DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:46:45 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-polls-voting-begins-for-152-assembly-constituencies-in-16-districts-670765.html Kolkata April 23 Polling has begun for 152 assembly constituencies scattered over 16 districts from 7 am on Thursday in the first phase of the twophase crucial West Bengal assembly polls The votersâ enthusiasm over the elections seemed to be quite high this time with the queues of voters being witnessed in front of some polling stations in several assembly constituencies much before the beginning of the polling process at 7 am officiallyThis time the voters are required to go through a twostage verification process the first being by the central armed police CAPF personnel before entering the polling station premises and the second by the boothlevel officer BLO concerned before entering the polling roomThe polling process had been peaceful so far at the time the report was filed However there had been reports of some malfunctioning of electronic voting machines EVMs at certain polling booths at the time of the beginning of the polling processMock polling mandatory before the actual polling process could not start in time at a polling station at the industrial township of Durgapur in West Burdwan district because of the inactive battery of the EVM thereSimilarly mock polling could not be conducted at a polling booth at Siliguri in Darjeeling district in North Bengal and Baharampur in the minoritydominated Murshidabad districtThe 16 districts where polling is being held in the first phase on Thursday are Cooch Behar Darjeeling Kalimpong Jalpaiguri Alipurduar North Dinajpur South Dinajpur and Malda in North Bengal and Murshidabad East Midnapore West Midnapore Jhargram Purulia Bankura West Burdwan and Birbhum in South BengalSeven of these 16 districts are under the Election Commission of Indiaâs special scanner due to security concerns on the polling dayThe first phase of the Assembly polls is being conducted under unprecedented security cover with the deployment of 2407 companies of central forces including Central Armed Police Forces the India Reserve Battalion and personnel from armed police wings of other states in addition to personnel from West Bengal Police and Kolkata PoliceWebcasting is being conducted in all polling stationsPrime Minister Narendra Modi posted a social media message in Bengal addressing the people of West Bengal âThe first phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is today I call upon all citizens to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy I especially urge my young friends and the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbersâ the message from the Prime Minister readThe Chief Election Officer CEO West Bengal Manoj Kumar Agarwal the Election Commission of India ECIappointed special observer Subrata Gupta and the ECIappointed police observer NK Mishra stayed back at the CEOâs office in central observer overnight on Wednesday conducting lastminute supervisions to ensure free amp fair and violencefree polls in the first phase on ThursdayThe second phase of polls in West Bengal for the remaining 142 assembly constituencies will be on April 29 âThe results will be declared on May 4 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-polls-voting-begins-for-152-assembly-constituencies-in-16-districts-670765.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/continue-to-be-bold-in-pursuit-of-unsc-reform-macky-sall-candidate-for-un-chief-670770.html United Nations April 23 âWe have to continue to be boldâ in pursuing the reform of the Security Council said Macky Sall who is a candidate for secretarygeneral The debate over reforming the Council has been going on for over 30 years but the âone thing that we can all agree on is that today the Security Council is not representative of todays world he said on Wednesday at a candidateâs forum hereThere are many different proposals for reforming the Council and some even say that it cannot take place now within the time of tension that more time is needed for reformââWhat I can try to do is push the agenda forwardâ he pledged while replying to a question on behalf of the G4 India Germany Japan and Brazil which pursue reforms togetherHe said âWe need to ensure inclusion whilst also bearing in mind the need to maintain the credibility and above all the effectiveness of the council because with five vetoes thats already a hard taskâAll options are on the table and I will push as hard as I canâ he saidBut he added âObviously the decision is not that of the secretarygeneral It is the decision of member states if this reform is to go forwardâSall a former president of Senegal is one of the four candidates who want to succeed Antonio Guterres when his second term ends this yearHe is the only one from Africa the other three are from Latin AmericaHe was nominated by Burundi whose President Evariste Ndayishimiye is the president of the African UnionBut Sall does not have the backing of his countryWhile he faced a gauntlet of questions from diplomats and civil society representatives during a threehour session his supporters and his opponents held demonstrations outside the UN buildingSall was the president of the African Union AU during 202223 when the organisation became a member of G20 at the New Delhi summit while it was led by Prime Minister Narendra ModiHe recalled his efforts on behalf of the AU for joining the G20 the group of industrialised and emerging nations as an example of how he would lead the UN if he got the jobAU becoming a full member of the G20 âwas not an obvious thing at the time but it was through discussion through dialogueâ and by talking to all leaders that he managed it he saidI think that this capacity to talk to anyone everyone without any barriers this is what I want to and can put at the disposal of the organisationâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/continue-to-be-bold-in-pursuit-of-unsc-reform-macky-sall-candidate-for-un-chief-670770.