{"id":1856581,"date":"2026-03-31T06:25:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1856581"},"modified":"2026-03-31T06:25:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:25:21","slug":"dalit-women-in-india-fight-caste-discrimination-with-farming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1856581","title":{"rendered":"Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607511_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BPP3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607511_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607511_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607511_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607511_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Paes had previously joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of 2021 polls in Goa<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Samir Jana\/Hindustan Times\/Sipa USA\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>Olympic bronze-medalist Leander Paes has switched political allegiances ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections<\/li>\n<li>Iran has accused the US of targeting a civilian aircraft on the ground at Mashhad Airport, reportedly on a humanitarian mission to India, and is calling it a war crime.<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s first\u00a0digital nationwide census is set to begin, a process that will take an entire year.<\/li>\n<li>A stampede at a temple in Bihar has left several people dead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>The blog has now closed. Here&#8217;s the\u00a0roundup of the biggest headlines from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a>\u00a0on Tuesday, March 31:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76609977\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76609977\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Thank you for reading!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Thank you for reading!<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>This is a wrap for our coverage of all things India for today, March 31.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for following along and don&#8217;t forget to come back tomorrow for a new edition of our daily India blog!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BRkn<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76609301\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76609301\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section West Bengal leader alleges BJP &#8216;voter hijacking&#8217;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">West Bengal leader alleges BJP &#8216;voter hijacking&#8217;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The chief minister of West Bengal said Tuesday she had written to the Chief Election Commissioner over a &#8220;grave conspiracy&#8221; ahead of a vote scheduled for late April.<\/p>\n<p>Mamata Banerjee claimed Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi&#8217;s<\/a> BJP party was trying to add non-residents to the voters&#8217; list.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;BJP agents have been caught red-handed flooding the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal with thousands of fraudulent Form 6 applications to smuggle non-residents and outsiders into Bengal\u2019s electoral rolls,&#8221; she wrote in a post on the social media platform X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Banerjee is the founder and chair of the All India Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal.<\/p>\n<p>Her party colleague Mahua Moitra said it was &#8220;shocking&#8221; that the electoral office would accept thousands of applications for new voters from outside the state. Moitra, a\u00a0member of the Lok Sabha national parliament, accused the BJP of trying to &#8220;rig the election.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>She claimed the BJP was trying to add names to lists in Murshidabad, Medinipore and\u00a0North 24 Pgns. The\u00a0predominantly Muslim district of Murshidabad\u00a0saw among\u00a0the most deductions in voters following <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-is-india-rechecking-80-million-voters-in-bihar\/a-73398194\">the\u00a0Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise<\/a> to clean up electoral rolls.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BRZt<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76609155\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76609155\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section IndiGo names former British Airways chief as new CEO<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">IndiGo names former British Airways chief as new CEO<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>India&#8217;s largest airline IndiGo announced on Tuesday it was appointing William Walsh as Chief Executive Officer.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nsearchives.nseindia.com\/corporate\/Indigo1_31032026153024_SE_disclosure_31032026.pdf\" title=\"External link \u2014 In a statement,\">In a statement,<\/a> IndiGo said Walsh&#8217;s appointment was &#8220;subject to receipt of security clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Walsh previously served as British Airways&#8217; chief executive.<\/p>\n<p>His appointment comes as India&#8217;s biggest airlines struggles with fuel price hikes amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran and its impact on fuel transfer.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this month, IndiGo introduced fuel charges on domestic and international flights, including a 900-rupee-charge (roughly $9.57; \u20ac8.30) on flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees for flights to Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The company is also trying to get the Indian government to cut fuel taxes, the Reuters news agency cited unnamed sources as saying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BRXX<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76607757\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76607757\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Kerala tourism joins in on &#8216;KitKat heist&#8217; trend<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Kerala tourism joins in on &#8216;KitKat heist&#8217; trend<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>As the world made memes around a stolen consignment of KitKat in Europe, the tourism department of the Indian state of Kerala thought \u2014 &#8216;hold my beer.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;After a thorough check across our backwaters, hill stations and beaches, we can confirm &#8211; none of it has reached Kerala,&#8221; the department poked fun in an official statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Last week, 413,793 candy bars of KitKat, amounting to 12 tonnes of chocolate, were stolen from a truck after it left the production factory in Italy towards Poland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The incident immedeately sparked a meme fest with companies joining in. Domino&#8217;s announced a KitKat pizza while Irish budget airline Ryanair published pictures of its airplane&#8217;s face\u00a0stuffed with KitKats.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even Swiss chocolate giant Nestle, owner of the KitKat brand, congratulated the thieves on their taste.