Indian Railways on Wednesday stated that recent train fire incidents are suspected to be acts of sabotage, with initial investigations indicating the involvement of anti-social elements in multiple cases across different locations. The Ministry of Railways said that all such incidents are being treated with utmost seriousness and are under detailed investigation by the Railway Protection Force and other relevant agencies.

In a recent incident, a fire was reported in a coach of the Mithila Express while it was stationed at Howrah. Following an investigation, officials recovered a half-burnt piece of cloth soaked in petrol from the coach. Railway staff acted swiftly and brought the situation under immediate control, preventing what authorities described as a potential major disaster.

The Ministry stated that preliminary findings suggest attempts by certain anti-social elements to endanger passenger safety and create fear and disruption within the railway network. Authorities confirmed that multiple incidents are currently under active investigation.

Among the reported cases, bedding material was allegedly set on fire in Amarpura. In Howrah, officials recovered a petrol-soaked cloth from a coach bathroom. In another incident at Kota, flames were observed emerging from the washroom area of a Rajdhani Express, raising further concerns about deliberate attempts to cause damage.

A separate major incident occurred in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam, where a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express caught fire in an air-conditioned B-1 coach at approximately 5:15 am. The coach was carrying 68 passengers when the fire broke out between Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha stations. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the train, and nearby trees along the tracks also caught fire.

The incident led to significant disruption of rail traffic on the route. Nearly 18 trains were affected, with several services halted at different stations following the emergency.

Railway officials reiterated that the Railway Protection Force is conducting a comprehensive investigation into all these incidents to determine the exact cause and identify those responsible. Authorities emphasized that passenger safety remains the highest priority as inquiries continue.

NEW DELHI: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), once the undisputed pillar of Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu, is confronting one of the most serious internal crises in its recent history following its disappointing performance in the 2026 Assembly elections. Reduced to just 47 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the party is now grappling with open divisions over leadership, political strategy and whether it should extend support to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

The first day of the newly constituted Assembly offered a vivid display of the growing cracks within the opposition party. In a marked departure from a long-standing tradition of unity and discipline, AIADMK legislators arrived at the Assembly in two separate groups for the oath-taking ceremony on Monday.

One faction, comprising former ministers K P Munusamy and Thalavai N Sundaram among others, accompanied AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, widely known as EPS. A second group, led by former minister S P Velumani and joined by former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar, arrived independently. Senior leader C Ve Shanmugam, who has increasingly emerged as a central figure in the internal dissent, was not seen with the EPS camp.

Traditionally, AIADMK legislators entered the Assembly together as a symbolic demonstration of organisational solidarity, a practice established during the leadership of former Chief Ministers M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. The decision by leaders to arrive separately was interpreted in Tamil Nadu's political circles as a clear sign that the party is struggling to preserve internal cohesion after a severe electoral blow.

The AIADMK contested 167 constituencies in the April 23 election but secured victory in only 47. Its vote share also declined sharply from 33.5 per cent in the 2021 Assembly elections to 21.21 per cent in 2026. The result not only kept the party out of power but also stripped it of its status as the principal opposition in the Assembly, a humiliation that many within the organisation attribute to the leadership of Palaniswami.

In the days following the election, several closed-door meetings were convened to assess the party's future. According to sources within the AIADMK, those discussions quickly exposed profound disagreements over the party's next course of action.

One faction strongly opposed any move to support Vijay's TVK government, arguing that such a decision would further erode the AIADMK's independent identity and weaken its long-term political relevance. Another group advocated extending outside support to the ruling party, believing that cooperation with Vijay could help the AIADMK remain politically relevant and stem further decline in its support base.

The debate has intensified calls for a leadership change. Several legislators are reported to have demanded that Palaniswami step down as party chief, contending that the AIADMK has suffered repeated electoral defeats under his stewardship since Jayalalithaa's death in 2016. The absence of senior leaders, including Velumani and Shanmugam, from meetings convened by EPS after the election has fuelled speculation of a coordinated rebellion.

Former AIADMK leader K C Palanisamy publicly declared that there is a "clear split" within the party and urged EPS to "voluntarily step down" in order to reunify the organisation before the next electoral cycle.

The discontent extends beyond the latest defeat and reflects a broader existential crisis confronting the AIADMK. Since Jayalalithaa's death, the party has struggled to project a singular and commanding leader capable of holding together its influential regional power centres and caste-based support networks. Although EPS emerged as the dominant figure after a prolonged internal battle involving O Panneerselvam and the Sasikala faction, critics argue that he has failed to restore the party's electoral strength.

