The impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce unnecessary use of petrol and diesel is now becoming visible in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain city. Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal has decided to stop using his official car every Friday and instead travel through e-rickshaws, electric vehicles or by walking as part of a fuel conservation initiative.

The move comes at a time when fuel prices across the country, including Madhya Pradesh, have witnessed a sharp rise due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing international crude oil prices. The development has emerged as a major India News Update and reflects growing efforts by public representatives to encourage energy-saving practices. On Friday morning, Mayor Mukesh Tatwal reached Atal Park located on Kothi Road in an e-rickshaw instead of his official vehicle. During the visit, he interacted with local residents and appealed to people to adopt battery-operated vehicles wherever possible in order to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel.

The mayor later travelled through three different wards of the city using the same e-rickshaw while inspecting civic works and public facilities. Residents gathered at several locations during the inspection and appreciated the initiative promoting eco-friendly transport options. Speaking to media persons during the visit, Tatwal said the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and other West Asian countries have affected global fuel markets, making fuel conservation increasingly important for the country’s economic stability.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appealed to citizens to use imported petroleum products carefully in view of the international situation. Inspired by the appeal, the mayor decided to dedicate every Friday to fuel-saving practices by avoiding conventional fuel-driven vehicles. Tatwal stated that the initiative was not only symbolic but also aimed at creating public awareness regarding responsible fuel usage. According to him, small changes adopted collectively by citizens and government departments could significantly reduce fuel consumption and lower economic pressure caused by rising crude oil prices.

The mayor further indicated that if the initiative proves successful, he may continue following the practice even after the present global crisis subsides. He said promoting sustainable transport and environmentally friendly travel habits should become a long-term public movement. Apart from personally adopting the practice, the mayor also appealed to municipal corporation officials and elected councillors to participate in the campaign. He urged them to avoid using private or official cars at least once every week and instead use electric vehicles, e-rickshaws, bicycles or walking for shorter distances.

According to Tatwal, nearly 45 municipal corporation officers currently use official vehicles for daily administrative work. He estimated that if all officers switch to alternative transport methods one day every week, nearly 250 litres of petrol could be saved weekly. Officials said the proposal is also being viewed as part of broader efforts to promote green mobility and environmentally sustainable transportation in urban areas. Electric vehicles and battery-operated public transport have gained increasing attention in recent years due to concerns related to pollution and rising fuel costs.

The mayor’s initiative comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people during a public programme in Telangana to exercise restraint in the use of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. The Prime Minister had stressed that careful use of imported petroleum products would help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and lessen the economic impact of global conflicts.

Madhya Pradesh recently witnessed a steep increase in fuel prices after oil companies revised petrol and diesel rates following a surge in global crude oil prices. In major cities including Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain, petrol prices crossed Rs 109 per litre, while diesel prices also increased significantly. The rising fuel costs have prompted several government departments and civic bodies in the state to discuss measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting alternative modes of transport.

Residents in Ujjain reacted positively to the mayor’s initiative, with many saying public representatives adopting such practices could encourage ordinary citizens to become more conscious about fuel conservation. Environmental experts also welcomed the move and noted that small policy-level and behavioural changes can contribute to long-term sustainability goals. They said encouraging electric mobility and reducing dependence on fossil fuels are essential for both economic and environmental reasons.

Political observers believe the initiative also carries symbolic value because it demonstrates alignment between local governance and national-level appeals on energy conservation. Similar efforts by elected representatives could become more common if fuel prices continue to remain high.

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PM Modi to Lead BJP’s Bengal Blitz; Congress Jolted by Assam Exit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address three major rallies in West Bengal today, even as the Congress faces a setback with a candidate quitting ahead of the Assam polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address three high-decibel election rallies across West Bengal on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pushes to breach Trinamool Congress (TMC) bastions. The high-stakes campaign coincides with a dramatic turn in Assam, where a key Congress candidate resigned from the party just hours before the commencement of polling, citing internal neglect.

