{"id":1872253,"date":"2026-04-08T06:52:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T03:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872253"},"modified":"2026-04-08T06:52:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T03:52:20","slug":"bangladeshis-on-border-with-india-live-a-dangerous-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872253","title":{"rendered":"Bangladeshis on border with India live a dangerous life"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701460_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\/5BpfF<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701460_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701460_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701460_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701460_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">A single-phase election will be held Thursday in a\u00a0total of 126 constituencies in\u00a0Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: ANI News\/IMAGO<\/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-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#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>Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are observing a mandatory &#8216;silent period&#8217; ahead of Thursday&#8217;s Assembly elections<\/li>\n<li>All campaign-related activities are now banned<\/li>\n<li>Indian stock markets rally after the announcement of the US-Iran ceasefire<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>This blog is now closed. Here are the developments from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a> on Wednesday, April 8:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76707505\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76707505\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India&#8217;s digital census prompts fear of hidden agendas<\/p>\n<p><\/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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India&#8217;s digital census prompts fear of hidden agendas<\/p>\n<\/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, the most populous country, has launched a fully digital census which involves millions of enumerators and also allows\u00a0people to report their own data.\u00a0But many fear it will be used for political manipulation.<\/p>\n<p>Read full report <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/indias-digital-census-prompts-fear-of-hidden-agendas\/a-76693150\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Br7p<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76705938\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76705938\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India considers deploying reptiles along India-Bangladesh border: reports<\/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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India considers deploying reptiles along India-Bangladesh border: reports<\/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=\"76704858\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76704858_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A general view of the Bangladesh and Indian border area in Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh.\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The India-Bangladesh border\u00a0is a complex and porous frontier <small class=\"copyright\">Image: MD Abu Sufian Jewel\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some unusual recruits could be about to reinforce India&#8217;s border personnel:\u00a0slithering snakes and predatory crocodiles could be deployed to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-is-india-upping-forces-at-chokepoint-with-bangladesh\/a-74745741\">deter unauthorized crossings<\/a> along the country&#8217;s frontier with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bangladesh\/t-65210898\">Bangladesh<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>India is mulling releasing snakes and crocodiles along the over 4,000 kilometres (2,485 miles) with its eastern neighbor, reports said this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, a senior officer of\u00a0India&#8217;s Border Security Force (BSF) told the AFP news agency that &#8220;the use of reptiles&#8221; was discussed at a meeting in February with the Indian Home Ministry.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Hindu<\/em> had first reported on Monday that field units ofthe paramilitary force had been directed to explore the dispatching of such reptiles, citing an internal memo, dated March 26.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have been asked to explore the feasibility of deploying reptiles such as snakes or crocodiles in vulnerable riverine gaps,&#8221; AFP quoted Manoj Barnwal, a deputy inspector general of the BSF, as saying.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The plan revolves around leveraging natural deterrents like crocodiles and snakes in flood-prone zones, along the unfenced area where traditional fencings are either ineffective or not possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-turning-the-bangladeshi-border-into-a-political-issue\/a-58580608\">India-Bangladesh border<\/a>\u00a0is a complex and porous frontier which cuts through the world&#8217;s largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans, and has large unfenced areas in the delta regions.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76704936\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76704936_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stand guard at the India-Bangladesh border in Fulbari BOP (Border outpost) on the outskirts of Siliguri, India\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">India has arrested scores of Bangladeshis attempting to cross the border after former PM Hasina&#8217;s removal [FILE: May 2025] <small class=\"copyright\">Image: Diptendu Dutta\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In remarks to AFP, Barnawl called the move innovative but added that there were challenges, including safety concerns.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;How do we procure the reptiles? What impact might it have on the people in the villages sitting along the riverine border?