Top news of the day: India, Sri Lanka ink major defence pact; Government holds meeting with Meitei-Kuki groups on Manipur conflict resolution, and more

The major news headlines of the day, and more

India, Sri Lanka ink major defence pact following talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake

For the first time, India and Sri Lanka on Saturday (April 5, 2025) inked an ambitious defence cooperation pact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining a broader roadmap for deeper bilateral cooperation, asserting that security of both nations is interlinked and dependent on each other.

Government holds meeting with Meitei-Kuki groups on Manipur conflict resolution

The Centre, on Saturday (April 5, 2025), held a meeting with representatives of Manipur’s warring Meitei and Kuki communities, in an effort to bring a lasting peace in the restive state. Sources said the meeting was held as part of the Central Government’s initiatives to find an amicable solution to the ongoing conflict between the two communities, which began on May 2023.

India hands over 442 metric tonnes of food aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar

India on Saturday (April 5, 2025) delivered a large consignment of food aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar at Thilawa Port in the southern coastal area to the Yangon region’s Chief Minister as part of its ongoing Operation Brahma. A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with an epicentre near Mandalay, on March 28 and left over 3,100 dead.

RSS linked magazine pulls down article on comparison of land owned by Catholic churches, Waqf Board after Rahul Gandhi questioned its motive

Organiser, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) linked English magazine, has pulled down a recent article on comparison of the land owned by Catholic churches and Waqf board. The withdrawal happened as the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that after Muslims, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to go after Christians.

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan moves SC against Waqf Bill

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. In his plea, Mr. Khan sought that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill be declared as “unconstitutional and being violative of Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30 and 300-A of the Constitution” and sought direction for striking it down.

Social media post sparks protests, partial bandh in J&K’s Bhaderwah; Mobile internet services suspended

Protests and a partial bandh were observed in the communally sensitive Bhaderwah town of Doda district on Saturday (April 5, 2025) following an objectionable social media post allegedly put up by a leader of a Hindu group, prompting authorities to suspend mobile internet services, officials said.

Lay down arms, be part of Bastar’s development journey: Amit Shah appeals to Maoists

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (April 5, 2025) made an appeal to the Maoists to lay down arms and join the mainstream, averring that nobody feels happy when a Maoist is killed.

Nothing should be done by ‘bypassing’ J&K government: Congress to Amit Shah

The Congress on Saturday (April 5, 2025) appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to not bypass the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir and take it on board for any initiative or action in the Union Territory. The appeal comes amid a row over the powers of the elected dispensation and the Raj Bhavan.

AAP alleges ‘education mafia’ back in Delhi, slams BJP over fee hike in private schools

The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday (April 5, 2025) launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Delhi government, accusing it of allowing private schools to arbitrarily hike fees. Addressing a press conference, senior AAP leader and former Education Minister Manish Sisodia alleged that the BJP government had handed over Delhi’s education system to the “education mafia”.

Maintain status quo: SC on demolition of ‘unauthorised’ constructions in Gurugram’s DLF phases

The Supreme Court has asked Gurugram authorities to maintain status quo on a demolition drive in DLF phases 1 to 5 against unauthorised constructions, including residential properties that have been converted into commercial complexes. A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar was hearing on Friday a plea by DLF Qutub Enclave RWA, which challenged the Haryana government’s Town and Country Planning Department’s power to raze the properties.

Central Government approves ₹1280 crore to Bihar, Himachal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry as disaster assistance

A high level committee, headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved ₹1280.35 crore of additional central assistance to Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, affected by flood, flash flood, cloudburst, landslides and cyclonic storm in 2024.

BookMyShow has removed Kamra from its artist list on platforms, claims Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal on Saturday (April 5, 2025) claimed that BookMyShow has removed stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra from its sale and artists list on its platforms. Mr. Kanal, the social media in-charge of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, thanked BookMyShoew CEO Ashish Hemrajani for keeping its portal “clean and keeping such artist out of the list of pure entertainment”.

NDA sweeps Rabha Hasong tribal council in Assam

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept a tribal council election on Friday (April 4, 2025), winning 33 of its 36 seats.

‘Mom, it’s 12:08 a.m.’: LSG head coach Langer receives reporter’s mother’s call

Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer created a hilarious moment when he picked up a reporter’s phone call during the post-match press conference following their 12-run win over Mumbai Indians in an IPL game in Lucknow. While answering a question about injured pacer Mayank Yadav, Langer noticed the phone placed near him at the podium, which was ringing with “Mom” flashing on the screen.

Published - April 05, 2025 06:34 pm IST