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/early-voter-turnout-in-bengal-stands-at-1876-pc-tn-records-over-17-pc-670779.html KolkataChennai April 23 The voter turnout in the West Bengal Assembly elections was recorded at 1876 per cent and in Tamil Nadu at 1769 per cent as of 9 am on Thursday according to data shared by the Election Commission of India ECI Polling began for 152 assembly constituencies scattered over 16 districts of West Bengal from 7 am on Thursday in the first phase of the twophase crucial Assembly polls Voter enthusiasm for the elections appeared to be quite high this time as long lines were seen in front of several polling stationsThe 16 districts where polling is being held in the first phase on Thursday are Cooch Behar Darjeeling Kalimpong Jalpaiguri Alipurduar North Dinajpur South Dinajpur and Malda in North Bengal and Murshidabad East Midnapore West Midnapore Jhargram Purulia Bankura West Burdwan and Birbhum in South BengalThe second phase of polls in West Bengal for the remaining 142 assembly constituencies will be on April 29 âThe results will be declared on May 4Meanwhile polling for the highstakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections across all 234 constituencies also began at 7 am with over 573 crore eligible voters set to decide the fate of 4023 candidates in a fiercely contested fourcornered battle The electoral contest primarily features the DMKled Secular Progressive Alliance the AIADMKled National Democratic Alliance Naam Tamilar Katchi NTK and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK making this one of the most competitive elections in recent yearsVoting commenced early in the morning with voters seen queuing up in large numbers at polling booths reflecting strong public enthusiasm to participate in the democratic processWith voter turnout expected to play a decisive role political parties are closely monitoring polling trends across constituenciesThe counting of votes is scheduled for May 4 when the electoral verdict will determine the next government in Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/early-voter-turnout-in-bengal-stands-at-1876-pc-tn-records-over-17-pc-670779.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/jai-badri-vishal-resonates-as-portals-of-badrinath-dham-open-cm-dhami-offers-prayers-670781.html Chamoli April 23 With the resounding chants of Jai Badri Vishal the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham opened early on Thursday imbuing the entire atmosphere with devotion and faith This marks the official start to the Char Dham Yatra The portals of one of the most sacred shrines of Hinduism opened at 615 am amid Vedic chants and rituals The temple priests performed worship and rituals for Lord Badri Vishal accompanied by Vedic mantras following which the temple was opened for devotees to offer their prayers and seek darshan Thousands of devotees were present at the site to witness this special occasion Many had even queued up since the previous night eager to be among the very first to catch a glimpse of the LordAs the temple gates opened joy and reverence were clearly visible in the eyes of the devotees Some stood with folded hands in prayer others prayed with deep emotion while some attempted to capture this momentous occasion on their mobile phones A distinct sense of peace and contentment was evident on every faceDuring the event the temple complex was beautifully adorned with flowers further enhancing its grandeur The Army band also added to the sanctity of this auspicious occasion with their melodious tunes A palpable sense of positive energy permeated the entire atmosphereChief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also arrived in Badrinath to offer prayers On this occasion he performed the first puja of Lord Badri Vishal in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi praying for the happiness prosperity and wellbeing of the people of the stateIn a post on X CM Dhami wrote With the opening of the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham the sacred Char Dham Yatra has officially commenced Providing a safe wellorganised and hasslefree travel experience to all devotees arriving from across the country and abroad in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is our governments top priorityIn another post CM Dhami stated I had the privilege of being present on the auspicious occasion of the opening of the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham the holy abode of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas this divine shrine stands as a living symbol of the unwavering faith Sanatan traditions and spiritual consciousness of millions of devotees On this sacred occasion the transcendental devotion divine energy and profound spiritual experience left my heart overwhelmed with emotionPrior to this the gates of Shri Kedarnath Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams had already been opened Now devotees arriving from across the country and abroad will be able to participate in this sacred pilgrimageEvery year hundreds of thousands of devotees undertake this journey considering their lives blessed after having the darshan of Lord Badri Vishal It is believed that offering prayers here brings peace to the mind and alleviates all suffering This is precisely why despite the arduous nature of the journey the devotees faith remains unwavering IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/jai-badri-vishal-resonates-as-portals-of-badrinath-dham-open-cm-dhami-offers-prayers-670781.