The rapid rise of Vijay's TVK has deepened that crisis. For decades, Tamil Nadu politics revolved around the bipolar contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the AIADMK. The emergence of TVK as the ruling party has disrupted that political structure and left AIADMK leaders sharply divided over whether confrontation or accommodation offers the best path to survival.

According to party insiders, Shanmugam and Velumani proposed supporting the TVK government immediately after the election results were announced. EPS reportedly rejected the idea, generating resentment among senior leaders who believed the party needed to adapt swiftly to the transformed political landscape.

Sources indicated that members of the dissident camp also explored channels of communication with TVK leaders. One AIADMK leader claimed that Shanmugam contacted TVK General Secretary N Anand to convey that several legislators were willing to support the ruling party.

However, TVK's response reportedly complicated the situation. According to AIADMK sources, Chief Minister Vijay was unwilling to accept outside support from AIADMK legislators while they retained their party affiliation. Instead, he was said to have insisted that any legislator seeking to back the TVK government should resign from the Assembly and contest again under the party's whistle symbol.

The proposal is understood to have alarmed many AIADMK legislators. While some appear open to tactical cooperation with the ruling party, few are prepared to resign and risk by-elections amid uncertainty over their political future and potential backlash from their constituencies.

Despite intensifying rumours of rebellion, party leaders publicly sought to project confidence and unity.

AIADMK legislator Esakki Subaya dismissed reports of an internal crisis and insisted that the organisation remains intact. "Everything is going well within the party. No one can break the party," he told reporters outside the Assembly.

He rejected claims of widespread dissatisfaction and described reports of a split as "false news," while also avoiding direct responses to questions about a possible change in leadership.

Political observers, however, noted that such public denials are common during periods of internal instability in Tamil Nadu politics. They argue that the more significant indicators lie in the visible separation of senior leaders, parallel consultations and coordinated absences from EPS-led meetings.

Political analyst Sathyalaya Ramakrishnan told PTI that the situation remains fluid and could still be resolved if senior leaders place organisational unity above factional interests. "I feel till now the party is united since all the AIADMK MLAs were sitting together in the Assembly. The senior leaders of the AIADMK must ensure that there is no split in the party," he said.

The challenge confronting the AIADMK is far greater than a routine leadership dispute. The party faces a profound ideological and structural dilemma over how to redefine itself in the post-Jayalalithaa era at a time when a new political force has captured the imagination of the electorate.

For Edappadi K Palaniswami, the coming weeks may determine his political future. If he succeeds in retaining the loyalty of most legislators, he may weather the latest wave of dissent. But if more lawmakers gravitate towards the Velumani-Shanmugam camp, the AIADMK could face yet another major rupture in the decade since Jayalalithaa's death, raising fresh questions about the future of one of Tamil Nadu's most influential political parties.

A major political transformation is set to unfold in West Bengal as senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to take oath as the state’s first-ever BJP Chief Minister today. The high-profile swearing-in ceremony will take place at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata at 11:00 AM, drawing large-scale celebrations from party workers and supporters across the state.

The event is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J. P. Nadda, senior party leaders, Union ministers, and Chief Ministers from 20 National Democratic Alliance-ruled states, making it one of the most significant political gatherings in the recent history of Bengal.

Suvendu Adhikari was formally elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party during a meeting of newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly. His name was officially announced by Amit Shah, following which Adhikari met the Governor to formally stake claim to form the government.

Adhikari’s political journey has been marked by a dramatic shift in allegiance and rising influence. Once a close associate of Mamata Banerjee in the Trinamool Congress, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in December 2020. In the 2021 Assembly elections, he secured a high-profile victory against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, establishing himself as a central figure in Bengal politics.

In the 2026 elections, Adhikari once again registered significant victories, including a major win in Bhabanipur, widely regarded as Mamata Banerjee’s political stronghold. His ascent from a local councillor to the office of Chief Minister marks a decisive turning point in West Bengal’s political landscape and a major milestone for the Bharatiya Janata Party in eastern India.

The swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari is being viewed as a historic political development that signals a major shift in the state’s governance structure and party dynamics, reshaping the future trajectory of Bengal politics.

Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on recent election outcomes across five states, alleging large-scale irregularities in the electoral process and claiming that “vote theft” is being used to secure victories not only in individual constituencies but also in forming entire governments.

