The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.
Announcing the hike in the ministry's outlay while presenting the budget in Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said this would help the social sector to focus more on the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, as well as the physically challenged.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for celebrating Dr B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary as a 'festival of his thoughts', emphasising the need to spread his ideas across all sections of society. Preparations are underway for the 135th birth anniversary on April 14, with a focus on public awareness and grand celebrations.
Kejriwal is seeking the recusal of a Delhi High Court judge in his liquor policy case, alleging a conflict of interest due to the judge's family ties to the central government's legal representation.
'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'
The Congress and BJP in Uttarakhand are engaged in a war of words over the alleged Champawat rape case, which police have now deemed a fabricated incident stemming from a long-standing dispute. Both parties accuse each other of political manipulation and attempting to tarnish the other's image.
Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are urging the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could weaken the rights of transgender individuals.
Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are calling for the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could dilute the rights of transgender individuals.
Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.
The Indian Parliament has passed a bill amending the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, focusing on biological discrimination and excluding social orientations from its scope. The bill aims to provide legal recognition and protection to transgender individuals facing discrimination due to biological issues, while also introducing graded punishments for harm inflicted on them.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant cautioned against the uncritical adoption of AI in the judiciary, emphasising the need for human judgement and ethical considerations in judicial decision-making.
Two Jewish men were stabbed near a synagogue in north-west London, in an attack declared by police as a 'terrorist' incident. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics and attempting to incite violence in Punjab for electoral gains, while reaffirming his government's commitment to peace and communal harmony.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has cautioned against the uncritical adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, emphasising the need to balance technological advancements with human intellect and ethical considerations.
Police in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur have registered cases against the X handles of the Congress and Samajwadi Party for allegedly spreading rumours related to the death of a teenage girl.
'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'
Newly appointed Kerala CM V D Satheesan seeks guidance from senior Congress leaders A K Antony and V M Sudheeran, receiving advice on navigating the challenges of leadership and addressing the state's financial and developmental issues.
The Delhi High Court has directed city authorities to develop a strategy for implementing the Supreme Court's directives on open correctional institutions, focusing on identifying prisoners suitable for transfer.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a fact-finding report to the Maharashtra government, revealing pervasive sexual harassment, systemic bullying, and zero compliance with the POSH Act at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The report details a toxic workplace environment and recommends strict action and compliance with the POSH Act.
Five people were injured in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, after being hit by a jeep allegedly driven by the son of a BJP MLA. A police case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.
A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death in northwest Delhi following a quarrel. The accused then posted a video on social media boasting about the murder. Police have apprehended two men and a juvenile in connection with the incident.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed key cases with the Home department and directed the police to ensure thorough investigation and strong prosecution.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin celebrated the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, emphasising the unity of the south and the triumph of democracy. The bill aimed to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase Lok Sabha seats. Stalin criticised the bill as weakening the balance of the union and asserted Tamil Nadu's commitment to justice, dignity, and federalism.
India observed the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, with leaders paying homage to the victims and asserting the country's commitment to fighting terrorism.
Marketed as a Valentine's Day treat, audiences can expect to be mildly entertained by the surface-level intimate scenes in Wuthering Heights that only leave you thirsty for the real, raw passion, notes Divya Nair.
Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Satchidananda has voiced concerns over the lack of adequate representation for backward communities in elections by political parties in Kerala, India. He also welcomed the Kerala High Court decision disqualifying the leadership of the SNDP Yogam.
According to the recommendations, reviewed by Business Standard, any dress code shall always be akin to Hindu culture.
The first day of the month of Vaisakh is the harvest festival of Baisakhi.
'Lakhs of transgender people's identities will get erased. Many of them will go into hiding and lead depressing lives.'
What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the NIA's handling of the 2006 Malegaon blast case, accusing the agency of betraying the victims by likely not appealing the Bombay High Court's decision to discharge four accused.
Two British Sikh runners, Baldev Singh Bains and Manny Singh Kang, participated in the 2026 London Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for charity. Bains ran in memory of Fauja Singh, aiming to fund a community sports club, while Kang raised money for Dementia UK.
Police in Amravati, Maharashtra, have arrested eight individuals for circulating obscene video clips and photographs of minor girls on social media. The investigation began after the videos were discovered on several sites, leading to the seizure of electronic devices and the formation of a special investigation team.
The CBI has arrested five individuals and conducted searches across India in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case. Protests have intensified, and calls for the Education Minister's resignation have grown louder. Political parties are trading blame, and the Supreme Court is considering a plea for an overhaul of the National Testing Agency.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, urging unity on national issues like 'Viksit Bharat', swadeshi, and national security. She highlighted government initiatives and the nation's progress.
The father of a teenage girl found dead in the Ganga river in Katariya village has stated he does not want any politician to visit his home for political gain, amid allegations from opposition leaders that he is under duress.
A six-year-old girl was allegedly tied to stairs as punishment for plucking guava from a garden in Una, Himachal Pradesh. The incident sparked outrage after videos circulated on social media, leading to police investigation and the girl's rescue.
The previous Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance to grant a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims.
Families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mark the first anniversary, recounting the horror and seeking justice and support for those affected.
