Category: Exclusive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu on Sunday, April 6, to inaugurate a series of significant infrastructure projects, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. The visit marks the launch of several initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and economic development in the region. Around 12 noon, PM Modi will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge — India’s first vertical lift sea bridge. Built at a cost of over ₹700 crore, the 2.08 km long structure is designed for dual rail tracks to meet future transportation demands. From the road bridge, he will also flag off a new Rameswaram–Tambaram (Chennai) train service and a ship, while witnessing the operation of the vertical lift mechanism. At approximately 12:45 PM, the Prime Minister will visit the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple, where he will perform darshan and pooja. The temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, especially significant on the day of Ram Navami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Rama and marks the culmination of Chaitra Navratri. By 1:30 PM, PM Modi will dedicate and lay the foundation stone for multiple road and rail projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Rameswaram. These include the foundation stone for four-laning of the 28 km long Walajapet–Ranipet section of NH-40, the 4-laned 29 km long Viluppuram–Puducherry section of NH-332, the 57 km long Poondiyankuppam–Sattanathapuram stretch of NH-32, and the 48 km long Cholapuram–Thanjavur section of NH-36. According to the government, these highway projects will enhance connectivity to key pilgrimage centres and tourist destinations, reduce travel distances, and provide quicker access to medical colleges, hospitals, and ports. The projects are also expected to support local agriculture, leather, and small-scale industries by improving market access and boosting economic activity. Following the inaugurations, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public gathering in Rameswaram. PM Modi to Visit Haryana on April 14 In another significant engagement, Prime Minister Modi will visit Haryana on April 14. As announced by Haryana BJP President Mohan Lal Badoli, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Hisar Airport and lay the foundation stone for a new terminal building. These developments are expected to significantly enhance the airport’s infrastructure and connectivity, contributing to the state’s growth.

“The fate of a battle is the result of a moment, of a thought,” Napoleon Bonaparte once reflected on his fateful defeat at Waterloo. A single moment, a single misstep, can unravel the mightiest regimes. Is West Bengal, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, now facing such a decisive moment? On April 5, the Supreme Court of India, led by the Chief Justice, upheld a landmark Calcutta High Court ruling that invalidated the appointments of 25,752 teachers who cleared the School Service Commission (SSC) exam in 2016. The verdict rocked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to its core—already reeling from public outrage over the RG Kar Medical College protests following the rape and murder of an intern doctor. A Test of Governance—and Honesty For Mamata Banerjee, who has long projected herself as the torchbearer of honesty and people-centric governance, this is more than just a legal setback. It’s a severe blow to the legitimacy of her administration. In a 32-minute address, Banerjee struck a defiant tone, blaming the BJP and CPM for the tainted recruitment process, and urging people to focus on the Supreme Court’s directive to hold fresh recruitment within three months. She expressed confidence that the ‘autonomous’ SSC would manage this transparently. But her optimism is not widely shared—especially by those with insider knowledge of the SSC. SSC Insider Speaks Out Chittaranjan Mondal, former chairman of the SSC, delivered a blistering critique of the process. Speaking to TOI Online, he described the situation as a “tragedy” and squarely blamed the SSC leadership at the time—implying they either succumbed to political pressure or were grossly negligent. Mondal pointed to the state government’s failure to submit OMR answer sheets, which created doubts about candidate legitimacy. “If the SSC is really autonomous,” he questioned, “why did the Commission stop issuing duplicate OMRs to candidates?” He expressed deep skepticism about the state’s excuses and warned that the upcoming recruitment would be under intense public and judicial scrutiny. “The buck stops with the political executive,” Mondal asserted, holding the TMC government ultimately accountable for the fiasco. Political Fallout on the Horizon? With assembly elections due in 2026, this scandal could have serious political ramifications. Public trust in government hiring is now severely shaken. The TMC’s credibility—particularly on education and employment—is under the scanner, and opposition parties are sure to weaponize this verdict in the months ahead. “Why the silence on accountability?” asked a youth activist at a solidarity march in Kolkata. “Students and job-seekers have been cheated—not just by a flawed system, but by a failed promise of fairness.” What’s Next? The Supreme Court has ordered fresh recruitment within three months, placing immense pressure on the SSC to act swiftly and transparently. Any further mistakes could deepen the crisis—not just institutionally, but politically. As Mamata Banerjee faces mounting pressure—from students, courts, and political rivals—this moment may well define the course of her leadership. Will it be a turning point of redemption, or a repeat of Waterloo?

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Pakistani intruder who attempted to cross the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials reported on Saturday. The incident occurred during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, when BSF troops observed suspicious movement near the IB. According to an official BSF statement, the intruder continued to advance despite repeated warnings, prompting the personnel to open fire and neutralise the threat. The identity and motive of the individual remain under investigation. The BSF has lodged a strong protest with their Pakistani counterparts following the breach. The local police were alerted, and the body was removed from the site for postmortem examination and to complete other legal formalities. Authorities are continuing the probe, and further details are awaited.