'I just want to say that this fake story which keeps coming up on social media about my father beating Zeenat Aman and her eye getting hurt, that's all hogwash.'
Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.
Heavy monsoon rains have severely impacted Thane and Palghar, Mumbai's neighbouring districts, causing extensive waterlogging, tree and wall collapses, and prompting significant rescue efforts, including the tragic death of a six-year-old child.
The family of Avinash Shukla, one of eight arrested in connection with the alleged theft of offerings from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has stated he should be punished if guilty but receive justice if innocent. Shukla was involved in cash reconciliation, and Rs 20 lakh was reportedly recovered from him. The case follows allegations of embezzlement and an ongoing SIT investigation.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will hear both the defected TMC MPs and the faction led by Mamata Banerjee before deciding on recognising the breakaway group's proposed merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).
A man was shot in the chest during his birthday celebration at a Gurugram farmhouse after a friend's revolver allegedly discharged accidentally. The injured man is hospitalised and an investigation is underway.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a husband's obligation to pay maintenance to his estranged wife is not negated by her parents' financial support. The court overturned a family court's decision, emphasising that parental income cannot substitute a husband's legal duty and enhanced maintenance for both the wife and children.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'red' alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and warnings include potential flash floods, structural damage, and disruptions to essential services. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also urged caution and deployed officials to monitor the situation.
The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has named Jyotiprakash Chatterji as its new president, a development that follows the merger of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel Lok Sabha faction with the party. This announcement by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a key figure in the dissident camp, comes amidst speculation about the party's leadership after its founder stepped down. However, details about Chatterji and the party's internal workings remain unclear, with some existing members expressing unawareness of the change.
US Vice President J D Vance is currently in Switzerland, leading critical technical talks with Iran to advance diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear programme and secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon, following a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating West Asian hostilities.
The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.
A non-vegetarian party in the premises of a government-run school in Surat city of Gujarat has created a huge controversy and led to the suspension of the principal.
Students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a protest organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, expressing deep concerns over recurring examination controversies, result uncertainties, and a perceived lack of accountability within the education system.
Catch Akshay chase off bhoots, Suriya's blockbuster, the King of Pop and more on OTT this week. Sukanya Verma lists your hot picks.
Delhi Police detained six people at Jantar Mantar to prevent clashes during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest, involving hundreds of students and young professionals, demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, including NEET and CUET. Heavy security was deployed to ensure peace.
Opposition parties in Punjab, including SAD and Congress, have criticised the AAP government for allegedly misusing state funds by painting state-owned buses in the colours associated with the Aam Aadmi Party.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh will seek a meeting with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to discuss the alleged rape of a three-year-old girl at a private school in Janakpuri and demand strict action.
AAP leaders protest outside Raj Bhavan in Delhi over the alleged rape of a three-year-old at a Janakpuri school, demanding action against police for allegedly intimidating the victim's family and questioning the handling of the case.
Do not push your children into situations that leave them feeling trapped or desperate, appeals rediffGURU Anu Krishna.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, while criticising the government for focusing on their social media activity instead of addressing their demands.
Sonia Gandhi criticised PM Modi's Israel visit, calling it a "bewildering strategic decision" amid the regional conflict.
A man claiming to be a journalist attempted self-immolation at a police station in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, alleging police inaction after he was allegedly abducted, assaulted, and robbed. Police intervened and stopped the attempt, and an investigation is now underway.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide movement against the 'deteriorating condition' and social and political marginalisation of Muslims in India, citing concerns over mob violence, demolition drives, and attempts to impose Vande Mataram.
A 13-year-old boy was killed in Lucknow, India, during a birthday party after allegedly being shot by another minor with a licensed revolver. Police are investigating the incident, which the victim's family disputes as accidental.
A Calcutta High Court judge, Gaurang Kant, disclosed that his elder brother is a national spokesperson for the BJP while hearing Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the Bhabanipur assembly seat poll result. Despite the disclosure, Banerjee's lawyer expressed full confidence in the judge.
'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'
Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.
Discover the inspiring journey of Komal Prabhu, called the Queen of GSB Cuisine, that saw her switch professions -- a Bharata Natyam dancer became a celebrated chef devoted to preserving traditional Gaud Saraswat Brahmin food traditions.
A Samajwadi Party leader has been booked for allegedly urging Muslims not to celebrate Eid as a protest against a US attack on Iran, claiming it was an appeal from jailed leader Azam Khan.
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence was raided by police and central forces for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case, targeting his close aide Sumit Roy, whose mobile phone was last traced to the property.
Ananya Panday delights fans by sharing stunning photographs from her French vacation with sister Rysa Panday, celebrating Rysa's graduation and showcasing memorable moments together.
'Without sugar coating things, I could tell Akshay (Kumar) and Rajpal (Yadav) aisa mat kar (don't do that), remind Anna (Suniel Shetty) that it was a just a 'back' shot and point out to Paresh (Rawal) bhai that since he was not in focus, so he didn't have to give too many expressions.'
Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party is likely to form the government, bringing focus to their election promises, including gold for marriage, financial assistance for women, and job creation.
The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) held protests across Haryana against the fuel price hike, stating that inflation has severely impacted the common man. Protests were led by various INLD leaders across the state, with demonstrations including symbolic acts and confrontations with local authorities.
D K Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga strongman and state Congress President, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today at 4:05 pm at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony will also see some ministers taking oath, though the final list is awaiting approval from the Congress high command.
Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.
West Bengal police, supported by central forces, conducted a four-hour predawn raid on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in connection with a financial fraud case involving his aide, Sumit Roy. The operation, which Banerjee claims involved forced entry, has been denounced by the TMC as "political vendetta" and comes as Banerjee faces multiple investigations from various agencies, further escalating political tensions in the state.
TVK founder Vijay, upon becoming Chief Minister, approved free electricity units and special forces for women's safety and anti-drug efforts. He pledged a commitment to secularism and social justice, asserting his authority as the sole power centre.
D K Shivakumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administering the oath of office and secrecy. The ceremony also saw 13 other ministers, including a Deputy CM, taking their oaths, attended by prominent Congress leaders and religious figures.
If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
