Leaving former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and his supporters dejected, the Congress on Monday denied him a ticket to contest the election to the territorial Assembly, the last day for filing nominations.

After the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam finalised their seat-sharing pact at the eleventh hour, Narayanasamy, who was expecting renomination from the Nellithope constituency and had already begun groundwork, was denied the ticket.

His rival and PCC president V. Vaithilingam, also a former Chief Minister and currently an MP, has filed his nomination papers.

Supporters of Narayanasamy, alleging that Vaithilingam played a role in the denial of the ticket, gathered in front of the latter’s residence and raised slogans against him.

In the 2021 election, Narayanasamy was made Chief Minister despite not contesting the polls. After assuming office, he contested from Nellithope, with the sitting legislator resigning to make way for him.

As per the seat-sharing agreement, the Congress will contest 16 seats and the DMK 12, while the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Communist Party of India will contest one seat each.

Both the Congress and DMK have directed aspirants—other than those who have been granted tickets—to withdraw their nominations.

The NDA had already completed its seat-sharing arrangement, with the All India NR Congress led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy getting 16 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party, along with the Lok Janshakti Party, has been allotted 14 seats. The LJP has been given one seat within the NDA.

More than 157 candidates have filed their papers for the April 9 election to the 30-member Territorial Assembly.

Among prominent candidates who filed nominations are AIADMK state secretary A. Anbazhagan, former minister M.O.H.F. Shajahan, BJP state president Ramalingam, and LJP president Jose Charles Martin.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said that all Indian citizens in Israel are safe, while confirming that six Indians have been killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the well-being of the majority of the Indian diaspora.

“All Indian citizens in Israel are safe. There were reports of an Indian citizen being injured. Our embassy there is monitoring the matter. The person is safe,” he said.

Jaiswal further added, “Six Indian citizens have lost their lives in this conflict, one Indian citizen has been injured, and one remains missing.”

Highlighting the geographic spread of the conflict, the MEA had earlier confirmed on Friday, March 20, that an Indian national was killed following missile and drone attacks on the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.

This incident brought the total number of Indian fatalities in the escalating West Asia conflict to six, even as diplomatic missions continue efforts to ensure the safety of nearly 10 million Indian citizens living across the region.

The individual died in Riyadh last Wednesday, marking the first reported Indian fatality in Saudi Arabia since the hostilities began.

This follows a pattern of casualties across the Gulf, including the deaths of two Indians in an attack on an industrial area in Oman on February 13, and three seafarers who died in attacks on merchant vessels during the early days of the conflict. One more Indian citizen is still reported missing.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood on Monday expressed distress, stating that it is painful when, after the loss of life, attempts are made to politicize deaths, which he termed “vulture politics.”

Sood was speaking in the Delhi Assembly on the recent fire incident in the Palam area that claimed several lives. He said that investigations by the police and the fire department are underway.

He remarked on the absence of the Opposition during such an important discussion, saying it reflects their attitude.

He alleged that their irresponsible conduct over the past eleven years would be exposed, prompting them to stay away instead of accepting responsibility.

Referring to past incidents, he said that in January 2018, a major fire broke out in the Bawana industrial area, killing 17 people.

He added that the then government had shifted the blame to the MCD licensing department, stating that the fire occurred due to licensing failures while the MCD was under BJP rule.

He further recalled that in February 2019, a fire broke out at a hotel in Karol Bagh, also claiming 17 lives, where corruption in the NOC process was cited to shift blame to the MCD.

Sood also mentioned the 2019 Anaj Mandi fire, which claimed 43 lives. He said the then government blamed the delay in the Special Area Redevelopment Plan. He also cited the May 2022 Mundka industrial area fire, which killed 27 people.

“Had the Leader of the Opposition been present, I would have reminded her that she and AAP leaders claimed the building belonged to a BJP leader, thus shifting responsibility,” he stated.

Sood added, “We do not engage in vulture politics. None of us said that the building belonged to an AAP leader.”

