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Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 06:18 PM
US-Iran Conflict Spurs Closer Ties Between India and Russia in Energy Sector

US-Iran Conflict Spurs Closer Ties Between India and Russia in Energy Sector

New Delhi: In international politics, sometimes one party's strategic blunder proves to be a boon for other parties. Something similar is being seen in the ongoing fierce conflict between the US and Iran. President Donald Trump's surprise airstrike on Iran on 28 February has pushed the Middle East into the flames of war, but this attack brought India and Russia very close once again in the energy sector. છે.તેલ When the US attacked Iran in response to the crisis and Trump's compulsion, Iran closed the world's most important oil route'Hormuz Strait '. This disrupted global oil supplies and caused prices to skyrocket. India's energy security, which until now was threatened by Trump's talk of tariffs and sanctions on buying oil from Russia, forced India to grant a one-month special exemption for importing oil from Russia. As a result, India's Russian oil imports in February and March saw a big jump. છે.LNG India's deputy energy minister for direct oil sales to Russia, L.N.G.
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Western Times
Mar 27, 2026, 06:03 PM
Iran Allows Friendly Countries' Ships Through Strait of Hormuz, Blocks Hostile Vessels

Iran Allows Friendly Countries' Ships Through Strait of Hormuz, Blocks Hostile Vessels

Iran does not allow ships from hostile countries to pass through this important sea route Tehran allows ships from 5 countries, including India, to pass through Hormuz In an announcement that will be a major relief to India at a time when the war in West Asia is unlikely to be resolved soon, Iran said that it will allow trade ships from India and some friendly countries, including China and Russia, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Although Iran has not allowed ships from hostile countries to pass through this important sea route. Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Abbas Araghchi said that we have allowed ships from some countries, which we consider friends, to pass through. China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan have been given transit permits. At the same time, Iran's Foreign Minister made it clear that ships belonging to Iran's hostile countries will not be allowed to pass through this strategic route. We are in a state of war. This area is a war zone and there is no reason to allow ships from our enemy countries or their allies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
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The Financial Express
Mar 27, 2026, 05:30 PM
Indian Silver Prices Surge 5.34%, Temporarily Boosted by International Factors

Indian Silver Prices Surge 5.34%, Temporarily Boosted by International Factors

On 27 March 2026, the price of 1 gm of silver was ₹231, and the price of 1 kg of silver was ₹231,070, reflecting a gain of 5.34% compared to its previous close. Meanwhile, the 10 gm silver rate is at ₹2,311. Silver prices in India are largely influenced by international spot silver rates, US dollar fluctuations, and import duties on silver among other things. Silver rebounded above $68 per ounce on Friday after falling over 4% in the previous session, as US President Donald Trump postponed action on Iranian energy infrastructure until April 06. ALSO READ Gold drops below $4,500 as Iran rejects Trump’s ceasefire; Silver slides below $70 The delay, along with Iran allowing 10 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, provided temporary relief to markets. However, tensions remain elevated after Iran rejected the US 15-point proposal and pushed for control over Hormuz. Rising energy prices continue to fuel inflation concerns, strengthening expectations of interest rate hikes. This has limited gains in precious metals despite safe-haven demand amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. ALSO READ Gold drops below $4,500 as Iran rejects Trump’s ceasefire; Silver slides below $70
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Times of India
Mar 27, 2026, 05:08 PM
Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' Enters Second Weekend with Record-Breaking Box Office Performance

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' Enters Second Weekend with Record-Breaking Box Office Performance

Aditya Dhar’s espionage epic, 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge', shows no signs of slowing down as it enters its high-stakes second weekend. Starring Ranveer Singh as the covert spy Hamza, the film has officially joined the elite Rs. 1,000 crore global club in just nine days, matching the record-shattering pace of Allu Arjun starrer 'Pushpa 2.' The sequel is now poised to surpass the Rs. 894.49 crore lifetime record set by the original 2025 released 'Dhurandhar.'Aditya Dhardirected andRanveer Singhstarrer 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' continues to power through the box office with remarkable momentum. With the second weekend now upon it, the espionage thriller is firmly poised to chase down several landmark milestones in the days ahead.As of Day 9, Friday, March 27, 2026, the Ranveer Singh starrer has officially breached the Rs. 1,000 crore mark at the global box office, becoming the fastest Indian film to reach this milestone alongside Allu Arjun starrer 'Pushpa 2.' With the domestic net collection now standing at Rs. 675.00 crore, the film is locked in a direct race to shatter the lifetime Indian record of its predecessor, 'Dhurandhar', which netted Rs.894.49 crore in India.According to Sacnilk, very few Indian films have managed to sustain collections of this scale through their ninth day. 'hurandhar 2: The Revenge's nine-day India net of Rs. crore places it comfortably among the top-grossing Indian films of all time at this stage of their theatrical run. For context, films like 'Pathaan', 'Jawan', and 'Kalki 2898 AD', all considered generational blockbusters bore comparable or lower totals in their corresponding windows.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeBengaluru medical college professor served notice for ‘proposing' to MBBS student in classroomWhat began as a bizarre classroom episode has now escalated into a serious criminal case, with police arresting a medical college professor for allegedly proposing to a student during a lecture—an act that sparked outrage, protests, and violence on campus. The accused, identified as Abdul Rehman Sharif, attached to the Department of Microbiology, was arrested late Thursday night. A senior police officer confirmed the arrest, adding that further investigation is underway. The principal of the college, Divakar SV, filed a complaint with the Nelamangala Rural Police Station on Thursday afternoon. The controversy erupted at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre in T Begur near Nelamangala, in Bengaluru Rural district, after videos of the incident—recorded by students—went viral on Thursday. The college is governed by a trust chaired by state home minister G. Parameshwara, according to its website.UndoThe film's ability to hold above Rs. 47 crore even on Day 7 and begin clocking a positive number on day 9 shows that the second weekend could deliver a significant jump in collections.Dhurandhar 2 Movie Review'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' first week projectionsDhurandhar 2: The Revenge has delivered a thunderous run at the box office in its first eight days. After a strong Day 0 advance showing of Rs. 43 crore, the film exploded on its opening day with Rs. 102 crore, before settling at Rs. 80.72 crore on Day 2.It then surged back powerfully over the extended weekend, posting Rs. 113 crore on Day 3 and peaking at Rs. 114.85 crore on Day 4. As the weekdays set in, collections tapered to Rs.65 crore on Day 5 and Rs. 56.55 crore on Day 6, before stabilising at Rs. 47.70 crore and Rs. 49.70 crore on Days 7 and 8 respectively.Despite its sprawling nearly four-hour runtime, the film is tracking with unprecedented efficiency, shattering mid-week records and positioning itself to become the highest-grossing Indian film of all time as it heads into a high-demand second weekend.'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' day 9 live trackingEntering its ninth day of release, 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' continues its dominant theatrical run with 18,424 shows currently active across the country. Live tracking for the day shows a net collection ofRs 41.55 crore, pushing the film’s total domestic net toRs 715.72 crore. With the India gross now standing atRs 854.99 crore.Day wise collections for 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'Day 0: Rs. 43 croreDay 1: Rs. 102 croreDay 2: Rs. 80.72 croreDay 3: Rs. 113 croreDay 4: Rs. 114.85 croreDay 5: Rs. 65 croreDay 6: Rs. 56.55 croreDay 7: Rs. 47.70 croreWeek 1 collection: Rs. 624.47 croreDay 8: Rs. 0.75 croreDay 9: Rs. 41.55 croreTOTAL: Rs. 715.12 croreNotably, day 9 collection of Rs. 41.55 crore represents a 16.4% drop from yesterday's net collection of Rs.49.70 crore.According to Sacnilk, the language wise breakdown for day 9 has been tallied as Rs. 37.50 crore for Hindi, Rs.0.25 crore for Kannada, Rs. 0.10 crore for Malayalam, Rs. 0.85 crore for Tamil and Rs. 2.85 crore for Telugu.More about 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge''Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' features a powerhouse ensemble led by Ranveer Singh, who reprises his role as Hamza, the covert Indian spy operating deep inside Pakistan. The sequel delves into the origin story of how Jaskirat Singh became Hamza, making it a more emotionally layered than its predecessor. Arjun Rampal andSanjay Duttdelivers menacing performances as the antagonists, while R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun,Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor round out the formidable cast.PollHow do you feel about the nearly four-hour runtime of the film?Too long for a movie!Perfect length for an epic!The film has been certified U/A by the Central Board of Film Certification and carries a runtime of approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes (229 minutes). It has been released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu across India and has simultaneously opened in major international markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the UAE, and several Southeast Asian territories.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers and data in this article are compiled from diverse public and industry sources. All figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned, offering a fair representation of the movie's box office performance. These totals may change as official studio data is updated or as additional international market reports are finalized. This data is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with thelatest Hindi movies,upcoming Hindi movies in 2026, andTelugu movies.”
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Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 04:56 PM
Rapper Mayor Balen Shah Sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister

