Compiled by
Suesha Saha, Anushka Das, Siddhant Das
MAJMC SEM 2
NATIONAL NEWS
India
Experiences Rising Heatwave Conditions
Several parts of India
are witnessing rising temperatures as heatwave conditions intensify across
northern and eastern regions. According to the India Meteorological Department,
temperatures in many cities have crossed 40°C, with dry weather expected to continue
in the coming days. Authorities have issued advisories urging people to stay
hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and take precautions against
heat-related illnesses. The extreme weather has also raised concerns about
water shortages and increased power demand, highlighting the growing impact of
climate variability.
(Source:
The Times of India, April 24, 2026)
Supreme
Court Reviews Key Electoral Concerns
The Supreme Court of India has
taken up petitions related to electoral processes and voter rights ahead of
upcoming state elections. The court is examining concerns about transparency,
inclusion, and fairness in maintaining electoral rolls. Petitioners have raised
issues regarding deletion of names and verification procedures, urging stricter
guidelines to protect voters’ rights. The hearing highlights the judiciary’s
role in ensuring free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy. The
matter is expected to have significant implications for election management and
public trust in the system.
(Source: The Hindu, April
24, 2026)
New Vande Bharat Route to Boost Connectivity
Indian Railways is set
to introduce a new Vande Bharat Express route connecting Bengaluru, Mangaluru,
and Goa. This development aims to significantly reduce travel time and improve
comfort for passengers traveling along the western coastal corridor. The train
is expected to enhance tourism and economic activity in the region by making
travel faster and more efficient. Officials have indicated that the route is
part of a broader expansion plan to modernize India’s railway network with
semi-high-speed trains and better onboard facilities.
(Source: The Times of India, April 24, 2026)
BJP
Promises Uniform Civil Code in Bengal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
announced key legal reforms while addressing a rally in West Bengal. He
highlighted the party’s commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code
(UCC), banning triple talaq, and ending polygamy if voted to power. These promises
were presented as part of a broader push for legal uniformity and gender
justice across communities. The announcement comes at a time when political
campaigning is intensifying in the state, with parties focusing heavily on law,
governance, and social reforms to attract voters ahead of elections.
(Source:
The Times of India, April 25, 2026)
NIFT
Stage 2 Exam Conducted Nationwide
The National Institute of Fashion
Technology conducted its Stage 2 entrance examination on April 26 for
shortlisted candidates. Admit cards were released earlier, and candidates
appeared for further evaluation after clearing the first stage. The examination
is a crucial step for students seeking admission into prestigious design
programs across India. Authorities ensured smooth conduct of the exam with
proper guidelines and arrangements. The results of this stage will play a key
role in determining final selections for various undergraduate and postgraduate
courses.
(Source:
The Times of India, April 26, 2026)
REGIONAL
NEWS
Phase 1 Voting Records Massive Turnout
West
Bengal witnessed an exceptionally high voter turnout during the first phase of
the 2026 Assembly elections held on April 23. Around 3.6 crore voters across
152 constituencies participated, with turnout exceeding 90%, one of the highest
in recent history. Long queues were seen at polling booths from early morning,
reflecting strong public engagement. The election is seen as a crucial contest
between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP). Authorities deployed heavy security amid concerns over electoral roll
revisions and political tensions. The second phase is scheduled for April
29.
Controversy
Over Voter List Revision (SIR)
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls became a major issue
during the West Bengal elections. Reports indicated that lakhs of names were
removed due to “logical discrepancies,” sparking protests and political debate.
Opposition parties and civil groups raised concerns that eligible voters were
being disenfranchised, particularly in districts like Murshidabad and Malda.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the intent behind the revision,
alleging attempts to intimidate voters. The Election Commission, however,
maintained that the process was necessary to eliminate duplicate or invalid
entries. The issue has significantly influenced voter sentiment during the
polls.
(Source:
Times Of India, April 22, 2026)
Schools and Offices Closed for Polling
Ahead
of the first phase of elections, authorities announced closure of schools,
colleges, and several offices across districts going to polls on April 23. The
decision aimed to facilitate smooth voting and ensure maximum participation.
Government offices were also partially shut, while polling personnel and
security forces were deployed extensively. Citizens were encouraged to verify
their names on electoral rolls and carry valid identification documents to
polling stations. The move reflects administrative efforts to conduct free and
fair elections in the state, which is undergoing a crucial political contest
involving all 294 assembly seats.