&#8221; he told AFP.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have asked our field units to study the feasibility of the approach and send the report as soon as possible,&#8221; the officer added.<\/p>\n<p>Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka soured following the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bangladesh-still-polarized-a-year-after-hasinas-ouster\/a-73498890\">ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina<\/a> in 2024, who fled to India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Last year, India propped up fences, stretching hundreds of kilometres (miles) along the border, inviting &#8220;deep concern&#8221; Bangladesh.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Bangladesh&#8217;s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was in New Delhi on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Rahman is the most senior Dhaka official to visit India in two years. His trip to India comes as the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-and-bangladesh-move-towards-resetting-ties\/a-76140640\">two nations attempt to thaw their relations<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Bangladeshis on border with India live a dangerous life\" class=\"headline\">Bangladeshis on border with India live a dangerous life<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-70361976\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"70361976\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/69884826_605.webp\" data-duration=\"04:01\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20240930_BANGLABORDER_,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\/5BqiY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76704419\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76704419\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India: Stock markets rise after Iran truce, central bank keeps Repo rate unchanged <\/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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India: Stock markets rise after Iran truce, central bank keeps Repo rate unchanged <\/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 benchmark indices jumped over 3% as stock markets opened on Wednesday, following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.<\/p>\n<p>The Nifty 50 rose 3.58% at 23,953.80 and the Sensex surged 3.74% to 77,408.32 at the opening bell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) \u2014 the country&#8217;s central bank \u2014 \u00a0announced that it was leaving the benchmark repurchase rate, or Repo rate, unchanged at 5.25% in tune with market expectations. The Repo\u00a0rate is\u00a0the level at which the RBI lends to commercial banks.<\/p>\n<p>A six-member RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to halt\u00a0the rates.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76707309\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76707309_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra arrives at a press conference in Mumbai\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra gave a televised address from Mumbai on Wednesday<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Francis Mascarenhas\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The RBI also flagged concerns over global trade disruptions from the Middle East war and their impact on India&#8217;s economic growth, exports and inflation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bank projected\u00a0GDP growth of 6.9%.<\/p>\n<p>In a televised address, the RBI governor said the panel also acknowledged risks to the country&#8217;s inflation outlook, adding\u00a0that the Indian economy&#8217;s\u00a0fundamentals gave it &#8220;greater resilience to withstand shocks now than in the past&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It felt, therefore, prudent to wait and watch the changing circumstances and the evolving growth-inflation outlook,&#8221; Malhotra said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BqK3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76703069\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76703069\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India to receive first Iranian oil cargo in seven years: 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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India to receive first Iranian oil cargo in seven years: 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>India will this week get its first oil from Iran\u00a0in seven years, following the temporary US removal of sanctions on Iranian oil and refined products, news agency Reuters reported.<\/p>\n<p>A vessel carrying Iranian oil is heading to India&#8217;s east coast, the report said, citing ship tracking data from LSEG and Kpler.<\/p>\n<p>The cargo on\u00a0the Curacao-flagged crude carrier, the Jaya, was purchased by \u200bstate-run Indian Oil, the report said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The vessel initially\u00a0went to the waters in South East Asia for discharge in China and was then rerouted\u00a0to India, Reuters said, citing LSEG ship tracking.<\/p>\n<p>The monitor shows another carrier, the Jordan, indicating India as its discharge point, Reuters added.<\/p>\n<p>There was no immediate comment from Indian Oil, the state-owned refiner.<\/p>\n<p>India has not received oil from Iran since 2019, amid <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/no-clear-benefit-from-trumps-reimposing-sanctions-on-iran\/a-43860489\">US sanctions<\/a> on entities trading with Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Last week, India&#8217;s oil ministry announced that refiners have bought Iranian oil amid <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/strait-of-hormuz\/t-76193780\">supply disruptions\u00a0 from the Middle East war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India is the world&#8217;s third-biggest oil importer ans consumer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpyH<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76703336\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76703336\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section India welcomes Iran war ceasefire<\/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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">India welcomes Iran war ceasefire<\/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 on Wednesday afternoon welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the US, Israel and Iran, saying that it hoped the development would lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict,&#8221; the foreign ministry in New Delhi said in a statement\u00a0hours after the ceasefire was announced.