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Deccan Herald
Apr 25, 2026, 07:39 AM
Singur's Haunting Legacy: A Tale of Abandoned Land and Unfulfilled Promises

Singur's Haunting Legacy: A Tale of Abandoned Land and Unfulfilled Promises

Singur (West Bengal): On the edge of Singur, one of Bengal's most politically loaded landscapes, men dig through the earth for rusted iron rods -- remnants of the abandoned Tata Motors Nano factory -- to be sold as scrap. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Experience a more refined e-paper today Subscribe ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT In 2008, Tata Motors abandoned plans to set up a small-car factory here amid relentless protests. The exit has caused a seismic shift in the state's political landscape, unseating the Left Front and propelling Mamata Banerjee to power. Eighteen years on, that decision by Tata Motors still haunts Singur as it remains trapped between two ruins -- farmland that no longer yields as before and a factory that never came up. Also Read:Singur back in focus ahead of PM Modi's visit; BJP, TMC on war of words over industry scenario in Bengal Also Read:Singur back in focus ahead of PM Modi's visit; BJP, TMC on war of words over industry scenario in Bengal "Neither agriculture happened, nor did industry," says 93-year-old former TMC MLA Rabindranath Bhattacharya, known here simply as 'Mastermoshai', which roughly translates to respected teacher. He was one of the prominent leaders during the Singur movement. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links Stories You May Like Prostitution racket: CCB busts prostitution racket, four arrested in Bengaluru Undo Ghazipur rape case: Rahul Gandhi seeks probe, targets govt over safety Undo Thrissur blast: Death toll rises to 15 after license holder succumbs to burn injuries Undo In 2006, the then Left Front government acquired around 1,000 acres here for Tata Motors' small-car project. TMC supremo Banerjee built a mass agitation around claims that the fertile multi-crop land was being taken from unwilling farmers. What followed reshaped Bengal politics. When Ratan Tata announced in October 2008 that the Nano project would be shifted to Gujarat's Sanand, it was not merely the exit of a factory. It marked the beginning of the end of the Left's 34-year rule. Also Read:BJP's 'good governance' vs TMC’s ‘Maha Jungle Raj’ narrative Also Read:At 'industry's graveyard' in Bengal, Modi skips investment pledge, harps on BJP's 'good governance' vs TMC’s ‘Maha Jungle Raj’ narrative Banerjee entered the Writers' Buildings, the state's seat of power, after winning the 2011 Assembly polls on the back of her leadership in the intense anti-land acquisition movements in Singur and Nandigram. But in Singur itself, triumph has slowly turned into regret. The Supreme Court's 2016 order returning land to "unwilling" farmers was celebrated by the TMC as vindication. On paper, the land came back. On the ground, much of it did not. Large stretches remain pockmarked by concrete, buried iron and weeds. In some places, the topsoil removed for the factory never returned. "I spent Rs 1.5 lakh just to clear my three bighas. Before this, we grew paddy, jute, potatoes and vegetables. The land was rich. Now it barely grows anything," said Ashish Bera, a farmer. The irony is particularly sharp in a constituency lying in the Hooghly river basin, flanked by the Damodar and Saraswati rivers, where the soil once supported intensive farming of paddy, vegetables and flowers. Also Read:PM Modi calls for ending TMC's ‘maha jungle raj’ at Singur rally Also Read:'Bengal will teach TMC a lesson': PM Modi calls for ending ‘maha jungle raj’ at Singur rally For many families, the land came back more as memory than livelihood. Mahadev Das, once among the best-known faces of the anti-land agitation, now sits at a tea stall overlooking the barren tract. "I had 12 bighas, tractors, power tillers and pumps. I had built a whole business around that land. Now I have nothing. We did not fight for this concrete-infested land," he said. The most striking political shift in Singur is that many who once opposed the Nano plant now openly say they were wrong. Bikas Das, now a car driver, was once a frontline activist. "We were told industry must not come up on multi-crop land. We believed it. Today, we are deprived of everything. Had the factory stayed, I would have had a job," he repents. That regret runs deepest among the young. Sathi Das, a postgraduate who now works at a call centre in Kolkata, says her father was among the unwilling farmers. "My father got the land back, but it is not fit for cultivation. Had the factory stayed there, we would not have to leave Singur," she said. Many of the youths who trained for jobs at the Nano plant now drive app-based cabs, work in imitation jewellery units or have migrated outside Bengal. As the second-phase election of April 29 approaches, Singur has again become a political battlefield. The constituency has 2,42,087 voters for these polls, down from 2,51,585 in 2024. Scheduled Castes account for over 15 per cent of the electorate, Muslims around 11.5 per cent. Nearly two-thirds of the voters live in rural areas. Despite the anger, Singur remains one of the TMC's safest seats. The party has won here five times in a row. In 2021, sitting MLA Becharam Manna defeated Bhattacharya, then with the BJP, by 25,923 votes. The TMC also led in the constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "The people of Singur know who stood beside them when their land was being taken away. Some problems remain, but roads, social schemes and compensation have reached every family," TMC candidate and minister Becharam Manna said. The BJP believes the mood is changing. "Singur once voted to save land. Now people will vote for jobs. The TMC used Singur to come to power and then abandoned the people,” a local BJP leader said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Singur for a rally in February, accusing the TMC of driving industry out of Bengal. Days later, Mamata Banerjee held her own rally here. "The PM came and left. The CM also came and left. Neither said anything about what will happen to this land," says Bhattacharya. That brings to the fore the political trap of Singur. For the TMC, openly speaking of industry risks reopening the contradiction at the heart of its rise. For the BJP, demanding fresh investment means confronting the same land question that once destroyed the Left. Political observers say Singur’s mood is now split three ways: older farmers still fear acquisition, the middle-aged feel betrayed by both politics and the movement, while the young ask who will bring jobs back? For now, at the old Nano car factory site, weeds grow taller, iron disappears in the scrap market piece by piece, and the ghost of the factory still votes in every election. ADVERTISEMENT Published 25 April 2026, 13:09 IST India News West Bengal Tata Motors Singur Follow us on : Follow Us Read More
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East Mojo
Apr 25, 2026, 07:33 AM
BJP's Srijana Chettri Wins Ward No. 10 in Gangtok Municipal Elections