Strategic rallies in Bengal

The Prime Minister’s itinerary begins at 9:30 am in Haldia Township, East Medinipur, a region where the BJP has previously demonstrated significant electoral muscle. Following the Haldia address, the PM will move to the Polo Ground stadium in Asansol before concluding his day with a massive public meeting in Birbhum. These visits are viewed by analysts as a strategic move to consolidate the saffron party’s hold in the industrial belts and challenge the TMC’s traditional grip on Birbhum.

Congress faces Assam setback

In a major blow to the opposition’s prospects in the Northeast, Suren Daimari, the Congress candidate for the Udalguri seat in Assam, announced his resignation from the party on the eve of the election. Alleging a lack of support from the central leadership and claiming the party had "betrayed" the tribal communities, Daimari stated he would no longer contest under the hand symbol. The move has left the Congress in a precarious position as polling begins in the state today.

Multi-state by-polls underway

Beyond the primary battlegrounds, several states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura are witnessing by-elections for key Assembly constituencies today. Election Commission officials confirmed that voting began at 7:00 am under tight security. These by-polls are being closely watched as a barometer for the political climate ahead of upcoming full-scale assembly elections in several of these regions.

High-profile Baramati contest

In Maharashtra, the spotlight remains firmly on the Baramati constituency. The seat fell vacant following the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year. The contest here is charged with emotional and political undertones, with the ruling alliance and the opposition trading barbs over the late leader’s legacy. Security has been significantly beefed up in the district to prevent any untoward incidents during the voting process.

BJP confident of victory

BJP National President Nitin Nabin, currently overseeing the campaign in West Bengal, expressed confidence in a "pro-incumbency" wave for the NDA. Speaking to reporters, Nabin dismissed the impact of regional alliances and predicted a historic mandate for the BJP in Bengal. He further targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over alleged irregularities in the voter list, describing the current polls as a "fight to save the state" from institutional decay.

Impact on local policy

The outcome of these elections is expected to have a direct impact on state-level policy directions, particularly regarding land acquisition in Bengal’s industrial sectors and tribal welfare schemes in Assam. Observers note that a strong showing by the BJP could accelerate central infrastructure projects, while the Congress’s internal friction may necessitate a broader strategy shift for the opposition bloc at the national level.

Future political outlook

As the first phase of polling concludes this evening, the focus will shift toward the remaining phases in Bengal and the eventual counting of votes scheduled for early May. With the latest news today highlighting a shift in candidate loyalties and high-profile campaigning, the political landscape of 2026 remains fluid. Both the NDA and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc are expected to ramp up their digital and ground-level outreach in the coming weeks.

PM Modi Calls for Unity Amid West Asia Crisis in 132nd Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister warns against rumor-mongering and political exploitation of global tensions; MP CM Dr. Mohan Yadav hails the address as a unifying force.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat,' calling for absolute national solidarity in the face of the escalating crisis in West Asia. Highlighting the sensitivity of the geopolitical situation, the Prime Minister urged the 140 crore citizens of India to remain vigilant against misinformation and cautioned political entities against using international volatility for partisan gains.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who is currently on a visit to Indore, listened to the broadcast at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport premises. The Chief Minister was joined by several senior cabinet colleagues and local representatives as the Prime Minister laid out a roadmap for national resilience.

Focus on National Interest

During the broadcast, PM Modi emphasized that the unfolding situation in West Asia impacts the collective interest of every Indian. He noted that the challenges emerging from the region require a unified domestic front rather than internal friction.

The Prime Minister explicitly addressed the spread of misinformation, stating that those fueling rumors are causing significant harm to the nation’s fabric. He stressed that there is no room for politics when it comes to matters of national security and global instability.

Countering Global Challenges

Reflecting on India’s past experiences with global crises, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the "Samarthya" (capability) of the citizens. He reminded the audience how the country had successfully navigated previous hardships through collective willpower.

"We have overcome every major crisis in the past through the strength of our 140 crore people," the Prime Minister said. He assured the nation that India would emerge from the current global complications effectively if the public continues to trust verified government communication over unverified claims.

