Actor Allu Arjun also celebrated this significant occasion with an important message.

Taking to his social media, Allu Arjun shared a picture of planet Earth to mark the occasion. Along with it, he penned the caption “Happy World Earth Day! Let’s celebrate our planet by nurturing its beauty, conserving its resources, and committing to a sustainable future. #WorldEarthDay2025”

A while ago, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood urged the residents of the national capital to switch off all electrical appliances for five minutes from 8:00 pm to 8:05 pm, as a symbolic gesture to promote environmental awareness.

In a video message, the Delhi Education Minister said the initiative aimed to spread a powerful message in support of the environment and serve as a collective message of environmental consciousness.

“We are celebrating World Earth Day today. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, today in Delhi, a strong voice is being raised for our Earth,” Ashish Sood said.

“Come, today at 8:00 pm to 8:05 pm, let us spare 5 minutes for our earth and let us all–every house, family, every shop, every office–switch off all electricity. This meaningful effort of ours will go a long way and will send a big message for the environment and Mother Earth,” he added.

World Earth Day, observed globally on April 22, aims to raise awareness and drive action toward pressing environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.The day is marked by various events worldwide, with governments, organisations, and citizens participating in tree planting, clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, and pledges to reduce their carbon footprints. (ANI)

Actor Akshay Kumar expressed shock and condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Taking to X, he wrote, “Horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sheer evil to kill innocent people like this. Prayers for their families. “

The firing incident, which took place earlier on Tuesday, targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district. Some of the tourists have been confirmed injured and taken to local hospitals. The Jammu and Kashmir government has not issued an official statement on casualties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take all necessary measures. Shah confirmed that he had briefed the Prime Minister and would visit Srinagar to hold a high-level security review meeting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the attack “highly reprehensible,” while Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge urged the government to act decisively. (ANI)

In a significant boost to public healthcare and medical education, Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, announced on Tuesday that the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has given in-principle approval for the establishment of 10 new ESIC medical colleges across the country.

The decision was taken during the 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation and aims to expand access to quality healthcare and medical education for both workers and the general public.

The approved sites for the new ESIC medical colleges for the financial year 2024-25 include Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati-Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda-Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ranchi (Jharkhand).

Union Minister Mandaviya stated that the move aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen ESIC infrastructure and improve healthcare delivery, especially for India’s workforce.

He also highlighted that the expansion would also address the growing demand for medical education seats in government institutions.

In addition to the approved institutions, 10 more locations are under active consideration for future ESIC medical colleges for the financial year 2024-25.

These proposed sites include Pune and Nagpur in Maharashtra, Manesar (Haryana), Kollam (Kerala), Surat (Gujarat), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Asansol (West Bengal), Pandunagar (Uttar Pradesh), and Margaon (Goa).

An official release from the Ministry of Labour and Employment said that the ESIC is drafting a new policy to expand access to medical services through Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in districts where ESIC coverage is either non-existent or partially implemented.

The release said the objective is to ensure that deemed beneficiaries in these areas also receive timely and quality healthcare services under the ESIC framework.

The initiative will bridge healthcare gaps, especially in rural and semi-urban locations where ESIC facilities have been limited.

In addition, the release also announced a major convergence of ESIC with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This move will enable over 14.4 crore ESIC beneficiaries to avail of cashless and comprehensive healthcare services at PMJAY-empanelled hospitals across the country.

The convergence with AB-PMJAY is expected to significantly enhance the reach of ESIC healthcare services, especially in states and regions where dedicated ESIC hospitals are yet to be established.

The ESIC has significantly expanded the geographical reach of the ESI Scheme, now covering 691 districts across the country — up from 393 districts in 2014.

The scheme’s rapid expansion over the past decade has brought millions of workers and their families under the ambit of ESIC benefits, including healthcare, maternity, and disability coverage.

As of April 21, 2025, ESIC services are actively implemented in 691 districts. Among the latest additions are 8 districts in Nagaland and 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh.

These newly notified areas will extend ESI coverage to approximately 76,274 additional insured persons (IPs) and their families, providing them with essential social protection.

The expansion continues with proposals underway for notification in one more district each in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, two in Maharashtra, and six in Bihar.

