As Nitish Kumar prepares to resign as Bihar CM on April 14, the BJP has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its central observer for electing the new leader of its Bihar legislature party. Samrat Choudhary is reportedly the frontrunner for the chief minister's post, with the oath-taking ceremony expected on April 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is engaging with prominent women achievers to garner support for the women's quota bill, slated for parliamentary discussion on April 16. The legislation, aiming for implementation from the 2029 elections, reserves one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies. This direct outreach seeks to build public backing amidst opposition concerns regarding the delimitation process.
Asha Bhosle's voice transcended mere singing, embodying a profound presence that immortalized moments. For 'Umrao Jaan,' she didn't just perform; she underwent a reckoning, channeling the essence of a bygone era of restraint and unspoken longing.
Asha Bhosle transcended eras, absorbing global music trends and blending them with Indian classical training. She fearlessly explored genres like jazz, rock, and pop, collaborating with international artists and becoming a cultural icon. Her innovative spirit led to groundbreaking projects, earning her a Grammy nomination and cementing her legacy as a truly versatile vocalist.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned Trinamool workers of impending arrests by the Election Commission ahead of assembly polls, urging them to remain vigilant. She also vowed to resist the BJP's alleged plans for delimitation and NRC implementation, which she claims aim to divide Bengal and create detention camps.
The NIA has detained Congress candidate Sayem Choudhury and gram panchayat member Golam Rabbani for questioning. The detention is linked to the April 1 violence in Mothabari. Seven judicial officers were confined for eight hours at the Kaliachak-II block office. Choudhury and Rabbani were reportedly present at the scene. The NIA is investigating the incident after a Supreme Court order.
Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir admitted a controversial video showing him seeking Rs 1,000 crore from BJP and making remarks about Muslims is authentic, though selectively edited. He claims the full 51-minute recording will prove his innocence.
Kolkata's 19 appellate tribunals will commence hearing elector inclusion/exclusion appeals on Monday, following the freezing of the electoral roll for Bengal's second-phase assembly polls. These tribunals, established after a Supreme Court order, will address grievances for over 27 lakh names excluded from supplementary lists.
Subhas Chandra Bose's grandnephew, Chandra Bose, has joined the TMC after quitting the BJP, criticizing the latter's «blatantly communal and anti-Constitution» policies. He accused the BJP of using the religion card for electoral gains, a tactic he likened to British colonial rule. Bose declared it's time to drive out the BJP, just as India did the British.
Senior and first-time Karnataka Congress MLAs are in New Delhi pushing for a cabinet reshuffle. They aim to secure ministerial berths for experienced leaders and new legislators. The delegation plans to meet party high command to press their demands. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about leadership changes within the state government.
The Indian Army's Trishakti Corps has launched Sikkim's first border village community radio station, «Sikkim Sundari,» to enhance communication and information access in remote high-altitude areas. The station will broadcast local news, weather, government schemes, and promote culture, while also fostering youth development.
A tech professional from Andhra Pradesh, Singireddy Sai Sriharikrishna, tragically died in an accident at a California waterfall while on a trip with friends. His family, residing in Vizianagaram district, is awaiting the early repatriation of his body. The incident has prompted a request from a TDP MLA to the Andhra Pradesh NRI Empowerment Minister.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of delaying a caste census, citing contradictory statements and policy shifts. He highlighted the government's past refusals, Prime Minister Modi's criticism of caste census demands, and a recent announcement of its inclusion.
Bihar's political landscape is heating up as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to resign for a Rajya Sabha seat, with the BJP expected to nominate the new CM. JD(U) workers are advocating for Nitish's son, Nishant, to take over, while the RJD alleges a conspiracy driven by BJP pressure.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of a plot to trifurcate the state through delimitation, potentially merging parts with Bihar and Odisha. She also alleged a Rs 1,000-crore BJP deal to unseat her government and criticized central forces' conduct during searches. Banerjee further claimed the BJP plans to bribe voters and manipulate polls, urging vigilance.
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake jolted Assam on Sunday morning at 09:21:58 IST. The tremor, originating at a depth of 5 km in Cachar district, had its epicentre at latitude 24.659°N and longitude 92.763°E. No immediate damage or casualties have been reported.
Seattle has made history by becoming the first U.S. city government to host a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda. Unveiled at Westlake Square, the bronze monument, a gift from India, signifies Seattle's inclusive spirit and strengthens cultural ties. Dignitaries and community leaders attended the ceremony, celebrating this unique Indo-American cultural exchange.
BJP has issued a strict three-line whip for a mandatory three-day Parliament session starting April 16, requiring all MPs and Union ministers to attend. The special session is expected to focus on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill, with the government proposing to use 2011 census data for implementation timelines.
Tamil Nadu leaders are actively campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections. Udhayanidhi Stalin launched his campaign in Mannargudi, criticizing rivals and emphasizing regional identity. Chief Minister M K Stalin campaigned in Paramakudi, alleging the BJP is using the AIADMK as a mask. Welfare promises for women, housing, and education were reiterated. The elections are scheduled for April 23.
Prime Minister Modi has urged all party floor leaders to support the unanimous passage of women's reservation bills next week, aiming for implementation by the 2029 elections. The government seeks to enact the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which will reserve one-third of Lok Sabha and assembly seats for women.
Over 2 crore new voters joined electoral rolls across 12 states and UTs during intensive revision, while nearly 5.2 crore names were deleted. This purification process, aimed at ensuring accurate voter lists and preventing bogus voting, resulted in 45.8 crore electors remaining. Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Uttar Pradesh saw the highest purification percentages.