Rapper Mayor Balen Shah Sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister

Kathmandu: Nepal's political landscape has witnessed an event that even the most seasoned political analysts could not have imagined. Balen Shah, the popular mayor of Kathmandu and a well-known rapper, has stunned the world by being sworn in as Nepal's prime minister on March 27, 2026. The most special thing about his victory is that he spoke for only 26 minutes during the entire election campaign instead of giving long and boring speeches like traditional leaders. From Jhapa in the east to Dhangadhi in the west, he won the hearts of the people by holding only 4 to 5 public meetings and led his party, the Rastriya Swatantrata Party (RSP), to the pinnacle of power with 52 lakh votes. Balen Shah's campaign style was so unique that he never directly begged for votes. Using Maithili in Janakpur and Doteli in western Nepal, he struck an emotional chord with the local people. There was no criticism of anyone in his speeches, only a promise to work. "Did you eat chai or eat vegetables?" He did not understand the art of the common man.
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Times of India logo
Times of India
Mar 27, 2026, 04:56 PM
Google's AI Crisis: Co-Founder Returns Amid ChatGPT Pressure

Google's AI Crisis: Co-Founder Returns Amid ChatGPT Pressure

WhenOpenAIlaunched ChatGPT in late 2022, it triggered a crisis at Google. Just three weeks after ChatGPT's arrival, Google declared a company-wide “Code Red”, a report by New York Times said at that time, adding that the staff were instructed to set aside existing projects and redirect their energy toward fast-tracking new AI products and features.Perhaps the most significant sign of the crisis was the return of Google co-founderSergey Brin. In a recent interview, CEOSundar Pichairecalled that as pressure built, Brin – who had been retired from daily operations for years – began showing up at the office again.By early February 2023, Google had announced Bard, its answer to ChatGPT. However, Bard had not been built in a hurry, and had actually been in development for some time, Fast Company reported.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Blasts reported near Pakistan embassy in Tehran as Israel launches fresh wave of strikesUS-Iran war: India prepares to re-start LNG buys from Russia; seeks Trump admin waiver, says reportMiddle East crisis: Govt levies export duties on diesel, turbine oil; eyes over Rs 1,500 crore collection in fortnightThe reason it had not been released earlier came down to a concern that has haunted generative AI from the beginning: hallucination, which is a tendency of AI models to confidently produce false or misleading information. Google had held back precisely because of that risk, and Pichai described the decision as “bold but responsible”.‘Bard underperformed’Bard’s initial reception was lukewarm at best. Critics and users alike viewed it as a rushed, underwhelming response to the OpenAI’s ChatGPT.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeBengaluru medical college professor served notice for ‘proposing' to MBBS student in classroomWhat began as a bizarre classroom episode has now escalated into a serious criminal case, with police arresting a medical college professor for allegedly proposing to a student during a lecture—an act that sparked outrage, protests, and violence on campus. The accused, identified as Abdul Rehman Sharif, attached to the Department of Microbiology, was arrested late Thursday night. A senior police officer confirmed the arrest, adding that further investigation is underway. The principal of the college, Divakar SV, filed a complaint with the Nelamangala Rural Police Station on Thursday afternoon. The controversy erupted at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre in T Begur near Nelamangala, in Bengaluru Rural district, after videos of the incident—recorded by students—went viral on Thursday. The college is governed by a trust chaired by state home minister G. Parameshwara, according to its website.UndoAfter a year of struggling to build meaningful brand recognition, Google made the decision to scrap the Bard name entirely, relaunching the chatbot as Gemini.But while Bard was stumbling in public, something significant was happening behind the scenes. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who had both stepped back from day-to-day involvement in the company years earlier, returned as active participants in the effort to accelerate Google’s AI development, the report said.Brin, in particular, threw himself back into the work. He was involved in hiring decisions, code reviews and the granular technical details of model development. For a company's workforce to see the person who built the whole thing roll up his sleeves and get back in the room — that, Pichai says, meant everything.“Having the founder of the company sitting together with your engineers sweating out the details of the model — I can't imagine a more motivating thing for people,” Pichai said. Brin even appeared in a launch video for “Antigravity” – an advanced AI-powered coding tool developed by Google based on Gemini 3.
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Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 04:51 PM
Kerala Assembly Elections: Congress Leader Lashes Out at Opposition Alliance

Kerala Assembly Elections: Congress Leader Lashes Out at Opposition Alliance

Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of the assembly elections in Kerala, a political bastion in southern India, the political rhetoric has intensified ahead of the polls on 9 April. Congress veteran and AICC general secretary in charge of organisation, Venugopal, has lashed out at the BJP and the ruling party, CPM, saying it was only a "dream" to open an account for the BJP in Kerala this time. Alleging an "unholy alliance" between the opposition parties, Venugopal sensationally alleged that an "unholy alliance" was going on behind the scenes between the LDF and the BJP in Kerala. He said, "No matter how hard they try or use their financial muscle power, the people of Kerala will not accept this alliance. The BJP will not win a single seat and will not open its account in the assembly." Triangular fight: Who will win?
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Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 04:46 PM
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Announces 2 VIP Tickets for Elected Representatives Amid IPL Ticket Controversy

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Announces 2 VIP Tickets for Elected Representatives Amid IPL Ticket Controversy

BENGALURU: Cricket and politics have always gone hand in hand in India, and this has been proved again in Karnataka before the start of IPL 2026. The battle for tickets for the high-voltage opening match between RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and SRH (Sunrisers Hyderabad) to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was also played out on the field. After a huge outcry from MLAs and MPs, now the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka ડી.કે. Shivakumar has announced 2 VIP tickets for every elected representative. The issue of 4 tickets and the'disrespect'issue started a controversy when the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly યુ.ટી. Khader urged the government that each MLA should get 4 VIP tickets for the match. Several MLAs, cutting across party lines, complained that they were being'disrespected'by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and that they were being allocated tickets as per the proper protocol. નથી.ડેપ્યુટી The CM's mediators told Shivakumar to take only one ticket for the family members. ડી.કે "But we have requested the MLA to take it to the Minister."
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Business Standard
Mar 27, 2026, 04:40 PM
India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Iran Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Iran Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

As India awaits Iran’s help in allowing 20 of its merchant vessels carrying oil, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to exit the Strait of Hormuz, New Delhi has sent humanitarian aid to Tehran, including lifesaving medicines, over the past few days.Officials said India has also tried to forge a consensus within the Brics grouping, which it chairs, on a resolution related to the West Asia conflict. However, consensus has eluded the group since the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are members. Sources said India will be inviting all members of the grouping, including Iran, to attend the Brics Summit later this year in New Delhi.Iran has until now allowed India and a number of other “friendly nations” — including China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan — to use the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, according to Iranian State TV. He said that ships linked to Iran's adversaries will not be allowed to transit through the strategic waterway.Officials in New Delhi pointed out that Tehran has not given a blanket clearance to Indian-flagged vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, but it is on a “case-to-case basis”. It has until now allowed four Indian-flagged vessels to exit the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels were carrying LPG and have since reached Indian ports. Officials in New Delhi rejected reports that any monetary transactions have been involved in Tehran allowing the safe exit of India’s vessels. They confirmed that humanitarian aid has indeed been dispatched to Tehran, symbolising the friendly and civilisational links between the two countries.At the weekly media briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to be in touch with countries in West Asia for the safe transit of its ships via the Strait of Hormuz.Also ReadWest Asia crisis: PM Modi interacts with CMs, bats for 'Team India' spiritCBSE introduces alternative evaluation for Class XII amid West Asia crisisSeven secretary panels to appraise iGoM on measures amid West Asia crisisFM Nirmala Sitharaman scotches rumours of lockdown like PakistanLuxury travel stays resilient despite global stress, says Leela CEOpremiumAfter initial hesitation in New Delhi’s response once the conflict in West Asia broke out on February 28, India has reached out to Iran with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar having spoken to his Iranian counterpart half a dozen times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken to the Iranian President twice.Jaiswal said India has continued to help its immediate neighbours with their respective energy supplies while factoring in domestic needs. Officials in the Indian High Commission in Colombo told the Press Trust of India on Friday that a combined shipment of 38,000 tonnes of diesel and petrol is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka from India on Saturday. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Modi had had a telephonic conversation on March 24.On Thursday, Jaishankar raised the Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies, and food security at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France. He also met his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand on the margins of the meeting, where the two discussed the impact of the West Asia conflict on global energy markets and supply chains.
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The Financial Express
Mar 27, 2026, 04:30 PM
Indian Gold Prices Rise Amid Global Market Volatility

