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...

AIADMK released its Tamil Nadu Assembly election manifesto, promising Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for female heads of households and Rs 10,000 for every family. The manifesto also includes promises of free refrigerators, extended bus travel for men, and three free cooking gas cylinders annually for ration cardholders.

Phubbing stems largely from social media addiction and undermines people-to-people interactions

The Supreme Court questioned West Bengal's objection to the ED's plea alleging obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a raid. Justices emphasized the fundamental rights of individual ED officers, urging the state to focus on their alleged victimhood rather than just the agency.

Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, labeling it a «personal» and «universal joke,» and suggesting Modi is «compromised» by US President Trump. Gandhi also voiced concerns over rising LPG and fuel prices, warning of public suffering and questioning the Prime Minister's handling of the situation, contrasting it with the COVID-19 pandemic's tragedies.

The Supreme Court ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism to other religions lose their Scheduled Caste status. The top court upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court order, stating that professing a different faith, like Christianity, disqualifies one from SC benefits and protections under the SC/ST Act. This bar is absolute, regardless of birth or caste certificates.

Amid escalating West Asia tensions and reports of an LPG crisis, the government convened an all-party meeting. Opposition leaders voiced concerns over the handling of the conflict and its impact on India's energy security. Prime Minister Modi is set to address Parliament on the economic and security implications, while defence officials reviewed preparedness

Following Tamil Nadu's move to regulate cosmetic clinics, doctors nationwide are demanding similar oversight. Experts warn of rising complications from procedures like hair transplants, fuelled by social media. The Indian Association of Dermatologists urges the adoption of national guidelines to combat quackery and protect patients, emphasising the need for qualified practitioners and proper infrastructure.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address in Parliament on the ongoing Middle East conflict, alleging that the speech lacked scope for discussion and resembled a 'one-way communication'.

The Supreme Court has demanded asset details of close relatives from both sides of a woman accused in a Rs 3,700 crore ponzi scam before considering her bail plea. The court expressed strong disapproval of the defense's claim that the accused couple has no assets, emphasizing the need to trace public funds allegedly siphoned off.

The Supreme Court has strongly condemned a family court's decision to involve police in a child custody dispute, calling it «atrocious, unethical and unconstitutional.» Justices questioned the jurisdiction of a Bhopal court over Gurgaon police in enforcing child handover. Both doctor parents and their child have been summoned to the Supreme Court for direct interaction.

India's Air Force is set to significantly boost its capabilities by concluding major contracts in FY 2026-27. These include deals for 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 medium transport aircraft, and additional airborne early warning systems. The increased capital budget will fund these crucial acquisitions and ongoing modernization efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government on completing four years in office, lauding its efforts in driving development, ensuring good governance, and promoting public welfare across the state.

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'compromised' and controlled by US President Donald Trump, criticizing his speech on the West Asia conflict. Gandhi also voiced concerns over a trade deal he claims will harm Indian farmers and alleged the BJP-RSS are undermining tribal rights by promoting the term 'Vanvasi'.

The NDA has finalized its seat-sharing for Tamil Nadu polls, with AIADMK allocating 27 seats to BJP, 18 to PMK, and 11 to AMMK. This strategic distribution aims to balance electoral gains and coalition unity. BJP's focused allocation seeks to maximize its strike rate, leveraging AIADMK's strength in a state dominated by regional parties.

Veteran Indian sports journalist S Thyagarajan, a renowned hockey writer, passed away at 85 after a battle with age-related ailments. He covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games during his extensive career with 'The Hindu' and 'The Indian Express'. His contributions to sports journalism and hockey were immense, leaving an irreparable loss for the fraternity.