Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, alleging the latter has been taken over by the BJP. He defended Tamil language and culture, stating he feels personally connected to the state’s struggles against the RSS and BJP. Gandhi also criticized the BJP’s economic policies and legislative tactics.
The government faced a setback as the women’s reservation bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, requiring a two-thirds majority. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju blamed the Congress and opposition parties, calling it an anti-women stance and a significant blow to the nation. The opposition, while supporting reservation, opposed its linkage with delimitation and census.
Indian banks are open this Saturday, April 18, 2026, as it’s the third Saturday of the month. Customers can visit branches for routine services, while digital banking remains fully operational. Note that locker access and high-value transactions still require an in-person visit. This follows the RBI’s holiday structure where only second and fourth Saturdays are
Central government employees will see a 2% Dearness Allowance increase, approved by the Cabinet. This comes as employee bodies push for significant pay structure reforms under the proposed 8th Pay Commission, seeking a higher fitment factor and expanded family definitions for pay calculations.
Starlink’s satellite internet rollout in India faces regulatory hurdles due to national security concerns. The government is cautiously reviewing its foreign direct investment proposal, with potential rejection if queries on cross-holding and network control are not addressed. Security clearance is pending, emphasizing the need to prevent potential misuse.
A fact-finding committee has launched an inquiry into alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion at a Nashik TCS office. The panel, including a retired judge and IPS officer, will interview all stakeholders. Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis called it a “very serious matter,” investigating potential “corporate jihad.” Police are searching for an accused employee.
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi displayed visible anger after being dismissed for a duck against Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2026. His frustration, shown by slamming his bat, highlights the defending champions’ inconsistent campaign and mounting pressure as they fight for playoff contention.
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S’s 2025 realized pay reached $10.6 million, a nearly 29% jump. The company’s strong performance, exceeding revenue and margin guidance, fueled this increase. This contrasts with other Indian IT CEOs’ compensation, with Cognizant’s global median employee pay ratio highlighted.
Jharkhand Academic Council is poised to unveil the Class 12 results for 2026 imminently, with the evaluation process nearing its end. Students can anticipate checking their scores online by late April or early May. This follows the recent declaration of Class 9 results, indicating a swift conclusion to the board’s assessment cycle.
