Assam is set to hold elections for its 126-member assembly, with a direct contest expected between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition. Key candidates and constituencies are in focus as the state prepares to vote.
'Now when I see the forest, I don't just see trees -- I see a home that we must protect.'
Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs, including Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and, within hours, were named the saffron party's candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal, underlining both their political rehabilitation and the party's calibrated shift in inducting leaders from the erstwhile ruling dispensation.
A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Arunachal Pradesh for sending a threatening message to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma via WhatsApp.
'If I leave now, those whom I've acted against will regroup. Let me complete what I have started -- I will do that in the next five years.'
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta elaborated on the origins of Hindu law, stating it emanates from the 'Smritis' and highlighting the two prominent schools of thought, Mitakshara and Dayabhaga. He emphasised the dynamic interpretation possible within Hindu legal texts and the foresight of ancient scholars in formulating concepts like prohibited relationships.
Mamata Banerjee accuses the BJP of importing voters for the Assam elections and plotting similar interference in West Bengal, raising concerns about electoral integrity and potential cultural restrictions.
The TMC has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that he made polarising and criminally intimidating statements during election campaigning in West Bengal.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament for 2026 is scheduled from July 20 to August 13, with significant political developments expected following recent assembly poll results and internal party rebellions. The session will see the ruling NDA's strengthened position in the Rajya Sabha and potential redrafting of a key Constitution amendment bill.
Assam Police conducted a search operation at the residence of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi following an incident on polling day in the Khowang constituency. The search was related to allegations against the BJP and a subsequent physical altercation between AJP and BJP workers.
The Supreme Court has issued interim directions regarding nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, ordering the release of minor student protesters without criminal records and directing states to preserve all digital evidence. The court also called for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police excesses against students, while also acknowledging concerns for injured police personnel.
Voting has commenced for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with millions of voters deciding the fate of numerous candidates across various constituencies. The elections are crucial for determining the future governance and political landscape of these regions.
The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.
Indian boxer Sachin Siwach advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the men's 60kg class, while the women's lawn bowls pair of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured their third consecutive victory at the Commonwealth Games. Despite some disappointments in swimming and wheelchair basketball, India is looking forward to potential medals, with Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu expected to retain her weightlifting crown.
Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.
Three suspected dacoits were lynched and another critically injured by villagers in Assam's Nagaon district after a robbery.
'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'
Opposition parties question the Assam police's murder charges in the Zubeen Garg death case after a Singapore coroner ruled out foul play, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defends the state's investigation.
The Assam Rifles and police in Mizoram seized methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 23 crore from an abandoned vehicle in Champhai district. The peddlers fled, and a manhunt is underway.
BJP workers celebrated in West Bengal as the party took an early lead in the state assembly elections, raising slogans and exchanging sweets.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has acquired a 10 acre plot in Assam, paving the way for construction of the first Sri Venkateswara temple in North East India.
The Indian Olympic Association intervened to ensure para cyclist Lisha Das, the youngest member of India's Commonwealth Games contingent, has a female support staff member accompanying her to Glasgow. This decision came after the 16-year-old raised concerns about the initial lack of a female physiotherapist, which goes against Sports Authority of India guidelines. The IOA has now accredited a physiotherapist and Lisha's personal coach, with efforts underway for a technician.
Opposition parties in Assam are questioning the police investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg after a Singapore coroner ruled it an accidental drowning, contradicting the Assam police's murder charge.
Selected students will receive a grant of up to Rs 12,000 to cover their academic expenses.
The Punjab government has filed a plea seeking the continued detention of MP Amritpal Singh in Dibrugarh jail, Assam, citing security concerns. The High Court dismissed Amritpal's plea challenging his detention under the National Security Act.
Assam minister Nandita Garlosa has joined the Congress party after being denied a BJP ticket for the upcoming assembly elections. She will contest from the Haflong constituency.
Assam officials assert that the Zubeen Garg death case proceedings will continue unaffected, despite Singapore Police concluding their probe with no evidence of foul play.
A six-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her father on a train at Silanibari station in Assam's Lakhimpur district. The father has been arrested, and an investigation is underway to determine the motive.
For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.
'It's a bit uncertain. Let's see what happens. But he is the top man of Assam, and since my politics is in Assam, I thought it's best to seek his guidance before I take any decision.'
Prateek Bordoloi's withdrawal after his father's BJP switch underscores Congress' mounting challenges ahead of the Assam elections.
Researchers at IIT Kanpur have found that 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) does not significantly reduce fuel efficiency or harm vehicle engines, contradicting social media claims and providing reassurance amidst its nationwide rollout. The study supports the Oil Ministry's stance on E20's benefits.
Four Assam Congress workers have been arrested for allegedly possessing and transporting pamphlets containing allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, sparking controversy and accusations of undemocratic action.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals involved in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The plot aimed to spread extremist ideology, radicalise youth, and expand the JMB's network across West Bengal and northeastern states of India.
A 43-year-old man from Assam died after falling from a moving train in the Balasore district of Odisha. The incident occurred near Sabira rail station as he was returning home from Tamil Nadu.
The Gauhati high court observed that merely producing a number of documents does not automatically establish citizenship unless they are legally admissible and capable of proving the person's linkage to Indian ancestors.
Assam Police have arrested two individuals from the Barpeta district for their alleged connections to fundamentalist groups, following an operation by the Special Task Force (STF).
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has conducted a nationwide crackdown on wildlife trafficking, seizing over 440 endangered animals and 15 kg of ivory, and arresting 33 individuals involved in organised crime syndicates.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 524.9 kg of ganja worth approximately Rs 2.6 crore in Assam and arrested two individuals as part of increased operations before the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal.
Priyada Gogoi, mother of Assam's Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, has passed away at the age of 94 due to age-related ailments. She was known for her extensive campaigning for her son during the 2021 Assam Assembly elections and her vocal support for his release from jail.