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/stalin-vijay-rajnikanth-among-early-voters-in-tamil-nadu-elections-670782.html Chennai April 23 Chief Minister MK Stalin actorpolitician Vijay and superstar Rajinikanth were among the prominent early voters as polling began across Tamil Naduâs 234 Assembly constituencies on Thursday Stalin cast his vote at a polling station in Teynampet Chennai accompanied by his wife Durga StalinDeputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also exercised his franchise along with his wife Krithika reflecting the ruling DMK leadershipâs early participation in the democratic processVijay the leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK voted at a government middle school polling station in Neelankarai His arrival drew large crowds of fans leading to brief congestion at the venue Police personnel stepped in to manage the situation and escorted him safely into the booth amid tight securityRajinikanth cast his vote at the Stella Maris polling booth in Chennai accompanied by his daughter SoundaryaSpeaking to reporters he urged all eligible voters to come out and vote in large numbers emphasising the importance of participating in the democratic processVoting is being held in a single phase across all 234 constituencies in what is seen as a highstakes electoral battleA total of 4023 candidates are in the fray while over 573 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise according to the Election CommissionThe contest features a fourcornered fight involving the DMKled alliance the AIADMKled front Naam Tamilar Katchi NTK and Vijayâs TVK adding a new dimension to the stateâs political landscapeSenior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan cast her vote at a polling station in Saligramam while Union Minister L Murugan contesting from Avinashi voted in KoyambeduMeanwhile polling was briefly delayed at a booth in Thillai Nagar Tiruchy due to technical issues in two Electronic Voting Machines EVMsMinister K N Nehru contesting from Tiruchy West was among those waiting in queues as officials worked to resolve the malfunction Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements and urged voters to turn out in large numbers to ensure a peaceful and participatory election IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/stalin-vijay-rajnikanth-among-early-voters-in-tamil-nadu-elections-670782.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/such-disgraceful-conduct-cant-be-normalised-bjp-to-eci-over-kharges-terrorist-remark-670721.html New Delhi April 22 IANS A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP met the Election Commission of India ECI on Wednesday to lodge a strong protest against Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges terrorist remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to demand exemplary action to serve as a deterrent for others who try to breach political red linesnbspThe highlevel BJP delegation comprised Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju Nirmala Sitharaman and Arjun Ram Meghwal and BJP national General Secretary Arun Singh who all urged the Election Commission to intervene and take action against venomous remarks by the Congress chiefParliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju while speaking to the media said the BJP delegation conveyed the partys deep sorrow and anger over the abominable language used by Congress president against the Prime Minister and called for taking immediate cognisanceRijiju further said For Kharge to call PM Modi a terrorist is not just a remark but a grave insult to the entire nation Such disgraceful conduct cannot be normalisedAccording to him the poll panel has taken note of their concerns and assured them of adequate action over namecalling in the midst of electionsRijiju further informed that they have demanded that the Congress party and Kharge apologise before the nation and exemplary action should follow so that a clear message goes down in the political discourse so that no one dares to cross the limitsNirmala Sitharaman too in scathing criticism of the Congress party called out its pattern and history of abusing the Prime MinisterToday we appeared before the polling commission to bring to their notice that the President of Congress and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha have spoken in such condemnable words The Congress has shown a pattern of repeatedly using abusive language against the Prime Minister Sitharaman saidTheres no change or correction in their course They have not changed their approach she addedTerming the conduct outrageous she said that this was driven by the Congress partys deep hatred for the Prime Minister and this calls for a firm and stern action against the guiltyBJPs anger and outrage over Kharge follows the latters obnoxious remarks made against the Prime Minister during a presser in Tamil Nadu on the last day of the poll campaignThough Kharge later claimed that this was not what he meant it has failed to convince the BJP which smells a motive and pattern by the Congress leader just ahead of electionsKharges remarks that created a political firestorm read How can these AIADMK people join hands with Modi when their party itself was founded by Annadurai He is a terrorist His party does not believe in equality and justice These people are joining with them it means they are weakening democracyIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/such-disgraceful-conduct-cant-be-normalised-bjp-to-eci-over-kharges-terrorist-remark-670721.