India to grow at 6.5% in 2025, says UN report
India is projected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy in 2025, with a growth rate of 6.5%, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) latest forecast.
Despite global recessionary trends driven by trade tensions and uncertainty, India’s robust public spending and easing monetary policy are fuelling optimism.
This figure is slightly below the 6.9% growth predicted for 2024, but still puts India ahead of other economies. Global growth, by contrast, is expected to slow to just 2.3%.
Rahul, Sonia Gandhi named in money laundering chargesheet
Congress party leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi have been named in a money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate, which submitted its chargesheet in a New Delhi court.
The Gandhis are accused of illegally acquiring property worth US$300 million ($395 million) linked to the National Herald newspaper via a shell company.
Congress office-bearers slammed the move, calling it political vendetta. The chargesheet also names other senior party members.
Court grants relief to comedian Kamra in defamation case
Comedian Kunal Kamra has received interim protection from arrest by the Bombay High Court in a case accusing him of calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) during a show.
The court reserved its final verdict on Mr Kamra’s plea to quash the police complaint.
The incident led to vandalism by Mr Shinde’s supporters at the show’s recording venue, triggering debates on freedom of speech and political satire.
Meitei group seeks home minister’s help over pilgrimage threats
A Meitei community group has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene after alleged threats from Kuki militants prevented them from visiting a sacred hill shrine in Manipur.
The Meitei Heritage Society slammed authorities for inaction, citing continued threats despite the imposition of President’s Rule and large security deployments in the state.
The group warned that failure to act undermines public trust and violates ministry directives guaranteeing safe movement across the conflict-ridden state.
Patient dies during evacuation in Madhya Pradesh hospital fire
A fire broke out on April 16 at the Morena District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, engulfing the operation theatre, surgical ward, and burns unit.
Amid chaotic evacuations, a patient’s oxygen mask slipped off, resulting in his death before he could be rescued. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Tiger kills boy in Ranthambore National Park
A seven-year-old boy was tragically killed on April 16 by a tiger inside Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park during a family visit to a temple.
The tiger attacked while the child was walking with his grandmother, dragging him into the forest. Forest officials later recovered the body.
Monk falls victim to Rs 2.5 crore cyber scam
Swami Supradiptananda of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh was conned out of Rs2.52 crore ($390,000) over 26 days in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam, reported NDTV.
The fraudsters posed as enforcement officials and accused him of being linked to a money laundering case.
Held virtually hostage via video calls, he was coerced into transferring funds to 12 bank accounts. Police are now tracking the suspects and working to recover the defrauded amount.
Man who tore passport to hide Bangkok trips arrested
A Pune man was arrested at Mumbai International Airport for tearing pages from his passport to conceal frequent trips to Bangkok from his family.
Immigration officials flagged the missing pages during a routine check.
The 51-year-old, identified as Vijay Bhalerao, reportedly visited Bangkok four times last year and feared being discovered. He has been booked under passport tampering charges and remains in custody for questioning.
UP doctor under fire for giving cigarette to child patient
A doctor in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district is under investigation after a video surfaced of him lighting a cigarette and encouraging a young boy to smoke it – allegedly as a remedy for a cold.
The doctor, Dr Suresh Chandra, has been transferred, and a probe is underway.
Outrage over the incident has flooded social media, with critics demanding strict punishment. Health officials promised swift action once the inquiry is complete.
MP hospital’s licence suspended over fake cardiologist
Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have suspended the licence of Damoh-based Mission Hospital after it was found that a fake cardiologist, Narendra Yadav alias Narendra John Camm, performed surgeries there.
The hospital’s renewal request had already been flagged for deficiencies.
The district health officer confirmed that the licence would remain suspended until further notice, pending a full investigation.
‘Mughal descendant’ appeals to UN for tomb’s protection
Mr Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, claiming descent from Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has written to the United Nations secretary-general seeking protection for sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra.
The appeal follows rising tensions and demands for the tomb’s removal after recent protests.
Mr Yakub argues that the tomb is a national monument protected under the Ancient Monuments Act and any tampering would be illegal. His plea calls for international oversight to preserve India’s historical heritage.