BJP's Srijana Chettri Wins Ward No. 10 in Gangtok Municipal Elections

Gangtok : Srijana Chettri of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been declared elected as councillor for Ward No. 10, Diesel Power House (unreserved), under the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC), after securing 899 votes in the lone contested ward of the municipal elections. The counting of votes was conducted at the District Administrative Centre, Gangtok, in the presence of Municipal Returning Officer-cum-District Collector Tushar Nikhare, who formally announced the result upon completion of the process. According to the final result sheet issued under Form 45, Chettri secured 277 votes in Polling Station 1, 172 votes in Polling Station 2, 445 votes in Polling Station 3, and 5 votes through postal ballots, taking her total tally to 899 votes. Her nearest rival, independent candidate Bindhya Cintury, secured 384 votes. A total of 1,327 votes were cast out of 2,862 electors in the ward, of which 1,283 were valid votes. A total of 42 voters opted for NOTA, while 2 postal ballot votes were rejected and no tendered votes were recorded. PREMIUM STORIES FROM EASTMOJO ‹ Why Women’s Reservation must work differently for the NortheastThe Northeast is not under-represented by design—but within its limited political space, women remain nearly...Read → Thin snow, rising risk: Brahmaputra faces early summer water stressGuwahati: The Brahmaputra basin has recorded below-normal snow persistence for the second consecutive year, raising...Read → What the HSLC results leave out: The politics of education in LawngtlaiEarlier this morning, a casual Instagram conversation turned into something more telling. I had woken...Read → Arunachal: New mud-nesting ‘fanged frog’ discovered in NamdaphaDeep inside the forests of Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, scientists have discovered a...Read → Blurred lines: Why Manipur’s political arrangement raises concernsManipur has recently witnessed renewed spurts of violence following the formation of Y. Khemchand Singh’s...Read → › 2000+ readers have backed us to keep journalism free. You can too. SUPPORT US (function(){var w=document.querySelector('.emm-carousel-scroll');if(!w)return;var p=document.querySelector('.emm-carousel-prev'),n=document.querySelector('.emm-carousel-next'),s=296;function u(){p.hidden=w.scrollLeft<=0;n.hidden=w.scrollLeft+w.clientWidth>=w.scrollWidth-1}p.addEventListener('click',function(){w.scrollBy({left:-s,behavior:'smooth'})});n.addEventListener('click',function(){w.scrollBy({left:s,behavior:'smooth'})});w.addEventListener('scroll',u);u()})() As per the electoral roll data, the ward has 1,319 registered voters considered for polling percentage calculation, including 646 female voters and 673 male voters, with a voter turnout recorded at 46.09 per cent. The District Collector stated that the counting held today was only for Ward No. 10, as most wards in the municipal elections were uncontested and their results had been declared earlier. Of the 21 wards under the GMC, 19 were won by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, one by the BJP, while one ward—Pani House—remains unresolved and may go for a by-election. In the Rangpo Nagar Panchayat, the SKM secured four out of five wards, while the BJP won one ward. Nikhare informed that the swearing-in ceremony for the Gangtok Municipal Corporation and Singtam Nagar Panchayat is scheduled to be held on May 2. Nikhare stated, “The elections were conducted peacefully, with no reports of law and order disturbances or violations of the Model Code of Conduct.” He thanked the candidates, officials, the public, and the State Election Commission for ensuring the smooth conduct of the polls. He added that the Model Code of Conduct remains in force in the GMC area for a few more days and is expected to be lifted soon following notification. Winning candidate Srijana Chettri expressed gratitude and confidence, stating, “There is an alliance between the SKM and BJP, and I am contesting as a candidate backed by this arrangement. I thank the people of the Diesel Power House ward for their trust and I am 100 per cent confident of winning the election.” She further stated, “The support extended by Bindhya Cintury is significant. She is like a sister who has worked well as councillor in the ward, and such support will help ensure coordinated development efforts.” Chettri also thanked voters for their support during her door-to-door canvassing and said that, as part of the National Democratic Alliance, the alliance will help improve coordination between the Centre and the State for the implementation of schemes. Outlining her priorities, Srijana said that health services will be her primary focus, followed by the development of RCC footpaths, beautification works, and proper management of jhoras (streams) in the ward, adding that these works will be taken up on priority after assuming office. Also Read: Why Women’s Reservation must work differently for the Northeast Related WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Share
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Indian Express logo
Indian Express
Apr 25, 2026, 07:14 AM
AAP's Raghav Chadha and Six Colleagues Defect to BJP, Sparking Unity Concerns in Delhi

AAP's Raghav Chadha and Six Colleagues Defect to BJP, Sparking Unity Concerns in Delhi

With AAP’s former Rajya Sabha deputy leader Raghav Chadha, along with six of his colleagues in the Upper House crossing over to the BJP on Friday, the biggest challenge for the party in Delhi is keeping its flock together. Insiders apprehended that the fallout of the episode in the Upper House could play out among “five to seven” of its legislators in the city. This becomes a particular concern for the AAP given its current strength in the Delhi Assembly – from a high of 67 in 2015, it currently has 22 MLAs – is six less than when it established a presence in the Capital in 2013. In the 2015 and 2020 polls, the party won 67 and 62 of the 70 seats, respectively. A loss of seven more MLAs could cut the party down to just 15 MLAs. Of the party’s 22 MLAs in the Delhi Assembly, 15 must switch sides from the principal Opposition party in the House to avoid the anti-defection law. “The BJP’s strategy appears to be clear: superimposing former AAP leaders on to Punjab in the run up to the polls (in 2027) to level allegations against the Bhagwant Mann government,” a source said. “Chadha might be utilised as a crowd-puller; he is the only one who can be useful to the BJP in that respect as the others who have defected are not mass leaders,” the source added. Chadha’s announcement on Friday came three weeks after he was removed as the deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha . After he made the announcement before mediapersons, he, Mittal and Pathak met BJP president Nitin Nabin at the party’s headquarters on DDU Marg. Following the departure of these seven faces from AAP, the party is left with only three MPs: Sanjay Singh and N D Gupta from Delhi and Balbir Singh Seechewal from Punjab. On several occasions, AAP leaders had mentioned ‘Operation Lotus’ – a term for the BJP “breaking away” leaders from other parties – to describe party leaders jumping ship to the BJP. In March 2023, Chadha himself had claimed that ‘Operation Lotus 2.0’ was being planned by the BJP in Delhi. He had accused the party of having launched a witch hunt against AAP leaders, as part of which MLAs were being threatened with ED/CBI cases. Chadha had then alleged that the BJP wanted to topple the AAP government in Delhi and that AAP MLAs were being “sent offers by the BJP high command”. In August 2022, then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had called a meeting after four AAP MLAs claimed that they were contacted by the BJP and offered Rs 20 crore each to join the party. They were also allegedly offered Rs 25 crore to bring another MLA along with them. In February 2025, AAP’s Sanjay Singh had claimed that BJP had offered seven AAP candidates Rs 15 crore as part of the ‘Operation Lotus’ to bribe them to jump ship.
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Navbharat Times
Apr 25, 2026, 07:10 AM
Iranian Tankers Evade US Naval Blockade Using Deceptive Methods, Report Claims

Iranian Tankers Evade US Naval Blockade Using Deceptive Methods, Report Claims

Tehran: At least 34 Iranian-linked tankers have evaded a US naval blockade using "dark" transit, AIS spoofing and "ghost fleet" (flag changing), the Financial Times has reported, claiming that these tankers, carrying about 107 million barrels of oil, used these "deceptive" methods to bypass tracking systems and pass through restricted passages, generating an estimated $910 million in revenue. While US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and has described the ongoing naval blockade as a resounding success, the FT report leaves Trump's claims open.
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EI Samay logo
EI Samay
Apr 25, 2026, 07:02 AM
Congress Worker Campaigns with Broken Leg in West Bengal

Congress Worker Campaigns with Broken Leg in West Bengal

Suryakant Kumar, crepe bandage on a broken leg. An old man riding a bicycle with a broken leg. Congress Manifesto tied in front of a bicycle. This scene is now familiar to the residents of Simlon, Kalna. This time it is a bit of a surprise. Because, Prabhat Das, a senior Congress worker, is campaigning with a broken leg. Prabhat Das, an ungrateful 75-year-old man, has always been a loner. His phone call tune also rings -'If no one hears your call, let's go alone.'With this belief, he has been campaigning for Congress for years on a bicycle. But this time the scene is different. Many people are surprised to see him roaming around the village with a broken leg. Prabhat says,'There are only a few days left for campaigning. There are no workers, so we are a little weak in campaigning. Congress Manifesto could not reach the people at home.'Prabhat Gupta is always active in the administration of the area.
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EI Samay logo
EI Samay
Apr 25, 2026, 06:56 AM
Five-way Battle Unfolds in Katwa as Uncle-Nephew Contest Heats Up