Quoting the fire department’s initial report on the recent Palam incident, he said: “Highly inflammable material was stored in the basement. The staircase was internal, with no external access. There was an electronic shutter that did not open after the fire broke out,” the report noted.

He said that no one from the government engaged in blame politics and that within two hours, the Chief Minister ordered an inquiry and announced compensation.

Sood alleged that over the past 11 years, no serious effort was made to reform fire safety rules in mixed land-use areas or strengthen fire preparedness in unauthorized colonies, where it is extremely difficult for fire tenders to enter.

He shared that only Rs 4.72 crore was spent on capital expenditure for the fire department in 2015–16, Rs 8 crore in 2016–17, Rs 5 crore in 2018–19, and Rs 20 crore in 2021–22. He termed this minimal investment and questioned how the system could have been strengthened with such spending.

He said that, in contrast, the present government has allocated a significantly higher amount of funds for the modernization of the Delhi Fire Service, a large portion of which has already been utilized for new fire tenders, equipment, and infrastructure.

“In the last six months, our government has initiated a new communication network and command centre,” he added.

He said that the government is revamping the wireless network, upgrading outdated systems, and establishing a modern command and control centre. A third-party audit of establishments has also been initiated to improve fire safety compliance, he added.

He criticized the Opposition for engaging in petty politics instead of participating in this serious discussion.

Leonid Radvinsky, the owner of the subscription-based site OnlyFans, has died at the age of 43. The company confirmed that he “passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer” and asked for privacy for his family.

Radvinsky was born in Ukraine and grew up in Chicago. He graduated with an economics degree from Northwestern University. In 2018, he purchased OnlyFans from its two UK-based founders.

Under his ownership, the platform’s user base and revenues expanded significantly. Forbes later listed him as a billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $4.7 billion.

How OnlyFans works

Founded in 2016, OnlyFans is a social media platform where creators can post content and charge subscribers either through tips or monthly subscriptions. While creators upload material ranging from cooking tutorials to fitness videos, the site is most associated with adult content.

Also Read: Eric Dane dead at 52: Grey’s Anatomy surgeon to Euphoria’s troubled father loses battle to ALS

Users can interact with creators through live streams, private messages, and requests for custom content. OnlyFans takes a 20% cut of all payments.

By 2024, the platform reported over 377 million subscribers, more than 4.6 million creators, and transactions exceeding £7 billion, generating $1.4 billion in revenue.

Scrutiny over content

The site’s growth drew attention from lawmakers and regulators. In 2024, British authorities investigated whether children were accessing pornography on the platform.

OnlyFans attributed the issue to a technical glitch. While the probe was dropped, Ofcom fined the company about £1 million for not providing accurate information about age verification measures.

In earlier years, the platform faced accusations of hosting illegal material, including child sexual abuse content. In 2021, under pressure, OnlyFans announced plans to ban sexual content. After intense backlash from users and adult performers, the company reversed the decision within days.

Legal disputes have also followed the platform. Some users claimed they were misled into thinking they were interacting directly with creators, when third-party staff handled messages. These cases have not succeeded in court.

More about Leonid Radvinsky

In 2023, reporting by The Lever revealed that Radvinsky and his spouse contributed $11 million to AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group.

Before his death, Radvinsky lived in Florida. Despite OnlyFans’ adult content reputation, he kept a low public profile. His ownership period coincided with the company becoming a global phenomenon, drawing both financial success and regulatory scrutiny.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday strongly condemned the protest carried out outside the House by members of the Opposition, including the Leader of the Opposition.

Gupta said that boycotting the House and failing to participate in its proceedings is completely against the dignity of the House and parliamentary decorum.

“In a democratic system, the House is the very place where discussion and dialogue should take place; however, the Opposition’s decision to distance itself from the Budget Session is deeply unfortunate,” Gupta said in his statement in the House.

“Particularly at this time, when the Delhi Budget is being presented, the participation and presence of the Opposition are of utmost importance. Protesting outside instead of engaging in discussion is contrary to established parliamentary traditions,” the Speaker noted.

