The Times of India

'No Country, Including India, Will Be Spared'

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nine candidates for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, contesting in alliance with the All India NR Congress. The Election Commission of India has also completed the first randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs for the upcoming polls in Puducherry, Assam, and Kerala, as well as for bye-elections in other states.

Mumbai, Delhi, and Noida power companies lead in performance for 2024-25. Adani Electricity Mumbai, TPDDL, and NPCL secured top positions. Delhi's discoms also excelled in consumer service. These rankings highlight operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The surveys aim to drive improvements across the power sector.

Iranian President Pezeshkian urged the India-led BRICS to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran amid escalating Middle East tensions. He highlighted alleged US and Israeli unlawful attacks and crimes, emphasizing Iran's opposition to nuclear weapons. PM Modi condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and called for dialogue and peace.

AIADMK, a key NDA ally in Puducherry, has agreed to contest from two constituencies, Uppalam and Orleanpet, to uphold coalition dharma. The party expressed confidence in winning both seats and asserted its claim for a share in power if the alliance secures victory in the upcoming Assembly polls. This decision follows seat-sharing talks with ruling AINRC and BJP.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sharply criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi, labeling them the B-team of BJP and accusing them of failing to learn from past experiences. He highlighted their repeated allegations against Arvind Kejriwal despite court dismissals and claimed Congress aligns with the BJP at both national and state levels.

Addressing a public gathering here on the completion of four years of the Uttarakhand government, the Defence Minister expressed pride and confidence in the government led by CM Dhami and attributed the state's growth to him.

Assam's election campaign is set to be dominated by key issues including eviction policies, infiltration concerns, and development projects. Political parties will debate the government's actions on land reclamation and child marriage, while illegal immigration and the CAA remain contentious. The ruling alliance will highlight welfare schemes and job recruitment, facing opposition critiques on development disparities and crime against women.

When the BJP swept to power in 2014 with a decisive majority in the Lok Sabha, it did not carry that dominance into the Rajya Sabha. The Upper House, by design, is insulated from electoral waves. Its members are elected by state assemblies, and their terms are staggered, ensuring continuity and preventing sudden shifts. This meant that even as the BJP commanded brute strength in the Lower House, it remained a minority in the Upper House for years. That imbalance mattered!

Local body poll results in Kerala signal a potential shift, with the Congress-led UDF gaining momentum against the ruling LDF. The UDF secured key urban strongholds, raising concerns about anti-incumbency for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's government. The BJP also shows strategic expansion, hinting at a more competitive assembly election.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of 'moral cowardice and political betrayal' over the Centre's silence on the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Ramesh highlighted the government's lack of condemnation or diplomatic initiative to de-escalate tensions, questioning the PM's inaction despite his recent visit to Israel and claimed friendships.

Congress leader Shama Mohamed on Friday raised concerns over the low representation of women in the party's candidate list, urging Rahul Gandhi to intervene. In a post on X, Mohamed said that out of 92 tickets, only nine had been allotted to women. She also pointed to the Lok Sabha elections, where just one woman was fielded among 16 candidates in Kerala.Denied but not defeated, she wrote, appealing to Rahul Gandhi to support women leaders in the state unit.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Kolkata, accusing the Centre of trying to remove voters through SIR and impose Presidents Rule. She said her government would resist such moves and protect peoples rights. Her remarks come amid a political row over electoral roll scrutiny ahead of the assembly elections, with the TMC alleging attempts to target genuine voters and divide society.

'Not same as charge', P 24

Tells BMC To Abide By Audit Of Afforestation

'Husband Must Equally Share The Burden'

India has sent a 2.5-ton consignment of medical supplies and equipment to Kabul following a deadly airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center. The shipment aims to support the treatment and recovery of those injured in the March 16 attack, which reportedly killed over 400 people. India reiterated its solidarity with the Afghan people and commitment to humanitarian support.

The government is taking strong action against illegal online gambling and betting. Around 300 websites and apps have been blocked recently. This crackdown follows the Online Gaming Act. Enforcement agencies are working to identify and disable these platforms. The move aims to curb financial fraud and protect users. Over 8,400 illegal sites have been blocked so far.

Himachal Pradesh is set to introduce a new 'orphan and widow cess' on petrol and diesel, with rates capped at Rs 5 per litre. This proposed levy, aimed at creating a dedicated funding stream for welfare measures, will be applied on the initial sale of fuel within the state.

Tragedy struck Riyadh as an Indian national lost their life on March 18th amidst escalating regional tensions. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the demise and is actively supporting the deceased's family while coordinating with local authorities.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that India possesses the capability to end the Middle East conflict, noting global recognition of its peace-promoting role. He attributed wars to selfish interests and dominance, advocating for harmony and India's traditional philosophy of interconnectedness to restore global balance through dharma.

The Trinamool Congress has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court. They are challenging the Election Commission's decision to transfer several IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal. This action followed the announcement of assembly polls. The party questions the EC's authority to make these transfers without state government consultation. The Chief Minister has strongly criticized the move.