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BRAz<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76606837\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76606837\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Indian tennis legend joins BJP ahead of state elections<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Indian tennis legend joins BJP ahead of state elections<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76607483\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607483_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Leander Paes speaking into a microphone\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Paes was the first Asian player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Himanshu Sharma\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Leander Paes, one of India&#8217;s most celebrated tennis players, joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, ahead of high-stakes polls in the eastern state of West Bengal.<\/p>\n<p>53-year-old Paes was born in West Bengal&#8217;s capital city of Kolkata but lived in the southern state of Goa. He has won eight Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 career Grand Slam mixed doubles championships.<\/p>\n<p>His partnership with Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupati had been dubbed the &#8216;Indian Express&#8217; by media.<\/p>\n<p>Pictures uploaded to social media by the BJP&#8217;s social media handle showed the former sportsman announcing his move with other senior party members at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He thanked Modi and the BJP &#8220;family&#8221; for nurturing him and giving him the opportunity to serve the country. &#8220;I played for 40 years, for my parents and family. Now this new game I have entered is for my country and its youth,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijju welcomed the &#8220;champion who has brought pride to the nation.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Paes&#8217; entry in BJP is being widely seen as a blow to West Bengal&#8217;s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.<\/p>\n<p>In 2021, Paes had joined the TMC, which is also popular in Goa, where party leader and vocal Modi critic Mamata Banerjee had called him her &#8220;younger brother.&#8221;\u00a0However, Paes did not contest elections for the TMC.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>West Bengal, along with four other legislative assemblies, are set for elections in April. Modi&#8217;s BJP has managed to make some inroads in the traditionally left-leaning state but failed to win an election so far.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BQw9<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76605562\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76605562\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Police arrest man for using camels to smuggle booze into Delhi<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Police arrest man for using camels to smuggle booze into Delhi<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"67392270\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/67392270_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Symbolic image: Camels arrive in Pushkar ahead of the Pushkar camel Fair in India on November 2023\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Indian officials said the camels had been handed over to concerned authorities<small class=\"copyright\">Image: ABACA\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a man for smuggling illegal alcohol into the national capital using camels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They also seized two camels and &#8220;1,938 pouches of illegal liquor,&#8221; the Delhi Police said in a social media post on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The animals were used to carry the contrabrand into New Delhi through &#8220;forest routes&#8221; from the neighboring city of Faridabad, news agency AFP reported.\u00a0Taxes on alcohol are far higher in the capital when compared to its neighbors.<\/p>\n<p>Indian news outlet <em>Hindustan Times<\/em> reported that the same camels had been stopped last year for alcohol smuggling. Once the alcohol was in Delhi, the smugglers would deliver it to clients on bicycles and rickshaws, it reported.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BQba<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76604719\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76604719\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section ISRO in talks to boost satellite launch operations \u2014 Reuters report<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">ISRO in talks to boost satellite launch operations \u2014 Reuters report<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>French satellite operator Eutelsat is in talks with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-launches-heavy-satellite-as-it-eyes-human-space-flight\/a-75292128\">India&#8217;s space agency<\/a> about <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-isro-2027-gaganyaan-launch-preparation\/a-75105655\">future satellite launches<\/a>, according to an exclusive Reuters report. It comes\u00a0as Paris and New Delhi look to deepen bilateral defense and space cooperation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Eutelsat is Europe&#8217;s main rival to Elon Musk&#8217;s satellite internet provider Starlink.<\/p>\n<p>Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Fallacher, CEO of the French firm, told Reuters that negotiations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were ongoing, but no deal had been reached yet.<\/p>\n<p>France and India have deepened their ties in areas of defense, space and maritime security in recent years as New Delhi looks to diversify technological trade and cooperation with markets beyond the US.<\/p>\n<p>Fallacher said he \u200cvisited New Delhi in February as part of French President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/france-macron-visits-india-rafale-deal-ai\/a-75998082\">Emmanuel Macron&#8217;s delegation<\/a>. On the trip, he met India&#8217;s telecoms minister and regulators to discuss \u200cmarket \u200baccess.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are preparing for the future, because launch capacity needs to be prepared very much in advance,&#8221; he said. &#8220;India is a huge country&#8230;so getting market access is strategic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BQNz<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76603724\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76603724\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Several killed in Bihar temple stampede <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Several killed in Bihar temple stampede <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76603810\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76603810_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Devotees gather around a tree after a stampede at the Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda, Bihar, India\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Temple stampedes are not uncommon in India<small class=\"copyright\">Image: IANS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At least eight people, all women, were killed in a crush in a temple in the eastern state of Bihar, Indian media reported on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Sheetala Mata temple was overcrowded as devotees rushed in to offer prayers on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.