He also said that it is deeply regrettable that ever since the serious issue of the desecration of the Sikh Gurus was raised in the last session, the Leader of the Opposition has not attended the House and continues to remain absent.

Failing to participate in the proceedings of the House and obstructing the democratic process in this manner is akin to hijacking constitutional institutions, Gupta added.

He further said that during the Budget Session, the presence of the Opposition is essential and extremely vital, adding that acting with insolence against parliamentary traditions and repeatedly showing contempt for the Chair is highly condemnable.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday highlighted the leadership, vision, and contribution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards nation-building, stating that on behalf of every citizen of Delhi, she congratulates the Prime Minister, who is not just a leader but a guiding force.

In her statement in the Delhi Assembly on the Prime Minister’s leadership and his contribution, on becoming the longest-serving head of government in the country including his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and then as Prime Minister, Gupta said that he is someone who works not merely with intent but with a clear vision.

She noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, values such as integrity, transparency, accountability, and dedication have gained renewed prominence.

Gupta added that through his work and conduct, the Prime Minister has demonstrated that commitment to the nation and duty towards its people are paramount.

She further said that his tireless, round-the-clock efforts in the service of the country stand as a remarkable example of dedicated leadership.

Gupta added that the Prime Minister’s efforts have significantly enhanced India’s global standing, prestige, and self-confidence, while his welfare-oriented policies, effective foreign policy, and emphasis on good governance have given the country a new direction.

She also emphasized that through the use of technology, teamwork, and a forward-looking approach, the Prime Minister has made governance more efficient and transparent, and has steered India onto a new path of progress.

A day after a case was registered against BJP state vice president and party’s Guruvayur constituency candidate B. Gopalakrishnan for his controversial ‘Hindu MLA’ remark, BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has come forward to defend his party colleague.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday said Gopalakrishnan’s remarks did not constitute hate speech and questioned what was wrong with the latter’s statement.

“What he said, in my understanding, is whether there shouldn’t be an MLA in Guruvayur who is a believer, especially in this era of thefts in Sabarimala and Guruvayur. He is a candidate—what is wrong with his question? I don’t see how that becomes hate,” Chandrasekhar said.

The BJP Kerala chief also referred to an earlier remark by K.M. Shaji of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). His statement that “religion, religion, religion is our issue; it is our identity” had sparked discussions, including in the state Assembly, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responding to it.

He questioned why statements made by BJP leaders are labelled as hate speech, while similar remarks by others are considered secular. Both issues deserve discussion, he added.

“Isn’t it wrong when K.M. Shaji says that religion is the issue? If the BJP says so, it is termed communal. Why does no one object when others say religion is the issue? Can a person of another religion become a senator in the Vatican? Can a Hindu become a representative in Mecca? What is the problem if an MLA who is a believer is elected? How does that become hate speech?” Chandrasekhar asked.

BJP Kerala vice president and Guruvayur constituency candidate B. Gopalakrishnan was on Sunday booked for making alleged communal remarks in a campaign video.

The Guruvayur Temple Police registered the case against Gopalakrishnan following a directive from the Chief Electoral Officer to the District Collector, based on a CPM complaint alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct and use of communal statements.

In the video, Gopalakrishnan purportedly claimed that the constituency had not elected a Hindu MLA for nearly five decades. He also alleged that both the Left and the Congress-led fronts had not fielded candidates from the community.

Calling Guruvayur an international pilgrimage centre and the “land of Lord Guruvayurappan,” he alleged that it had been in the hands of “temple thieves” for the past five decades.

“Why has there been no Hindu MLA in Guruvayur so far?” Gopalakrishnan asked in the video.

“Neither the Left nor the Right have fielded a Hindu MLA. Guruvayur is an international pilgrimage centre, yet why isn’t there a Hindu MLA? I have been summoned by Guruvayurappan to free his land from this half-century-long control of temple looters and those opposed to temples,” he said in the video posted on March 20 on his social media handles.

Reacting to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a pause to the US military strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days, India on Monday said it is ‘closely monitoring’ the evolving situation in West Asia.

