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Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
Election Commission convened with top officials from poll-bound states and their neighbors to bolster election preparedness. The focus was on ensuring peaceful polls by strengthening border security and curbing illegal activities like cash, liquor, and drug smuggling. All agencies were directed to maintain heightened vigilance to prevent violence and inducements.
The Supreme Court expressed disapproval of a PIL requesting separate enumeration of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in the upcoming census. The bench suggested the petition's motive might be to gain SC/ST status, calling such moves calculated and potentially aimed at dividing India. Despite recommendations for enumeration since 2000, the government has not acted.
India's informal sector added nearly 75 lakh jobs between January and December 2025, signaling a strong recovery from recent economic shocks. The 'other services' sector led growth with 35 lakh new jobs, while manufacturing and trade also saw significant additions. The number of informal establishments also grew by 8%.
Indian Railways has revised its ticket cancellation refund policy, with no refunds for cancellations made less than eight hours before departure. Cancellations between 8-24 hours will incur a 50% deduction, and 25% for 24-72 hours prior. These changes aim to curb black marketing of tickets by touts.
The Supreme Court ruled that only individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be members of Scheduled Castes. Conversion to any other religion results in an absolute loss of SC status, preventing invocation of the SC/ST Act. This ruling contrasts with Scheduled Tribes, where religion is not a basis for exclusion.
Prime Minister Modi has cautioned about a prolonged disruption stemming from the West Asia conflict. He stated this crisis will be a major test for India, potentially leading to an energy crisis and serious global economic consequences.
Lok Sabha approved the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026 via voice vote, despite opposition calls for wider consultations. The government stated the changes aim to ensure benefits reach genuine transgender individuals, moving away from self-perceived gender identity and introducing a medical board for certification. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha.
The Supreme Court has ordered the armed forces to pay full pension to hundreds of women short service commission officers whose permanent commission was unfairly denied due to arbitrary ACR assessments.
The Supreme Court mandated that UAPA cases investigated by the NIA must conclude within a year through exclusive special courts. States must identify court needs and appoint dedicated prosecutors. The Centre offers funding for these courts, aiming to expedite trials and address bail concerns. Delhi leads in pending NIA cases.
The Congress party is set to lose its long-standing national headquarters at 24, Akbar Road. An eviction notice has also been issued for the Indian Youth Congress office at 5, Raisina Road. Both premises must be vacated by March 28. The party intends to challenge the notices in court, citing illegality and political motivation.
India is set to establish its third satellite launch centre in Gujarat, with a site identified near Gir Somnath district. This move, following consultations with IN-SPACe, aims to bolster the nation's growing space sector. Gujarat is also developing a space park and a private satellite manufacturing plant, positioning the state as a key hub.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level meeting to assess the West Asia crisis's impact on India's security. He stressed learning from the conflict to bolster defence preparedness, emphasizing a decade-long roadmap for integrated defence, self-reliance, and operational readiness. The meeting also reviewed supply chain resilience for defence equipment.
Thousands gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan for a CPI(M) rally, demanding the government condemn US-Israel attacks on Iran and Palestine and protect Indians abroad. Protesters also called for scrapping labour codes, a new rural employment act, and opposing trade deals. CPI(M) leader M A Baby challenged claims of the Left's decline, highlighting widespread participation.
President Trump and PM Modi discussed the West Asia situation, emphasizing the critical need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. Modi reiterated India's support for de-escalation and peace, highlighting the importance of safe passage for global stability and economic well-being.
The US is shifting its India strategy towards a pragmatic, interest-driven approach, emphasizing strength and collaboration for Indo-Pacific stability. Undersecretary Elbridge Colby highlighted India's crucial role as a waxing power, suggesting a move away from idealistic notions towards realistic geopolitical partnerships. This focus on shared security outcomes and burden-sharing signals a more transactional engagement.
India is actively discussing the US's conditional waiver for the Chabahar Port with relevant parties, which extends until April 2026. A recent ten-year contract was signed with Iran for port operations, with India fulfilling its $120 million equipment commitment. The government is addressing implications following changes in the US sanctions framework.
Political activity in Tamil Nadu is heating up ahead of the assembly elections. Major alliances are firming up their strategies. The DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA front are expected to be the main contenders. The BJP is aiming to increase its presence. Past election results show a strong DMK performance.