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/atal-pension-yojana-surpasses-historic-9-crore-gross-enrolments-670733.html New Delhi April 22 The Union government said on Wednesday that the Atal Pension Yojana APY has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing total gross enrolments of nine crore subscribers Gross enrolments during the Financial Year 2025â26 crossed 135 crore subscribers marking the highestever enrolments recorded in a single financial year since the inception of the scheme according to a Finance Ministry statementLaunched on May 9 2015 with the vision of establishing a universal social security system for all Indians APY is a flagship social security scheme of the Union government administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority PFRDAAccording to the Ministry APY is designed to provide a Sampurna Suraksha Kavach Complete Security Shield by ensuring benefits like a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 for subscribers after attaining 60 years of ageAlso same pension continues to the spouse after the subscribers demise and the return of the corpus accumulated till the age of 60 to the nominee after the death of bothThe pension scheme is open to all Indian citizens between the age of 18 and 40 years except those who are or have been income taxpayersAPY is a voluntary contributory pension scheme primarily focused on the poor the underprivileged and workers in the unorganised sectorOver the past decade the scheme has witnessed remarkable growth driven by sustained efforts of banks Public Sector BanksRegional Rural BanksPrivate BanksSmall Finance BanksCooperative banks State Level Bankers CommitteeUnion Territory Level Bankers CommitteesLead District Managers the Department of Posts and continuous support from the Union government the official statement saidAccording to the Ministry PFRDA has played a proactive role in expanding the schemes footprint across all states and districts in the country through extensive outreach initiatives capacitybuilding programmes multilingual awareness materials media campaigns and regular performance reviews IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/atal-pension-yojana-surpasses-historic-9-crore-gross-enrolments-670733.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/farm-tourism-homestays-to-create-new-jobs-for-youth-in-haryana-670616.html Chandigarh April 21 The Haryana government aims to take tourism in the state to new heights through farm tourism and homestays which will create new employment opportunities for the youth officials said To achieve this issues faced by farm tourism and homestay operators will be resolved on a priority basis Amit Kumar Agrawal Haryana Commissioner and State Tourism Department Secretary said on Tuesday At a meeting here with farm tourism and homestay operators Agrawal said the state government is making efforts to promote tourism activities in the state Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is personally taking keen interest in the development of farm tourism and homestays in the state the Haryana Commissioner and State Tourism Department Secretary was quoted as saying During the meeting farm tourism and homestay operators apprised the department of issues related to various departments and requested their resolution They said that the global annual market for farm tourism and homestays is Rs 5000 crore and is continuously growing If the Haryana government addresses the challenges faced by this sector the state can achieve significant progress in this field they added The operators also highlighted difficulties related to necessary facilities and approvals required from different departments in detail Agrawal directed operators to submit their issues in writing within the next five days Based on these inputs a comprehensive farm tourism and homestay policy will be formulated in coordination with all departments and will be presented for Cabinet approval Once implemented it will ensure smooth functioning of these services Additionally services related to this sector will be notified under the Right to Service Act to ensure timely delivery within a stipulated period Agrawal said the state government is also studying policies implemented by other states related to agrotourism and homestays to make Haryanas policy more effective He added that as per the directions of the Chief Minister tourism and hospitality will be promoted on a par with other industries in the state to generate maximum employment opportunitiesHe also told that the Central government has included farm tourism and homestays under the ease of doing business framework IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/farm-tourism-homestays-to-create-new-jobs-for-youth-in-haryana-670616.