At an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital on the situation arising out of the conflict in West Asia, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are closely following the developments–as we always do. We are keeping a focused watch on all these activities.”

The MEA’s reaction came after Trump announced that he had instructed the US Department of War to delay any military action against Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The MEA said it continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and the Gulf region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority. “All Indian citizens in Israel are safe. There were reports of an Indian citizen being injured. Our embassy there is monitoring the matter. The person is safe,” he said.

The MEA spokesperson further said, “Six Indian citizens have lost their lives in this conflict, and one Indian citizen has been injured, and one is missing.”

“Indian nationals in Iran continue to be assisted to travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan, with 1,031 Indians including 707 students and 324 Indian citizens having crossed over so far. Indian students in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have been relocated to safer locations within Iran. Indian nationals in Israel are being facilitated to travel to India via Jordan,” the MEA said.

Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days aimed at resolving hostilities in the region.

He added that the decision to pause strikes was based on the “tenor and tone” of the discussions, which he described as “in-depth, detailed, and constructive”. Trump further stated that the conversations will continue through the week.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” the post read.

“Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, witch will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy Infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” it added.

The announcement came as the war between Israel, the US, and Iran had entered its fourth week.

After narrowly missing out on the title last year, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting set the tone for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by urging his players to embrace mistakes while staying committed to the team’s process.

Addressing the squad at the start of their training camp in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, Ponting emphasised the importance of preparation, clarity of roles and belief in the team’s approach as they gear up for the 2026 campaign.

The team began its camp at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium with an intense opening session as players and support staff regrouped ahead of the new season. Speaking ahead of the practice session, the former Australia captain stressed that the immediate focus for the team is on preparation rather than results.

“From now, the games and the tournament don’t start now, as far as I’m concerned. This is training, this is preparation, this is about getting ourselves physically, technically, and mentally right for that first game on the 31st, right?” he said.

Reflecting on the previous season, Ponting encouraged the players to revisit the qualities that helped the team perform well as a unit. Punjab Kings ended as runners-up to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2025 season.

“I want you to think back and think about what you brought to this team last year that made us a good team, right? The one thing I spoke about last year, every single day, was we were a good team from the start until the end, and the one thing that we were doing, we were chasing being a great team,” he said in a video shared by the franchise.

Ponting urged his players that mistakes are part of the game as long as they remain committed to their plans.

“Mistakes come, we all make mistakes, that’s fine. I’ll make mistakes on the way through this, you’ll all make mistakes, you’ll drop a catch, you’ll play a bad shot, you’ll bowl a bad over, but as long as you’re sticking to what you know and what your game plan is, if you make a mistake doing that, in my eyes it’s not a mistake, it’s just what happens in the game, it’s part of the game,” he said.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side will open their campaign in IPL 2026 against the Gujarat Titans on April 31.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has called the increasing presence of the state’s youth in the list of successful candidates in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination a matter of pride.

Dr Mohan Yadav noted that selection of 61 sons of the soil reflect the changing face of the state. Congratulating all the candidates selected in the UPSC Civil Services Examination–2025, he said their success is a recognition of their determination and capability.

Chief Minister Dr Yadav was speaking at an event organised at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre here on Monday to felicitate the selected candidates from MP selected in the UPSC Civil Services Examination–2025.

He emphasized that the triumphant candidates are the architects of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. He pointed out that when India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, they would be at the pinnacle of the administrative system. Every decision and every innovation taken by them will contribute to laying the foundation of a developed and self-reliant India and Madhya Pradesh.

He said destiny has chosen them for an important responsibility and that success always comes with responsibility. “The welfare and development of crores of citizens of the country and Madhya Pradesh will rest on your shoulders,” the CM added.

In a light-hearted comment, Dr Yadav quipped that the selected candidates would not have to face any more exams now, but we as politicians and public representatives have to face a tough exam every five years.

German technology and services provider Bosch Ltd on Monday officially informed the stock exchanges on Monday that it has formed a joint venture (JV) with Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd to cater to the requirements of electric mobility in India.

