The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key administrative and policy measures, including the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer to the BSF for border fencing, and the implementation of the BNS criminal law.
A key associate of gangster Kapil Sangwan, known as Kaptan alias Tanna, has been arrested in connection with an extortion demand of Rs 2 crore. Kaptan, a member of the Nandu gang, was apprehended after evading arrest for over a year. He is accused of supplying illegal arms and facilitating plans to intimidate the victim.
Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee for breaching the IPL's Code of Conduct during a match against Lucknow Super Giants.
The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, and the scope of religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.
Hampton Sky Realty Limited, formerly directed by Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, has issued a statement asserting its innocence and cooperation with authorities following the arrest of Arora in connection with a money laundering probe.
US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Islamabad for peace talks with Iran has been put on hold after Tehran failed to respond to American negotiating positions, according to a New York Times report.
The BCCI has issued a stern advisory to IPL franchises following concerns about security breaches, unauthorised guests, and players' interactions with social media influencers. Franchises are now working to comply with the new regulations while respecting individual privacy.
Iran has confirmed its participation in peace talks hosted by Pakistan, aimed at resolving the conflict with the US and Israel, despite concerns over ceasefire violations.
A communication from United World Wrestling's anti-doping department confirmed Vinesh Phogat's retirement intimation to the International Testing Agency (ITA) in December 2024, amidst claims and controversies surrounding her comeback and eligibility for the Asian Games.
Police in Thane have arrested three individuals, including a history-sheeter, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 23-year-old man in 2014, stemming from a land development dispute.
The Karnataka School Education Department has banned children from dancing to obscene songs in educational and cultural programmes, citing negative impacts on mental health and moral values.
The US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks face uncertainty. The incident raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is facing scrutiny after a video surfaced online appearing to show him using a vape in the dressing room during an IPL match against Punjab Kings. The video has sparked debate due to regulations prohibiting smoking and vaping in stadium areas and India's ban on e-cigarettes.
A crucial Tata Trusts board meeting was unexpectedly postponed, highlighting internal conflicts over veto power, Tata Sons listing, and trustee eligibility, raising concerns about the stability of the $180 billion conglomerate.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) pledges to collaborate with NADA and the Sports Ministry to address doping concerns after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) categorised India as a high-risk country for doping violations.
The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a fresh inquiry into the Chester Hill land case in Solan, following opposition allegations of a 'benami' land deal and violations of land laws. This decision comes after the withdrawal of a previous order that had questioned the initial inquiry's legality.
Repolling is taking place in 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, following reports of electoral malpractices during the previous phase of voting. The Election Commission ordered the repolls, and voting is being conducted under tight security with webcasting to monitor the proceedings.
A road accident between an autorickshaw and a motorcycle in Neknoor village, Beed district, Maharashtra, escalated into violence between two communities, resulting in stone-pelting and police intervention.
Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij has ordered a state-wide investigation into alleged irregularities in vehicle registrations across multiple Sub-Divisional offices and Regional Transport Offices. The probe, led by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, follows reports of fraudulent registrations in Ambala. Vij has also addressed issues such as uncovered construction vehicles and violations of the Stage Carriage Scheme.
Former New Zealand international Doug Bracewell has been handed a two-year suspension after testing positive for cocaine before his retirement from all cricket last year, England's Cricket Regulator said on Friday.
The Election Commission of India has prohibited the conduct and dissemination of exit polls from April 9 to April 29 during the upcoming assembly elections in several states. Violators face imprisonment or fines.
The Delhi government's Drugs Control Department dismantled an illegal medicine sale operation in Shahdara, seizing a significant quantity of drugs and expired items.
Uncertainty surrounds the planned second round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, as both sides engage in brinkmanship. Despite Pakistan's security preparations, Iran has yet to confirm its attendance, citing a lack of seriousness from the US in pursuing diplomacy and violations of the ceasefire.
WADA president Witold Banka, who was in India last week, called the easy availability of performance-enhancing drugs in the country a "serious problem", and met senior officials of India's federal police seeking help to disrupt supply chains.
Delhi Traffic Police booked 269 people for drunk driving during a special night checking operation across the city. The operation, conducted over three hours, involved local police and PCR units. This is part of an ongoing campaign against driving under the influence of alcohol.
India has been designated as a country with an 'extremely high' risk of doping by World Athletics, leading to more stringent anti-doping measures for Indian athletes.
Demands for repolling are generally made by political parties, candidates, polling agents, or even observers, citing specific irregularities such as EVM malfunction, booth capturing, intimidation, or violation of the secrecy of voting.
Delhi Police have arrested a 27-year-old man from Himachal Pradesh for allegedly shooting dead a person involved in his cousin's murder. The accused, Abhishek, had been on the run for nearly two months.
Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has criticised his party's decision to ally with the TVK in Tamil Nadu, calling it 'dreadful' and 'low political opportunism'. He fears it could facilitate the entry of the BJP into Tamil Nadu's Dravidian political landscape.
Two individuals have been arrested after a woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in the Shimla district. The incident occurred during a temple consecration, with the shooting believed to be part of celebratory firing.
Former IRS officer Ashok Kumar Aggarwal has challenged a three-month jail term awarded to two CBI officers in an assault and trespass case, seeking a harsher sentence and higher compensation.
The Bombay High Court has questioned the denial of furlough to prisoners convicted under special Acts, citing a potential violation of fundamental rights. The issue has been referred to a larger bench due to conflicting previous judgments.
A butcher in Thane district, Maharashtra, has been booked for allegedly violating the meat sale ban imposed on Mahavir Jayanti. The accused allegedly kept his shop open and sold meat despite the prohibitory order.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on the premises of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and another individual as part of a money laundering investigation against an alleged criminal syndicate in West Bengal.
The Odisha government has issued a notice to Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Jharsuguda, demanding 233.11 crore for allegedly extracting over 30 lakh cubic metres of water monthly from the Bheden river system without authorisation between May 2025 and April 2026, a charge the company denies, claiming compliance with existing agreements.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report about a woman being paraded and humiliated in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district, and has sought a report from the administration.
A Delhi court has rejected the bail plea of a man who impersonated an Army officer to deceive a woman, citing a lack of free consent and the seriousness of privacy violations.
Pakistan's media regulatory authority, PEMRA, has issued a show-cause notice to GeoNews for allegedly violating a ban on Indian content by airing Indian songs and visuals while reporting on the death of legendary singer Asha Bhosle.
India summoned the Iranian envoy after two Indian vessels had to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following an incident of firing by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
