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Landmark Action in Sahara Money Laundering Case The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kolkata, has taken a significant step in its ongoing investigation into the Sahara Group by provisionally attaching 707 acres of land in and around Aamby Valley City, Lonavala. The attached property is valued at approximately ₹1,460 crore and was allegedly acquired using funds diverted through fraudulent schemes under benami names. The land seizure falls under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and is a part of the ED’s broader investigation into illegal financial activities carried out by Sahara Group’s entities. Background of the Case The ED initiated the probe based on three FIRs registered under Sections 420 and 120B of the IPC in Odisha, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Over 500 FIRs have been lodged against Sahara Group entities , with 300 cases qualifying as scheduled offences under the PMLA . Allegations include misleading depositors with promises of high r...

Apex Court Cautions Against Insensitive Judicial Language In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised the Allahabad High Court for making inappropriate remarks in a rape case, particularly the observation that the complainant "invited trouble" by accompanying the accused to his house after consuming alcohol. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih addressed the matter during a hearing on Tuesday. The Supreme Court bench cautioned judges against making such insensitive and unsubstantiated remarks in cases involving sexual violence. Justice Gavai emphasized that while bail decisions depend on the facts of each case, judges must exercise care and discretion in how they phrase their orders, especially when they relate to the complainant. “Yes, bail can be granted, but what is this discussion that she herself invited trouble? One has to be careful when saying such things, especially on this side,” said Justice ...

Introduction: A Historic Milestone in Indian Rail Infrastructure On April 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a defining chapter in India's infrastructure journey — the completion of the Katra to Sangaldan stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This 272-kilometre-long rail project includes the world's highest railway arch bridge , the Chenab Bridge , which will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. Chenab Bridge: An Engineering Marvel The Chenab Railway Bridge stands at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in Paris . Made from approximately 30,000 metric tons of steel , this "fauladi bridge" is designed to withstand winds exceeding 250 km/h and is equipped to endure seismic activity , given the region’s fault-line-sensitive geography. The largest bridge foundation (S20) is one-third the size of a football field. ...

Landmark Implementation Begins April 14 In a historic move, the Telangana government will officially implement the Scheduled Caste (SC) Categorisation Act on April 14 , 2025, coinciding with Ambedkar Jayanti . This development marks Telangana as the first state in India to enforce the SC sub-categorisation reform following a green signal from the Supreme Court of India . The announcement was made by Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy , who chaired the final meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on SC Categorisation. The committee confirmed that the Government Order (GO) outlining the modalities of the Act will be issued on April 14 and its first copy will be formally handed to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy . SC Categorisation Structure: Based on Inter-se Backwardness The Act is designed to restructure the existing 15% reservation quota for Scheduled Castes by categorising 59 SC sub-castes into three groups: Group I : The most disadvantaged 15 comm...

  India’s Space Policy Set to Accelerate Growth, Says Envoy Anupam Ray India’s growing ambitions in the space sector received a major endorsement at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit 2025 , as Ambassador Anupam Ray , Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, lauded the country’s evolving space policy. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the summit, Ray emphasized how the government's latest reforms will place India on a “much higher growth trajectory” by integrating private sector innovation and scientific excellence into the national space agenda. According to Ray, India has already demonstrated substantial capabilities as a space-faring nation — from satellite fabrication and launch to managing complex applications and space situational awareness. These capabilities have made India one of the few countries from the Global South to achieve such status. The government’s new space policy initiatives aim to: Leverage private sector capabilities and...

India-US Partnership Must Focus on Economic Synergy, Not Tariff Friction: Ashley J. Tellis At the Carnegie Global Technology Summit held in New Delhi, Ashley J. Tellis , Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace , emphasized the need for India and the United States to enhance economic collaboration rather than allowing trade disputes and tariff measures to erode their strategic complementarity. Tellis, a widely respected voice in international policy circles, urged both nations to resist policy measures—particularly tariffs—that can damage mutual economic interests. "I am not a great fan of tariffs," he stated, suggesting that both countries should look past current trade tensions and invest in a long-term, sustainable economic alliance. Call for Accelerated Trade Negotiations Tellis further added that the bilateral trade agreement , currently under negotiation between India and the US and expected to be concl...

US-China Trade Conflict: A Strategic Opportunity for India India’s export and economic policymakers are watching closely as tensions escalate between the United States and China. With Washington imposing a steep 125% tariff on Chinese imports in multiple sectors, including manufacturing and consumer goods, Indian exporters see an unprecedented window of opportunity. Ajai Sahai, Director General and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), highlighted that such high tariffs could force Chinese firms to vacate critical market sectors in the U.S., paving the way for Indian businesses to fill the void—particularly in sectors like textiles and footwear , where China previously held over 25% of the U.S. market share. Indian Manufacturing Gears Up for Relocation Boom According to Sahai, multinational firms that once relied on China as their primary manufacturing base for U.S.-bound exports are likely to look toward India as a viable alternative . With a large domest...

