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.

Kerala has entered its mandatory silence period for the April 9 assembly elections, with 2.71 crore voters set to decide the fate of 883 candidates. Public campaigning has concluded, and door-to-door efforts are underway. Strict prohibitions are in place for campaigning activities. All arrangements for smooth polling are finalized, with enhanced security measures implemented across the state.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay criticised the ruling DMK, claiming Chief Minister MK Stalin lacks authority and calling the alliance a «cash-box alliance» funded by «looted» money. Vijay asserted that the «real Congress» is aligned with TVK, not the DMK-led front, as his party prepares for its electoral debut.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of partisanship and corruption after a brief meeting. The party alleged their delegation was dismissed abruptly and that the EC had ignored nine letters from Mamata Banerjee. The TMC also presented evidence of alleged BJP links among Bengal officials, demanding their transfer.

BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismissed Congress allegations of asset non-disclosure as a «desperate effort» by a «scared» opposition. He predicted a political realignment in Kerala, stating the next elections will see the Congress and LDF unite as the INDIA bloc against the NDA. Kerala will vote in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

For India, this development merits careful consideration within the country's broader public health context.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized PM Modi's foreign policy, questioning the timing of his Israel visit before military action against Iran and the perceived failure of Operation Sindoor's global outreach. Ramesh argued that Pakistan's role in a ceasefire undermined Modi's personalized diplomacy and his strategy to isolate Islamabad, contrasting it with Manmohan Singh's success after the 26/11 attacks.

The Election Commission of India has assured that the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted without fear, violence, or intimidation. This statement follows a meeting with the TMC, which accused the ECI of bias towards the BJP and alleged systematic disenfranchisement of voters through electoral roll revisions.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has apologized for his recent remarks targeting people of Gujarat, stating his comments were misinterpreted and he never intended to cause offense. The apology follows sharp criticism from the BJP, which deemed his statements insulting and unacceptable, highlighting Gujarat's literacy and contributions.

Highway construction and new project awards in 2025-26 hit a seven-year low, with less than 10,000 km built and only 7,000 km awarded. This decline is attributed to stricter land availability pre-conditions and fewer state highways being converted to National Highways. Agencies are prioritizing economic corridors and expressways to avoid project delays and cost escalations.

India's room air-conditioner market faces price hikes due to rising commodity costs and stricter energy-efficiency norms, with manufacturers indicating further increases. Despite a challenging year and volatile demand, companies are optimistic about long-term growth, projecting the market to nearly double by FY30.

Justice B.V. Nagarathna strongly criticized the historical practice of isolating menstruating women, deeming it a form of «untouchability.» While hearing arguments on the Sabarimala temple entry ban, she questioned the validity of such social customs. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered, arguing the deity's unique attributes and devotees' faith should not be tested by gender equality standards.

An appellate tribunal ruled that Motab Shaikh and Motab Herul are the same person, accepting his Aadhaar card as proof of identity after the Election Commission failed to provide reasons for his exclusion. The tribunal noted discrepancies in voter lists and relied on supporting documents like Aadhaar, passport, and driving license to establish his identity.

Television rating points for news channels have been suspended for another four weeks by the information and broadcasting ministry. This decision, citing concerns over sensationalizing the West Asia conflict, aims to curb unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content. The move, following a previous suspension linked to alleged manipulation, signals increased regulatory oversight during crises.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly condemned Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's «illiterate» jibe at BJP supporters and his venomous snake analogy for the RSS and BJP. Shah asserted that such remarks are undemocratic and urged voters to decisively defeat the Congress in upcoming elections, stating the party has become a threat to the democratic system under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made multiple visits to Tamil Nadu for campaigning, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's absence has fueled speculation about discord within the Congress-DMK alliance. Gandhi's recent campaign in Puducherry also saw him avoid mentioning DMK leader M.K. Stalin, suggesting underlying friction between the parties.

Soaring LPG prices are forcing migrant workers back to Bihar. Families are disembarking at Patna Junction, their journeys driven by unaffordable cooking gas in cities. Construction workers and factory hands cite exorbitant costs, with some stating two days' wages barely cover a kilogram of LPG. This exodus highlights the severe economic strain impacting livelihoods.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ruled two Kishtwar shrines and their properties as waqf, denying ownership rights to petitioners claiming hereditary custodianship. The court emphasized that property titles must be based on evidence, not public history, dismissing reliance on historical texts for ownership claims.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy engaged in a heated exchange of words during election campaigning. Vijayan responded to Reddy's earlier remarks with a jibe, which Reddy then likened to PM Modi's rhetoric, accusing Vijayan of 'devil's rule' and having BJP support. Vijayan later attempted to de-escalate by sending Reddy a letter detailing Kerala's development achievements.