ESIC is one of the largest social security organisations in India. It offers medical, cash, maternity, disability, and dependent benefits to workers covered under the ESI Act. (ANI)

Israeli airstrikes overnight destroyed around 40 engineering vehicles used by Hamas for terror purposes, including during the October 7 attack, the Israel Defence Forces said on Tuesday.

“The Hamas terrorist organization used these vehicles to plant explosives, dig underground shelters, breach fences, and clear rubble to locate weapons and military equipment underneath,” the IDF said. “The engineering vehicles that were attacked constitute a central component of Hamas’ ability to carry out terrorist plots against IDF forces and the State of Israel.”

Many of these tools, the military said, were directly linked to the attack on southern Israel on October 7.

According to the army, Hamas’ engineering unit used heavy equipment to create dozens of breaches in the border fence, enabling waves of terrorists on motorcycles and pickup trucks to enter Israeli territory. The unit also built improvised bridges and planted explosive charges to break through defensive structures.

On March 24, the Israeli Air Force launched a similar wave of strikes specifically targeting 100 pickup trucks and other vehicles used by Hamas. The IDF said those vehicles had been used in the October 7 attack, propaganda events featuring the handover of hostages to the International Red Cross, and to transport weapons.

At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 36 are believed to be dead. (ANI/ TPS)

Amid the ongoing scrutiny of the Gandhi family in the National Herald case, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government of misusing investigative agencies to target political opponents and claimed that all the allegations targeting the party related to the case were “false.”

Taking a swipe at the Centre, the Congress MP criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over the questioning of her husband, Robert Vadra.

“I think the Prime Minister’s advisors are giving wrong advice these days. The public understands the truth and how the agencies are being misused. The PM should revise his strategy,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told ANI.

“The public understands the truth and how the agencies are being misused. My husband is being asked (by ED) why he gave Rs 4 lakhs to his mother 17 years ago. What kind of questions are these? In the case of the National Herald, everything is before the people. All this is being done for political reasons. All allegations are false,” she added.

Responding to BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj carrying a tote bag with the words “National Herald Ki Loot” to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on One Nation One Election, Priyanka said, “Mujhe toh mazedaar laga…” I asked her about the bag, which had ‘National Herald Ki Loot’ written on it. She just smiled. They do what is guided to them by their leadership.”

The move by Bansuri Swaraj came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with the alleged money laundering case involving the National Herald.

Speaking to ANI, Swaraj earlier in the day said, “This is the first time that corruption has taken place in the fourth pillar of democracy-media. The charge sheet filed by the ED highlights the old working style and ideology of the Congress party. In the guise of service, they make public institutions a tool to increase their personal property. This is a very serious matter…The Congress party and its top leadership are accountable for this.”

In response, Congress leader Sukhdeo Bhagat hit back at Swaraj, saying that the BJP is trying to defame the Congress party.

“Bansuri Swaraj is a reputed leader. She should first tell where the loot happened. The Bharatiya Janata Party is scared of the word BJP the way Britishers used to be scared. They are diverting people from the main issues. This is the deliberate attempt to defame the Congress leaders,” Bhagat said.

On April 15, the ED filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against top Congress members Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the money laundering case involving the National Herald. The chargesheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and others, including several firms.

The prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering, as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, 2002.

The complaint was filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, their associated companies, and other individuals.

Previously, in December, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi created a flutter after she carried a bag with the word ‘Palestine’ on it, after which the BJP strongly reacted to the development and called it ‘Muslim appeasement’. (ANI)

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid “heartfelt” condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured ones.

In a post on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan handle said that the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful.

“The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable,” the post reads.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured,” it added.

The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir is shocking and painful. It is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. Attacking innocent citizens, in this case tourists, is utterly appalling and unpardonable.
My heartfelt condolences…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 22, 2025

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday “strongly” condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and paid condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice.

“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” PM Modi said.

“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger,” he added.

The attack, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, took place earlier on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha departed for Srinagar in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists.