Five-way Battle Unfolds in Katwa as Uncle-Nephew Contest Heats Up

Katwa: This time, it is a five-way fight in Katwa. Rabindranath Chattopadhyay, a 30-year-old MLA, is locked in a battle with his nephew Ranjit Chattopadhyay, who is contesting on a Trinamool ticket. Rabindranath's hand symbol. He is contesting as a Congress candidate. The BJP has fielded Krishna Ghosh, a former president of Katwa organisational district. After allying with the Congress for the Katwa seat twice in a row, the Left has also fielded a candidate this time. Sanjeev Das, a teacher by profession, is contesting for the CPI-M. Sippy Tiwari, who is contesting for the Aam Janta Vikas Dal, is in the fray. All eyes are on the uncle-nephew battle in this constituency. However, the ruling party is sure that Rabindranath will upset his uncle Rabindranath for the seventh time. Subodh Dutta, Sanjay Dasra say, "Kaka-Bhai's vote factor will be a factor in this election. It's going to be a close contest.
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EI Samay logo
EI Samay
Apr 25, 2026, 06:49 AM
TMC Candidate's Unusual Approach: Removing Campaign Materials in Durgapur

TMC Candidate's Unusual Approach: Removing Campaign Materials in Durgapur

This time, in Durgapur: He was a bit different from other candidates from the day he started campaigning. Sometimes on foot, sometimes on a bicycle. He was careful in his choice of words and language, whether he was campaigning with voters at home or in public meetings. Even the day after the first phase of polling ended, there was no change in the daily routine of Kavi Dutta, the TMC candidate from Durgapur West. Rather, most political parties prefer to remain indifferent to the issue after the election is over. On Friday, he went to the party office and instructed the workers to remove all the wall writings in all the areas of his constituency. Along with them, all the roadside campaign banners and flexes should be removed. But the day after the vote, why is there so much urgency in removing the wall writings, flexes, banners from the roads? The candidate from Durgapur West said on Thursday, "The voting is over. Then why will there be writing on the walls and posters? People's uneasy scenes are also written on the poll posters. The postings are removed at night.
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Dainik Jagran
Apr 25, 2026, 06:37 AM
US and Iran Set to Hold Second Round of Peace Talks in Pakistan

US and Iran Set to Hold Second Round of Peace Talks in Pakistan

New Delhi: Amid a ceasefire in the Middle East, Iran and the US are set to hold a second round of peace talks in Pakistan on Saturday. US President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Whitkopf and Jared Kushner for the second round of talks, while Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. The talks come a day after the Iran-Hezbollah ceasefire was extended for three weeks.
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Maharashtra Times logo
Maharashtra Times
Apr 25, 2026, 06:29 AM
US-Iran Peace Talks: Trump's Push for Progress Amid Warning on Hormuz Pass Closure

US-Iran Peace Talks: Trump's Push for Progress Amid Warning on Hormuz Pass Closure

US-Iran Peace Talks Update: Donald Trump, who has spoken of destroying Iran, has renewed his push for further peace talks. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and veteran adviser Jared Kushner have arrived in Pakistan for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On the one hand, the White House has expressed hope for positive progress from these talks, but on the other hand, they have warned of closing the Hormuz pass if the US does not release Iran's seized assets. Now it will be important to see how successful this historic visit is. Amid positive US hopes for talks, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt said in a news report that "some progress has been made on the Iranian side in recent days." This marks the upcoming talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. She also said that "the US hopes that the talks expected by the end of the week will show more positive progress" if successful, "it will only be a relief to the US and Iran," and "it will be a relief to all countries to have a global initiative for peace talks."
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Free Press Journal
Apr 25, 2026, 06:20 AM
Delhi Minister Slams Arvind Kejriwal Over Luxurious New Bungalow

Delhi Minister Slams Arvind Kejriwal Over Luxurious New Bungalow

New Delhi: Delhi minister and BJP leader Parvesh Sahib Singh on Saturday took a jibe at former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, calling his new type-VII government bungalow a "Sheesh Mahal part two." Addressing a press conference, Parvesh Sahib Singh accused Kejriwal of betraying the people of Delhi by opting for luxuries in his bungalow. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The BJP leader said, "One who betrayed people of Delhi, who came to power in the name of Anna Hazare, showing pictures of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh. One who said I will not take residence and car from the government is Delhi's Rahman Dakait. We will today show you Sheesh Mahal part two." Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? "He made sheesh mahal that too at the time when Delhi's public was suffering from COVID. An extension was also being created for Rs 70 crore. After losing elections, he went to Punjab. Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendra Jain, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia took possession of government residences near Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's residence. Bhagwant Mann is tense with these people," he added. He recalled Kejriwal's promise of leading a life of a common man without using government facilities, and said, "Now, when he got a new bungalow at 95 Lodhi Estate. When the pictures of it came out, we were astonished. The man who said he would live simply today lives in a luxurious manner. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? This is a government-allocated house, but the money invested in this house is not government funds. Last time he said that the PWD invested the money, but in this house, every penny invested is private money. His own bedroom is looking like Goa's 7-star hotel room. There are a total of five bedrooms." This comes after former Delhi CM shifted to a new Type-VII government bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate in the national capital. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The "Sheesh Mahal" allegations first surfaced last year after the BJP accused him of excessive expenditure on renovations and luxury additions to the 6 Flagstaff Bungalow. The BJP had also filed a complaint with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
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Free Press Journal
Apr 25, 2026, 06:13 AM
EU Pressures Google to Open Up Android Ecosystem to Rival AI Assistants

EU Pressures Google to Open Up Android Ecosystem to Rival AI Assistants

The European Union is stepping up pressure on Google to open up its Android ecosystem to rival artificial intelligence assistants, marking a fresh escalation in the bloc’s ongoing regulatory push against Big Tech dominance. The move comes under the framework of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to ensure fair competition by preventing large technology platforms from favouring their own services. Regulators are now working on draft guidelines that could require Google to provide competing AI tools with access to the same Android features currently reserved for its in-house assistant, Gemini. This includes critical functionalities such as voice activation, system-level search integration, and deeper interoperability with apps—capabilities that are essential for AI assistants to operate effectively on smartphones. The European Commission’s proposal is part of a broader effort to ensure “equally effective access” for third-party developers, allowing rivals like ChatGPT or Claude to compete on similar terms within the Android ecosystem. The development follows specification proceedings launched earlier this year to assess Google’s compliance with the DMA. The Commission is expected to finalise its directions in the coming months, with a binding decision likely by July 2026. However, Google has pushed back against the proposals, arguing that further opening up Android could compromise user privacy and security. The company maintains that Android is already an open platform and that users can download competing AI applications through the Play Store. Despite this, EU regulators appear unconvinced, stressing that mere availability of apps does not translate into fair competition if rivals lack access to core system features. The push reflects growing concern that AI could become the next layer of platform dominance if left unchecked. If Google fails to comply with the upcoming guidelines, it could face a formal investigation and potential financial penalties under the DMA framework, adding to the regulatory scrutiny already surrounding the tech giant. The outcome of this standoff is expected to shape the future of competition in the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem, particularly on mobile platforms where operating systems act as critical gateways.
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TV9 Hindi
Apr 25, 2026, 06:06 AM
US-India Ties to be Discussed as Secretary of State Rubio Visits India Ahead of Modi-Trump Meeting

US-India Ties to be Discussed as Secretary of State Rubio Visits India Ahead of Modi-Trump Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to meet in June. PM Modi and President Trump will travel to France to attend the G7. All sides are preparing for this meeting. Before PM Modi and Trump meet, the US Secretary of State will visit India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will come to Delhi in May. Rubio's visit will give a final shape to Modi and Trump's meeting. The last time the two leaders met was in February 2025, although the two leaders have been talking on the telephone. The G-7 summit is to be held in Évian, France. This meeting will be held on June 1. The French President has invited Prime Minister Modi to participate. Although Trump's participation in the G7 is yet to be officially announced, but preparations are underway. There is also a situation of tension in the relationship due to Trump's negative remarks about India. In such a situation, America wants to remove many communication gaps. US President Donald Trump is under tremendous pressure to improve relations with India.
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DD News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:59 AM
US-Iran Talks Hit Snag as Iran Refuses Meeting with American Envoys

US-Iran Talks Hit Snag as Iran Refuses Meeting with American Envoys

U.S. negotiators are scheduled to leave for Pakistan on Saturday, but Iran said its officials did not plan to meet the Americans to discuss ending the war that has killed thousands and roiled global markets. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are due to depart on Saturday morning for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the White House said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that Iran had a chance to make a “good deal” with the United States. “Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely,” he said. “All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways.” IRAN PLANS TO MAKE AN OFFER, TRUMP SAYS Araqchi arrived in the capital, Islamabad, on Friday. But an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson posted on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet with U.S. representatives and that Tehran’s concerns would be conveyed to mediator Pakistan. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Iranian statement. Washington and Tehran are at a costly impasse as Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries one-fifth of global oil shipments, while the U.S. blocks Iran’s oil exports. The conflict, entering its ninth week, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs, stoking inflation and darkening global growth prospects. Trump told Reuters on Friday that Iran planned to make an offer aimed at satisfying U.S. demands but that he did not know what the offer entailed. He declined to say who Washington was negotiating with, “but we’re dealing with the people that are in charge now”. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. had seen some progress from the Iranian side in recent days and hoped more would come this weekend, while Vice President JD Vance was ready to travel to Pakistan as well. Vance, Witkoff, Kushner and Araqchi, as well as the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Baqer ‌Qalibaf, took part in inconclusive talks in Islamabad two weeks ago. Araqchi, who posted on X that he would also be visiting Pakistan, Oman and Russia, met Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday at the Serena Hotel, where the earlier talks were held, while a U.S. logistics and security team was in place in Islamabad, Pakistani sources said. CEASEFIRES IN PLACE, FEW SHIPS CROSSING HORMUZ Trump unilaterally extended a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday to allow more time to reconvene the negotiators. Oil prices surged this week, with Brent crude futures soaring 16%, on uncertainty over the fate of the peace talks and as violence flared in the region. Shipping data on Friday showed that five ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the previous 24 hours, compared to around 130 a day before the war that the U.S. and Israel launched on February 28. The ships included an Iranian oil-products tanker but none of the vast crude-carrying supertankers that normally feed global energy markets. On Thursday, Israel and Lebanon extended their ceasefire for three weeks at a White House meeting brokered by Trump, but there was little sign of an end to the fighting in southern Lebanon. Israel invaded its northern neighbour last month to root out Iran’s Hezbollah allies after the militant group fired across the border. Tehran says a ceasefire there is a precondition for talks. Lebanese authorities reported six people were killed by an Israeli strike and Hezbollah downed an Israeli drone. Israel’s military said it had killed six armed Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon. (REUTERS)
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:58 AM
US Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Oil Refinery for Buying Iranian Oil

US Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Oil Refinery for Buying Iranian Oil

Washington: The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on a major Chinese oil refinery for buying billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil. The move comes just weeks before President Donald Trump meets with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in China. The move is part of a broader White House campaign aimed at completely cutting off Iran's main source of revenue: its oil exports. The US Treasury Department said it has targeted the Hengli petrochemical refinery, calling it one of Iran's largest customers for crude oil and petroleum products. The department has also imposed sanctions on about 40 shipping companies and vessels that serve as Iran's shadow fleet. Shadow fleets are fleets that operate for a country but do not fly its flag. These shadow fleets operate to evade sanctions. The sanctions come just weeks before President Donald Trump meets with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The refinery targeted by the US, Hengli Petrochemical, is located in the city of Hengli, making it the largest US oil processing facility in China, with a capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day.
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:49 AM
AAP Suffers Major Blow as Two-Thirds of Rajya Sabha Members Defect to BJP

AAP Suffers Major Blow as Two-Thirds of Rajya Sabha Members Defect to BJP

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party has suffered its biggest political earthquake ever. Party veteran and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha held a press conference along with two other MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal. Chadha announced that two-thirds of AAP's members in the Rajya Sabha are now merging with the BJP. He justified the move, citing a provision in the Constitution. Chadha said that he handed over the necessary documents and signed letters to the Rajya Sabha Chairman in the morning. This news has spread like fire in politics, as these three faces from Punjab were considered the backbone of the party. AAP has a total of 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha claimed that 7 MPs were with him. In the press conference, he was accompanied by Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal. He also took the names of Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni and Swati Maliwal. Swati Maliwal has already rebelled.
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Business Standard
Apr 25, 2026, 05:48 AM
K Kavitha Launches 'Telangana Rashtra Sena' Political Party

K Kavitha Launches 'Telangana Rashtra Sena' Political Party

Telangana Jagruthi president and Former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter, K Kavitha, on Saturday launched a political outfit, named 'Telangana Rashtra Sena' (TRS).Kavitha announced her party's name at an event held on the city outskirts.Kavitha was suspended from the BRS in September, 2025 after she accused her cousins and party leaders T Harish Rao and J Santosh Kumar of "tarnishing" her father and BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao's image over the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project built during the BRS regime.Since her suspension, she has been focusing on public issues under the banner of Telangana Jagruthi, a cultural organisation she heads.The Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), headed by her father, was originally named Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). However, it was renamed as BRS in 2022.
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Odisha TV
Apr 25, 2026, 05:48 AM
BJD Stronghold in Odisha's Bhadrak Appears to Weaken as Senior Leaders and Workers Exit Party

BJD Stronghold in Odisha's Bhadrak Appears to Weaken as Senior Leaders and Workers Exit Party

The Biju Janata Dal ( BJD ) stronghold in Odisha 's Bhadrak appears to be weakening, with several senior leaders and hundreds of workers set to exit the party. Former Bhadrak MP Manjulata Mandal and former Dhamnagar MLA Muktikanta Mandal are expected to resign on Saturday, marking a significant political development in the district. Former district president Jagannath Swain and BJD leader Shashi Sahu are also likely to step down. In addition, Simulia MLA candidate Subasini Sahu is set to leave the party, while more than 500 workers, including several sarpanches and committee members, are expected to follow suit. The anticipated resignations come amid growing uncertainty within the party’s Bhadrak unit. The scale of the exit, involving grassroots workers and senior leaders alike, indicates a major organisational setback for the BJD in the region. Questions have also been raised about whether the leaders quitting the party may join the BJP, although no official confirmation has been made in this regard. The developments follow the BJD’s decision to suspend Manjulata Mandal and Muktikanta Mandal on April 6. In a significant move, the party had taken action against the two senior leaders over allegations of anti-party activities. Manjulata Mandal, a former Member of Parliament from Bhadrak, and Muktikanta Mandal, former MLA from Dhamnagar, were removed from the party citing internal disciplinary concerns. Party sources had indicated that the decision was taken after accusations surfaced regarding activities that allegedly went against the party’s interests.
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Odisha TV
Apr 25, 2026, 05:48 AM
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended for Three Weeks Amid Ongoing Attacks

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended for Three Weeks Amid Ongoing Attacks

Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continued exchanging attacks on Friday, a day after the announcement of a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, CNN reported. The Israel Defence Forces said it carried out strikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers in the southern Lebanese towns of Yater and Kafra, stating that they posed a threat to its troops and Israeli civilians. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon left at least six people dead and two others injured, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said, as cited by CNN. Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it had targeted an Israeli armoured personnel carrier in the southern Lebanese town of Ramyah. In a statement, the group said the attack was carried out in retaliation for Israel's destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire. A day earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by an additional three weeks, following talks with senior officials from both sides. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, "We had a great meeting with the very high officials of Lebanon and the very high officials of Israel, and I think that the president of Lebanon and the prime minister of Israel, over the next couple of weeks, will be coming here." "They've agreed to an additional three weeks of, I guess, no firing -- ceasefire -- no more firing. Let's see. We hope that happens. It's not going to happen between them, but we still have Hezbollah to think about," he said. After the three-week truce was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while the process has begun to achieve "historic peace" between Israel and Lebanon, he accused Hezbollah of trying to sabotage the situation. The Israeli Prime Minister also said that he held a conversation with US President Donald Trump, who continues to apply "strong pressure" on Iran and that full cooperation continues between Israel and the United States. He made the remarks in Hebrew, which were shared by the Prime Minister's Office. (ANI)
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AajKaal News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:46 AM
Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog After Losing BJP Ticket

Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog After Losing BJP Ticket

These days, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog is former BJP MLA Ashok Lahiri. The outgoing BJP MLA from Balurghat has not been given a ticket this time. There was speculation since then that he might get a big post. According to an All India Media report, Ashok Lahiri was elected as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog on Friday. Govardhan Das, also from Bengal, has been made a member of NITI Aayog. It is a fact that Ashok Lahiri won the 2021 election for the first time. Ashok Lahiri has also served as the Economic Advisor to the Center in the past. He has also served as a member of the 15th Finance Commission of India. He served as the 12th Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from 2002 to 2007. As a result, heavyweights like him were not given tickets. Eventually, his name was left out. His name was only officially announced. According to the BJP, a committee of 11 people was formed to prepare the manifesto before the 2026 assembly elections.
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Free Press Journal
Apr 25, 2026, 05:43 AM
AAP Seeks Action Against Rebel MPs Amid Party Split

AAP Seeks Action Against Rebel MPs Amid Party Split

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has begun internal deliberations to chalk out its next course of action after a major split in its Rajya Sabha ranks. Late on Friday night, senior leader Manish Sisodia met party convenor Arvind Kejriwal at his residence in Delhi, hours after returning from Gujarat. Late-Night Strategy Talks In Delhi Sisodia had been in Rajkot campaigning for municipal elections when the political crisis escalated. According to a report published in ANI, Sisodia went directly from the airport to Kejriwal’s residence, where the two leaders held a closed-door meeting for over 30 minutes. The discussion reportedly focused on assessing the fallout of the Rajya Sabha split and framing a strategy to counter its political impact. AAP Moves Against Rebel MPs The crisis follows a dramatic announcement by Raghav Chadha that he, along with six other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, had informed the Chairman of their decision to leave the party. In response, AAP is preparing to escalate the matter formally. Party sources said chief whip ND Gupta will write to Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan, seeking action under the anti-defection law. The complaint is likely to specifically target Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Kumar Mittal, who were allegedly seen publicly aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Disqualification Demand Gains Momentum Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh has also announced plans to write to the Chairman, demanding disqualification of the rebel MPs under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which governs defection-related cases. Party insiders indicated that while all seven MPs are believed to have shifted allegiance, only three have visibly joined the BJP in public so far, forming the basis of the immediate complaint. Rift Was Brewing Within Party The split comes after weeks of internal tensions within AAP. The situation escalated after Chadha was removed as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, which led to public criticism and allegations of him being “soft” on the BJP. Notably, several prominent figures including Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and Swati Maliwal are among those to have aligned with the BJP. Political Battle Shifts To Upper House As AAP scrambles to contain the damage, the focus now shifts to the Rajya Sabha, where the party is attempting to challenge the defections legally while simultaneously recalibrating its political strategy.
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Business Standard
Apr 25, 2026, 05:42 AM
Election Commission Directs Suspension of Five Police Officials in West Bengal

Election Commission Directs Suspension of Five Police Officials in West Bengal

The Election Commission has directed the West Bengal government to suspend five police officials in Diamond Harbour and initiate disciplinary action against them, for "serious misconduct" and allegedly failing to maintain neutrality during the assembly polls, officials said on Saturday.In a communication to the state chief secretary, the poll panel said the action followed a report submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal about the conduct of police personnel.The officers to be suspended are Additional Superintendent of Police Sandip Garai, SDPO Sajal Mondal, Diamond Harbour police station's inspector-in-charge Mausam Chakraborty, Falta police station inspector-in-charge Ajay Bag and Usthi police station officer-in-charge Subhechha Bag."After considering the facts and circumstances of the matter, the commission directs that these officers may be suspended forthwith and disciplinary proceedings be initiated for their serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality during West Bengal Legislative Elections 2026," the EC said in its order.The poll panel also directed the state government to send a report on Additional Superintendent of Police Garai, an IPS officer, to his cadre controlling authority in the Ministry of Home Affairs.In the same order, the poll panel asked the state government to issue a warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal for "failing to ensure discipline and fairness" among subordinate officers in election-related duties.The panel instructed the state administration to implement the directions immediately and submit a compliance report by 11 am on April 25.
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Amar Ujala
Apr 25, 2026, 05:42 AM
Aam Aadmi Party Suffers Major Blow as 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Defect to BJP

Aam Aadmi Party Suffers Major Blow as 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Defect to BJP

Follow Vistara WhatsApp channel 24 April 2026 Indian politics may witness a major upheaval. Seven Rajya Sabha MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party have resigned together and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Trending videosThis development is not only a loss of numbers but also a direct impact on the leadership strategy and trust. Now it has become a big challenge for the party to keep the organization united while maintaining the stability of the government in Punjab. The exit of 7 out of 10 MPs of the Advertising Party has weakened the position of AAP in the Rajya Sabha. Faces like Raghav Chadha Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal from Punjab have been playing an important role in both the strategy and organization of the party. While Raghav Chadha was in touch with the MLAs and ministers, Sandeep Pathak was considered to be the strategic mind of the organization. Ashok Mittal's influence has been strong on the organization as well as on the economic front and he was active in bringing many leaders into the party. In the year 2022, Sandeep Pathak and Raghav Pathak took over the leadership of the party.
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Amar Ujala
Apr 25, 2026, 05:41 AM
BJP Leader Attacks Arvind Kejriwal, Calls New Home 'Sheesh Mahal 2'

BJP Leader Attacks Arvind Kejriwal, Calls New Home 'Sheesh Mahal 2'

ExtensionAdd as a preferredsource on google BJP leader and Delhi Cabinet Minister Pravesh Verma attacks AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. He calls Kejriwal's new house'Sheesh Mahal 2'and compares it to'Rehman Dacoit '. Minister Verma says after looting Delhi, now second'Sheesh Mahal'is ready in Punjab. Trending Videos Atishi hits back at Pravesh Verma's statement. AAP says Rekha Gupta should open her house for media. Former Delhi CM Atishi says Kejriwal will show everyone the house. All the photos released by advertisement Pravesh Verma are fake. They are not pictures of Kejriwal ji's house. Rekha ji and LG sahib to find out whose house is so luxurious.
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The Financial Express
Apr 25, 2026, 05:40 AM
US and Iran Give Mixed Signals on Peace Talks as Conflict Continues

