India

Maruti Suzuki added 502 new service touchpoints in FY26, marking its largest expansion and taking the total to 5,926 nationwide. The company plans to scale up to 8,000 touchpoints by FY2030-31 while maintaining steady growth in sales

The Election Commission of India has directed employers to grant paid holidays to voters on polling day in states and UTs headed for Assembly elections and bypolls, warning that violations will attract penalties under the Representation of the People Act.

Senior CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Prashant Bose, alias Kishan Da, died at RIMS in Ranchi after his health deteriorated. The veteran Maoist leader, arrested in 2021 with a ₹1 crore bounty, was considered a key strategist of the insurgent outfit.

The UN praised Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan for reopening the flood-affected Malakal–Renk supply route, enhancing mobility and humanitarian aid. India contributes 1,779 personnel to UNMISS, supporting stability, local communities, and peacetime projects like medical and child protection camps

A six-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her father inside a train at Silanibari station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. Railway police arrested the accused, and authorities took custody of the body; the motive for the crime remains unclear

NCERT has been officially declared a deemed-to-be university, enabling it to award its own degrees. The status covers six constituent units, with mandates to start research, doctoral, and innovative programs while adhering to UGC norms and non-commercial guidelines

The Supreme Court asked the Centre whether military cadets medically discharged due to training-related disabilities can be granted ex-servicemen status, allowing job reservations. The court also urged exploring insurance, rehabilitation, and enhanced medical support for affected cadets from NDA and IMA

Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) suspended 10 LPG distributors for alleged malpractices, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy. The move comes amid government efforts to curb misinformation, panic buying, and hoarding, ensuring transparency, accountability, and uninterrupted LPG supply to consumers across India

Three men, including an elderly person, were killed in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district after being trampled by wild elephants in two separate incidents. The attacks occurred in Gola police station area, and authorities have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination

The Reserve Bank of India approved Emirates NBD Bank’s plan to acquire up to 74% stake in RBL Bank, subject to regulatory clearances. The deal would make RBL a foreign-owned subsidiary, marking a significant development in India’s banking sector

Global crude oil prices surged after US President Donald Trump warned of potential strikes on Iran, heightening supply concerns. Ongoing West Asia conflict disrupted Strait of Hormuz flows, pressured markets, impacted currencies, and kept investors cautious despite slight declines in gold prices

Raghav Chadha reacted to his removal as AAP’s Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader, alleging he was silenced, while the party appointed Ashok Mittal, signalling internal tensions and sparking speculation over his political future ahead of Punjab elections.

Industrialist Gautam Adani met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, backing the state’s ambitious economic roadmap. Adani praised plans to make UP a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030, reaffirming investments, and later offered prayers at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple

The BRS accused the Telangana government of misrepresenting sand mining revenue, alleging price hikes, increased charges and lack of transparency, while demanding clarification and release of complete data to address concerns over possible irregularities.

The Telangana High Court allowed the Indian Navy’s VLF radar project in Vikarabad forest while keeping a PIL pending for six months to monitor compensatory afforestation progress and ensure compliance with environmental conditions.

The Union government has put on hold its directive asking airlines to offer 60 per cent of seats for free selection from April 20. The move follows concerns raised by airlines over operational and commercial implications of the proposed rule

Telangana registered a massive 20-0 win over Gujarat as multiple teams, including Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram and Delhi, secured victories on day two of the Sub Junior Men’s Hockey National Championship in Rajgir

Chennai Super Kings will look to recover from their opening defeat when they face Punjab Kings in their first home game. With key players returning and youngsters under focus, CSK aim for improvement against a strong Punjab side

India will face Bangladesh in the SAFF U-20 Championship final in Malé, aiming to defend their title. With both teams evenly matched and recent encounters closely fought, the summit clash promises an intense and competitive battle

An FIR has been lodged against six individuals, including two Trinamool councillors, for allegedly assembling illegally and obstructing government work outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata. The incident, which began over alleged irregularities in voter list applications (Form 6), escalated into a confrontation between Trinamool supporters and BJP workers.

The Rajya Sabha sought clarification on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in late February had any connection to subsequent military strikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no such discussions took place during the visit.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that any misadventure by Pakistan would invite an unprecedented and decisive response from India. He said Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrated India’s strong stance against terrorism

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, campaigning in Assam’s Binakandi constituency, urged Muslims to vote collectively for AIUDF candidates led by Badruddin Ajmal. He accused the BJP of pursuing “hate politics” and criticised the Congress for remaining silent.

Though the intent of ensuring a “safe, trusted and accountable Internet” is laudable, the mechanism could upset the delicate balance between regulation and freedom