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India called for a swift navigation and flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221; the statement said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Bq2a<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76702467\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76702467\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Indian embassy in Iran urges nationals to exit country<\/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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Indian embassy in Iran urges nationals to exit country<\/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 Indian Embassy in Iran on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals to &#8220;expeditiously exit&#8221; Iran, just hours after US, Israel and Tehran\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-hegseth-declares-historic-victory-for-us\/live-76700191\">agreed to a ceasefire<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Indian nationals still in Iran are strongly advised to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy,&#8221; the advisory said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A day earlier, India had advised its citizens in Iran to avoid movement and shelter in place.<\/p>\n<h3>Opposition questions Modi&#8217;s foreign policy after Pakistan-brokered ceasefire<\/h3>\n<p>After the\u00a0announcemnet of the two-week Iran war ceasefire brokered by Pakistan \u2014 New Delhi&#8217;s primary arch-rival \u2014 the\u00a0opposition party Congress was quick to take a swipe at India&#8217;s foreign policy under Modi.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0party described Pakistan&#8217;s involvement in hosting talks between Iran and the US as a &#8220;severe setback&#8221; for Modi and his government&#8217;s diplomacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire is a severe setback to both the substance and style of Mr. Modi&#8217;s highly personalized\u00a0diplomacy,&#8221; Congress General Secretary and Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh said on X.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to call out <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/modi-india-stands-with-israel-with-full-conviction\/a-76121546\">Modi&#8217;s visit to Israel<\/a> two days before the war broke out on February 28, and the prime minister&#8217;s silence on US President Donald Trump&#8217;s expletive-laden threats to Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpoZ<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76701895\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76701895\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Poll preparations underway in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry<\/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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Poll preparations underway in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry<\/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=\"76701554\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701554_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a public meeting for the upcoming Assam assembly elections\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">In Assam, some 250 million voters will cast their ballot\u00a0for 722 candidates<small class=\"copyright\">Image: ANI News\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After witnessing a fiery election campaign, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have entered a 48-hour silent period which prohibits public meetings, rallies, processions, opinion polls and any voter outreach.<\/p>\n<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) imposed the silence period on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n<p>The measure also bans the dissemination of poll-related content on electronic media, social media, bulk SMS, or calls. Display of opinion polls and survey results on TV is also barred.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A single-phase election will be held on Thursday in a\u00a0total of 126 constituencies in\u00a0Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry.<\/p>\n<p>Polling officers on Wednesday began preparing for the democratic exercise.<\/p>\n<p>Election materials, including EVMs, were handed over to polling personnel in the regions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In Assam, some 250 million voters will cast their ballots\u00a0for 722 candidates.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The state&#8217;s Chief Electoral Officer, Anurag Goel, urged all candidates, political parties and media organizations to strictly adhere to the ECI guidelines, cautioning that any violation would lead to penal action.<\/p>\n<p>India&#8217;s Central Armed Police\u00a0Forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed to ensure security at the polling booths.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile,\u00a0in Kerala, six people were injured on Tuesday in a clash between workers of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kannur as campaigning came to a close.<\/p>\n<p>The southern state has 27 million eligible voters and 890 candidates in the fray.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the union territory of Puducherry, 950,000 voters will exercise their franchise, with 294 candidates putting their hat in the ring.