As Kerala heads to the polls, the election narrative shifts from rallies to booth-level battles. The ruling LDF aims for a historic third term, while the UDF seeks to leverage local body momentum against anti-incumbency. The NDA is focused on converting key pockets into durable political footholds, making these 20 constituencies the state's pressure points.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve authorities are seeking help from IVRI, Bareilly to determine the cause of death for 25 critically endangered vultures found in the buffer zone. Vultures are suspected to have died after consuming poisoned dog carcasses found nearby. Post-mortem revealed a poisonous substance in the dogs, but the exact poison remains unidentified.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued another warning to medical colleges regarding overcharging MBBS fees, particularly for the internship period. Despite past directives and regulatory powers, enforcement remains weak, with limited punitive action reported for violations like stipend irregularities. This pattern raises concerns about accountability in medical education.

Puducherry's assembly elections commenced today with an innovative touch as a robot named 'Nila' greeted voters. Approximately 9.5 lakh electors are choosing among 294 candidates across 30 constituencies. The main contenders are the NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, and the Congress-DMK alliance. Key issues like statehood and unemployment are prominent, with counting set for May 4.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister reiterated calls for former PM Sheikh Hasina's extradition during his India visit, marking the new government's first official approach. Discussions also covered energy cooperation, visa easing, and increased diesel and fertilizer supplies. Dhaka emphasized a «Bangladesh First» foreign policy, while India expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Election Commission replaced Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary and DGP ahead of polls, citing complaints of administrative bias towards the ruling DMK. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin vehemently criticized the EC, accusing it of acting as a BJP 'branch' and attempting to hinder DMK's victory. He questioned the sudden change in assessment of the state's administration.

The BJP has not nominated any Muslim candidates in the Bengal elections, a departure from previous polls despite a significant Muslim membership. Party leaders cited 'winnability' as the primary criterion for candidate selection, suggesting a disconnect between the BJP's platform and Muslim voting patterns. In contrast, Congress, TMC, and the Left Front have fielded a considerable number of Muslim candidates.

India has welcomed a temporary ceasefire in West Asia. The truce, brokered by Pakistan, aims to end a brutal war. India hopes this will lead to lasting peace and ensure global trade flows freely. The government also sees potential for peace efforts in Ukraine. India prioritizes the safety of its diaspora and LPG tanker passage.

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the misuse of Public Interest Litigation for personal agendas, suggesting it would have dismissed a PIL challenging the Sabarimala custom. Justices noted that such challenges, if not brought by devotees, lack cause of action. The court emphasized the need for strict locus standi rules to prevent PIL abuse, especially in religious matters.

The government has approved draft bills to amend the women's reservation law, aiming for 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies from 2029. These bills, to be introduced in the upcoming special Parliament session, will increase Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has sought anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court. This follows a case filed by Guwahati police concerning his allegations against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife. Khera claims the FIR copy hasn't been provided and the charges are invalid. Assam Police's pursuit has now extended to Hyderabad.

Bhowanipore constituency, the high-profile seat of Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, has seen its electorate shrink by nearly 25% after electoral roll revisions. Over 51,000 deletions occurred, with a significant portion of Muslims marked for adjudication and eventual deletion, raising concerns among researchers.

Assam's upcoming elections are a crucial referendum on Assamese nationalism, identity, and the state's political future. Regional parties face declining relevance as national parties dominate, with the BJP's 'jati, mati, bheti' plank and 'Brand Himanta' shaping the narrative. The Congress leads a broad opposition alliance, aiming to challenge the incumbent government amidst evolving identity politics.

All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led NDA coalition govt is seeking a second consecutive term while Congress-led INDIA bloc is leaving no stone unturned to wrest power back from the NDA.

Puducherry gears up for polls on April 9, with over 9.5 lakh voters deciding the fate of 294 candidates across 30 seats. Key issues include statehood, economic challenges, and the rise of a third force. Security is tight, with drone surveillance and special polling stations ensuring a smooth process. The election outcome will shape the Union Territory's political future.

Kerala's upcoming assembly elections see Christian voters, particularly in central Kerala, becoming a crucial battleground. Traditional UDF support is tested by socio-economic concerns, political realignments, and perceptions of communal favoritism, forcing parties to re-evaluate their strategies to secure this influential bloc.

The Supreme Court asserted its authority to determine if a religious practice constitutes superstition, clashing with the Centre's argument that secular courts are not equipped for such judgments. Justices questioned the limits of judicial intervention, emphasizing the need to assess practices against constitutional safeguards and a faith's own philosophy.

The Supreme Court questioned if non-devotees can challenge Sabarimala Temple customs, highlighting the maintainability of PILs filed by those without a direct connection. The bench considered whether individuals outside a religious denomination should be allowed to question its practices, especially in cases like the Sabarimala women's entry issue.

Kerala gears up for a pivotal assembly election as the LDF seeks a rare third consecutive term under CM Pinarayi Vijayan. Key factors influencing the outcome include Vijayan's leadership, development promises versus pushback, the BJP's growing influence, job aspirations of young voters, and complex community equations.

Searches across 19 locations in J&K, Rajasthan and Haryana so far have led to the detention or arrest of six OGWs in Haryana, four in Rajasthan and over a dozen in J&K. Sources said the purpose of the multi-state module was to create an LeT network outside of J&K with the help of Pakistani and LeT contacts; and use it to set up hideouts for LeT terrorists and eventually facilitate their exit from India with the help of forged documents arranged by the local OGW network.

Puducherry heads to polls on April 9 for its 30 assembly seats, with key issues like statehood, economic concerns including power privatisation and rising prices, and a fragmented contest shaping the high-stakes election. The outcome will determine if the NDA retains power or the Congress-DMK bloc regains control.

The government has informed the Supreme Court that landmark rulings decriminalizing adultery and same-sex relationships were based on subjective constitutional morality, deeming them «not a good law.» Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that «constitutional morality» is vague and foreign legal reliance is concerning, questioning its role in judicial review and democratic lawmaking.