The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allocated an initial contingent of 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to Tamil Nadu as a precautionary security measure ahead of the upcoming 2026 state assembly elections. This deployment aims to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process by providing area domination and boosting public confidence in the electoral process.

Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that the first batch of CAPF companies will be deployed in Tamil Nadu on March 10, 2026. The move forms part of the broader strategy to maintain law and order during the high-stakes electoral period. According to an official statement issued by the CEO, “50 companies of the CAPF have been initially allotted to Tamil Nadu by the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for area domination, confidence-building measures in connection with the General Elections to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.”

The Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are expected to take place in April 2026. All 234 seats of the Legislative Assembly will be contested during these elections, along with the neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry, where legislative polls are also scheduled. The deployment of CAPF personnel is intended to support local law enforcement agencies, prevent any potential disturbances, and ensure voters can exercise their rights in a safe and secure environment.

This initial allotment may be followed by additional reinforcements if the Election Commission and the Home Ministry deem it necessary, depending on the security situation and the assessment of sensitive areas across the state. The proactive measure underscores the focus on maintaining electoral integrity and safeguarding democratic processes in Tamil Nadu during this critical political period.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Security agencies have placed the national capital on high alert after receiving intelligence about a possible terror plot. The warning indicates that the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) may be planning attacks targeting crowded religious and heritage locations in Old Delhi, raising concern due to the heavy daily footfall in the area.

According to reports, intelligence inputs suggest that terrorists could attempt an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in and around the Red Fort and nearby temples located in Chandni Chowk, one of the busiest commercial and religious hubs in the city, making it a highly sensitive target zone. Officials believe the suspected plot may be linked to a recent mosque blast in Islamabad on February 6, with agencies suspecting it could be a retaliatory move. Authorities have also warned that prominent temples in other parts of the country may continue to face threat alerts in the coming days.

Following the intelligence warning, Delhi Police and central security forces have intensified surveillance across sensitive areas, particularly in Old Delhi. Additional personnel have been deployed, vehicle checks have been increased, and anti-sabotage inspections are underway near religious places and tourist landmarks as precautionary measures.

The latest alert comes nearly three months after the November 10, 2025 car bombing near the Red Fort, one of the deadliest attacks in Delhi in recent years. An explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the Red Fort Metro Station, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 20, while also setting several vehicles ablaze. Investigators later confirmed the use of ammonium nitrate-based explosives.

Probe agencies identified the suspected driver as Umar Mohammad alias Umar Un Nabi, a doctor allegedly linked to Al-Falah University in Faridabad. DNA analysis of remains recovered from the site confirmed he was inside the vehicle at the time of the blast. Authorities later connected him to a wider terror module operating in neighbouring Haryana.

Investigators reported that the explosion occurred just hours after security agencies recovered around 2,900 kilograms of explosives in Faridabad. Several alleged members of the network were arrested, and sources suggested the suspect may have detonated the vehicle prematurely due to mounting pressure from the security crackdown. With fresh intelligence indicating potential threats, security forces remain on maximum alert, continuing close monitoring and strengthening preventive measures across the capital.
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Rekha Gupta on Friday released her government’s one-year report card as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration completed its first year in Delhi, highlighting achievements across sectors and emphasizing a results-driven approach rather than promises. She said the report reflects a year of hard work and transformation, stressing that her government focuses on action and outcomes instead of announcements. According to her, the administration has worked to move Delhi from stagnation to progress, prioritizing solutions, development, and efficiency while reducing paperwork and improving the overall work culture.

The Chief Minister stated that the government has worked across all sectors to bring positive change. Speaking about education, she said her administration passed the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Act, 2025, to prevent commercialization and promote transparency. She also expressed the goal of equipping schools with smart classrooms and digital libraries.

Earlier in the day, she offered prayers at the Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba temple, thanking the people of Delhi and the Prime Minister for their trust. She also appreciated party workers and expressed confidence that the government’s five-year tenure would significantly improve Delhi’s condition.

She inaugurated 51 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Fatehpur Beri Village in South Delhi, increasing the total number of such healthcare centers in the capital to 370. She said the government would continue expanding healthcare infrastructure and congratulated those involved in the initiative. The report card and new healthcare facilities highlight the government’s first-year focus on improving healthcare, education, and governance.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

On Day 4 of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) as unparalleled, saying it demonstrates the world’s entry into a new era of AI-driven progress. He highlighted India’s achievements, including its digital ID system for 1.4 billion people, a payments network handling nearly 20 billion monthly transactions, and a health platform issuing over 500 million digital health IDs. “India has built what no other nation has,” Macron said.

Calling the summit a foundation for responsible AI growth, Macron emphasized the importance of shaping technological development to benefit society. Recalling last year’s AI Action Summit in Paris, he noted that both countries had established principles for technologies poised to transform economies and communities. “Last year we called it Action, this year Impact, but the real name is AI Together,” he said, affirming shared support for the AI revolution with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Macron warned that AI is now a field of strategic competition, linking capabilities, chips, and infrastructure directly to geopolitical influence. He praised India’s innovation in small language models, mobile AI systems, and chip production, noting that 38,000 chips have been manufactured at competitive costs. Both India and France, he added, are pursuing independence in AI model development and manufacturing, with France investing €9 billion and expanding low-carbon data centers. Highlighting India’s human capital, Macron stressed its large pool of AI engineers and the world’s second-largest engineering workforce. He noted that effective AI combines infrastructure, talent, and purpose, emphasizing inclusive benefits across agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors.

Macron also addressed the societal impact of AI, urging universal access, responsible use, and child protection. He referenced Indo-French cooperation on sustainable AI initiatives, open translation tools for Indian languages, and joint efforts to combat AI-driven abuse, calling child protection a “matter of civilisation.” Concluding, Macron affirmed India as a key partner in ensuring AI remains accessible, affordable, and responsibly governed. He said AI and digitalization would drive inclusive growth and future prosperity, with both countries working together to shape that future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

The Barries have returned, and Angus Taylor has emerged victorious in the Liberal leadership contest, defeating Sussan Ley. Speaking on Friday afternoon, the newly elected leader stressed that he had no intention of becoming “One Nation lite,” but vowed to “close the door” to those who do not share “Australian values.” However, the leadership spill was not the only major development in Australian politics this week. Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry also examine the challenges facing Taylor, the growing momentum of One Nation, and the recent visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.