DMK will contest 164 of 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leaving 70 for allies. Congress gets 28 seats as the principal ally, followed by other partners including DMDK (10), VCK (8), CPI and CPI(M) (5 each), and MDMK (4). MK Stalin announced the seat-sharing and candidate list, confirming he will contest from Kolathur while Udhayanidhi Stalin retains Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni. Over 60 first-time candidates feature in DMK's list, including professionals and 18 women. Polls are scheduled for April 23 with results on May 4.

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report presented in the Gujarat Assembly revealed that 2,332.68 kg of seized narcotics (nearly 35% of total) vanished from police custody between October 2022 and July 2023. Out of 6,510.54 kg seized, only 4,177.86 kg was destroyed. Officials cited theft of 144.18 kg ganja, rats consuming portions, and natural moisture loss from drying green ganja and opium. The CAG expressed dissatisfaction with these explanations and demanded better storage and forensic infrastructure.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a married man staying in a consensual live-in relationship with an adult woman does not constitute a criminal offence. The Division Bench quashed concerns of prosecution and directed police protection for a couple facing family threats, including potential honour killing, in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The court stressed separating morality from law and referenced Supreme Court guidelines on safeguarding adults' right to life and personal liberty under the Constitution, regardless of marital status. The judgment reinforces individual freedom in personal relationships.

The upcoming assembly elections in four states are expected to have significant political and developmental implications. The states are witnessing intense campaigning, with major parties focusing on local issues, welfare schemes, and governance records. The results will not only decide the next governments but also influence national political equations and the balance of power ahead of future general elections. Analysts say these polls will serve as a litmus test for the ruling and opposition parties.

A passenger on the Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi to Varanasi found worms in the curd served as part of the meal. The passenger complained to IRCTC, which promptly investigated and fined the catering contractor Rs 10 lakh. The incident was captured on video and went viral on social media. IRCTC has assured strict action against the vendor and has initiated steps to improve quality control. The passenger was offered a full refund and an apology.

A professor at a medical college near Bengaluru proposed to a female student inside the classroom during a lecture. The student firmly rejected the proposal and, along with her classmates, assaulted the professor by slapping him with a slipper. The incident was captured on video, which has gone viral. The professor claimed the student had previously said “I love you” to him, which she strongly denied. Police have visited the college and are investigating the matter.

The Indian government has clarified that no prior permission is required for Indian vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war. The Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Shipping stated that Indian-flagged ships and those carrying Indian cargo can navigate the strait as per international maritime law. This follows concerns over disruptions caused by Iranian actions and US-Israel strikes. The Centre emphasized that freedom of navigation remains a priority and is monitoring the situation closely.

A woman in Uttar Pradesh successfully fought a legal battle to get her own son sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering her husband. The son, along with two accomplices, killed the father in 2018 over a property dispute. The mother testified against her son in court, providing key evidence that led to his conviction. The Allahabad High Court upheld the trial court’s life sentence on March 20, 2026, bringing closure to the seven-year-old case.

A woman in Uttar Pradesh successfully fought a legal battle to get her own son sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering her husband. The son, along with two accomplices, killed the father in 2018 over a property dispute. The mother testified against her son in court, providing key evidence that led to his conviction. The Allahabad High Court upheld the trial court’s life sentence on March 20, 2026, bringing closure to the seven-year-old case.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Guwahati, Assam. Shah accused Rahul of defaming India by eating tea and pakoras on Parliament steps and repeatedly calling the country “poor” in Parliament. He claimed this showed disrespect toward the highest democratic institution. Shah contrasted it with Prime Minister Modi’s development initiatives, including the world’s largest AI summit. The rally was part of BJP’s campaign ahead of Assam assembly polls.