<\/p>\n<p>In the Hindu religious calendar, several months hold different astrological and cultural significance for devotees. It can influence what people eat, when they marry, auspicious rituals and even agricultural cycles.<\/p>\n<p>Officials told Indian media that the turnout was higher than usual and that an investigation was now being conducted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stampedes at religious events and sites are not uncommon, and kill more than 100 people\u00a0in India every year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the dead and announced monetary compensations for their families.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,&#8221; he said in a social media post.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BQ7w<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76602635\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76602635\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India set to kick of population census on April 1<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India set to kick of population census on April 1<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76602899\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76602899_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"An Indian government census enumerator Pawan Kumar, left, walks down a street in New Delhi, India, in 2011\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">India is constitutionally mandated to hold a census, typically every 10 years, under the Census Act, 1948<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Manish Swarup\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over 3 million Indian officials will spend about a year collecting data on the country&#8217;s population \u2014 the largest in the world \u2014 in a massive door-to-door survey.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This round of census was meant to take place in 2021 but was delayed party due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last census was conducted between 2010-11. The survey&#8217;s data is crucial to the democracy which forms policy and social interventions based on the results.<\/p>\n<p>The once-in-a-decade exercise will begin on April 1. The first 15 days have been allocated for a self-enumeration where citizens will be able to submit their own details online, in a first for India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The census has traditionally involved collecting data on paper, which is later digitized and published by the government.<\/p>\n<p>After the first 15 days, the census will break into two phases. The first will involve physical collection of data on houses and household conditions. The second will focus on the inhabitants of the houses and their social and economic Parameters, Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan told reporters.<\/p>\n<h3>India&#8217;s census and the caste system<\/h3>\n<p>The census will also record data on caste, a rigid social hierarchy coming\u00a0from India&#8217;s dominant Hindu religion. The caste system dates back thousands of years and is deeply entrenched in Indian social life and politics.<\/p>\n<p>It divides people and communities into <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/indias-supreme-court-dominated-by-upper-caste-hindus\/a-74838035\">&#8220;upper&#8221;<\/a> and &#8220;lower&#8221; stratas and has been the basis of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/in-india-caste-still-defines-who-cleans-cities\/a-73368510\">untouchability<\/a> in Indian history. Even today, families from the lowest caste, Dalits, face marginalization and discrimination.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While the 2011 census did collect caste data, it was not fully published over concerns of accuracy. Those in favor of a caste census say the information is vital to ensure government assistance to those from disadvantaged castes. Critics say caste has no place in a country aiming to be a major world power.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming\" class=\"headline\">Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74046702\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74046702\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74046600_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:21\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/pp\/pp20250918_WomenB2_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BPqN<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76601220\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76601220\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Iran says strike on India-bound plane a &#8216;war crime&#8217;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Iran says strike on India-bound plane a &#8216;war crime&#8217;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Iran has accused the US and Israel of carrying out a &#8220;war crime&#8221; after an Iranian aircraft, reportedly on a humanitarian mission to India, was damaged in a US strike on Mashhad Airport.<\/p>\n<p>The Iranian Embassy in India released a statement by the Islamic Republic&#8217;s civilian aviation\u00a0authority, saying: &#8220;The attack on an Iranian aircraft carrying medicines and medical equipment constitutes a war crime and a clear violation of international law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, news agency ANI cited Iranian unnamed officials\u00a0saying the plane in question was scheduled to fly to New Delhi on April 1\u00a0as part of India&#8217;s ongoing mission to provide humanitarian aid to Iran.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Despite its proclaimed neutral stance in the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-eu-calls-tehran-to-discuss-strait-of-hormuz\/live-76600314\">US-Israel war with Iran<\/a>, New Delhi has been sending aid supplies to the Middle Eastern nation citing long-standing\u00a0humanitarian ties.<\/p>\n<p>Iran &#8220;strongly condemned the Israeli\u2013American attack on an Iranian civilian aircraft transporting medicines and medical equipment from several countries to Iran, which had landed at Mashhad Airport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The statement said that targeting a civilian aircraft engaged in humanitarian aid missions was a &#8220;blatant violation&#8221; of international aviation laws and the Geneva Conventions.<\/p>\n<p>The US has not confirmed or responded to allegations of air strikes on civilian\u00a0planes at the Mashhad Airport. New Delhi is yet to comment on the matter.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Has the Iran war harmed nuclear non-proliferation efforts?\" class=\"headline\">Has the Iran war harmed nuclear non-proliferation efforts?<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76572349\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76572349\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76505545_605.webp\" data-duration=\"14:01\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260327_IranNuclearFS_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BPTY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76601150\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941#post-liveblog-post-76601150\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/31\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 31, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<div class=\"a9wq4ao author-details\"><span><span class=\"separator lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> | <\/span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"> Editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Good morning! and welcome to DW&#8217;s India news blog.