Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari warned Muslim migrant workers in Nandigram that they might lose work in BJP-governed states after the assembly polls. He cited the presence of thousands of workers in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha, all ruled by the BJP. The TMC criticized Adhikari's remarks as threats and intimidation, vowing to report the matter to the Election Commission.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal. The agency is investigating past payments to I-PAC, with dealings involving former AAP communication advisor Vijay Nair also under scrutiny.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has streamlined its import clearance process for food items, allowing simultaneous inspection and testing to reduce delays at ports. This change significantly cuts clearance time while maintaining safety checks, with final clearance granted only after all fees are paid.
A school in Hungary, inspired by B.R. Ambedkar, serves as a beacon for the Roma community, mirroring their struggles with oppression. Founded by a sociologist and Roma activist, the school translates Ambedkar's texts and teaches Roma history, fostering empowerment. Graduates are becoming local leaders, and girls' education is improving, reflecting Ambedkar's ideals.
El Niño years since 1980 have frequently coincided with poor Indian summer monsoons, with around 70% experiencing deficient or below-normal rainfall. Latest forecasts indicate a strong El Niño is likely to develop within months, potentially impacting the upcoming monsoon season, which the IMD expects to be below normal.
The NIA has arrested two Congress members and one ISF member in connection with the April 1 siege of judicial officers in Malda. Preliminary findings indicate a pre-planned, multi-layered conspiracy behind the incident. The arrested individuals were produced before an NIA court in Kolkata.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in connection with a money-laundering probe. The investigation is linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal and also scrutinizes dealings between I-PAC and AAP's ex-communication advisor Vijay Nair.
BJP's Dhupguri candidate Naresh Roy faces Trinamool Congress's criticism after a video surfaced showing him allegedly calling Mahatma Gandhi a «deshdrohi» (traitor). Roy claims his remarks were misinterpreted and the video's authenticity is unverified. Trinamool leaders accused the BJP of dishonoring national icons, while Roy asserted his respect for Gandhi and alleged a ploy to spread confusion.
Ghulam Rasool Kumar, a 70-year-old tonga driver, has returned to Srinagar's streets after a hiatus, becoming a nostalgic spectacle for tourists and locals alike. Despite facing disruptions due to a terrorist attack, he continues to offer rides, his horse-drawn cart a poignant reminder of the city's past amidst modern traffic.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and states on a PIL demanding a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers to cover production costs and prevent suicides. Petitioners argue that current MSPs are insufficient, citing the M S Swaminathan Commission's recommendations and the impact of free ration schemes on agricultural markets.
On April 13, 1919, Jallianwala Bagh became a scene of brutal massacre as British forces opened fire on unarmed civilians. This horrific event, fueled by oppressive colonial policies, ignited India's freedom struggle. The unhealed scar of this tragedy continues to resonate, a stark reminder of the immense cost of independence and the enduring power of collective memory.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India, even as he unveiled an ambitious 100-point governance agenda at home aimed at curbing VIP culture, reducing political interference in campuses and bureaucracy, cutting delays in public services, expanding free healthcare for the poor, improving women’s safety in public transport, and easing academic pressure on young children.
The Supreme Court dissolved a marriage and quashed a domestic violence case. A woman broke a divorce settlement after receiving substantial payment. She then filed a criminal case against her husband and his family. The court found her claims about undeclared assets unbelievable. It emphasized that parties must adhere to settlement agreements.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday attacked Mamata Banerjee and Congress at a rally in West Bengal, accusing them of feeding “biryani” to Pakistani terrorists instead of acting against them. He said the BJP would crack down on corruption, illegal immigration and violence if voted to power, and claimed people in the state had decided to remove the TMC government.
Khera struck Himanta's nerve after he alleged, in a press conference, the Assam CM's wife held multiple foreign passports, prompting a sharp rebuttal and legal threat from the BJP leader. “We have documents showing that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, holds three passports. The first is a UAE Golden Card, the second an Antigua and Barbuda passport, and the third an Egyptian passport. Two of these belong to Islamic countries, yet they continue to claim religious adherence publicly,” Khera alleged.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah intensified his attack on the TMC in West Bengal, urging voters to respond to violence with ballots and promising to bring the BJP to power. He alleged corruption and a «mafia raj,» vowing strict action against «syndicate and cut-money promoters» and illegal immigrants, while also highlighting welfare promises.
The leadership change will mark a milestone for the BJP, which is set to get its first chief minister in Bihar, the only Hindi heartland state where the top post has so far eluded the party. Even so, party leaders have remained cautious in their public remarks. Dilip Jaiswal, a minister and former Bihar BJP president, said, «It is an emotional moment for us. We hope that Nitish Kumar will continue to offer his guidance to the new government.»
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in the BJP's growing support in West Bengal, citing feedback from party workers in Siliguri. He highlighted public connection with the BJP's development agenda and criticized the TMC government for corruption, appeasement, and neglecting North Bengal.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a proposal to implement fingerprint and iris scans at polling stations to combat voter fraud and impersonation. Notices have been issued to the central government, Election Commission, and states. While acknowledging the need to examine this for future elections, the court clarified it won't be introduced for current state polls.
Sonia Gandhi asserts the Centre's focus on delimitation, not women's reservation, is the «real issue» behind the special Parliament session, deeming it «extremely dangerous» and an «assault» on the Constitution. She argues population control performers shouldn't be disadvantaged and criticizes the government's rushed approach for political gain, calling it «hollow» and «anti-democratic.»
Kerala's opposition chief VD Satheesan passionately called upon the Election Commission to promptly disclose the official polling figures for the elections held on April 9. He raised concerns over the delay in releasing detailed constituency data and postal ballot outcomes, stressing the need for accountability and public confidence.
