The case revolves around a February 2008 transaction, in which Vadra’s firm, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, reportedly purchased 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur from Onkareshwar Properties for ₹7.5 crore. Notably, the mutation of the land was allegedly completed within just 25 hours—a move that raised red flags for investigators. An ED official confirmed that Vadra has been summoned to clarify financial transactions related to this deal.

This development follows a charge sheet filed in November 2023 against fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and British national Sumit Chadha in a separate probe. In December 2023, it was first reported that the charge sheet mentioned land purchases by Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra through a Delhi-based real estate agent, who also facilitated land transactions with NRI businessman CC Thampi. While the couple has not been named as accused, the ED referenced these transactions to establish a connection between Vadra and Thampi.

According to the agency, Thampi—who was arrested in January 2020—admitted to knowing Vadra for over a decade. He claimed to have been introduced to Vadra by Madhavan, the personal assistant of Sonia Gandhi, and mentioned several meetings with Vadra in both the UAE and Delhi. Between 2005 and 2008, Thampi allegedly acquired 486 acres of land in Amipur village, Faridabad, through agent HL Pahwa.

The ED further stated that Robert Vadra had purchased three pieces of land totaling 334 kanals (approximately 40.08 acres) in Amipur from HL Pahwa between 2005 and 2006 and later sold them back to Pahwa in 2010. Similarly, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had bought 40 kanals (around 5 acres) of agricultural land from Pahwa in 2006, which she sold back to him in 2010. The agency suspects that Pahwa was facilitating land acquisitions through cash transactions “out of the books,” and claims Vadra did not pay the full sale consideration for these deals.

Additionally, the ED is probing Robert Vadra’s alleged involvement in the purchase of a London-based property—12 Ellerton House, Bryanston Square—valued at 1.9 million pounds. The agency claims that Sanjay Bhandari acquired this property in 2009 and renovated it on Vadra’s instructions, with funds allegedly provided by Vadra himself. Dubai-based businessman CC Thampi, associated with Sky Lite Investments FZE and the Holiday Group, is believed to have played a key role in facilitating the purchase.

In response to the ongoing investigation, Vadra commented, “It’s a free for all in this country… truth has no place. Witch-hunt continues for almost a decade. Another decade more and we will be referring to what happened in 2010, 2011, 2012 and on and on.” As of Tuesday, Hindustan Times reached out to Vadra regarding the summons, but no further statements were reported.

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Mehul Choksi, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of over ₹13,500 crore, was arrested in Belgium after evading Indian authorities for nearly seven years. He was reportedly preparing to flee to Switzerland for medical reasons when Belgian authorities, acting swiftly on the request of India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), arrested him. Following his arrest, Indian agencies quickly moved to invoke the India-Belgium extradition treaty and submitted a formal request for his return.

The treaty outlines several key provisions, one of the most important being the principle of dual criminality—meaning the crime must be considered an offence in both countries. The requesting country must also submit strong evidence of the accused’s conviction or criminal activity if a trial has not yet taken place. Additionally, neither country is obligated to extradite its own citizens, and extradition can be refused if the case appears politically motivated. The treaty also enforces specific deadlines: a formal request must be made within 14 days of the arrest, and substantial evidence must be submitted within two months, or else the accused may be released. Furthermore, an extradited person cannot be tried for any new offence unless they are first given an opportunity to return, and they cannot be handed over to a third country without the home country’s approval.

India formally requested Choksi’s extradition from Belgium in August 2024, shortly after tracking him down in Antwerp through the CBI’s global operations center. After his arrest, the Indian government submitted a detailed legal request under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 201 (destruction of evidence), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 477A (falsification of accounts), along with sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deal with bribery. According to CBI officials, Belgium examined the request thoroughly and was satisfied that the charges were considered crimes under Belgian law as well. The dual criminality condition was fulfilled, strengthening India’s case for extradition. Now, with legal procedures underway, the chances of bringing Mehul Choksi back to face trial in India are stronger than ever.

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The Indian stock market surged during early trading on April 15 after US President Donald Trump announced a possible relaxation of specific new tariffs. Although a minimum 10% tariff rate remains in place, the possibility of exemptions sparked strong investor confidence and drove up market indices.

