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Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has urged the Centre to grant a paid holiday for Keralam postal employees on polling day, citing legal provisions and concerns over limited postal ballot timelines that may restrict their ability to vote.

The Election Commission said authorities have seized over Rs 650 crore in cash, drugs, and liquor across poll-bound states and Puducherry. Surveillance teams and flying squads have been deployed extensively to prevent voter bribery ahead of upcoming elections

Akhilesh Yadav has questioned the basis of women’s reservation, insisting a fresh census is essential before implementation. He criticised reliance on 2011 data and accused the BJP of misleading women as the Centre prepares for a 2029 rollout.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to review the impact of the West Asia conflict on India and directed ministries to ensure uninterrupted supply of energy, fertilisers and essential commodities while preventing misinformation

The government has barred the sale of imported CCTV cameras without Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification from April 1, allowing only certified products in the market. The move is expected to benefit domestic manufacturers but may lead to price increases

Airlines have opposed the government’s mandate for free selection of 60 per cent seats, warning it will lead to higher airfares. The FIA urged withdrawal of the rule, citing revenue losses, rising costs and potential impact on affordability for passengers

Premium petrol prices were hiked by Rs 2 per litre and bulk diesel by about Rs 22 amid rising global crude prices, while retail petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged. The government said consumers will continue to be shielded for now

The Centre launched a Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme to support exporters hit by West Asia conflict disruptions, offering logistical support, extended export obligations and financial relief to offset rising freight, insurance costs and operational uncertainties in key Gulf trade routes

India termed the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals a legal matter under investigation, while considering Kyiv’s consular access request. The Ukrainians, charged under UAPA, remain in custody as Ukraine denies terror links and seeks transparency

Ukraine has sought a transparent probe into the detention of six of its nationals in Mizoram, denied any terror links, and offered cooperation to India, even as New Delhi said investigations are underway and a request for consular access is under consideration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with leaders of France, Oman and Malaysia, emphasising de-escalation in West Asia, diplomatic resolution of the crisis, and ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions

Agnihotri has done MBBS from AIIMS, Jodhpur, while Rajeshwari holds a BE degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, and Akansh is a BCom graduate from the University of Delhi

Narendra Modi will visit Ajmer to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination drive, distribute appointment letters to 21,863 youths, and unveil development projects worth ₹16,686 crore, focusing on healthcare, infrastructure, and employment generation

Gold and silver prices surged in Mumbai amid geopolitical tensions and a weaker US dollar. MCX gold rose 1.83% to Rs 1,59,749/10g, while silver gained 5.10% to Rs 2,65,836/kg, driven by Iran-US negotiations, US tariff rulings, and safe-haven demand

Indian Youth Congress workers staged a ‘shirtless protest’ at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, raising slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal. Police arrested four protesters as BJP and Congress traded sharp accusations

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw apologised for crowd management issues at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after overcrowding, connectivity problems and theft complaints marred the opening day, which saw over 70,000 attendees at the global AI event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The five-day event will host global firms, 600 startups, 13 country pavilions, 500 sessions, and over 2.5 lakh visitors, promoting AI collaboration and innovation.

The Defence Ministry has cleared the long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government deal with France, as the DAC approved defence capital acquisitions worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore to boost the combat readiness of the armed forces

Opposition parties have moved a notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan conduct and denying speaking opportunities to Opposition MPs. Around 120 MPs backed the move, which will now be examined as per parliamentary rules

Union Budget 2026 allocates funds for the Dankuni–Surat freight corridor, East Coast Industrial Corridor, tourism under Purvodaya, and 4,000 e-buses, drawing political debate as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections, with TMC dismissing the moves as campaign-driven.