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is Mahima Kapoor from the cloudy New Delhi Bureau and I will bring to you the country&#8217;s biggest headlines for the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The temperature in the national capital remains pleasant, thanks to an atmospheric disturbance, which gave the city one the wettest months of March in recent memory. The weather agency predicts more rain, gusty winds and even thunderstorms for much of Northeast India.<\/p>\n<p>Four states and a union territory in India are gearing up for legislative assembly elections which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s ruling party fight regional parties to extend his political influence. Some parties are announcing candidates, others are releasing their manifestos but all are leaning into the campaign season.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of gearing up, the government is making final arrangements to launch the mammoth exercise of conducting a population survey. The census will begin on April 1 and go on for a year.<\/p>\n<p>On the international front, Iran has accused the US\u00a0and Israel\u00a0of a &#8220;war crime&#8221; after reports of\u00a0a US\u00a0strike damaging an Iranian airplane\u00a0carrying humanitarian aid from India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stick with us as we breakdown the day&#8217;s news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BPSQ<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>Olympic bronze-medalist Leander Paes has switched political allegiances ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections<\/li>\n<li>Iran has accused the US of targeting a civilian aircraft on the ground at Mashhad Airport, reportedly on a humanitarian mission to India, and is calling it a war crime.<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s first\u00a0digital nationwide census is set to begin, a process that will take an entire year.<\/li>\n<li>A stampede at a temple in Bihar has left several people dead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>The blog has now closed. Here&#8217;s the\u00a0roundup of the biggest headlines from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a>\u00a0on Tuesday, March 31:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>The blog has now closed. Here&#8217;s the\u00a0roundup of the biggest headlines from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a>\u00a0on Tuesday, March 31:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>This is a wrap for our coverage of all things India for today, March 31.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for following along and don&#8217;t forget to come back tomorrow for a new edition of our daily India blog!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>This is a wrap for our coverage of all things India for today, March 31.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for following along and don&#8217;t forget to come back tomorrow for a new edition of our daily India blog!<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>The chief minister of West Bengal said Tuesday she had written to the Chief Election Commissioner over a &#8220;grave conspiracy&#8221; ahead of a vote scheduled for late April.<\/p>\n<p>Mamata Banerjee claimed Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi&#8217;s<\/a> BJP party was trying to add non-residents to the voters&#8217; list.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;BJP agents have been caught red-handed flooding the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal with thousands of fraudulent Form 6 applications to smuggle non-residents and outsiders into Bengal\u2019s electoral rolls,&#8221; she wrote in a post on the social media platform X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Banerjee is the founder and chair of the All India Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal.<\/p>\n<p>Her party colleague Mahua Moitra said it was &#8220;shocking&#8221; that the electoral office would accept thousands of applications for new voters from outside the state. Moitra, a\u00a0member of the Lok Sabha national parliament, accused the BJP of trying to &#8220;rig the election.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>She claimed the BJP was trying to add names to lists in Murshidabad, Medinipore and\u00a0North 24 Pgns. The\u00a0predominantly Muslim district of Murshidabad\u00a0saw among\u00a0the most deductions in voters following <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-is-india-rechecking-80-million-voters-in-bihar\/a-73398194\">the\u00a0Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise<\/a> to clean up electoral rolls.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The chief minister of West Bengal said Tuesday she had written to the Chief Election Commissioner over a &#8220;grave conspiracy&#8221; ahead of a vote scheduled for late April.<\/p>\n<p>Mamata Banerjee claimed Prime Minister <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/narendra-modi\/t-65800410\">Narendra Modi&#8217;s<\/a> BJP party was trying to add non-residents to the voters&#8217; list.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;BJP agents have been caught red-handed flooding the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal with thousands of fraudulent Form 6 applications to smuggle non-residents and outsiders into Bengal\u2019s electoral rolls,&#8221; she wrote in a post on the social media platform X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Banerjee is the founder and chair of the All India Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal.<\/p>\n<p>Her party colleague Mahua Moitra said it was &#8220;shocking&#8221; that the electoral office would accept thousands of applications for new voters from outside the state. Moitra, a\u00a0member of the Lok Sabha national parliament, accused the BJP of trying to &#8220;rig the election.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>She claimed the BJP was trying to add names to lists in Murshidabad, Medinipore and\u00a0North 24 Pgns. The\u00a0predominantly Muslim district of Murshidabad\u00a0saw among\u00a0the most deductions in voters following <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-is-india-rechecking-80-million-voters-in-bihar\/a-73398194\">the\u00a0Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise<\/a> to clean up electoral rolls.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>India&#8217;s largest airline IndiGo announced on Tuesday it was appointing William Walsh as Chief Executive Officer.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nsearchives.nseindia.com\/corporate\/Indigo1_31032026153024_SE_disclosure_31032026.pdf\" title=\"External link \u2014 In a statement,\">In a statement,<\/a> IndiGo said Walsh&#8217;s appointment was &#8220;subject to receipt of security clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Walsh previously served as British Airways&#8217; chief executive.<\/p>\n<p>His appointment comes as India&#8217;s biggest airlines struggles with fuel price hikes amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran and its impact on fuel transfer.