Good evening, everyone. Here is a clear and student-friendly roundup of the most important national, legal, business and international news of the day.
Each update explains what happened, where it happened, and why it matters, helping students stay informed about key developments for 25th April 2026 in India and around the world.
National News
- Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs including Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal quit party; to join BJP
New Delhi: In a massive jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday, seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, quit the party.
Addressing a press conference, Chadha, flanked by Pathak and Mittal, said that two-thirds of the Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha MPs have quit the party and will join the BJP as a faction.
- PM claims wave of change in West Bengal polls
In Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the first phase of polling in West Bengal signals a "wave of change" in the state. He claimed it marks the beginning of the end of the Trinamool Congress government's "jungle raj" narrative and strengthened the BJP's push for political change.
- Congress attacks CEC over continuation in office
In New Delhi, the Congress alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar continuing in his post is an "assault on the Constitution". The party also supported a motion moved by 73 opposition MPs seeking his removal, intensifying political tensions over the Election Commission.
- Amit Shah predicts BJP governments in eastern India regions
In Kolkata, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that regions historically referred to as Anga, Banga and Kalinga will soon see BJP governments. He stated that early polling trends in West Bengal indicate strong support for change.
- Congress questions Lok Sabha expansion proposal
In New Delhi, the Congress said strengthening the Panchayati Raj system is more important than increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha. The party argued that decentralised governance is key to women's empowerment and democratic participation.
- AAP accuses BJP of political defections
AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of engineering defections after seven Rajya Sabha members quit the party. He said the people of Punjab will not forgive those who left, calling it part of "Operation Lotus".
- Complaint filed over confrontation with Maharashtra minister
In Mumbai, police confirmed that a complaint was filed against a woman who confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP rally. Authorities clarified that no FIR has been registered against her.
- Tamil Nadu records highest-ever voter turnout
The Election Commission reported that Tamil Nadu recorded 85.15 per cent voter turnout in its Assembly elections. Karur and Salem districts registered the highest participation, crossing 90 per cent.
- Delhi High Court told govt blocked Bishnoi docuseries
In New Delhi, OTT platform Zee5 informed the Delhi High Court that the government has asked it not to release a documentary series on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, which was scheduled for April 27.
- Finance Minister highlights consumption-driven growth
In Pune, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said domestic consumption is supporting India's economic growth. She added that predictable policy support is necessary to maintain GDP expansion momentum.
International News
- Trump extends Jones Act waiver by 90 days
Washington DC: The United States administration has extended a temporary waiver of the Jones Act by 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport goods between US ports as part of efforts to manage disruptions in the oil and fuel market.
- Indian Army chief inducted into US Hall of Fame
In Pennsylvania, United States, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi was inducted into the International Hall of Fame at the US Army War College. He became the third Indian Army chief to receive the honour.
- Iran mocks Trump over India 'hell-holes' remark; calls it 'random bakwaas'
ehran: A diplomatic controversy broke out after US President Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social that described India and China as "hell-holes". The original comment, made by radio host Michael Savage, was linked to criticism of US birthright citizenship laws and quickly drew global attention.
- India approves financial support to Maldives
India approved a Rs 30 billion withdrawal under its economic assistance programme to the Maldives through the SAARC swap arrangement. The move strengthens financial cooperation between the two countries.