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpfL<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76701894\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889#post-liveblog-post-76701894\" 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\">04\/08\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">April 8, 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! This is Dharvi Vaid Dhulia from DW&#8217;s studio in New Delhi, bringing you your daily wrap of news from India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A spell of rain lashed the National Capital Region last night, offering some respite from the rising heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But the power corridors in New Delhi are sure to be sweltering as the two key states of Assam and Kerala and the union territory of Puducherry head to polls tomorrow.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A high-octane election campaign has come to an end.<\/p>\n<p>The last few weeks have seen India&#8217;s two top politicians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, canvassing for the candidates of their respective parties in the poll-bound regions. The rallies were marked with massive roadshows and a lot of political mudslinging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Indian markets have surged 3% as they opened to the news of a <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-hegseth-declares-historic-victory-for-us\/live-76700191\">ceasefire between the US and Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We are also keeping an eye on reactions from India on the ceasefire, as the country struggles with an LPG crisis triggered by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">Middle East war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpfK<\/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>Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are observing a mandatory &#8216;silent period&#8217; ahead of Thursday&#8217;s Assembly elections<\/li>\n<li>All campaign-related activities are now banned<\/li>\n<li>Indian stock markets rally after the announcement of the US-Iran ceasefire<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>This blog is now closed. Here are the developments from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a> on Wednesday, April 8:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>This blog is now closed. Here are the developments from <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india\/t-18996071\">India<\/a> on Wednesday, April 8:<\/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>India, the most populous country, has launched a fully digital census which involves millions of enumerators and also allows\u00a0people to report their own data.\u00a0But many fear it will be used for political manipulation.<\/p>\n<p>Read full report <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/indias-digital-census-prompts-fear-of-hidden-agendas\/a-76693150\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India, the most populous country, has launched a fully digital census which involves millions of enumerators and also allows\u00a0people to report their own data.\u00a0But many fear it will be used for political manipulation.<\/p>\n<p>Read full report <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/indias-digital-census-prompts-fear-of-hidden-agendas\/a-76693150\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\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=\"76704858\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76704858_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"A general view of the Bangladesh and Indian border area in Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh.\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The India-Bangladesh border\u00a0is a complex and porous frontier <small class=\"copyright\">Image: MD Abu Sufian Jewel\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some unusual recruits could be about to reinforce India&#8217;s border personnel:\u00a0slithering snakes and predatory crocodiles could be deployed to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-is-india-upping-forces-at-chokepoint-with-bangladesh\/a-74745741\">deter unauthorized crossings<\/a> along the country&#8217;s frontier with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bangladesh\/t-65210898\">Bangladesh<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>India is mulling releasing snakes and crocodiles along the over 4,000 kilometres (2,485 miles) with its eastern neighbor, reports said this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, a senior officer of\u00a0India&#8217;s Border Security Force (BSF) told the AFP news agency that &#8220;the use of reptiles&#8221; was discussed at a meeting in February with the Indian Home Ministry.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Hindu<\/em> had first reported on Monday that field units ofthe paramilitary force had been directed to explore the dispatching of such reptiles, citing an internal memo, dated March 26.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have been asked to explore the feasibility of deploying reptiles such as snakes or crocodiles in vulnerable riverine gaps,&#8221; AFP quoted Manoj Barnwal, a deputy inspector general of the BSF, as saying.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The plan revolves around leveraging natural deterrents like crocodiles and snakes in flood-prone zones, along the unfenced area where traditional fencings are either ineffective or not possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-turning-the-bangladeshi-border-into-a-political-issue\/a-58580608\">India-Bangladesh border<\/a>\u00a0is a complex and porous frontier which cuts through the world&#8217;s largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans, and has large unfenced areas in the delta regions.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76704936\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76704936_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stand guard at the India-Bangladesh border in Fulbari BOP (Border outpost) on the outskirts of Siliguri, India\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">India has arrested scores of Bangladeshis attempting to cross the border after former PM Hasina&#8217;s removal [FILE: May 2025] <small class=\"copyright\">Image: Diptendu Dutta\/NurPhoto\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In remarks to AFP, Barnawl called the move innovative but added that there were challenges, including safety concerns.