In a social media post, Gandhi asserted that out of the 240 Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party, nearly one in six may have won through what he described as manipulated voting processes. He maintained that such patterns are identifiable and raised serious concerns about the credibility and functioning of electoral institutions.

Escalating his criticism, Gandhi referred specifically to the political situation in Haryana, suggesting that the entire state government reflects what he termed as “vote theft.” He alleged that institutions responsible for ensuring free and fair elections are being influenced or controlled in ways that undermine the democratic framework. His accusations included claims of manipulation in voter lists and election procedures, pointing to systemic issues within the electoral mechanism.

The remarks have intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the ruling party. The Election Commission of India has not yet issued any response to these specific allegations. Meanwhile, leaders from the BJP are expected to strongly counter Gandhi’s claims, as political reactions continue to escalate nationwide.

The controversy adds a new dimension to the already heightened political climate following recent elections, bringing the issues of electoral transparency and institutional integrity into sharp national focus.

The political temperature in West Bengal has surged sharply ahead of the crucial vote counting scheduled for May 4, with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress locked in a fierce and escalating war of words. The controversy surrounding strong rooms has further intensified tensions, triggering sharp exchanges between senior leaders of both parties.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari launched a direct and aggressive attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of engaging in “drama” over alleged irregularities. He dismissed all allegations raised by the ruling party as baseless and asserted that the people of the state have already delivered their mandate. Adhikari emphasized that the electorate’s verdict must be respected and alleged that the state has suffered over the past 15 years, promising development under Bharatiya Janata Party governance.

In a swift response, All India Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh countered the allegations, expressing strong confidence in a decisive victory. He claimed that the party would secure more than 230 seats and stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s reactions stem from fear ahead of the results. Ghosh also criticized the deployment of central forces, alleging that it reflects hostility toward the people of West Bengal.

Amid the intensifying political rhetoric, both parties have accelerated their internal preparations. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee are set to lead a key virtual meeting with party officials and counting agents to strategize for counting day. The meeting comes against the backdrop of the strong room dispute and aims to ensure seamless coordination during the counting process.

Simultaneously, the Bharatiya Janata Party is conducting a crucial strategy meeting in Kolkata, with its Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly expected to participate. The focus remains on preparing for all possible scenarios as the counting day approaches.

With both sides making bold claims and tightening their strategies, the atmosphere in West Bengal remains charged. All eyes are now firmly fixed on May 4, when the final verdict will determine the political future of the state and potentially reshape its governance trajectory.

A devastating accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Alwar district claimed the lives of five people after a moving car suddenly caught fire near Maujpur, leaving no chance for escape.

According to preliminary information, the deceased were residents of Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh and were returning from a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi when the tragedy unfolded. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out abruptly while the vehicle was in motion, rapidly intensifying within seconds. The car was soon completely engulfed in flames, trapping all occupants inside.

Passersby attempted to intervene and alerted emergency services immediately, but the ferocity of the blaze made rescue efforts nearly impossible. By the time police and fire department teams reached the location and managed to bring the fire under control, all five passengers had already succumbed to the flames.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Initial suspicions suggest a possible mechanical failure or a fuel-related issue as the trigger behind the sudden fire. Forensic teams have been deployed to examine the remains of the vehicle and gather evidence. Officials are also in the process of notifying the families of the deceased.

This tragic incident has once again raised serious concerns regarding vehicle safety standards and emergency response preparedness on high-speed expressways. Authorities may review and strengthen existing safety protocols to prevent such catastrophic incidents in the future.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officially unveiled its election manifesto, titled the Sankalp Patra, in Kolkata today, marking a decisive step in its campaign to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Union Home Minister Amit Shah led the high-profile event, presenting a comprehensive roadmap aimed at unseating the government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The document serves as a strategic blueprint designed to position the BJP as a formidable contender for change in the upcoming West Bengal elections, focusing on systemic reform and socio-economic development.

Central to the manifesto are several key promises specifically tailored to address the pressing concerns of the youth, women, and farmers. The party has integrated the recent commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his latest West Bengal rally, making them the focal point of the legislative agenda. A primary pillar of the BJP’s vision is the promise to replace the prevailing environment of fear with one rooted in trust and security—a direct response to the atmosphere associated with the current governance. To achieve this, the manifesto emphasizes the necessity for greater accountability within the state’s administration, ensuring the government remains transparent and responsive to its citizens.