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-elections-eci-focuses-on-robust-poll-day-arrangements-670631.html Chennai April 22 With polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled on Thursday the Election Commission ECI has put in place extensive arrangements across the state to ensure smooth peaceful and voterfriendly polling Officials said preparations are in full swing with a strong focus on infrastructure accessibility and realtime monitoring at polling stations A total of 75064 polling booths have been set up each equipped with essential facilities and supported by trained personnel The Commission has directed Chief Electoral Officers to ensure that every polling station is fully prepared to handle voters efficiently and without disruption To maintain law and order and ensure peaceful polling microobservers have been deployed at every polling station These officials will closely monitor the voting process and report any irregularities in real time strengthening transparency The distribution of Voter Information Slips VIS has also commenced to help voters easily identify their polling stations and verify their details in advance Minimum facilities at polling stations will include drinking water shaded waiting areas toilets with water supply adequate lighting ramps for persons with disabilities proper signage and wellmaintained booths Seating arrangements will also be made at regular intervals in queues to support voters particularly the elderly and differentlyabled As part of voter awareness efforts four standardised voter information posters will be prominently displayed at all polling stations These will provide details such as polling station information candidate lists voting procedures accepted identity documents and key dos and donâts for voters Voter Assistance Booths will be established at each polling station to help voters locate their polling station number and serial number in the electoral roll Clearly marked guide posters will also be placed along routes leading to polling centres to ensure easy navigation Additionally mobile phone deposit facilities will be provided outside polling stations Voters will be required to switch off their phones and hand them over to designated volunteers before entering the polling booth and can collect them after casting their vote Campaigning for the elections has concluded and the state has now entered the mandatory silence period ahead of voting The Election Commission has reiterated that all arrangements will be strictly monitored with field staff instructed to complete preparations well in advance to ensure a seamless and voterfriendly polling experience IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-elections-eci-focuses-on-robust-poll-day-arrangements-670631.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nadda-bashes-kharges-terrorist-remark-says-cong-gone-berserk-out-of-fear-of-defeat-in-elections-670651.html New Delhi April 22 Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday hit out at Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge over the terrorist remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the people of the country will give a befitting response to the party He said that the Congress chiefs derogatory remarks were a grave insult to the mandate of the countrys 140 crore peopleKharge triggered a major political controversy on Tuesday while attacking AIADMKs alliance with the BJP ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections referring to PM Modi as a terrorist during a press conference He later clarified that he meant the Prime Minister was terrorising people and political parties and not that he was a terroristReacting to this Nadda took to X and said The use of the word terrorist by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is a grave insult to the mandate of 140 crore countrymenThe issueless and visionless Congress has gone berserk out of fear of the impending defeat in the upcoming elections in five states In its attempt to snatch away womens rights it is facing the wrath of the public across the country irked by its eroding mass base Congress leaders are unable to digest the continuously rising popularity of Prime Minister Modi Ji he saidCondemning Kharges remarks the Union Minister said The shameful and derogatory language used by the Congress President against Prime Minister Modi Ji cannot be condemned enough no matter how strongly it is denouncedThe people of the country will surely give a befitting response to the Congress for its derogatory remark against the Prime Minister he addedEarlier on Tuesday Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a post on X slammed Kharge and accused Congress of repeatedly lowering the standards of public discourse âHe wrote that Kharge had breached every standard of public conduct and brought shame to the nation by calling the elected Prime Minister a terrorist âShah emphasised that PM Modi had curbed terrorism over the past twelve years and described the remark as highly condemnable âHe added that every time Congress hurls abuses at PM Modi the people of India respond and this time too the public will give its answer â IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nadda-bashes-kharges-terrorist-remark-says-cong-gone-berserk-out-of-fear-of-defeat-in-elections-670651.