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;How do we procure the reptiles? What impact might it have on the people in the villages sitting along the riverine border?&#8221; he told AFP.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have asked our field units to study the feasibility of the approach and send the report as soon as possible,&#8221; the officer added.<\/p>\n<p>Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka soured following the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bangladesh-still-polarized-a-year-after-hasinas-ouster\/a-73498890\">ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina<\/a> in 2024, who fled to India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Last year, India propped up fences, stretching hundreds of kilometres (miles) along the border, inviting &#8220;deep concern&#8221; Bangladesh.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Bangladesh&#8217;s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was in New Delhi on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Rahman is the most senior Dhaka official to visit India in two years. His trip to India comes as the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-and-bangladesh-move-towards-resetting-ties\/a-76140640\">two nations attempt to thaw their relations<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Bangladeshis on border with India live a dangerous life\" class=\"headline\">Bangladeshis on border with India live a dangerous life<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-70361976\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"70361976\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/69884826_605.webp\" data-duration=\"04:01\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20240930_BANGLABORDER_,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>Some unusual recruits could be about to reinforce India&#8217;s border personnel:\u00a0slithering snakes and predatory crocodiles could be deployed to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/why-is-india-upping-forces-at-chokepoint-with-bangladesh\/a-74745741\">deter unauthorized crossings<\/a> along the country&#8217;s frontier with <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bangladesh\/t-65210898\">Bangladesh<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>India is mulling releasing snakes and crocodiles along the over 4,000 kilometres (2,485 miles) with its eastern neighbor, reports said this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, a senior officer of\u00a0India&#8217;s Border Security Force (BSF) told the AFP news agency that &#8220;the use of reptiles&#8221; was discussed at a meeting in February with the Indian Home Ministry.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Hindu<\/em> had first reported on Monday that field units ofthe paramilitary force had been directed to explore the dispatching of such reptiles, citing an internal memo, dated March 26.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have been asked to explore the feasibility of deploying reptiles such as snakes or crocodiles in vulnerable riverine gaps,&#8221; AFP quoted Manoj Barnwal, a deputy inspector general of the BSF, as saying.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The plan revolves around leveraging natural deterrents like crocodiles and snakes in flood-prone zones, along the unfenced area where traditional fencings are either ineffective or not possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-turning-the-bangladeshi-border-into-a-political-issue\/a-58580608\">India-Bangladesh border<\/a>\u00a0is a complex and porous frontier which cuts through the world&#8217;s largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans, and has large unfenced areas in the delta regions.<\/p>\n<p>In remarks to AFP, Barnawl called the move innovative but added that there were challenges, including safety concerns.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;How do we procure the reptiles? What impact might it have on the people in the villages sitting along the riverine border?&#8221; he told AFP.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have asked our field units to study the feasibility of the approach and send the report as soon as possible,&#8221; the officer added.<\/p>\n<p>Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka soured following the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bangladesh-still-polarized-a-year-after-hasinas-ouster\/a-73498890\">ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina<\/a> in 2024, who fled to India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Last year, India propped up fences, stretching hundreds of kilometres (miles) along the border, inviting &#8220;deep concern&#8221; Bangladesh.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Bangladesh&#8217;s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was in New Delhi on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Rahman is the most senior Dhaka official to visit India in two years. His trip to India comes as the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-and-bangladesh-move-towards-resetting-ties\/a-76140640\">two nations attempt to thaw their relations<\/a>.\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>India&#8217;s benchmark indices jumped over 3% as stock markets opened on Wednesday, following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.<\/p>\n<p>The Nifty 50 rose 3.58% at 23,953.80 and the Sensex surged 3.74% to 77,408.32 at the opening bell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) \u2014 the country&#8217;s central bank \u2014 \u00a0announced that it was leaving the benchmark repurchase rate, or Repo rate, unchanged at 5.25% in tune with market expectations. The Repo\u00a0rate is\u00a0the level at which the RBI lends to commercial banks.<\/p>\n<p>A six-member RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to halt\u00a0the rates.