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this month, IndiGo introduced fuel charges on domestic and international flights, including a 900-rupee-charge (roughly $9.57; \u20ac8.30) on flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees for flights to Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The company is also trying to get the Indian government to cut fuel taxes, the Reuters news agency cited unnamed sources as saying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India&#8217;s largest airline IndiGo announced on Tuesday it was appointing William Walsh as Chief Executive Officer.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nsearchives.nseindia.com\/corporate\/Indigo1_31032026153024_SE_disclosure_31032026.pdf\" title=\"External link \u2014 In a statement,\">In a statement,<\/a> IndiGo said Walsh&#8217;s appointment was &#8220;subject to receipt of security clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Walsh previously served as British Airways&#8217; chief executive.<\/p>\n<p>His appointment comes as India&#8217;s biggest airlines struggles with fuel price hikes amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran and its impact on fuel transfer.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this month, IndiGo introduced fuel charges on domestic and international flights, including a 900-rupee-charge (roughly $9.57; \u20ac8.30) on flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees for flights to Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The company is also trying to get the Indian government to cut fuel taxes, the Reuters news agency cited unnamed sources as saying.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>As the world made memes around a stolen consignment of KitKat in Europe, the tourism department of the Indian state of Kerala thought \u2014 &#8216;hold my beer.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;After a thorough check across our backwaters, hill stations and beaches, we can confirm &#8211; none of it has reached Kerala,&#8221; the department poked fun in an official statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Last week, 413,793 candy bars of KitKat, amounting to 12 tonnes of chocolate, were stolen from a truck after it left the production factory in Italy towards Poland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The incident immedeately sparked a meme fest with companies joining in. Domino&#8217;s announced a KitKat pizza while Irish budget airline Ryanair published pictures of its airplane&#8217;s face\u00a0stuffed with KitKats.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even Swiss chocolate giant Nestle, owner of the KitKat brand, congratulated the thieves on their taste.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>As the world made memes around a stolen consignment of KitKat in Europe, the tourism department of the Indian state of Kerala thought \u2014 &#8216;hold my beer.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;After a thorough check across our backwaters, hill stations and beaches, we can confirm &#8211; none of it has reached Kerala,&#8221; the department poked fun in an official statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Last week, 413,793 candy bars of KitKat, amounting to 12 tonnes of chocolate, were stolen from a truck after it left the production factory in Italy towards Poland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The incident immedeately sparked a meme fest with companies joining in. Domino&#8217;s announced a KitKat pizza while Irish budget airline Ryanair published pictures of its airplane&#8217;s face\u00a0stuffed with KitKats.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even Swiss chocolate giant Nestle, owner of the KitKat brand, congratulated the thieves on their taste.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76607483\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607483_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Leander Paes speaking into a microphone\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Paes was the first Asian player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Himanshu Sharma\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Leander Paes, one of India&#8217;s most celebrated tennis players, joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, ahead of high-stakes polls in the eastern state of West Bengal.<\/p>\n<p>53-year-old Paes was born in West Bengal&#8217;s capital city of Kolkata but lived in the southern state of Goa. He has won eight Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 career Grand Slam mixed doubles championships.<\/p>\n<p>His partnership with Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupati had been dubbed the &#8216;Indian Express&#8217; by media.<\/p>\n<p>Pictures uploaded to social media by the BJP&#8217;s social media handle showed the former sportsman announcing his move with other senior party members at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He thanked Modi and the BJP &#8220;family&#8221; for nurturing him and giving him the opportunity to serve the country. &#8220;I played for 40 years, for my parents and family. Now this new game I have entered is for my country and its youth,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijju welcomed the &#8220;champion who has brought pride to the nation.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Paes&#8217; entry in BJP is being widely seen as a blow to West Bengal&#8217;s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.<\/p>\n<p>In 2021, Paes had joined the TMC, which is also popular in Goa, where party leader and vocal Modi critic Mamata Banerjee had called him her &#8220;younger brother.&#8221;\u00a0However, Paes did not contest elections for the TMC.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>West Bengal, along with four other legislative assemblies, are set for elections in April. Modi&#8217;s BJP has managed to make some inroads in the traditionally left-leaning state but failed to win an election so far.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Leander Paes, one of India&#8217;s most celebrated tennis players, joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, ahead of high-stakes polls in the eastern state of West Bengal.<\/p>\n<p>53-year-old Paes was born in West Bengal&#8217;s capital city of Kolkata but lived in the southern state of Goa. He has won eight Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 career Grand Slam mixed doubles championships.<\/p>\n<p>His partnership with Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupati had been dubbed the &#8216;Indian Express&#8217; by media.<\/p>\n<p>Pictures uploaded to social media by the BJP&#8217;s social media handle showed the former sportsman announcing his move with other senior party members at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He thanked Modi and the BJP &#8220;family&#8221; for nurturing him and giving him the opportunity to serve the country. &#8220;I played for 40 years, for my parents and family. Now this new game I have entered is for my country and its youth,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijju welcomed the &#8220;champion who has brought pride to the nation.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Paes&#8217; entry in BJP is being widely seen as a blow to West Bengal&#8217;s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.