THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, situation in West Asia has created challenging times for India’s energy needs; Expresses confidence, nation will emerge victorious.
- In his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Prime Minister urges people not to be misled by rumours and trust information given by the government.
- Prime Minister Modi expresses gratitude to Gulf nations for providing all kind of assistance to over one crore Indian diaspora.
- Israel strikes key military infrastructures in Tehran while Iran launches missile and drone attacks across Gulf as conflict intensifies; US announces arrival of 3,500 marine troops in West Asia.
- Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold poll rally at Palakkad and a roadshow in Thrissur in Keralam this afternoon, ahead of assembly elections.
- And, in IPL cricket, Hosts Mumbai Indians to take on Kolkata Knight Riders this evening.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, the situation in West Asia has created challenging times as the region is a key hub for India’s energy needs. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Mr Modi expressed confidence that the nation will overcome the challenge as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Gulf nations for providing all kind of assistance to over one crore Indian diaspora during this time. Mr Modi cautioned against politicising the issue and warned that rumours could harm national interests. He urged people not to be misled by rumours and trust the information given by the government.
In the monthly programme, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Gyan Bharatam Survey aimed at documenting India’s rich cultural heritage through public participation. The objective of the initiative is to collect information about manuscripts across the country. The survey will continue until mid-June. Mr Modi urged everyone to share aspects of their culture through the survey.
The Prime Minister praised the role of MY Bharat in engaging youth in nation-building, citing large participation in initiatives like the Budget Quest and essay competition. He also commended young contributors for their ideas on development, farmer welfare, and women-led growth.
The Prime Minister also spoke on water conservation. He said with the onset of summer in several parts of the country, it is time to renew commitment to water conservation.
In Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the government is taking several initiatives to improve the lives of fishermen, describing them as a strong pillar of a self-reliant India. He said schemes such as port development, insurance coverage, and technology-driven weather alerts are benefiting the community, while innovations in fisheries and seaweed are boosting self-reliance.
The Prime Minister also highlighted mass participation in environmental efforts, noting that over 2.51 lakh saplings were planted at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in one hour, creating a Guinness World Record.
Prime Minister Modi lauded India’s recent sporting achievements, including the T20 World Cup victory and Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy win, calling them the result of sustained effort and talent.
Emphasising health and fitness, the Prime Minister urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles, reduce sugar and oil consumption, and embrace yoga ahead of International Yoga Day.
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In West Asia, Israel struck key military infrastructures in central Tehran overnight while Iran continued to launch missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries. Israeli Defence Forces said, it carried out a wide-scale wave of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran, targeting weapons production, missile facilities, aerial defence systems, and command centres. Several commanders were reportedly killed.
Meanwhile, defense forces across the Gulf region are on high alert as Iran continued missile and drone attacks on the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The strikes come in response to earlier US and Israeli attacks on Iranian steel plants. Emirates Global Aluminium reported damage to its Al Taweelah plant in Abu Dhabi, while Aluminium Bahrain said two workers were slightly injured. Gulf aluminium exports, which account for about nine percent of global supply, are facing major disruptions due to restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has warned of further retaliation, including potential attacks on US and Israeli universities in the region. Iran backed armed group Houthis in Yemen has also carried out a second missile strike on Israel. More from our correspondent:
“Yemen’s Houthis have launched a second major missile attack on Israel, marking what now appears to be a sustained new front in the West Asia conflict. The group says its position is clear – the attacks will continue for as long as Israel continues its military operations. With two large-scale strikes already carried out, the Houthis have shown they have both the range and the capability to keep up the pressure. While they operate independently, their actions remain aligned with Iran’s broader regional objectives. What makes the Houthi involvement particularly significant is geography. The group controls territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea , one of the world’s most important shipping routes. This narrow waterway connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and carries a large share of global oil shipments and cargo heading toward Europe. Any escalation here could move beyond missile strikes and begin disrupting global trade, raising international concerns. VINOD KUMAR, FOR AKASHVANI NEWS, DUBAI.”
On the other hand, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that a task force of 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the America-class amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli has arrived in the West Asia. Sources said, the forces are expected to be positioned within striking distance of Iran, including its critical oil export hub on Kharg Island. Several media outlets reported earlier that the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the West Asia, providing President Donald Trump with more military options beyond diplomacy.
