Iran, Oman close in on Hormuz deal; US tightens immigration rules

Speaking at an India Today event in Kochi, Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao addressed key national and state political issues. Speaking on scrutiny surrounding the Election Commission, he stated, "The EC seems to be broken," and urged the Supreme Court to initiate an independent judicial probe. On delimitation, he said the southern states must retain their 24 percent representation in Parliament before BRS considers supporting the measure. Rejecting any possibility of an alliance with the BJP, he emphasized that BRS remains ideologically opposed to both national parties. Discussing youth protests and movements led by Gen Z, he welcomed political accountability. He also ruled himself out as the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly elections, reiterating that party founder K. Chandrashekar Rao remains the face of BRS. Highlighting his party's track record, Rama Rao pointed to Telangana's growth in GSDP, per capita income, and IT jobs, defending its transition into a key economic engine.

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan believes cinema should do more than simply give audiences an escape. Speaking at the India Today South Conclave 2026 in Kochi, Adoor criticised commercial filmmaking for often underestimating viewers and assuming they don't want to think.

The INDIA bloc has unveiled an escalating campaign demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following a meeting of the Congress Working Committee and an all-party opposition conclave in New Delhi, the coalition announced a phased programme of action protesting against the Election Commission. Speaking on the broadcast, Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted that targeting only the Chief Election Commissioner is insufficient, alleging that the poll body is directed by top political leadership. He affirmed that the opposition will contest upcoming state elections rather than boycotting them. TMC Lok Sabha MP Sougata Roy defended seeking the resignations of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, pointing to legislative amendments altering the appointment process of election commissioners, and noted plans to pursue constitutional impeachment procedures.

Malayalam hip-hop artists ARJN (Arjun Sunil) and KDS (Kiran Das) are among the familiar names in Kerala’s growing rap scene. The duo appeared on Day 2 of India Today South Conclave 2026 in Kochi for the session Artists, Money Verse Records.