Tamil Nadu's political landscape is shifting from a bipolar contest to a multi-cornered fight, with the DMK facing anti-incumbency and a fragmented opposition. New entrant TVK and established players like AIADMK and NTK are vying for influence, making this election a crucial transition phase for the state's political future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing the ongoing Middle East conflict. Both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure, while India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure.

India reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh's pursuit of justice over Pakistan's 1971 atrocities, noting Islamabad's continued denial of its crimes. Marking March 25 as Genocide Day, Bangladesh remembers the systematic murder and mass sexual crimes during Operation Searchlight. India stands with Bangladesh in its desire for accountability for these historical events.

TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK unveiled a 120-point manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, promising 85% jobs for Tamils, making Tamil the official language, and waiving all farmer loans. The party also pledged to increase rural employment days and restore the Old Pension Scheme, while seeking Bharat Ratna for Jayalalithaa.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan slammed the Congress in Tamil Nadu, citing MP Jothimani's public criticism of opaque constituency selection for the 2026 Assembly polls. He alleged a «deep divide» and «disarray» within the party, linking it to alleged ticket selling and a «compromised» Congress.

This is the first time a govt functionary has clarified on record that the group’s interest lay in Myanmar and India was merely a transit point. “No threat was posed to India’s security. It is our policy that any foreigner who visits India for any wrong act will not be spared,” he said.

As was the case when Election Commission released the first supplementary rolls close to midnight last Monday, there were more questions than CEO Manoj Agarwal had answers for. “About 37 lakh of the 60 lakh pending cases have been disposed of till now. After receiving the list from Calcutta HC, EC will take 4-6 hours to process and upload it on our server,” he said in the afternoon.

Noting that VVIPs “use air travel frequently for electioneering and other purposes in (small) aircraft” and choppers, DGCA said, “Analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying has often revealed violation of instructions and safety was jeopardised. It is essential that adequate measures are taken by all concerned to ensure the highest standards of safety for operation of such flights.”

RCom, Ambani, his close associates and some family members are under investigation in the purchase and sale of an apartment worth over Rs 70 crore in Manhattan, New York. Sources said the chargesheet has mentioned Vaishali Jairam Mane, besides Garg, as an accused. Mane was an RCom employee based in the US. ED had questioned Ambani and his son in this case earlier.

With her statement seen as a provocation to TMC women workers and supporters to launch attacks at polling stations in rural areas, posing a risk to the central armed police forces deployed there, of facing criminal charges were they to intervene and stop them, EC will examine if the statement amounts of provocation and interferes in discharge of duties by poll and security personnel.

In an interview with the US embassy publication, Span magazine, the ambassador also spoke about the significance of Quad as he predicted further strengthening of defence ties. “India is a Major Defence Partner, and defence cooperation is one of the brightest spots in our bilateral relationship. We also strengthen US-India military interoperability through participation in military exercises such as Malabar, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India,” said Gor.

On the recent controversy involving UGC regulations aimed at maintaining standards, quality and equity in Indian higher education, Pradhan refrained from detailed comment, noting the matter is sub judice. “The govt’s responsibility is to ensure that no one faces injustice or discrimination. We will abide by whatever directions court issues,” he said. Outlining the ministry’s broader priorities, Pradhan said the education system currently serves around 30 crore students, placing significant responsibility on policymakers.

Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. “I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products,” he said. While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.

In a letter to chief secretaries of states and UTs, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said only those industrial units that have registered with oil marketing companies, declaring the end use of gas cylinders, and have also signed up for the piped gas network will be eligible for the additional quota of LPG. He added that if LPG is used by certain industrial units for special purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements would stand waived.

Ships in the region are reporting repeated radio broadcasts over maritime channels warning vessels against transit. “Attention all ships… This is the Sepah Navy… navigation through Strait of Hormuz is forbidden… no ship is allowed to pass until further notice,” the radio messages repeatedly blare. Crews attributed these announcements to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

A horrific incident in Sangli, Maharashtra, saw a 10-year-old girl die after her father allegedly hung her upside down overnight, suspecting her of theft. The 11-year-old sister also endured similar torture and is hospitalized. Family members' attempts to intervene were met with threats. The accused farmer has been apprehended.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers. The focus was on the Middle East conflict's impact on fuel supply, inflation, and logistics. Discussions aimed to ensure coordinated action between the Centre and states. Preparedness for potential disruptions and maintaining stability in essential sectors were key. Contingency planning for fuel availability and price pressures was also reviewed.

Tragedy struck Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday as an avalanche claimed at least seven lives and left several injured. The devastating snowslide also caused a significant disruption, blocking the vital Srinagar-Leh highway and halting traffic. Immediate rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with authorities expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to affected families.

Multiple avalanches struck the Srinagar–Leh national highway on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and injuring five others. The avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg, trapping several vehicles. Rescue operations are underway, with officials personally monitoring the situation and providing assistance.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's reported remarks telling Shias to «go to Iran,» labeling it as part of the «systemic victimization of minorities.» The MEA spokesperson highlighted the shrinking minority numbers in Pakistan as evidence of decades of fear and oppression by the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers and joined the Surya Tilak ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir virtually. He conveyed greetings for Ram Navami, wishing for renewed energy and enthusiasm across the nation. Devotees gathered at temples nationwide, with Ayodhya seeing large crowds. Security was enhanced to manage the pilgrims. Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.

Rajnath Singh will lead a new inter-ministerial group addressing the Middle East conflict's impact. Union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Hardeep Singh Puri are members. The group will focus on energy security, supply chains, and global order disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced seven empowered groups to assess and mitigate economic effects.