Month: April 2025

Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev, on Monday assured the Delhi High Court that all videos and social media posts containing his controversial “Sharbat Jihad” remark will be taken down.

The assurance comes in response to a legal suit filed by Hamdard, the makers of the popular drink Rooh Afza, who objected to Ramdev’s statements.

The controversy arose after Ramdev, in a video, allegedly accused Hamdard of using its profits to fund the construction of mosques and madrasas, referring to the drink as part of a so-called “sharbat jihad.”

These remarks were widely criticised for their communal undertones and were deemed by Hamdard as an attempt to create a “communal divide” while disparaging their product.

During the hearing, Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court expressed strong disapproval of the remarks and said, “When I saw this ad, I could not believe my ears and eyes.”

Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Patanjali and Baba Ramdev, informed the court that the controversial videos would be removed.

The court, however, directed Ramdev to submit an affidavit affirming that he would refrain from making such statements in the future. Remarking on the matter, the court stated, “He can keep these thoughts in his mind but should not express them,” as it scheduled the next hearing for May 1.

The case highlights the growing concerns over the use of communal rhetoric in public discourse and its potential to harm social harmony.

On April 3, Baba Ramdev stirred controversy while promoting his company’s product, Gulaab Sharbat.

In a video, he allegedly criticised Hamdard’s Rooh Afza, alleging that the company was diverting its funds toward the construction of mosques and madrasas. Ramdev further referred to the drink as part of a “sharbat jihad.”

Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sandeep Sethi represented Hamdard as plaintiffs in the case. (ANI)

The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.

The Vatican has also released images of Pope Francis in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand. The pictures were taken in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis’s residence at the Vatican.

The Holy See Press Office announced today that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, the open ground in front of St Peter’s Basilica. Cardinals had met this morning to decide on the date of the funeral.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the funeral service. At the end of the funeral, Cardinal Re will deliver the final commendation–a concluding prayer in which the Pope will be formally entrusted to God–and the body will be moved to St. Mary Major for burial.

On Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica for the faithful to pay their respects, the VAtican said.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer. The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.

World leaders are likely to attend the funeral. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the Pope’s funeral at the Vatican.

“Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday afternoon. “We look forward to being there!”. He added: “He’s a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that’s good with me.”

The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli had on Monday evening released the official medical report on the death of Pope Francis, which was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.

According to the medical report, the 88-year-old Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.

The rite of the certification of death and placement in the coffin took place on Monday evening at 8:00 PM in the chapel on the ground floor of the late Pope’s residence in the Casa Santa Marta.

According to his wishes Pope Francis will be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St Mary and will become the first Pope in more than a century not to be buried in the Vatican, in the crypt of St Peter’s Basilica.

He also requested to be buried in a simple wooden casket, unlike other Popes who were buried in the traditional three nesting coffins made of cypress, lead and oak.

Meanwhile, mourners from around the world continue to flow into St Peter’s Square to pay their last respects. (ANI)

In the 2024 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, which was released on Tuesday, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s fast bowler who plays across all formats, is named the Leading Men’s Cricketer in the World, as per a report from ESPNcricinfo.

Bumrah capped his performances in 2024 by becoming the first Test bowler in history to claim 200 wickets at an average of less than 20.

Bumrah’s incredible performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he nearly single-handedly led India’s attack with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06.

In 2024, he took 86 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 13, and he also bowled India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, which was held in the Caribbean in June. Bumrah had a lower back injury, which ruled him out of India’s famous run to Champions Trophy victory.

He has not played any cricket for India since then, he made his return to competitive cricket in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Bumrah has not suffered a back injury for the first time, as he had surgery for it in March 2023.

India opener batter Smriti Mandhana completed an Indian double by being named Wisden’s Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World. In 2024, Mandhana scored 1659 runs in all formats, setting a new record for the most runs by a woman in a calendar year of international cricket.

She also scored four ODI hundreds, which was another milestone. In a ten-wicket victory against South Africa in June, she capped her achievements with a second Test century, 149.