The BJP has further declared a rigorous stance on corruption, pledging to initiate thorough investigations into past scams and pursue strict legal action against those responsible, including high-ranking officials. Addressing long-standing administrative and security challenges, the manifesto outlines decisive measures to tackle illegal immigration and alleviate economic disparities. For state employees, a significant highlight includes the commitment to implement the 7th Pay Commission, alongside broader initiatives for job creation. By offering these targeted solutions, the BJP seeks to convince West Bengal’s electorate that it represents a necessary transition toward a more secure and prosperous future.

In a seismic shift for Bihar’s political landscape, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to take the oath as a Rajya Sabha member tomorrow at 12:15 PM, signaling his inaugural entry into the Upper House and the end of his current tenure. Reliable sources indicate that following his swearing-in, Kumar will formally resign from the post of Chief Minister to facilitate the establishment of a new government. This high-profile resignation is expected to occur on April 14, immediately following the conclusion of the sacred Kharamas period. This departure paves the way for a historic milestone as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands poised to form the government in Bihar for the very first time.

The transition process is already in motion as Nitish Kumar traveled to Delhi today, accompanied by senior party leaders, to attend the swearing-in ceremony. He is slated to return to Patna by tomorrow evening, with reports suggesting that a final cabinet meeting may be convened on April 13 to ensure a smooth administrative handover. To formalize the leadership change, NDA legislative party meetings are scheduled for April 14 to officially elect a new leader, culminating in the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister on April 15.

Amidst these developments, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat C

haudhary has emerged as the frontrunner to assume the Chief Ministerial position. However, the political reorganization remains complex, with other names from the JD(U) quota, including Nitish’s son Nishant Kumar, being considered for deputy positions. This strategic reshuffling marks a significant phase in Bihar’s governance, potentially altering the state’s long-standing political dynamics. The BJP’s ascent to power represents a departure from the historical dominance of traditional regional parties, a move that observers believe will be closely monitored for its long-term impact on the region’s stability and policy direction.

April 3 (Reuters) – India’s defence exports for the fiscal year to March reached 384.24 billion rupees ($4.11 billion), marking a sharp increase of more than 62% from the previous period, the government said in a statement on Thursday. The announcement underscores a significant transformation in the country’s defence manufacturing and export capabilities.

According to the statement, India exported 236.22 billion rupees ($2.52 billion) worth of defence equipment from April 2024 to March 2025. It further noted that defence exports for the 2025–2026 fiscal year rose by 148.02 billion rupees. The sharp rise signals increasing global acceptance of Indian-made defence products and reflects the sector’s growing integration into international supply chains.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking on Thursday, highlighted the shift in India’s strategic position. “India, which once upon a time used to depend on other countries for weapons or was known for imports, is moving fast in exports as well,” he said, emphasizing the country’s transition toward self-reliance and outward expansion.

The government stated that India currently exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries. In recent years, the country has intensified efforts to manufacture a wide range of military assets domestically, including guns, drones, fighter jets, and submarines, either independently or through collaborations with foreign partners.

Despite this export growth, India remains the world’s fifth-largest military spender and the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, according to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The dual position highlights both the scale of India’s defence requirements and the ongoing evolution of its domestic production capabilities.

The latest export figures mark a decisive moment in India’s defence trajectory, reflecting both policy momentum and rising international demand, as the country strengthens its role in the global defence market.

Breaking News Live Updates report that Myanmar's parliament elects ruling general as president, keeping army in charge, reports AP, signaling a decisive consolidation of military authority within the country’s political framework. The development underscores the continued dominance of the armed forces in Myanmar’s governance, reinforcing an administrative structure where military leadership remains firmly at the helm.

In a parallel display of strategic advancement, Taragiri, as the fourth platform under Project 17A, emerges as a 6,670-tonne warship built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, showcasing advanced design and engineering excellence. With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of India’s domestic defence ecosystem, involving over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting thousands of jobs.

Taragiri is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, offering high-speed and high-endurance capabilities for diverse naval operations. The warship’s construction reflects a significant administrative and industrial achievement, demonstrating coordinated execution across multiple sectors within the country’s defence infrastructure.

These developments collectively underscore shifting power dynamics in Myanmar alongside India’s expanding naval capabilities, emphasizing the broader geopolitical and strategic implications in the region.

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, aiming to officially declare Amaravati as the sole capital of the State, marking a decisive step in resolving a prolonged political and administrative debate.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, the move is intended to provide statutory clarity to the capital status, aligning with the vision of the TDP-led NDA government. The Bill seeks to amend the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, by adding the phrase, "Amaravati shall be the new capital."

