West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout of 92.9% across two phases, surpassing previous records and nearing India's highest. This surge, particularly in Kolkata, is attributed to voter roll corrections and enhanced security. Despite a reduced electorate, more votes were cast, with women outvoting men. Officials are investigating complaints of vote tampering.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday approved the notification for the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory in a step aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and decentralizing administration.
Punjab CM seeks time from President, wants ‘recall’ of MPs.
The Congress has submitted a preliminary response to the Election Commission's notice concerning party president Mallikarjun Kharge's "terrorist" remark. The party alleges the notice, citing discrepancies and a rushed deadline, indicates ulterior motives and a lack of due diligence. They have requested a week to provide a detailed reply and seek an audience with the EC.
Of the total 127.7-crore cash seizures, over 100 crore crore were in Tamil Nadu and Rs 27.5 crore in West Bengal. Around 39.3 lakh litres of liquor valued at Rs 102.5 crore was seized in West Bengal, as against 1.2 lakh litres worth Rs 3.8 crore in Tamil Nadu. The value of seizewd freebies was higher in Tamil Nadu at Rs 259 crore, as against Rs 178.8 crore in West Bengal.
A new home was gifted to the family of a brave ponywallah, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died saving tourists in Pahalgam. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde virtually handed over the house, built by Shiv Sena, honoring Shah's sacrifice. The family expressed pride and gratitude for the support received.
President Donald Trump described his recent conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "very good," highlighting their strong friendship and India's progress. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and the critical situation in West Asia, emphasizing the need for a secure Strait of Hormuz. This marks their third call this year, following discussions on trade and regional stability.
Two armed terror suspects were reportedly spotted in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, prompting extensive search operations by security forces in multiple border areas. The duo, carrying heavy backpacks, was seen moving towards the forests of Ambanall. Despite a joint cordon-and-search operation, no trace of the suspects was found.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday launched a 100-day campaign to combat the drug menace, targeting supply from Pakistan and traffickers. The initiative involves revoking licenses, freezing assets, and issuing lookout circulars against drug peddlers. The campaign will proceed through awareness, community engagement, enforcement, rehabilitation, and evaluation phases.
Security forces discovered a suspected IED-type box with two grenades in Rajouri's Sunderbani belt. This incident followed the detention of a school van driver in Jammu, who had multiple Pakistani contacts on his phone. Investigations are ongoing into the driver's suspected terror links.
In a significant political maneuver, the Congress party withdrew its candidate from the Baramati bye-election just before the nomination deadline. This decision, influenced by appeals from the Pawar family and Mahayuti partners, ensures Sunetra Pawar faces no major opposition. The bypoll was necessitated by the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar.
An Indian Army special forces contingent has arrived in Egypt for the fourth edition of the joint exercise 'Cyclone-IV'. This collaboration, running from April 9-17, aims to bolster military ties and enhance joint mission planning. Twenty-five Indian soldiers will train alongside Egyptian counterparts, focusing on special operational tactics in desert environments to improve interoperability and share best practices.
A new international study reveals lunar water ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions are more stable than previously thought, with 74% of these areas unaffected by impacts. This finding is crucial for future manned lunar missions aiming to establish bases, as these regions offer promising targets for water ice exploration and utilization.
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 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.
Srinagar's special court has remanded two Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and their Kashmiri accomplice to 10-day police custody. Arrested on April 6, the trio are linked to an interstate LeT module. Investigations revealed one Pakistani national had been active in Kashmir for 16 years, while the accomplice provided crucial logistical support.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy engaged in a heated exchange of words during election campaigning. Vijayan responded to Reddy's earlier remarks with a jibe, which Reddy then likened to PM Modi's rhetoric, accusing Vijayan of 'devil's rule' and having BJP support. Vijayan later attempted to de-escalate by sending Reddy a letter detailing Kerala's development achievements.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ruled two Kishtwar shrines and their properties as waqf, denying ownership rights to petitioners claiming hereditary custodianship. The court emphasized that property titles must be based on evidence, not public history, dismissing reliance on historical texts for ownership claims.