According to the statement, both the partners plan to hold equal shares in the joint venture, which aims to start its operations by mid-2026, subject to receiving all regulatory approvals.

The JV, to be headquartered in Pune, will focus on engineering, manufacturing, and sales of eAxle systems and electric motors in India, according to the statement. It aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable and forward-looking technologies, thereby expanding the regional footprint for both companies in the e-mobility space, the statement informed.

“India being the world’s third largest automotive market, Bosch aims to leverage stronger opportunities for its business in India. This planned partnership with TACO further cements our presence in e-mobility, enabling us to deliver cutting edge global solutions locally in India including engineering and manufacturing expertise,” Robert Bosch GmbH’s Executive Vice President Karsten Muller said.

“The Bosch joint venture with Tata AutoComp is designed to accelerate the adoption of these technologies by delivering efficient, state-of-the-art e-Mobility solutions to our customers,” President of the Bosch Group in India & Managing Director of Bosch Ltd, Guruprasad Mudlapur said.

“At Bosch, we strongly believe that Battery Electric technology is the definitive path to achieving low emissions in passenger cars and select commercial vehicle segments,” Mudlapur said.

Tata AutoComp Vice Chairman Arvind Goel said that “ India’s mobility ecosystem is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by electrification, localisation, and the need for scalable technology solutions. This joint venture between Tata AutoComp Systems and Bosch Ltd brings together complementary strengths in engineering, technology and manufacturing to accelerate the development of advanced e-mobility solutions for the Indian market”.

Bosch also mentioned that it has invested over 6 billion euros globally in e-mobility. The partnership with Tata AutoComp would enable Bosch to bring these advanced eAxle systems and electric motor solutions to India’s growing e-mobility market, reinstating their ongoing commitment to the region, according to the statement.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena protested the alleged police manhandling of Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai on the steps of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly here on Monday.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLAs sat on the steps of the legislature in protest against Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi for the manner in which the elections to Satara Zilla Parishad were held on Friday, raising slogans against the police official.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was seen upset and angry with the protest by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLAs. Later, he came to the hall and discussed the issue with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who was allegedly manhandled by the police in Satara.

The issue was raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council as well. In the Legislative Council, Desai and other members of the two parties demanded the suspension of Tushar Doshi for the incident.

Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena ministers and legislators also demanded action against the “partisan” Satara Superintendent for allegedly helping parties allied to the BJP in the election.

After the issue was raised in the House, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe ordered suspension of SP Doshi.

The BJP won the Satara Zilla Parishad (District Council) election despite the Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP having the members due to cross voting. Two NCP members were arrested on kidnapping charges while they were on their way to vote in the election conducted to elect the Satara District Council Chief.

On Friday, the BJP won the Satara Zilla Parishad (District Council) defeating the Shiv Sena–NCP alliance which led to allegations that two councillors were prevented from voting at the Satara Zilla Parishad (District Council) election, using the police.

During the Satara Zilla Parishad (District Council), the Tourism Minister as well as Satara Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai, of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was allegedly attacked by police personnel in plain clothes.

“This has happened for the first time in my 40 years of political career. I was with Ajit Pawar-led NCP minister Makarand Patil and Sharad Pawar-led NCP MLC Shashikant Shinde. I was beaten by the police when I was going into the Satara Zilla Parishad (District Council) building. I was bleeding. Minister Patil’s brother, Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Patil, was dragged from the staircase. This is unprecedented. In this confrontation, two of our members were kidnapped by the police,” Desai said in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, here on Friday.

He alleged that BJP workers were allowed inside the Zilla Parishad building, but not Desai himself as well as others. “The Satara Superintendent of Police worked like a puppet. He should be suspended along with other subordinates,” the Tourism Minister as well as Satara Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena said, demanding a judicial probe into the incident.

Ajit Pawar-led NCP minister Makarand Patil, who was with Shambhuraj Desai when the alleged incident took place, alleged that the Satara police behaved in a partisan manner by registering false complaints against their members. “Despite being ministers, we were treated like criminals. Even an accused person cannot be prevented from voting. But here, elected members were stopped from voting in Satara district,” Patil alleged.

