The Supreme Court stated that illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals is not a terrorist act, even as the BJP vows to expel them from West Bengal. The court granted bail to an individual arrested for facilitating illegal immigration, noting the porous border with Bangladesh and the large number of immigrants already in India.
The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's controversial remarks, questioning the state government's decision on prosecuting him. Despite the Solicitor General suggesting the minister intended praise, the bench noted a lack of repentance and the statement's unfortunate impact. The court also directed the SIT to investigate other instances of the minister's objectionable statements.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection against AI-generated deepfake videos depicting him praising Pakistan and discussing sensitive political matters. He argued that such content could harm India's international standing and be exploited by foreign entities.
Families and researchers are advocating for Huntington's disease to be recognized as a rare disease in India to establish a much-needed registry. This recognition is crucial for quantifying patient numbers, improving treatment accessibility, and securing coverage under national health policies, offering hope for affected individuals and families.
Indian Haj pilgrims are questioning a mandatory Rs 7,000 GPS smartwatch, part of a Rs 10,000 airfare hike. Many devices, procured by the Haj Committee and supplied by Sekyo Innovations, reportedly fail to turn on or track pilgrims, causing distress, especially for the elderly. This initiative, aimed at safety, faces criticism over cost and execution.
Congress leadership intervened as supporters of opposition leader V D Satheesan held demonstrations across Kerala, demanding his appointment as the next chief minister. Some activists allegedly tore down posters of AICC leader K C Venugopal, also a contender for the post, prompting the KPCC to direct workers to refrain from such actions.
Preparations are in full swing at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground to ensure Saturday's oath-taking ceremony for Bengal's first BJP government proceeds smoothly despite heavy rains. A massive waterproof hangar tent has been erected, and seating capacity has been significantly increased. Authorities are working round-the-clock to restore the grounds, with an indoor stadium on standby as a backup.
Kolkata's iconic Writers' Buildings and other government offices will glow orange on Saturday evening, marking the first day of the new BJP government. Illumination trials were conducted Friday. The historic Writers' facade, along with Assembly House and Kolkata Collectorate, will be lit up. Inside, preparations are underway for the new Chief Minister's symbolic visit.
Supreme Court rulings consistently state governors must invite the largest party or alliance to form government post-election, without questioning how support was gained. The apex court has warned against dismissing governments or dissolving assemblies based on 'fanciful assumptions' of horse-trading, emphasizing that majority must be proven on the floor of the House.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP's West Bengal victory a national security triumph, promising to identify and remove infiltrators. He criticized the TMC for political violence and criminalization, vowing a new era of fearless governance and dismantling the 'syndicate raj'.
Congress leadership is deliberating on the Kerala CM post, weighing intra-party support for KC Venugopal against public sentiment favoring VD Satheesan. A decision is expected by Sunday, with discussions involving key state leaders and central party chiefs in Delhi.
Bengal CM-designate Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath's murder probe now includes contract killers from UP and Odisha. Sleuths are focusing on Montu Mondal, who was in the SUV during the attack and escaped. A car used in the crime was traced to a Matigara owner who'd advertised it for sale online.
The Supreme Court refused to consolidate multiple FIRs against Sameer Agrawal, accused of defrauding thousands of investors of Rs 10,000 crore and fleeing to Dubai. The court emphasized a victim-centric approach, stating that each instance of cheating warrants an independent FIR. It suggested considering consolidation only if duped investors collectively petitioned, and if Agrawal deposits the full refund amount.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that future wars will hinge on innovative thinking and synergy, not just weaponry. He urged commanders to prioritize artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and secure communications, stressing the need to anticipate enemy surprises and stay ahead. Singh highlighted hybrid threats and multi-domain operations, commending the forces' jointness and technological adoption.
A charge-sheet has been filed by the SIT against Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, for the attempted assassination of former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah. Jamwal allegedly fired at Abdullah during a wedding ceremony in Jammu, driven by resentment over Kashmiri migrant issues. The SIT's investigation indicates a pre-meditated intent to target the politician.
An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Patna made an emergency landing in Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in Patna. The aircraft, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, was diverted after being unable to receive landing clearance. The flight later departed for Patna once the weather improved.
New labour codes have capped weekly working hours at 48, with overtime paid at double the hourly wage. Final rules for wages and industrial relations codes are out, paving the way for implementation. A National Reskilling Fund will support retrenched workers with new skills, financed by employers.
The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals accused of murder or abetting murder cannot inherit property from their victims. This disqualification applies to both wills and intestate succession, even if a trial is ongoing. The court emphasized that no one should profit from their own wrongdoing, citing principles of justice and public policy.
For the first time, the National Crime Records Bureau has tracked animal cruelty cases, registering 9,039 incidents and arresting over 10,000 individuals in 2024. Maharashtra led with the highest number of cases. The data reveals a high conviction rate for concluded cases but significant delays in judicial disposal.
West Bengal's election saw a political earthquake, with BJP's massive win overshadowing concerns about Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Analysis reveals voter deletions exceeded winning margins in numerous seats, particularly in areas with significant supplementary deletions. While some seats showed clear BJP gains, others indicated TMC erosion without a direct BJP benefit, highlighting complex local dynamics.
For the first time, the NCRB has compiled data on animal cruelty, registering 9,039 cases and arresting over 10,000 individuals nationwide in 2024. Maharashtra leads with the highest number of reported incidents. This comprehensive data offers a crucial statistical overview of how animal cruelty offenses are managed within India's legal framework.
Highway authorities will now install advanced sensors on old major bridges across National Highways for continuous health monitoring. This initiative aims to detect abnormal behavior early, enabling prompt corrective actions and preventing potential mishaps. The system will be operational for at least 10 years after installation.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Madhya Pradesh government for delaying the decision on sanctioning prosecution for minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's «most unfortunate» remarks against Army officer Sofiya Qureshi. The court has ordered the state to comply with its earlier directive within four weeks, emphasizing that «enough is enough.»
Suvendu Adhikari emerged as the BJP's choice for West Bengal Chief Minister after years of being the party's strongest anti-Mamata Banerjee face. His victories, including defeating Banerjee in her stronghold, solidified his position. Adhikari's insider knowledge of the TMC and ability to consolidate Hindu votes made him the natural leader for the BJP's first government in the state.
Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party emerged as the single-largest force in Tamil Nadu, winning 108 seats. Despite this, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has paused an invitation to form the government, citing an «unestablished majority.» This has triggered a constitutional showdown, with legal experts debating the governor's discretionary powers and the necessity of a floor test before an invitation.
With the LDF's victory in Kerala, the race for Chief Minister heats up. A leaked list, shared by the BJP, suggests K C Venugopal might be favored by a majority of Congress MLAs. However, one MLA claims his preference was omitted, raising questions about the consultation process. V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are also contenders.