West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was named as the Leading T20 Player in the World. In 2024, Pooran has made 464 runs in 21 matches at an average of 25.77 and a strike rate of 142.33.

Pooran is currently also the second-highest run scorer in the ongoing IPL with 368 runs in eight matches, with an average of over 50. (ANI)

Daily life in Murshidabad has gradually resumed amid tight security following violent protests that erupted in various areas against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

A local, Subhash Sharma, on Tuesday, said that they want peace and harmony in the city.

“It will be better if a permanent BSF camp is put here. Schools reopened here yesterday after a gap of one week. Schools were closed due to violence in several areas. Something like this has never happened before,” Sharma said.

On Monday, Odisha Police arrested six people linked to the recent violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The accused were nabbed from their hideout in Jharsuguda, an official said.

“Six persons have been arrested from their hideout in Jharsuguda. They were involved in the arson and rioting cases in Jafrabad and Betbona villages in Samserganj, Jangipur Police District in Murshidabad, and had escaped to Odisha after the incident,” the official said.

Earlier, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul expressed serious concern over the violence, calling it a planned act of “ethnic cleansing” allegedly carried out with the support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and local leaders.

Paul demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident.

Following the violence, several families fled their homes. Many have migrated to the Pakur district in Jharkhand, while others are staying in relief camps set up in Malda.

Violence erupted on April 11 in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district, during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest turned violent, resulting in two deaths, several injuries, and property damage. Thousands of people fled their homes in search of safety.

The protest later spread to other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, where incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades were reported.

President Droupadi Murmu had given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during the budget session of Parliament. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Parliament. (ANI)

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel on Monday (local time) assured that justice will be done after the FBI arrested terrorist Harpreet Singh, involved in attacks in Punjab.

Kash Patel, lauding the team’s efforts, said the FBI Sacramento conducted the investigation in coordination with India.

“CAPTURED: HARPREET SINGH, part of an alleged foreign terrorist gang here illegally in the United States, who we believe was involved in planning multiple attacks on police stations both in India and the United States,” Patel wrote on X.

FBI Sacramento conducted the investigation, coordinating with our partners locally as well as in India. Excellent work from all, and justice will be done,” Patel added.

Patel further assured that the FBI continue finding those who perpetrate violence.

“The FBI will continue finding those who perpetrate violence — no matter where they are,” Patel said.

The FBI and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested a terrorist, Harpreet Singh, involved in attacks in Punjab on Friday.

The FBI said that Harpreet Singh is linked to two international terrorist groups and entered the US illegally. According to the FBI, he used burner phones to evade capture.

In a post shared on X, FBI Sacramento stated, “Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture.”

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav lauded the arrest of Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and termed it as a “major milestone” in the crackdown on terror networks sponsored by Pakistan’s ISI.

In a post on X, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav said, “The arrest of Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, a USA-based key operative of ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and close associate of Pakistan-based Terrorist Rinda, is a major milestone in the sustained crackdown on ISI-backed terror networks.”

The Punjab Director General of Police also stated that the FBI and ICE’s arrest was the result of “excellent international cooperation” and the exchange of information between the United States and India.

“Between 2023 and 2025, Happy Passia played a central role in orchestrating targeted killings, grenade attacks on police establishments, and extortion across Punjab and other states. His arrest on April 17, 2025, in Sacramento, USA, by the FBI and ICE is the outcome of excellent international cooperation and exchange of information between the United States and India,” he posted. (ANI)

United States Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day visit to India, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, embarked on a cultural visit to Jaipur on Tuesday. The Vance family this morning reached the Amber Fort from the Rambagh Palace, where they are staying.

The Vance family received a warm and vibrant welcome at Jaipur’s Amber Fort. They were greeted with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and elegantly decorated elephants.

A day earlier, JD Vance visited the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in New Delhi along with his family.

While at the Emporium, Showroom GM Meera Somani told ANI that the family “Really enjoyed and they appreciated our showroom. They purchased pottery and papier-mache items, and teas…”

The US Vicce President and his family also visited the Akshardham Temple in the national capital on Monday morning, shortly after their arrival.

