Focus On Digital Census
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address urged citizens to actively participate in Census 2027, calling it a shared responsibility and assuring confidentiality through secure digital systems. He highlighted the fully digital format with a self-enumeration option, while also celebrating India’s nuclear milestone at Kalpakkam’s fast breeder reactor.

Mann Ki Baat
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined locals at Nalam village in Odisha’s Angul district to listen to PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat. In the 133rd episode, PM Modi urged citizens to actively participate in Census 2027, assured data confidentiality through digital systems, invoked Buddha’s teachings ahead of Buddha Purnima.

White House Shooting
Authorities have identified 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California as the suspect in the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ dinner. Armed with multiple weapons, Allen attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton before being subdued by law enforcement. Three drivers were rescued, one Secret Service officer was injured, and federal agencies are now investigating the security lapse and preparing multiple charges.

AAP Petition
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh has submitted a petition to Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan seeking the disqualification of seven AAP MPs who recently quit the party and announced their merger with the BJP. Singh argued that the move amounts to defection under the anti-defection law, urging immediate action against the lawmakers.

Security Beefed Up
The fifth session of the eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly will begin on April 28 at the Old Secretariat amid heightened security following recent bomb threats. Fresh guidelines restrict media interactions with MLAs to designated open areas, while authorities continue to address repeated hoax threats and tighten safety measures around the Assembly complex.

Rath Yatra Preparations On
The Odisha government has stepped up early preparations for the Rath Yatra in July, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewing infrastructure, crowd management, and sanitation measures. Chariot construction has already begun, cordon passes will be reduced to ensure smooth pulling, and major projects like the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre and Gundicha Temple restoration are nearing completion.

Heatwave Alert
North and Central India are reeling under a severe heatwave, with Prayagraj recording 45.2°C and alerts issued across 32 districts in Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has warned that extreme conditions may spread to southern states like Kerala and Mahe, urging citizens to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and take precautions to protect vulnerable groups.

Srinagar Leh Highway Closure
The Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed after an avalanche struck the Zojila Pass, trapping vehicles near Shaitani Nallah in the Drass sector. Three drivers were rescued safely by UTDRF Kargil, Drass police, and volunteers, while clearance operations are underway to restore traffic on the treacherous route known for frequent snow hazards.

Ngidi Discharged From Hospital
Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi has shown positive signs of recovery after being discharged from hospital and returning to the team hotel, where franchise medical staff will continue monitoring him. Ngidi was stretchered off during the match against Punjab Kings after a head injury.

IPL Record For Samson
Sanju Samson has become the fastest Indian to reach 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League, achieving the milestone in just 3,555 balls during Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Gujarat Titans. Samson is now the 10th overall batter in IPL history to cross the landmark, joining an elite list that includes Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni.