Prime Minister Narendra Modi led International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata, emphasizing "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." Thousands participated nationwide, with Union ministers and chief ministers joining events in various cities, highlighting yoga's role in physical and mental well-being.
Chief ministers from India's southern states and Puducherry hold 84% of total declared assets nationwide, totaling Rs 3,028 crore. Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar leads with Rs 1,413 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh's Chandrababu Naidu (Rs 931 crore) and Joseph Vijay (Rs 648 crore).
Several Indian Union ministers carpooled to a cabinet meeting, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion to reduce vehicle fleets. This move emphasizes sustainability and leads by example amid global energy concerns.
After winning the BJP a brute majority in the 2026 Assam assembly polls, the question now is whether Himanta Biswa Sarma stands at par with chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath and Devendra Fadnavis, who are widely regarded as disciplined Sangh loyalists and potential next generation leaders of the BJP in the post Modi-Shah era.
A 47-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary, Isakkiappan, attempted self-immolation in Tirunelveli, reportedly due to frustration over his party leader Vijay's delayed Chief Ministership. Previously known for a unique penance for Vijay's electoral success, Isakkiappan's distress over TVK's political pace led to the incident. Bystanders intervened, and he is receiving intensive medical care.
Multi-state assembly elections on May 4 will be determined by key constituencies where margins are tight and local dynamics intense. In West Bengal, Bhowanipore and Nandigram are prestige battles for CM Mamata Banerjee against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari. Assam's Jalukbari tests CM Himanta Sarma's urban strength, while Nazira has a razor-thin 683-vote margin. Tamil Nadu's Kolathur tests CM MK Stalin's DMK base, with new entrant Vijay's party challenging in Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur. Kerala's Nemom is a three-way competitive seat, and Puducherry's Thattanchavady sees CM N. Rangasamy defending against a former CM. Turnout has been exceptional, with West Bengal over 92% and Tamil Nadu in mid-80s.