Their sons wore kurta-pyjamas, while their daughter was dressed in an Anarkali-style outfit paired with an embroidered jacket.

The temple’s spokesperson, Radhika Shukla, said that the US Vice President spent around 55 minutes exploring the temple, admiring its architecture, and offering prayers for world peace.

Vance and his family landed at Palam Airport, where they were welcomed by Union Minister for Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vance was also given a ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the start of his first official visit to India.

The US Vice President on Monday said it was an “honour” to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called the PM a “great leader” on the first day of his India visit.

Vance also expressed gratitude for hosting his family at the PM’s residence in New Delhi and said that PM Modi was “incredibly kind to my family.”

Responding to PM Modi’s post on X, the US Vice President wrote, “It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader, and he was incredibly kind to my family.”

Vance further expressed willingness to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries.”I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!” Vance said.

PM Modi, after meeting Vance, said that both nations are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors.

“Pleased to welcome US Vice President JD Vance and his family to New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” PM Modi wrote on X.

On Wednesday, Vance will visit Agra along with his family. The India visit of the US Vice President concludes with their departure from India on April 24 at 6:40 am. (ANI)

The Government of India has declared a three-day State Mourning as a mark of respect following the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, according to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The mourning will be observed across the country on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope’s funeral.

Pope Francis (88) passed away at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican on Monday.

The Home Ministry stated: “Three-Day State Mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See.”

“His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away today, the 21st April, 2025. As a mark of respect, three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India, in the following manner: Two days’ State Mourning on Tuesday, the 22nd April, 2025 and Wednesday, the 23rd April, 2025. One day’s State Mourning on the day of the funeral,” the statement added.

As per the MHA, during the period of the State Mourning, the National Flag will be flown at Half Mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s death. He said Pope Francis’ “affection for the people of India will always be cherished.”

“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope,” PM Modi said on X.

“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-around development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace,” the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi had met Pope Francis during the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also mourned the Pope’s passing and remembered him as a kind leader who worked to build a better world.

“Saddened at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

He also shared a group photo with the Pope and added, “His compassion and commitment to building a better world defined his papacy. May his soul rest in peace.”

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He became a Catholic priest in 1969. After Pope Benedict XVI resigned on February 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Cardinal Bergoglio as his successor on March 13, 2013. He chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Following his death, the Vatican has declared a nine-day mourning period called “Novendiale,” an old Roman tradition. After this period, the Cardinals will meet in a Conclave to elect the next Pope. (ANI)

The Indian Army swiftly responded to the devastating cloudburst incident in Ramban, providing essential supplies, medical care, and shelter to stranded passengers and locals along National Highway 44 (NH-44).

Cloudburst at #Ramban : #IndianArmy Responds Swiftly!

Providing essential supplies, medical care & shelter to stranded passengers & locals on NH-44. Collaborating with civil authorities to reopen routes. We Serve, We Protect!#NationFirst#NationBuilding@adgpi@Whiteknight_IA pic.twitter.com/9Gqmrphffv

— NORTHERN COMMAND – INDIAN ARMY (@NorthernComd_IA) April 21, 2025

In a tweet posted on the microblogging website X, the Northern Command of the Indian Army stated, “Cloudburst at Ramban, Indian Army Responds Swiftly! Providing essential supplies, medical care & shelter to stranded passengers & locals on NH-44. Collaborating with civil authorities to reopen routes. We Serve, We Protect!”

Meanwhile, Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, visited the site of the recent devastating landslide in Ramban district on Monday and provided an update on the ongoing relief operations.

The landslide, caused by record-breaking rainfall, has severely impacted the region, blocking roads and causing significant damage to the infrastructure and homes, with at least three confirmed fatalities.

“There has been heavy rainfall here, which has broken records. As a result, you can see that the entire roadside and national highways have been blocked, with boulders and slush, and in some places, the road has even sunk. The road is also damaged. In addition, people’s homes have been affected, and there have been 3 casualties,” Kumar stated during his visit.

