The Times of India

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.

Funding for rare disease treatment at Centres of Excellence has significantly dropped, with allocations falling from Rs 82.87 crore to Rs 32.73 crore. Despite this, many institutions report unspent funds, indicating issues with fund utilization and patient support, even as new releases are limited.

Ravikant Kisana is an academic and the author of Meet the Savarnas. He also podcasts and performs live under the moniker Buffalo Intellectual.

Kerala braces for a complex election as chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeks a rare third term. The traditional LDF-UDF rivalry faces a new challenge from the BJP's expanding footprint. With victories often decided by thousands of votes, this election hinges on micro-shifts and local dynamics, promising a tight, multi-layered contest.

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil, initially bound for India, has rerouted to China. Payment issues appear to be the primary driver for this change, as sellers are reportedly tightening credit terms. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in facilitating Iranian oil trade, even with temporary US sanctions waivers.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared a video of him discussing Kerala's upcoming 2026 assembly elections with UDF leaders over local snacks. He emphasized the need for change, highlighting education reform, youth opportunities, and better social support. Gandhi expressed confidence in the UDF's readiness to lead, positioning them as renewed hope for the state.

Chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi expressed confidence that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir will soon rejoin India, citing the desire of its people and the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation. He highlighted a transformed Kashmir with increased prosperity and tourism, urging continued visits despite past incidents.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on PM Modi, demanding his resignation if infiltrators are on voter lists, as she questioned the electoral roll challenges. She also blamed AIMIM and ISF for the Malda judicial officers' gherao, accusing Congress and BJP of instigation.

Aam Aadmi Party's internal discord surfaced publicly as MP Raghav Chadha reacted to his removal as Rajya Sabha deputy leader. Senior colleagues, including Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj, defended the decision, accusing Chadha of prioritizing soft PR over confronting the government and failing to raise crucial national and Punjab-specific issues.

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has rerouted from India to China mid-voyage due to payment concerns. This shift underscores the complexities of resuming oil trade with Iran, as financial terms and counterparty risk have become critical factors. The incident highlights ongoing challenges despite a recent US waiver.

A public spat erupted between AAP and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha after his removal as deputy leader. Chadha claimed he was silenced and prevented from raising public issues in Parliament. The party, however, accused him of fearing Prime Minister Modi and hesitating to address crucial national concerns, exposing internal leadership tensions.

Raghav Chadha, removed as AAP's Rajya Sabha deputy leader, asserted his silence in Parliament is not defeat. He questioned the party's high command after AAP requested the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to stop him from speaking, stating his focus has always been on raising public issues.

Unemployment of adult children linked to rising depression risk among older Indians

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy launched the UDF manifesto in Kochi, declaring an end to Kerala's 'dark era' and the dawn of a 'golden era.' He criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government, alleging corruption and insecurity of religious assets. The manifesto includes 'Indira's Five Guarantees' and five 'Dream Projects,' promising significant welfare and development initiatives for the state.

Kerala's 2026 assembly elections will test Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's governance model against mounting voter unease, fiscal stress, and internal CPM rifts. The LDF faces challenges from anti-incumbency, economic strain, and perception gaps, while Vijayan aims to counter this with a narrative of development and strong leadership.

In a surprising leadership shake-up, the Aam Aadmi Party has appointed Ashok Mittal as the new Rajya Sabha deputy leader, effectively taking over from Raghav Chadha. This move hints at underlying tensions between Chadha and the party hierarchy. His noticeable absence from pivotal moments, such as Arvind Kejriwal's recent legal tumult, has sparked conjecture about his diminishing influence.

To alleviate the burden of soaring input costs on various industries, the government has enacted a three-month suspension of customs duties on 40 key petrochemical products. This initiative is focused on providing support to sectors including plastics, packaging, and textiles.

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, a remarkable 62.7% surge. This achievement underscores growing global confidence in India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Major exports include missile systems, artillery, and aircraft, reaching over 80 countries, solidifying India's position as a significant global defence exporter.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly addressed the situation with Pakistan, asserting that any further provocations would prompt a reaction that would be both 'unprecedented and decisive.' He shared that Operation Sindoor brought India mere moments away from a significant sea strike, effectively incapacitating Pakistan's terror apparatus in a swift 22 minutes after the attack in Pahalgam.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla celebrated the Artemis II Moon mission launch, drawing parallels to his own experiences at Kennedy Space Center. He highlighted the historic significance of the launch pad, echoing Neil Armstrong's legacy. Shukla expressed pride in witnessing the astronauts' journey, underscoring India's growing collaboration with NASA through the Artemis Accords and its independent lunar ambitions.

Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha accused the government of political manoeuvring by proposing amendments to the women's reservation law, alleging it's timed for the upcoming assembly elections. The government defended its right to decide legislative timing, emphasising a commitment to women's empowerment and dismissing election-related motives. A heated exchange ensued over the implementation timeline.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are calling the collapse of a Rs 67-crore bridge 'minor,' bizarrely attributing it to divine intervention and refusing any investigation. Even with repair costs soaring past Rs 38 crore, critics suspect the administration is protecting the contractors responsible for the shoddy construction.

J&K's State Investigating Agency has charged Sabar Hussain from Poonch for aiding terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of a government employee in Rajouri two years ago. Hussain allegedly provided shelter and support to Lashkar-e-Taiba/TRF militants involved in the fatal attack on Mohammed Razaq. Prima facie, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are established.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded a swift, transparent investigation into the killing of a man in an alleged encounter. The deceased's family claims he had no terror links and was preparing to join the Army. Authorities are urged to make facts public to maintain credibility amid grave allegations.

India assures ample fuel and gas supplies amidst West Asia conflict, with the Navy actively escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted PM Modi's diplomatic efforts and the nation's preparedness. Meanwhile, the Navy Chief noted evolving maritime competition beyond energy to critical resources and data, emphasizing increased marine activity and potential infringements on sovereign rights.

Trekkers given food that induced nausea, weakened them so they couldn't continue on foot & needed emergency flights

The Election Commission has handed over the investigation into the gherao of judicial officers in Malda, West Bengal, to the National Investigation Agency. This move follows strong criticism from the Supreme Court regarding the state's complete failure to protect officers during electoral roll revision. An NIA team is set to begin its probe soon.