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Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
India's defence ministry has smartly deployed its revised capital expenditure of Rs 1.86 lakh crore for FY2025-26, mirroring the momentum from the previous year. This fiscal strategy highlights intense investments in aerial assets, ground defense technologies, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems. Additionally, the endorsement of multiple new procurement strategies showcases a dynamic approach towards bolstering the nations defense arsenal.
Eight women workers were killed on the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway in Jalna district, Maharashtra, after a truck collided with a tempo they were standing in. The truck driver, who changed lanes and struck the tempo from behind, has been taken into custody. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and announced Rs 5 lakh aid for the deceased's families.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have all participated in the self-enumeration for Census 2027. This initiative marks the commencement of the first phase, focusing on house listing and housing census, with a 15-day window for self-enumeration in Delhi starting Wednesday.
The Students Federation of India, Pondicherry University unit (SFI PU), condemned the arbitrary decision of the university to prepone the examinations and to direct the students to vacate the hostel.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that Election Commission-appointed officials were tasked with rejecting her party's candidate nominations. She urged candidates to be cautious during filing and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and manipulating voter lists, particularly targeting women and poor individuals.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami attacked CM MK Stalin at a rally, accusing him of forming alliances out of fear of defeat and alleging a breakdown of law and order. Palaniswami also criticized Stalin's use of language and warned of retaliation, while assuring financial support for Jallikattu events.
Mirza Waheed is a novelist and essayist born and raised in Kashmir and living in London. His debut novel, The Collaborator, was a finalist for the Guardian First Book Award and the Shakti Bhatt Prize and was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize. His second novel, The Book of Gold Leaves, was shortlisted for the DSC Prize and longlisted for the Folio Prize. His third novel, Tell Her Everything, won The Hindu Literary Prize. In this conversation, he discusses his new novel, Maryam & Son.
The Supreme Court imposed Rs 25,000 costs on the Centre for challenging a High Court order reinstating a CISF official. Upholding the High Court's ruling, the bench found the dismissal disproportionate, noting the official had taken medical leave and the woman involved had no grievance. The court emphasized the government's role as a major litigant contributing to case backlogs.
Rahul Gandhi encountered a man dressed as Yamaraj during his Kerala campaign, humorously suggesting the UDF's proposed Rs 25 lakh health insurance scheme would render the God of Death jobless. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens from medical crises, ensuring healthcare as a right for all Keralites.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a strong attack on Kerala's LDF and UDF, accusing both of deceiving the state's people for decades with similar politics and governance. He alleged corruption and poor performance, stating voters are seeking a credible alternative as the BJP-led NDA intensifies its campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Once a dominant force, West Bengal's Congress party has seen its influence dwindle significantly over five decades. From landslide victories to being overshadowed by communist rule and then Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, the party now struggles for relevance.
The Centre has issued a detailed advisory on GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, emphasizing their use for type 2 diabetes and obesity must be strictly under medical supervision. Authorities are increasing regulatory surveillance and warning of strict action against violations in their sale or prescription.
In a post on X, the chief minister emphasised the progress of Uttar Pradesh towards the goal of 'Zero Waste to Zero Carbon Emissions', crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the state toward smart and environmentally conscious urbanisation.
A disturbing video from Bihar's Nalanda district, showing a mob assaulting a woman, has sparked outrage. Opposition leaders decried the incident as a shameful breakdown of law and order, drawing parallels to the Manipur violence. Police have arrested two individuals, with efforts ongoing to apprehend others involved in the alleged gang rape attempt and public humiliation.
The Indian-flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas faced a nearly three-week delay passing through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran began selective passage. The vessel, carrying 45,000 metric tons of LPG, was eventually rerouted via a less-used channel north of Larak Island, guided by the Indian Navy and escorted by warships.
India's new Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, has sparked widespread protests by removing self-identification rights. Critics argue the law replaces individual autonomy with mandatory medical certification, contradicting previous legal precedents and the Supreme Court's NALSA judgment. Activists fear this regressive move will hinder access to essential rights and services for the transgender community.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin ignited his election campaign in Tiruvarur, framing the upcoming polls as a crucial battle between the state and the central government. He asserted that the BJP-led NDA aims to hinder Tamil Nadu's growth, accusing them of controlling the AIADMK. Stalin urged voters to reject the NDA, emphasizing the election's significance for the state's future.
Actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party face legal action for alleged model code of conduct breaches during a campaign event. Police registered cases for obstructing public proceedings and causing disturbance with excessive sound systems and early gatherings. The violations reportedly led to public inconvenience and traffic disruption ahead of the upcoming polls.
India stands on the cusp of eradicating Naxalism, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah declaring the movement effectively dismantled. Decades of development and security operations have significantly shrunk the Red Corridor, pushing the insurgency into isolated pockets. While armed rebellion may be over, securing lasting peace through governance remains crucial.