Electoral trusts disbursed over Rs 3,800 crore to political parties in 2024-25, with the BJP receiving a dominant 82.52%. The Association for Democratic Reforms' report highlights significant contributions from corporates and business houses, while also flagging compliance gaps and urging greater transparency in political funding following the electoral bonds' invalidation.

A 37-year-old man's death at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Salem has sparked political criticism over crowd safety. The deceased, a heart patient, reportedly collapsed from chest pain. Rival parties, including AIADMK and BJP, questioned the party's arrangements, while the ruling DMK raised concerns about potential fatalities before elections. TVK stated they had advised unwell individuals against attending.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) criticized the DMK government's Rs 2,000 cash payout to women, calling it an attempt to buy votes. He also highlighted his earlier promise of power-sharing with allies as a «political bomb» unsettling Chief Minister MK Stalin, who recently dismissed the idea of a coalition government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's decisive election victory, reaffirming India's commitment to close bilateral ties. Rahman, son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, is expected to become prime minister following the party's significant win, ushering in potential political stability.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath countered the Samajwadi Party in the assembly, attributing the state's past image of fear and disorder to previous political cultures. He quoted Mirza Ghalib to criticize attempts to shift blame, emphasizing that governance failures cannot be erased by merely pointing fingers.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on the BNP's decisive election victory, pledging India's support for a democratic Bangladesh. The BNP secured a significant majority, signaling a new political era after months of unrest. Rahman, son of a former president, is poised to become prime minister, marking a shift after former PM Sheikh Hasina's departure.

FOGSI has urged the National Medical Commission to immediately review and withdraw repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying percentile. The body expressed concern that lowering the threshold dilutes meritocracy, compromises academic rigor, and raises questions about specialist training quality and patient safety.

Ob-gyn body says merit, patient safety and professional dignity at stake; seeks fee rationalisation

Jammu & Kashmir's transport minister has refuted claims of irregularities in the procurement of 133 luxury vehicles for FY 24-25. He stated purchases by departments and PSUs adhered strictly to norms, denying any extra burden on public funds. While admitting some norm relaxations for challenging terrains and operational needs, the minister maintained no deviations occurred.

Jammu and Kashmir government informed the assembly it has no plans for a separate women's commission, citing the National Commission for Women's dedicated «J&K and Ladakh Cell.» This decision drew criticism from Sajad Lone, who questioned the delay in reconstituting the commission, a move approved in 2022. Over 5,000 cases were pending when the previous commission was dissolved.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind have strongly objected to the government's notification mandating the recitation of all six verses of 'Vande Mataram'. They deem the order unconstitutional and a violation of religious freedom, threatening legal challenges. Left parties and Trinamool Congress also oppose the move, citing constitutional provisions and the secular character of the nation.

Supriya Sule emphasized fulfilling Ajit Pawar's unfinished dreams. She mentioned merger discussions remain private. Sule also addressed concerns about the plane crash, noting a detailed inquiry is promised. She thanked leaders from various parties for their support during Sharad Pawar's hospitalization. The family is mourning and not commenting further at this time.

Bangladesh's Awami League has denounced the recent parliamentary election as a staged charade, asserting it violated democratic principles and the constitution. The party claims widespread voter apathy, intimidation, and ballot stuffing marred the process. They are demanding the election's annulment, the chief advisor's resignation, and fresh polls under a neutral government to reinstate citizens' voting rights.

A political storm brewed in Parliament as Rahul Gandhi confronted journalists over privilege motion queries, sparking BJP criticism. This follows his strong Lok Sabha attack on the government. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of avoiding questions and shared a video of alleged misconduct in the Speaker's chamber, which Priyanka Gandhi Vadra denied.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has slammed a fabricated AI-generated video falsely attributing praise for Pakistan's diplomatic handling of a T20 World Cup boycott to him. Tharoor clarified the video was fake, stating neither the language nor voice was his, and had previously called Pakistan's boycott «disgraceful.»

Rahul Gandhi said the Modi government's decision to import American «corn, soybeans, and fruits» is just a beginning and that the Centre would «open the doors of the entire agriculture market​​ for his friends, for people like Adani and Ambani, and for foreign powers.» He reiterated his «PM Modi has sold the nation» remark.

Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognisable faces of Doordarshan’s retro era, passed away on Thursday. Maheshwari became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated the television news space in India. For nearly three decades, from 1976 until 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with composure and clarity, earning admiration for her measured tone and flawless diction.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has moved a motion in the Lok Sabha seeking termination of Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary membership and a lifetime ban from elections, accusing him of misleading the nation with «anti-India forces.» The motion follows Gandhi's speech alleging the Centre compromised national interests by allowing the US to weaponize energy and financial systems.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani criticised the Union Government's mandate to sing all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' in schools and official functions. He stated the decision infringes on religious freedom and minority rights, as some verses contradict monotheistic beliefs. Madani argued the move reflects electoral politics and a sectarian agenda rather than patriotism.