Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.
The BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal has not merely redrawn the electoral map but overturned the operating logic of politics in the state, breaching the TMC's entrenched fortress despite a decade-and-a-half of dominance, minority consolidation, and a sustained "outsider" narrative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India's unwavering stance against terrorism on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, vowing that the country will never bow to terror and that the designs of terrorists will never succeed.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Beijing to discuss the West Asia conflict, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and bilateral relations with Chinese leaders.
The highlight of our eight-day trip to stunning Bhutan was getting to understand their cultural heritage through their traditional dances.
Retail giant Walmart has announced that India has become one of its fastest-growing sourcing hubs globally, with the company having procured over $40 billion worth of goods from the country. This initiative aims to expand supplier capabilities, improve compliance standards, and help Indian manufacturers scale exports worldwide.
In West Bengal's electoral chessboard, governments are rarely made in the hills of North Bengal or the forested region of Jangalmahal. Power is usually decided in the crowded plains of South Bengal, where elections are won less by momentum and more by mathematics.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to initiate a 10-day ceasefire, following intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities in the region.
A memorial has been erected in Pahalgam to honour the victims of a terror attack last year. Security has been increased across Kashmir ahead of the anniversary.
Police in North Sikkim's Mangan recovered over 70 grams of heroin and arrested one person following a raid on a rented accommodation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising jobs for youths and an 'infiltrator-free' state if the BJP wins the assembly elections. He also pledged to restore industrial glory, end syndicate raj, and ensure women's safety.
Two explosions near security establishments in Punjab have triggered panic and condemnation from opposition parties, who allege efforts to destabilise the state. The blasts occurred in Jalandhar and Amritsar, with investigations underway. No injuries were reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged in a war of words during election rallies, with Modi accusing the TMC of supporting divisive forces and Banerjee alleging the BJP plans to divide the state.
A Border Security Force (BSF) convoy, including a vehicle carrying a DIG, was attacked in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, resulting in injuries and the burning of a vehicle. The incident occurred amidst ongoing unrest and clashes related to local elections, leading to the suspension of internet services and imposition of curfews.
India has strongly criticised China's practice of assigning 'fictitious names' to areas within Indian territory, stating that such actions are futile attempts to alter reality and negatively impact efforts to normalise bilateral relations.
A woman Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor discusses India's role in the US-Iran peace talks taking place in Islamabad, emphasising the importance of peace over competition with Pakistan and highlighting India's regional interests.
A government girls' school in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was blown up by unidentified armed men, police said. The incident occurred in Ghora village, Baka Khel area of Bannu district. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far.
The European Union (EU) expressed solidarity with the people of India in commemoration of the first anniversary of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people on April 22 last year.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on its first anniversary, asserting India's unity against terrorism and its resolve to stand against forces of hatred and fear.
A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon
Dhurandhar was a big winner at the Indian National Cinema Academy Awards, held at Mumbai's Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
Trump has said he would be present at the signing ceremony in Islamabad. Don't be surprised if the Pakistani hosts make it a grand event in the geopolitics of the region. Trump would love that, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
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.
The embassy also said that the exit must be undertaken in coordination with the mission.
An air strike conducted by US and Israeli forces on the Black Mountain has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian state media.
The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.
A group of Indian sailors recount their harrowing experience of being detained in Iran on suspicion of smuggling, and their subsequent escape from the country as regional tensions escalated into open conflict.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced strict measures to combat drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir, including property confiscation and document revocation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserts the BJP will form a government in West Bengal and address the issue of infiltration, accusing Mamata Banerjee of allowing it for vote-bank politics.
India has voiced its deep concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, emphasising the protection of civilians and the importance of international law.
The Pakistan Cricket Board remains confident about the participation of Australian players in the upcoming Pakistan Super League, despite ongoing regional tensions and security concerns, particularly near the Afghanistan border.
A Border Security Force (BSF) constable was killed in Manipur's Ukhrul district while on patrol. The incident occurred amidst ongoing ethnic clashes between communities in the region.
A new US intelligence report warns that India and Pakistan's relations remain at risk for nuclear conflict, fueled by terrorism and escalating tensions in the region.
The BJP has released its election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a hardline stance on infiltration, financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.
Five masked gunmen robbed a Bank of Maharashtra branch in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, stealing gold and cash worth Rs 5.7 crore. One suspect has been arrested in Bihar.
A joint operation by the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) and local police in Rudrapur led to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of six illegal firearms.
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.
Unidentified gunmen killed three security personnel in two separate attacks in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.