Following the formation of Telangana as a separate state, the original Act of 2014 stipulated that Hyderabad would serve as the common capital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding ten years. Thereafter, Hyderabad would remain the capital of Telangana, while Andhra Pradesh would establish a new capital.

On March 28, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution supporting Amaravati as the single capital, paving the way for the introduction of the Amendment Bill in Parliament. The Centre is expected to amend Section 5(2) of the 2014 Act to explicitly name Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

However, the move has triggered sharp political opposition. Former chief minister and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused TDP supremo and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of using the capital issue to divert attention from "corruption and looting." Addressing a press conference, Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the constitutional basis of declaring Amaravati as the state's only capital.

"Show me where the Constitution says every state must have one fixed capital," he said, asserting that the Constitution only mentions the capital of India and refers to states in terms of seats of governance. He further argued that the term "capital" does not appear in the Constitution concerning states and claimed that the Union government had earlier informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court that it has no role in deciding a state capital.

"The Centre officially told the High Court that choosing a capital is entirely the right of the state government. If that is true for every other state, why is Andhra Pradesh being treated differently?" he asked. He also cited the formation of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh in 2000, stating that their capitals were determined by the respective states and not the Centre.

Jagan Mohan Reddy also criticized the pace of development in Amaravati, questioning what had been achieved in nearly seven years despite the acquisition of around 50,000 acres of land. He noted that Chandrababu Naidu had promised the world's best capital, yet basic infrastructure such as roads, power, water, and drainage for the first 50,000 acres would require nearly Rs 1 lakh crore. He further pointed out that the master plan had been expanded by another 50,000 acres, adding an additional Rs 1 lakh crore burden.

Amaravati has emerged as the central issue in Andhra Pradesh politics, not merely as a proposed state capital but as the cornerstone of Chandrababu Naidu's political vision. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, Hyderabad was allocated to Telangana, leaving the residuary state without a capital. Naidu subsequently proposed a greenfield capital between Vijayawada and Guntur on the banks of the Krishna River, envisioning Amaravati as a world-class city modeled on Singapore.

The TDP government acquired nearly 33,000 acres from farmers across 29 villages through land pooling, later expanding the capital region to approximately 53,000 acres. Farmers contributed land with expectations of receiving developed plots and long-term benefits. International firms, including Foster + Partners and consultants from Singapore, designed a master plan featuring the Assembly, Secretariat, High Court, financial district, start-up hub, metro corridor, and infrastructure to support a population of 3.5 million by 2050. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Amaravati in 2015.

The project's trajectory shifted in 2019 when Jagan Mohan Reddy assumed office and proposed the "three-capitals" model, designating Amaravati as the legislative capital, Visakhapatnam as the executive capital, and Kurnool as the judicial capital. The proposal faced strong opposition from the TDP and Amaravati farmers, leading to prolonged protests, legal battles, and intense political confrontation.

With Chandrababu Naidu returning as C

hief Minister, the state Assembly has reaffirmed its position by passing a resolution to recognize Amaravati as the sole capital. The introduction of the Amendment Bill in Parliament is being viewed as the final attempt to legally settle the prolonged dispute and establish Amaravati as the definitive capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The outcome of this legislative move is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for administrative clarity but also for the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh, where the capital issue continues to shape governance, development, and regional aspirations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignited a surge of political energy across Kerala on March 29, drawing massive crowds during a strategic rally in Palakkad and a high-profile 900-meter roadshow in Thrissur. Held just days before the April 9 assembly elections, these events served as a powerful mobilization effort for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Addressing the gathered throngs, the Prime Minister launched a blistering administrative critique against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), explicitly accusing both factions of looting the state.

During his address, Modi positioned the NDA as the sole legitimate alternative for Kerala’s governance, anchoring his promise on a platform of superior infrastructure development. He leveraged the momentum of the BJP's 2024 Thrissur Lok Sabha victory to signal a shifting political landscape, suggesting that the era of traditional bipolar dominance is nearing its end. While BJP leadership hailed the immense public participation as an undeniable harbinger of change, critics have dismissed the spectacle, noting that current polling data continues to show the NDA trailing behind the frontrunning coalitions.

The significance of this mobilization lies in its potential to disrupt established political norms in the state. By directly challenging the LDF and UDF on their home turf, Modi has intensified the narrative of a three-way contest, emphasizing that the BJP's recent electoral inroads represent a foundational shift in voter sentiment. As Kerala prepares for the April 9 polls, the massive turnout at these events remains a focal point of debate regarding whether visual momentum can translate into a definitive legislative breakthrough.