The Times of India

Congress leader P. Chidambaram criticized the Centre's decision to convene Parliament from April 16-18, just days before assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Rahul Gandhi attacked Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, labeling him the 'most corrupt and hate-spreading CM' and vowing to jail him. Gandhi also promised SC/ST status for six communities, higher tea worker wages, and monthly cash transfers for women if Congress forms the government in Assam.

Grieving families of the Air India flight crash victims have appealed to Prime Minister Modi for the release of black box data. Ten months after the tragedy that claimed 260 lives, they seek answers regarding the cause of the disaster. The families are demanding transparency, requesting either public disclosure or private sharing of the crucial cockpit and flight recorder information.

A parliamentary panel urged the government to ensure Census 2027 accurately counts all 21 disability categories, a significant upgrade from the 2011 census. This move aims to create a robust database for better policy formulation and welfare scheme targeting for persons with disabilities, moving beyond the current 1.35 crore UDID cards issued.

New research reveals men's heart disease risk escalates significantly by their mid-thirties, years before symptoms manifest. This divergence from women's risk patterns, even after accounting for lifestyle factors, highlights a critical need for earlier screening.

Three engineering students offered help to a drunk driver, but their gesture turned deadly. They allegedly killed the man to steal his car and phones, dumping his body to hinder identification. Police quickly apprehended the trio, who confessed to the crime.

Prime Minister Modi announced the women's reservation law will be implemented from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, urging women to pressure the opposition for unopposed passage. He refuted claims that southern states would lose seats due to population control, stating the government will increase Lok Sabha constituencies to accommodate the 33% quota for women.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced free LPG cylinders for Bihu and Durga Puja during a poll rally, promising one cylinder for each festival if the BJP returns to power. The announcement came amidst reports of long queues at gas distributors. The Congress criticized the move as a violation of the model code of conduct.

A drone appeared near West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's helicopter in Malda, prompting police to detain three individuals. Banerjee herself spotted the unauthorized drone, expressing concern over the potential crash risk. Authorities are investigating the incident, as no permission was granted for drone operation near the CM's movement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured southern states that their Lok Sabha seats would be protected, even as the total number of seats might increase nationally. He also criticized Kerala's LDF and UDF for alleged fake hostility and targeting the Sabarimala temple, promising action if NDA forms the government.

The government will increase gas supply to urea plants to approximately 90% of their average consumption from Monday, boosting productivity for upcoming crop seasons. This move, considering available inventory and scheduled LNG arrivals, will also enhance gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors by 10%.

MLAs in the J&K Assembly demanded the handover of Rashid Ahmad Mughal's body for a dignified burial, disputing the Army's account of the Ganderbal encounter. They asserted the family's constitutional right to perform last rites, even as a magisterial inquiry is underway. Legislators also called for a judicial probe and a government statement on the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir's assembly has greenlit a bill to establish private universities, a move hailed as historic. Education Minister Sakeena Itoo stated this will significantly enhance higher education access for local students and bolster the region's economy by retaining talent. The legislation also aims to ensure quality and student protection within these new institutions.

The returnees said they were unsure of their destiny till the very moment they landed in Tamil Nadu.

Actor Vijay Thalapathy's new party, TVK, is emerging as a third option in Tamil Nadu politics, challenging the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK. With populist welfare promises and a strong social media presence, TVK aims to capture the significant unaligned vote, though electoral history suggests challenges remain.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has broken his silence after being removed as Rajya Sabha deputy leader. He denies allegations of 'soft PR' and deviating from the party line. Chadha states his silence should not be mistaken for defeat. He challenges his party to provide evidence for their claims. The controversy has drawn reactions from political opponents.

Raghav Chadha slammed his removal as AAP's Rajya Sabha deputy leader, terming it a 'coordinated attack.' Meanwhile, Iran denied refusing Pakistan mediation talks amid a US-Israeli strike. India refuted claims of diverted Iranian crude, assuring secure supplies. PM Modi cautioned Congress's Iran conflict remarks could endanger Indians abroad, as Trump reportedly eyes a wider Cabinet reshuffle due to escalating pressures.

BJP leader K Annamalai clarified he chose not to contest the Tamil Nadu assembly elections to focus on campaigning for the party and allies across multiple states. His decision, accepted by the leadership, allows him a broader organizational role, aiming to boost NDA candidates' prospects.

Raghav Chadha refuted allegations after being replaced as AAP's Rajya Sabha deputy leader, calling it a coordinated attack. He denied claims of not joining opposition walkouts, refusing to sign an impeachment motion, and raising rivial issues. Chadha asserted he has consistently raised significant public concerns in Parliament over his four-year tenure.

The Congress party has criticized the BJP's recently announced 'special session', accusing it of violating campaign regulations, particularly regarding the contentious women's quota bill, which they claim is aimed at influencing voters in Tamil Nadu and Bengal. They express concern over proposed adjustments to parliamentary seats, warning it could marginalize smaller states and exacerbate regional inequalities.

India's naval strength significantly bolstered with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, enhancing its second-strike capability. The vessel boasts advanced stealth and increased missile capacity. Additionally, the stealth frigate INS Taragiri was inducted, alongside the foundation stone laid for a crucial naval research facility, underscoring India's growing maritime prowess and self-reliance.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited anticipates receiving 20 F404 engines from General Electric by December, with a sixth for the Tejas Mark 1A expected by April-end. HAL is imposing contractual penalties on GE for engine supply delays. Meanwhile, all 34 Tejas jets are set to resume flying from April 8 after software issues were resolved, following a recent grounding incident.

After Raghav Chadha's ousting as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, AAP leaders launched an intense critique, branding him as overly focused on superficial publicity while neglecting critical party ideologies. His peers challenged his muted stance on urgent political affairs and his conspicuous lack of presence at protests, suggesting a possible intimidation by PM Modi.

Government departments and prosecutors are urged to withdraw cases involving minor offences following the Jan Vishwas Bill's passage. This initiative aims to resolve millions of pending court cases by replacing jail terms with penalties for procedural lapses, particularly in healthcare. Serious offences remain under strict legal purview, offering relief for past minor violations.

The Supreme Court ruled that higher rank officials face harsher penalties for service misdeeds due to increased responsibility. Upholding differential punishments for bank employees involved in misappropriating funds, the apex court reinstated a senior manager's sacking, while an officer faced forced retirement and a gunman a salary cut. Courts must exercise restraint in interfering with disciplinary actions.

Jammu and Kashmir braces for continued erratic weather as a strong western disturbance brings widespread rain, gusty winds, and snowfall to higher reaches. Srinagar experienced flooded roads, prompting authorities to issue advisories urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and take safety precautions, especially near water bodies. The inclement conditions are expected to persist until April 10.

Kerala's 2026 elections are a promise war. LDF, UDF, and NDA offer welfare, jobs, and growth. Welfare is now a baseline. Parties compete on scale and delivery. Voters seek sustainability and governance. Promises target all sections. Implementation is the real test amid fiscal challenges. This election is a referendum on competing models.