He assured the public that the district administration had immediately taken charge of the situation and was working swiftly to clear the roads.

“The district administration has immediately taken charge, and relief material has been provided. You can see that work has started, and road clearance is underway,” he said.

Kumar further mentioned that the government is focusing on restoring essential services, stating, “Regarding the civil damage, efforts are being made to supply essential services, such as power, rations, and other supplies, to those affected.” He also confirmed that the rain had stopped, and an assessment of the damage was ongoing.

According to Kumar, approximately 10 to 12 villages have been affected to varying degrees.

“The affected areas include around 10 to 12 villages, which have sustained damage to varying degrees. Teams are working on assessing the extent of the damage, and after the assessment, further actions will be taken,” he added.

The Divisional Commissioner emphasised that all efforts were being made to mitigate the effects of the disaster and ensure the well-being of the affected communities. “The SDRF, NDRF, Indian Army, and district administration are all fully prepared,” he said. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez was recently spotted offering prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. Surprisingly, she was accompanied by Maye Musk, mother of Tesla owner Elon Musk.

Social media is flooded with pictures of Jacqueline and Maye from the sacred visit. Both were dressed in ethnic attire. Jacqueline was seen dressed in a golden suit. On the other hand, Maye wore a printed yellow ensemble. This was among Jacqueline’s first public outings since the death of her mother, Kim, who passed away earlier this month.

Maye, a supermodel and nutritionist, is currently in India for the launch of her book, A Woman Makes a Plan. She recently celebrated her 77th birthday in Mumbai only.

To make his mom’s birthday special, Elon Musk sent her flowers from afar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIqbgIVKeMQ/?hl=en

“Thank you Elon for sending birthday flowers to me in Mumbai #ItsGreatToBe77,” she captioned the post. (ANI)Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez was recently spotted offering prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. Surprisingly, she was accompanied by Maye Musk, mother of Tesla owner Elon Musk.

Social media is flooded with pictures of Jacqueline and Maye from the sacred visit. Both were dressed in ethnic attire. Jacqueline was seen dressed in a golden suit. On the other hand, Maye wore a printed yellow ensemble. This was among Jacqueline’s first public outings since the death of her mother, Kim, who passed away earlier this month.

Maye, a supermodel and nutritionist, is currently in India for the launch of her book, A Woman Makes a Plan. She recently celebrated her 77th birthday in Mumbai only.

To make his mom’s birthday special, Elon Musk sent her flowers from afar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIqbgIVKeMQ/?hl=en

“Thank you Elon for sending birthday flowers to me in Mumbai #ItsGreatToBe77,” she captioned the post. (ANI)

Teachers recruited through the School Service Commission (SSC) staged a ‘dharna’ outside the SSC office in Kolkata on Monday.

They are protesting against the Mamata Banerjee-led State Government after nearly 26,000 teachers lost their jobs in connection with the SSC recruitment case, following a Supreme Court judgment which held that the whole appointment process was “tainted.”

On April 3, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to quash the recruitment of more than 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff by the West Bengal SSC in 2016 for state-run and aided schools.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar found that the West Bengal SSC’s selection process was based on large-scale manipulations and fraud.

“In our opinion, this is a case wherein the entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution. Manipulations and frauds on a large scale, coupled with the attempted cover-up, have dented the selection process beyond repair and partial redemption. The credibility and legitimacy of the selection are denuded”, the apex court bench stated in its judgement.

The apex court further found no reason to interfere with the High Court’s direction that the services of all “tainted” candidates should be terminated and that they should be required to refund any salaries/payments received.

“Since their appointments were the result of fraud, this amounts to cheating. Therefore, we see no justification to alter this direction”, the bench added.

The top court’s verdict came on a petition filed by the West Bengal government that challenged an April 2022 order of the Calcutta High Court, which had cancelled the recruitment of more than 25,000 teachers and other staff for state-run and aided schools.

The Supreme Court had reserved its judgment in the matter on February 10. (ANI)