Local Round-up: India’s Trade Ban, Goa Temple Stampede to Vizhinjam Port Launch

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. 

India Bans All Direct and Indirect Imports from Pakistan Amid Heightened Tensions

In a significant diplomatic escalation, India has officially banned both direct and indirect imports from Pakistan. The move follows increasing strain in bilateral relations, particularly after recent cross-border incidents. This decision will impact third-party trade routed via countries such as the UAE. The ban signals India’s attempt to exert economic pressure while reevaluating its trade dependencies amid growing geopolitical volatility in the region.

Portals of Badrinath Dham Open with Ceremonial Grandeur for Devotees

Marking the beginning of the annual Char Dham Yatra, the portals of Badrinath Dham opened to thousands of pilgrims. Amid Vedic chants, flowers and traditional music, the revered Uttarakhand shrine welcomed devotees for the six-month summer pilgrimage season. Officials highlighted robust safety and logistical arrangements in place this year. The event marks both a religious milestone and a boost to spiritual tourism in the region.

FIR Filed Against Sonu Nigam for Remarks at Bengaluru Concert

An FIR has been registered against singer Sonu Nigam following allegedly provocative comments at a Bengaluru concert. The controversy erupted after audience members requested he sing a Kannada song. His remarks were termed ‘emotionally charged’ and perceived by some as offensive. The case underscores the ongoing linguistic sensitivity in Karnataka and the scrutiny faced by public performers engaging with regional sentiments.

Massive Fire Erupts at Delhi’s Dilli Haat; 30 Shops Gutted

A large fire broke out at Delhi’s popular Dilli Haat market, prompting the immediate deployment of 13 fire engines. The blaze, which damaged several stalls, was eventually brought under control with no reported casualties. Initial investigations suggest a short circuit may have caused the incident. Dilli Haat, known for its crafts and street food, remains temporarily shut. Authorities are now conducting a safety audit of similar public venues.

Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto’s X Handles Blocked in India

As diplomatic tensions rise, India has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto. The move reflects a broader clampdown on cross-border digital influence. Officials cited national security concerns as the basis for the ban. The action coincides with recent diplomatic rifts and heightened online scrutiny, fuelling debates on digital censorship and geopolitical messaging.

Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed 51st Chief Justice of India

Justice B.R. Gavai has been appointed the 51st Chief Justice of India and will take oath on 14 May. He is the second Dalit to hold the nation’s top judicial post. His elevation follows the retirement of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. Gavai’s tenure will be closely watched for its rulings on constitutional matters, minority rights and institutional reform within the judiciary.

Stampede at Goa’s Lairai Devi Temple Leaves Six Dead, Dozens Injured

A tragic stampede during the Lairai Zatra festival at Goa’s Sree Lairai Devi temple claimed six lives and injured over sixty others. Panic ensued as the crowd surged during a ritual fire walk. Authorities are investigating crowd control failures. The incident has cast a shadow over one of Goa’s most significant religious events, prompting calls for tighter security measures at large-scale festivals.

IMF Director from India Terminated Six Months Before End of Tenure

K.V. Subramanian’s tenure as India’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund has been cut short, with the government terminating his services unexpectedly. No official reason has been disclosed. Subramanian, formerly Chief Economic Adviser, had been appointed to the IMF post in 2022. The abrupt move raises questions about internal dynamics and India’s evolving stance within global financial institutions.

PM Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam Port, India’s First Deep-Water Transshipment Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala — India’s first deep-water transshipment hub. The port aims to compete with Colombo and Singapore for regional shipping traffic. Developed by Adani Ports, it’s expected to transform India’s maritime logistics and cut reliance on foreign ports. The project is a major boost to Kerala’s economy and India’s global trade ambitions.

Ayodhya Civic Body Bans Meat, Liquor Sales on 14-km Ram Path

To maintain the “spiritual sanctity” of the Ram Path in Ayodhya, the civic body has banned the sale of meat, liquor and tobacco advertising along the 14-km stretch. The path leads to the newly constructed Ram Mandir. Officials claim the move respects religious sentiment, though critics see it as a curtailment of individual freedoms. Enforcement will begin immediately, with shopkeepers being notified of the new restrictions.