India

Election Commission of India held a high-level meeting to boost coordination among poll-bound states, aiming to ensure free and fair elections. Officials focused on curbing illegal inducements, strengthening surveillance, and enhancing inter-state cooperation ahead of upcoming polls

Nitish Kumar was elected unopposed as National President of Janata Dal (United) for the fourth time. With no rival candidates, he will continue leading the party, aiming to ensure stability and organisational control ahead of upcoming political challenges

The Centre plans to cut broken rice allocation under PDS to boost ethanol production, freeing 90 lakh tonnes annually. Sanjeev Chopra said the move aims to strengthen supply chains, support blending targets and reduce crude import dependence

The Supreme Court ruled that individuals who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism cannot claim Scheduled Caste status or related benefits. The court upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court decision quashing a pastor’s case filed under the SC/ST Act

Swiggy raised its platform fee by 17% to ₹17.58 per order after Zomato made a similar move. The hikes reflect rising operational costs and a broader industry trend to improve margins amid increasing expenses

A report by Emkay Global Financial Services forecasts recovery in Indian markets as oil pressures ease. The Nifty 50 may stabilise, with rupee strengthening and bond yields softening, though higher crude prices could impact growth, inflation and fiscal balance

Gold and silver prices dropped sharply in Mumbai as easing West Asia tensions reduced safe-haven demand after Donald Trump signalled a pause in strikes on Iran. Weak global trends and improving sentiment pressured precious metals markets

A balloon bearing Pakistan International Airlines logo was recovered in Sri Ganganagar, prompting an investigation. Authorities are probing its origin amid repeated sightings in border regions, with intelligence agencies examining possible security concerns and links to similar past incidents

Police in Vijayawada arrested three men for allegedly promoting extremist ideology online and having suspected terror links. The accused were part of a wider network targeting youth, with investigations ongoing to establish connections with terrorist organisations

The Indian government has intensified surveillance on unauthorised sale and promotion of GLP-1 receptor agonists, conducting nationwide inspections and issuing advisories. Authorities warned of strict action against violations, stressing patient safety amid rising misuse risks without proper medical supervision

Mumbai markets rebounded sharply as Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, tracking global optimism after Donald Trump paused strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Easing oil prices and improved sentiment boosted equities, despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and recent foreign investor outflows 

Three passengers, including an elderly couple, were allegedly drugged by a suspected gang aboard the Saryu Express and hospitalised in Sultanpur, with one in critical condition as authorities investigate the incident.

After multiple bee attacks near Ajanta Caves, the forest department advised tourists to avoid perfumes and loud noise, identified honeycombs in the परिसर, and announced an awareness drive along with preventive measures in coordination with ASI.

The Telangana ACB has filed a charge sheet against BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao and four others over alleged ₹55 crore irregularities in the Formula E race. The probe focuses on unauthorized foreign currency transfers.

India’s LPG ecosystem reflects both vulnerability and resilience, shaped by import dependence, distributed infrastructure, and evolving consumption patterns that demand nuanced, data-driven energy policy responses

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel highlighted the importance of team energy, trust and clarity ahead of the IPL season. Head coach Hemang Badani and director Venugopal Rao also stressed continuity, evolving T20 strategies and focus on building future talent

Gujarat Titans launched their IPL 2026 campaign with Shubharambh 2026 in Ahmedabad, celebrating their five-year journey. The event brought together players, management and fans, highlighting the team’s vision, leadership and strong connection with the state

Veteran sports journalist S Thyagarajan passed away in Chennai at the age of 85. Known for his extensive coverage of hockey and major sporting events, he was associated with The Hindu for nearly six decades

The Telangana Football Association has announced selection trials for twin cities boys for the Swami Vivekananda Under-20 men's national championship 2026. The trials will be held on March 25 at Secunderabad Gymkhana Ground

Manual scavenging persists in India despite the 2013 ban, killing 620-plus workers and highlighting caste inequality, unsafe work, and government apathy 

Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mayank Yadav spoke about his journey, love for fast bowling, and fitness transformation after surgery. He also credited Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn for inspiration and shared insights on his bond with Jasprit Bumrah

The release of Mohanlal’s "Drishyam 3" has been postponed to May 21, coinciding with the actor’s birthday. The makers confirmed the delay after reports of a possible postponement due to ongoing tensions in the Gulf region

Over 40 energy assets in nine West Asian countries have been severely damaged due to the Iran war, disrupting oil and gas supplies. The IEA has warned of serious global economic consequences, with supply losses already exceeding previous major energy crises

A first-of-its-kind cold desert riverbank restoration project was launched in Ladakh along the Indus River. The initiative aims to restore ecology, increase green cover, and involve local communities in sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts