[QUICKREADS]
The southwest monsoon is set to officially come to an end across India on Friday after recording around 7% excess rainfall, making 2022 an “above normal” season. This is the fourth consecutive year that India's monsoon has been in the “normal” or “above normal” category. In 2021, monsoon rainfall was 99% of the long-period average, considered “normal”; in 2020, monsoon was 109% of LPA (above normal); in 2019, monsoon was 110% of LPA (above normal).
Rajasthan Congress to protest against Income Tax Department notices and frozen bank accounts. Party accuses BJP government of undermining democracy. Protests to be held at all district headquarters in the state with senior leaders and workers participating. Congress says actions are a conspiracy to weaken the party before general elections. Income Tax Department has asked for ₹1,823.08 crore payment.
A court in New Delhi criticized the investigation in a narcotics seizure case, ordering an action taken report against a city police personnel for allegedly letting the main culprit go while only catching small fish. The judge called out the Investigation Officer for not justifying the arrest of certain accused and failing to investigate the alleged supplier of the contraband. The court directed for necessary action against the officer within a month.
Ten people, including eight from Bihar, died in an SUV accident on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district. The vehicle fell into a gorge, and all passengers and the driver were killed. Officials, including the Prime Minister, expressed condolences. Political leaders called for better safety measures on the highway. The bodies were retrieved after an operation amid heavy rain.
BJP's Wayanad candidate K Surendran has 242 criminal cases, mostly related to Sabarimala protests, while Ernakulam candidate K S Radhakrishnan has 211 cases. Party's state general secretary George Kurian says cases are from protests and strikes. BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh tweeted the details of cases against the candidates, calling it a struggle to be a nationalist in some parts of India. Other candidates' case details are awaited.
A Mumbai PMLA court rejected real estate broker Ranjeet Bindra's discharge plea in the money laundering case involving Iqbal Mirchi. The court stated Bindra had "active participation in layering the proceeds of the crime" and played a crucial role in property deals. The ED opposed his plea, citing evidence of illegal funds transfers. Mirchi, a late gangster, allegedly bought properties with illegal money. The court ruled charges must be framed against Bindra.
BRS leader K Kavitha seeks home-cooked food, mattresses in Tihar Jail following a court order. She was sent to judicial custody in a money laundering case related to Delhi excise policy. ED alleges Kavitha conspired with AAP leaders for kickbacks. 15 arrests made, assets worth Rs. 128.79 Cr seized. ED files chargesheet, conducts 200 searches. Allegations of irregularities and losses to exchequer in excise policy modifications.
Former PM Deve Gowda emphasized the leadership of Modi and Shah, urging better BJP-JD(S) coordination to win all 28 Karnataka Lok Sabha seats. He warned against underestimating Congress's financial strength and criticized Siddaramaiah. Yediyurappa expressed confidence in the alliance and criticized the Congress government for halting development.
Congress leader Pankhuri Pathak called for a judicial probe into every death in police custody in Uttar Pradesh, citing concerns over the state government and police administration's lack of control. Her remarks followed the death of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari in a Banda district hospital. Pathak highlighted the high number of custodial killings in Uttar Pradesh and shared reports of such incidents on Facebook. Ansari's family has alleged foul play in his death, prompting calls for investigations from various political leaders.
Christians in Thiruvananthapuram observed 'Good Friday' with special prayers, reflecting on violence against Christians in Manipur and other parts of India. Latin Catholic metropolitan Archbishop Thomas J Netto highlighted the need to combat such cruelty. The Christian community in Kerala marked the day with traditional customs, attending church services and 'Way of Cross' processions to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ. Devotees from various states gathered at the St Thomas church in Malayattoor hills.
TDP's Naidu confident of defeating YSRCP's Reddy in Andhra Pradesh polls, criticizes 'Memanta Siddham' campaign. Naidu promises job creation, welfare schemes, and subsidies in Anantapur district. Accuses YSRCP of inconsistencies in uncle's murder case. Attends Iftar dinner with Muslim community. Elections on May 13, counting on June 4.
Former DCP of Hyderabad Police and another official were questioned in a phone tapping and data destruction case. Two other police officials were arrested earlier for colluding with a suspended DSP. Lookout circular issued against former SIB chief and others allegedly not cooperating. Suspended DSP accused of tapping phones illegally. Case registered for criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh defended the Agnipath scheme, assuring that the future of youths joining as Agniveers would not be affected. He stated that the armed forces need a young profile for increased risk-taking spirit and tech-savvy personnel. Singh emphasized that changes would be made if necessary, ensuring the scheme's effectiveness. He also expressed confidence in the security of India's borders amid the ongoing India-China border issue.
The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, announced candidates for eight Lok Sabha seats in the state, including seven sitting MPs. Former Congress MLA Raju Parve received a ticket for the Ramtek (SC) seat, replacing Sena's sitting MP Krupal Tumane. The other seven candidates are Rahul Shewale, Sanjay Mandlik, Sadashiv Lokhande, Prataprao Jadhav, Hemant Patil, Srirang Barne, and Dhairyasheel Mane.
MEA reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of India despite China's repeated baseless claims. In response to recent Chinese assertions, India rejects the claims and asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of the country. EAM Jaishankar emphasizes this stance during a visit to Singapore, stating that the state's status is not determined by foreign claims but by its inherent connection to India.
The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in Nagaland's eight districts and 21 police stations for six months from April 1. The Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement, citing the need to address the state's law and order situation. The AFSPA allows security forces to make arrests without warrants and conduct searches without warrants.