<\/p>\n<p>In 2021, Paes had joined the TMC, which is also popular in Goa, where party leader and vocal Modi critic Mamata Banerjee had called him her &#8220;younger brother.&#8221;\u00a0However, Paes did not contest elections for the TMC.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>West Bengal, along with four other legislative assemblies, are set for elections in April. Modi&#8217;s BJP has managed to make some inroads in the traditionally left-leaning state but failed to win an election so far.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"67392270\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/67392270_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Symbolic image: Camels arrive in Pushkar ahead of the Pushkar camel Fair in India on November 2023\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Indian officials said the camels had been handed over to concerned authorities<small class=\"copyright\">Image: ABACA\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a man for smuggling illegal alcohol into the national capital using camels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They also seized two camels and &#8220;1,938 pouches of illegal liquor,&#8221; the Delhi Police said in a social media post on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The animals were used to carry the contrabrand into New Delhi through &#8220;forest routes&#8221; from the neighboring city of Faridabad, news agency AFP reported.\u00a0Taxes on alcohol are far higher in the capital when compared to its neighbors.<\/p>\n<p>Indian news outlet <em>Hindustan Times<\/em> reported that the same camels had been stopped last year for alcohol smuggling. Once the alcohol was in Delhi, the smugglers would deliver it to clients on bicycles and rickshaws, it reported.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a man for smuggling illegal alcohol into the national capital using camels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They also seized two camels and &#8220;1,938 pouches of illegal liquor,&#8221; the Delhi Police said in a social media post on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The animals were used to carry the contrabrand into New Delhi through &#8220;forest routes&#8221; from the neighboring city of Faridabad, news agency AFP reported.\u00a0Taxes on alcohol are far higher in the capital when compared to its neighbors.<\/p>\n<p>Indian news outlet <em>Hindustan Times<\/em> reported that the same camels had been stopped last year for alcohol smuggling. Once the alcohol was in Delhi, the smugglers would deliver it to clients on bicycles and rickshaws, it reported.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>French satellite operator Eutelsat is in talks with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-launches-heavy-satellite-as-it-eyes-human-space-flight\/a-75292128\">India&#8217;s space agency<\/a> about <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-isro-2027-gaganyaan-launch-preparation\/a-75105655\">future satellite launches<\/a>, according to an exclusive Reuters report. It comes\u00a0as Paris and New Delhi look to deepen bilateral defense and space cooperation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Eutelsat is Europe&#8217;s main rival to Elon Musk&#8217;s satellite internet provider Starlink.<\/p>\n<p>Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Fallacher, CEO of the French firm, told Reuters that negotiations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were ongoing, but no deal had been reached yet.<\/p>\n<p>France and India have deepened their ties in areas of defense, space and maritime security in recent years as New Delhi looks to diversify technological trade and cooperation with markets beyond the US.<\/p>\n<p>Fallacher said he \u200cvisited New Delhi in February as part of French President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/france-macron-visits-india-rafale-deal-ai\/a-75998082\">Emmanuel Macron&#8217;s delegation<\/a>. On the trip, he met India&#8217;s telecoms minister and regulators to discuss \u200cmarket \u200baccess.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are preparing for the future, because launch capacity needs to be prepared very much in advance,&#8221; he said. &#8220;India is a huge country&#8230;so getting market access is strategic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>French satellite operator Eutelsat is in talks with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-launches-heavy-satellite-as-it-eyes-human-space-flight\/a-75292128\">India&#8217;s space agency<\/a> about <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-isro-2027-gaganyaan-launch-preparation\/a-75105655\">future satellite launches<\/a>, according to an exclusive Reuters report. It comes\u00a0as Paris and New Delhi look to deepen bilateral defense and space cooperation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Eutelsat is Europe&#8217;s main rival to Elon Musk&#8217;s satellite internet provider Starlink.<\/p>\n<p>Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Fallacher, CEO of the French firm, told Reuters that negotiations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were ongoing, but no deal had been reached yet.<\/p>\n<p>France and India have deepened their ties in areas of defense, space and maritime security in recent years as New Delhi looks to diversify technological trade and cooperation with markets beyond the US.<\/p>\n<p>Fallacher said he \u200cvisited New Delhi in February as part of French President <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/france-macron-visits-india-rafale-deal-ai\/a-75998082\">Emmanuel Macron&#8217;s delegation<\/a>. On the trip, he met India&#8217;s telecoms minister and regulators to discuss \u200cmarket \u200baccess.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are preparing for the future, because launch capacity needs to be prepared very much in advance,&#8221; he said. &#8220;India is a huge country&#8230;so getting market access is strategic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76603810\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76603810_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Devotees gather around a tree after a stampede at the Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda, Bihar, India\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Temple stampedes are not uncommon in India<small class=\"copyright\">Image: IANS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At least eight people, all women, were killed in a crush in a temple in the eastern state of Bihar, Indian media reported on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Sheetala Mata temple was overcrowded as devotees rushed in to offer prayers on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.<\/p>\n<p>In the Hindu religious calendar, several months hold different astrological and cultural significance for devotees. It can influence what people eat, when they marry, auspicious rituals and even agricultural cycles.<\/p>\n<p>Officials told Indian media that the turnout was higher than usual and that an investigation was now being conducted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stampedes at religious events and sites are not uncommon, and kill more than 100 people\u00a0in India every year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the dead and announced monetary compensations for their families.