Indian Gold Prices Rise Amid Global Market Volatility

On 27 March 2026, the price of 24K gold at ₹145,760 per 10 grams, reflecting a gain of ₹5,450 compared to its previous close. Meanwhile, 22K gold is at ₹133,613 per 10 grams. Gold prices in India are largely influenced by international spot gold rates, US dollar fluctuations, and import duties on Gold among other things. Gold prices in India continue to remain lower than in Dubai. On 27 March 2026 the price of 24K gold in India is at ₹145,760 per 10 grams, while in Dubai it is ₹272,689, reflecting a difference of ₹-126,929 or -46.55%. Similarly, 22K and 18K gold prices in India were also about -46.55% costlier compared to the price of gold in Dubai , not accounting for fees, duties, and taxes. Gold prices are trending sideways over a rise in the dollar index and stoking inflationary concerns. The dollar index rose to its monthly record high levels, which weighed on bullion demand, as it makes the latter more expensive for other currency holders. Brent crude prices have been surging over the past trading sessions, owing to which central banks globally are shifting to a more hawkish stance. Concerns of interest rate hikes have capped the gains for precious metals, as higher interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-interest-yielding assets. ALSO READ Gold drops below $4,500 as Iran rejects Trump’s ceasefire; Silver slides below $70 Contradictory signals from US President Donald Trump over the West Asia conflict also continue to weigh on investor sentiment, as the MAGA leader warned of increasing pressure on Iran if it did not abide by its deal, while Iran rejected the US proposal, citing it as unfair. Analysts expect gold prices to remain range-bound in the near term owing to uncertainty over the West Asia conflict and how long it will stretch. Markets continue to monitor Middle East tensions and crude prices, which will dictate the future trajectory of rate hikes by central banks globally. Currently, markets price in no interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve for this year. “ MCX Gold April futures are likely to appreciate to Rs 140,000/10g as prices are up in the global markets,” said Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities. Retail investors are advised to track not just domestic rates but also international trends before making buying decisions. ALSO READ Gold drops below $4,500 as Iran rejects Trump’s ceasefire; Silver slides below $70
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The Financial Express
Mar 27, 2026, 04:27 PM
Gen Z Voters to Play Decisive Role in Assam Assembly Polls: AJP Candidate

Gen Z Voters to Play Decisive Role in Assam Assembly Polls: AJP Candidate

Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury on Friday underlined the growing influence of young voters ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, stating, “I think they ( Gen Z ) will become a decisive force in this election.” Chowdhury, 27, who is contesting from the Guwahati Central constituency, said she has received an encouraging response since the start of her campaign. “There are lots of expectations from me. I started my campaign a day before yesterday and have seen a good response from the people, they trust me, and they want change. I am very happy to see the feedback. I think they (Gen Z) will become a decisive force in this election because of their majority of the voters. I feel that in the coming generation, they are the people who are going to change our state and make it better. They will play a very important part,” she said. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) , Assam has 72.83 lakh youth voters aged between 18 and 29, including 6.28 lakh in the 18-19 age group and 66.55 lakh in the 20-29 bracket. This marks a rise from 69.35 lakh youth voters recorded in the 2021 elections. While the BJP-led state government has highlighted initiatives such as the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes and claimed to have provided 1.65 lakh government jobs, several young voters continue to raise concerns over employment opportunities and quality education. Chowdhury said her campaign is focused on five key issues, including improving drainage and garbage disposal systems, establishing skill development centres, addressing parking challenges, and resolving pipeline-related concerns in the constituency. Students and young voters echoed mixed views. Diana Das noted that welfare schemes have been beneficial but stressed the need for faster implementation and job creation. M Biswas criticised the culture of “freebies,” urging the government to focus on improving college infrastructure and reducing fees. Raktim Kamal Bharadwaj questioned the lack of emphasis on work culture and demanded better academic facilities, while Ananya Das called for reduced prices of essential books. Ankita Chetry said that while the government has performed well in some areas, election-time freebies could impact economic sustainability. Meanwhile, BJP candidate Vijay Gupta expressed confidence in youth support for his party, asserting that Gen Z voters align with the BJP’s policies and ideology. “Those forces ( Gen Z) are with us because of the BJP and its policy, culture of the BJP. The youths know very well which party is for the nation, for the people, for karyakartas,” Vijay Gupta said. Reacting on one Gen Z candidate contesting against him in the Guwahati Central seat, Vijay Gupta said that there are no challenges for him in this election. Voting for the 126 assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
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Business Standard
Mar 27, 2026, 04:24 PM
DGCA Issues New Guidelines for Pilots Flying VVIPs, Emphasizes Safety

DGCA Issues New Guidelines for Pilots Flying VVIPs, Emphasizes Safety

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday told pilots flying VVIPs that they must remain free from pressure and should refuse to operate a flight if safety is in doubt.On January 28, a Learjet 45 aircraft owned by charter flight operator VSR Ventures crashed inside Baramati airport, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.In its circular on the “carriage of central, state and other dignitaries,” the DGCA explicitly stated that flight crew must not be subject to “undue pressure” to undertake flights.The regulator also barred direct last-minute instructions from VVIPs or their staff to pilots. It stated that any such changes must be routed through the operator’s management instead of being communicated to the cockpit.According to the circular, there will now be a mandatory passenger briefing for VVIPs.Also ReadWest Asia crisis: Pilots' body ALPA India seeks centralised risk assessmentIndian aviation industry outlook 'negative'; weak near-term demand: ICRADGCA is looking to ease rules for airlines to help them grow: ChiefTravel companies, hotels announce discounts for peak travel seasonpremiumIndian airlines to operate 10% fewer domestic flights in summer: DGCABefore each departure, pilots will hand over a standard pamphlet, which will clearly state that while all due care has been taken for safety and comfort, aircraft operations have limitations related to weather conditions, visibility and night operations at certain airfields.The pamphlet will explicitly tell passengers that decisions on continuation, diversion or cancellation of the flight rest with the crew and must be respected. And, also the crew must remain free from any external pressure or undue influence.This is aimed at setting expectations upfront and reducing the likelihood of pressure being exerted mid-flight.The DGCA mentioned that pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers are responsible for planning and conducting flights, and these decisions must rely on technical judgment rather than external influence.To strengthen operational safety, the regulator mandated the use of twin-engine aircraft for such flights, along with a minimum of two pilots on board.Twin-engine aircraft are considered safer because they can continue flying even if one engine fails, reducing the risk during emergencies.The aircraft used for VVIP transport must be equipped to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the DGCA said.This means the aircraft must have advanced navigation and communication systems that allow pilots to fly safely even in poor visibility, such as during fog or heavy rain, without relying solely on visual cues.A functional weather radar, which helps detect storms and turbulence ahead, will now be mandatory, the regulator said.The DGCA also tightened checks on aircraft readiness. Planes must be inspected and certified before such flights, and any defect in engines, instruments or systems reported by the pilot or detected during ground inspection must be fixed before the next takeoff.In addition, fuel quality must be verified during refuelling, and sufficient fuel must be carried to cover not just the planned journey but also contingencies such as diversions, it said.The regulator also brought operational preparedness on the ground under scrutiny. Operators and state authorities will now ensure that helipads or airstrips intended for landing are inspected at least 24 hours in advance.For remote or “uncontrolled” airfields, which lack full-time air traffic control or infrastructure, operators must obtain a no-objection certificate from district authorities.Local administrations will now confirm the availability of essential services at the airport such as security, fire-fighting and rescue support before granting landing permission. The regulator also directed that all baggage be screened before loading, adding another layer of security to such flights.
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Breezy Scroll
Mar 27, 2026, 04:21 PM
US Judge Blocks Pentagon's Attempt to Label AI Firm 'Supply Chain Risk' Over Military Use Dispute

US Judge Blocks Pentagon's Attempt to Label AI Firm 'Supply Chain Risk' Over Military Use Dispute

