High-stakes West Bengal polls begin amid voter roll row
Voting began on April 23 in 152 constituencies across West Bengal in the first phase of Assembly elections.
With 1,478 candidates in the fray, the contest pits Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress against the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The election unfolds amid controversy over voter roll revisions, intensifying political tensions ahead of the second phase next week.
Record Rs1,072 crore seizures in poll-bound states
Election Commission data shows seizures exceeding Rs1,072 crore (S$1.5 billion) in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ahead of polls.
Tamil Nadu recorded Rs599 crore, while West Bengal saw Rs472 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs and valuables seized, allegedly meant to influence voters.
Authorities said the figures reflect intensified enforcement against inducements, with totals expected to rise further, especially as a second phase of voting remain in West Bengal.
Congress chief gets EC notice over remark on Modi
The Election Commission on April 23 issued a notice to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a reply within 24 hours.
The complaint was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.
Mr Kharge later clarified he meant Mr Modi was “terrorising” opponents, denying he labelled him a terrorist, as political tensions escalated ahead of key state elections.
NIA says Yasin Malik had Pakistan links
The National Investigation Agency told the Delhi High Court that Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik promoted a secessionist agenda in Jammu and Kashmir while maintaining links with top Pakistani leaders and militants.
The agency said his references to Indian politicians were meant to gain sympathy.
Malik, already serving life imprisonment, is facing a plea seeking the death penalty in a terror funding case.
ED charges British national in Videocon case
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against British citizen Sachin Dev Duggal in a money laundering probe linked to the Videocon Group.
The agency alleged Duggal siphoned funds through overseas entities and benefited from the scheme.
The case also involves former chairman Venugopal Dhoot and others, with investigations focusing on diversion of public funds.
38 killed in Tamil Nadu and Kerala firecracker blasts
At least 25 people were killed in a firecracker factory explosion in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, on April 19. The unit was reportedly operating despite being closed, with about 50 workers inside.
A second blast during rescue efforts injured more people. Authorities have launched an investigation, with initial reports pointing to possible safety violations at the facility.
Two days later, 13 people were killed in a firecracker explosion in Thrissur, Kerala, while workers prepared for a festival.
Secondary blasts hampered rescue efforts at the site, located in a remote area with poor access. Several others were injured, with five critical.
Supreme Court: No maintenance for non-biological child
The Supreme Court ruled that a man cannot be compelled to pay maintenance for a child proven not to be biologically his.
The decision upheld earlier rulings after a DNA test confirmed non-paternity.
The case stemmed from a domestic dispute, with the court clarifying that such liability applies only if paternity is established.
11 killed in multi-vehicle crash in Uttar Pradesh
Eleven people were killed in a multi-vehicle collision in Mirzapur on April 23.
Police said a truck likely lost control due to brake failure, triggering a chain crash involving multiple vehicles, including a car that was crushed and another that caught fire.
Rescue teams and locals rushed to the scene, with investigations ongoing.
Schools told to ring bells as heatwave looms
Authorities in New Delhi have directed schools to ring bells regularly to remind students to drink water as temperatures rise.
With heatwave conditions expected to touch 44 deg C, the move aims to prevent dehydration among children.
India has seen thousands of heat-related deaths in recent years, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather.
Diet Coke shortage hits India amid Iran war
A shortage of Diet Coke has hit India due to disrupted aluminium can supplies linked to the Iran conflict.
With shipments from the Gulf affected, Coca-Cola distributors said supplies are being rationed.
Unlike other soft drinks, Diet Coke is sold only in cans in India, making it particularly vulnerable to the supply disruption.
Actor Ranya Rao released from Bengaluru prison
Kannada actor Ranya Rao was released from Bengaluru Central Prison on April 22 after completing a one-year preventive detention under the COFEPOSA Act.
Arrested in March 2025 in a high-profile 127kg gold smuggling case, she was released following the expiry of her detention term, despite earlier bail being previously stayed by her detention.
Stray dog goes on biting spree at UP wedding venue
More than 60 people were injured after a stray dog went on a biting spree during a wedding function in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, on April 22.
The incident occurred at a banquet hall as the dog attacked guests, triggering panic and a stampede-like situation. It later ran onto nearby roads, biting passersby and cattle before fleeing. Authorities said the injured were treated.