US and Iran Give Mixed Signals on Peace Talks as Conflict Continues

Both the US and Iran are giving mixed signals about where the peace talks are headed. While the US maintained that it was ready “give diplomacy a chance,” Iran rejected claims of any meeting with Tehran and the US in Pakistan despite top officials’ arrival in Islamabad. Meanwhile, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also headed to Pakistan, according to the White House. According to an ANI report, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has reportedly characterised the ongoing conflict in Iran as "a gift to the world", asserting that the American blockade of Iranian maritime traffic will persist "as long as it takes." Addressing journalists at the Pentagon on Friday, Hegseth stated that the naval restrictions are essential to fulfilling what he described as a "bold and dangerous" mission aimed at neutralising Iran's perceived threat to international stability. While American officials maintained that the blockade has successfully intercepted 34 vessels, maritime monitoring data indicates that Tehran continues to circumvent these measures to export sanctioned oil. A painful fuel crunch and soaring oil and gas prices triggered by the Iran war have nudged the European Union to look hard into funding alternative energy routes in the Middle East to circumvent hot spots like the Strait of Hormuz. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday that the EU is ready to work with Persian Gulf countries for new projects conveying energy to global markets that wouldn't be held hostage to war or geopolitical strife. "The events of the past month have taught us a hard lesson," von der Leyen told a news conference at the end of an informal meeting of EU leaders in the capital of Cyprus. "Our security is not just related, it is intrinsically linked. A threat to a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is a threat to a factory, for example, in Belgium." The Head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, said that their Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled to Pakistan to specifically discuss bilateral relations. Azizi said that nuclear negotiations remain Iran's red line, and will not be under discussion in Pakistan. "In the meeting with foreign journalists, I mentioned that Mr. Araghchi, our country's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has traveled to Pakistan to discuss bilateral relations. He has no mission whatsoever in this trip regarding nuclear negotiations, which are considered one of Iran's fundamental red lines," he wrote on X. According to a CNBC report, Oilfield services firm Baker Hughes is working under the assumption that the Strait of Hormuz may not fully reopen for months. A senior executive of the company reportedly explained during an earnings call that normalcy might not be restored until the second half of 2026. Chief Financial Officer Ahmed Moghal told investors that Baker was assuming in its financial guidance that the conflict would continue through the end of June. https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2047839041182130273 The State Department says a detained Kuwaiti-American journalist who was arrested in Kuwait has been released after intervention by the Trump administration. The department said late Friday that Ahmed Shihab-Eldin had been freed and allowed to leave Kuwait. It offered no other details, citing privacy concerns. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continued exchanging attacks on Friday, a day after the announcement of a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The Israel Defence Forces said it carried out strikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers in the southern Lebanese towns of Yater and Kafra. The IDF said these had posed a threat to its troops and Israeli civilians. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon left at least six people dead and two others injured, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said, as cited by CNN. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli armoured personnel carrier in the southern Lebanese town of Ramyah. In a statement, the group said the attack was carried out in retaliation for Israel's destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei shared via X that a delegation had reached Islamabad in Pakistan for an official visit. He insisted that there was no meeting planned between Iran and the US --- even as US President Donald Trump confirmed he was sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday to continue talks. "We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region. No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," Baghaei tweeted. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday. He was received by Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior officials upon arrival. Meanwhile President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan on Saturday to continue talks with Iran. White House press secretary Karolien Leavitt said in an interview on Fox News Channel that the two will have talks with Araghchi. The Trump administration said on Friday it had imposed sanctions on an independent "teapot" refinery in China for buying billions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil. This came even as Washington and Tehran headed into another round of peace talks due this weekend. The Treasury Department targeted Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery, which it said is one ⁠of Iran's ​largest customers of crude oil and petroleum products. The department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it also imposed sanctions on about 40 shipping companies and vessels that operate as part of Iran's shadow fleet. China has said it opposes "illegal" unilateral sanctions. As quoted by Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the spokesperson for Iran’s Defence Ministry, General Reza Talaei-Nik, said a "significant portion of the missile capabilities” of the country “remains unused." He also said that Iranian forces "maintained control over the skies of the occupied territories until the moment the ceasefire began." The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has condemned “in the strongest possible terms” a recent drone attack originating from Iraq targeting border posts in Kuwait. In a statement, the GCC’s Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the attack “constitutes a flagrant violation of the principles of good neighbourliness and all international laws and norms.” Kuwait's army previously said that two drones from Iraq had hit two northern border posts, causing damage. Kuwait's army said two drones from Iraq hit two norther border posts. No casualties were reported despite the damage caused. Iraq's prime minister has since ordered an examination of the attack to identify those responsible, according to Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari . He also added that Iraq condemned the attack in a call with his Kuwaiti counterpart. The US has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets over links to Iran. The Treasury Department “will continue to systematically degrade Tehran’s ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds”, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement on X, adding that they were imposing sanctions on "multiple wallets tied to Iran." Tasnim News Agency, the semi-official news outlet of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, called out White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for lying to Fox News about Iran requesting face-to-face talks with the US. “Iran has not made any request to talk with the Americans, and, on the contrary, it has completely rejected the requests of the Americans for negotiations due to their arrogance until this moment,” the agency posted on Telegram. “Despite the great thirst and need of the Americans for negotiations, Iran has emphasized that there is no decision to negotiate with the United States ‘currently and under the existing conditions’ due to the excesses of the United States." Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the arrival of top officials in Islamabad. He also noted that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would be meeting with "Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region. " At the same time, he rejected the possibility of any meeting between Iran and the US in Pakistan. "No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," he added on X. https://twitter.com/IRIMFA_SPOX/status/2047787169776038085/photo/1 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US was not planning to renew waivers allowing the purchase of Russian and Iranian oil stuck at sea. “Not the Iranians,” Bessent told The Associated Press. "We have the blockade, and there’s no oil coming out.” "And we think in the next two, three days, they’re going to have to start shuttering production, which will be very bad for their wells.” White ⁠House Press ⁠Secretary Karoline Leavitt said “Iranians want to talk in person” and that the US president is willing to “give diplomacy a chance.” She added that Vice President JD Vance is on standby in Washington and could be sent to Pakistan “if we feel it’s a necessary use of his time.” White ⁠House Press ⁠Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday morning for talks with Iran. The visit is aimed at engaging with Abbas Araghchi as part of ongoing efforts to advance negotiations over the Iran conflict. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “maintaining full freedom of action against any threat, including emerging threats,” following the US president’s announcement extending a Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks. “We struck yesterday and we struck today,” he said, accusing Hezbollah of “trying to sabotage” the deal, while Israel continues operations in southern Lebanon. US President Donald Trump is sending special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, according to CNN. EU Council President Antonio Costa said it is “too early” to discuss easing sanctions on Iran, with Ursula von der Leyen. However, Friedrich Merz said sanctions could be gradually lifted if a comprehensive agreement with Iran is reached. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said he is embarking on a “timely tour” of Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow “to closely coordinate with our partners… and consult on regional developments.” “Our neighbors are our priority,” he wrote on X, with officials describing the Pakistan visit as a key step toward resuming direct talks with the US. US Central Command said the “blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports continues,” with 34 vessels redirected since patrols began around the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. Pete Hegseth earlier said all ships linked to Iran or travelling to and from its ports had been turned around. National News Agency reported three Israeli air strikes on Deir Aames after residents were warned to evacuate. Lebanon PM Nawaf Salam said there is a “glimmer of hope” to steer Lebanon out of crisis, urging efforts to “seize and strengthen” the moment despite challenges. “The government is working to mobilise all elements of internal strength and external support… to extricate Lebanon from its predicament,” he said, highlighting backing from Arab states. Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will “begin a round of visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow” from this evening, according to Mehr News Agency. “The purpose of this trip is bilateral consultations… and the latest situation of the imposed war by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran,” the agency said. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said US would act if Iran makes “reckless attempts” to lay mines, calling it a ceasefire violation. He added the US would welcome a stronger European role in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it’s a “wake up call” as countries without capabilities risk being “at the behest” of Iran. Pete Hegseth said the US blockade on Iranian ports “has gone global,” expanding beyond the region. He added that two Iranian “dark fleet” ships that departed before the blockade were seized as part of enforcement efforts. Pete Hegseth said Iran still has an “open window to choose wisely,” urging it to abandon nuclear weapons in “meaningful and verifiable ways.” “We’re not counting on Europe… This is much more their fight than ours,” he said, adding “we have all the time in the world” and “the ball is in their court.”
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:39 AM
Kutch Local Body Elections: Development Issues Dominate Campaign