In a ruling that could reshape how Washington handles artificial intelligence vendors, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon’s attempt to label Anthropic a “supply chain risk.” The decision hands an early win to the AI firm in its legal standoff with the Pentagon, while raising deeper questions about free speech, national security, and the government’s growing dependence on private AI. At the center of the dispute is whether the government can penalize a company for refusing to align with its preferred military uses of AI. For now, the court says no. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin issued a 43-page ruling siding with Anthropic, blocking both the “supply chain risk” designation and a directive from President Donald Trump to cut federal contracts with the company. Judge Lin called the government’s actions “classic First Amendment retaliation,” arguing they were not clearly tied to legitimate national security concerns. The ruling hinges on a critical idea: companies have the right to hold and express viewpoints, even when those views conflict with government priorities. Anthropic, led by CEO Dario Amodei, refused to allow its Claude AI model to be used for: The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, pushed for broader usage, including “all lawful applications.” The court found that punishing Anthropic for resisting these uses could violate constitutional protections. Judge Lin’s reasoning was blunt: if the Pentagon had concerns about operational integrity, it could simply stop using the technology. Instead, it imposed sweeping restrictions that appeared punitive. The dispute didn’t emerge overnight. It grew out of increasing tension between AI developers and government agencies over how far these tools should go in military contexts. Anthropic’s Claude model reportedly saw limited use during the early phase of the Iran conflict, including support roles like target determination. That alone placed the company at the intersection of cutting-edge tech and real-world warfare. But Anthropic drew a line. The company argued that certain uses of AI, especially autonomous weapons, cross ethical boundaries. That position clashed directly with the Pentagon’s desire for flexible deployment. Typically, this label is reserved for foreign adversaries or entities that could compromise national security. Applying it to a U.S.-based firm was highly unusual. The designation triggered: Judge Lin questioned whether the government had overstepped by using a national security tool to settle a policy disagreement. This case is bigger than one company. It sits at the crossroads of three powerful forces: constitutional law, military policy, and the future of AI. If upheld, the ruling could restrict how the government pressures private companies to align with its priorities. That matters in an era where: A good place for an infographic here would be a flowchart showing how AI companies interact with federal agencies across defense, healthcare, and intelligence sectors. The Pentagon increasingly depends on private-sector AI for: But companies like Anthropic are asserting boundaries. This ruling signals that participation in defense contracts may not require full alignment with military objectives. That could embolden other firms to set similar limits. Critics of the ruling may argue it complicates national defense by limiting the government’s ability to vet and control suppliers. Supporters counter that: The decision is temporary. Judge Lin paused the ruling for one week to allow the Trump administration to appeal. Even with the ruling in place, the Pentagon retains significant flexibility: What it cannot do, at least for now, is impose broad punitive measures tied to the “supply chain risk” label. Despite the legal win, Anthropic faces practical challenges. Some federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the General Services Administration, have already removed its products. Rebuilding those relationships may prove difficult even if the company ultimately prevails in court. This case is quickly becoming a litmus test for how the U.S. governs artificial intelligence. These questions are not theoretical. They will influence:
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The Financial Express
Mar 27, 2026, 04:21 PM
Wealth Gap Among Kerala Election Candidates Revealed in Nomination Filings

Wealth Gap Among Kerala Election Candidates Revealed in Nomination Filings

As campaigning gathers pace in Kerala ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections , nomination filings are telling us more than routine details. They are also giving a closer look at how wealthy the candidates are, which shows a great gap between the richest and the rest. The richest candidate as per the nomination details is Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP candidate from Nemom seat, who has declared assets worth 93.88 crore. His wealth is largely in movable assets such as cash and investments, which make up 78.81 crore, 15 crore is in immovable property. His spouse has declared 18.10 crore, all in movable assets. The scale of his wealth sets him far apart from every other candidate. A significant drop follows. IUML candidate Kunhalikutty PK Kunhalikutty has declared 3.04 crore, with most of it in property. His spouse’s assets, at 4.20 crore, add to the family’s overall financial standing. Congress heavyweight Ramesh Chennithala reports 2.65 crore, though his spouse’s 5.29 crore is nearly twice his own wealth. LDF’s Irinjalakkuda candidate, R Bindu, has declared 2.14 crore, divided almost equally between movable and immovable assets, while her spouse has very limited holdings. Kerala Congress (Mani) leader Jose K Mani, who is contesting from Pala, has declared 2.09 crore, but here again, his spouse’s assets are higher at 6.37 crore. Moving further down, KN Balagopal, the LDF candidate from Kottarakkara, has declared 1.94 crore, with a near-even split between movable and immovable assets. BJP’s Sobha Surendran also reports 1.94 crore, but her wealth is largely tied to property, which makes up most of her total. Kerala Congress (M) candidate and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine declared 1.84 crore, again with a strong focus on immovable assets. Two-time Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reported 1.01 crore. So has, VD Satheesan, the INC candidate from Paravur. In both cases, their spouses’ assets are close to or higher than their own. CPI’s K Rajan has the lowest declared total at 80.42 lakh, with almost all of it in immovable property and very little in movable assets. Property forms a large share of wealth for many candidates, and in several cases, spouses hold a major portion of family assets. These disclosures give voters a clearer picture of the financial backgrounds of those contesting the election, adding another layer to how candidates are viewed beyond their political positions.
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NorthEast Now
Mar 27, 2026, 04:18 PM
Assam's Chikibiki Residents Demand Permanent Bridge Over Champabati River After 50 Years

Assam's Chikibiki Residents Demand Permanent Bridge Over Champabati River After 50 Years

Residents of 15 villages in the Chikibiki area of Bongaigaon district have raised concerns over a 50-year-old demand for a permanent bridge over the Champabati river, citing it as a key issue ahead of the Assam Assembly elections . “Due to hollow promises by politicians, we have been deprived of a permanent bridge between Bidyapur and Chikibiki over the Champabati river for the past 50 years,” villagers on either side of the river told the media. Over 1,200 students and a large number of farmers from 15 villages in the Chikibiki area cross the river by boat during floods, paying a fare, or use a temporary bamboo footbridge in winter, paying a toll, to reach Bidyapur, villagers said. They have to cover only 3 km if they cross the river directly, or take a 25 km detour via Basugaon (Chirang) to reach Bidyapur, where educational institutions, health facilities, markets, and government offices are located, said local resident Monowar Hussain. Villages in the Chikibiki area produce rice, maize, and vegetables. Farmers incur higher transportation costs to bring their produce to Bidyapur or Bongaigaon markets via Basugaon. Hussain noted that a permanent bridge over the river could reduce transportation costs for farmers and help students reach their schools safely during floods, adding that many students were rescued five years ago when a boat carrying them capsized in the flooded river . Former legislator and sitting MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury and his wife Diptimoyee Choudhury, an incumbent legislator and current NDA candidate for the Bongaigaon seat, had previously promised to build the bridge. Hussain stated that over 1 lakh electors in the Chikibiki area have decided not to support Diptimoyee Choudhury and her AGP party in the upcoming polls. These villages on either side of the river fall under the Bongaigaon assembly seat in Bongaigaon district.
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The New Indian Express
Mar 27, 2026, 04:15 PM
Pro-Iranian Hacking Group Claims to Have Hacked FBI Director Kash Patel's Personal Email Account

Pro-Iranian Hacking Group Claims to Have Hacked FBI Director Kash Patel's Personal Email Account

WASHINGTON: A pro-Iranian hacking group claimed Friday to have hacked an account of FBI Director Kash Patel and has posted online what appear to be years-old photographs of him, along with a work resume and other personal documents. Many of those records appeared to be more than a decade old. “Kash Patel, the current head of the FBI, who once saw his name displayed with pride on the agency’s headquarters, will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims,” said a message posted Friday from the group Handala. The message was accompanied by more than a half dozen photos of Patel, including ones of him standing beside an antique sports car and another with a cigar in his mouth. The group also said that it was making available for download emails and other documents from Patel's account. Many of the records appeared to relate to his personal travels and business from more than 10 years ago. The FBI had no immediate comment on Friday, but a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic information confirmed that a personal email account of Patel's had been breached. It was not clear when the hack claimed by Handala might have occurred, but news reports from December 2024 said that Patel had been informed by FBI that he had been targeted as part of an Iranian hack. Handala is a pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hacking group that earlier this month claimed credit for disrupting systems at Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology company. Handala said the attack was in retaliation for suspected U.S. strikes that killed Iranian schoolchildren. They’re a prominent example of the proxy groups that carry out cyber attacks on behalf of Iran. The Justice Department singled out Handala in an announcement last week in which it said it had seized four web domains tied to Iranian hacking schemes and the threatening of dissidents.
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The Financial Express
Mar 27, 2026, 04:11 PM
US VP Justifies Attack on Iran Over 'Nuclear Suicide Vests'

US VP Justifies Attack on Iran Over 'Nuclear Suicide Vests'

