India’s benchmark equity indices, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty, recovered in early trade on Friday after opening on a weak note, as buying activity helped markets move into positive territory by mid-morning. Key Announcements / Highlights Market Movement The Sensex opened slightly lower but fluctuated through the session before rising over 150 points to trade in positive territory. Similarly, the Nifty recovered from early losses to post modest gains. Both indices saw a range-bound movement during the initial hours, reflecting uncertainty among investors and a balance between buying and selling pressures. Sectoral…

Gold prices in India moved higher on Friday, tracking gains in international markets, while silver prices recorded a slight decline. The mixed trend in the domestic bullion market reflects global price movements and cautious investor sentiment. Key Announcements / Highlights Market Overview According to market data, 24-carat gold prices ranged between ₹1,55,580 and ₹1,56,670 per 10 grams across major Indian cities. In Delhi, gold was priced at around ₹1,55,730 per 10 grams, while Chennai reported the highest levels. The 22-carat variant followed a similar trend, trading in the range of…

Two Iranian women footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have received humanitarian visas from Australia, allowing them to remain in the country as they look to rebuild their professional careers following a period of uncertainty linked to regional tensions. Key Announcements / Highlights Official Statement In a joint statement, the players thanked the Australian government and officials, including Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for providing what they described as a safe and supportive environment. They said the assistance had helped them focus on recovery and stability, adding that they hope to return to professional football…

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani arrived in Varanasi on Friday to participate in a programme related to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’, amid local outreach activities organised by party leaders and educational institutions. Key Announcements / Highlights Official Statement According to local organisers, Irani briefly interacted with party representatives after arriving at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport before proceeding to the event venue in Chowkaghat. Officials associated with the programme said the visit forms part of outreach efforts linked to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’, which focuses on women’s representation and empowerment. Context / Background The…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar on his birth anniversary, marking the beginning of his centenary year and recalling his contributions to public life and democratic values. Key Highlights Official Statement In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister described Chandra Shekhar as a leader known for his courage, clarity of thought, and commitment to democratic ideals. He highlighted the former Prime Minister’s close connection with the public and his understanding of grassroots issues. Modi also recalled his personal interactions with Chandra Shekhar, noting that their…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over a fatal accident in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh and announced financial assistance for the affected families through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Key Announcements / Highlights Official Statement In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi described the incident as deeply distressing and extended condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. He also conveyed wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured. The statement confirmed that financial assistance would be released from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, a central mechanism…

The first edition of the Chilika Book Fair is set to be held in Balugaon town of Odisha from April 24 to April 28, 2026. The event will take place at Balugaon College, located near Chilika Lake, and aims to promote reading and literary engagement in the region. Key Announcements / Highlights Official Statement According to officials involved in the preparations, the fair is intended to create a space where readers, students and publishers can interact and engage with books across genres. Organisers said the event is designed to encourage literary interest while…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker held delegation-level talks in New Delhi on April 16, resulting in the signing of multiple agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House and focused on enhancing ties in areas such as food security, trade, investment, and technology. Key Announcements / Highlights Official Statement According to official communication, the talks were aimed at expanding bilateral engagement across economic and strategic domains. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that Chancellor Stocker also reflected on the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles during his…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 16 held bilateral talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New Delhi, where both leaders underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy to address global conflicts. Speaking at a joint press conference at Hyderabad House, Modi said India and Austria share a common position on promoting peace and stability, particularly in regions such as Ukraine and West Asia. Key Announcements / Highlights Official Statement During the joint address, Modi stated that ongoing global tensions are affecting all nations and cannot be resolved through military means. He emphasised that…