Patna HC refuses to stay caste survey in Bihar

The Patna High Court has refused to stay the ongoing caste-based survey in Bihar, dismissing public interest litigations demanding a halt to the exercise. The court fixed the next hearing for 4 May. The first survey, which involved 127 million respondents in 29 million households, was conducted between 7 and 21 January. The second phase commenced on 15 April and will run until 15 May. One petitioner argued that the survey was being conducted without legislation and referred to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling detailing the manner in which information pertaining to individuals could not be forced to be disclosed.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah rushes to Jammu after India foils Pakistan's drone attacks

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rushed to Jammu after India successfully foiled Pakistan's drone attacks. Sirens blared Thursday night. Schools closed until Monday, with a potential extension pending situation assessment on Monday afternoon.

SC issues contempt notices over vacancies in NCR pollution control boards

Supreme Court issued contempt notices to NCR states' chief secretaries over massive vacancies in pollution control boards, with Delhi having 55% posts unfilled. Court directed states to fill positions by September, emphasizing the critical role of these boards in fighting pollution.

DMK gen secy Duraimurugan alloted law ministry in reshuffle

DMK leader Duraimurugan receives law ministry in cabinet reshuffle, replacing S Regupathy. This follows recent resignations of ministers Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudi, with CM Stalin redistributing key portfolios among party members.

3 police commandos killed in combing ops

Three Greyhounds commandos were killed and three injured in an IED explosion by Maoists during a combing operation in Telangana's Mulug district. The attack occurred in dense forest areas, with an exchange of fire leading to the Maoists' retreat.

TDP MLA seeks probe inYSRCP-era liquor scam

TDP MLA Kesineni Shivanath seeks CBI probe into a ₹3,200 crore liquor scam during the previous YSRCP government, citing public outrage and demanding transparency, while SIT continues its investigation and has already arrested four people.

Police: 35-year-old held for abducting, killing 8-year-old boy in Bengaluru

A 35-year-old man was arrested for kidnapping and murdering an 8-year-old boy in Bengaluru while intoxicated. The suspect assaulted the child, disposed of the body, and was later exposed by his own daughter, leading to his confession.

Clear recommendations of collegium ‘expeditiously’: SC

Supreme Court urges Centre to quickly clear judicial appointments, highlighting massive pendency of over 700,000 criminal appeals. Calls for expeditious filling of sanctioned judge posts and suggests measures like video conferencing and dedicated criminal appeal benches to reduce backlog.

Barber shops reopened after nearly 3-month boycott at village in Koppal: Official

After a three-month social boycott triggered by a dispute between a barber and a Dalit community member, local officials mediated a resolution. Barber shops reopened following a meeting that emphasized equality and opposed untouchability.

Security increased at key infrastructure areas as tension escalates: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka heightens security at critical infrastructure like dams and coastal regions following the Pahalgam incident. Specialized forces deployed, civil defence drills conducted, and coastal patrols intensified. Authorities remain vigilant and prepared for potential threats.

President clears prosecution of Lalu Prasad in land-for-jobs case

President Murmu approved prosecution of Lalu Prasad in land-for-jobs money laundering case. ED filed charges based on CBI's FIR alleging railway recruitment corruption during 2004-09, involving land transfers as bribes.

Indian markets, rupee set to open lower amid ongoing military conflict with Pakistan: Report

India's benchmark indexes are set to open lower on Friday, with the rupee expected to weaken amid rising tensions with Pakistan following drone and missile attacks on military installations in Jammu. Gift Nifty futures indicate a 1.2% drop, reflecting concerns over escalating conflict between the two nations.

Western disturbances bring cool start to May

Western disturbances are bringing an unusually cool, rainy start to May in northwest India, with temperatures 1°C below normal and rainfall significantly exceeding typical levels. Thunderstorms and precipitation are expected to continue until mid-May.

CJI starts process to remove HC judge Varma, writes to Prez, PM

CJI Sanjiv Khanna initiated removal proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma after an in-house committee confirmed cash recovery at his residence. He wrote to the President and PM, seeking potential removal under constitutional provisions.

‘Irresponsible’: SC slams Dubey over remarks on judiciary, CJI

Supreme Court criticizes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for "irresponsible" remarks targeting CJI, deeming them contemptuous but not initiating proceedings. The court emphasized judicial resilience and condemned potential hate speech while dismissing the PIL.

Karnataka HC rejects plea of woman seeking time for her 3 Pakistani children to stay

Karnataka HC rejected a woman's plea to extend her three Pakistani children's stay in India, upholding the government's directive for Pakistani nationals to exit by April 30 due to security concerns following a terror attack.