In the latest addition to the Trump administration’s long list of reasons for attacking Iran, US Vice President JD Vance was recently heard saying that the United States of America pre-emptively attacked Tehran over concerns of “suicide vests capable of killing tens of thousands of individuals. During a recent briefing, Vice President Vance detailed the administration’s rationale, framing the conflict as a preventive measure against an unprecedented form of terrorism. “You talk about people who walk into a crowded supermarket and have a vest on, and they blow up the vest and a couple of people get killed… What happens when what’s on the vest is not something that can kill a couple of people, but can kill many, many tens of thousands of people?” Vance stated. He further emphasised that Trump attacked Iran to make sure that “the worst people in the world do not possess such weapons.” In his remarks, Vance reiterated that the American government views its actions as a national security requirement. “That’s why the President is doing this,” Vance added, referring to the military operations that commenced on February 28 following stalled nuclear negotiations. JD VANCE: “Iran was going to use Nuclear Suicide Vests to kill tens of thousands of people. That’s why they had to attack.” These people still haven’t realized that we’re not buying a word of their Israeli-written propaganda bullshit. pic.twitter.com/p26UVsbqXK Interestingly, Vance’s latest comment comes after Iran outrightly rejected a 15-point U.S. peace proposal that had been submitted to Iran by Pakistan. Notably. Vance’s latest comments follow a failed ‘diplomatic attempt at peace’ which was initiated by the United States of America earlier this month. Where the Trump administration had extended a comprehensive 15-point framework to end the hostilities using Pakistan as a mediator. The proposal, delivered via Islamabad and backed by Turkey and Egypt, was intended to be a “grand bargain” for regional stability. Immediate decommissioning of the Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo facilities. Handover of all enriched uranium to the IAEA. The permanent and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Strict caps on the range and volume of Iran’s ballistic arsenal. Partial sanctions relief and a UN-monitored civilian nuclear program. Tehran had outrightly dismissed the plan, labelling it as “illogical” and a “charter of surrender.” Iranian officials counter-demanded sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz and billions in war reparations, asserting that they would not negotiate under the “shadow of a gun.” With the 15-point plan in tatters, Vice President JD Vance has stepped forward to reframe the conflict not just as a regional war, but as an existential counter-terrorism mission. Notably, Vance’s comments come as reports from Axios reveal that the White House and Pentagon are discussing the deployment of at least 10,000 additional combat troops to the Middle East.
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Business Standard
Mar 27, 2026, 04:05 PM
PM Modi Reviews Preparedness with Chief Ministers Amid West Asia Crisis

PM Modi Reviews Preparedness with Chief Ministers Amid West Asia Crisis

On Friday, when the Centre cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed with chief ministers — barring the poll-bound ones — their preparedness to mitigate the impact of the West Asia war.The chief ministers of election-bound states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam and the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry were not part of the meeting due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).The meeting was reminiscent of the PM’s virtual meetings with chief ministers during Covid. In his statements in Parliament earlier this week, the PM appealed to the states to address the current challenge in the spirit of ‘Team India,’ a point he reiterated at the meeting with CMs on Friday.This was the PM’s first meeting with the CMs after the outbreak of the conflict on February 28.In a related development, official sources said the government also set up an informal group of ministers (IGoM) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to monitor the impact confronting the country because of West Asia.Also ReadIndia seeks safe Hormuz passage, sends aid to Iran amid West Asia crisisSeven secretary panels to appraise iGoM on measures amid West Asia crisisFM Nirmala Sitharaman scotches rumours of lockdown like PakistanLuxury travel stays resilient despite global stress, says Leela CEOpremiumRBI open market operations help banks to cut treasury losses in Q4premiumUnion ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Hardeep Singh Puri are among members of the IGoM.Earlier this week, the government set up seven groups comprising top officials to address the impact on sectors ranging from oil, fertilisers, and supply chains.Apart from Friday’s meeting with the CMs, the Cabinet Secretariat will hold a meeting with the chief secretaries of poll-bound states and the UT. On March 25, the government held an all-party meeting to brief leaders of political parties about the West Asia situation.In his statements in Parliament, the PM had asked the states to crack down on black marketing or hoarding. He asked them to ensure that the benefits of the government’s welfare schemes reach the poor, especially migrant workers.Earlier during the day, CMs of states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) welcomed the excise duty cut as “pro-people.”The Congress alleged that the government's excise cuts on petrol and diesel were due to Assembly elections. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “When global crude oil prices fell as they did on seven different occasions in the past 12 years, consumer prices in India were not reduced.”He added, “Today's announcement was because of the Assembly elections. Wait till April 30.”Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on a single day on April 9, in Tamil Nadu on April 23, and in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, while votes will be counted for all polls on May 4.The BJP’s Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrsekhar urged Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to cut state taxes on fuels.
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Indian Express
Mar 27, 2026, 04:02 PM
Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards Honor Outstanding Journalists

Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards Honor Outstanding Journalists

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Friday spoke about the crucial role of journalism in sustaining democracy while addressing the 20th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony. On the occasion, Radhakrishnan also presented the prestigious awards to 24 journalists for their outstanding work across print, digital and broadcast platforms in 19 categories, including investigative reporting, politics and government, feature writing, books, sports, and regional language journalism. Paying tribute to Ramnath Goenka, founder of The Indian Express group, Radhakrishnan said his journalism embodied courage, independence, and an unwavering commitment to truth. The jury for the 20th edition of the awards includes Justice B N Srikrishna, former judge at the Supreme Court; Prof C Raj Kumar, founding Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal Global University; Prof K G Suresh, Director of India Habitat Centre, former Vice Chancellor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication and former Director General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication; Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Co Founder & Director, EkStep; and Dr S Y Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner. – Print (Hindi) Avadhesh Akodia (Dainik Bhaskar) – Broadcast/Digital (Hindi) Sarvapriya Sangwan (BBC News Hindi) – Print/Digital (Regional Languages) Muhammad Sabith & Akhil Sivanand (Mathrubhumi) – Broadcast/Digital (Regional Languages) Fousiya Musthafa (News Malayalam 24×7) – Environment, Science & Technology Reporting Jayashree Nandi & Tannu Jain (Hindustan Times) – Environment, Science & Technology Reporting (Broadcast / Digital) Rohini Krishnamurthy & Dhruval Parekh (Down to Earth) – Uncovering India Invisible Vijay Pal Dudi (Dainik Bhaskar) – Uncovering India Invisible (Broadcast / Digital) Basant Kumar (NewsLaundry) – Business & Economic Journalism Praveen Paramasivam, Munsif Vengattil & Aditya Kalra (Thomson Reuters) – Reporting on Politics and Government Deeptiman Tiwary (The Indian Express) – Reporting on Politics and Government (Broadcast/Digital) Rishika Kashyap (Deccan Herald) – Sports Journalism Srikkanth Dhasarathy (DT Next) – Investigative Reporting (Print/Digital) Mridulika Jha (Aaj Tak) – Investigative Reporting (Broadcast) Sreya Chatterjee (India Today) – Feature Writing Vidheesha Kuntamalla (The Indian Express) – Civic Journalism Sandip Dighe (The Times of India) – Civic Journalism Sreya Chatterjee & Arvind Ojha (India Today) – Photojournalism Praveen Jain (The Print) – Books (Non-Fiction) Aparajith Ramnath (Penguin Random House) Congratulations to all the winners!
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Live Hindustan
Mar 27, 2026, 04:00 PM
Pakistani Politician Nabeel Gabol Reacts to Film Twist: 'I'll Make My Own Dhurandhar'

Pakistani Politician Nabeel Gabol Reacts to Film Twist: 'I'll Make My Own Dhurandhar'

A video of Pakistani politician Nabeel Gabol has surfaced on YouTube. In this video, he is seen talking about Dhurandhar: The Revenge. At the time of Dhurandhar 1, some videos of Nabeel Gabol went viral in which he admitted that the character of Jameel Jamali (Rakesh Bedi) in the film is based on his life. He also expressed his displeasure. Now after the release of Dhurandhar 2, another video of him has gone viral. In this video, he said that he will make his Dhurandhar, whose name will be'Lyari Ka Gabbar '. Actually, in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the character of Jameel Jamali has been shown as an agent of India. This twist in the film surprised everyone. Now the real life Jameel Jamali i.e. Nabeel Gabol has talked about this agent twist. Nabeel has spoken to a Pakistani digital content creator. In the video, Nabeel says that he can not make a difference to the famous Lyari army of Pakistan.
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The Financial Express logo
The Financial Express
Mar 27, 2026, 03:59 PM
Bond Yields Surge to Highest Level Since July 2024 Amid Fiscal Worries and Inflation Pressures

Bond Yields Surge to Highest Level Since July 2024 Amid Fiscal Worries and Inflation Pressures

Bond yields surged on Friday after the government cut excise duties on auto fuels, sparking fiscal worries alongside inflation pressures from high oil prices and increased state government borrowing supply, said market participants. The yield on 10-year benchmark bond ended at 6.94, up 7 bps from the previous close, the highest since July 2024. The uncertainty over duration of the ongoing West Asia war has led to further rise in crude oil prices, which hovered around $ 110 per barrel on Friday, up 2.6%. Consequently, the government cut the special excise duty on petrol and diesel to ease the burden on oil marketing companies (OMCs). According to a report from State Bank of India , the centre’s revenue will be hit by at least Rs 2.1 lakh crore from the cut in excise duty cut on diesel and petrol. Notably, this number will increase if we consider higher production levels next year, it said. Besides this, record state bond supply during the week pressured the market. States borrowed Rs 54,834 crore at Tuesday’s auction and Rs 39,991 crore on Friday, totaling far more than the earlier indicated Rs 59,985 crore for both auctions. “A combination of fiscal worries from cut in excise duties and higher state bond supply weighed on the market. Buying interest was absent, pushing yields sharply higher even on low volumes. We might see 6.95% holding if there is no escalation; but any new developments can drive yields to even 7.10%,” said a dealer at a primary dealership. “The bond market was supported well by the RBI’s liquidity measures earlier. The yield curve has already adjusted to the new reality, pricing in impact on both the inflation and the fiscal position of the government. The huge supply from states got bid at a record spread, moving the yield curve higher,” said Alok Singh, treasury head at CSB Bank . He added that a quick resolution of war can keep the yields below 7% otherwise it may see a breach of 7% as well.
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Akila News logo
Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 03:57 PM
Iran Blocks Gulf of Hormuz, Threatens Oil Supplies and Contradicts Trump's Claims

Iran Blocks Gulf of Hormuz, Threatens Oil Supplies and Contradicts Trump's Claims

Tehran: Iran's Revolutionary Guard has taken an aggressive stance in the Gulf of Hormuz, threatening oil supplies around the world. On Friday morning, Iran officially declared this strategic sea route closed to the United States and Israel's allies. Meanwhile, three large ships attempting to cross the Gulf, including container ships of the Chinese company COSCO, were forcibly turned away by the IRGC. Iran has clearly warned that the gates of this sea route will be closed forever to countries that help "Jewish-American enemies." This incident has taken the wind out of US President Donald Trump's claims that Iran is softening and is ready for talks. Trump claimed on Thursday that Iran has given way to 10 oil tankers to show goodwill, but on Friday on Iran's official website Sepah News called Trump's "blatant lies" on the global oil market prove that Iran is hardening its stance on the global oil market.
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Amar Ujala
Mar 27, 2026, 03:57 PM
Bihar Politics: IP Gupta Offers Unconditional Support to Nitish Kumar Amid Talks of Rajya Sabha Run

Bihar Politics: IP Gupta Offers Unconditional Support to Nitish Kumar Amid Talks of Rajya Sabha Run

ExpansionAdd as a preferredsource on google Bihar politics is once again in the thick of things. IIP MLA IP Gupta from Saharsa has raised the political temperature with a big and aggressive statement amid talks of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's possible Rajya Sabha run. During a media interaction in Jamui, he made an open offer to the JD (U), saying that the Grand Alliance is ready to support Nitish Kumar unconditionally if Nitish Kumar wants. Trending VideosDelete this video / ad "Here come, we are." IP Gupta said in clear terms, "Nitish Kumar ji, why are you looking there? Here come, we are. If he wants to remain the Chief Minister, the Grand Alliance is standing firmly with him." His statement has sparked a new debate in the political corridors. Advertisement "A conspiracy has been hatched to sideline CM Nitish Kumar." Attacking the BJP, he alleged that the party had made a deliberate strategy to remove Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister.
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Lokmat logo
Lokmat
Mar 27, 2026, 03:55 PM
US Launches Military Action Against Iran Without Congressional Authorization, Sparking Global Criticism

US Launches Military Action Against Iran Without Congressional Authorization, Sparking Global Criticism

WASHINGTON - In the ongoing war with Iran, there is renewed debate about the powers of the US Congress. The question of whether the president can start a war without congressional authorization has come to the fore. The US launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28. Oil prices soared around the world. The global energy crisis escalated. Children were killed in an attack on a school in Iran's Minab neighborhood during the war. These reports have sparked global criticism of the US. According to the US Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war. But President Donald Trump launched attacks without congressional authorization and called it military action. The Trump administration says the attack was necessary because there was an immediate threat from Iran. Former officials have questioned this claim. The US last officially declared war on December 8, 1941. When it began against Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. Congress authorized the Authorization for Use of Military Force in most cases after that, and Congress has repeatedly called the war in Iraq a war without military authorization.
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Free Press Journal
Mar 27, 2026, 03:52 PM
Aamir Khan Not Approached for Roles in Dhurandhar 2, Claims Debunked

Aamir Khan Not Approached for Roles in Dhurandhar 2, Claims Debunked

Dhurandhar 2 has been making headlines ever since its theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Amid various casting rumors, one claim suggested that Aamir Khan was offered the role of Ajay Sanyal in the film. However, reports that casting director Mukesh Chhabra approached Aamir have now been debunked. A source close to the actor told Instant Bollywood, "The news of Aamir Khan being approached for Ajit Doval’s character in Dhurandhar or Aamir reaching out to casting director Mukesh Chhabra is absolutely untrue and baseless." The source added that no such discussion ever took place between Aamir and Aditya Dhar's team or the casting director. A post shared by @PaaniFoundation (@paanifoundation) The clarification comes after widespread speculation about Aamir being offered several roles in Dhurandhar 2. According to claims on a Reddit thread, Aamir was supposedly offered a role in the film but proposed an alternative idea: doing a biopic on Ajit Doval. When he reportedly suggested this to Aditya Dhar, the director chose to prioritize Dhurandhar 2 rather than pursue the biopic. A post shared by Jio Studios (@officialjiostudios) Rumors also claimed that Aamir showed interest in Rehman Dakait's character, but wanted the role to be toned down politically. Aditya Dhar reportedly did not agree to the proposed changes, and as a result, Aamir never joined the project. These speculations, however, have now been confirmed as baseless, with sources revealing that no such discussions or proposals ever occurred.
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Dainik Statesman
Mar 27, 2026, 03:48 PM
TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Criticizes BJP Government Over Constitution Change and Fuel Price Hike

TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Criticizes BJP Government Over Constitution Change and Fuel Price Hike

TMC All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee stepped up his attack on the BJP government at the Centre. At a public meeting in Binpur, Jhargram, in support of TMC candidate Birbaha Hansda, he directly accused the BJP of trying to change the Constitution. In addition, his clear message to the voters was :'Vote for action, not religion.'Abhishek's speech at Friday's rally covered a wide range of national and state-level issues. Referring to the volatile situation in the Middle East, he claimed that it was already having a significant impact on India's energy market. He also complained that there were problems with the supply of cooking gas. Without stopping there, he warned,'The central government will raise the price of cooking gas to Rs 2,000 once the Bengal elections are over. Petrol and diesel prices will also reach Rs 200.'This comment caused a stir in the political circles. Though there was no official response from the BJP, the Trinamool camp's demand was to increase the financial pressure on the common man. In his speech in Bishnupur, Abhishek also spoke about the development of the state.
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Lokmat
Mar 27, 2026, 03:44 PM
Trump Accused of Misleading Country Over Iran War Plans

Trump Accused of Misleading Country Over Iran War Plans

Trump is playing a big game in the name of Washington-Iran peace talks. A glimpse of his secret planning was clearly visible on the faces of angry lawmakers who walked out of the review meeting. It is being claimed that there was a big uproar in a secret meeting in the US Congress. Republican lawmakers have accused Trump of misleading the country about the purpose of the Iran war. According to the Daily Mail, the developments at the meeting were so shocking that the lawmakers have called it "unbelievable." "We were lied to" - Mike Rogers, a staunch supporter of Republican Congressman Trump, and Nancy Mace, an aggressive leader, walked out of the press conference. Nancy Mace wrote on her social media that what the American public is being told and what we have been told are completely different military objectives. The lawmakers are afraid that Trump is secretly preparing for a ground attack on Iran. A source at the meeting claimed that they are no longer being told about nuclear sites, that the primary goal of the White House is to destroy Iran's nuclear capability, and that the primary goal of the Trump campaign is to destroy Iran's nuclear capability.
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Lokmat
Mar 27, 2026, 03:43 PM
India Grapples with War-Induced Crisis: PM Modi to Meet Chief Ministers

India Grapples with War-Induced Crisis: PM Modi to Meet Chief Ministers

Todays Maharashtra Breaking News Live Updates in Marathi, 27 March 2026: In the US-Israel vs Iran war, the issue of Strait of Hormuz has become serious. India is in the throes of this war and there is an atmosphere of fear due to the shortage of LPG and the fear of fuel shortage. In this background, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the Chief Ministers of all the states today.
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Ganashakti Patrika logo
Ganashakti Patrika
Mar 27, 2026, 03:42 PM
Petrol and Diesel Prices Unaffected by Reduced Excise Duty Amid Global Oil Price Surge

Petrol and Diesel Prices Unaffected by Reduced Excise Duty Amid Global Oil Price Surge

Petrol or diesel prices at petrol pumps will not come down even if the excise duty is reduced. The government statement says that the duty burden has been reduced to give advantage to oil marketing companies of countries like Indian Oil. Oil prices are rising in the international market due to the US war on Iran. India has not condemned this attack. Meanwhile, there is a serious crisis in the oil transportation. Meanwhile, the Center has recently increased the price of cooking gas in domestic cylinders by 60 rupees. According to the Center's decision, 10 rupees per liter has been reduced in petrol and diesel. It also says that the price at petrol pumps has not come down. In the four weeks after the attack on Iran, the price of international oil has increased by about 75 percent. The Center claims that the oil marketing companies of India are making a total of 2400 million rupees a day. They will get some benefit if the duty exemption is given. The price of oil in the international market has been discussed in the parliament for the last three years.
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Ganashakti Patrika
Mar 27, 2026, 03:37 PM
Kerala's LDF Government Prioritizes Women's Economic Empowerment

Kerala's LDF Government Prioritizes Women's Economic Empowerment

Women's empowerment is possible only when their economic condition is improved. Women's economic capability is needed. Their earning capacity needs to be increased. This is what the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala has worked towards. Speaking at an election rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Assembly elections in Kerala are on April 9. Brinda Karat, a senior CPI (M) leader, said, "The Kerala government thinks that when women's economic condition improves, when they can earn on their own, only then will girls be empowered." She said, "In Kerala, we all know about the Kudumbashree scheme. Nowhere in the entire country, except in Kerala, this kind of scheme has not been done. When the government helps women to make economic decisions through micro-enterprises, easy loans, then only women are able to make their own decisions. And that is what the LDF government in Kerala has done for women." On the other hand, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the LDF government is determined to deliver on its promises. He said, "Kerala has fulfilled the dreams of many people who could not fulfil their dreams."
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Ganashakti Patrika
Mar 27, 2026, 03:31 PM
CPI (M) Blames Congress for BJP's Victories in Kerala

CPI (M) Blames Congress for BJP's Victories in Kerala

Kerala CPI (M) state secretary M V Govindan directly blamed the Congress for the BJP's victory in the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and Nemom Assembly seat in 2016. On Friday, he alleged that the BJP was able to win these two seats only because of the Congress's reduced vote share. Confronting reporters about the recent allegations of CPI (M) -BJP cover-up by the UDF, Govindan said that the Left has always consistently opposed the RSS and the BJP. On the contrary, he alleged that the Congress, led by Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, was in talks with the Sangh Parivar leaders. Govindan said that the BJP's only Assembly victory in Kerala came from Nemom and their only victory in the Lok Sabha seat was in Thrissur. He claimed that both these victories were possible because of the Congress's reduced vote share. He gave specific figures, saying, "The Congress's vote in Thrissur went down by 84,000 in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP won by a margin of 74,000 votes, but our vote share increased by 16,000 there."
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Akila News logo
Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 03:25 PM
Greece Boosts Minimum Wage Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

Greece Boosts Minimum Wage Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

Athens: તા.27: The European country Greece has given a big relief to its citizens amid the ongoing international war tensions and rising inflation. The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced that the country's total monthly minimum wage will be increased by 4,5% from 1 April. With this decision, the minimum salary has now increased from 880 euros to 920 euros (about ₹83,000) and the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel in the Middle East due to the impact of the energy crisis, energy and fuel prices have risen globally. While Greece is still recovering from the effects of the 2009-2018 debt crisis, this war has raised new economic concerns. To protect the general public from the effects of inflation, the government has announced not only wage increases, but also subsidies on fuel, fertilizer and ferry tickets. છે.ચાર The government's minimum salary was increased for the sixth time in a year to 950 euros (about ₹83,000). જશે.યુદ્ધ The Prime Minister has said in the cabinet meeting that the government's goal is to raise the minimum wage to 950 euros per month by 2027. 2009-2018 The Prime Minister has said that the government
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Akila News logo
Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 03:20 PM
EU Adopts Tough Stance Against Illegal Migrants, Approves 'Return Hubs' Plan

EU Adopts Tough Stance Against Illegal Migrants, Approves 'Return Hubs' Plan

Brussels: તા.27: The European Union (EU) has adopted its toughest stance yet against illegal migrants. In a key vote in the European Parliament on Thursday, lawmakers approved a plan to set up'return hubs'outside Europe's borders. બનશે.શું With this decision, it is now easier for European countries to deport rejected asylum seekers. બનશે.શું This'return hub'plan? According to the new law, 27 EU countries will now be able to enter into agreements with non-EU countries (especially African countries), either on their own or in small groups. Migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected will be placed in these'return hubs'instead of being sent home. છે.રાજકીય Countries like Greece, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark have already started negotiations with African governments. છે.રાજકીય Heat: The impact of Trump's policies? This proposal in the European Parliament passed with 389 votes against. બનશે.શું The US President Donald Trump's far-right parties have passed a resolution.
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Uttarbanga Sambad
Mar 27, 2026, 03:18 PM
Violence Erupts in Manikchak as BJP Workers Clash with Ruling Party

Violence Erupts in Manikchak as BJP Workers Clash with Ruling Party

Manikchak: On the death anniversary of Ramanavami, Malda's Manikchak was witness to extreme chaos and political conflict. Serious allegations were made against the BJP workers, ranging from displaying weapons in the procession, to tearing posters of the Chief Minister himself and insulting Deshnayak Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The incident sent shock waves across the block. The participants of the procession tore down a huge road crossing gate and posters bearing the picture of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, right in front of the Manikchak Block TMC office. Slogans were raised in support of Modi and the BJP while posters were torn with sticks and swords. The ruling party claimed that the incident took place in the presence and at the behest of BJP's Manikchak Assembly candidate Gour Chandra Mondal. According to the TMC's complaint, the chaos was not limited to tearing posters. When the procession reached the Manikchak bus stand, the religious flag of the former leader of Deshnayak Subhas Chandra Bose was also torn.
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Akila News logo
Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 03:16 PM
Rs. 1.5 Crore Development Works Approved for Dhudshiya Village in Gondal Taluka

Rs. 1.5 Crore Development Works Approved for Dhudshiya Village in Gondal Taluka

(By Bhavesh Bhojani) There is a feeling of happiness in the village as various development works worth more than Rs. 1.5 crore have been approved for the all-round and sound development of Dhudshiya village in Gondal taluka. This philanthropic and historic allocation has been made possible as a result of the determination, developmental vision and continuous efforts of Gondal MLA Mrs. Gitaba Jadeja. Under these approved development works, significant schemes will be implemented to strengthen the basic infrastructure of the village, including protection wall at a cost of Rs. 45 lakh, CC road at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh, Dhabi (platform) at a cost of Rs. 8 lakh and paver block works at a cost of Rs. 3 lakh. All these works will give a new direction to the infrastructure of the village as well as a qualitative improvement in the life of the citizens. Young leader Ganeshbhai Jadeja and District BJP President Alpeshbhai Dholariya's vision, foresight and systematic planning are being played under his guidance.
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Live Hindustan
Mar 27, 2026, 03:16 PM
Bihar CM's Son Nishant Kumar to Hold Public Hearings, 'Janata Darbars'

Bihar CM's Son Nishant Kumar to Hold Public Hearings, 'Janata Darbars'

Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has been active since his entry into politics. Now he has decided to hold a public hearing by holding a Janata Darbar. Nishant Kumar will soon start a public hearing program. During this, he will listen to the problems of the common people and take immediate steps for their quick diagnosis. This information was given by Nishant himself at the Janata Dal United (JDU) office in Patna on Friday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also been a public speaker for a long time. Nishant Kumar held a meeting with JDU district presidents and block presidents of Tirhut division at the party office on Friday. JDU working national president Sanjay Jha and state president Umesh Kushwaha were also present. After the meeting, Kushwaha said that Nishant is coming to the JDU office and holding meetings to know and understand the party's activities. Nishant Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar and Nitish Kumar's son, formally announced his membership of the JDU in the Rajya Sabha.
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Times of India
Mar 27, 2026, 03:13 PM
US Warns EU: Ease Up on Regulating Tech Giants or Miss Out on AI Economy

US Warns EU: Ease Up on Regulating Tech Giants or Miss Out on AI Economy

Representative AI imageThe US ambassador to the European Union (EU) has issued a warning to Brussels: ease up on regulating and fining American technology companies, or accept being sidelined from the artificial intelligence (AI) economy that is reshaping the world.As per a report by CNBC, Andrew Puzder made the comments in an interview on Friday (March 27), delivering one of the most direct statements from a Trump administration official on the regulations on US tech giants.He said that if the EU wants to be a meaningful player in the AI economy, it needs American technology, and to get access to all of that, Europe needs to stop pushing American companies away.“If the European Union is going to participate in the AI economy...They’reIsrael Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Blasts reported near Pakistan embassy in Tehran as Israel launches fresh wave of strikesUS-Iran war: India prepares to re-start LNG buys from Russia; seeks Trump admin waiver, says reportMiddle East crisis: Govt levies export duties on diesel, turbine oil; eyes over Rs 1,500 crore collection in fortnightgoing to need data centers, data and access to the United States AI hardware stack, and you can’t over regulate and move the goal post on regulations and hit companies with huge fines,” Puzder was quoted as saying.“You know the very companies that can bring you the data, the data centers and the American AI hardware stack,” he added. “If you regulate them off the continent, you’re not going to be a part of the AI economy.”by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeBengaluru medical college professor served notice for ‘proposing' to MBBS student in classroomWhat began as a bizarre classroom episode has now escalated into a serious criminal case, with police arresting a medical college professor for allegedly proposing to a student during a lecture—an act that sparked outrage, protests, and violence on campus. The accused, identified as Abdul Rehman Sharif, attached to the Department of Microbiology, was arrested late Thursday night. A senior police officer confirmed the arrest, adding that further investigation is underway. The principal of the college, Divakar SV, filed a complaint with the Nelamangala Rural Police Station on Thursday afternoon. The controversy erupted at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre in T Begur near Nelamangala, in Bengaluru Rural district, after videos of the incident—recorded by students—went viral on Thursday. The college is governed by a trust chaired by state home minister G. Parameshwara, according to its website.Undo“You know the very companies that can bring you the data, the data centers and the American AI hardware stack. If you regulate them off the continent, you’re not going to be a part of the AI economy,” he added.‘US companies may reassess business in EU’The ambassador went further, suggesting that the companies themselves may start reassessing whether doing significant business in the EU is worth the regulatory and financial risk.“So I think it’s important for Europe to take a very careful look at what it’s doing with respect to those companies.And I think it’s important for those companies to look at the prospects of continuing to do significant business in the EU,” he said.The ambassador’s comments come as the European Commission is taking aggressive regulatory action against some of America's biggest technology firms over the past year. Apple was fined 500 million euros earlier this year; Google was hit with a massive 2.95 billion euro fine in September while Meta faced a 200 million euro penalty in April. Elon Musk's social media platform X was fined 120 million euros in December.Each of these actions has drawn sharp criticism from Trump administration officials. When X was fined, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it “an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments.”
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Siasat News logo
Siasat News
Mar 27, 2026, 03:11 PM
Pakistan's Mediation Efforts Lead to Israeli Target List Changes in Iran Conflict

Pakistan's Mediation Efforts Lead to Israeli Target List Changes in Iran Conflict

As Israeli strikes continue to reshape the political landscape of West Asia, Pakistan has been quietly working the phones, according to a Pakistani source, with at least one concrete result. Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its target list after Pakistan urged the US to press Israel not to eliminate them, a Pakistani source with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters . “The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out. We told the US that if they are also eliminated, there is no one else to talk to. Hence, the US asked the Israelis to back off,” the source added. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that the two officials had been temporarily removed from Israel’s elimination list as the possibility of peace talks is being explored, citing US officials, but made no mention of any Pakistani role. The disclosure underlines Pakistan’s increasingly consequential position in the Iran conflict. Along with Egypt and Turkey, Islamabad has been playing a mediating role between Tehran and Washington at a moment when direct channels between the two are effectively frozen. Pakistan has maintained contact with both sides throughout, and has been widely discussed as a potential venue for any eventual peace talks. It is through Pakistan that US President Donald Trump recently transmitted a 15-point proposal to Iran outlining conditions for ending the war, which, among them, was the removal of Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, a halt to enrichment, curbs on its ballistic missile programme and a severance of funding to regional allies, according to Israeli Cabinet sources familiar with the plan. Tehran’s response has been ambivalent. Araghchi has said Iran is reviewing the proposal but has no intention of entering talks to wind down the conflict. The two Iranian officials’ removal from the Israeli list is, by WSJ ’s account, temporary, lasting up to four or five days. Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that no senior Iranian figure is beyond reach. Last week, Defence Minister Israel Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had authorised the military to strike officials without requiring prior authorisation on a case-by-case basis. Asked directly whether Araqchi and Qalibaf had been taken off the target list following Pakistan’s intervention, Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said the military followed “a rigorous process before every operation and every strike,” but declined to address specific potential targets.
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Akila News
Mar 27, 2026, 03:09 PM
BJP's Stronghold in Rajkot's Ward No. 17 Under Threat Ahead of Municipal Elections

BJP's Stronghold in Rajkot's Ward No. 17 Under Threat Ahead of Municipal Elections

RAJKOT: Ward No. 17 is proving to be an alarm bell for the ruling party BJP in the upcoming municipal elections. There is tremendous resentment among the public against the sitting corporators in this ward. Failure in development works, increasing dominance of liquor outlets, and distancing of leaders from the public have put the BJP's stronghold here in danger. The party is now likely to field new and caste-balanced candidates replacing the four old faces to save these seats. Ward No. 17 is emerging as the biggest headache for the BJP as the rushes for the upcoming Rajkot Municipal Corporation elections are blowing up. This ward has traditionally not been a permanent stronghold of any one party; the voters here are known to change political equations every time. Seeing the way the public anger is now, the'alarm bells'are ringing for the BJP here.
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Navbharat Times
Mar 27, 2026, 03:04 PM
Controversy Erupts in UP as Samajwadi Party Leader Makes Provocative Remarks About Lord Shri Ram

Controversy Erupts in UP as Samajwadi Party Leader Makes Provocative Remarks About Lord Shri Ram

Hardoi: A video is viral from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, which has heated up the politics of the state. On the one hand, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav is congratulating Ram Navami on the occasion of Lord Shri Ram's birth anniversary. On the other hand, SP leader Yadunandan Lal Verma is seen making controversial statements about Lord Shri Ram and Mata Kaushalya in Shri Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple in Etawah. On the other hand, a case has been registered in Hardoi. The Samajwadi Party has also distanced itself from his statement.
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Free Press Journal logo
Free Press Journal
Mar 27, 2026, 03:04 PM
Navi Mumbai Education Row: MNS Opposes Conversion of Marathi-Medium Schools to English

Navi Mumbai Education Row: MNS Opposes Conversion of Marathi-Medium Schools to English

A political confrontation is brewing in Navi Mumbai after a proposal to convert civic-run Marathi-medium schools into English-medium institutions triggered sharp opposition from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The proposal was tabled during a recent general body meeting of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) by Leader of the House Sagar Naik, and received backing from corporators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. However, MNS corporator Abhijit Desai opposed the move in the house. Addressing a press conference on Friday, MNS district president Gajanan Kale alleged that the plan was aimed at facilitating the privatisation of municipal schools. He questioned the rationale behind shutting down Marathi schools with strong enrolment, saying some institutions have between 200 and 3,500 students. “We are not against English-medium education, but decisions should be based on proper studies and public demand. There has been no survey or consultation with parents,” Kale said. He added that converting schools with low enrolment into English-medium institutions could be considered as a pilot, but a blanket decision to transform all Marathi schools was unjustified. The MNS has warned of a large-scale sit-in protest outside the civic headquarters if the proposal is not withdrawn. The party has also demanded that education experts, school authorities and social organisations be consulted before any policy decision is finalised. With both sides holding firm, the issue has intensified into a political flashpoint, putting the future of Marathi-medium education in the city at the centre of a growing confrontation.
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