Nearly 27 lakh voters in West Bengal face exclusion from the electoral roll as their claims were rejected by judicial officers. The Supreme Court has ruled against the inclusion of names pending appeals, citing the burden on tribunals and potential chaos. Deletions now stand at 88.8 lakh, impacting 11.6% of the electorate.

Five youths are accused of sexually harassing a Japanese tourist near Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. The group allegedly pushed the woman, held her, and attempted to kiss her before fleeing when she raised the alarm and a security guard approached. An FIR has been registered, but no arrests have been made.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed West Asia's stability with his Iranian counterpart, emphasizing support for regional peace efforts. Conversations with Qatar and the UAE also touched upon military escalation and its security implications. Iran highlighted alleged «heinous crimes» by «aggressors,» while Qatar urged an end to «unjustified Iranian attacks» and stressed de-escalation.

A 23-year-old Jammu man, Sachin Khajuria, who went to Russia for a job, was sent to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war and has now been cremated after his death was confirmed. He is the second from Jammu to die in the conflict, with families alleging youths were duped by agents promising civilian jobs but were forced into the army.

Heavy rains unleashed massive landslides in Ramban, completely obstructing the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Mud and falling stones choked the road between Karol Bridge and Chanderkote, stranding numerous vehicles. Officials indicated that clearing efforts are underway, but continuous rainfall significantly hinders any immediate reopening of this crucial all-weather route.

Jammu and Kashmir has lost nearly 3,000 hectares of lakes since 1967, with 315 lakes disappearing and remaining ones shrinking. This significant loss, detailed in a CAG report, degraded ecosystems and contributed to the devastating 2014 Kashmir floods by reducing natural flood buffers.

Cancer-stricken children experienced a mood transformation during a visit to Srinagar's Tulip Garden, part of SKIMS' novel immunotherapy initiative. The outing aimed to boost their immunity and optimism, offering a much-needed respite from hospital wards and providing reassurance to both the children and their families.

Aam Aadmi Party's decision to contest all seats in Kerala assembly polls creates a new challenge for Congress. This move mirrors AAP's impact in Gujarat, where it reduced Congress's vote share. AAP's presence could alter the political landscape, potentially benefiting the ruling Left. The INDIA bloc faces internal friction as AAP expands its national footprint.

Three suspects were detained after a car breached Delhi Assembly security, placing a bouquet and garland in the Speaker's vehicle before fleeing. The SUV, with a UP registration, broke through Gate 2, triggering a high alert. Authorities conducted a thorough sweep, finding no explosives. The motive remains unclear amid recent bomb threats.

The 10-page-long notice carried a chargesheet on seven counts. ​​The charges ranged from partisan conduct of CEC to mass disenfranchisement of voters. The opposition had also raised the issue of the way CEC handled SIR in previous elections like Bihar and forthcoming elections in states like West Bengal; his «proved misbehaviour»; his partial conduct towards a political party are also issues that find a mention in the notice.

Assam CM's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, vehemently denied Congress claims of holding foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets. She challenged Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi to disclose his wife's bank account details in Pakistan. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Congress of using fake, Pakistan-sourced documents and stated an FIR was filed.

Seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainians and one US citizen, were remanded to 30 days' judicial custody in Delhi for alleged terror links. The NIA claims they supplied weapons and training to Indian insurgent groups, with connections to Myanmar's ethnic armed factions. Investigations are ongoing into their motives and activities.

Taking strong exception to the attack on judicial officers adjudicating objections to voter list exclusions in West Bengal’s Malda district, the Supreme Court on Thursday said there was a breakdown of law and order in the state and issued show-cause notices to the chief secretary, DGP, district magistrate and SP, asking why action should not be taken against them.

Punjab Police have dismantled an ISI-backed terror module planning grenade attacks on police establishments across multiple states. Three individuals were apprehended with two hand grenades and a pistol, bearing markings from Pakistan Ordnance Factory. Investigations revealed the operatives were in contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives via social media, acting on ISI handlers' directives.

Congress is campaigning for Puducherry assembly elections with a strong focus on jobs and social security. The party promises Rs 2,000 monthly for unemployed youth and 30,000 new jobs. Free bus travel for women and Rs 20 lakh health insurance are also pledged. Full statehood for Puducherry remains a key promise.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on Pakistan's threat to strike Kolkata. She criticized the PM for targeting Bengal during rallies but not addressing the specific threat, demanding his resignation. Banerjee asserted that threats to the state would not be tolerated.

Rahul Gandhi pledged full statehood for Puducherry if Congress forms the government, accusing the current administration of being remotely controlled by Delhi. He also outlined promises including monthly support for unemployed youth, job creation, free bus travel for women, relaxed government job age limits, and Rs 20 lakh healthcare insurance for every family.

The political climate in Assam has heated up as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi of presenting forged travel documents sourced from a Pakistani broadcaster during a recent press conference. Together with his wife, Sarma has filed a formal complaint, arguing that the passports were doctored.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has accused Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife of holding multiple foreign passports and having undisclosed overseas properties and shell companies. Sarma has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated lies and announcing defamation lawsuits against Khera, vowing to hold him accountable.

The Congress has strongly criticized the Modi government's delimitation proposal, alleging it unfairly benefits larger, populous states and diminishes the political influence of southern and northeastern regions. Leaders claim the plan to increase Lok Sabha seats will widen existing disparities, calling it a «Weapon of Mass Distraction» amidst national crises.

Election Commission teams have seized over Rs 650 crore in potential voter inducements across five poll-bound states, with West Bengal leading seizures at Rs 319 crore. Freebies, drugs, and cash formed the bulk of the confiscated items. This figure is on track to surpass last year's record of Rs 1,000 crore in seizures.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has brought beef consumption into his election campaign, targeting Congress ally AJP's candidate Kunki Chowdhury. He accused her parents of eating beef and vowed action under the Cattle Prevention Act post-election. Sarma challenged Chowdhury to disown her parents' actions, emphasizing the religious sentiments of 'Sanatani' people and the sanctity of religious sites.

Prime Minister Modi criticized Bengal's law and order, citing the confinement of judicial officers in Malda as evidence of «jungle raj.» He linked electoral roll revision to identifying «illegal settlers» and accused the TMC of protecting infiltrators, while also questioning their manifesto's name and warning of accountability after the elections.