“The BJP may be happy about this victory for the moment, but there will be bigger polls in the future. At that time Shiv Sena and NCP will take their respective stands. I have been in politics for the last 40 years but have never seen such misuse of power by any establishment. I was surprised and shocked. My grandfather was the Home Minister of Maharashtra, but he never misused power to trample the opposition and dissenting voices. What we are witnessing today is quite unprecedented,” Shambhuraj Desai warned.

Gandey MLA Kalpana Soren was conferred the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026 held in New Delhi.

The award, presented by the women empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognises contributions towards women-led development and grassroots empowerment initiatives.

Accepting the award, Soren said it belonged to women contributing to families, communities and the nation.

She said women are making strides across sectors and are emerging as key drivers of development.

Emphasising inclusive growth, she said there is a need to ensure greater participation of women from marginalised communities and expand their access to opportunities.

Referring to initiatives in Jharkhand, she said women are increasingly emerging as entrepreneurs and agents of change through self-help groups and local enterprises.

Soren also stressed the need for equal opportunities for women to lead and grow.

Among those present at the event were former Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, NIC Director General Abhishek Singh, former BRICS Sherpa Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Rupinder Brar, actor Shabana Azmi and actor Bhumi Pednekar, among others.

In a major breakthrough amid the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state, as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a narcotics smuggling module with the arrest of two operatives and recovered 5 kg of heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Maninder Singh, a resident of Khatrai Khurd in Amritsar, and Gurjant Singh, a resident of Phirwaria in Amritsar. Apart from recovering the contraband, police teams have impounded their hatchback Hyundai i20 car bearing registration number PB10GH0140, which was being used to transport the consignment.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed links of the arrested accused with a Pakistan-based smuggler, along with a foreign-based handler orchestrating cross-border consignments.

Sharing operational details, he said that the police teams from CI Amritsar had received specific information that a foreign-based individual was in contact with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler, and together, they were operating a drug smuggling network in the state with the help of their Punjab-based associates, identified as Maninder Singh and Gurjant Singh.

The information further revealed that both associates had received a narcotics consignment from their handler and were heading towards the area of Village Dhariwal, under Ajnala in Amritsar district, in their i20 car to deliver the consignment to another party. Acting swiftly, police teams laid nakas around the area, intercepted both suspects, and recovered 5 kg of heroin from their possession, the DGP said, adding that further investigations are ongoing.

An FIR in the case has been registered under Sections 21, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday unveiled a grand statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh on the RCS office premises at Parliament Street here on the occasion of his martyrdom day while inaugurating the restored ‘Historical Court Trial Room’.
Notably, being the venue where the trial of legendary freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev was conducted during the struggle for independence, the landmark site holds immense historic significance.

Delhi Ministers Parvesh Verma, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, and Kapil Mishra were present on the occasion, along with Yadvinder Singh Sandhu, Bhagat Singh’s grandson, and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Gupta stated that March 23 is a day of immense pride and emotional remembrance for the entire nation. “This day reminds everyone of the supreme sacrifice made by the brave freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s liberation. Seeing these memories revitalized within this historic complex is a moment of profound pride and emotion for every Indian,” she added.

Gupta emphasized that the conservation and restoration of this historic site is more than just a construction project, but a vital effort to preserve the nation’s heritage.
She said it would allow future generations to connect with the history of the freedom struggle and urged every citizen to visit the site to experience firsthand the struggles and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. “Bhagat Singh’s statue will continue to inspire the youth to fight against injustice and dedicate themselves to the nation,” Gupta averred.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said, “We have made a concerted effort to preserve the facts and essence of the place where cries of ‘Inquilab’ once echoed and where Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh appeared for trial.”

He further said that the installation of the statue is not just paying a tribute, but providing a source of inspiration for countrymen, especially the youth, to learn closely about his life, ideologies, and martyrdom.
Earlier in the day, CM Gupta visited the Vidhan Sabha to pay floral tributes at the statues of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

The Economic Survey of Delhi 2025-26 presents a picture of a resilient and fast-expanding capital economy, underpinned by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, rising incomes, sustained fiscal discipline and a sharp increase in development expenditure.