CM Hails Unifying Effort

Following the broadcast, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav praised the 'Mann Ki Baat' initiative as a unique bridge between the leadership and the grassroots. He described the programme as a "great gift" that transcends traditional political discourse to focus on development and social harmony.

According to Dr. Yadav, the Prime Minister’s ability to bring non-political issues, innovations, and public welfare stories to the forefront creates a positive atmosphere across the country. He thanked the PM for consistently fostering a sense of brotherhood through his monthly addresses.

Appeal for Public Vigilance

A significant portion of the Prime Minister's address focused on the "infodemic" accompanying the West Asia conflict. He appealed to citizens to rely solely on official updates provided by the government.

Sources indicated that the Prime Minister’s warning against "political games" was a direct reference to attempts to polarize public opinion on foreign policy matters. He reiterated that the safety and well-being of Indians remains the topmost priority, requiring a calm and calculated response from all sectors of society.

High-Profile Attendance

The listening session at the Indore airport saw a significant gathering of the state’s political leadership. Alongside CM Yadav, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat were in attendance.

Other prominent figures included Member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani, former Minister Usha Thakur, and local MLAs Malini Gaur and Madhu Verma. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and District President Sumit Mishra also joined the session to mark the 132nd edition of the popular series.

Path Toward Resilience

As the West Asia situation remains fluid, the central government is expected to step up its communication channels to prevent panic. This Latest News Today highlights the administration's proactive stance in maintaining domestic stability while monitoring international developments.

The Prime Minister’s call for unity is seen as a strategic move to insulate the domestic economy and social harmony from external shocks. For the residents of Madhya Pradesh and the rest of India, the message remains clear: trust in the state's verified updates is the primary shield against global uncertainty.

Future Outlook Expected

The government is likely to issue further advisories through the Ministry of External Affairs as the situation evolves. Public Interest Stories regarding the safety of the Indian diaspora in the affected regions are also expected to be a focus of upcoming official briefings.

India took center stage in the global artificial intelligence race as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, unveiling the MANAV vision — a human-centric framework to ensure AI serves humanity ethically and inclusively.

Speaking on the summit's high-profile day, PM Modi emphasized that India views AI not with fear but as destiny and future. "We see opportunity in AI, not threat," he said, stressing the need to place Global South aspirations at the core of AI governance. Without inclusive rules, he warned, developing nations risk becoming mere "data points" for a few dominant powers.

The MANAV vision — standing for Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, and Valid and Legitimate — outlines principles for transparent, sovereign, and equitable AI. Modi called it a "vital link for human welfare in the AI-driven 21st century," urging the world to treat AI as a global common good.

This vision resonates now as AI advances rapidly, raising concerns over ethics, job displacement, and inequality. Hosting the first such summit in the Global South, India positions itself as a bridge between innovation and responsibility.

Tech giants echoed the momentum with bold commitments. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a massive ₹10 lakh crore investment over seven years in AI infrastructure, including gigawatt-scale data centers. He vowed to make AI as affordable as mobile data became through Jio, proving "AI won't kill jobs but create them" and building sovereign capabilities so India doesn't "rent intelligence."

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hailed India as a future global AI leader, announcing the "OpenAI for India" initiative with new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru, plus partnerships like with Tata Group. He predicted early superintelligence within years, urging urgent regulation.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai pledged $5 billion for an AI hub, while sharing DeepMind models with the government. Anthropic's Dario Amodei committed to joint safety testing, and Meta's Alexandr Wang praised India's world-class developers.

A viral group photo moment captured industry rivalries: Altman and Amodei raised hands separately, hinting at past tensions from Amodei's OpenAI exit.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised alarms over social media algorithms, warning they trap users in echo chambers and push extreme content, threatening democracies without transparency.

Microsoft's planned investments for the Global South reached $50 billion this decade, focusing on infrastructure and skilling.

However, not all went smoothly. Bill Gates canceled his keynote amid renewed scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein links, with organizers citing focus on AI priorities.

Experts note India's edge in talent and digital public infrastructure like UPI, but challenges remain in rural connectivity, affordability, and literacy. As one analysis suggests, true success lies in balancing disruption with equity.