2. Sensex and Nifty Rally Sharply

By 10 AM, the BSE Sensex jumped by 1,595.37 points or 2.12%, reaching 76,752.63, while the NSE Nifty climbed 481.70 points or 2.11%, touching 23,310.25. This recovery came after a massive drop the previous day, reflecting positive market sentiment driven by global trade optimism.

3. Top 10 Gainers on the Sensex

Tata Motors and Larsen & Toubro were the top gainers, each rising by 4.78%. Other big movers included IndusInd Bank (4.06%), M&M (3.73%), HDFC Bank (3.52%), Adani Ports (3.36%), Axis Bank (2.91%), ICICI Bank (2.45%), Bajaj Finance (2.19%), and Bharti Airtel (2.15%).

4. Top 10 Gainers on the Nifty

Shriram Finance led the Nifty gainers with a 4.81% rise, followed by Tata Motors (4.77%), Larsen & Toubro (4.34%), IndusInd Bank (3.97%), M&M (3.86%), Trent (3.57%), HDFC Bank (3.47%), Adani Ports (3.41%), Dr Reddy’s (3.24%), and Axis Bank (2.97%).

5. Trump’s Comments on Auto Tariffs

Donald Trump said at the White House that he was considering modifying the 25% tariffs on foreign auto and auto parts imports. He acknowledged that carmakers need more time and flexibility to adjust production, hinting at supportive policies ahead for global manufacturers

6. Investor Confidence Returns

The 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, including for countries like India, eased fears of a global trade war. This led to a sharp rebound in markets. The possibility of relaxed duties on key sectors like automobiles encouraged investors to return to equities, boosting both Sensex and Nifty.

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Amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, Beijing on Wednesday hit back at Donald Trump’s 104 per cent tariffs with its own additional tariffs of 84 per cent, up from the previous 34 per cent, on all American goods. The Chinese finance ministry said that these additional tariffs will be imposed on goods from the US from April 10, news agency Reuters reported. Beijing had previously announced a retaliatory tariff of 34 per cent on American goods.

China’s commerce ministry also announced that it has added 12 US entities to its export control list, while including 6 American entities to its “unreliable entity” list.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump hits China with 104% tariffs amid ongoing trade tensions

Soon after the announcement, the US stock index futures also reportedly took a sharp dive.

This comes just a day after Trump imposed a 104 per cent tariffs on China, with the White House press secretary saying that the additional tariff will be collected from Wednesday, April 09.

Trump’s move was in response to China’s retaliation to his reciprocal tariffs, with the President on Tuesday saying that he was waiting for a response from China before implementing duties exceeding 100 per cent.

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The reaction comes in light of Goldman Sachs lowering India’s growth outlook by 20 to 40 basis points, now placing it at 6.1% for FY 2025-26. Economists attribute the dip to escalating trade tensions triggered by the US imposing a 26% tariff on Indian imports, with even higher rates targeting other major economies like China.

One of the most vulnerable sectors is India’s diamond export industry, which depends heavily on US demand. The sector is expected to take a major hit, threatening thousands of jobs.

Officials have confirmed that discussions are underway with key ministries and export associations to analyze the overall impact and possible responses. At least four to five proposals have been submitted to support the affected industries. These include extension of interest subsidies, export diversification support, and access to additional bank credit.

A separate finance official stated that while the situation is being closely monitored, India’s fiscal stability is not expected to be significantly impacted by the current trade shifts.

India reportedly does not plan to retaliate immediately, instead favoring a negotiation route to de-escalate tensions.

The stock market reacted sharply to global concerns, with the Sensex plummeting over 3,900 points in early trade on Monday. Investors lost more than ₹20 lakh crore in market value as the index logged one of its steepest falls since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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At the opening bell, the Sensex tumbled by 3,939.68 points to hit 71,425.01, while the Nifty dropped sharply by 1,160.8 points to 21,743.65, marking an almost 5% decline. Technology and export-oriented companies took the biggest hit due to their high revenue exposure to the US. Tata Steel fell more than 8%, followed by Tata Motors with over a 7% decline. HCL Tech, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, L&T, TCS, and Reliance Industries were also among the major laggards.

