The Economic Times

India has successfully demonstrated its advanced multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system (BMD). Recent flight-tests confirmed the capability to intercept both long and medium-range missiles. This achievement places India among a select group of nations possessing such critical defence technology. The successful tests bolster the nation's security against emerging missile threats.

India and France are set to strengthen defense cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France will focus on accelerating key military projects. This includes acquiring more submarines and fighter jets. Both nations aim for increased indigenization and co-development in defense manufacturing. The discussions will cover expediting submarine procurement and fighter jet deals.

The Assam government has launched free transport services for students from marginalized communities in tea garden areas. This initiative aims to ensure no child misses school due to transportation challenges. Over 9,700 students from classes 1 to 10 will benefit. The program will run until March 31, 2027, excluding summer vacation.

Only seven women candidates secured victory in the 126-member Assam Assembly, mirroring the 2021 results. The ruling NDA will have six women legislators, while the Congress has one. Despite women comprising nearly half the electorate, their representation in the assembly remains low.

Attention all borrowers! The Reserve Bank of India has flagged a concerning trend involving fraudulent loan waiver initiatives. These duplicitous campaigns claim to erase debts owed to banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) but are merely traps set by dishonest individuals aiming to profit through false promises and upfront fees.

India on Sunday firmly rejected Nepal's objection to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the long-established Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, dismissing Kathmandu's territorial claims over the region as an unilateral artificial enlargement that New Delhi finds untenable.

Vote counting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is set for May 4. Extensive security measures are in place at 62 centres. Over 1.25 lakh personnel will manage the process. Round-wise results will be announced. Exit polls suggest a DMK alliance win, though AIADMK expresses confidence. Allegations of disruption plans have been raised.

West Bengal awaits election verdict on Monday after intense campaigning, with the TMC aiming to retain power against a BJP push for a historic win. The CPI(M) and Congress also hope to regain a foothold after the 2021 wipeout. Counting across 77 centres will determine the fate of 293 seats amidst tight security.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is on a four-day visit to Myanmar to bolster operational cooperation and explore new maritime security collaborations. The visit underscores the strong India-Myanmar friendship, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to regional stability. Discussions will focus on ongoing cooperation, enhancing linkages, and capacity building.

The Election Commission is introducing QR code-based identity cards at counting centers for upcoming assembly elections to prevent unauthorized entry. This three-layer security system will verify IDs manually at initial checkpoints and via QR code scanning at the innermost cordon. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the vote counting process.