Assam's election campaign is set to be dominated by key issues including eviction policies, infiltration concerns, and development projects. Political parties will debate the government's actions on land reclamation and child marriage, while illegal immigration and the CAA remain contentious. The ruling alliance will highlight welfare schemes and job recruitment, facing opposition critiques on development disparities and crime against women.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of 'moral cowardice and political betrayal' over the Centre's silence on the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Ramesh highlighted the government's lack of condemnation or diplomatic initiative to de-escalate tensions, questioning the PM's inaction despite his recent visit to Israel and claimed friendships.
Local body poll results in Kerala signal a potential shift, with the Congress-led UDF gaining momentum against the ruling LDF. The UDF secured key urban strongholds, raising concerns about anti-incumbency for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's government. The BJP also shows strategic expansion, hinting at a more competitive assembly election.
When the BJP swept to power in 2014 with a decisive majority in the Lok Sabha, it did not carry that dominance into the Rajya Sabha. The Upper House, by design, is insulated from electoral waves. Its members are elected by state assemblies, and their terms are staggered, ensuring continuity and preventing sudden shifts. This meant that even as the BJP commanded brute strength in the Lower House, it remained a minority in the Upper House for years. That imbalance mattered!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings, emphasizing brotherhood and peace. Celebrations unfolded across the nation following the sighting of the Shawwal moon, marking the conclusion of Ramazan. Devotees gathered at Delhi's Jama Masjid for special prayers, with vibrant scenes of community spirit and festive greetings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in New Delhi's North and South Blocks. This historic center of power is becoming a cultural hub. The museum, set to be the world's largest, will showcase India's rich heritage. Its first gallery opens this year, with full completion in three years.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Kolkata, accusing the Centre of trying to remove voters through SIR and impose President’s Rule. She said her government would resist such moves and protect people’s rights. Her remarks come amid a political row over electoral roll scrutiny ahead of the assembly elections, with the TMC alleging attempts to target genuine voters and divide society.
Congress leader Shama Mohamed on Friday raised concerns over the low representation of women in the party's candidate list, urging Rahul Gandhi to intervene. In a post on X, Mohamed said that out of 92 tickets, only nine had been allotted to women. She also pointed to the Lok Sabha elections, where just one woman was fielded among 16 candidates in Kerala.«Denied but not defeated,» she wrote, appealing to Rahul Gandhi to support women leaders in the state unit.
The Union Education Ministry will launch a nationwide initiative through the National Institute of Open Schooling. This program aims to identify and enroll out-of-school children. The goal is to achieve 100% gross enrollment ratio by 2030. Open schooling offers flexible learning options. This drive will focus on marginalized groups. The network of NIOS centers will be expanded to improve access.
Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Singhania sustained minor injuries in a speedboat accident in the Maldives. He is recovering in a Mumbai hospital. Two other Indian men, including rally driver Hari Singh, are reported missing, and search operations are ongoing.
Himachal Pradesh is set to introduce a new 'orphan and widow cess' on petrol and diesel, with rates capped at Rs 5 per litre. This proposed levy, aimed at creating a dedicated funding stream for welfare measures, will be applied on the initial sale of fuel within the state.
The government is taking strong action against illegal online gambling and betting. Around 300 websites and apps have been blocked recently. This crackdown follows the Online Gaming Act. Enforcement agencies are working to identify and disable these platforms. The move aims to curb financial fraud and protect users. Over 8,400 illegal sites have been blocked so far.
India has sent a 2.5-ton consignment of medical supplies and equipment to Kabul following a deadly airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center. The shipment aims to support the treatment and recovery of those injured in the March 16 attack, which reportedly killed over 400 people. India reiterated its solidarity with the Afghan people and commitment to humanitarian support.
Uttarakhand High Court imposed a gag order on gym owner Mohammad Deepak, restraining him from social media statements amid an ongoing investigation. The court refused to quash the FIR against him, citing his status as a «suspected accused» and deeming his requests for police protection and action against officials as attempts to pressure the investigation.
