President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended their greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami.

In a post on X, Murmu expressed her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone celebrating the sacred festival of Ram Navami. She emphasized that this festival embodies the principles of religion, justice, and duty.

She noted that Lord Shri Ram, revered as Maryada Purushottam, exemplifies the ideals of sacrifice, commitment, harmony, and courage. Murmu urged all citizens to take a pledge on this auspicious occasion to work collectively towards building a developed India.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his wishes, stating that he hopes the blessings of Lord Ram will always guide everyone in their endeavors. Later in the day, he plans to visit Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to offer prayers at the Ramanathaswamy temple.

“Ram Navami greetings to all! May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always be with us and guide us in all our endeavors,” he wrote on X, also mentioning his anticipation of his visit to Rameswaram.

Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also shared his wishes for Ram Navami, hoping that this divine festival brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone.

In Rameswaram, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, around noon. He will also flag off a train and a ship from the road bridge while observing the operation of the bridge.

Following this, at approximately 12:45 p.m., he will perform darshan and puja at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Around 1:30 p.m., Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate various rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore to the nation in Tamil Nadu, and deliver a speech to the gathered crowd on this momentous occasion.

During his official visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with members of the historic 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning Sri Lankan team, celebrating their iconic victory that inspired a generation of sports fans.

Modi, who arrived in Colombo on Friday night for high-level bilateral talks and the signing of key agreements between India and Sri Lanka, took time to reconnect with cricket history and appreciate the shared sporting legacy of the two nations.

“Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!” the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X, reflecting on the interaction.

The interaction included celebrated cricketers such as Kumara Dharmasena, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, and Marvan Atapattu, who were part of the legendary team that defeated Australia by seven wickets in the final held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 17, 1996. Aravinda de Silva’s unbeaten 107 in that match remains one of the most memorable innings in World Cup history.

The team presented PM Modi with a memento, adding a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship to the diplomatic visit. Photos from the meet-up were shared on the PM’s official handle with the caption, “In Colombo, PM @narendramodi interacted with the members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. Here are a few glimpses from their interaction.”

The meeting highlighted not just a celebration of sporting excellence but also strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka through shared cricketing heritage.

Authorities have issued notices to 300 individuals who protested against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, by wearing black badges during Friday prayers. They have been required to submit bonds of ₹2 lakh each, the police official said on Sunday.

Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi have filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf Bill.

The number of individuals initially identified stood at 24 by Saturday. Superintendent of Police (City) Satyanarayan Prajapat stated that notices were issued to 300 individuals after they were recognized through CCTV footage. Police are continuing efforts to identify additional protesters. Prajapat confirmed to reporters on Saturday that 24 notices had previously been served.

The notices, issued by City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap based on the police report, require the protesters to present a bond of ₹2 lakh each when they appear in court on April 16. The individuals who received these notices had worn black badges on their arms during prayers at various mosques on March 28 to express their dissent against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill early on Friday after the Rajya Sabha passed the controversial legislation following a debate that lasted more than 13 hours. The discussion was marked by strong opposition from various parties, which criticized the Bill as “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional,” while the government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community.

In the Rajya Sabha, the Bill received support from 128 members, while 95 voted against it. Earlier, in the Lok Sabha, it was approved with 288 in favor and 232 opposed. President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent to the Bill on Saturday.