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.

Israeli strikes have hit Beirut despite a US-Iran ceasefire that mediators say covers Lebanon, RT’s Steve Sweeney reports from the scene Read Full Article at RT.com

The US Vice President has condemned Vladimir Zelensky for interfering in the Hungarian election Read Full Article at RT.com

Icelandic authorities have not yet responded to a request from the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) for information on permits for sea-based fish farming in Iceland that were issued without prior classification of the status of water bodies, which contravenes the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.

[ENA] Addis Ababa -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended the appointment of Lieutenant General Tadesse Worede as Chief Administrator of the Tigray Interim Administration for an additional one-year, effective April 9, 2026.

[allAfrica] Global climate efforts have evolved from promises to action, focusing more on how these actions create real change, especially in Africa.

[allAfrica] Geneva -- Over 180 people are feared dead, or missing, in the latest Mediterranean shipwrecks in crossings from North Africa, with total deaths in 2026 now nearing 1,000, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.

The Coalition of Northern Groups in Nigeria has said that 20 people were killed when gunmen raided villages in Niger State on Tuesday Read Full Article at RT.com

Anthropic formed Project Glasswing with Big Tech partners and is discussing capabilities of the new AI Mythos model with Washington Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia plans four new embassies in Africa, bringing its total close to full continental coverage, Sergey Lavrov has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Expectations that India will stand with the US to offset China are “not realistic,” Hamid Ansari told RT India Read Full Article at RT.com

South Africa’s transport minister has said the country is prepared for the rerouting of vessels along the Cape sea route Read Full Article at RT.com

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has formally acknowledged receiving a corruption complaint alleging that Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson Steven Malondera and other committee members were involved in a K65 million bribery scheme aimed at influencing a parliamentary inquiry. In a letter dated April 8, 2026, signed by Acting Director General Gabriel Gift Chembezi, the ACB […] The post ACB acknowledges K65 million bribery complaint against Malondera, PAC members appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman has pushed back strongly against growing criticism surrounding the delayed and contested report on the Amaryllis Hotel inquiry, warning stakeholders to stop interfering with Parliament’s work. Speaking at the 2026/27 National Budget Implementation, Tracking and Oversight Forum at the Bingu International Convention Centre, Suleman made it clear that the Public […] The post “Don’t come and tell us what to do, leave us to do our job,” says Speaker Suleman responding to critics on Amaryllis report appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

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.

The Kremlin hopes that Washington pays more attention to Ukraine talks soon, Dmitry Peskov noted

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi reiterated Tehran’s stance, noting that Iran «did not seek this war and considers it to be imposed upon it»

High Precision Systems noted that the target system based on the tracked Depesha platform increases training efficiency and allows for practice firing at moving targets, which helps improve marksmanship skills

This is the Russian national water polo team's first time participating in a tournament sanctioned by the world’s governing body of swimming sports, World Aquatics, since being suspended from such events in 2022

Gas prices in Europe dropped by 18% at the opening of trading on Wednesday to $518 per 1,000 cubic meters

The president’s ultimatum drew condemnation across the political spectrum and intensified open debate about his credibility, morality and sanity.

The eventual ask of Congress is likely to fall between $80 billion and $100 billion, officials said, less than half the amount of an earlier proposal to offset costs of the conflict.

LIVE: Read the Daily Mail's coverage of the aftermath of the Middle East war, as US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth claimed today that Iran begged for a ceasefire

The Government is taking the lead to conserve energy and contribute towards Singapore's energy resilience amidst global fuel supply chains being disrupted by the Middle East conflict.«All ministries, departments, organs of state and statutory boards have been directed to adopt energy conservation measures to reduce electricity consumption across government facilities where practicable, while balancing operational needs,» said the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) in a joint press release on Wednesday (April 8).The directive follows Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's message to Singaporeans on April 2.In his message, PM Wong urged Singaporeans to «stand together» to take practical steps to conserve energy and reduce unnecessary consumption and waste. PM Wong also pointed out that while these may seem like «small steps», they can make a real difference when taken together. 

Supermarket operator FairPrice Group (FPG) will implement a price freeze for 100 of its most popular daily essentials to cushion the rising cost of living amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.The price freeze will last from April 9 to May 31, and feature pantry staples such as housebrand rice, oil, eggs, fresh and frozen pork and chicken, Milo, milk and detergent, said FPG in a press release on Wednesday (April 8).Data from FPG shows that nine out of 10 Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange customers purchase products from its basket of 100 essentials.«This price freeze is part of FPG's wider commitment to keep daily essentials within reach for all, amidst the growing impact of economic and geopolitical volatility on Singaporeans' daily lives,» said the group.To further support vulnerable communities, Blue and Orange CHAS cardholders will also receive double the amount of discounts — from three to six per cent — during the price freeze.The additional discounts will be supported by FairPrice Foundation, which is FPG's philanthropic arm.