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Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a rally at Palakkad and take part in a roadshow in Thrissur in Keralam this afternoon, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, the mood of Keralam is in favour of the NDA. He said, the people have had enough of the poor governance of LDF and UDF. Keralam will go to polls on 9th of next month to elect a new Assembly. More from our correspondent:
“The Prime Minister will begin his journey by helicopter from coimbatore, landing at Mercy College ground in Palakkad. He will travel to the Fort Maithan venue by road, where a grand reception awaits him. At the Fort Maithan venue, Prime minister will address a large crowd, energizing supporters and engaging with local NDA candidates and front leaders from the Palakkad district. Later, at around 4 PM, the Prime Minister will head to Thrissur.The roadshow will kick off in front of the Thrissur District Hospital, with the Prime Minister leading a motorcade through the heart of the city. The roadshow will wind its way through the streets before culminating at Bini Heritage. NDA candidates from Thrissur district will also join in this exciting event, which promises to be a spectacular display of political support. ANIL CHANDRAN, KazhIKODE.”
Ahead of Keralam assembly polls, in our series on constituency profiles, today we take a look at Kazhakkoottam Assembly seat in Thiruvananthapuram district.
“Seven candidates are in the fray in the Kazhakkoottam Assembly constituency in Thiruvananthapuram district of Keralam. Sitting MLA and former state minister Kadakampally Surendran of the CPM is contesting as the LDF candidate. Former Union Minister and former BJP State president V. Muraleedharan is the NDA candidate. The UDF has fielded Congress leader T. Sarath Chandra Prasad. Other candidates include T. S. Rajan of BSP, Deebika Karimanal of the DHRM Party, and two independents. In the 2021 Assembly elections, Kadakampally Surendran defeated BJP’s Sobha Surendran. Congress candidate S. S. Lal had finished third. Smithy M Palluruthy A, AKASHVANI NEWS, Thiruvananthapuram.”
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Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey has said that India’s tribal communities are a powerful symbol of harmony with nature and play a crucial role in environmental conservation and cultural preservation. The Minister was addressing the Van Dhan Conclave at Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 in New Delhi. The Minister added that the government has shifted its focus from welfare to empowerment by creating dignified livelihood opportunities.
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Palm Sunday is being celebrated in various parts of the country today marking the beginning of Holy Week and commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem ahead of his crucifixion. Special prayers and processions were held at different churches in the country. Devotees carried leaves, symbolising the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the start of Easter observances, leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
In Mizoram, children of different churches held processions early this morning. In Keralam, at several prominent churches, large congregations were seen, with authorities making necessary arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the ceremonies.
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In IPL cricket, Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai this evening. The match will begin at 7:30 PM. Both teams will be looking to start their campaign on a winning note. Mumbai Indians will be led by Hardik Pandya for the third consecutive season. The team will aim to make a strong start as they look to move closer to their sixth title.
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders will be captained by Ajinkya Rahane. This will be the first season for Kolkata without Andre Russell in over a decade.
Last night, in the opening match of the 19th season, Hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.
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The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorm over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and West Rajasthan for today. The Weather Agency has also predicted heavy rainfall over North Eastern region for the day. Meanwhile thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds have been predicted for Karnataka, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh till tomorrow.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall in Kashmir’s higher reaches has forced the closure of Srinagar-Leh highway and the Bandipora-Gurez road while rains lashed the valley plains.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, situation in West Asia has created challenging times for India’s energy needs; Expresses confidence, nation will emerge victorious.
- In his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Prime Minister urges people not to be misled by rumours and trust information given by the government.
- Prime Minister Modi expresses gratitude to Gulf nations for providing all kind of assistance to over one crore Indian diaspora.
- Israel strikes key military infrastructures in Tehran while Iran launches missile and drone attacks across Gulf as conflict intensifies; US announces arrival of 3,500 marine troops in West Asia.
- Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold poll rally at Palakkad and a roadshow in Thrissur in Keralam this afternoon, ahead of assembly elections.
- And, in IPL cricket, Hosts Mumbai Indians to take on Kolkata Knight Riders this evening.
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