(Source:
The Economic Times, April 22, 2026)
Campaigning
Intensifies Ahead of Phase 2
Political campaigning reached its peak across West Bengal ahead of the second
phase of polling scheduled for April 29. Senior leaders from major parties
conducted rallies and roadshows in key constituencies. BJP leaders expressed
confidence in forming the government, while TMC leaders countered with strong
criticism of opposition policies. The campaign focused on issues such as
corruption, governance, and welfare schemes. Public meetings and media outreach
intensified as parties attempted to consolidate support in remaining
constituencies. The high-energy campaigning reflects the importance of the
second phase in determining the final electoral outcome.
(Source:
News On Air, April 25, 2026)
PM
Modi Holds Mega Roadshow in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a large roadshow in North Kolkata as part of
the BJP’s campaign for the ongoing Assembly elections. The event drew massive
crowds along a stretch of about two kilometres, showcasing strong party
mobilization in urban areas. The roadshow is part of intensified campaigning
ahead of the second phase of polling. Political analysts view such events as
efforts to consolidate voter support in crucial constituencies. The rally also
highlights the high stakes of the election, where national and regional leaders
are actively participating to influence the outcome
(Source:
India Tv News, April 26, 2026)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Trump extends ceasefire
until Iran submits proposal
On April 21, 2026,
President Trump stepped in at the last minute to extend the Iran ceasefire
indefinitely, giving the global economy and energy markets a much-needed
breather just 24 hours before the original deal was set to expire. However, the
mood remains incredibly tense; the White House has already grounded Vice
President J.D. Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad because talks have hit a total
standstill. While Trump is warning that "bombs will start going off"
if a real deal isn't reached, Iran is firing back with its own threats, with
General Majid Mousavi basically promising to shut down the entire region's oil
production if their neighbours help the U.S. launch any attacks.
(Source: The
Hindu, April 22, 2026)
Israeli strikes kill
Hamas-linked leader in Lebanon
In a targeted strike on
April 22, 2026, Israeli forces killed a Hamas-linked leader and two others in
Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region, even as ceasefire talks were gaining momentum.
The Israeli military defended the move as a necessary preventive strike against
"emerging threats," while Lebanese officials and human rights groups
have condemned the ongoing violence—including the tragic death of journalist
Amal Khalil that same day. This escalation highlights just how fragile the "peace"
is, as targeted assassinations continue to pull at the seams of the newly
brokered three-week truce.
(Source: The Times Of
India, April 23, 2026)
Markets retreat after
record highs as oil surge, Iran tensions weigh on sentiment
After hitting record
highs, global markets are finally pulling back as investors get spooked by the
rising cost of oil and the ongoing drama between the U.S. and Iran. Even though
companies like Tesla are reporting solid profits, that "feel-good"
vibe is being overshadowed by Brent crude climbing toward $107 a barrel and the
continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Essentially, Wall Street is on edge,
and as long as those diplomatic talks are on ice and gas prices keep climbing,
everyone is bracing for a pretty bumpy ride.
(Source: The Times Of
India, April 23, 2026)
Israel and Hezbollah
exchange strikes despite ceasefire extension with Lebanon
Despite the three-week
ceasefire extension President Trump announced on April 24, the
"peace" is looking pretty shaky as Israel continues to launch
airstrikes in southern Lebanon. While the White House was hoping for a historic
diplomatic win, Benjamin Netanyahu isn't backing down, insisting that Israel
has every right to strike first if they spot a threat, especially after reports
of Hezbollah rocket fire. On the other side, Hezbollah is basically brushing
off the truce as a hollow gesture, leaving the situation on the ground volatile
just as everyone is supposed to be heading to Washington for talks.
(Source: The Economic
Times, April 25, 2026)
Trump and his official 'likely'
targets of suspected gunman, acting attorney general says
Acting Attorney General
Todd Blanche has raised the alarm, revealing that President Trump and several
top administration officials were the likely targets of a gunman intercepted
near the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The suspect, a 31-year-old named
Cole Tomas Allen, reportedly hauled a stash of weapons and tactical gear all
the way from California. Federal investigators are now digging deep into what
looks like a chillingly coordinated assassination plot that was narrowly
avoided.
(Source: BBC, April 26,
2026)
