Morning News

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with chief ministers to discuss West Asia conflict this evening.
Election Commission publishes final voters list for Assembly elections in Keralam.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights urgency of UNSC reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains.
Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balendra Shah to be sworn-in as Prime Minister of Nepal today.
OECD pegs India’s GDP growth at 7.6 per cent during current financial year and 6.1 per cent in 2026-27.
And in football, India beat Pakistan 3-nil in SAFF Under20 Championship to secure semi-final spot.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with the Chief Ministers of all the State through video conferencing this evening on the West Asia conflict to review the state preparedness and plans. Source said, the meeting will focus on ensuring coordinated efforts in the spirit of Team India. However the chief ministers of election-bound states will not be part of this meeting. Earlier Prime Minister Modi had made a statement in both the Houses of parliament over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explained India’s position on the issue. Mr Modi had said that the government is ensuring smooth supplies of petrol, diesel, oil, gas and fertilizers. He had informed the House that India has expanded its energy import sources from 27 countries to 41 countries over the past 11 years, thereby reducing dependence on any single region.

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In Keralam, final voters list for the coming Assembly elections was published last night.

“As per the final electoral roll, Keralam has a total of 2,71,42,952 voters. The list also includes 4,66,408 new voters under the age of 19. Notably, there are 54 voters above the age of 110 in the state. With the publication of the final voters list, including those who became eligible after the SIR, and the completion of the nomination withdrawal process, Keralam is all set for a high voltage election campaign. Smithy M Palluruthy/ Akashvani News/ Thiruvananthapuram.“

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Election campaigning and preparations have gathered momentum in Puducherry with the final list of candidates confirmed yesterday. As per the Election department, after the withdrawal of 71 nominations and removal of multiple submissions yesterday, a total of 294 candidates are in the fray across 30 constituencies in the Union Territory. Political campaigning has also picked up pace across the Union Territory.

“With star campaigners hitting the ground and intensive door-to-door outreach in full swing, political parties are adding momentum to the election campaign in Puducherry.BJP Mahila Morcha National President Coimbatore South MLA, Vanathi Srinivasan, carried out election campaign in the union territory yesterday. She criticised the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, stating that it lacks unity and coordination, and urged voters to reject it. MP and Pradesh Congress Committee President V. Vaithilingam launched his election campaign in Pudupet area of Thattanchavady constituency. Today he will campaign in Jeeva Colony, Kottupalayam, St. Paulpet and nearby areas. Meanwhile, election preparedness has been intensified at the administrative level. The Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) of the Election Commission of India, Banu Prakash Yeturu, visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre in Puducherry yesterday to review the functioning of various election monitoring systems. In Karaikal, the second phase of randomisation of polling personnel was conducted under the leadership of District Election Officer and Collector Ishita Rathi. The process was carried out using computerised methods in a transparent manner, in the presence of General Observers. With the election date approaching, both administrative machinery and political parties have intensified efforts, setting the stage for a closely watched contest in the Union Territory. Bibin S Nath, Akashvani News, Puducherry.”

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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar highlighted the urgency of UNSC reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting session yesterday. Dr Jaishankar said in a social media post that he spoke about reform of global governance. He specifically raised Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security.The External Affairs Minister is on a two day visit to France to attend the G7 Meeting.

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The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has pegged India’s GDP growth rate at 7.6 per cent for 2025-26, 6.1 per cent for 2026-27 and 6.4 per cent for 2027-28, with the country remaining the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The OECD’s interim Economic Outlook report states that conflict in the West Asia is testing the resilience of the global economy. The halt in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and the closure and damage of some energy infrastructure have generated a surge in energy prices and disrupted the global supply of energy and other important commodities, such as fertilisers. Global GDP growth is projected to remain broadly stable at 2.9 per cent in 2026 before edging up to 3 per cent in 2027.

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In Nepal, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Balendra Shah will be sworn-in as the Prime Minister of Nepal today. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu at 12.34 pm local time. Balendra Shah was elected as the leader of the RSP Parliamentary party yesterday, paving his way to become Nepal’s youngest elected prime minister. His party RSP secured a landslide victory in the March 5 parliamentary poll. The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician will also be the first person from the Madhesh region to hold the top executive post in the country.

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US President Donald Trump has extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6. In a social media post, Trump said he will hold off bombing Iran’s energy plants.
Meanwhile, thousands more US troops neared the region. Israel poured more troops into southern Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed Hezbollah, and Tehran tightened its grip on the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Sirens over Israel warned of barrages of incoming Iranian missiles, and Gulf nations worked to intercept fire. Heavy strikes were reported in Iran’s capital and other cities.

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US President Donald Trump’s signature is set to feature on US paper currency soon, a first for a sitting President since the introduction of dollar bills in 1861. The decision, taken by the US Treasury, coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence this year.

US Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a social media post that in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, President Donald J Trump’s signature alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s will soon appear on US currency, marking a first in history.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday for an unannounced visit, as the war in Iran spurs interest among Gulf countries in Ukrainian arms technology.The two countries are set to sign an agreement on security cooperation, in particular, the protection of the skies.

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Costa Rica has announced it will accept 25 migrants deported from the United States per week as part of an agreement to assist with President Donald Trump’s policy of deporting immigrants to third countries. Costa Rica’s government signed the pact during a visit from US special envoy Kristi Noem, who was recently named to oversee the so-called Shield of the Americas. Costa Rica’s government has called the pact a non-binding migration agreement.

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A US federal court judge has declined to throw out the narco-terrorism indictment, for now, against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is imprisoned in the US after being captured by American forces in January. Maduro’s defense had sought to have the case dismissed on the grounds that US sanctions are preventing the Venezuelan government from paying the legal fees for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

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In Uttar Pradesh, the festival of Ram Navami is being celebrated today with religious fervor. The main attraction of the celebration is in Ayodhya where Soorya Snan will take place at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple which will be telecast live by Doordarshan.

“Thousands of devotees have gathered in Ayodhya for the celebrations of Ram Navami. people are taking bath in Saryu river and Ram ki Paidi before doing darshans of lord Rama in different temples. More than 5000 temples of Ayodhya are decorated in Grand manner to celebrate the birthday of lord Rama. At Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, after abhishekam of Lord Ram in the morning, the Surya Tilak will take place in the sanctum sanctorum at exactly 12:00 noon, when a beam of sunlight will fall on the forehead of the deity for approximately four minutes, creating a divine and historic spectacle. After that, 56 offerings will be made. A ‘phool bangla’ has been decorated in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on this occasion. The temple will remain open for darshan from early morning till late at night to accommodate the large influx of pilgrims. Another grand celebration will take place on the banks of Mandakini river in Chitrakoot today evening where around 22 lakh Diyaas will be lit as part of Grand celebration on ramnavami. SUSHIL CHANDRA TIWARI AAKASHVANI NEWS LUCKNOW.”

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In South Asian Football Federation, SAFF Under-20 Championship, defending champion India began their campaign with a commanding 3-nil win over Pakistan at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives yesterday. The win helped India move into the semi-finals of the Championship, while knocking out rivals Pakistan. India will now take on Bangladesh in the semi finals tomorrow.

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On the second day of Khelo India Tribal Games, Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L. clinched the gold medal in the 200 metres individual medley, completing a hat-trick of gold medals. Odisha’s Anjali Munda won the gold medal in the women’s 200 metres individual medley, securing her second gold of the competition. On the third day today, events in swimming, weightlifting, hockey, football and wrestling will be held.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the schedule for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The second phase will feature 50 matches across 12 cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi, running from April 13 to May 24.

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The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim for today.The weather agency has predicted thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana and Uttarakhand till tomorrow.

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FOR A LOOK AT TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,

Government reiterating ‘there is no fuel shortage’ is the main front page news in all the dailies today. The Statesman says “India secures 60-day crude oil supply, LPG cargoes en route.” The Tribune quoting Iran writes “India among ‘friendly nations’ granted passage through Hormuz.” “PM, CMs to discuss Gulf war, India’s plans today” reports The Asian Age.
“Jewar airport poised for take-off, commercial flights from late April” with the project being pitched as a cost efficient alternative for airlines operating in the region states Financial Express.
Hindustan Times refers to a US verdict ordering Meta and Google to pay damages for engineering addiction causing a mental health crisis. The headline says “Landmark verdict on Meta, Google addiction turns social media tide.”
Under the headline “West Asia war is a warning. It’s also a window to securing our energy” in the editorial page, The Indian Express writes about how every disruption in supply chains, every escalation in regional conflict creates inflation and fiscal pressure. These challenges must be used to redesign India’s energy architecture by accelerating its renewable energy, and a revised target of 1500 giga watt by 2030 is necessary and achievable. Grid infrastructure must therefore be treated as a national priority.
An Economic Times headline says “AI hiring shifting to India, Philippines and Brazil when tech companies are sacking thousands in the US due to AI led automation and efficiency gains.”
And Finally, The Times of India mentions about How Delhi is writing its own script at the on going first International Film Festival of the National Capital, rather than competing with established film hubs like Mumbai.

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AND NOW BEFORE WE END THE BULLETIN, THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with chief ministers to discuss West Asia conflict this evening.
Election Commission publishes final voters list for Assembly elections in Keralam.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights urgency of UNSC reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains.
Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balendra Shah to be sworn-in as Prime Minister of Nepal today.
OECD pegs India’s GDP growth at 7.6 per cent during current financial year and 6.1 per cent in 2026-27.
And in football, India beat Pakistan 3-nil in SAFF Under20 Championship to secure semi-final spot.

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