India

The Congress announced candidates for 284 of the 294 West Bengal Assembly constituencies, fielding senior leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur and several prominent faces, as the party prepares to contest independently after severing ties with the Left Front.

AIADMK has fielded several senior leaders and former ministers to challenge the ruling DMK in Chennai, setting up direct contests in 13 of the city’s 16 Assembly constituencies in what is expected to be a multi-cornered electoral battle.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying he should be chargesheeted for his past deeds, and alleged that the BJP would stop the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and restrict dietary choices if it came to power.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying he should be chargesheeted for his past deeds, and alleged that the BJP would stop the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme and restrict dietary choices if it came to power.

More than 10,000 Maoists have surrendered over the last decade as the government intensified security operations and rehabilitation programmes, significantly weakening the Naxal insurgency across the Red Corridor and reducing the number of affected districts and violent incidents.

The Indian Army’s Western Command conducted a 72-hour-long Exercise Recce to test combat readiness, while the Central Command carried out Exercise Vayu Prahar in Himachal Pradesh to strengthen drone and counter-UAS capabilities.

A Thane consumer commission has directed Ola Electric Technologies to either replace a defective scooter or refund the full purchase amount to a Navi Mumbai advocate, citing serious service lapses and unfair trade practices.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing rallies in Assam’s Dhekiajuli and Tihu, said infiltration has been curbed but not eliminated, stressing that every illegal immigrant must be deported within five years. He announced plans to implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state, citing the anti-polygamy bill already passed.

Airlines will have to offer at least 60 per cent of seats free on domestic flights from April 20 under new DGCA rules. The move aims to reduce passenger costs and ensure transparency, though airlines have raised concerns over financial impact

Four cadres of the banned NSCN Eastern Flank were shot dead by members of a rival militant group in Manipur’s Kamjong district. Police said the attackers opened fire on a vehicle carrying six cadres, while two others managed to escape.

The Supreme Court granted bail to a Punjab man accused in an attempt-to-murder case, observing that incarceration without trial amounts to punishment. The court noted that he had spent nearly two years in jail while the prosecution had not examined any witnesses.

The government said LPG supply remains normal, with over 55 lakh refills delivered. It dismissed rumours of shortages, highlighted adequate fuel stocks, and said raids and inspections are ongoing to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth distribution

A Maoist cadre with a Rs 5 lakh reward was killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs as part of intensified anti-LWE efforts in the Bastar region

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled the party’s five guarantees for poll-bound Assam, including cash transfers for women, health insurance for families and land rights for indigenous people, while accusing the BJP government of corruption and intimidation.

The Union Ministry of Ayush has launched a structured yoga protocol aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The initiative promotes daily yoga practices and scalable modules to integrate preventive healthcare into everyday life across the country.

A Washington-based fundraiser organised by VOSAP raised $200,000 to support people with disabilities in India. The organisation aims to reach 100,000 beneficiaries through assistive technology, healthcare access, advocacy, and volunteer-driven programmes, focusing on inclusion and dignity

Microsoft executive Ravi Vedula’s memoir Hyderabad Days explores how childhood experiences in India shaped his leadership and values. The book connects early life lessons to modern work, while reflecting on technology, community and the evolving Indian diaspora

Two Indian LPG tankers carrying about a day’s supply of cooking gas have crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions. Their arrival is expected to ease shortages as India continues to secure fuel supplies despite global disruptions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to remain united and vigilant amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, warning against rumours. Speaking during Mann Ki Baat, he also thanked Gulf nations for supporting over one crore Indians living and working in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Palakkad, saying Kerala is witnessing political change. He targeted the LDF and UDF while projecting the NDA as an alternative, as part of an intensified campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin will launch the DMK’s Assembly election campaign from Tiruvarur on March 31. The party has announced candidates and begun outreach efforts as alliances take shape ahead of the April 23 polls

Seven of India’s top 10 most valued companies lost Rs 1.75 lakh crore in market value last week amid global uncertainties. Reliance Industries led the losses, while markets remained volatile due to geopolitical tensions and weak global cues

CAIT said India’s supply chains remain strong and stable despite global tensions, with adequate stocks of essential commodities. Traders have been advised to maintain normal operations and avoid panic, while authorities continue to monitor supply and distribution closely

The RBI will introduce stricter digital payment rules from April 1, 2026, making two-factor authentication mandatory. The move aims to reduce online fraud, improve security and increase accountability, though transactions may take slightly longer to complete