The BJP knows that there is no leader in its ranks who can match Modi's popularity or have his cult following, and what awaits is a return to the Vajpayee numbers, when allies called the shots, argues Saisuresh Sivaswamy.
Three BJP allies, including LJP (Ram Vilas), TDP, and RLM, have called on the Election Commission for a clearer explanation regarding concerns raised by two Election Commissioners over the voter list revision process. Union Minister Chirag Paswan warned that public faith in elections was at stake, while the EC asserted that differing views among its members were normal and final decisions were unanimous.
An FIR has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani following a complaint from a Valmiki community member. The complaint alleges Gandhi gave a casteist interpretation to a religious ritual performed after an AICC chief's programme, hurting community sentiments. The case involves provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, stemming from a political row over a 'purification yajna' at a rally venue.
Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.
India's first-ever Mixed Martial Arts medallist, Suchika Tariyal, has alleged that "weird weight rules" at the Asian Games robbed her of a deserving gold medal. She claims she was clearly winning her semifinal bout but the outcome was declared a draw, leading to her bronze medal instead of a potential gold.
Nagarmal Bajoria, a 97-year-old Bihar businessman known as "dharti pakad" for contesting nearly 300 elections, has passed away. A Partition refugee, Bajoria challenged prominent leaders including Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to raise public awareness about the electoral process rather than seeking power. His unique campaign style and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression.
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking a political row. The Congress party has labelled it a "Modi tax" and accused the government of succumbing to US pressure, while the BJP has defended the move, clarifying that consumers will not be charged and small vendors are protected. The finance ministry reiterated that the charge is on merchants, not customers.
A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.
This week's OTT releases offer a diverse selection, from Suriya's family drama Vishwanath & Sons and Nikkhil Advani's historical series The Revolutionaries to thrillers like Ghamasaan and international mysteries.
The Congress party has strongly criticised the Modi government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000, alleging it is a result of US pressure to benefit American card companies. The party also linked this move to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues, coining the term "Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement." The government, however, clarified that consumers will not bear the charge, which applies only to merchants.
The Congress party has accused the Modi government of succumbing to US pressure by introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000 for merchants. The party alleges this move aims to benefit US card companies and links it to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues. The government, however, clarifies that consumers will not be charged.
The Congress party has strongly refuted claims by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Chairperson Bhartruhari Mahtab that opposition MPs supported levying a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. Congress MP Manish Tewari termed Mahtab's remarks "erroneous and fallacious," clarifying that the committee's recommendation was to "explore" revenue models, not to implement MDR. The party accused Mahtab of misleading due to his recent switch to the BJP.
The Congress party staged nationwide protests, demanding the immediate arrest and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused the Election Commission of an "unprecedented attack" on voter equality through an alleged 'Mark VIP' feature and called for an independent review of decisions made under Kumar, citing objections from other commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.
From personal attacks to poor imitation, some Bigg Boss 20 contestants are trying too hard to manufacture content and stay in the spotlight.
World Letter Writing Day is a time to recall historic letters. Some letters were written in love. Some in grief. Others at moments when the world stood on the brink of change.
Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha was dropped from the state cabinet, leading her to accuse Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of "blackmail politics." Surekha claims her removal was due to critical remarks made by her daughter against the CM and other party leaders, despite the Congress high command not favouring her ouster. She has written to top Congress leaders seeking intervention.
From a scene-stealing child actor to a cult-comedy favourite and a director in his own right, Kunal Kemmu has delivered plenty of memorable turns across three decades.
'Nanandan Yadav was hiding in the Madwa Pahari locality when the police surrounded him. He tried to flee, and was shot during the encounter.'
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Centre for introducing a 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, alleging the decision was influenced by pressure from the United States and its payment companies like Visa and Mastercard. He highlighted a perceived shift in the government's stance on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI, claiming it would ultimately burden consumers and small businesses while benefiting American firms.
From Filhaal to Daayra, we look at Meghna Gulzar's filmmaking journey, including the highs of Talvar and Raazi and the films that fell short.
An Indian-origin woman, Shalini Thakur, was shot dead in California by Rohit, an undocumented immigrant from India, who had allegedly stalked her for months. Rohit later died by suicide after a police standoff. Thakur had previously reported the stalking and obtained a restraining order.
Students and political parties in Odisha are protesting widespread errors in school textbooks, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. The CJP has extended support to the Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan's 'satyagraha', while the state government has begun distributing corrected textbooks.
AIMIM national spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar has joined the Congress party, criticising his former party for allegedly fighting opposition parties instead of the BJP. Waqar stated that the AIMIM's actions on the ground contradict its stated goal of removing the BJP, suggesting it inadvertently aids the ruling party.
Two 18-year-old men were stabbed during a quarrel near Maujpur Metro Station in northeast Delhi. Police have apprehended three juveniles aged 16-17 in connection with the incident, which stemmed from a trivial altercation.
Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and RJD, have strongly criticised the government's decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants. They allege the move is a result of "American imperialism" and will lead to increased commodity prices, while the government maintains the charge is on merchants and not consumers, with person-to-person transactions remaining free.
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's "smash the patriarchy" remark and his defence of actor Kriti Sanon's outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement, sparking a wider debate on women's choices and cultural attire.
In 100 days in office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered five SITs. This would appear to be some kind of a record, points out Aditi Phadnis.
Government job aspirants in Patna staged a protest march demanding the cancellation of several recruitment exams, including for sub-inspector posts, citing alleged irregularities. The demonstration led to clashes with police, detentions, and disruption of public order and essential services. Protesters also called for an end to the contract system in BPSC exams and the publication of a job calendar.
Xi's bilateral meeting with Modi was substantial and readouts from both sides gave indications of rapprochement, if not a reset of bilateral relations between India and China, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
The opposition has strongly criticised the government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15. They allege the move is a result of US pressure and will lead to increased commodity prices, calling it a "betrayal" of the common man. The government, however, clarifies that customers will not be charged, and the MDR applies only to merchants for larger transactions.
Air India has been issued a show-cause notice by the ministry of civil aviation after three Italian nationals travelled from Amritsar to Delhi and then to Munich without obtaining mandatory departure immigration clearance, highlighting a 'serious security and immigration-related lapse'.
The images highlight the region's marine biodiversity and the importance of balancing tourism with ecological conservation.
Penguin Random House India has denied any external pressure influenced its decision not to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', stating an 'impasse over a particular issue' led to the author's team withdrawing the book.
Netas are embracing the viral '80s social media trend, sharing AI-generated images and real throwback photos.
An FIR has been registered in Haldwani against unknown persons following an alleged "purification ceremony" at Ramlila Maidan after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's public meeting. The complaint, filed by Congress leader Anju Arya, alleges caste discrimination and social humiliation. The Uttarakhand High Court has been assured of an investigation, and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallu Ravi, have demanded action, with Ravi filing a separate complaint in Delhi.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.
The Congress government in Karnataka has issued an order limiting the singing of 'Vande Mataram' to its first two stanzas at state programmes, with exceptions for events attended by high-ranking officials. This decision, based on a 1937 Congress resolution, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which labels it "appeasement politics" and an insult to the national symbol.
The Indian women's cricket team declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, a decision confirmed by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla as a 'collective' stance. This follows a precedent set by the men's team after a terror attack, with the BCCI having communicated its position to the ACC in advance.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced waterlogging at its Terminal 2 and 3 approach roads and forecourts due to heavy rainfall. While the accumulated water was cleared, the severe weather conditions led to the diversion of at least nine flights to other cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad. The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for intense rainfall in the national capital.