The summit signals India's ambition: not just adopting AI but shaping it responsibly. With trillions in pledges and a clear ethical roadmap via MANAV vision, the nation is racing toward becoming an AI superpower — proving the path, while long, is accelerating fast.

MEA Dismisses 'Trashy Ruminations' as PM Modi's Name Surfaces in Epstein Files

India's foreign ministry has issued a sharp rebuttal after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name was referenced in the massive new release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, labeling the claims as "trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal".

The controversy erupted following the U.S. Department of Justice's release of 3.5 million pages of records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act on January 30, 2026. The documents included an email where Epstein claimed the Indian PM followed his advice during a 2017 visit to Israel, prompting a fierce political clash in New Delhi.

The MEA's Forceful Rejection

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) moved swiftly to address the reference, confirming only the factual occurrence of the Prime Minister's landmark Israel visit in July 2017—the first by an Indian PM. In an official statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed all other insinuations in the email with "the utmost contempt".

"The rest of the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal," the statement read. The government's response aimed to shut down what it framed as a baseless narrative rooted in the claims of a disgraced individual.

 The Allegation and Political Fallout

The specific email cited by opposition leaders was sent by Epstein on July 6, 2017—the final day of PM Modi's Israel trip. In it, Epstein wrote, "The Indian Prime Minister Modi took advice and danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president. They had met a few weeks ago.. it worked !".

The Congress party seized on the reference, with spokesperson Pawan Khera calling it a "matter of national shame" and demanding the Prime Minister personally answer three questions about the nature of the alleged advice and what "worked".

The BJP retaliated fiercely, accusing the Congress of fraud. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged the opposition had deceptively edited the email, inserting the word "his" to falsely construct a phrase claiming Modi took "his advice" from Epstein.

Beyond the 2017 Email: Other India References

The tranche of documents contained more than a dozen emails and messages referencing India. They included:

A 2014 email from current Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri to Epstein, written before Puri joined the government, detailing strategic reasons for engaging with India post-Modi's election.

May 2019 emails from Epstein to Trump strategist Steve Bannon and Indian businessman Anil Ambani. Epstein suggested arranging a meeting between Bannon and Modi, claiming the Prime Minister was "on board" with certain ideas and discussing China and Pakistan as strategic concerns.

A Global Scandal's Latest Ripple

The U.S. DoJ's release is the largest under the transparency act and includes emails linking Epstein to a global network of politicians, celebrities, and billionaires. The files mention hundreds of names, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, Britain's Prince Andrew, and entrepreneur Elon Musk, highlighting the financier's relentless pursuit of high-profile connections.

Legal representatives for Epstein's victims have criticized the release for inadequately protecting survivors' identities, with lawyer Gloria Allred stating the DoJ "should be ashamed of themselves".

Key Allegations and Official Responses

| Aspect | Detail | Source / Response |

| Core Allegation | Epstein email claims PM Modi "took advice" and performed in Israel for the benefit of the US President in July 2017. | U.S. DoJ Released Files |

| MEA's Response | Dismisses claims as "trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal," confirms only the official visit occurred. | Official MEA Statement |

| Political Reaction | Congress demands PM's explanation; BJP accuses Congress of editing emails and committing fraud. | Political Statements |

| Other India Links | Emails show 2014 contact from Hardeep Puri and 2019 messages to Steve Bannon & Anil Ambani referencing Modi. | Document References |

| Global Context | Files detail Epstein's connections to Trump, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and other global figures. | BBC Analysis |

Why This Matters Now

The timing of the controversy is significant on two fronts. First, it demonstrates the continuing global ripple effects of the Epstein case, revealing how his influence operations attempted to touch virtually every sphere of power. Second, it injects a volatile element into India's domestic politics, with the opposition seeking accountability and the government vehemently defending the Prime Minister's integrity.

As of now, the MEA's unequivocal dismissal stands as the government's final word on the matter. With the Prime Minister scheduled for a second visit to Israel in February 2026, the diplomatic significance of the relationship remains, even as the political storm over the past visit continues to brew at home.