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76707309\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76707309_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra arrives at a press conference in Mumbai\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra gave a televised address from Mumbai on Wednesday<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Francis Mascarenhas\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The RBI also flagged concerns over global trade disruptions from the Middle East war and their impact on India&#8217;s economic growth, exports and inflation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bank projected\u00a0GDP growth of 6.9%.<\/p>\n<p>In a televised address, the RBI governor said the panel also acknowledged risks to the country&#8217;s inflation outlook, adding\u00a0that the Indian economy&#8217;s\u00a0fundamentals gave it &#8220;greater resilience to withstand shocks now than in the past&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It felt, therefore, prudent to wait and watch the changing circumstances and the evolving growth-inflation outlook,&#8221; Malhotra said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India&#8217;s benchmark indices jumped over 3% as stock markets opened on Wednesday, following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.<\/p>\n<p>The Nifty 50 rose 3.58% at 23,953.80 and the Sensex surged 3.74% to 77,408.32 at the opening bell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) \u2014 the country&#8217;s central bank \u2014 \u00a0announced that it was leaving the benchmark repurchase rate, or Repo rate, unchanged at 5.25% in tune with market expectations. The Repo\u00a0rate is\u00a0the level at which the RBI lends to commercial banks.<\/p>\n<p>A six-member RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to halt\u00a0the rates.<\/p>\n<p>The RBI also flagged concerns over global trade disruptions from the Middle East war and their impact on India&#8217;s economic growth, exports and inflation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The bank projected\u00a0GDP growth of 6.9%.<\/p>\n<p>In a televised address, the RBI governor said the panel also acknowledged risks to the country&#8217;s inflation outlook, adding\u00a0that the Indian economy&#8217;s\u00a0fundamentals gave it &#8220;greater resilience to withstand shocks now than in the past&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It felt, therefore, prudent to wait and watch the changing circumstances and the evolving growth-inflation outlook,&#8221; Malhotra said.<\/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 will this week get its first oil from Iran\u00a0in seven years, following the temporary US removal of sanctions on Iranian oil and refined products, news agency Reuters reported.<\/p>\n<p>A vessel carrying Iranian oil is heading to India&#8217;s east coast, the report said, citing ship tracking data from LSEG and Kpler.<\/p>\n<p>The cargo on\u00a0the Curacao-flagged crude carrier, the Jaya, was purchased by \u200bstate-run Indian Oil, the report said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The vessel initially\u00a0went to the waters in South East Asia for discharge in China and was then rerouted\u00a0to India, Reuters said, citing LSEG ship tracking.<\/p>\n<p>The monitor shows another carrier, the Jordan, indicating India as its discharge point, Reuters added.<\/p>\n<p>There was no immediate comment from Indian Oil, the state-owned refiner.<\/p>\n<p>India has not received oil from Iran since 2019, amid <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/no-clear-benefit-from-trumps-reimposing-sanctions-on-iran\/a-43860489\">US sanctions<\/a> on entities trading with Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Last week, India&#8217;s oil ministry announced that refiners have bought Iranian oil amid <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/strait-of-hormuz\/t-76193780\">supply disruptions\u00a0 from the Middle East war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India is the world&#8217;s third-biggest oil importer ans consumer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India will this week get its first oil from Iran\u00a0in seven years, following the temporary US removal of sanctions on Iranian oil and refined products, news agency Reuters reported.<\/p>\n<p>A vessel carrying Iranian oil is heading to India&#8217;s east coast, the report said, citing ship tracking data from LSEG and Kpler.<\/p>\n<p>The cargo on\u00a0the Curacao-flagged crude carrier, the Jaya, was purchased by \u200bstate-run Indian Oil, the report said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The vessel initially\u00a0went to the waters in South East Asia for discharge in China and was then rerouted\u00a0to India, Reuters said, citing LSEG ship tracking.<\/p>\n<p>The monitor shows another carrier, the Jordan, indicating India as its discharge point, Reuters added.<\/p>\n<p>There was no immediate comment from Indian Oil, the state-owned refiner.<\/p>\n<p>India has not received oil from Iran since 2019, amid <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/no-clear-benefit-from-trumps-reimposing-sanctions-on-iran\/a-43860489\">US sanctions<\/a> on entities trading with Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Last week, India&#8217;s oil ministry announced that refiners have bought Iranian oil amid <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/strait-of-hormuz\/t-76193780\">supply disruptions\u00a0 from the Middle East war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India is the world&#8217;s third-biggest oil importer ans consumer.\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 on Wednesday afternoon welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the US, Israel and Iran, saying that it hoped the development would lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict,&#8221; the foreign ministry in New Delhi said in a statement\u00a0hours after the ceasefire was announced.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India called for a swift navigation and flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221; the statement said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>India on Wednesday afternoon welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the US, Israel and Iran, saying that it hoped the development would lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict,&#8221; the foreign ministry in New Delhi said in a statement\u00a0hours after the ceasefire was announced.