US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit India next month, following a productive meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, including trade, critical minerals, defense, and the Quad. Efforts are also under way to schedule a Quad foreign ministers' meeting around Rubio's visit.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discussed supply chain issues, particularly food, with UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain officials. He emphasized regional peace amid tensions and thanked Gulf nations for supporting the large Indian diaspora. Discussions also covered UAE's logistics solutions to counter disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade, vital for India's global trade.

Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit has been promoted to Brigadier by the Indian Army following his acquittal in the Malegaon blast case. The Armed Forces Tribunal had previously halted his retirement, ordering a review of his promotion request. Purohit, arrested in 2008 and released on bail in 2017, argued that the prolonged trial unfairly impacted his career progression.

The Supreme Court has ruled that differential dearness benefit increases for serving employees and pensioners are arbitrary. Inflation impacts both equally, making a 14% DA hike for serving staff and only 11% DR for retirees discriminatory. The court stated that while financial constraints can justify implementation delays, unequal benefit rates violate the right to equality.

Political parties in Assam are vying for women's votes with competing cash-transfer promises, including increased monthly payouts and empowerment initiatives. This comes as women voters demonstrate consistently high participation, often surpassing male turnout in recent elections across Assam, Puducherry, and Kerala, influencing electoral dynamics.

Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi revealed Operation Sindoor's strike was deliberately delayed last year. Commanders ensured the operation avoided disrupting 'namaz' prayers at a terrorist camp, choosing a time when no one was engaged in worship. This flexible timing demonstrated a unique consideration, prioritizing a specific prayer period before executing the mission.

Kargil war hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a Maha Vir Chakra recipient, has passed away. Celebrated as a proud son of Ladakh, his gallantry during Operation Vijay exemplified resilience and service. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Army lauded his courageous leadership, stating his legacy will inspire future generations. His life embodied courage, service, and unity.

BJP MLA Hiraan Chattopadhyay's nomination affidavit reveals he is 'legally married; currently separated' from Anindita, who previously accused him of cruelty and a second marriage. Contesting from Shyampur, Hiraan declared significant assets, including Rs 15 lakh cash, while his wife has Rs 12 lakh. Their combined wealth stands at Rs 14.5 crore, with Hiraan facing four pending criminal cases.

The Election Commission has cancelled Trinamool Congress candidate Abhinav Bhattacharya's nomination for Krishnanagar North due to a conflict of interest. Bhattacharya's business dealings with the state government violated Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. An alternative candidate, Somnath Dutta, will now contest the seat for TMC.

Today marks the beginning of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's 200th birth anniversary celebrations. A pioneer of social reform, Phule championed education for all, especially girls, and founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to fight for equal rights and social justice. His unwavering commitment to the marginalized continues to inspire India's progress.

The Election Commission has issued no model code of conduct notices during ongoing polls, opting instead for FIRs for serious violations. This shift, attributed to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, aims to streamline enforcement within tight campaign schedules and leverage existing legal frameworks for offenses like communal remarks and personal attacks.

Former state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh labelled over 90 lakh people removed from Bengal's electoral rolls as 'anti-nationals'. He challenged Trinamool Congress to win without 'fake voters'. Ghosh's remarks came after acknowledging some genuine voters were removed. His opponent criticised the statement, questioning if Hindus excluded were traitors.

TVK party blames Union minister L Murugan and Tamil Nadu's deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin for the online leak of actor Vijay's unreleased film 'Jananayagan'. The production house has filed a complaint seeking forensic investigation and legal action against those responsible for the unauthorized circulation.

Bengal's ruling TMC has labelled the BJP's election manifesto a «copycat» document, questioning the saffron party's track record on fulfilling promises. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted unfulfilled pledges like Rs 15 lakh bank deposits and job creation, while a TMC spokesperson accused the BJP of adopting their successful welfare schemes.

BJP's Bengal manifesto champions Hindutva and national security, promising a crackdown on infiltrators and implementing Uniform Civil Code. It also targets women and youth with welfare schemes, aiming to consolidate Hindu votes against TMC's alleged appeasement. The party stresses border security and curbing corruption, seeking to replicate its Assam success.

Veerappan's daughter Vidhyarani and widow Muthulakshmi are entering electoral politics. They aim to portray the late forest brigand as a protector of Tamil rights. Vidhyarani is contesting from Mettur and Muthulakshmi from Krishnagiri. Both candidates are backed by parties supporting Tamil nationalism. Their campaigns focus on their father's legacy and local issues.

Security forces discovered a suspected IED-type box with two grenades in Rajouri's Sunderbani belt. This incident followed the detention of a school van driver in Jammu, who had multiple Pakistani contacts on his phone. Investigations are ongoing into the driver's suspected terror links.

India expressed deep concern over significant civilian casualties in recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon, following a US-Iran ceasefire. As a UNIFIL contributor, India finds the events disturbing, emphasizing civilian protection and respect for international law. The ceasefire's fragility is highlighted by confusion over Lebanon's inclusion.

Opposition parties will meet April 15 to strategize on the women's reservation law amendments. Congress slammed the government for delinking the quota from Census 2026 and delimitation, accusing it of political maneuvering. Concerns were raised about the constitutional process and potential sub-quotas for OBC women, with a call to follow the census-delimitation-quota sequence.

The Supreme Court is examining serious allegations of human trafficking. Relatives claim Indians were lured to Russia for jobs or studies but were then forced into military roles. Their passports were taken, and they faced threats. The court has asked the solicitor general to investigate these disturbing reports.

​​​Addressing a press conference after releasing the BJP's manifesto for the Bengal polls, Shah accused Mamata Banerjee's party of «manufacturing political conspiracies». «You do not know Mamata Banerjee's capabilities. She can make 2,000 such videos. Humayun Kabir and the BJP are like the North Pole and the South Pole. We can never be together,» Shah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Tragedy struck Mathura's Yamuna River as a boat carrying devotees capsized near Kesi Ghat. At least six lives were lost in the unfortunate incident that occurred Friday afternoon. Around 30 individuals were on two boats when one suddenly sank. Rescue efforts are actively ongoing to locate those still missing, with several already brought to safety.

India expresses deep concern over civilian deaths in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes, calling the situation «very disturbing.» Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged to implement the Uniform Civil Code in Bengal within six months if the BJP wins. Delhi Police have busted an ISI-backed spy network, arresting ten operatives. Justice Yashwant Varma resigned amid a cash recovery row.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge voiced concerns over the government's proposed women's reservation law amendments and seat expansion, potentially violating the Model Code of Conduct. He asserted opposition unity and questioned the special Parliament session's timing, alleging political motives. The party emphasized deep deliberation on delimitation and women's empowerment.

Justice Yashwant Varma has resigned from his post following a cash recovery controversy and impeachment proceedings. Allegations of unaccounted cash surfaced after a fire at his residence, prompting a Supreme Court inquiry and subsequent parliamentary action. The judge had previously questioned the constitutionality of the inquiry process.

The BJP has released its West Bengal election manifesto, promising a 'Sonar Bangla' with key pledges like monthly financial aid for women and unemployed youth, and implementing the Seventh Pay Commission. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the current government's governance and assured a Bengali Chief Minister, emphasizing security, welfare, and economic growth.