India's space regulator is offering full technology transfer for the reliable PSLV rocket to private firms, aiming to boost commercial launches. This follows a similar move for the SSLV. Despite delays in the first industry-built PSLV and SSLV, the government seeks an industry-driven launch ecosystem, signaling a major shift from ISRO's production model.
India's power demand hit an unprecedented 270.8 GW due to intense heat and widespread air conditioner use, nearing 2026 projections. This marks the fourth consecutive day of record-breaking demand. Officials assure grid stability, attributing local outages to distribution issues. Further demand hikes are anticipated as extreme temperatures persist.
India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.
India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.
Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district is under a massive security sweep following a foiled infiltration bid. Forces are conducting extensive searches across multiple locations after an intruder was neutralized near the Line of Control. Heightened security measures, including stringent vehicle checks, are in place amid unconfirmed reports of a high-profile foreign terrorist presence.
Following a significant electoral defeat, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has told unhappy party leaders they are free to leave, vowing to rebuild the Trinamool Congress. She urged loyalists to restore damaged party offices and reconnect with grassroots workers, asserting the party will not bow down despite the perceived "looting" of the people's mandate.
BRICS foreign ministers are struggling to agree on a joint statement concerning West Asia. Tensions flared between the UAE and Iran during the meeting. Iran accused the UAE of direct involvement in aggression. India's External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of consensus for new members. The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain.
Congress leader Ajay Maken countered claims of delay in selecting Kerala's Chief Minister by stating the party averages five days to pick a CM, significantly faster than the BJP's 7.2-day average.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host his Iranian counterpart for bilateral talks focusing on energy and connectivity concerns, including stranded LPG tankers and Chabahar port operations. This meeting, occurring during the BRICS foreign ministers' gathering, aims to address regional conflicts and foster cooperation among member states.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the region's liquor policy, stating shops are for those whose religion permits consumption. His comments come amid a 100-day anti-drug campaign, with calls to extend it to liquor. Abdullah highlighted his government's efforts to prevent youth from consuming alcohol, including not opening new shops.
Bhuri Tori, a forgotten scientific outpost near Sironj, once served as the geodetic heart of undivided India. British surveyors used this ridge for the Great Trigonometrical Survey, fixing coordinates and calculating distances that helped measure Mount Everest. Today, this historically significant site lies neglected, with its structures vandalized and stones stolen.
Government has opened highway project bids to venture capital, private equity, infrastructure, and pension funds, a significant policy change. This move aims to attract substantial private investment by allowing these financially robust entities to partner with experienced construction firms.
A mutual fund distributor, a long-time BJP supporter, shared how Rahul Gandhi maintained a professional relationship despite political differences. Gandhi humorously responded, urging faster investment returns. This light-hearted exchange garnered significant attention online, with many praising the civility and humor, while some questioned the professional ethics of revealing the client relationship.
Affluent pilgrims are opting for lavish Haj packages, enjoying luxury accommodations, private transport, and gourmet multi-cuisine buffets. These premium services, including air-conditioned tents and proximity to sacred sites, come at a significant cost, sparking debate about the display of wealth during the religious journey.
New labour codes have capped weekly working hours at 48, with overtime paid at double the hourly wage. Final rules for wages and industrial relations codes are out, paving the way for implementation. A National Reskilling Fund will support retrenched workers with new skills, financed by employers.
A charge-sheet has been filed by the SIT against Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, for the attempted assassination of former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah. Jamwal allegedly fired at Abdullah during a wedding ceremony in Jammu, driven by resentment over Kashmiri migrant issues. The SIT's investigation indicates a pre-meditated intent to target the politician.
Nida Khan, an accused in the Nashik TCS case involving alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion, has been taken into custody from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Khan was wanted after her anticipatory bail was rejected by the court. Police are continuing their investigation and legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the 2023 law on appointing Election Commissioners, which replaced the CJI with a Union minister on the selection panel. Petitioners argued the law undermines the Election Commission's autonomy and was passed with minimal debate due to MP suspensions. The court questioned its power to direct Parliament on lawmaking.
The 2026 West Bengal election saw the BJP win, but the TMC's weakening social coalitions created openings for the Congress in pockets of central Bengal. While the BJP consolidated gains, the Congress secured at least two seats in Murshidabad, marking a modest, geographically concentrated revival by benefiting from vote fragmentation.
The Kanniyakumari assembly seat, a key constituency in Tamil Nadu, has historically seen a back-and-forth between the DMK and AIADMK. In the 2021 elections, AIADMK's Thalavai Sundaram secured victory, overturning the 2016 result where DMK's S Austin had won. Elections are anticipated in April for this seat.
Livelihoods are at stake as 27 lakh voters in Bengal are stripped of voting rights due to electoral roll deletions during SIR. Professionals, including a PSU officer, teacher, doctor, and insurance agent, have moved the Calcutta High Court, fearing their citizenship will be questioned, potentially leading to job termination and licence cancellation. Their appeals for urgent hearings were denied.
Assembly poll results in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will offer a glimpse into the national political mood. The outcomes could significantly impact the opposition INDIA bloc, with key contests in Bengal and Tamil Nadu holding particular importance for regional giants DMK and TMC.