This has turned out to be the worst market opening in India since the COVID-19 outbreak.

What’s causing the market crash

Global markets have been under heavy selling pressure following Trump’s tariff announcement targeting all trading partners of the US. The move sparked concerns over a full-blown global trade war. Countries like China, Canada, and Mexico have already announced countermeasures, heightening uncertainty.

Investors are growing more concerned that the potential for a global recession now outweighs inflation concerns driven by rising tariffs. “China and Japan’s indices have dropped by 10% and 8%, respectively, increasing the chances of a deeper trade war. This could drag the global economy toward recession,” said Vikas Jain, Head of Research at Reliance Securities.

Last Friday, US markets saw one of their worst sessions since the pandemic — the S&P 500 fell 6%, while the Dow Jones lost over 2,000 points. China also declared a retaliatory tariff hike of 34% on all US imports starting April 10.

Such aggressive tariff increases are likely to push up prices globally, slow economic growth, and worsen trade relationships. US inflation data expected this week may show a 0.3% increase for March, but analysts believe prices could soon spike further — affecting essentials like food and automobiles.

Rising input costs are set to eat into company profits as Q1 earnings season begins. Around 87% of US companies are scheduled to report between April 11 and May 9. “We expect fewer companies to issue forward guidance this season,” Goldman Sachs analysts noted.

They further warned, “Higher tariff rates could leave companies with a choice — raise product prices or accept tighter margins. Either way, we foresee negative adjustments to profit margin expectations in the coming quarters.”

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell also remarked that Trump’s tariff measures were “larger than expected,” adding that inflation and growth would both likely be impacted, leaving the economic outlook uncertain.

The Nasdaq officially slipped into bear market territory last Friday, while oil and commodity prices also crashed amid the global sell-off triggered by the US tariff announcement.

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Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an eye hospital dedicated to Golwalkar, Modi reiterated his government’s long-term vision for the country. “In Ayodhya, I said that we are laying the foundation of a Bharat that will remain strong for the next 1,000 years. Under the guidance of Hedgewar and Guruji (Golwalkar), we will achieve a developed India. We will not let the sacrifices of our ancestors go in vain,” he affirmed.

As India moves toward its centenary of independence in 2047, Modi highlighted the RSS’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s trajectory. “When the RSS was founded in 1925, the country was in the midst of its struggle for independence. Now, as we complete 100 years, we stand at another critical juncture—one where we must build a stronger, self-reliant India,” he stated.

The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of the next 25 years in India’s growth story, calling it a crucial period for achieving ambitious national objectives. Quoting Golwalkar, he remarked, “The true measure of life is not its duration, but its contribution to society.”

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University’s Response

Following the controversy, the university issued a statement clarifying that its course is designed to provide an academic perspective on Hinduism and is not intended to misrepresent or offend any religious group. It emphasized that terms used in religious studies, such as fundamentalism, may differ in meaning from their public or political interpretations, leading to misunderstandings.

The university also stated that it does not typically review individual lectures but ensures that all courses meet established academic and pedagogical standards. It confirmed that the concerns raised by student Vasant Bhatt were reviewed by the dean and the director of religious studies, who subsequently discussed them with the course instructor, Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey.

Professor’s Clarification

Professor Ullrey, the instructor of the Lived Hindu Religion course, defended his teaching, asserting that his approach is rooted in descriptive anthropology rather than prescriptive theology. He stressed that his objective is to highlight the historical depth, rationality, and complexity of Hindu religious traditions.

Rejecting claims that he referred to Hinduism as a colonial construct or a political tool, Ullrey stated, “I never declared anything to be the essence of Hinduism, which would contradict both the course and my own research.” He also refuted reports that misquoted him as saying Hinduism was not an ancient, lived tradition.

He clarified that the course traces Hindu religious traditions back to the earliest scriptures of 1500 BCE and explores the development of rituals and mythologies from ancient times to the present. He asserted that his lectures address multiple perspectives on Hinduism, with no single interpretation being considered definitive.

