'No Country, Including India, Will Be Spared'

Iranian President Pezeshkian urged the India-led BRICS to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran amid escalating Middle East tensions. He highlighted alleged US and Israeli «unlawful attacks» and crimes, emphasizing Iran's opposition to nuclear weapons. PM Modi condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and called for dialogue and peace.

Mumbai, Delhi, and Noida power companies lead in performance for 2024-25. Adani Electricity Mumbai, TPDDL, and NPCL secured top positions. Delhi's discoms also excelled in consumer service. These rankings highlight operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The surveys aim to drive improvements across the power sector.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nine candidates for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, contesting in alliance with the All India NR Congress. The Election Commission of India has also completed the first randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs for the upcoming polls in Puducherry, Assam, and Kerala, as well as for bye-elections in other states.

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.