New Delhi: The price of cooking gas for domestic use has been increased by Rs 50. The higher price will be effective from Tuesday, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puki said. The increase will also apply to consumers under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.With the implementation of the price hike, the price of a 14.2 kg cylinder will increase from Rs 803 to Rs 853.
Israel Captures Two-Thirds of Gaza Amid Intensified Assault
Following a surge in attacks against Palestinians, Israel has reportedly taken control of nearly two-thirds of the Gaza Strip. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israel has issued evacuation orders to residents in these occupied areas and declared large sections as restricted zones.
A significant portion of southern Rafah has also been included in these restricted areas. On March 32 (likely a typo or intended as March 31 or April 1), the Israeli military had announced plans for a major assault in this region, which was soon followed by its capture. On Friday morning, Israeli forces launched a new ground offensive to expand what they call their “security zone,” targeting parts of Gaza City and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli drone strike hit a charitable food kitchen in Khan Younis on Saturday morning, killing three people. In the past 24 hours alone, 89 people have been killed and 287 injured due to ongoing attacks.
Since Israel resumed its intensified offensive following a temporary ceasefire breach on March 18, the Gaza Ministry of Health reports that at least 1,249 people have been killed. According to UNRWA, over a hundred children have either been killed or injured during this period.
The situation is especially dire in Gaza’s healthcare system. The medical director of Al-Ali Hospital stated that they currently lack the facilities to treat the injured, pushing the healthcare response into a deep crisis.
Kerala Goes K-SMART: Major Digital Overhaul in Local Governance
Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move to enhance the efficiency of local self-governance, the Kerala government is expanding its ambitious K-SMART platform to all local self-government institutions across the state. Starting April 10, the services of K-SMART will be available in all 941 grama panchayats, 152 block panchayats, and 14 district panchayats in Kerala.
Originally launched on January 1, 2024, in 94 municipalities, K-SMART stands for Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation. It is a digital governance platform designed to streamline administrative processes and improve public service delivery. The platform can be accessed at https://ksmart.lsgkerala.gov.in.
Key Highlights:
Since its inception, the government has earned ₹1,709 crore through the platform.
As of February 13, 2025, around 23.12 lakh files have been processed.
The platform has handled 75.6% of all applications received.
Implementing Agency:
The project is being executed by the Information Kerala Mission (IKM).
Major Benefits and Services:
Birth and death certificates can now be obtained in just 25 minutes, compared to the previous 7-day waiting period.
Other services include:
Digital file management
Property tax
Building permits
Public grievance redressal
Council and panchayat meeting documentation
Trade licenses
Rental and lease services
Employment tax
Paramedical and tutorial registration
Pet licenses
Land-related data
Mobile app access
Civil registrations
Welfare pension applications and tracking
Citizens will also be able to monitor the status and progress of their applications in real-time.
This statewide rollout marks a major leap towards transparent, efficient, and paperless governance, making public services faster and more accessible to the people of Kerala.
Sreenivasan Murder Case: Second Accused, Who Was Absconding, Arrested
Kochi: The second accused in the Palakkad Sreenivasan murder case, who had been absconding, has been arrested. Shamnad, a Popular Front activist, was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
He was nabbed during a leisure trip to Kochi. The arrest took place on Friday evening.
The incident that led to the case occurred on April 16, 2022. Sreenivasan was brutally killed by a six-member gang who arrived on bikes and entered his shop. So far, four people have been arrested and are currently in remand.
Income Tax Department Issues Notice to Actor Prithviraj
Kochi: The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to actor and filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, seeking clarification on the remuneration received from the films Kaduva, Jana Gana Mana, and Gold. The notice, dated March 29, was sent from the Income Tax office in Kochi. Prithviraj has been directed to respond by April 30.
Reportedly, Prithviraj did not receive payment as an actor for these films. However, as a co-producer, he is said to have earned around ₹40 crore. The department has asked for details regarding the remuneration received under the banner of his production company.
The three films in question were released in 2022, prior to the Empuraan controversy. Last year, the Income Tax Department had also conducted raids at Prithviraj’s office and residence. According to the department, the current notice is part of an ongoing investigation that has been underway for several months.
