In a significant maritime achievement, an Indian LPG tanker has successfully maneuvered through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, flanked by six compatriots that have already reached Indian shores. However, the tension persists as seventeen Indian vessels, two of which are LPG carriers, hold position on the western side, biding their time for a chance to make the journey.

The Congress party has criticized the BJP's recently announced 'special session', accusing it of violating campaign regulations, particularly regarding the contentious women's quota bill, which they claim is aimed at influencing voters in Tamil Nadu and Bengal. They express concern over proposed adjustments to parliamentary seats, warning it could marginalize smaller states and exacerbate regional inequalities.

Toll payments will go cashless from April 10, with no cash transactions accepted. Vehicles without FASTags can pay via UPI at 1.25 times the normal fee, or face penalties. Exempted individuals must now use special FASTags or annual passes to prevent misuse and reduce arguments at toll plazas, paving the way for signal-free tolling.

After Raghav Chadha's ousting as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, AAP leaders launched an intense critique, branding him as overly focused on superficial publicity while neglecting critical party ideologies. His peers challenged his muted stance on urgent political affairs and his conspicuous lack of presence at protests, suggesting a possible intimidation by PM Modi.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited anticipates receiving 20 F404 engines from General Electric by December, with a sixth for the Tejas Mark 1A expected by April-end. HAL is imposing contractual penalties on GE for engine supply delays. Meanwhile, all 34 Tejas jets are set to resume flying from April 8 after software issues were resolved, following a recent grounding incident.

India's naval strength significantly bolstered with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, enhancing its second-strike capability. The vessel boasts advanced stealth and increased missile capacity. Additionally, the stealth frigate INS Taragiri was inducted, alongside the foundation stone laid for a crucial naval research facility, underscoring India's growing maritime prowess and self-reliance.

Kerala's 2026 elections are a promise war. LDF, UDF, and NDA offer welfare, jobs, and growth. Welfare is now a baseline. Parties compete on scale and delivery. Voters seek sustainability and governance. Promises target all sections. Implementation is the real test amid fiscal challenges. This election is a referendum on competing models.

Jammu and Kashmir braces for a spell of heavy rain, gusty winds, and high-altitude snowfall over the next 36 hours. Srinagar experienced significant road flooding on Friday, prompting authorities to issue advisories for residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel and exercise caution near water bodies. Erratic weather conditions are expected to persist until April 10.

The Supreme Court ruled that higher rank officials face harsher penalties for service misdeeds due to increased responsibility. Upholding differential punishments for bank employees involved in misappropriating funds, the apex court reinstated a senior manager's sacking, while an officer faced forced retirement and a gunman a salary cut. Courts must exercise restraint in interfering with disciplinary actions.

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.