- The EC has announced the dates for assembly polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, the results of which will be announced on May 4.
- Iran says that as fighting intensifies, the war will only end if it is certain that future U.S.-Israeli attacks will not be repeated.
- Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Modi to posthumously award the Bharatnana Medal to BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
- Mamata Banerjee raised honoraria for priests and muezzins and declared DA arrears before the voting rules came into effect.
- Tensions in the Middle East, crude oil prices, foreign investor flows and the Federal Reserve’s decision are likely to drive Indian markets this week.
Here are the day’s top stories:
EC announces poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry
The Election Commission has announced the dates for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. Voting is scheduled from April 9 to April 29, and the results will be announced on May 4. West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, while Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 23. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will go to single-phase polls on April 9. Read more
Iran says the war will only end if the possibility of future attacks by the United States and Israel is ruled out
Iran’s foreign minister said the conflict with the United States and Israel will only end when Tehran is convinced such attacks “will not be repeated” while claiming Iran has evidence that US bases in the Middle East were used in attacks. As fighting enters its third week, Israel approved $827 million in emergency military funding for ammunition and urgent combat needs. Follow real-time updates
Rahul Gandhi urges PM Modi to confer Kansi Rambharat Ratna title
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding posthumous conferment of Bharat Ratna on BSP founder Kanshi Ram, calling him a “warrior of social justice” and a symbol of Bahujan empowerment. Rahul said the honor would recognize Kansi Ram’s lasting contribution to Indian politics and the aspirations of millions. Read more
Mamata raises fees for priests and muezzin ahead of polling date
Just hours before the Election Commission announced the date for assembly polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of priests and muezzins by Rs 500 to Rs 2,000. She also approved all new applications under the scheme and said outstanding DA arrears under ROPA 2009 will be paid from March 2026. Read more
Middle East war, crude oil prices to boost Dara Street this week
After a severe sell-off on Dalal Street, developments in the Middle East conflict and crude oil prices are expected to be the biggest drivers for the Indian market this week. Analysts said investors will pay close attention to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude approaching $100 per barrel, FII outflows, the rupee and the Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Read more