Evening news wrap: EC announces poll schedule for 4 states, 1 UT; Rahul Gandhi demands Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram; & more | India News
- The EC has announced the dates for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, the results of which will be held on May 4.
- Iran has said the war will end only when it is certain that future US-Israeli attacks will not be repeated, as the war has intensified.
- Rahul Gandhi urged PM Modi to award Bharat Ratna posthumously to BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
- Mamata Banerjee hiked the honorarium for priests and muezzins and declared DA dues just before the poll code began.
- Middle East tensions, crude oil prices, FII inflows and US Fed decision are likely to drive Indian markets this week.
Here are the top stories of the day:
EC announces election schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry
The Election Commission has announced the dates for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, with polling scheduled between April 9 and April 29 and results on May 4. West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls in a single phase on April 9. Read the full story
Iran says the war will only end if future US-Israeli attacks are cancelled
Iran’s foreign minister said the conflict with the US and Israel would end only when Tehran was convinced such attacks “cannot be repeated”, while Iran claimed US bases in the Middle East were used in the attacks. As the war enters its third week, Israel has approved $827 million in emergency military funding for weapons and emergency war needs. Follow the live updates
Rahul Gandhi urged PM Modi to award Bharat Ratna to Kanshi Ram
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a posthumous Bharat Ratna for BSP founder Kanshi Ram, calling him a “warrior of social justice” and a symbol of Bahujan empowerment. Rahul said the honor would recognize Kanshiram’s long-standing contribution to Indian politics and the aspirations of millions of people. Read the full story
Mamata increased the fees of priests, muezzins before the polling date
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in monthly stipend for priests and muezzins, taking it to Rs 2,000, hours before the Election Commission announced the date for the assembly polls. He also approved all new applications under the scheme and said that pending DA dues under ROPA 2009 will start payment from March 2026. Read the full story
Middle East war, crude oil prices will drive Dalal Street this week
Developments in the Middle East conflict and crude oil prices are expected to be the biggest drivers for the Indian market this week, following heavy selling on Dalal Street. Analysts said investors will closely track the Strait of Hormuz situation, Brent crude near $100 per barrel, FII outflows, the rupee and the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision. Read the full story
