A court in Delhi has given BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj four weeks to respond to accusations made by AAP leader Satyendar Jain. Jain is asking for Swaraj to be punished for allegedly making false statements about him. He filed a complaint after a trial court did not accept his case against her.
The judge, Jitendra Singh, allowed Swaraj more time to answer Jain’s claims and set the next hearing for May 14. Earlier, on February 20, the lower court dismissed Jain’s complaint, mentioning it did not find enough evidence to act upon it.
Jain’s complaint states that Swaraj made harmful comments about him during a TV interview on October 5, 2023, which many people watched. He claims she falsely stated that Rs 3 crore, 1.8 kilograms of gold, and 133 gold coins were found in his home. Jain believes these comments were meant to hurt his reputation and give Swaraj an unfair advantage in politics. He also says Swaraj called him corrupt and a fraud.
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BJP’s Bansuri Swaraj Granted Time to Reply to Satyendar Jain’s Defamation Case
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Obama Praises Harvard for Defending Student Activism Against Trump
Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised Harvard University for standing up for student activism during the Trump administration. He said Harvard did a great job by not giving in to unfair demands meant to limit free speech and academic freedom. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obama wrote that Harvard has shown how important it is for schools to support open discussions and respect between students. He hopes other universities will follow Harvard’s example.
Harvard is facing a tough situation because it is standing with the students. The Trump administration has taken away $2.2 billion in grants planned for the university as punishment. Obama’s support highlights the importance of fighting for students’ rights and free expression in colleges.
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Karnataka Truckers Strike Over Fuel Prices and Tolls: What You Need to Know
In Karnataka, truck drivers who move goods inside and outside the state have stopped working. This strike began late Monday night because of rising fuel prices and issues with tolls. The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA), which represents 129 trucker groups with six lakh members, is leading this strike.
The truckers believe that the price of diesel has gone up by five rupees per liter in the last nine months because of a big increase in taxes. They also claim that they face unfair treatment at toll booths where they feel overcharged. Since the strike began, trucks across the state are not on the roads, and this could make essential goods more expensive for everyone.
Harish Sabharwal, president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said the strike is going well, with no trucks coming in or out of Karnataka. Somasundaram Balan, the General Secretary of FOKSLOAA, mentioned that the state government has not listened to their complaints, forcing them to strike.
The truckers also want to solve problems like high fitness renewal fees for older vehicles and restrictions in Bengaluru that make it hard to deliver goods. They say these issues create stress and financial problems for drivers and owners.
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IndiGo and Akasa Air Move Operations to New Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport
On Tuesday, IndiGo and Akasa Air moved their flights to Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Terminal 2 is closed for repairs. Right now, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are open for passengers. The airport has four runways, but one is also closed for maintenance.
Terminal 2 has been around for nearly 40 years, and only IndiGo and Akasa Air were using it. Now, all their flights have shifted to Terminal 1. IndiGo has made sure to inform customers about the change, while Akasa Air is working hard to make the transition easy.
Terminal 1 has been upgraded to handle 40 million travelers every year, while Terminal 3 can manage 45 million. The older Terminal 2 could only deal with 15 million passengers each year. The new Terminal 1 will provide a better experience with modern technology and friendly features.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the upgraded terminal on March 10. However, part of the roof collapsed in June, so it was closed for repairs.
Green Initiatives
Terminal 1 is now designed with the environment in mind. It has received a special green certification and uses recycled water for plants and restrooms. The goal is to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.More Space and Art
The terminal is larger now, with high ceilings and colorful roof designs. Beautiful artwork from famous artists will also be displayed to showcase India’s culture.Advanced Technology
The terminal features high-tech self-check-in machines, mobile check-in to avoid long lines, and improved security scanners. There are more baggage belts and better transportation options like cabs, shuttles, and the Metro. A 24/7 shuttle service runs every 20 minutes to help passengers move easily between terminals.Passenger-Friendly Features
The terminal offers great amenities for travelers. There are better shopping options, tasty food choices, comfortable seating, and charging ports everywhere. There are also spaces for yoga, prayer rooms, and baby care facilities to make travel easier for everyone. -
Stock Market Surges as Trump Considers Car Tariff Cuts
On Tuesday, April 15, the stock market saw a big jump. This happened after US President Donald Trump hinted he might cut some taxes on car imports. By 10 AM, the main BSE Sensex index was up by 1,595.37 points, which is about 2.12%, reaching 76,752.63. The NSE Nifty also rose by 481.70 points or 2.11%, reaching 23,310.25.
