The coincidence of Holi celebrations with Ramzan's Friday prayers showcased India's religious coexistence. In Sambhal, UP—site of previous communal tensions—mosques were covered with tarpaulins as Holi processions passed, with authorities reporting no incidents despite high security deployment across northern India.
Putin acknowledged Modi and Trump's efforts in Ukraine peace initiatives while responding to Trump's appeal to spare Ukrainian soldiers' lives with a guarantee of safety if they surrender. This followed yesterday's conditional ceasefire acceptance.
In Tamil Nadu, the budget presentation continued the language controversy, with the state allocating its own funds for education to compensate for central government dues withheld in the rupee symbol dispute.
Other developments included actress Ranya Rao's bail rejection in her gold smuggling case and Mark Carney being sworn in as Canada's new Prime Minister replacing Trudeau.