Good morning. Here are the top news headlines for April 14, 2026, covering important developments from across India and around the world.

National News

  • Thousands bid farewell to Asha Bhosle in Mumbai

Thousands of people gathered in Mumbai as legendary singer Asha Bhosle was given her final farewell. Crowds lined the streets from Lower Parel to Shivaji Park, showing the deep impact she had on Indian music and culture.

  • 11 killed in van and truck collision in Thane district

At least eleven people lost their lives after an overcrowded van collided with a transit mixer truck in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and overcrowded transport.

  • India nearing key decision on women’s reservation law: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is close to implementing the Women’s Reservation Act, calling it one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century. The law aims to increase women’s representation in Parliament from 2029.

  • Mamata Banerjee claims political opposition alliance against her

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that multiple states and the Centre are working together against her, while she continues to fight for common people ahead of elections.

  • Congress backs Pawan Khera amid legal challenge

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the party stands firmly with Pawan Khera after a legal case was challenged in the Supreme Court, signalling ongoing political tensions between parties.

  • Opposition parties to meet on women’s reservation law

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a meeting of opposition parties on April 15 to discuss the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, criticising the Centre for lack of consultation.

  • Supreme Court seeks responses on MSP plea

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Centre to respond to a plea regarding how minimum support prices (MSP) for crops are calculated, which is important for farmers’ income.

  • Court considers women’s representation in bar council elections

The Supreme Court has directed a panel to decide how women can be included in state bar council elections to ensure 30 per cent representation, promoting gender equality in the legal field.

  • SC issues notice on biometric voting system plea

The Supreme Court has sought responses on a proposal to introduce fingerprint and iris-based biometric systems at polling stations to prevent duplicate voting and improve election transparency.

  • Umar Khalid seeks review of bail denial

Student activist Umar Khalid has approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of a previous verdict that denied him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.

  • Centre and Tamil Nadu clash over paddy bonus issue

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin over claims related to paddy bonus, reflecting tensions between the Centre and state governments on farmer policies.

  • Retail inflation rises slightly to 3.4 per cent in March

Government data showed that retail inflation increased marginally to 3.4 per cent in March. This affects the cost of living and is an important indicator of the country’s economic health.

International News

  • Trump issues stark warning as US enforces Iran port blockade

Washington: As the United States moved to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports on Monday, President Donald Trump warned Tehran against any attempt to interfere with the operation.

  • NATO allies reject Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade plan

Washington: Key allies of the NATO on Monday, have made it clear that they will not take part in President Donald Trump’s proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, signalling growing strain within the alliance.

  • US-Iran talks build goodwill despite no agreement

Talks led by US Vice President JD Vance with Iran reportedly helped improve relations, even though no formal agreement was reached. This is significant for global peace efforts.

  • Australia’s first female army chief in 125-year history

Canberra: Australia has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the Chief of Army, making her the first woman to lead the Australian Army in its 125-year history.

  • Pope Leo XIV hits back at Trump, says he has ‘no fear’ of US administration

US-born Pope Leo XIV pushed back Monday on President Donald Trump’s broadside against him over the US-Israel war in Iran, adding that the Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the Gospel, and that he doesn’t fear the Trump administration.