News at 2

On News@2 this April 7, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

A nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India is hearing review petitions on the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who was representing the centre arguing that not all constitutional issues should be seen through a gender lens.

Meanwhile, a team of Assam Police reached Congress leader Pawan Khera’s Delhi residence over remarks concerning Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, intensifying political tensions ahead of elections.

Separately, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Washington DC for talks on trade, defence, and the West Asia crisis, as India and the United States seek to stabilise ties and advance cooperation across key sectors.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Aman Pal

On News@2 this April 6, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

The Supreme Court has ordered a preliminary inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into alleged irregularities in awarding government contracts worth ₹12.7 billion in Arunachal Pradesh, reportedly linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s family. The agency has been asked to examine tenders, execution and financial transactions, and submit a report within 16 weeks.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal appeared in the Delhi High Court in the excise policy case, seeking a change of judge and raising concerns over fairness.

Separately, the Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and states on a plea to prevent stray cattle from entering highways.

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Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

On News@2 this April 3, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

West Bengal Police have arrested AIMIM leader and advocate Mofakkerul Islam in connection with the Malda protest that saw seven judicial officers held hostage for over nine hours. The Supreme Court of India had termed the incident a criminal failure and ordered central forces for protection and a probe.

Meanwhile, the Centre has directed states to curb LPG rumours, with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas asking for daily briefings amid panic buying concerns.

Separately, Raghav Chadha has accused the Aam Aadmi Party of trying to silence him after his Rajya Sabha removal, while Punjab Parliamentarian Ashok Mittal and the party’s national media in charge Anurag Dhanda defended the party, exposing internal tensions.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal

On News@2 this April 2, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

The Supreme Court of India has condemned the nine-hour confinement of judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda, calling it a pre-planned challenge to its authority and ordering central forces for protection. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP, alleging a political conspiracy.

Meanwhile, concerns have emerged over alleged irregularities in Andhra Pradesh’s 2024 elections, with economist Parakala Prabhakar and others flagging unusual late-night voting and seeking transparency.

Separately, the Itanagar Municipal Corporation has directed eateries to remove meat-based names, citing public sensitivity and ordering compliance within ten days.

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Sound mixed by Aman Pal

On News@2 this April 1, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

India has launched the first phase of Census 2027, marking its first fully digital population exercise with options for self-enumeration and mobile-based data collection across states. The exercise will record housing conditions and assets, with over 3 million officials involved and full enumeration scheduled for 2027.

Meanwhile, the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Amendment Act 2026 has received assent from President Droupadi Murmu, introducing stricter penalties for offences but drawing criticism over exclusion concerns.

Separately, the Supreme Court was informed that 4.7 million electoral roll objections in West Bengal have been resolved, with the process nearing completion.

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Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

On News@2 this March 31, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

A tragic stampede at the Sheetla Temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district left at least eight women dead and several injured after overcrowding during a religious gathering. Rescue operations were launched and the state government has ordered a probe, with compensation announced for victims’ families.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has urged states to cut Value Added Tax on aviation fuel as prices surge due to the West Asia conflict, warning of possible fare hikes.

In Assam, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the BJP’s poll manifesto, promising major infrastructure investment, jobs, and measures to protect indigenous communities ahead of the April 9 elections.

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Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

On News@2 this March 30, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

A major political shift is underway in Bihar as Nitish Kumar resigned as a Member of the Legislative Council, fuelling speculation about a leadership change within Janata Dal (United).

Meanwhile, India is set to tighten CCTV security norms from April 1 under the STQC framework, likely restricting Chinese firms like Hikvision, Dahua, and TP-Link.

In West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has transferred officers across 173 police stations ahead of Assembly polls, including key constituencies like Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee faces the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in a high-stakes contest.

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Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

On News@2 this March 27, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

Nepal’s political landscape has seen a major shift as Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, was sworn in as the country’s youngest Prime Minister after a landslide electoral victory, with his party securing 182 of 275 seats.

Meanwhile in India, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed rumours of a Covid-like nationwide lockdown, assuring that the government is not considering any such move and that energy supplies remain stable despite West Asia tensions.

In a separate development, the government cut additional excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre, though retail prices remain unchanged as oil companies absorb global price volatility.

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Sound mixed by Aman Pal

On News@2 this March 26, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

Iran has said it will allow ships from India, Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing West Asia conflict, while blocking vessels from the US, Israel and allied nations.

In West Bengal, controversy erupted after 340 Muslim voters were removed from the electoral roll in Basirhat, triggering protests and allegations of targeted exclusion.

Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district, a bus collision with a truck led to a fire, killing 13 people and injuring 22. Leaders including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed condolences and announced financial assistance for victims.

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Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

On News@2 this March 25, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

The Congress party has been asked to vacate its key offices in New Delhi, including its headquarters at Akbar Road and premises at Raisina Road, by March 28, prompting the party to explore legal options and seek an extension.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill after a lengthy debate, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel defending it as ensuring equal rights, while the Opposition criticised it as politically motivated.

In Tamil Nadu, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam released its first list of 23 candidates for the April 23 Assembly elections, fielding senior leaders and allocating seats to allies within the National Democratic Alliance.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti