National News

The Trinamool Congress won a decisive victory in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, securing a third consecutive term. The party claimed 213 seats in the 294-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the principal opposition, winning 77 seats. This election marked a significant shift in the state's political landscape.

AIADMK reorganises its governing council and committees in preparation for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

Scientists warn that habitual short-form video consumption may be weakening crucial brain circuits for deep thinking and focus. Studies show a negative correlation between short-video addiction and prefrontal brain activity, impacting attention, impulse control, and self-regulation.

The Election Commission has unveiled the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Key political players like Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Himanta Biswa Sarma are gearing up for intense electoral battles across these states and the Union Territory.

Tamil Nadu gears up for assembly elections on April 23, with vote counting on May 4. The DMK-led alliance seeks to retain power against the AIADMK-NDA bloc. Notably, actor Vijay's new party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has emerged as a significant contender, aiming to disrupt the established political landscape.

Indian equity markets face a volatile week, driven by Middle East conflict developments and crude oil price movements. Investors are also keenly watching the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and inflation data. Steep losses were recorded last week amid rising oil, a weakening rupee, and foreign fund outflows.

Amount constitutes the second instalment of a ₹9,000-crore loan assistance that is being secured under the NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance scheme for Jal Jeevan Mission

A US judge has ruled that Elon Musk cannot be questioned about his ketamine use during his upcoming trial against OpenAI. The judge deemed the drug use irrelevant to the dispute over OpenAI's nonprofit structure, though limited questioning about Burning Man attendance may be allowed. The trial will focus on Musk's claims of being misled about OpenAI's nonprofit status.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who led Pakistan to major ICC tournament final victories, will now focus on administrative and mentoring roles. His retirement opens the door for a potential long-term appointment as the national Test team's head coach.

Hyderabad and its neighbourhood areas for the next 24 hours will see partly cloudy sky

In an interview with The Hindu, Mr. Hooda dismissed worries about cross-voting; he slammed Haryana CM Saini, calling him a “CM on deputation”

The CBI's petition is listed for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday (March 16).

India is well-prepared for Middle East crisis disruptions, with ample fuel stocks and no supply issues reported. The government is diversifying gas import sources and will soon announce support for affected exporters, including insurance schemes. Despite short-term economic pressures and rupee stress, India remains confident in its growth trajectory.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins, raising their pay to Rs 2,000. This move, along with the approval of all new applications, was made just before the Election Commission declared poll dates. Banerjee stated the decision recognizes the vital role of religious functionaries in community life.

Sixteen-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has made history as the first Grandmaster from Assam and Northeast India. His landmark achievement in Sweden follows years of immense sacrifice, including his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, resigning from her medical career to support his journey. While celebrated as India’s 94th GM, Mayank’s family now seeks government and corporate backing to sustain his elite professional career.

In addition, to address space constraints at the Thengaithittu fishing harbour, the Puducherry Government has proposed the construction and expansion of the fishing harbour at Periyaveerampattinam (Arikamedu) at an estimated cost of ₹53.38 crore

Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to posthumously award the Bharat Ratna to Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram. Gandhi highlighted Kanshi Ram's significant role in social justice and empowering marginalized communities. This call follows consistent demands from Dalit leaders and intellectuals for the highest national honor for the BSP founder.

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali criticized the decision to bat Babar Azam at No.4 during the T20 World Cup, suggesting he should have opposed the move like Virat Kohli. However, Kamran Akmal disagreed, stating players rarely challenge management, especially when out of form.