Here are the shares that gained the most on the Sensex and Nifty:
Top 10 Gainers on Sensex
1) Tata Motors: Up 4.78% to ₹623.50
2) Larsen & Toubro: Up 4.78% to ₹3,250.80
3) IndusInd Bank: Up 4.06% to ₹716.70
4) Mahindra & Mahindra: Up 3.73% to ₹2,679.35
5) HDFC Bank: Up 3.52% to ₹1,870.15
6) Adani Ports: Up 3.36% to ₹1,203.10
7) Axis Bank: Up 2.91% to ₹1,100.50
8) ICICI Bank: Up 2.45% to ₹1,344
9) Bajaj Finance: Up 2.19% to ₹9,122.40
10) Bharti Airtel: Up 2.15% to ₹1,795
Top 10 Gainers on Nifty
1) Shriram Finance: Up 4.81% to ₹669.50
2) Tata Motors: Up 4.77% to ₹623.45
3) Larsen & Toubro: Up 4.34% to ₹716.90
4) IndusInd Bank: Up 3.97% to ₹689.50
5) Mahindra & Mahindra: Up 3.86% to ₹2,679.90
6) Trent: Up 3.57% to ₹4,951.50
7) HDFC Bank: Up 3.47% to ₹1,869.50
8) Adani Ports: Up 3.41% to ₹1,204.30
9) Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories: Up 3.24% to ₹1,145.50
10) Axis Bank: Up 2.97% to ₹1,100.80
President Trump spoke at the White House on Monday about possibly changing the 25% tax on cars and parts imported from other countries, like Mexico and Canada. He said these taxes can increase car prices a lot. He wants to give car companies some time to make cars in the US instead of importing them. This news is part of his 90-day pause on some tariffs aimed at trade partners, including India. -
Renowned Physicist Ranjit Nair Passes Away at 70: A Tribute
Ranjit Nair, a famous physicist and founder of the Centre for Philosophy and the Foundations of Science, sadly passed away in New Delhi on Monday. He was 70 years old. Ranjit studied physics and philosophy at the University of Cambridge and wrote important books like “Mind, Matter and Mystery” and “The Republic of Science.” He was also the editor of the collected works of the well-known physicist ECG Sudarshan.
A passionate supporter of Indian science and history, Ranjit helped put up a statue of the famous scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose at his school, Christ’s College Cambridge. When he was a student at University College in
Thiruvananthapuram, Ranjit was part of a science club with other bright students, including the late astrophysicist Thanu Padmanabhan and Professor V. Parameswaran Nair from City University of New York.
Ranjit is survived by his wife, Rukmini Bhaya Nair, who is a poet and linguist, along with their daughter, Vijayanka Nair, and son, Viraj Nair. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, and there will be a memorial service later that week.
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EU Officials Adopt Strict Security for US Travels Amid Trust Issues
The European Commission is taking new steps to protect its senior officials traveling to the United States. They are now getting special burner phones and basic laptops for these trips, similar to the precautions reserved for visits to countries like China and Ukraine. This change shows a growing worry about trust between Europe and the US.
Next week, important EU officials, like Valdis Dombrovskis (Economy), Maria Luís Albuquerque (Financial Services), and Jozef Síkela (Development Assistance), will attend meetings for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. However, trust issues are making these talks more complicated.
Why the Change?
Officials are being told not to bring their regular laptops and phones to the US. Instead, they will use simple devices to lower the risk of being spied on. They also need to turn off their phones when crossing the border and keep them in special cases when not in use. While the rules for burner phones aren’t officially written down, they are already being put into practice.
One EU official explained, “They worry about US spies getting into our systems.” This caution for trips to the US is new, as such security measures have mostly been used for visits to countries like China and Russia, where spying is a big concern.
A spokesman for the Commission confirmed that they’ve made these changes, and the EU’s diplomatic team helped update the security measures. They’ve also told officials to use special travel documents instead of regular passports to avoid issues.
Commentary from Experts
Luuk van Middelaar, a geopolitics expert, says this new approach is smart and practical. He believes Washington has become a competitor that might use unfair tactics. He reminded everyone of past spying incidents like the times the US allegedly tapped German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone.
Tensions from Trump Era
These changes come as EU-US relations have grown weaker since Donald Trump became president again in January. Trump has used harsh language against the EU, claiming it is unfair to the US and imposing tariffs that hurt EU exports.
One senior EU official honestly said, “The transatlantic alliance is over,” showing how serious the situation is.
