The Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the 2023 law on appointing Election Commissioners, which replaced the CJI with a Union minister on the selection panel. Petitioners argued the law undermines the Election Commission's autonomy and was passed with minimal debate due to MP suspensions. The court questioned its power to direct Parliament on lawmaking.
Nida Khan, an accused in the Nashik TCS case involving alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion, has been taken into custody from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Khan was wanted after her anticipatory bail was rejected by the court. Police are continuing their investigation and legal proceedings.
West Bengal's Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Governor R N Ravi following the BJP's decisive victory in the recent elections. Preparations for the new government's formation are underway, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected in Kolkata. Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign, alleging widespread poll irregularities and bias.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde's helicopter returned to Mumbai due to bad weather. The aircraft, en route to Murbad for a wedding, encountered an approaching storm near Airoli. The pilot's quick thinking ensured a safe landing at Juhu, with Shinde and his staff unharmed. This incident follows a past aviation tragedy involving another deputy chief minister.
Tragedy struck a South Mumbai family as four members, including two daughters, succumbed to zinc phosphide poisoning, not watermelon as initially suspected. The family experienced severe vomiting and loose motions after consuming the chemical, commonly found in rat poison. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic reports expected to confirm the cause of death.
India has rejected Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) allegations of foreign interference, calling them «baseless imputations» and reiterating its policy of not interfering in other nations' internal affairs. New Delhi also raised concerns about extremist and separatist elements operating from Canadian soil, while the CSIS report noted a more restrained tone on India compared to previous assessments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to change their social media display pictures to commemorate the first anniversary of 'Operation Sindoor'. This initiative honors the Indian armed forces' valor and decisive response during the operation along the western border. The campaign aims to express respect for the forces' success and national resolve.
Kerala's outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed surprise at the Left Democratic Front's election defeat, stating the verdict was unexpected. He pledged the LDF would function as a responsible opposition, advocating for social welfare measures. Vijayan also termed the BJP's increased seat tally in the state a serious development.
India urged Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification for illegal immigrants, linking it to repatriation efforts. This response follows Bangladesh's concerns about potential «pushback» incidents after the BJP's West Bengal election victory, with Dhaka seeking cooperation for smooth deportations.
India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a decisive response to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism following the deadly Pahalgam attack. The Ministry of External Affairs stated the world recognized the attack and India's right to self-defense. The operation successfully targeted terror launchpads, demonstrating India's commitment to combating terrorism.
Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrated India's 'Atmanirbhar' capability as a force multiplier, with over 65% of defense equipment now domestically manufactured. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai highlighted the operation's success in achieving objectives through a calibrated, decisive response without escalating into prolonged conflict, underscoring multi-agency coordination and intelligence dominance.
Union minister Chirag Paswan condemned the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide, Chandranath Rath, calling it «politics of violence» that West Bengal voters rejected. Paswan alleged TMC goons were responsible and stated the central government will not tolerate such violence, asserting a BJP government will soon be formed in the state.
The Congress is set to announce its Kerala chief ministerial pick by Sunday after consultations with newly elected MLAs and senior leaders. The party high command will make the final decision following a resolution authorizing them to choose the CM candidate. Frontrunners include V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala.
Congress criticizes the government's handling of Operation Sindoor, stating Pakistan was not isolated globally as after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The party highlighted claims of US intervention halting the operation and acknowledged initial Indian losses due to tactical errors and political constraints, while noting China's significant support for Pakistan.
Crime data for 2024 reveals a concerning rise in crimes against children, up nearly 6% from the previous year. While overall crimes against women saw a slight decrease, domestic abuse by husbands and relatives remained the most prevalent offense. Kidnapping and sexual offenses against children also saw significant numbers.
Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas. The incident occurred shortly after the assembly polls, escalating political tensions between the BJP and TMC, with both parties trading accusations of violence and demanding investigations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leaders updated their X profile pictures to commemorate the first anniversary of «Operation Sindoor.» This operation, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, saw Indian forces strike terror bases in Pakistan and PoJK, destroying launchpads and eliminating over 100 terrorists. The military response was a significant act of valour and patriotism.
