Kerala braces for a complex election as chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeks a rare third term. The traditional LDF-UDF rivalry faces a new challenge from the BJP's expanding footprint. With victories often decided by thousands of votes, this election hinges on micro-shifts and local dynamics, promising a tight, multi-layered contest.

Ravikant Kisana is an academic and the author of ‘Meet the Savarnas’. He also podcasts and performs live under the moniker Buffalo Intellectual.

K Annamalai's absence from the BJP's candidate list for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections has sparked speculation. Despite being sidelined, Annamalai pledged to support all NDA candidates aiming for a significant victory. His removal as state president and subsequent marginalization are linked to alliance dynamics with AIADMK and caste considerations.

BJP released its Tamil Nadu candidate list, excluding K Annamalai. An Iranian oil tanker rerouted to China due to payment issues. A French ship crossed Hormuz, hinting at changing Iran-France relations. Bhagwant Mann defended Raghav Chadha's removal from a Rajya Sabha post. Yuvraj Singh apologized for his father's remarks to Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party leadership will decide on the chief ministerial face for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, emphasizing his long-standing relationship with the Nehru family. He expressed confidence in the UDF's victory, highlighting their comprehensive manifesto and criticizing the LDF government's performance over the past decade.

West Bengal's upcoming assembly polls see the common phrase 'Mache Bhate Bangali' (Bengali by fish and rice) become a potent political symbol. The TMC is leveraging this cultural identity against the BJP, which it accuses of imposing North Indian vegetarian culture. Fish, deeply ingrained in Bengali life, now represents pride and a defense against perceived cultural invasion.

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil, initially bound for India, has rerouted to China. Payment issues appear to be the primary driver for this change, as sellers are reportedly tightening credit terms. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in facilitating Iranian oil trade, even with temporary US sanctions waivers.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on PM Modi, demanding his resignation if infiltrators are on voter lists, as she questioned the electoral roll challenges. She also blamed AIMIM and ISF for the Malda judicial officers' gherao, accusing Congress and BJP of instigation.

DMK MP Kanimozhi asserted that Tamil Nadu voters are backing the Secular Progressive Alliance over the BJP-led NDA, citing the DMK's commitment to protecting Tamil people's future. She highlighted the alliance's policy-based approach and the government's fulfillment of welfare promises, including increased financial assistance for women.

Chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi expressed confidence that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir will soon rejoin India, citing the desire of its people and the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation. He highlighted a transformed Kashmir with increased prosperity and tourism, urging continued visits despite past incidents.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared a video of him discussing Kerala's upcoming 2026 assembly elections with UDF leaders over local snacks. He emphasized the need for change, highlighting education reform, youth opportunities, and better social support. Gandhi expressed confidence in the UDF's readiness to lead, positioning them as renewed hope for the state.

Raghav Chadha, removed as AAP's Rajya Sabha deputy leader, asserted his silence in Parliament is not defeat. He questioned the party's high command after AAP requested the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to stop him from speaking, stating his focus has always been on raising public issues.

A public spat erupted between AAP and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha after his removal as deputy leader. Chadha claimed he was «silenced» and prevented from raising public issues in Parliament. The party, however, accused him of fearing Prime Minister Modi and hesitating to address crucial national concerns, exposing internal leadership tensions.

Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha accused the government of political manoeuvring by proposing amendments to the women's reservation law, alleging it's timed for the upcoming assembly elections. The government defended its right to decide legislative timing, emphasising a commitment to women's empowerment and dismissing election-related motives. A heated exchange ensued over the implementation timeline.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla celebrated the Artemis II Moon mission launch, drawing parallels to his own experiences at Kennedy Space Center. He highlighted the historic significance of the launch pad, echoing Neil Armstrong's legacy. Shukla expressed pride in witnessing the astronauts' journey, underscoring India's growing collaboration with NASA through the Artemis Accords and its independent lunar ambitions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly addressed the situation with Pakistan, asserting that any further provocations would prompt a reaction that would be both 'unprecedented and decisive.' He shared that Operation Sindoor brought India mere moments away from a significant sea strike, effectively incapacitating Pakistan's terror apparatus in a swift 22 minutes after the attack in Pahalgam.

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, a remarkable 62.7% surge. This achievement underscores growing global confidence in India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Major exports include missile systems, artillery, and aircraft, reaching over 80 countries, solidifying India's position as a significant global defence exporter.

J&K's State Investigating Agency has charged Sabar Hussain from Poonch for aiding terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of a government employee in Rajouri two years ago. Hussain allegedly provided shelter and support to Lashkar-e-Taiba/TRF militants involved in the fatal attack on Mohammed Razaq. Prima facie, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are established.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are calling the collapse of a Rs 67-crore bridge 'minor,' bizarrely attributing it to divine intervention and refusing any investigation. Even with repair costs soaring past Rs 38 crore, critics suspect the administration is protecting the contractors responsible for the shoddy construction.

The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over an attack on judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda, citing a breakdown in law and order. The apex court has issued show-cause notices to top state officials and ordered central forces for officer protection. A central agency will investigate the 'deliberate and calculated' attempt to obstruct justice.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded a swift, transparent investigation into the killing of a man in an alleged encounter. The deceased's family claims he had no terror links and was preparing to join the Army. Authorities are urged to make facts public to maintain credibility amid grave allegations.

The Election Commission has handed over the investigation into the gherao of judicial officers in Malda, West Bengal, to the National Investigation Agency. This move follows strong criticism from the Supreme Court regarding the state's «complete failure» to protect officers during electoral roll revision. An NIA team is set to begin its probe soon.

Trekkers given food that induced nausea, weakened them so they couldn't continue on foot & needed emergency flights

India assures ample fuel and gas supplies amidst West Asia conflict, with the Navy actively escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted PM Modi's diplomatic efforts and the nation's preparedness. Meanwhile, the Navy Chief noted evolving maritime competition beyond energy to critical resources and data, emphasizing increased marine activity and potential infringements on sovereign rights.

Arpita Saini triumphed at the Times Internet Half Marathon 21K, clocking 01:25:01. Ruksaana secured second place at 01:27:38, followed by Bhumi Negi in third at 01:34:33. The challenging course tested runners, with the final kilometres proving decisive for these top finishers who demonstrated remarkable endurance and control.

India is set to join the UK-led discussions focusing on reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Foreign Secretary is expected to represent India at this pivotal meeting.

Parliament is set to reconvene on April 16 to consider legislation that could increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women. This move aims to implement a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, significantly altering the country's political landscape and reinforcing the government's women's empowerment agenda.