The first full year of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s government reflects a decisive shift toward high-growth, infrastructure-led and citizen-centric governance, with measurable gains across key economic indicators. At the heart of this progress lies a robust expansion in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), rising per capita income, and a renewed thrust on capital expenditure, all of which together signal Delhi’s transition toward a high-income, globally competitive urban economy.

GSDP Growth Signals Strong Economic Momentum

Delhi’s economy has continued its upward trajectory in 2025–26, with the Advance Estimate of GSDP at current prices reaching ₹13.27 lakh crore, marking a 9.42% growth over 2024–25. At constant prices, GSDP is estimated at ₹7.76 lakh crore, registering a growth of 8.53%, indicating real expansion beyond inflationary effects.

This growth builds upon a steady recovery phase over the past four years. The survey notes that Delhi’s real GSDP recorded growth rates of 7.20% in 2021–22, 7.40% in 2022–23, 9.63% in 2023–24, and 6.23% in 2024–25, reflecting resilience despite global and domestic disruptions. The latest acceleration to over 9% growth indicates renewed economic dynamism, supported by investments in infrastructure, services expansion and policy-led formalisation.

Per Capita Income Continues to Outpace National Average

Delhi has further strengthened its position as India’s most prosperous state economy in per capita terms. The survey highlights that Delhi’s per capita income remains about 2.5 times higher than the national average, underlining its high productivity and income levels.

₹4,57,708 in 2023–24

₹4,92,592 in 2024–25

₹5,31,610 (estimated) in 2025–26, growing 7.92% year-on-year

At constant prices, per capita income is estimated to rise to ₹3,05,433 in 2025–26, reflecting real income growth of 7.09%. This steady increase highlights improved economic well-being, rising consumption capacity and the success of policies aimed at expanding economic opportunities.

Service Sector Dominance Strengthens Economic Structure

Delhi continues to be a service-driven economy, with the sector contributing 86.32% to Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2025–26. The secondary sector contributes 12.88%, while the primary sector accounts for a marginal 0.80%. This structure reflects Delhi’s evolution into a modern, knowledge-based urban economy, with growth led by:

Financial and business services

IT and digital economy

Tourism and hospitality

Education and healthcare

The survey notes that the services sector remains the backbone of employment and income generation, reinforcing Delhi’s position as a national hub for trade, governance and innovation.

Record Budget Expansion with Development Focus

A key highlight of the past year has been the government’s aggressive fiscal push toward development. The Budget for 2025–26 stands at ₹1 lakh crore, with ₹59,300 crore allocated for schemes, programmes and projects, a sharp increase from ₹39,000 crore in 2024–25. This ₹20,300 crore increase reflects a clear policy shift toward implementation and capital formation.

Sector-wise Allocation Highlights:

Transport: ₹11,964 crore (20%)

Social Security & Welfare: ₹10,110 crore (17%)

Water Supply & Sanitation: ₹9,000 crore (15%)

Education: ₹7,648 crore (13%)

Health: ₹6,874 crore (12%)

A Strong Start with Sustained Momentum Ahead

The Economic Survey 2025–26 presents a clear narrative, Delhi’s economy is not only growing but doing so on a stronger, more sustainable foundation. Higher GSDP growth, rising per capita income, record capital expenditure and stable fiscal indicators collectively reflect a year of measured progress and policy effectiveness under Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta’s leadership.

As the capital moves forward, the focus on infrastructure, services expansion and inclusive growth is expected to further accelerate economic momentum and improve quality of life for citizens. The first year’s performance, as captured in the survey, signals that Delhi is firmly on the path toward becoming a high-income, future-ready and globally competitive city economy.

Other important points

One of the most significant indicators of improved governance is the surge in capital expenditure. This represents a 145% increase, signalling a decisive shift toward long-term asset creation and infrastructure development.