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>India called for a swift navigation and flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz,&#8221; the statement said.<\/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 Indian Embassy in Iran on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals to &#8220;expeditiously exit&#8221; Iran, just hours after US, Israel and Tehran\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-hegseth-declares-historic-victory-for-us\/live-76700191\">agreed to a ceasefire<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Indian nationals still in Iran are strongly advised to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy,&#8221; the advisory said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A day earlier, India had advised its citizens in Iran to avoid movement and shelter in place.<\/p>\n<h3>Opposition questions Modi&#8217;s foreign policy after Pakistan-brokered ceasefire<\/h3>\n<p>After the\u00a0announcemnet of the two-week Iran war ceasefire brokered by Pakistan \u2014 New Delhi&#8217;s primary arch-rival \u2014 the\u00a0opposition party Congress was quick to take a swipe at India&#8217;s foreign policy under Modi.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0party described Pakistan&#8217;s involvement in hosting talks between Iran and the US as a &#8220;severe setback&#8221; for Modi and his government&#8217;s diplomacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire is a severe setback to both the substance and style of Mr. Modi&#8217;s highly personalized\u00a0diplomacy,&#8221; Congress General Secretary and Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh said on X.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to call out <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/modi-india-stands-with-israel-with-full-conviction\/a-76121546\">Modi&#8217;s visit to Israel<\/a> two days before the war broke out on February 28, and the prime minister&#8217;s silence on US President Donald Trump&#8217;s expletive-laden threats to Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Indian Embassy in Iran on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals to &#8220;expeditiously exit&#8221; Iran, just hours after US, Israel and Tehran\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-hegseth-declares-historic-victory-for-us\/live-76700191\">agreed to a ceasefire<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Indian nationals still in Iran are strongly advised to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy,&#8221; the advisory said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A day earlier, India had advised its citizens in Iran to avoid movement and shelter in place.<\/p>\n<p>After the\u00a0announcemnet of the two-week Iran war ceasefire brokered by Pakistan \u2014 New Delhi&#8217;s primary arch-rival \u2014 the\u00a0opposition party Congress was quick to take a swipe at India&#8217;s foreign policy under Modi.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0party described Pakistan&#8217;s involvement in hosting talks between Iran and the US as a &#8220;severe setback&#8221; for Modi and his government&#8217;s diplomacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire is a severe setback to both the substance and style of Mr. Modi&#8217;s highly personalized\u00a0diplomacy,&#8221; Congress General Secretary and Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh said on X.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to call out <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/modi-india-stands-with-israel-with-full-conviction\/a-76121546\">Modi&#8217;s visit to Israel<\/a> two days before the war broke out on February 28, and the prime minister&#8217;s silence on US President Donald Trump&#8217;s expletive-laden threats to Iran.<\/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=\"76701554\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701554_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a public meeting for the upcoming Assam assembly elections\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">In Assam, some 250 million voters will cast their ballot\u00a0for 722 candidates<small class=\"copyright\">Image: ANI News\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After witnessing a fiery election campaign, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have entered a 48-hour silent period which prohibits public meetings, rallies, processions, opinion polls and any voter outreach.<\/p>\n<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) imposed the silence period on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n<p>The measure also bans the dissemination of poll-related content on electronic media, social media, bulk SMS, or calls. Display of opinion polls and survey results on TV is also barred.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A single-phase election will be held on Thursday in a\u00a0total of 126 constituencies in\u00a0Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry.<\/p>\n<p>Polling officers on Wednesday began preparing for the democratic exercise.<\/p>\n<p>Election materials, including EVMs, were handed over to polling personnel in the regions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In Assam, some 250 million voters will cast their ballots\u00a0for 722 candidates.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The state&#8217;s Chief Electoral Officer, Anurag Goel, urged all candidates, political parties and media organizations to strictly adhere to the ECI guidelines, cautioning that any violation would lead to penal action.<\/p>\n<p>India&#8217;s Central Armed Police\u00a0Forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed to ensure security at the polling booths.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile,\u00a0in Kerala, six people were injured on Tuesday in a clash between workers of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kannur as campaigning came to a close.