The Controversy

The dispute began when Vasant Bhatt, a political science student at UH, accused the course of distorting Hinduism’s history and presenting it as an oppressive political tool. He filed a formal complaint with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, alleging that the professor’s teachings misrepresented the religion.

In response, the university upheld its stance on academic freedom while acknowledging the student’s concerns. It reiterated that the course is part of a broader academic effort to understand religious movements and is not intended to promote any particular ideology or perspective.

As discussions continue, the controversy has sparked debates on how Hinduism is represented in academic settings, with students and scholars weighing in on the balance between religious sensitivity and academic inquiry.

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An Unbelievable Shock

Prince Suman, who sells eggs from a handcart, was speechless when he learned that his name was linked to such a massive sum. His family was equally stunned, unable to comprehend how an ordinary street vendor could be caught in such a serious financial inquiry. Overwhelmed and confused, Prince had no idea how to respond.

In an attempt to clear his name, he approached local authorities, including the Superintendent of Police in Damoh district. However, what followed was even more shocking.

A Fraudulent Company Registered in His Name

Further investigation revealed that fraudsters had misused Prince’s personal details to register a fake company named “Prince Enterprise” in Delhi in December 2022. Using his identity, they obtained a GST number and carried out financial transactions worth crores before shutting the company down.

The company’s registered address was traced to Zone 3, Ward 33, Shop No. D 31, Flatted Factory Jhandewalan, Fitted Factory Complex, Delhi. The egg seller, who had never been to Delhi, found himself tangled in an elaborate fraud scheme.

A Growing Scam Targeting Innocent People

Similar cases of identity theft and financial fraud have been reported across Madhya Pradesh in recent years. Many victims, including young workers and students, have unknowingly become the face of fraudulent transactions they never authorized.

Authorities are now working to unravel the scam and track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, victims like Prince are left struggling to prove their innocence and deal with the legal nightmare they never saw coming.

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In a major development, Members of Parliament (MPs) will receive a 24% salary hike, with their monthly salary increasing from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh, following a gazette notification issued by the parliamentary affairs ministry on Monday. Additionally, the monthly pension for former MPs has been revised from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000.

This is the first salary revision since 2018, when the government introduced an inflation-linked mechanism for automatic salary adjustments every five years. The new salary structure will be effective from April 1, 2023. A senior Lok Sabha official revealed that Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will soon meet to discuss additional increments, including MPs’ constituency allowance, furniture allowance, and office expenses.

The daily allowance for attending parliamentary sessions and official duties has also been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per day. Moreover, the additional pension for every year of service beyond five years has been raised from ₹2,000 per month to ₹2,500 per month.

Despite this increase, Indian MPs remain among the lower-paid legislators globally on a purchasing power parity basis, according to an Inter-Parliamentary Union report from 2012. In comparison, lawmakers in countries like Brazil, the US, the UK, Russia, Germany, and France receive higher salaries.

Background and Previous Recommendations

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, MPs voluntarily accepted a 30% salary cut, with their salaries temporarily reduced by ₹30,000 per month to contribute to Covid relief efforts. This reduction was formalized through a bill passed in Parliament.

A parliamentary panel in 2015, led by then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath, had recommended a 100% salary hike and a 75% pension increase for MPs. The same committee proposed raising the pension for former MPs from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 and doubling the daily sitting allowance to ₹4,000.

While the current revision falls short of these earlier demands, discussions are ongoing about increasing MPs’ constituency allowances from ₹70,000 to ₹87,000, office expenses by ₹15,000 to ₹65,000, and furniture allowances by ₹25,000 to ₹1.25 lakh.

Reacting to the salary hike, Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria stated, “Considering inflation, this increase is not sufficient.” Meanwhile, BJP MP Malvika Devi welcomed the raise but added, “I would have been happier if funds for the MPLADS (MP Local Area Development Scheme) had also been increased.”

The latest hike follows the provisions of the Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, which ties MPs’ salaries to the Cost Inflation Index under the Income Tax Act, 1961. With this automatic revision mechanism in place, lawmakers are set to receive periodic hikes every five years, ensuring their salaries keep pace with inflation

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