Kutch Local Body Elections: Development Issues Dominate Campaign

(By Vinod Gala) Bhuj તા.25: Campaigning for local body elections has come to a standstill. Now that voting is tomorrow, 1065 candidates are in the fray for a total of 422 seats in one municipal corporation, five municipalities, nine taluka panchayats, one district panchayat of Kutch. Out of a total of 1866 polling stations, 518 are sensitive while 21 are very sensitive. As far as the political picture of Kutch is concerned, the BJP has dominated for more than two and a half decades. However, the talk of development is central to the campaign, whether it is the BJP's state leaders or government ministers. Now the question is, if there is proper development, why is there resentment among the people? Yes, there has been development, but the candidates of office bearers and officials have increased their power. Thus, for the people, the Narmada canal breach, potholes in the roads, encroachment of people's fields or villages by gauchar companies, the problem of frequent lightening, the helplessness of the people in front of the land mafia, the sale of liquor and the saffron law are different questions for the BJP or the Congress.
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Free Press Journal
Apr 25, 2026, 05:35 AM
AAP MPs Defect, Merging with BJP and Strengthening NDA's Position in Rajya Sabha

AAP MPs Defect, Merging with BJP and Strengthening NDA's Position in Rajya Sabha

On April 24 seven Rajya Sabha MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party, including Raghav Chadha, announced their decision to quit the party and merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The move majorly alters the numerical balance in the Upper House, strengthening the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Merger Clause Shields Defectors The shift invokes the “merger” exception under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which allows legislators to avoid disqualification if at least two-thirds of a party’s members agree to the move. With seven out of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs backing the switch, the condition is met. The remaining AAP MPs in the Upper House are Sanjay Singh, Balbir Singh Seechewal, and ND Gupta. NDA Nears Crucial Constitutional Threshold The Rajya Sabha has an effective strength of 244 members, with 163 required for a two-thirds majority a key threshold for passing constitutional amendments. Following the defection, the NDA’s tally has risen to around 145 MPs, placing it just 17–18 seats short of the crucial mark. The BJP’s standalone strength has also increased from 106 to 113, though it remains short of a simple majority on its own. Formal Approval Awaited According to media report in The New India Express, Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan is expected to formally clear the merger. Until then, the seven MPs technically remain with AAP but are widely expected to support the government in parliamentary proceedings. Strategic Boost For NDA While the NDA has not yet crossed the two-thirds threshold, the development reduces its dependence on smaller allies and opposition support. It also strengthens the government’s position in pushing key legislative agendas in the Upper House. More importantly, upcoming retirements later in 2026 could further shift the balance, offering the NDA an opportunity to inch closer or even cross the constitutional benchmark. AAP Weakens, Opposition Cries Foul The defection has severely weakened the AAP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha, reducing its strength from 10 MPs to just three. The move follows internal tensions and political friction within the party. Opposition leaders have criticised the development, terming it a “betrayal” and alleging pressure tactics, while the defecting MPs have defended their decision as being aligned with the Centre’s development agenda.
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:34 AM
Local Body Elections in Ahmedabad: Fierce Competition Ensues

Local Body Elections in Ahmedabad: Fierce Competition Ensues

Ahmedabad, તા.25: In the local body elections, the fight is similar to the assembly elections at the local level. In 2021, even a one-vote lead ensured the defeat of a candidate. There were a total of six taluka panchayat seats in which five BJP and one Congress candidate won by getting only one vote more. Before the 2026 elections were held on Sunday, political parties used their last-minute strength to retain the seats won by a slight margin and to win the seats that were lost. The battle for the 2026 elections is going to be more important than the last 2021 local elections. Due to this, the BJP, Congress and AAP are all trying hard. More campaigning was done to analyze the weak candidates of the rival party and many election meetings of party leaders were held continuously. Along with this, the strength of the party was used to win the seats that were lost by less votes in the past.
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Maharashtra Times logo
Maharashtra Times
Apr 25, 2026, 05:34 AM
US-Iran Tensions Continue: Strait of Hormuz Remains a Point of Conflict

US-Iran Tensions Continue: Strait of Hormuz Remains a Point of Conflict

Hormuz Strait: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important waterways in the world. After the start of the war with the United States and Israel, Iran has taken control of this sea route, the US-Iranian war is currently on hold, the Trump administration has extended the ceasefire with Iran, but the US Navy is surrounded in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, there is a report that many countries around the world may be worried आहे.इराण and the United States will once again hold a round of peace talks in Islamabad this week, but a solution has not yet been found for the Strait of Hormuz. In such a situation, while many people in the world are holding their breath, "the US-Iran war will continue until at least the end of June and the Strait of Hormuz will not be fully operational until the end of this year," BKR CFO Ahmad Moghal said on Friday सांगितले.US Sanctions: Sanctions on 40 Chinese shippers ahead of the Trump-Trump trade sanctions, the severity of the US action in the Strait of Hormuz, and the uncertainty about whether the Strait of Hormuz will remain open until the end of June
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ABP News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:30 AM
Raghav Chadha Joins BJP, Raising Questions About Aam Aadmi Party's Future in Delhi

Raghav Chadha Joins BJP, Raising Questions About Aam Aadmi Party's Future in Delhi

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has left the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday (April 24) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Meanwhile, speculation has begun about the deterioration of the party's position and arithmetic in Delhi. Questions are being raised whether the Aam Aadmi Party's numbers in the Delhi Legislative Assembly will also be reduced. Will the AAP's arithmetic in the Delhi Assembly also be spoiled if Raghav joins the BJP? Raghav Chadha has said goodbye to the Aam Aadmi Party with two-thirds of the Rajya Sabha members. The AAP has 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. There has been a political earthquake as soon as the news of 7 of them joining the BJP came out. Now the Aam Aadmi Party has a big challenge. The party has to unite its MLAs. Sources say that this political development can also affect 5 to 7 MLAs in Delhi. It is a very big worry for the AAP. In 2015, the party won 67 seats in the Delhi Assembly and in 2020, the party has won only 22 seats.
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Kalinga TV
Apr 25, 2026, 05:29 AM
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Wears Traditional Indian Jhumkas in Viral Selfie

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Wears Traditional Indian Jhumkas in Viral Selfie

Indian jewellery has a way of travelling far beyond borders, and this time, it seems to have reached the office of Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A recent selfie shared by Meloni has sparked a wave of reactions online after many users noticed one standout detail: a pair of traditional Indian jhumka earrings. Meloni recently posted a selfie on her social media, where she appeared in a sharply tailored winter look featuring a charcoal blazer layered over a beige knit top. While the outfit itself was polished and formal, it was her accessories that grabbed the internet’s attention. The Italian leader was seen wearing ornate jhumkas with delicate ghungroo-style detailing, a design that immediately caught the eye of Indian users. Along with the picture, Meloni shared a strongly worded political caption focused on propaganda, freedom, and Italy’s national interests. But online, many people were discussing something entirely different. Within minutes, Indian social media users flooded the comments section, reacting to the unexpected fashion moment. Some called it a subtle nod to India’s growing cultural influence on the global stage. Others took a lighter route, turning the look into memes and joking that Meloni had embraced Bollywood-style power dressing. The reason the moment resonated so quickly is simple: jhumkas are more than just earrings. In India, they are tied to tradition, celebration, and everyday style. They are worn at weddings, festivals, family gatherings, and even casual outings. For many, seeing a global political leader wear such a recognisable Indian accessory felt both surprising and oddly familiar. Across generations, jhumkas have remained a staple in Indian fashion, constantly reappearing in modern trends while staying rooted in tradition. Meloni, meanwhile, is no stranger to viral internet moments. Whether it’s light-hearted exchanges with world leaders or curated social media posts, her digital presence often stays in the spotlight. (ANI)
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ABP News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:27 AM
AAP Suffers Major Setback as Seven Rajya Sabha MPs Quit to Join BJP