<\/p>\n<p>The southern state has 27 million eligible voters and 890 candidates in the fray.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the union territory of Puducherry, 950,000 voters will exercise their franchise, with 294 candidates putting their hat in the ring.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>After witnessing a fiery election campaign, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have entered a 48-hour silent period which prohibits public meetings, rallies, processions, opinion polls and any voter outreach.<\/p>\n<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) imposed the silence period on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n<p>The measure also bans the dissemination of poll-related content on electronic media, social media, bulk SMS, or calls. Display of opinion polls and survey results on TV is also barred.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A single-phase election will be held on Thursday in a\u00a0total of 126 constituencies in\u00a0Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry.<\/p>\n<p>Polling officers on Wednesday began preparing for the democratic exercise.<\/p>\n<p>Election materials, including EVMs, were handed over to polling personnel in the regions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In Assam, some 250 million voters will cast their ballots\u00a0for 722 candidates.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The state&#8217;s Chief Electoral Officer, Anurag Goel, urged all candidates, political parties and media organizations to strictly adhere to the ECI guidelines, cautioning that any violation would lead to penal action.<\/p>\n<p>India&#8217;s Central Armed Police\u00a0Forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed to ensure security at the polling booths.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile,\u00a0in Kerala, six people were injured on Tuesday in a clash between workers of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kannur as campaigning came to a close.<\/p>\n<p>The southern state has 27 million eligible voters and 890 candidates in the fray.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the union territory of Puducherry, 950,000 voters will exercise their franchise, with 294 candidates putting their hat in the ring.\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>Good morning! This is Dharvi Vaid Dhulia from DW&#8217;s studio in New Delhi, bringing you your daily wrap of news from India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A spell of rain lashed the National Capital Region last night, offering some respite from the rising heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But the power corridors in New Delhi are sure to be sweltering as the two key states of Assam and Kerala and the union territory of Puducherry head to polls tomorrow.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A high-octane election campaign has come to an end.<\/p>\n<p>The last few weeks have seen India&#8217;s two top politicians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, canvassing for the candidates of their respective parties in the poll-bound regions. The rallies were marked with massive roadshows and a lot of political mudslinging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Indian markets have surged 3% as they opened to the news of a <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-hegseth-declares-historic-victory-for-us\/live-76700191\">ceasefire between the US and Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We are also keeping an eye on reactions from India on the ceasefire, as the country struggles with an LPG crisis triggered by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">Middle East war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Good morning! This is Dharvi Vaid Dhulia from DW&#8217;s studio in New Delhi, bringing you your daily wrap of news from India.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A spell of rain lashed the National Capital Region last night, offering some respite from the rising heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But the power corridors in New Delhi are sure to be sweltering as the two key states of Assam and Kerala and the union territory of Puducherry head to polls tomorrow.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A high-octane election campaign has come to an end.<\/p>\n<p>The last few weeks have seen India&#8217;s two top politicians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, canvassing for the candidates of their respective parties in the poll-bound regions. The rallies were marked with massive roadshows and a lot of political mudslinging.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Indian markets have surged 3% as they opened to the news of a <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/iran-war-hegseth-declares-historic-victory-for-us\/live-76700191\">ceasefire between the US and Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We are also keeping an eye on reactions from India on the ceasefire, as the country struggles with an LPG crisis triggered by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/us-israel-war-with-iran\/t-76168615\">Middle East war<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/india-news-assam-kerala-puducherry-gear-up-for-elections\/live-76701889&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76701460_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BpfF A single-phase election will be held Thursday in a\u00a0total of 126 constituencies in\u00a0Assam, 140 in Kerala and 30 in PuducherryImage: ANI News\/IMAGO Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are observing a mandatory &#8216;silent period&#8217; ahead of Thursday&#8217;s Assembly elections All [&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-1872253","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\/1872253","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=1872253"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872253\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1872253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1872253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1872253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}