Stories from Delhi · India

Counting for legislative assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry is scheduled for April 4. Exit polls suggest the Bharatiya Janata Party may retain power in Assam.

Zarif won the Delhi municipal election by a margin of 160 votes. The candidate received 156 votes during the election process. The victory occurred in Delhi, India. The specific political party affiliation for the winner was not explicitly named in the report.

India has reached its target of sourcing 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ahead of the original schedule. The nation currently has a population of approximately 1.5 billion people. The achievement covers various regions including Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. The announcement was made regarding the country's energy production targets. The achievement was reported by AIR News 24x7. This milestone marks a shift in the country's energy mix toward renewable and alternative sources. The transition aims to drive progress and connectivity across various regions including Uttar Pradesh. Prameen Kumar Mittal, Executive Director of the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices, also noted that a Free Trade Agreement is boosting Indian medical device exports.

India is entering the rapidly expanding market for weight loss drugs by producing low-cost generics. Experts suggest these generics could improve access for millions of patients suffering from obesity. However, questions remain regarding the safety and potential misuse of these medications. The surge in generic availability follows a global rush for weight loss treatments. The Philippines holds the second position with approximately 15 to 17 percent market share. The report notes that the labor workforce operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This dominance presents a competitive challenge to other industry participants. The source noted that competition is emerging to challenge these market positions.

The Indian aviation Federation is requesting the government to suspend excise duty on jet fuel and reduce other taxes. Carriers are reportedly facing potential collapse due to rising jet fuel costs. India currently maintains the third largest aviation industry in the world.

Listed companies in India reported a 14.7% increase in net profit for Q3 FY26. This represents the fastest growth rate recorded in the last two years.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully completed a salvo launch of the NASM-SR missile. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a success for the nation's defense capabilities.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has requested re-polling at certain booths following allegations of voting machine tampering. The party claims buttons for BJP candidates were pressed by others in some machines.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will participate in a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi on May 14 and 15. Lavrov is also scheduled to meet with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana on Thursday. The announcement was made by Zakharova. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated the event provides an opportunity for deep discussion on international agenda issues. The meeting aims to improve global governance with an emphasis on increasing the role of the world order. The meeting was chaired by Viveka Garwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. The session witnessed participation from various members.

According to the NGO Public Eye, half of the most frequently used pesticides in India are classified as dangerous or highly dangerous by the FAO. The report was discussed in the context of pesticide reform projects.