ED Raid Concludes at Gokulam Establishments; Documents and ₹1.5 Crore Seized
Kozhikode: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has concluded its raid on the establishments of prominent businessman and film producer Gokulam Gopalan. The raid, which ended early Saturday morning, reportedly led to the seizure of various documents and around ₹1.5 crore in cash.
After examining financial transaction records, the ED may summon Gokulam Gopalan for further questioning. He was previously interrogated by the ED on Friday in the morning at Kozhikode and later in the evening in Chennai. The questioning reportedly lasted around seven and a half hours.
The raids were conducted in connection with alleged violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Gokulam Gopalan had previously faced an investigation by the Income Tax Department in 2017 and by the ED again in 2023.
Vishu Bonus: One Additional Installment of Welfare Pension Announced
Thiruvananthapuram – In celebration of Vishu, the Kerala government has announced an additional installment of welfare pensions. Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal stated that the pension for the month of April will be distributed ahead of Vishu as a special gesture. For this, the government has allocated ₹820 crore.
Approximately 62 lakh beneficiaries will receive ₹1,600 each. Pension disbursement will begin next week, and the Finance Minister has instructed officials to ensure that all recipients receive their payments before Vishu.
Out of the total beneficiaries, over 26 lakh people will receive their pension directly into their bank accounts, while the rest will receive it through cooperative banks, with delivery at their doorsteps.
Additionally, for 8.46 lakh beneficiaries under the National Pension Scheme, the central government is responsible for providing its share. However, the state government has proactively allocated ₹24.31 crore in advance. These funds will be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the central government’s PFMS (Public Financial Management System) platform.
Asianet Announces the Premiere of “Teacheramma” – A Heartfelt Story of a Working Woman
Asianet proudly presents its latest drama series, “Teacheramma”, a touching tale of a successful teacher but a failed mother. This compelling new series brings to life the struggles and sacrifices of a working woman who dedicates herself to her students while being unappreciated in her own home.
“Teacheramma” follows the journey of Saraswathi, a dedicated primary school teacher in her early 50s, who is highly respected in her professional life but faces neglect and emotional pain at home.
She has two daughters and a son, but only her youngest daughter, Veena, remains unmarried and close to her. Radha (the elder daughter) and Mahesh (the son) treat Saraswathi as a caretaker, cook, and facilitator—using her for their benefit while giving her nothing in return.
Despite the struggles in her personal life, Saraswathi is a strong, inspiring teacher who not only educates her students but also guides parents in shaping a healthy, responsible future for their children. Her lessons extend beyond textbooks, touching the very fabric of society.
Teacheramma premieres on April 7, 2025, and will air every Monday to Sunday at 8 PM on Asianet.
Don’t miss this emotional and powerful tale of resilience, love, and self-discovery. Watch as Saraswathi fights for her place in her own family while continuing to shape the future of countless students.
Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: The Waqf Amendment Bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha after 12 hours of intense discussions. The bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against.
Opposition’s Stand & Reactions:
The opposition strongly opposed the bill, calling it unconstitutional. All amendments and suggestions proposed by opposition members were rejected through both voice voting and electronic voting.
During the heated debate, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi tore a copy of the bill in protest. Several verbal clashes occurred between the ruling and opposition parties throughout the discussion.
Government’s Justification:
The ruling party defended the bill, claiming that it aims to uplift the Muslim community and ensure better management of Waqf properties.
The parliamentary session continued until 2 AM, as each proposed amendment was individually voted upon and ultimately rejected. Now that the Lok Sabha has passed the bill, it will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today for further discussion and approval.
Poonam Gupta Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor
New Delhi: The central government has appointed Poonam Gupta as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a tenure of three years. She replaces Michael Debabrata Patra, who retired in January.
The appointment comes ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, scheduled to take place from April 7 to 9.
Poonam Gupta is a member of the Advisory Committee of the 16th Finance Commission and has significant expertise in economic and financial policymaking.
Her appointment is expected to bring new perspectives to the RBI’s monetary and financial policies.
