Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin took a Chennai Metro ride, engaging with commuters to seek support for his party ahead of the Assembly polls. He recalled his role in developing the metro project, highlighting its progress and future expansion plans. This public outreach is part of his intensified campaign efforts.
The Telangana High Court granted Congress leader Pawan Khera one week of transit anticipatory bail in a defamation case filed by Assam Police. The court's order allows Khera to approach the appropriate court in Assam to file a regular bail application, protecting him from arrest for seven days.
The mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, a BJP candidate, filed her nomination wearing a saree inscribed with 'Shaktirupena Sangsthita'. Accompanied by Smriti Irani and Biplab Deb, she reiterated her call to oust the TMC government, seeking justice for women in Bengal. Her movable assets are valued at Rs 19 lakh.
V.K. Sasikala, once Jayalalithaa's shadow, now leads her own campaign from a similar vehicle, evoking memories of the late leader's roadshows. She delivers short speeches, indirectly criticizing AIADMK leaders and seeking public support, while her party fields candidates, primarily in southern districts, aiming for crucial votes and recalling her close association with Jayalalithaa.
The Hindu Front for Justice informed the Madhya Pradesh High Court that ASI's scientific survey report supports their claim of a temple predating the mosque at the Bhojshala complex. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain presented evidence, including inscriptions and idol remains, citing the ASI's findings. The court allowed highlighting relevant report portions amidst objections.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday at the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Secretariat, to assess preparations for the Char Dham Yatra-2026.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over sect-based temple restrictions, warning they could harm Hinduism and divide society. A nine-judge bench heard arguments on religious freedom versus state power to open temples, with judges questioning exclusions that might negatively impact the religion and its followers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi fiercely criticized West Bengal's TMC government, accusing it of normalizing violence and turning crude bomb-making into a cottage industry. He promised strict action against infiltrators and land grabbers if the BJP forms the government, highlighting the Bogtui massacre as a blot on humanity and questioning the TMC's respect for tribal communities.
India has bolstered seafarer safety and trade continuity amidst Middle East tensions. New directives advise seafarers in Iranian waters to stay indoors and coordinate movements. Simultaneously, measures are in place to ensure smooth maritime trade, including transparent freight charges and improved grievance redressal.
As Kerala votes today, several constituencies are battlegrounds for shifting political equations and leadership tests. The traditional UDF-LDF fight intensifies with the BJP's push, creating triangular contests in key seats like Nemom and Palakkad. Rebellions and prestige battles in Ambalapuzha and Peravoor, alongside legacy fights in Pala, will significantly shape the final outcome.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that a political change in West Bengal is imminent, with citizens demanding it. Addressing a rally in Asansol, he accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of fostering a 'syndicate raj' controlling the coal and sand sectors, vowing a BJP government would restore industrial strength and end mafia rule.
As Kerala heads to the polls, the election narrative shifts from rallies to booth-level battles. The ruling LDF aims for a historic third term, while the UDF seeks to leverage local body momentum against anti-incumbency. The NDA is focused on converting key pockets into durable political footholds, making these 20 constituencies the state's pressure points.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve authorities are seeking help from IVRI, Bareilly to determine the cause of death for 25 critically endangered vultures found in the buffer zone. Vultures are suspected to have died after consuming poisoned dog carcasses found nearby. Post-mortem revealed a poisonous substance in the dogs, but the exact poison remains unidentified.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued another warning to medical colleges regarding overcharging MBBS fees, particularly for the internship period. Despite past directives and regulatory powers, enforcement remains weak, with limited punitive action reported for violations like stipend irregularities. This pattern raises concerns about accountability in medical education.
Puducherry's assembly elections commenced today with an innovative touch as a robot named 'Nila' greeted voters. Approximately 9.5 lakh electors are choosing among 294 candidates across 30 constituencies. The main contenders are the NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, and the Congress-DMK alliance. Key issues like statehood and unemployment are prominent, with counting set for May 4.
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister reiterated calls for former PM Sheikh Hasina's extradition during his India visit, marking the new government's first official approach. Discussions also covered energy cooperation, visa easing, and increased diesel and fertilizer supplies. Dhaka emphasized a «Bangladesh First» foreign policy, while India expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties.
The Election Commission replaced Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary and DGP ahead of polls, citing complaints of administrative bias towards the ruling DMK. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin vehemently criticized the EC, accusing it of acting as a BJP 'branch' and attempting to hinder DMK's victory. He questioned the sudden change in assessment of the state's administration.
The BJP has not nominated any Muslim candidates in the Bengal elections, a departure from previous polls despite a significant Muslim membership. Party leaders cited 'winnability' as the primary criterion for candidate selection, suggesting a disconnect between the BJP's platform and Muslim voting patterns. In contrast, Congress, TMC, and the Left Front have fielded a considerable number of Muslim candidates.
India has welcomed a temporary ceasefire in West Asia. The truce, brokered by Pakistan, aims to end a brutal war. India hopes this will lead to lasting peace and ensure global trade flows freely. The government also sees potential for peace efforts in Ukraine. India prioritizes the safety of its diaspora and LPG tanker passage.
