Factory workers in Noida staged violent protests on Monday, with reports of stone pelting, arson and vandalism in industrial areas of Phase 2 and nearby sectors, police and officials said. According to the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate, the demonstrations were influenced by workers from other states and took place at multiple locations. Authorities said police used minimal force at one site to control the situation and denied allegations of firing, adding that action will be taken against those spreading rumours or inciting unrest.

Officials said unrest had been building for about a week due to dissatisfaction over wages, pending demands, and comparisons with higher pay in Haryana. The protests began when large groups of workers, mainly from garment and hosiery factories, gathered to demand long-pending wage revisions. The situation worsened after police tried to disperse the crowds, though officials maintained that only limited force was used.

Some workers accused the police of excessive force, including baton charges and injuries, while reports of earlier injuries further escalated tensions. During the violence, protesters allegedly damaged property, set vehicles on fire and threw stones at security personnel, prompting police to use tear gas. The workers involved are mostly employed in export-oriented industrial units in Noida’s Phase 2 and Ecotech areas. Industry representatives said most issues are already being addressed and urged workers not to be misled by rumours.

Workers are demanding higher wages, payment of overtime and bonuses, weekly holidays, timely salary payments, proper salary slips, internal complaint committees, and improved workplace safety. Authorities have increased security in industrial zones and are holding discussions on labour issues, while police remain on alert to prevent further unrest.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam took part in a public campaign meeting on Saturday at Arunachalapuram in Tenkasi district, within the Vasudevanallur Assembly constituency, where she appealed to voters for support. She was warmly received by a large gathering and thanked the public, stating that the DMK government has been steadily delivering on its promises.

She highlighted that the ₹1000 financial aid under the women’s rights scheme is currently benefiting millions of women and assured that it would be increased to ₹2000 if the party returns to power. She also promised to raise the old-age pension from ₹1200 to ₹2000. Additionally, she announced a new proposal to provide homemakers with ₹8000 worth of coupons to purchase essential household goods.

Focusing on education, she said financial assistance under the “Pudhumai Penn” and “Tamil Pudhalvan” schemes would be raised to ₹1500, and laptops would be distributed to 3.5 million students in the coming years. She added that unemployed youth would receive ₹1500 per month during their training period. She further stated that the breakfast scheme for school students, currently available up to Class 5, would be extended to Class 8.

At the same time, she criticized the Government of India, alleging insufficient funding for the 100-day employment scheme, and affirmed that the DMK would continue to advocate for its protection. Kanimozhi also urged voters to support local candidate Raja and cast their votes for the “Rising Sun” symbol. The meeting saw participation from numerous DMK leaders, alliance members, and members of the public. Voting in Tamil Nadu is scheduled to take place in a single phase on April 23, with counting set for May 4.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Election flying squad officials on Friday searched a helicopter carrying BJP leader K. Annamalai when he arrived in Ooty for an election campaign in the Nilgiris district. Annamalai, a member of the BJP Working Committee and former Tamil Nadu BJP president, had flown from Coimbatore to Ooty to campaign for BJP candidate Bhojarajan, who is contesting from the Ooty Assembly constituency.

After landing, officials inspected the helicopter as part of routine checks under the Model Code of Conduct. The examination took place shortly after his arrival, as authorities have stepped up monitoring in poll-bound areas to ensure adherence to election rules and prevent violations. The incident comes amid increased political activity in Tamil Nadu ahead of the Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 23, with vote counting on May 4.

Political tensions have escalated between major parties. Earlier in the day, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticised DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, referring to past allegations linked to the 2G spectrum case. He warned that continued trust in Chief Minister M.K. Stalin could lead to further legal issues and claimed that the DMK is dominated by the Karunanidhi family.

Kanimozhi, who has been campaigning actively for DMK candidates, accused opposition leaders of being out of touch with the public. She described the election as vital for protecting Tamil Nadu’s “self-respect” and urged voters to back DMK candidates. Election flying squads, along with Income Tax officials, also carried out searches at several locations associated with Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary accused in an alleged international drug trafficking case. Authorities are investigating claims that funds may have been stored for distribution to voters.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini conducted a surprise inspection of 'Samadhan Shivirs' on Thursday via video conferencing, engaging directly with complainants from multiple districts. The inspection aimed to review the functioning of grievance redressal camps and assess the status of complaints being addressed without prior notice.

During the interaction, Saini spoke with people visiting the camps in Mahendragarh, Kaithal, Hisar, Hansi, and Karnal, listening to their concerns and instructing officials to ensure timely resolution. “Complaints should be resolved within a stipulated timeframe,” he emphasized.

On Wednesday, the Chief Minister announced a hike in the minimum wage for unskilled workers, raising it from Rs 11,257 to Rs 15,220 per month. The Cabinet approved the increase following recommendations from an expert committee, aimed at providing better support for laborers. “Considering the committee’s recommendations, the Cabinet discussed the matter and decided to increase the minimum wage,” Saini stated.

Saini also highlighted that the Cabinet approved a 33% reservation for women in the allocation of ration depots under the Public Distribution System (PDS). “Through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi schemes, women are being encouraged to actively participate in development,” he said, addressing a press conference. Priority will be given to women who are acid attack survivors, widows, or members of self-help groups. The Chief Minister’s surprise inspection and the recent policy announcements reflect the government’s focus on citizen grievance redressal, labor welfare, and women’s empowerment, ensuring responsive governance across Haryana.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Haryana DIPR.

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has been sworn in as president, marking a continuation of his authority from a civilian position five years after seizing power in a military coup. The ceremony, held in the capital Naypyidaw, was presented as a celebratory parliamentary event, where the 69-year-old took the presidential oath, pledging to uphold the enduring values of justice, liberty, and equality. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss potential policy shifts and international reactions to his reappointment with CNA’s ASEAN Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been earning substantial income by sending paid personalized videos on Cameo. Over five years, he has made at least £374,893 from these recordings, often producing several videos per day. While many use Cameo for lighthearted messages, an investigation of over 4,000 of Farage’s videos revealed concerning content. Some videos included endorsements of neo-Nazi events, repetition of extremist slogans, and references to antisemitic conspiracies. He even made a £155 video for a man reportedly sentenced to 16 months for participating in a far-right riot. Farage also made misogynistic remarks about left-wing politicians, including a comment about US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A spokesperson for Reform UK emphasized that these videos were informal, not political statements, and that Farage opposes extremism and political violence. They also noted that occasional mistakes are inevitable given the volume of videos he records. Investigations correspondent Henry Dyer told Helen Pidd that the videos reveal what Farage is willing to say or do for money — raising questions about the judgment of someone who aspires to be prime minister.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Tuesday morning, the prime minister revealed that Australia will be deploying aircraft, missiles, and personnel to the Gulf amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, Anthony Albanese insists this does not imply that Australia is participating in the war or officially at war. Reged Ahmad discusses with Josh Butler whether Australia is being drawn into what he calls Trump’s “war of choice.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.