West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a new unemployment allowance of Rs 1,500 per month for young job seekers in the state, starting March 7. The announcement comes ahead of the assembly elections and aims to support unemployed youth aged 21-40 who have passed their secondary exams.
The Union Budget 2025-26 had allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore (BE) to the ministry helmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.
Top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji has surrendered to police, marking a significant blow to the outlawed organisation. His surrender comes ahead of the Union government's deadline to eliminate Naxalism.
Twelve Indian Super League clubs have accused the All India Football Federation of retaining a surplus from the current season, despite promising not to profit from the league.
Here are the key numbers to watch out for in the Union Budget for 2025-26:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it processed 99.8% of applications within the prescribed timeline under its Citizen's Charter in February, demonstrating high efficiency in its operations.
Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.
The fiscal tilt towards capex benefits companies in investment-related sectors like capital goods, defence equipment, engineering & construction and metal & mining. The planned cut in revenue expenditure will weigh on companies in consumption sectors like FMCG, consumer durables and retail.
Top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati, known as Devuji, surrendered to Telangana police after over four decades of underground life, citing health issues and a desire to continue his political career within the legal framework.
It remains unclear whether United States President Donald Trump or Iranian authorities will pursue the offer.
Indian parents express growing anxiety and fear for the safety of their children studying in Iran, as the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates. They are appealing to the Indian government for immediate evacuation.
The district administration has announced compensation details for people affected by the Vadhvan Port project in Palghar, Maharashtra, with agricultural land receiving over Rs 2 crore per hectare on average.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering financial penalties for players following the team's disappointing performance and early exit from the T20 World Cup.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi demolished illegal portions of a house linked to an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash case, where a 26-year-old man was killed. The demolition was carried out amid heavy police presence to maintain order.
In a region increasingly shaped by competition and coercion, such collaboration strengthens security without confrontation, builds capacity without dependency and promotes order without domination, points out Dr Kumar.
Suspended city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri has announced the formation of his own political party, Rashtriya Adhikar Morcha (RAM), in Vrindavan. He was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government on charges of indiscipline.
'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'
A man wanted in several criminal cases was arrested in Patna after a brief exchange of fire with police.
'Imagine, for the last 12 years the prime minister belongs to the BJP, the home minister belongs to the BJP... If that is the case, you have waited for 12 years to remove infiltrators. Which means you and your central government has failed India on stopping infiltration.' The Rediff Podcast Featuring Shiv Sena-UBT leader Aditya Thackeray.
A nationwide strike called by central trade unions saw a mixed response across India, impacting various sectors and states differently, with some areas experiencing disruptions while others remained largely unaffected.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls to divide the state, alleging a conspiracy to deprive Bengali-speaking people of their voting rights. She claims the Election Commission is complicit in deleting lakhs of names from voter lists.
'Mojtaba Khamenei supervised the most recent repression in December 2025 and January 2026 which remains ongoing.'
Telangana Police's Special Intelligence Branch, led by officer B Sumathi, successfully negotiated the surrender of top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati alias Devuji and other Maoist leaders, marking a significant victory for the state.
When missiles fly in this region, they are never just aimed at military targets.
India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.
Following a fatal clash during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar, the victim's family is demanding a CBI probe and strict action against those involved, while authorities have demolished parts of a house linked to one of the accused.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has stated that the primary goal of the Election Commission is to ensure all voters in West Bengal can participate in the upcoming assembly elections without violence or intimidation.
China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Following the demolition of a house linked to an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash, the victim's family is demanding a CBI probe and strict action against all those involved in the incident.
When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, denied allegations in the Supreme Court that he incited sedition. His lawyer argued that the police selectively used video evidence to mislead authorities.
'India was not obliged to protect the Iranian ship.' 'Once the Iranian ship left Indian waters, she was on her own.' 'Guilt tripping India is wrong.'
The Supreme Court of India has directed all high courts to establish timelines for trial courts to expedite the conclusion of acid attack cases across the country, emphasising the need for a more proactive approach and adequate compensation for victims.
Two Naxalites, carrying a collective reward of Rs 7 lakh, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The operation was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area.
A bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general, has replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing a move away from colonial influences and embracing Indian heritage.
Referring to local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it claims shows the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.
It now has become clear that he will have to quit his post.
Fifteen Naxalites, including a veteran ultra with a significant bounty, surrendered in Chhattisgarh, effectively dismantling the Maoist movement in the Raipur-Sambalpur region.
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