A Delhi court has handed down life imprisonment to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi for conspiring against the state. Her associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, received 30-year sentences. The court found they plotted Kashmir's secession from India, using speeches and social media to advocate for its merger with Pakistan and portray it as under illegal occupation.
The Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, defining transgender individuals to exclude those with different sexual orientations or self-perceived identities. The bill aims to protect a specific social and cultural group facing extreme discrimination, with new provisions for authority designation and graded punishments for offenses. Opposition members criticized the bill for limiting self-determination.
The US views India as crucial for a balanced Indo-Pacific, emphasizing deeper defense and strategic ties. A senior official highlighted shared interests in a region free from single-power dominance. Both nations aim to enhance operational interoperability and India's defense capabilities, fostering co-production and a strong domestic industry.
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The Supreme Court questioned West Bengal's objection to the ED's plea alleging obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a raid. Justices emphasized the fundamental rights of individual ED officers, urging the state to focus on their alleged victimhood rather than just the agency.
Phubbing stems largely from social media addiction and undermines people-to-people interactions
AIADMK released its Tamil Nadu Assembly election manifesto, promising Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for female heads of households and Rs 10,000 for every family. The manifesto also includes promises of free refrigerators, extended bus travel for men, and three free cooking gas cylinders annually for ration cardholders.
India's first passive euthanasia recipient, Harish Rana, passed away at AIIMS-Delhi after 13 years in a vegetative state. The Supreme Court had permitted the withdrawal of life support, allowing a dignified end. This case reignited the debate on 'letting a patient die' versus actively ending life, highlighting the legal and ethical complexities surrounding end-of-life decisions.
Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi's comparison of the current fuel crisis to the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the tragic loss of life during the pandemic. He also accused Modi of compromising India's foreign policy and questioned the government's handling of the West Asia conflict and the stranded Indian ships.
Arvind Kejriwal predicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi might not remain in office beyond 2026, citing a decline in popularity and alleged electoral corruption. Opposition leaders at a book launch echoed concerns about institutions like the EC and ED, with Derek OBrien predicting electoral defeats for the BJP.
West Bengal's political arena reveals a significant concentration of wealth among candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections. Data shows several sitting MLAs, predominantly from the ruling Trinamool Congress, possess substantial assets, with some exceeding Rs 67 crore. This highlights the growing influence of personal wealth in electoral politics as the state prepares for polls.
The Supreme Court will consider extending the deadline for freezing electoral rolls in West Bengal, acknowledging concerns over procedural irregularities in the state's voter list exercise.
Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, labeling it a personal and universal joke, and suggesting Modi is compromised by US President Trump. Gandhi also voiced concerns over rising LPG and fuel prices, warning of public suffering and questioning the Prime Minister's handling of the situation, contrasting it with the Covid-19 pandemic's tragedies.
Amid escalating West Asia tensions and reports of an LPG crisis, the government convened an all-party meeting. Opposition leaders voiced concerns over the handling of the conflict and its impact on India's energy security. Prime Minister Modi is set to address Parliament on the economic and security implications, while defence officials reviewed preparedness
The Supreme Court ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism to other religions lose their Scheduled Caste status. The top court upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court order, stating that professing a different faith, like Christianity, disqualifies one from SC benefits and protections under the SC/ST Act. This bar is absolute, regardless of birth or caste certificates.
India's Air Force is set to significantly boost its capabilities by concluding major contracts in FY 2026-27. These include deals for 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 medium transport aircraft, and additional airborne early warning systems. The increased capital budget will fund these crucial acquisitions and ongoing modernization efforts.
The Supreme Court has strongly condemned a family court's decision to involve police in a child custody dispute, calling it atrocious, unethical and unconstitutional. Justices questioned the jurisdiction of a Bhopal court over Gurgaon police in enforcing child handover. Both doctor parents and their child have been summoned to the Supreme Court for direct interaction.
The Supreme Court has demanded asset details of close relatives from both sides of a woman accused in a Rs 3,700 crore ponzi scam before considering her bail plea. The court expressed strong disapproval of the defense's claim that the accused couple has no assets, emphasizing the need to trace public funds allegedly siphoned off.