Government Notification & Appointment In a significant move aimed at reinforcing the legal proceedings surrounding the 2008 Mumbai terror attack conspiracy case, the Central Government has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) . The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification confirming the appointment under the authority granted by Section 15(1) of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 , and Section 18(8) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) . Mann will represent the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI , before the Special NIA Courts in Delhi and Appellate Courts , with his tenure lasting three years or until the completion of the trial, whichever is earlier. Significance of the Appointment This appointment gains prominence in light of renewed efforts to extradite Tahawwur Rana , a co-conspirator currently held in the United States. Rana is being sought in connection with his alle...

Massive Tariff Hike by China in Retaliation In a sharp escalation of the ongoing trade conflict, China has announced an increase in tariffs on US goods—from 34% to a steep 84%—starting April 10. The move comes directly in response to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, declared during the US "Liberation Day" address. The tariff war between the two largest economies has been intensifying. President Trump warned that unless China rolled back its 34% tariff within 24 hours, the US would impose additional duties and halt all ongoing talks. China’s decision to raise tariffs by 50 points—mirroring the US move—signals a strong and calculated response. White House’s Aggressive Stand White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the 104% tariff, asserting that retaliation was expected and that the US would “punch back harder.” She emphasized that the Trump administration is no longer willing to tolerate trade practices that, in its ...

Monetary Policy Update: Repo Rate Reduced to 6% In a proactive move aimed at supporting domestic economic recovery amidst rising global uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday announced a 25-basis-point cut in the repo rate , reducing it from 6.25% to 6% . This decision was made during the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on April 7–9 , and it marks the second consecutive repo rate cut, following a similar reduction in February 2025. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the decision was taken unanimously after a detailed macroeconomic review. The aim is to stimulate growth while keeping inflation under control. Global Outlook Influencing Policy Decisions Governor Malhotra noted that global economic conditions are shifting rapidly, largely due to recent tariff-related developments and trade tensions. These have led to increasing uncertainty in international markets, causing volatility in commodity prices, and posing challenges ...

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has achieved a remarkable milestone by being recognized as the Most Innovative Financial Institution in the world. This recognition comes from Global Finance's 2025 Innovators List , marking the first time a central bank has received this prestigious award. Historic Recognition for the RBI According to a post shared by the RBI on X (formerly Twitter), this award is a first-of-its-kind win for any central bank globally. The recognition highlights RBI’s continued efforts to modernize and streamline the Indian financial system through digital innovation and forward-thinking policies. Unified Lending Interface (ULI) at the Core The RBI was awarded for its development of the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) . This system has played a key role in improving access to data for lenders and in providing better credit support across India. The ULI aims to make lending more efficient, transparent, and inclusive, especially for underserved sections of soci...

Global Markets in Panic Mode Asian stock markets witnessed a bloodbath on Monday, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a fresh round of tariffs, reigniting fears of a global trade war. The immediate market reaction was swift and brutal, with indices across East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region registering sharp declines. Japan’s Nikkei 225 led the downturn, plummeting by 5.79% Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index crashed by around 10% Taiwan Weighted Index sank 9.61% in early trading South Korea’s KOSPI fell 4.14% China’s Shanghai Composite dropped 6.5% Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 registered a decline of 3.82% These losses point to a widespread investor exodus from equities across the region, particularly from export-reliant economies that are expected to bear the brunt of retaliatory tariffs. Ripple Effect Hits US Futures Even before the opening bell on Wall Street, the panic had seeped into American markets. Dow Jones Futures dropped by 2.22%...

Game-Changing Collaboration with India Post and Private Logistics Giants Daakia.com , the digital logistics arm of Mobisafar Services Private Limited , has announced a strategic partnership with India Post , along with top logistics companies like Delhivery , Xpressbees , and Ecom Express . This partnership aims to democratize courier and parcel booking across the nation by making it faster, more affordable, and accessible to every household — urban or rural. Vision: "Courier Booking as Easy as Mobile Recharge" At the heart of Daakia.com's mission lies a simple vision — to make sending parcels as easy and seamless as recharging your mobile . This new approach blends cutting-edge technology with an expansive offline reach to ensure even the remotest corners of India are well-served. According to a company spokesperson: "Our vision is to bring simplicity, speed, and savings to every Indian household when it comes to sending parcels." AI-Powered Plat...

