India

The government is preparing to relaunch the Stand-Up India scheme with modifications aimed at providing enhanced benefits to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament that lessons from the original scheme, which ended in March 2025, are being incorporated into the new version.

The government has dismissed social media claims of militants attacking the Indian Army in Baramulla, calling them fake. Officials confirmed that a joint operation in the Uri sector successfully eliminated one terrorist without any casualties among Indian forces.

The Haryana government told the Supreme Court it has refused to grant sanction to prosecute Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested in May 2025 over social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The state’s decision effectively closes the trial court proceedings.

A devastating fire broke out in the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Odisha, killing ten patients in the early hours of Monday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the deaths and announced a judicial probe into the incident.

India’s childhood obesity rates are surging by an average of 5% annually, marking it one of the fastest-rising trends recorded anywhere in the world

While digital breaks feel natural and fulfilling, mindful art-based activities deliver deeper and more sustainable cognitive benefits

India finished the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok with five medals, including a gold by Chandrika Pujari. Three Indian boxers won silver while Radhamani Longjam secured bronze, highlighting the progress of the country’s youth boxing programme

Rishabh Singh's unbeaten century powered North Zone to a commanding win over South Zone on Day 2 of the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy in New Delhi. West Zone also registered a convincing victory over East Zone

Daniil Medvedev defeated top seed Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to reach the Indian Wells final, ending the Spaniard's winning streak this year. Medvedev will face Jannik Sinner, who beat Alexander Zverev comfortably in the other semifinal

Nineteen-year-old Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, becoming the second-youngest race winner in history. The Mercedes rookie led teammate George Russell in a 1-2 finish, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton secured third place

The UAE has ordered the arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, for posting misleading and fabricated videos online during regional tensions linked to the Israel-US-Iran conflict. Authorities said the content aimed to spread misinformation and create public panic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House rejected a resolution seeking his removal, calling the move a political misdeed and accusing sections of the opposition of attempting to undermine democratic institutions

The DGCA has granted temporary relaxation in pilot duty norms for Air India’s long-haul flights as the airline takes longer routes to avoid restricted airspace over Iran and Iraq. The changes allow extended flying time and reduced crew requirements until April 30

ICC Chairman Jay Shah called for long-term planning to prepare India for the 2030–2036 global sporting cycle, stressing collaboration among federations, corporates, athletes and media. Speakers at the SJFI convention also highlighted corporate investment, media influence and governance reforms in sport

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called for peace amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and said the Union government was acting in the supreme interest of the nation. He also urged protests to remain peaceful and declined comment on UGC regulations

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said states can take policy decisions before the model code of conduct comes into force, responding to questions on recent welfare announcements. He also assured strict action against inducements and urged voters to participate in the democratic process

Actor Vijay has entered Tamil Nadu politics with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and is preparing for his first Assembly election. While his fan base and youth appeal are strengths, the Karur stampede controversy and lack of organisational depth pose challenges

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is leading an aggressive campaign to return the party to power in Tamil Nadu. Banking on alliances and anti-incumbency, the party faces challenges from the ruling DMK, actor Vijay and other emerging political players

NTK chief Seeman is taking an aggressive stand against Dravidian politics and contesting all 234 seats, banking on Tamil nationalism and youth support. Meanwhile, V K Sasikala is testing her political comeback with a new party ahead of the Assembly polls

DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin appears confident of securing a second term, banking on welfare initiatives, the Dravidian governance model and alliance unity. However, criticism over dynasty politics, unfulfilled promises and new political challengers remain concerns ahead of polls

The Communist Party of India released its list of 25 candidates for the April 9 Kerala Assembly elections, dropping six sitting legislators who completed three terms. The party retained its four ministers and signalled a generational shift within its leadership ranks

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar warned against the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes during election campaigns while announcing Assembly poll dates for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, where 17.4 crore voters are eligible to cast ballots.

The CBSE has cancelled Class 12 board examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 10 for students in several Middle East countries due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The board will announce the result declaration process later.

Ahead of the Election Commission announcing Assembly poll dates, the Congress accused the Modi government of misusing the Model Code of Conduct, with party leader Jairam Ramesh alleging it has effectively become “Modi’s Code of Campaigning”.