Times of India

India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.

A 71-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh has captured national attention by appearing for the NEET UG 2026 medical entrance exam. Ashok Bahar, a former marketing professional with LLB and MBA degrees, is pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. His inspiring journey highlights that age is no limit to achieving one's goals.

Gujarat Titans' Ashok Sharma has become IPL 2026's breakout star, consistently bowling over 150 kph and even recording the tournament's fastest delivery at 154.2 kph. Inspired by legends like Brett Lee and Dale Steyn, the 23-year-old credits coach Ashish Nehra for honing his discipline and match awareness, focusing on Test-match lengths first.

Abhijeet Gupta has alleged that his Rs 5.5 lakh winner’s prize from the Odisha GM Open, held in January 2026 with a Rs 45 lakh prize pool, remains unpaid. The Arjuna Awardee criticised organisers and the All India Chess Federation for a lack of accountability, saying repeated emails went unanswered. Gupta urged authorities to protect the “dignity and trust” of Indian chess players.

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has announced the Eklavya Model Residential School Selection Test (EMRSST) 2026 results. Conducted on March 29, 2026, the exam saw 862 students appear out of 959 applicants. The results are now available on the HPBOSE official website, based on the final answer key.

Union minister's son, Bandi Bageerath, was booked in a POCSO case for allegedly harassing a 17-year-old girl. Simultaneously, he filed a complaint against the girl and her parents, accusing them of honey-trapping him and demanding Rs 5 crore to drop the allegations.

A Delhi-based CEO, Rajat Grover, has introduced a 'parental perk' offering employees a ₹10,000 reimbursement and fully paid leave for a three-day vacation with their parents. This initiative encourages employees to reciprocate the sacrifices their parents made, allowing them to fulfill long-held desires and spend quality time together.

A 47-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary, Isakkiappan, attempted self-immolation in Tirunelveli, reportedly due to frustration over his party leader Vijay's delayed Chief Ministership. Previously known for a unique penance for Vijay's electoral success, Isakkiappan's distress over TVK's political pace led to the incident. Bystanders intervened, and he is receiving intensive medical care.

Krunal Pandya dismissed rumours of tension with Nicholas Pooran after a viral IPL 2026 video showed Pooran grabbing him by the collar during a chat. Krunal later posted, “No lafda, only love,” while Pooran replied, “Only love here.” The exchange followed an on-field spat during the Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash.

Coimbatore police have arrested a 28-year-old man for staging a video of himself acting like a "zombie" in a public place. The accused, H Badhusa Khan, posted the footage online to gain social media attention by mimicking drug-induced behavior. He was subsequently arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

A fire aboard a wooden dhow near the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to four others. Seventeen Indian crew members were rescued by a passing vessel. The incident occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, with recent exchanges between Iran and the United States in the vital shipping lane.

Prime Minister Modi expressed profound gratitude to the people of Bengal, bowing with folded hands after the BJP's historic Assembly election victory. Alongside new chief minister Adhikari, he shared an emotional moment with 98-year-old veteran Makhanlal Sarkar, even touching his feet in a gesture of deep respect. This marks a significant shift in West Bengal's political landscape.

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. The BJP secured a significant win in the 2026 assembly elections. Several prominent leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony. The new government includes ministers like Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik. The state saw record voter turnout.

Rohit Sharma went viral after an awkward selfie moment with a female fan outside the Mumbai Indians bus. As the fan realised her phone had switched off, Rohit jokingly replied, “Toh abhi kya karu mai phir?” The clip sparked laughs online. Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh praised Rohit’s recent impact and said his earlier return from injury could have changed Mumbai’s IPL season.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar at the party's first West Bengal government swearing-in. Sarkar, a key grassroots leader since the BJP's inception, was recognized for his decades of service and association with the nationalist movement. His arrest in Kashmir in 1952 while with Syama Prasad Mukherjee highlights his early commitment.

A 19-year-old girl in Aligarh district bravely fought off a crocodile attack on the Kali river, fending off the reptile with sickles alongside her sister-in-law. The crocodile had clamped onto the girl's left hand, but their fierce resistance forced it to retreat. She sustained severe injuries to three fingers requiring surgery.

Suvendu Adhikari has been sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister following a decisive election victory. Attended by top BJP leaders, the ceremony marks a significant political shift. Adhikari, a former TMC leader, was unanimously elected by BJP MLAs. His government's priorities include judicial probes and fulfilling campaign promises, with a motto of 'Talk Less Work More'.

A driver, Montu Mondal, is the sole survivor of an attack that killed Chandranath Rath and Buddhadeb Bera. Mondal, who hid in the rear of the SUV, provided a detailed account of the 50-second assault to investigators. The SIT is now focusing on his testimony to reconstruct the events and identify potential surveillance.