Today, Monday, April 20, 2026, India’s news cycle is a mix of high-stakes election drama in West Bengal, industrial accidents, and significant diplomatic moves.
Here are the top 10 India news headlines for today:
1. Fire at Rajasthan’s Pachpadra Refinery Ahead of PM’s Visit
A major fire broke out at the HPCL Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex in Rajasthan’s Balotra district today. The incident occurred just 24 hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit the site to dedicate the ₹79,450 crore project to the nation.
2. Rajnath Singh Promises “Durga Squad” in West Bengal
Campaigning in Birbhum, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed that a BJP government in West Bengal would establish a “Durga Squad” specifically for women’s safety. He also promised the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.
3. “It’s All Drama”: Mamata Banerjee on PM’s Jhalmuri Pit Stop
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee lashed out at PM Modi today, calling his recent unscheduled stop to buy jhalmuri (puffed rice) during a campaign tour a “scripted drama.” She questioned how cameras were conveniently present for the “impromptu” moment.
4. CBI Arrests Two Reliance Communications Executives
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested two senior executives of Reliance Communications Ltd. (Rcom) today. The arrests are linked to a bank fraud case involving a loss of roughly ₹2,929 crore to the State Bank of India.
5. JEE Main Session 2 Results Expected Today
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is likely to release the results and scorecards for the JEE Main 2026 April session today. Students are closely monitoring the official website as the link for the BE/BTech paper results is expected shortly.
6. Heatwave Alert Issued for North India
The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Temperatures in Bathinda have already hit 41°C, and experts predict a further rise of up to 5 degrees across the region by April 23.
7. NSA Ajit Doval Holds High-Level Ties in Riyadh
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with senior officials in Saudi Arabia today to strengthen bilateral security ties and discuss regional stability, particularly regarding the ongoing maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
8. PM Modi Announces India-Korea Friendship Festival
Highlighting the popularity of K-Pop and K-Dramas, PM Modi announced the launch of the India-Korea Friendship Festival (April 20–28). The initiative aims to deepen cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
9. CAs Demand GSTR-3B Deadline Extension
Chartered Accountants and tax professionals across India are calling for an extension of the GSTR-3B filing deadline (due today, April 20). Many reported extreme slowness and technical glitches on the GST portal, preventing timely submissions.
10. Manipur on Edge Following Protests Over Children’s Deaths
Security forces in Manipur remain on high alert today following protests over the killing of two children. Police have warned that “anti-social elements” are allegedly using the protests to instigate violence using petrol bombs and projectiles.