Union Minister JP Nadda also termed the targeting of innocent civilians as “highly reprehensible”

“Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The brutal targeting of innocent civilians in this cowardly attack is highly reprehensible. The Modi Government follows a Zero-Tolerance Policy against terrorism. Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared,” Nadda said on X.

“The Union Home Minister is visiting the affected area, and the Hon. Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation. We are committed to supporting all the affected families and will provide all necessary assistance,” he added.

Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reacted to the incident, stating, “Deeply anguished by the news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir). This dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.”

Political leaders across parties have strongly condemned the firing incident reported in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir, calling it an attack on peace and the region’s tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Security forces and police personnel rushed to the site immediately after the attack. Ambulances were also rushed to the location. (ANI)

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap apologised for his alleged casteist remarks against Brahmins, saying that he “forgot his limits” while replying to someone in anger.

The controversy arose after Anurag uploaded a critical post on social media surrounding the censorship of his upcoming film Phule, a biopic of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, who fought against caste discrimination.

The filmmaker’s post did not go down well, leading to police complaints of allegedly accusing him of hurting the social and religious sentiments of the Brahmins and making objectionable comments against the community.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Anurag apologised for speaking badly about the Brahmin community while replying to “someone’s cheap comment” in anger.

The filmmaker also admitted that his comments against the Brahmin community disappointed his peers and family.

“In anger, while replying to someone, I forgot my limits. And I spoke badly about the entire Brahmin community. That community whose many people have been in my life, are still there and contribute a lot. Today, all of them are hurt by me. My family is hurt by me. Many intellectuals, whom I respect, are hurt by my anger and my way of speaking,” said Anurag Kashyap.

The ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ director apologised to his colleagues, family and the Brahmin community for his indecent language against the Brahmin caste.

“By saying such things, I myself deviated from the topic. I apologise from the bottom of my heart to this community, to whom I did not want to say this, but in anger, I wrote it while replying to someone’s cheap comment. I apologise to all my colleagues, my family and the community for my way of speaking, for my indecent language.”

The director further said that he will not let this happen again and will work on his anger.

“I will work on not letting this happen again. I will work on my anger. And if I have to discuss the issue, I will use the correct words. I hope you will forgive me,” added Anurag Kashyap.

This is not the first time that the director has issued an apology for his alleged casteist remarks against Brahmins following the controversy. Earlier, on Friday night, Anurag issued an apology, clarifying that his statement had been taken out of context.

He acknowledged the threats his family and friends had received but maintained that his apology was specifically for the misinterpretation of his words, not the content of the original post.

“This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred… So, if it’s an apology you’re looking for, then this is my apology,” Kashyap wrote.

He also urged the Brahmin community to refrain from targeting his family members and to direct their anger toward him alone.

“Brahmins, please spare the women, even the scriptures teach this much decency,” he added.

On Saturday, a complaint was lodged in Indore by Anoop Shukla, accusing Kashyap of hurting the social and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community. (ANI)

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda gave an update on the murder investigation that has been launched into the death of former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash in the press conference on Tuesday.

According to Commissioner Dayananda, a murder case has been registered against the former DGP’s wife based on a complaint that raised suspicion towards two individuals, Om Prakash’s wife and daughter.

Dayananda said, “Based on the complaint, a murder case has been registered. The complainant has raised suspicion towards two individuals- his mother and his sister. Based on the investigation, the mother of the complainant has been arrested…

Dayananda further added, ” Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the case, the case has been given to the City Crime Branch. They will take over the investigation as soon as possible…”

The case remains under active investigation.

On Monday, the former DGP was cremated with full state honours in Bengaluru. On Sunday, former DGP and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Om Prakash was found dead at his residence in the HSR Layout, a residential locality in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara termed the incident “unfortunate” and stated that an investigation is underway.

“Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash has been murdered, they say, by his wife. The investigation is on. Until we receive the investigation report, we cannot conclude anything. Once we get the report, we can say how the murder was committed. When I was the Home Minister for the first time in 2015, he was the DGP and worked with me. He was a very good man and officer. It is unfortunate,” Parameshwara told reporters on Monday.