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,&#8221; he said in a social media post.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>At least eight people, all women, were killed in a crush in a temple in the eastern state of Bihar, Indian media reported on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Sheetala Mata temple was overcrowded as devotees rushed in to offer prayers on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.<\/p>\n<p>In the Hindu religious calendar, several months hold different astrological and cultural significance for devotees. It can influence what people eat, when they marry, auspicious rituals and even agricultural cycles.<\/p>\n<p>Officials told Indian media that the turnout was higher than usual and that an investigation was now being conducted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stampedes at religious events and sites are not uncommon, and kill more than 100 people\u00a0in India every year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the dead and announced monetary compensations for their families.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The mishap in Nalanda district, Bihar, is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,&#8221; he said in a social media post.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76602899\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76602899_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"An Indian government census enumerator Pawan Kumar, left, walks down a street in New Delhi, India, in 2011\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">India is constitutionally mandated to hold a census, typically every 10 years, under the Census Act, 1948<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Manish Swarup\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over 3 million Indian officials will spend about a year collecting data on the country&#8217;s population \u2014 the largest in the world \u2014 in a massive door-to-door survey.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This round of census was meant to take place in 2021 but was delayed party due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last census was conducted between 2010-11. The survey&#8217;s data is crucial to the democracy which forms policy and social interventions based on the results.<\/p>\n<p>The once-in-a-decade exercise will begin on April 1. The first 15 days have been allocated for a self-enumeration where citizens will be able to submit their own details online, in a first for India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The census has traditionally involved collecting data on paper, which is later digitized and published by the government.<\/p>\n<p>After the first 15 days, the census will break into two phases. The first will involve physical collection of data on houses and household conditions. The second will focus on the inhabitants of the houses and their social and economic Parameters, Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan told reporters.<\/p>\n<h3>India&#8217;s census and the caste system<\/h3>\n<p>The census will also record data on caste, a rigid social hierarchy coming\u00a0from India&#8217;s dominant Hindu religion. The caste system dates back thousands of years and is deeply entrenched in Indian social life and politics.<\/p>\n<p>It divides people and communities into <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/indias-supreme-court-dominated-by-upper-caste-hindus\/a-74838035\">&#8220;upper&#8221;<\/a> and &#8220;lower&#8221; stratas and has been the basis of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/in-india-caste-still-defines-who-cleans-cities\/a-73368510\">untouchability<\/a> in Indian history. Even today, families from the lowest caste, Dalits, face marginalization and discrimination.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While the 2011 census did collect caste data, it was not fully published over concerns of accuracy. Those in favor of a caste census say the information is vital to ensure government assistance to those from disadvantaged castes. Critics say caste has no place in a country aiming to be a major world power.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming\" class=\"headline\">Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-74046702\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"74046702\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/74046600_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:21\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/pp\/pp20250918_WomenB2_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Over 3 million Indian officials will spend about a year collecting data on the country&#8217;s population \u2014 the largest in the world \u2014 in a massive door-to-door survey.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This round of census was meant to take place in 2021 but was delayed party due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last census was conducted between 2010-11. The survey&#8217;s data is crucial to the democracy which forms policy and social interventions based on the results.<\/p>\n<p>The once-in-a-decade exercise will begin on April 1. The first 15 days have been allocated for a self-enumeration where citizens will be able to submit their own details online, in a first for India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The census has traditionally involved collecting data on paper, which is later digitized and published by the government.<\/p>\n<p>After the first 15 days, the census will break into two phases. The first will involve physical collection of data on houses and household conditions. The second will focus on the inhabitants of the houses and their social and economic Parameters, Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan told reporters.<\/p>\n<p>The census will also record data on caste, a rigid social hierarchy coming\u00a0from India&#8217;s dominant Hindu religion. The caste system dates back thousands of years and is deeply entrenched in Indian social life and politics.<\/p>\n<p>It divides people and communities into <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/indias-supreme-court-dominated-by-upper-caste-hindus\/a-74838035\">&#8220;upper&#8221;<\/a> and &#8220;lower&#8221; stratas and has been the basis of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/in-india-caste-still-defines-who-cleans-cities\/a-73368510\">untouchability<\/a> in Indian history. Even today, families from the lowest caste, Dalits, face marginalization and discrimination.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While the 2011 census did collect caste data, it was not fully published over concerns of accuracy. Those in favor of a caste census say the information is vital to ensure government assistance to those from disadvantaged castes. Critics say caste has no place in a country aiming to be a major world power.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Iran has accused the US and Israel of carrying out a &#8220;war crime&#8221; after an Iranian aircraft, reportedly on a humanitarian mission to India, was damaged in a US strike on Mashhad Airport.