Local Round-up: From Rescue Ops in Myanmar to US Vice President's India Visit—Headlines That Gripped India This Week

Local Round-up brings you what's happening across the country in travel, food, infrastructure, and sports. We have curated the updates from the weekend and the beginning of this week for you. So, read these below.

Mumbai Tops Uber’s Lost and Found Index for 2024

Mumbai leads the way once again—this time in forgetfulness. According to Uber’s annual Lost and Found Index, the city ranked number one in India for items left behind in cabs. From the quirky (a gold biscuit, a wig, a cricket bat) to the essential (phones, wallets, even a wheelchair), the list reflects the everyday chaos of urban commuting. The report also noted that Indians are most forgetful on Saturdays and during late-night rides. Uber releases this annual index not just as a quirky PR piece but to underline its item recovery policies and raise awareness on returning lost goods.

SC Sets 3-Month Deadline for President on Bills Referred by Governors

In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the President must take a decision within three months on any state bill forwarded by governors. This verdict marks a landmark moment in the ongoing friction between state governments and governors appointed by the Centre. The court's move seeks to prevent indefinite delays that disrupt legislative processes and create governance bottlenecks. Political analysts view this as a major step toward upholding federal integrity and constitutional accountability, especially in non-BJP ruled states that have raised concerns over governor inaction in the past year.

Kerala’s Gopika Govind Becomes First Tribal Woman Air Hostess

At just 24, Gopika Govind has soared into history as Kerala’s first tribal air hostess. The daughter of a daily-wage worker, Gopika’s path was anything but easy—she enrolled in an aviation course while juggling economic hardship and societal expectations. Her achievement is more than a personal milestone—it represents a breakthrough for tribal representation in mainstream industries like aviation. Celebrated widely on social media, Gopika’s journey is being hailed as a beacon of aspiration and resilience, especially for young girls from underrepresented communities in India.

PM Modi to Host US Vice President JD Vance and Wife Usha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to host US Vice President JD Vance and his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance during their private visit to India. While the trip is non-official in nature, sources suggest the meeting will include informal discussions over a private meal at the PM’s residence. This is seen as a gesture of strengthening Indo-US ties, especially with the Vances’ cultural connection to India. Diplomatic watchers believe the visit, though personal, could pave the way for deeper engagements in the run-up to the U.S. elections and India’s upcoming G20 commitments.

Vinesh Phogat Chooses Rs. 4 Crore Over Govt Job After Olympic Disqualification

After being disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to weight category issues, wrestler Vinesh Phogat declined a government job offered by the Haryana government and opted instead for a Rs. 4 crore cash reward. Her decision has sparked debate on athlete compensation, mental health, and freedom of choice in post-competition careers. While some critics questioned the move, fans and sportspersons lauded her for choosing what aligns with her goals. Vinesh, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, has often spoken out about athlete welfare and has now chosen to invest in herself, rather than enter a bureaucratic role.

1,942 Indian Pilgrims Granted Visas for Gurdwara Visit in Pakistan

As Baisakhi approaches, 1,942 Indian Sikhs have been granted visas to travel to Pakistan for a 10-day pilgrimage to historic gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Nankana Sahib. The trip is coordinated by the SGPC and is part of ongoing people-to-people diplomacy between India and Pakistan, despite strained political ties. For many pilgrims, this journey is more than religious—it’s a rare opportunity to connect with ancestral roots and shared heritage across the border. Security has been ramped up on both sides, and the Pakistan High Commission has stated full support for the yatra.

Delhi Records Hottest April Day in Three Years at 41.6°C

Delhi sizzled this week with the mercury touching 41.6°C—marking the hottest April day in the past three years. The sweltering heat prompted red alerts in several parts of the capital and a rush for water, shade, and electricity. Authorities advised citizens to stay indoors during peak hours and stay hydrated. The rising temperature has also triggered concerns over early summer heatwaves and their long-term impacts on public health, water resources, and electricity grids. Climate experts warn that such spikes will become increasingly common unless urgent environmental action is taken.

ASI Restores 'Juma Masjid' Name to Sambhal Mosque

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has replaced the signboard outside the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, restoring its older name—Juma Masjid. The move has stirred a mix of reactions. While some see it as a correction of historical records, others view it as a politically motivated gesture in the current climate of name changes. The ASI stated it was following archival evidence to correct the mosque's official nomenclature. This comes amidst a wider trend of renaming towns, streets, and monuments across India that critics say reflects rising majoritarian cultural assertion.

Sensex Crashes Over 2,200 Points, Rs. 14 Lakh Crore Investor Wealth Wiped Out

The Indian stock market witnessed one of its sharpest crashes in recent months, with the BSE Sensex plunging over 2,200 points in a single day. This resulted in a staggering Rs. 14 lakh crore loss in investor wealth. Market analysts attributed the fall to global tensions, weak tech sector performance, and inflationary concerns. Small investors bore the brunt, and financial advisors are now urging caution and diversified portfolios. The crash has reignited debates over market volatility and the need for stronger regulatory buffers in an increasingly unpredictable global economic climate.

Censor Board Delays Film 'Phule' Over Caste References

The release of Phule, a biopic on reformer Jyotirao Phule, has been postponed after the censor board reportedly objected to references to caste discrimination in the script. The delay has sparked criticism from filmmakers, historians, and Dalit activists, who argue that sanitising history undermines its impact. Directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi, the film was expected to ignite vital conversations around social justice. Now, with the postponement, many fear the larger message of caste reform is being suppressed in a politically sensitive environment.

60+ Indians Rescued from Myanmar Cyber Scam Centres

In a dramatic cross-border rescue, over 60 Indians trapped in cyber-scam centres in Myanmar were freed and brought home. Many victims reported horrific treatment, including beatings and being forced to work in digital fraud operations targeting Indian citizens. The crackdown led to the arrest of five agents who had illegally trafficked these individuals under the guise of job offers. Authorities say efforts are underway to dismantle the larger trafficking network. This is the latest in a string of such operations, raising alarms over growing human trafficking tied to online scam syndicates in Southeast Asia.

Indian Railways Denies Loco Pilots' Demand for Toilet, Meal Breaks

In a startling development, Indian Railways has rejected demands from loco pilots for designated toilet and meal breaks during long-haul journeys. The decision, reportedly made to maintain tight schedules, has drawn widespread criticism from labour unions and rights activists. Pilots, who are responsible for the safety of thousands of passengers, often endure 8–10 hour stretches without a break. The refusal highlights ongoing issues with working conditions and has prompted calls for humane reforms in India’s overburdened railway system.