In Bardhaman-Durgapur, Dilip Ghosh faces TMC's Kirti Azad and Left-Congress' Sukriti Ghoshal. The battleground saw S S Ahluwalia's win in 2019. The election promises a three-cornered fight, highlighting unemployment and agrarian crisis.

TMC raised concerns over the CBI raid during Phase II polling, suspecting BJP-CBI collusion in arms recovery at Sandeshkhali. TMC wrote a letter to EC to raise a complaint against CBI raids and also alleged weapon planting and targeting by Modi in West Bengal elections. TMC also claimed that they wanted to tarnish TMC's image.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating products from spice manufacturers MDH and Everest following Hong Kong's decision to halt sales of certain items due to the alleged presence of high levels of a carcinogenic pesticide. Earlier this month, Hong Kong suspended the sale of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix for fish curries.

Yemen's Houthis attacked the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red sea en route from Russia to India. The vessel, involved in Russian trade, reported damages. The incident raises concerns about the Middle East stability.

In its bid to ensure more availability of onion when supply dips, govt has decided to irradiate 5,000 tonne of the key kitchen item this year, which will improve shelf-life and reduce storage losses. Last year as a pilot 1,200 tonne of onion was irradiated using gamma rays in line with the protocol developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

TDP leader focuses on rebuilding Andhra Pradesh by contesting elections, targeting Jagan Mohan Reddy, and forming alliances with BJP. Emphasis on job creation, financial aid, and fulfilling promises to tackle public debt and governance issues.

Congress on Friday said PM Modi and BJP chief JP Nadda were resorting to polarisation as they were fearful of losing Lok Sabha elections. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Nadda presented former PM Manmohan Singh’s comments in a wrong context. The party’s reaction came after Nadda claimed that Congress intended to snatch the rights of SCs, STs and OBCs to benefit Muslims.

As part of its overall policy to bolster bilateral defense-strategic cooperation, Germany has speeded up clearances and simplified the licensing regime for military sales to India, which include lifting restrictions on the sale of small arms and their spare parts. German govt, for instance, recently approved a request by the NSG to buy spare parts and accessories for its MP5 submachine guns, sources said Friday.

India emphasizes UN General Assembly revitalization within broader UN reform, including Security Council, to reflect current geopolitical realities. Upholding General Assembly's role as crucial in addressing complex challenges and promoting multilateralism.

West Bengal moves Supreme Court against CBI probe order in Sandeshkhali. ED raids linked to Mallick in ration scam. Sheikh, key conspirator, in custody. CBI seizes arms in Sandeshkhali raids.

Bombay HC quashes PSBs' LOCs against defaulters, citing violation of fundamental rights. Justice Patel criticizes banks for lack of fair hearing. HC questions MHA's authorization for debt recovery through LOCs, emphasizing the need for proper legal procedures.