AIADMK has finalized seat-sharing with seven NDA allies in Tamil Nadu for the April 23 Assembly elections, allocating 65 seats to partners like BJP (27), PMK (18), and AMMK (11). The AIADMK will contest the remaining 169 constituencies. This move solidifies the alliance's structure ahead of the crucial contest against the ruling DMK.

Veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is stable and under observation at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital after being admitted Tuesday night due to feeling unwell following a weather change. Doctors are conducting investigations for potential stomach and urinary tract infections, with antibiotics administered as part of her treatment. Her condition is being closely monitored by a medical team.

Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections are poised for close contests, mirroring the 2021 polls where narrow victory margins and fragmented vote shares were prevalent. Despite a consistent but limited NOTA presence, the focus remains on micro-level swings and party strength, as recent local body elections indicate potential shifts in tightly contested constituencies.

Gujarat has passed its Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026. This makes it the second Indian state to adopt a unified law for marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed it as a historic step for equality. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated the UCC will ensure equal rights and dignity for women across all communities.

The Supreme Court has sharply criticized Haryana Police and the Child Welfare Committee for their insensitive handling of a three-year-old rape survivor's case. The court condemned summoning the minor to the police station and expressed concern over the apparent downgrading of charges under the Pocso Act, emphasizing the need for a child-sensitive approach.

As West Bengal assembly elections approach, the BJP and TMC are trading sharp accusations. BJP chief Nitin Nabin alleged Hindus need court permission for puja pandals while Muslims can offer namaz freely. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered, calling the BJP an 'anti-Bengali' party and raising concerns about voter roll deletions and citizenship.

India's drug regulator is cracking down on the easy availability of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs following nationwide raids. Inspections revealed significant gaps in how these prescription medicines are sold and promoted, with concerns over sales without prescriptions and inadequate medical oversight. Authorities are intensifying enforcement to curb misuse and ensure these drugs are only dispensed under strict medical supervision.

The Congress party has received an eviction notice for its long-standing national headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, with a deadline of March 28. The party alleges the move is politically motivated by the BJP government to divert attention from the Iran war. Congress plans to challenge the notice in court, calling it undemocratic and illegal.

Following Prime Minister Modi's statements on the West Asia conflict, the government has convened an all-party meeting to foster a united parliamentary voice. The meeting aims to address opposition concerns and present a unified stance on the escalating crisis, which impacts India's energy supply and its large diaspora in the Gulf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of seven empowered groups to assess the impact of the West Asian conflict on India's energy supplies, essential commodities, and supply chains. These quick-response teams will develop strategies to mitigate economic repercussions, drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic playbook.

Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, labeling it a «universal joke» and «compromised.» He questioned India's diminished role in international affairs, citing Pakistan's potential mediation in the Iran war. Gandhi asserted that Modi's personal approach has left India without a clear stance on global issues, making the Prime Minister's parliamentary speeches seem «irrelevant.»

A Delhi court has sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment for conspiring against the state. Her associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, received 30-year sentences. The court found they plotted to secede Kashmir from India, emphasizing that leniency would embolden such secessionist aims.

The Delhi High Court has refused to quash a CBI case against RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family in the alleged land-for-railway-jobs scam. The court rejected arguments that the FIR was unsustainable due to the timing of the Prevention of Corruption Act amendment.

India's informal sector added nearly 75 lakh jobs between January and December 2025, signaling a strong recovery from recent economic shocks. The 'other services' sector led growth with 35 lakh new jobs, while manufacturing and trade also saw significant additions. The number of informal establishments also grew by 8%.

The Supreme Court expressed disapproval of a PIL requesting separate enumeration of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in the upcoming census. The bench suggested the petition's motive might be to gain SC/ST status, calling such moves «calculated» and potentially aimed at dividing India. Despite recommendations for enumeration since 2000, the government has not acted.

Election Commission convened with top officials from poll-bound states and their neighbors to bolster election preparedness. The focus was on ensuring peaceful polls by strengthening border security and curbing illegal activities like cash, liquor, and drug smuggling. All agencies were directed to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent violence and inducements.

The Supreme Court has ordered the armed forces to pay full pension to hundreds of women short service commission officers whose permanent commission was unfairly denied due to arbitrary ACR assessments.

Lok Sabha approved the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026 via voice vote, despite opposition calls for wider consultations. The government stated the changes aim to ensure benefits reach genuine transgender individuals, moving away from self-perceived gender identity and introducing a medical board for certification. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Modi has cautioned about a prolonged disruption stemming from the West Asia conflict. He stated this crisis will be a major test for India, potentially leading to an energy crisis and serious global economic consequences.

The Supreme Court ruled that only individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be members of Scheduled Castes. Conversion to any other religion results in an absolute loss of SC status, preventing invocation of the SC/ST Act. This ruling contrasts with Scheduled Tribes, where religion is not a basis for exclusion.

Indian Railways has revised its ticket cancellation refund policy, with no refunds for cancellations made less than eight hours before departure. Cancellations between 8-24 hours will incur a 50% deduction, and 25% for 24-72 hours prior. These changes aim to curb black marketing of tickets by touts.

India is actively discussing the US's conditional waiver for the Chabahar Port with relevant parties, which extends until April 2026. A recent ten-year contract was signed with Iran for port operations, with India fulfilling its $120 million equipment commitment. The government is addressing implications following changes in the US sanctions framework.

The US is shifting its India strategy towards a pragmatic, interest-driven approach, emphasizing strength and collaboration for Indo-Pacific stability. Undersecretary Elbridge Colby highlighted India's crucial role as a «waxing power,» suggesting a move away from idealistic notions towards realistic geopolitical partnerships. This focus on shared security outcomes and burden-sharing signals a more transactional engagement.

President Trump and PM Modi discussed the West Asia situation, emphasizing the critical need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. Modi reiterated India's support for de-escalation and peace, highlighting the importance of safe passage for global stability and economic well-being.

Political activity in Tamil Nadu is heating up ahead of the assembly elections. Major alliances are firming up their strategies. The DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA front are expected to be the main contenders. The BJP is aiming to increase its presence. Past election results show a strong DMK performance.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, defining transgender individuals to exclude those with different sexual orientations or self-perceived identities. The bill aims to protect a specific social and cultural group facing extreme discrimination, with new provisions for authority designation and graded punishments for offenses. Opposition members criticized the bill for limiting self-determination.

A Delhi court has handed down life imprisonment to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi for conspiring against the state. Her associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, received 30-year sentences. The court found they plotted Kashmir's secession from India, using speeches and social media to advocate for its merger with Pakistan and portray it as under illegal occupation.

The US views India as crucial for a balanced Indo-Pacific, emphasizing deeper defense and strategic ties. A senior official highlighted shared interests in a region free from single-power dominance. Both nations aim to enhance operational interoperability and India's defense capabilities, fostering co-production and a strong domestic industry.

From agitprop accusations to civilisational storytelling: why Dhurandhar duology has struck such a nerve...