Senior police officials confirmed that an FIR will be registered based on a complaint submitted by his son. Bengaluru Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Vikas Kumar told ANI, “On Sunday afternoon around 4-4:30 pm, we got information about the death of our former DGP and IGP Om Prakash. His son has been contacted, and he is giving a complaint against the incident, and based on that, an FIR will be registered.”

ACP Kumar said that the motives behind the killing remain unclear, and no arrests have been made yet.”After the case is registered, a detailed investigation will be carried out. Immediately, there are no arrests. Initial investigation suggests that things might be internal in nature,” he added.

The retired IPS officer was from the 1981 batch. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to list next week a plea filed by an advocate relating to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent controversial remarks against the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.

Advocate Narendra Mishra mentioned the plea before a bench of Justice BR Gavai and AG Masih, saying letters were given to the Attorney General and Solicitor General for the initiation of contempt proceedings against the BJP MP, but no action is being taken.

Advocate said the MP has said CJI Sanjiv Khanna is responsible for the civil wars in India, and after the speech went viral, social media users used derogatory tag phrases for the Supreme Court.

He urged the apex court to give directions to remove social media posts and videos which are derogatory and contemptuous towards the judiciary.

“These statements are false, reckless, and malicious, and they amount to criminal contempt,” said Mishra in his letter petition.

He said Dubey is an elected Member of Parliament and has shown gross disregard for constitutional remedies and chose to incite public distrust by misrepresenting the judicial process.

“His remark that the Supreme Court is “inciting religious wars” for agreeing to hear petitions, including those challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 – amounts to a direct interference in the administration of justice, and falsely portrays constitutional scrutiny as political interference,” his petition stated.

Saying that such acts, especially from a sitting lawmaker, cannot be brushed aside as mere political commentary, the advocate asked the apex court to suo moto initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Dubey.

“They are a deliberate attempt to intimidate the judiciary, incite public disorder, and delegitimise the institution entrusted with protecting the Constitution,” the lawyer added.

Dubey had made the statement following the top court fixing a timeline for the President and Governors to give assent to Bills and its intervention in the Waqf (Amendment) Act matter.

Some lawyers have also written letters to Attorney General R Venkataramani, demanding the initiation of contempt proceedings against Dubey for his remarks.

Dubey has reportedly said that “Supreme Court is taking the country towards anarchy” and that “Chief Justice of India Sanijv Khanna is responsible for the civil wars taking place in the country”.

Letters were written by advocates Anas Tanwir, Shiv Kumar Tripathi and others seeking contempt of court proceedings against Dubey, saying his “grossly scandalous remarks aimed at lowering the dignity” of the apex court.

Advocate Subhash Theekkadan sought initiating criminal contempt proceedings against the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, in light of public statements made by him which he said amount to a “direct attack on the authority and dignity” of the Supreme Court.

As per the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, a private individual can file a contempt of court petition in the Supreme Court only after obtaining the consent of the Attorney General or the Solicitor General.

The BJP MP had claimed the Supreme Court was taking the country towards anarchy.

On April 19, he said Parliament and Assemblies should be shut if the top court is dictating laws and that Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna is “responsible for civil wars” in the country.

Last week, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar questioned the judiciary for setting a timeline for the President to decide whether or not to assent to state Bills referred to the President by a Governor.

Dhankar further accused the Supreme Court of acting as a “super Parliament” and said it cannot fire a “nuclear missile” at democratic forces. (ANI)

As a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft was escorted by F15’s of the Royal Saudi Air Force in Saudi Arabia’s airspace in Jeddah. PM Modi is expected to land shortly in Jeddah on his two-day visit to the Gulf Nation.

PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is PM’s third visit to Saudi Arabia, and his first visit to Jeddah.

In a post on X, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said, “PM Narendra Modi has departed for a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is PM’s third visit to Saudi Arabia. PM Narendra Modi, along with Crown Prince & PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will co-chair the 2nd Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.PM Modi is visiting Saudi Arabia from April 22 to 23 at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

Since 2014, PM Modi has transformed the trajectory of India’s relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. This will be PM Modi’s third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019. This also marks his 15th visit to a country in the Gulf region.

“Today, I embark on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said in a pre-departure statement.

India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia, which have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people-to-people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” he added. (ANI)