Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.
The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.
The Allahabad High Court has criticised the Uttar Pradesh Police's approach to citizen security, emphasising that preserving human life should be the state's top priority, not just prosecuting murderers. The court was hearing a petition from a Badaun resident who sought police protection due to a land dispute.
Four people have been booked in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly abducting and assaulting a man, tying him to a tree, and beating him. The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred under the Kunda police station limits, prompting a police investigation and condemnation from political figures.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay attempted to deliver an unscripted oath-taking speech, but was stopped by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who insisted on the official oath.
'The nepotism, corruption, bad governance and 15 years of rampant crime that has happened across West Bengal under her rule led to her ouster.'
Two men, a farmer and an accountant, were murdered in separate incidents in Haryana. The farmer was ambushed and shot in Yamunanagar, while the accountant was killed in Ambala following a dispute.
Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, a historic venue for political rallies and demonstrations, is set to host the swearing-in ceremony of Bengal's first BJP government, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. The ground has been a stage for political heavyweights and pivotal moments in Bengal's history.
'The BJP successfully merged governance with identity. That's a powerful combination in Assam's political context.'
A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon
Tension prevailed in parts of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district after a BJP leader's close aide was shot dead, prompting increased security measures and protests.
Jharkhand Police have announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information regarding the whereabouts of an 18-month-old girl who went missing from her home in Khorha Colony, Ranchi. Police are investigating various leads, including the possibility of the child falling into a nearby drain, while the family claims to have received a ransom call.
Tension arose in a Uttar Pradesh village after Dalit women allegedly objected to a Maharana Pratap Jayanti procession, leading to police intervention and a negotiated agreement.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has accused AAP workers of 'hooliganism' at BJP offices across Punjab, while Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini criticised the AAP government in Punjab for alleged corruption following recent ED raids.
One more person has been arrested in connection with the lynching of a GRP constable in Odisha's Khurda district, bringing the total number of arrests to twelve. The Crime Branch of Odisha Police is investigating the murder and allegations against the constable.
The AMMK has filed a complaint against the TVK, alleging the use of a forged support letter to claim government formation. The Guindy police are conducting a preliminary inquiry into the matter.
JCD Prabhakar of the TVK party has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay emphasised the Assembly's role in transforming public expectations into effective policies and laws.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has made a historic debut in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, securing a landslide victory in the Perambur constituency and leading his party to a strong performance across the state, with congratulatory messages pouring in from fellow film personalities.
In a momentous occasion after the Bharatiya Janata Party's win, the Durga temple in Asansol, reopened its doors to devotees after remaining shut for several years.
Two outgoing West Bengal ministers, Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, under scrutiny in a recruitment scam case, did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as scheduled, citing health and post-election duties.
The West Bengal government is set to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last year, with concerns raised over ticket sales, security, and administrative lapses.
The BJP has secured a majority vote share across all categories in the recent local body elections in Gujarat, according to data released by the State Election Commission (SEC). The ruling party swept the elections, winning a significant number of seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats.
For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.
TMC leader Mamata Banerjee has criticised the BJP's victory in the West Bengal state elections, calling it 'immoral' and alleging that the mandate in over 100 seats was 'looted'. She also criticised the Election Commission's role.
A downsizing in the prime minister's convoy was implemented in his recent domestic visits, official sources said.
Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The assassination has sparked protests and condemnation from political leaders.
NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair stated that the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly polls was due to public dissatisfaction with the government, not individual efforts. He also mentioned ongoing differences with Congress leader V D Satheesan but denied issuing directions on whom to support in the elections.
'If you're so sick, so ill, how will you show that power?'
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.
A scooter fire near BSF Chowk in Jalandhar caused panic, with locals reporting a blast-like sound. Police are investigating the incident, while opposition parties criticise the AAP government over security concerns.
This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.
Delhi Police arrested two alleged shooters wanted in connection with a Karol Bagh firing case after a brief exchange of fire in the Kamla Market area. The accused, identified as Deepanshu alias Sahil Bouncer and Avinash, were apprehended during an anti-gangster operation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an alleged associate of a Punjab Aam Aadmi Party functionary, as part of a money laundering probe against two realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.
A special PMLA court in Gurugram has remanded Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in Enforcement Directorate's custody for a week in an alleged Rs 100-crore GST fraud-linked money laundering case.
TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest alleging irregular activities inside a strongroom housing EVMs in West Bengal, following concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding EVM security.
Bollywood mothers multitask their children with their showbiz careers, and emerge even bigger stars! They celebrate Mother's Day with some adorable pictures.
Two explosions near defence establishments in Punjab have triggered security concerns.
US President Donald Trump received a red carpet welcome in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, the Iran war, and other key issues. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship amid ongoing tensions.
Raghav Chadha explains his decision to leave the AAP, citing a 'toxic' work environment where leaders were allegedly prevented from working and speaking freely.