Trade Conflicts and Digital Issues
Despite these tensions, the EU is still trying to solve problems with America. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič plans to meet with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade issues.
Tensions are also growing in digital policies, with US officials accusing the EU of overregulating American tech companies. There’s also worry about US border agents being allowed to inspect electronic devices, causing issues for many travelers due to what they find on personal devices.
In one case, a French researcher was sent back from the US for expressing a personal opinion about US research policies. So, the EU is being extra careful with their officials as they travel. -
Ambassador Ono Enjoys Litti Chokha: A Heartwarming Cultural Moment
Japan’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Keiichi Ono, has made many people happy online after posting a photo of himself enjoying a famous dish from Bihar called litti chokha. While visiting Bihar, he shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) and called litti chokha “world-famous.” In Bhojpuri, he said, “Gajab swad ba,” which means “Great taste.”
He wrote, “Namaste, Bihar! Finally had the chance to try the world-famous Litti Chokha – Gajab Swad Ba,” along with a joyful picture of himself eating the dish. His use of the local language touched many hearts and made his post popular.
The post got more than 180,000 views and lots of positive comments. People loved that the ambassador not only enjoyed the local food but also spoke in the regional language. One person said, “You’ve won hearts in Bihar today.” Another comment read, “This is soft diplomacy at its finest.” Some joked that he should try other local foods like sattu paratha and thekua. Others praised his Bhojpuri accent, saying, “That accent is on point!”
Many comments showed pride in Bihari food, with one saying, “When a Japanese envoy praises our litti-chokha, we know our heritage is global.” Another added, “Now even foreigners know what we eat with pride.” Some even offered to show him more amazing Bihari dishes.
Along with enjoying the local food, Ambassador Ono talked about his official work. He mentioned visiting the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project, which is supported by Japan. He wrote, “Together with the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, I visited the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project funded by the Govt of Japan. The project will help reduce travel time and improve tourism in the state.”
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Lorry Owners in Karnataka Begin Indefinite Strike Over Fuel Costs and Fee
The State Lorry Owners’ Association started an indefinite strike on Monday because they are unhappy with the rising prices of diesel fuel, increased tolls, and charges from the Road Transport Office (RTO). They also complained about unfair treatment from transport officials. GR Shanmugappa, the president of the association, said, “The lorry industry is suffering a lot because of high costs. RTO officers are bothering our drivers for bribes. With rising costs for fuel and taxes, it’s hard for us to keep our vehicles running. We won’t stop this strike until the government listens to us.”
Diesel prices have gone up twice in the last six months. The latest increase happened on April 1, which made diesel nearly ₹2 more expensive per liter. The association said they need the government to respond by April 14, especially about reducing fuel prices and high RTO fees.
In a letter to its members, the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) called for a complete halt in transport operations in Karnataka. This was to address important long-standing problems faced by the transport industry. They pointed out that a steep increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel led to a ₹5 rise per liter over the last nine months, driving up costs for transporters.
Shanmugappa mentioned that all kinds of freight activities—like transporting construction materials (gravel and sand), fuel, agricultural products, and essential goods—have stopped. The federation is also protesting against strict no-entry rules in Bengaluru, which makes it hard to deliver goods on time, and the trouble caused by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and microfinance groups, like illegal vehicle seizures and stress for vehicle owners.
In support of the strike, the Airport Taxi Drivers’ Union said they will stop working on April 15 and might keep protesting longer. So far, the government has not officially responded to the lorry owners’ strike. -
Six Arrested for Assaulting Woman Over Affair Rumor in Davanagere
In Davanagere district, six people were arrested because they attacked a 38-year-old woman who was rumored to be having an affair. The incident happened on April 9 in Tavarekere village when the woman was visiting relatives. She was seen with a man named Fayyaz, and this caught the attention of someone related to her. They thought she was doing something wrong.
A group of about eight to ten people showed up with ropes, sticks, and iron pipes and started attacking the woman and Fayyaz. One person even tried to throw a stone at them. The police found out about the attack after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
When the police contacted the woman, she decided to file a complaint against the six attackers she recognized. These men — Mohammad Nayyaz (32), Mohammad Ghaus Peer (45), Chand Peer (35), Inayit Ullah (51), Dastagir (24), and Rasool TR (42) — were arrested. They are facing serious charges, including intimidating the woman and disrespecting her.
The six men were taken to court and will spend 14 days in jail. The police are still looking into whether more people were involved or if the attack was planned beforehand.