“TRAI has directed telecom operators—including Jio, Airtel, and Vi—to roll out Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), a feature that displays the caller’s registered name to combat spam and fraud. Collaborations with global tech giants like HP, Dell, Ericsson, and Nokia are underway, and trials in select areas have already begun, with a phased rollout planned once the technology stabilizes.”
In a startling incident, two Bangladeshi nationals disguised as Sadhu Babas were caught deceiving people under the pretense of spirituality. Their true identities were revealed when locals, suspicious of their behavior, challenged them to recite the Gayatri Mantra and Hanuman Chalisa. Failing to chant the sacred verses raised doubts about their authenticity.
Further investigation uncovered cigarettes in their possession, strengthening suspicions. Confronted by residents, their inconsistent responses exposed their deceitful intentions. It is suspected that they exploited religious sentiments to gain trust and potentially target unsuspecting households.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of spiritual visitors to prevent such fraudulent activities.
“A derailment occurred near Manguli in Odisha’s Cuttack district involving the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Super Fast Express. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported. East Coast Railway’s CPRO Ashok Kumar Mishra confirmed the safety of all passengers and stated that emergency teams, including NDRF and fire services, were deployed. Senior railway officials have reached the site, and helpline numbers 8455885999 and 8991124238 have been activated for assistance. Restoration work will commence soon, with the cause of the derailment to be determined after an inquiry.”
Concerns over the slow progress of repairs on NH-6 in Meghalaya were raised during a joint inspection on March 27, led by Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi, and Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, alongside NHAI officials and contractors. While NHAI reported 65% completion, sluggish progress was noted in Kuliang, Umkiang, and Ratacherra.
To expedite work, heavy vehicle movement is restricted from 9 am to 5 pm. The Deputy Commissioner urged increased manpower and machinery, while the SP emphasized the need to prioritize critical areas with frequent breakdowns, targeting completion within two weeks.
The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in Meghalaya has denied granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a proposed railway survey in the district. Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat clarified that no application for the survey has been received.
The decision follows strong opposition from various pressure groups demanding the suspension of the Chaparmukh-Jowai railway project until adequate immigration control measures are in place. The 180-km railway line, initiated by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), aims to enhance connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya.
VPP MDC Deivipaya T Tongper raised questions about the project’s status, emphasizing concerns over unregulated migration. Responding to the mounting pressure, the JHADC has maintained its refusal to grant the NOC until assurances on immigration control are established.
During her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced intense protests led by the Student’s Federation of India (SFI-UK). The event, meant to discuss West Bengal’s development and investment opportunities, quickly turned contentious as Banerjee was interrupted with pointed questions, particularly about the controversial rape and murder case in Kolkata. The tension escalated when the topic shifted to the treatment of Hindus in Bengal, leading to chants of “go back” from some in the audience. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Banerjee displayed an image from the 1990s showing her with a bandaged head, recounting an assassination attempt. Despite her efforts, the protests continued. SFI-UK later took responsibility, condemning Banerjee as an “anti-democratic leader” and criticizing the college for hosting her.
The government has approved significant investments in maintaining the National Highway (NH) network, including short-term maintenance contracts (STMC) for 17,884 km and performance-based maintenance contracts (PBMC) for 6,118 km, with a total cost of Rs 9,599 crore in the current fiscal year (FY25). The government is also focusing on road safety, with the rectification of over 5,000 black spots and the installation of an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) on four-lane and above NHs to improve incident response and road safety. Additionally, 1,310 NH projects covering 31,187 km, costing Rs 8.11 lakh crore, are currently under construction across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter to Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, highlighted the importance of mutual sensitivity when referencing the Bangladesh Liberation War, emphasizing it as a “shared history.” He congratulated Bangladesh on its National Day and reiterated India’s commitment to advancing bilateral relations, driven by common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her warm greetings, reaffirming India’s support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. The relationship between the two countries has faced tensions, particularly following the political changes in Bangladesh, but both nations continue to engage diplomatically on issues of mutual concern.
A formal complaint has been filed against Professor Mahmood Ansari of the Economics Department at Assam University, Silchar, following allegations of verbal abuse, caste-based discrimination, and threats against maintenance workers. The incident, which occurred on March 12, 2025, at the professor’s official residence, reportedly involved aggressive and offensive remarks towards workers carrying out maintenance under an Annual Maintenance Contract. According to the complaint, Professor Ansari insulted the workers, including making derogatory comments about their caste and the people of Barak Valley.
The situation escalated when he allegedly targeted a worker from a Scheduled Caste background with a slur, detained them inside his residence, and threatened them with physical harm. Despite a formal complaint lodged with the university by the workers’ contractor, no action has been taken by Assam University, leading the workers to approach the police for an FIR under the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
A violent land dispute in Kra Daadi district, Arunachal Pradesh, escalated into gunfire, leaving eight people injured. Authorities have imposed Section 144 to control the situation.
Focus Keyphrases: Kra Daadi land dispute, Arunachal Pradesh violence, Section 144 imposed, land conflict in Northeast, police investigation land clash
Barak Bolchhe!
