Live! US, Israel don’t want normalisation, says Russia

Kerala: Debate turns into duel over format as Vijayan invites Satheesan to Facebook face-off

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leader V D Satheesan are locked in a back-and-forth over a proposed debate, days ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls. The face-off began after Vijayan shared the LDF government’s “report card” online and accepted Satheesan’s challenge for a discussion on its performance.

While Satheesan promptly agreed and called for an open public debate at a mutually तय time and venue, Vijayan later clarified that his invitation was for a Facebook debate, not a physical event. The CM also maintained that the Assembly remains the primary forum for such exchanges, accusing the opposition of avoiding debates there.

Calling the shift in format “disappointing,” Satheesan said he remains ready for a direct face-off and urged the CM to finalise details. He also used the opportunity to counter the government’s claims, citing data from former CM Oommen Chandy and alleging that several issues raised with the government remain unanswered

Congress asks all MPs to return to Delhi over FCRA Bill

CPI(M) files complaint over morphed image of Biman Bose

The CPI(M) on Tuesday lodged a complaint with the Kolkata police commissioner alleging that a morphed image of Left Front chairman Biman Bose is being circulated on social media, showing the 86-year-old leader donning a saffron scarf and holding a mace while leading a Ram Navami rally with "Jai Shri Ram" flags.

Party secretariat member Samik Lahiri, who filed the complaint, said, "It is clear that this has been done with an intention to create hatred and tension in society and incite violence, particularly before the assembly election in West Bengal."

The state votes in two phases on April 23 and 29, with results on May 4.

Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP-Left 'deal', says Modi wants LDF to win

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on March 31 intensified his campaign in north Kerala, alleging an unspoken alliance between the BJP and the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front. Addressing rallies in Kannur and across Kozhikode district, Gandhi said the Kerala election was not a two-way contest but a fight against "combined forces" of the Left and the BJP.

"This election is a fight between two ideologies and for the first time, we are seeing a partnership between the BJP and the Left Front," Gandhi said, pointing to two former CPI(M) leaders sharing the UDF stage as independents. He questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vocal on Hindu issues elsewhere, stays silent on the alleged gold loss at Sabarimala when he campaigns in Kerala and argued the answer was simple: Modi wants the LDF to win.

Gandhi also trained his guns on the India-US trade deal, alleging it has compromised India's energy independence and will hurt farmers. He claimed Modi "ran away" when confronted on the deal in Parliament, and assured voters that the Congress's five guarantees would be fulfilled if voted to power.

Mumbai gets its first woman municipal commissioner

Hegseth warns Iran as strikes intensify, urges deal

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signalled a hardening stance against Iran, describing the coming days as critical while insisting Tehran’s military options are narrowing.

“The upcoming days will be decisive. Iran knows that, and there's almost nothing they can militarily do about it,” Hegseth said, adding that recent attacks have already tapered. “Yes, they will still shoot some missiles, but we will shoot them down.”

He pointed to intensified operations, noting “the last 24 hours saw the lowest number of enemy missiles and drones,” alongside strikes targeting command infrastructure. “We recently destroyed another one of their command bunkers… No water, no power, no oxygen, no command and control.”

Hegseth also described “200 dynamic strikes” overnight, calling them real-time, intelligence-driven attacks.

Turning to diplomacy, he warned: “If Iran is wise, they will cut a deal.” He added that Donald Trump “doesn't bluff,” invoking Ruhollah Khomeini as precedent.

US, Israel don’t want normalisation: Russia’s FM

Trump tells to 'Go get your own oil' as Iran war drags on

US President Donald Trump has pressed countries hit by jet fuel shortages linked to the Strait of Hormuz to lean on American energy supplies while preparing to secure their own interests. His remarks come as disruptions in the waterway continue to squeeze global fuel access.

Framing the situation bluntly, Trump said, “Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty,” before urging a more forceful approach: “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.” He paired that with a warning that long-standing security dependence on Washington should not be taken for granted.

He singled out countries such as the United Kingdom, arguing they had stayed out of actions involving Iran but were now dealing with the fallout from restricted fuel flows.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore,” he said, sharpening his call for self-reliance.

Trump also added, “Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT,” casting the moment as a shift toward countries taking control of both energy supply and security priorities.

BJP promises AIIMS for Kerala in poll manifesto

The BJP-led NDA on Tuesday (March 31) released its manifesto which promised monetary benefits for needy women and those above 70 years, two free LPG cylinders per year for poor households, an AIIMS for Kerala and protection of places of worship in the state.

The manifesto, released by BJP national president Nitin Nabin at an NDA event, also promised a high-speed railway network connecting the state capital with Kannur, 20,000 litres of free water for every household and "water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala" with regard to the Mullaperiyar dam.

The manifesto said that every woman from poor and BPL households will be provided with a Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card with a monthly recharge of Rs 2,500, which they can use at pharmacies and grocery stores.

Besides that, a welfare pension of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided to women heads of poor households, widows and senior citizens above the age of 70 years, it said.

Additionally, two free LPG cylinders per year, one each during Onam and Christmas, will be provided to poor families, the manifesto said.

"We will protect Sabarimala, Guruvayoor and all other places of worship by revamping Devaswom Boards to increase participation of devotees in temple management," it further said.

The NDA manifesto said that it will also end corruption through a time-bound CBI enquiry into the Sabarimala gold theft.

It also promised to launch a "Sabarimala Infrastructure Development Mission" to undertake large-scale devotee-centric infrastructure development at the hill-top shrine.

IndiGo names Ex-British Airways chief Willie Walsh as CEO

IndiGo on Tuesday named former William Walsh as its new chief executive, marking a swift leadership change at the country’s largest airline.

Walsh, widely known as Willie, currently serves as Director General of the International Air Transport Association. The airline said his appointment is subject to regulatory approvals. His tenure at IATA will conclude on July 31, and he is expected to assume the new role by August 3.

The development comes less than three weeks after the sudden exit of CEO Pieter Elbers.

Walsh previously led British Airways and later headed International Airlines Group, which owns multiple European carriers.

"As we enter a new phase of transformation and growth, I am delighted to welcome Willie to IndiGo.

"He is an iconic and accomplished aviation leader, and brings a rare combination of global perspective, operational expertise of having built strong customer-focused airlines, deep industry experience and a values-driven leadership, making him exceptionally suited to lead IndiGo at this pivotal cusp of growth," Rahul Bhatia said.