Heavy Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) Outflows Hit Indian Markets In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive reciprocal tariff announcement , foreign investors have begun a significant retreat from Indian equities. According to data from the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) , FPIs sold equities worth ₹10,355 crore between April 2 and April 4 , marking one of the steepest outflows in recent times. From Easing in March to Panic in April March had witnessed a moderation in foreign outflows , with net selling reduced to ₹3,973 crore —a major improvement from February’s outflows of ₹34,574 crore . However, April began on a volatile note, with global market panic following President Trump’s tariff declaration on multiple nations , including India. The announcement, coinciding with US Liberation Day , triggered a global sell-off. In just two days , the US stock market lost around $5.4 trillion in market capitalization, sparking widespread investor anxiety. Rippl...

Introduction The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to cancel the recruitment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal’s state-run and aided schools. The apex court found that the recruitment process conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016 was marred by large-scale fraud and manipulation , rendering it tainted beyond repair . Court’s Observations on Manipulation and Fraud A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ruled that the entire selection process was fraudulent and manipulated , making it impossible to rectify. The Supreme Court stated that the cover-up attempts further dented the credibility of the recruitment process . The judgment emphasized that since the appointments were the result of fraud , the candidates involved must refund the salaries and payments they had received . The Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s direction to terminate the servi...

Asian stock markets witnessed a sharp decline on Thursday following the announcement of new tariffs by US President Donald Trump. The decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India, has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. Major Indices Take a Hit Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.69% Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 1.80% South Korea’s KOSPI Index dropped 1.3% US stock market futures also tumbled, with Dow Jones Futures down by 1.78% India’s Stock Market Feels the Heat Gift Nifty Futures fell by 1.11%, indicating a weak opening for the Indian markets Market experts predict economic and financial strain due to the tariffs Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga warned that falling exports and declining margins could hurt India’s economy Safe-Haven Investments Surge With market uncertainty rising, investors are shifting towards: Gold Japanese Yen Swiss Franc Japanese Government Bonds Trump’s Tariff Impact o...

  The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has expanded its banking partnerships by adding 15 more public and private sector banks . This development aims to enhance direct payment access for employers and streamline provident fund contribution collections, increasing efficiency and reach. Expansion of EPFO’s Banking Network EPFO has now partnered with a total of 32 banks to facilitate seamless contribution payments from employers. The inclusion of these 15 additional banks is expected to enable direct payment of nearly ₹12,000 crore annually . Employers maintaining accounts with these banks will now have easier and more direct access to deposit monthly contributions. EPFO's Growing Role in Social Security EPFO plays a crucial role in ensuring financial security for millions of employees in India. It currently serves 8 crore active members and 78 lakh pensioners . The expansion aligns with India's vision of "Naya Bharat" , a...

  The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a crucial plea challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 , on April 1, 2024 . The Act, which preserves the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 , is facing multiple legal challenges that question its constitutional validity. Key Details of the Hearing A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar will hear the plea. The petition seeks permission for courts to ascertain the original religious character of disputed places of worship. Petitioner’s Arguments Against the Act The petition, filed by law student Nitin Upadhyay , argues that: The right to judicial remedy is a fundamental right and cannot be restricted by the government. Section 4(2) of the Act bars legal proceedings to alter the religious character of any place of worship, which violates the basic structure of the Constitution . While the Act mandates preservation ...

  Waqf Amendment Bill to be Introduced in Parliament Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be tabled in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament following the submission of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report . He reassured that the bill aims to align Waqf-related laws with constitutional principles and will not be implemented retrospectively . The bill is expected to address concerns regarding land ownership and Waqf property regulations , particularly in cases where prime properties were declared as Waqf land without legal recourse . Amit Shah cited the example of 123 prime properties in Delhi , including the Chandra Shekhar Azad Garden in Prayagraj , which was declared as Waqf land. Delimitation: BJP’s Assurance of No Injustice Responding to concerns about delimitation , Amit Shah stated that the BJP remains committed to ensuring fairness and justice during the process. He emphasized that delimitation will not result in any...

Introduction The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has imposed a strict ban on illegal slaughterhouses and the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites until April 6, 2025, to maintain public order and religious sanctity. This move is significant from a constitutional and legal standpoint, particularly concerning Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and the state’s authority to impose reasonable restrictions to ensure communal harmony. The Legal and Constitutional Framework Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees that "no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." Over the years, the Supreme Court has expanded its interpretation to include the right to live with dignity, the right to livelihood, and the right to a clean environment. However, the state has the power to impose reasonable restrictions on fundamental rights when necessary to...