The Times of India

Delhi government has approved a proposal to include transgender passengers in its free bus travel scheme, the 'Saheli Pink' card. This initiative aims to ensure safe and convenient travel for the transgender community, reflecting a commitment to social inclusion and equal access to public services. Women and transgenders with Aadhaar cards in Delhi are eligible for these cards.

For most people, the finish line defines a marathon. But for runners, the real achievement begins much earlier, in the quiet weeks of preparation that lead to race day. With the Times Internet Delhi Half Marathon set for March 29, the final weeks before the event are when many people decide whether to take the leap and sign up. Because in distance running, the most important step is rarely the last one, its the decision to start.

India has strongly rejected the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's 2026 report, calling it biased and distorted. The MEA spokesperson criticized the commission's reliance on questionable sources and ideological narratives, urging it to address religious freedom issues within the US. India maintains its commitment to religious harmony.

The BJP has unveiled its initial candidate list for 144 West Bengal assembly seats, featuring prominent figures like Suvendu Adhikari, who will contest from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, challenging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Dilip Ghosh is set to run from Kharagpur Sadar. These announcements precede the two-phase elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, with vote counting on May 4.

The Political Science Conclave 2026, held at the India International Centre in New Delhi, convened scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss contemporary political thought and public life in India. The two-day event featured plenary sessions, thematic discussions, and workshops, with over 150 research papers presented and approximately 300 participants in attendance.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced its initial list of 47 candidates for the upcoming Kerala assembly elections. Key leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar and K Surendran are among those fielded. The party aims to contest across various constituencies in the state. Kerala will go to polls on April 9, with results declared on May 4.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda expressed deep concern to Sonia Gandhi about the chaos and excessive disruptions within Parliament, attributing them primarily to opposition parties. He cautioned that such actions could severely harm democratic institutions and urged Gandhi to use her experience to guide opposition leaders towards a more constructive approach to protests.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's daughter has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court, seeking legal action against individuals and online platforms. She alleges defamatory content linking her to Jeffrey Epstein is being circulated, causing significant damage to her reputation. The petition requests an injunction against further publication, removal of existing material, and compensation for damages.

The Election Commission has initiated a significant reshuffle of top administrative and police officials in West Bengal shortly after announcing the election schedule. Key positions including Chief Secretary, DGP, and Kolkata Police Commissioner have been changed, citing the EC's constitutional powers to ensure free and fair polls. These transfers, while standard practice, have drawn criticism from the Trinamool Congress.

Israel's envoy, Reuven Azar, clarified that the military operation against Iran was timed post-PM Modi's visit to seize an operational opportunity. He emphasized Israel's anticipation of Iranian retaliation and its commitment to neutralizing nuclear and missile threats, while also debunking disinformation about PM Netanyahu. Israel aims to prevent the Iranian regime from reconstituting its plans.

The Election Commission ordered the transfer of top bureaucrats in West Bengal, including the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Home and Hill Affairs, citing preparedness for upcoming assembly elections. This move led to a walkout by TMC MPs from the Rajya Sabha, who accused the EC of misusing its powers against the elected government.

India is prioritizing diplomatic engagement with Iran to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, offering a stark contrast to the US military approach. New Delhi's direct talks have already yielded results, with Indian tankers resuming transit. This strategy aims to secure India's crucial energy imports while carefully managing its relationship with the United States.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has allowed Indian-flagged vessels to pass, demonstrating the success of diplomacy over potential military action. This approach offers a potential model for other nations grappling with disrupted energy supplies.

The RSS has called for an immediate end to the Middle East conflict, emphasizing global peace while backing the Indian government's actions as being in the nation's supreme interest. General secretary Dattatreya Hosabale also addressed protests following a leader's killing, stressing peaceful expression and communal harmony. The organization reiterated its stance on Hindutva and its inclusive vision for Indians abroad.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court Chief Justice rejected their plea to transfer the CBI's challenge to their discharge in the excise policy case. The appeal was to be heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, a decision the AAP leaders deemed lacking impartiality, citing early observations by the judge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his composure and impartiality following the rejection of a no-confidence motion against him. Modi commended Birla's adherence to parliamentary decorum and his affirmation that no one is above the rules, reinforcing democratic traditions.

The Israel-Iran conflict is poised to reshape international air traffic to and from India in the medium term, with Gulf carriers' schedules uncertain. Lufthansa Group is evaluating expanding its India operations, potentially bringing more airlines like Austrian and Eurowings to the country. The group is also enhancing its partnership with Air India through a joint business agreement.