AAP Suffers Major Setback as Seven Rajya Sabha MPs Quit to Join BJP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a major political setback on Friday when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs quit the party to join the BJP. Those who left the party include Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni, and Swati Maliwal. The development has weakened the AAP's position in Parliament and raised questions about the party's national future. The roots of the AAP's current crisis lie in the 2024 controversy when Swati Maliwal accused a close aide of then-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of physically assaulting her at his residence. The case, which came to light on 13 May 2024, created a deep rift within the party, which widened over time. Earlier this month, the party removed Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. The decision further widened the distance between him and the party leadership. The chances of reconciliation seemed almost over after this. In a post, Swati Maliwal also alleged "uncontrollable incidents" and "uncontrollable harassment" of women in the party's leadership.
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Siasat News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:27 AM
Rahul Gandhi to Address Election Rallies in West Bengal After Initial Permission Denial

Rahul Gandhi to Address Election Rallies in West Bengal After Initial Permission Denial

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address election rallies in West Bengal on Saturday, April 25, with public meetings scheduled in Kolkata and Serampore after an earlier setback when permissions for the events were initially denied. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha’s campaign schedule was disrupted before being put back on track, albeit with a change of date. LoP Gandhi’s planned April 23 rallies in Kolkata and Serampore were initially cancelled due to a lack of police permission. The development triggered sharp political reactions, with the Congress accusing the state administration of bias and obstruction. The party alleged that the denial of permission was influenced by the ruling Trinamool Congress, escalating tensions between Opposition parties in the state. However, the situation was resolved shortly thereafter. By April 22, authorities granted fresh clearance, allowing the rallies to be rescheduled for April 25. According to the revised plan, LoP Gandhi will address a major public meeting at Shahid Minar Maidan in Kolkata at around 2:30 P.M. today. The venue, a historic political ground in the city, has long been associated with significant political mobilisations. Following the Kolkata event, LoP Gandhi will travel to Serampore in Hooghly district, where he is set to address another key election rally later in the day. Earlier, Congress leaders had strongly criticised the initial denial of permission, claiming it reflected an attempt by the state government to curb Opposition campaigning. The episode briefly added to the already charged political atmosphere in West Bengal, where multiple parties are vying for influence ahead of ongoing electoral contests. Meanwhile, LoP Gandhi sharpened his attack on both the ruling Trinamool and the BJP during his remarks on Thursday. He argued that the BJP’s rise in West Bengal was a direct consequence of governance failures by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration. “If Mamata Banerjee had run a clean government and had not polarised Bengal, the BJP would not have been able to rise,” Rahul Gandhi said, as polling for the first phase of elections in the state was held on April 23. The second phase of voting is scheduled for April 29.
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:21 AM
Indian State Government Announces Increased Honorarium and Remuneration for Election Staff

Indian State Government Announces Increased Honorarium and Remuneration for Election Staff

Ahmedabad, તા.25: The state government has announced an increase in the honorarium and remuneration of officers and employees associated with various Lok Sabha-Assembly general and by-election works in the state. Sector officers to other employees will also benefit from the upcoming elections. For the smooth conduct of assembly and Lok Sabha elections, more than one lakh staff, including government officials, teachers to police personnel, are required. The General Administration Department has announced an increase in the staff for various types of works. It has also approved Rs 500 per day for lunch and snacks for the staff on duty during the elections. The honorarium has been fixed at Rs 10,000 for the sector officer or assistant expenditure observer on full-time election duty, Rs 1,500 for the zonal magistrate, Rs 500 or more per day for the presiding officer and counting supervisor, Rs 400 or more per day for the polling officer, Rs 1,600 for the counting assistant or more per day, Rs 4,400 for the polling personnel or more.
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Lokmat
Apr 25, 2026, 05:18 AM
Trump Administration Accused of Insider Trading Amidst US-Israel War

Trump Administration Accused of Insider Trading Amidst US-Israel War

Ravi Talle, Executive Editor, Public Opinion, The highest office in a democracy is built on a framework of secrecy and ethics; but 47 minutes into the second term of US President Donald Trump, a very shocking and suspicious trend has emerged. Billions of dollars have been traded in the markets shortly before Trump made the big announcement. A recent article by the BBC mentions instances that indicate serious insider trading. When transactions take place in the stock market or other financial markets based on confidential information that is not publicly available, it is called insider trading. On the ninth day of the US-Israel war, Trump said in a telephone interview with CBS News that the war is "almost over." 47 minutes before the interview was broadcast, the price of oil (futures contracts) rose sharply after one broadcast and fell by a whopping 14 percent. Trump had already issued two statements after the 21 March attacks on oil projects!
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Aaj Tak
Apr 25, 2026, 05:18 AM
Atal Pension Yojana Sees Surging Popularity, Government Considers Increasing Maximum Pension Amount

Atal Pension Yojana Sees Surging Popularity, Government Considers Increasing Maximum Pension Amount

The government's Atal Pension Yojana is very popular so that life can be easily cut off after retirement and a regular income can be arranged in old age. This government scheme provides a guaranteed pension. The special thing is that you can ensure a monthly pension of Rs 5000 for yourself by saving only 2 tea money daily through investment in it and it will continue to get this lifetime. The APY scheme was started on 9 May 2025 and its subscriber base is constantly increasing. Look at the government data, its number of subscribers has crossed the 9 crore mark in the last week. There is a provision of a pension of Rs 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 or 5000 through investment in it, but according to reports, the government is now considering the option of a pension of Rs 10,000. However, no statement has come out from the government. The word pension is considered to be a support of old age, because it is a regular income, it is not a financial problem, and you do not have to depend on this pension plan for your daily retirement or other investments.
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:15 AM
Trump Signs Deals for Biggest Drug Price Cuts in US History

Trump Signs Deals for Biggest Drug Price Cuts in US History

WASHINGTON તા.25: US President Donald Trump has signed deals with the world's leading pharma companies, promising the biggest drug price cuts in American history and the cheapest medicine in the world. Trump said Regeneron, one of the world's leading pharma companies, has agreed to provide medicines to the US with the "Most Favored Nation Prize." Drug prices will reach levels never seen before. 17 major companies, accounting for 80% of the world's branded drug market, have agreed to provide the world's cheapest medicine to American patients. Trump argued that Americans have paid high prices for medicine for years. For decades, Americans were forced to buy high-priced medicine. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said that America has 4.2% of the world's population, but 75% of the pharmaceutical business profits in the United States.
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Akila News✓
Apr 25, 2026, 05:15 AM
Voter Confusion in Ahmedabad Ahead of Local Body Elections

Voter Confusion in Ahmedabad Ahead of Local Body Elections

Ahmedabad, તા.25: With hours left for the counting of votes for local body elections, including the મ્‍યુનિ.કોર્પોરેશન, many voters are in a dilemma. The election machinery used to send voter slips to every voter door-to-door to ensure high voter turnout in Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The voter had all the information including his polling station, voter number. This time, the voters have not been distributed voter slips by the system when the first election is being held after the Special Intensive Revision. Due to this, many voters do not even know which ward they are going to vote in. On the other hand, voters have been distributed voter slips by political parties, but many voters living in remote areas have not received such slips. This will cause trouble to the voters whose polling stations have been changed.
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