The rise in capital spending is directly linked to the fiscal deficit of ₹13,703 crore, which remains within the acceptable limit of 3% of GSDP, indicating prudent fiscal management despite higher investment.

Delhi continues to maintain a strong fiscal position with consistent revenue surpluses. The surplus reflects strong revenue mobilisation, with 68.7% of expenditure financed through own tax revenue, primarily from GST, VAT, excise and stamp duty.

Notably, GST and VAT together contribute over 71% of tax revenue, highlighting Delhi’s robust consumption-driven economy.

Delhi continues to function as the largest trade and consumption centre in North India, with a strong role as a redistribution hub for goods.

The GSVA from trade, hotels and restaurants stands at ₹1.38 lakh crore in 2025–26, contributing 11.59% of GSVA, a share that has remained consistently above 11% over the past 15 years. This reflects stable demand conditions and a vibrant retail and services ecosystem.

• Inflation Trends Reflect Moderate Price Pressures
• The survey attributes Delhi’s continued growth to multiple structural factors:
• Expansion of digital economy and services sector
• Increased public infrastructure investment
• Rising foreign investment and real estate activity
• Strong connectivity within the National Capital Region
• Policy focus on formalisation and financial inclusion
• A Year of Governance Shift: From Announcements to Execution
• The Economic Survey underscores that the past year has seen a transition toward implementation-driven governance.
• The government’s focus has been on:
• Scaling up capital expenditure
• Strengthening public services
• Enhancing fiscal efficiency
• Expanding infrastructure networks
• Improving service delivery through digital systems
• The survey highlights that Delhi is evolving into a globally competitive metropolitan economy, supported by:
• A diversified services sector
• Strong institutional and governance framework
• Expanding infrastructure and mobility networks
• Growing role in trade, tourism and innovation
• With continued investments in transport, digital infrastructure, clean energy and urban renewal, Delhi is poised to strengthen its position as a leading economic hub

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday launched the Indus River Green Corridor Eco-Restoration Plantation at Spituk Pharka, an initiative aimed at restoring the ecological integrity of the Indus riverbanks and creating green buffers in the fragile desert landscape of Leh–Ladakh. The initiative is a one-of-a-kind cold desert riverbank restoration project in India.

As part of the exercise, nearly 1,000 saplings of indigenous species such as oleaster, sea buckthorn, Indian willow, black poplar and white willow were planted along the riverbank through the collaborative efforts of the civil administration, the military, paramilitary forces, police and local communities, especially Spituk Gonpa and its monastic fraternity, which provided one hectare of land for the plantation.

In addition, 1,000 saplings of cherry blossom and apricot were planted along roadsides in Leh city to enhance the city’s green aesthetics.

The event was organised by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment in collaboration with Spituk Monastery and the University of Ladakh.

Describing the occasion as historic, the Lieutenant Governor stated that, with the support of local communities, the project would emerge as an instrument of resilience and stability, and as a global model for high-altitude river ecosystem restoration.

He emphasised that the initiative would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Leh but also help address Ladakh’s pressing ecological challenges.

The Lieutenant Governor underlined the need to recognise the deep interconnection between nature, development, and culture, stating that forests and rivers in Ladakh are not merely ecological assets but are integral to the region’s identity and sustainability.

Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he spoke about India’s commitment to sustainable development and combating land degradation and desertification.

Emphasizing the importance of community participation, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the contribution of Spituk Monastery for donating one hectare of land for the project, terming it a commendable example of collaborative governance.

He described the Indus River Green Corridor as not merely a government initiative but a “civilizational project” aimed at restoring the ecological integrity of the Indus River while ensuring a harmonious balance between development and environmental conservation.

Drawing attention to Ladakh’s low forest cover, currently less than one per cent, he termed it a matter of concern and set an ambitious target of increasing it to five per cent over the next two years.

He highlighted the scientific benefits of plantation, including the reduction of wind speed through shelter belts, prevention of soil erosion along riverbanks, improvement in biodiversity and microclimatic stability, and enhancement of oxygen levels.