<\/p>\n<p>The Iranian Embassy in India released a statement by the Islamic Republic&#8217;s civilian aviation\u00a0authority, saying: &#8220;The attack on an Iranian aircraft carrying medicines and medical equipment constitutes a war crime and a clear violation of international law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, news agency ANI cited Iranian unnamed officials\u00a0saying the plane in question was scheduled to fly to New Delhi on April 1\u00a0as part of India&#8217;s ongoing mission to provide humanitarian aid to Iran.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Despite its proclaimed neutral stance in the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-eu-calls-tehran-to-discuss-strait-of-hormuz\/live-76600314\">US-Israel war with Iran<\/a>, New Delhi has been sending aid supplies to the Middle Eastern nation citing long-standing\u00a0humanitarian ties.<\/p>\n<p>Iran &#8220;strongly condemned the Israeli\u2013American attack on an Iranian civilian aircraft transporting medicines and medical equipment from several countries to Iran, which had landed at Mashhad Airport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The statement said that targeting a civilian aircraft engaged in humanitarian aid missions was a &#8220;blatant violation&#8221; of international aviation laws and the Geneva Conventions.<\/p>\n<p>The US has not confirmed or responded to allegations of air strikes on civilian\u00a0planes at the Mashhad Airport. New Delhi is yet to comment on the matter.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Has the Iran war harmed nuclear non-proliferation efforts?\" class=\"headline\">Has the Iran war harmed nuclear non-proliferation efforts?<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76572349\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76572349\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76505545_605.webp\" data-duration=\"14:01\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260327_IranNuclearFS_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Iran has accused the US and Israel of carrying out a &#8220;war crime&#8221; after an Iranian aircraft, reportedly on a humanitarian mission to India, was damaged in a US strike on Mashhad Airport.<\/p>\n<p>The Iranian Embassy in India released a statement by the Islamic Republic&#8217;s civilian aviation\u00a0authority, saying: &#8220;The attack on an Iranian aircraft carrying medicines and medical equipment constitutes a war crime and a clear violation of international law.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, news agency ANI cited Iranian unnamed officials\u00a0saying the plane in question was scheduled to fly to New Delhi on April 1\u00a0as part of India&#8217;s ongoing mission to provide humanitarian aid to Iran.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Despite its proclaimed neutral stance in the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-eu-calls-tehran-to-discuss-strait-of-hormuz\/live-76600314\">US-Israel war with Iran<\/a>, New Delhi has been sending aid supplies to the Middle Eastern nation citing long-standing\u00a0humanitarian ties.<\/p>\n<p>Iran &#8220;strongly condemned the Israeli\u2013American attack on an Iranian civilian aircraft transporting medicines and medical equipment from several countries to Iran, which had landed at Mashhad Airport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The statement said that targeting a civilian aircraft engaged in humanitarian aid missions was a &#8220;blatant violation&#8221; of international aviation laws and the Geneva Conventions.<\/p>\n<p>The US has not confirmed or responded to allegations of air strikes on civilian\u00a0planes at the Mashhad Airport. New Delhi is yet to comment on the matter.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Good morning! and welcome to DW&#8217;s India news blog.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is Mahima Kapoor from the cloudy New Delhi Bureau and I will bring to you the country&#8217;s biggest headlines for the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The temperature in the national capital remains pleasant, thanks to an atmospheric disturbance, which gave the city one the wettest months of March in recent memory. The weather agency predicts more rain, gusty winds and even thunderstorms for much of Northeast India.<\/p>\n<p>Four states and a union territory in India are gearing up for legislative assembly elections which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s ruling party fight regional parties to extend his political influence. Some parties are announcing candidates, others are releasing their manifestos but all are leaning into the campaign season.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of gearing up, the government is making final arrangements to launch the mammoth exercise of conducting a population survey. The census will begin on April 1 and go on for a year.<\/p>\n<p>On the international front, Iran has accused the US\u00a0and Israel\u00a0of a &#8220;war crime&#8221; after reports of\u00a0a US\u00a0strike damaging an Iranian airplane\u00a0carrying humanitarian aid from India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stick with us as we breakdown the day&#8217;s news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Good morning! and welcome to DW&#8217;s India news blog.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is Mahima Kapoor from the cloudy New Delhi Bureau and I will bring to you the country&#8217;s biggest headlines for the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The temperature in the national capital remains pleasant, thanks to an atmospheric disturbance, which gave the city one the wettest months of March in recent memory. The weather agency predicts more rain, gusty winds and even thunderstorms for much of Northeast India.<\/p>\n<p>Four states and a union territory in India are gearing up for legislative assembly elections which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#8217;s ruling party fight regional parties to extend his political influence. Some parties are announcing candidates, others are releasing their manifestos but all are leaning into the campaign season.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of gearing up, the government is making final arrangements to launch the mammoth exercise of conducting a population survey. The census will begin on April 1 and go on for a year.<\/p>\n<p>On the international front, Iran has accused the US\u00a0and Israel\u00a0of a &#8220;war crime&#8221; after reports of\u00a0a US\u00a0strike damaging an Iranian airplane\u00a0carrying humanitarian aid from India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stick with us as we breakdown the day&#8217;s news.<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-tennis-legend-leander-paes-joins-modis-bjp\/live-76600941&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76607511_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BPP3 Paes had previously joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of 2021 polls in GoaImage: Samir Jana\/Hindustan Times\/Sipa USA\/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Olympic bronze-medalist Leander Paes has switched political allegiances ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections Iran has accused the US [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1856581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1856581"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856581\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1856581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1856581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1856581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}