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rtc-buses-go-off-the-roads-in-telangana-as-employees-begin-strike-670654.html Hyderabad April 22 Public road transport services in Telangana came to a grinding halt on Wednesday as employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation TGSRTC began their indefinite strike in support of their demands TGSRTC buses went off the roads across the state since midnight as the Joint Action Committee JAC of employeesâ unions decided to go ahead with the strike following the failure of talks with the state governmentWith the RTC buses remaining confined to all 90 depots commuters faced severe hardships across the state including the capital Hyderabad At many places commuters were seen hiring private vehicles to reach their destinations Striking employees staged a protest outside the depots demanding that the government resolve their longpending demands Police tightened security at the depots to prevent any untoward incidentAt a few places TGSRTC was operating electric buses with the help of contract employeesTGSRTC operates about 9500 buses including 2500 hired buses and over 1000 electric buses About 25 lakh people travel by RTC buses across the state every dayMahatma Gandhi Bus Station MGBS in Hyderabad the biggest bus station in the state wore a deserted look A similar situation prevailed at Jubilee Bus Station JBS in Secunderabad and other bus stations in the state capital and all other districts TGSRTC Managing Director Nagi Reddy has appealed to the employees to return to work He stated that the government is ready to resolve its demands in a phased mannerHe alleged that a few unions were misleading the employees The MD said the government constituted a committee of IAS officers to address the demandsThe talks held Tuesday night between the JAC and the committee failed to resolve the deadlockThe committee sought four weeks to resolve the demands JAC leaders said their demands are not new They made it clear that they will continue the strike till their 32 demands are resolved JAC chairman Eeduru Venkanna told media persons that all unions have extended their support to the strike call Merging TGSRTC with the government is the main demand of the JAC The RTC JAC Chairman asserted that the government ignored the issue of merger even after explicitly including it in its election manifestoHe said that the government constituted a committee as a delaying tactic He recalled that the JAC served the strike notice 41 days agoVenkanna stated that they are compelled to resort to a strike due to unavoidable circumstances He alleged that under the pretext of introducing electric buses attempts are being made to transfer employees currently stationed at Hyderabad depots to the districts IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rtc-buses-go-off-the-roads-in-telangana-as-employees-begin-strike-670654.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kaleshwaram-commission-telangana-hc-bars-govt-from-taking-action-against-kcr-670661.html Hyderabad April 22 In a huge relief to former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and former Minister T Harish Rao the Telangana High Court barred the state government from taking any action against them and two other petitioners on the basis of the report of the Justice PC Ghose Commission which enquired into alleged irregularities in the execution of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme The High Court observed that the Ghose Commission did not follow the procedure under the Commission of Inquiry ActA Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin on Wednesday pronounced the orders on the batch of writ petitions filed separately by Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS President K Chandrasekhar Rao KCR Harish Rao retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary SK Joshi and serving IAS officer Smitha Sabharwal challenging the reportThe petitioners had sought a direction to set aside and quash the report of the CommissionThe petitioners had also challenged the constitution of the Commission but the court held that the government has the power to constitute the Commission However the court found that the findings of the Commission canât be a basis for action against any of the petitioners a lawyer saidDuring the hearing counsels for the four petitioners rebutted the findings of the Commission and contended that their clients were not served the mandatory notices under Section 8B and 8C of the Commission of Inquiry ActAfter hearing the arguments on the petitions the court had reserved its orders last month The orders were to be pronounced on April 8 but the same were postponed to April 22The Bench directed the government not to initiate any coercive action against all four petitioners based on the findings of the Ghose Commission reportSupreme Court senior counsel Dama Sheshadri Naidu had argued for KCR while Advocate General A Sudershan Reddy and senior counsel S Niranjan Reddy had appeared for the state government and the Ghose Commission respectivelyThe Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme KLIS said to be the worldâs largest multistage lift irrigation project was started by the then BRS government in May 2016 Its main component was inaugurated by the then CM KCR in 2019In March 2024 the Congress government constituted a commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose to probe alleged irregularities in planning design construction quality control operation and maintenance of Medigadda Annaram and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram projectThe commission submitted its report to the Telangana government on July 31 2025The Commission held KCR directly and vicariously accountable for irregularities in planning execution completion operation and maintenance of the Kaleshwaram project It also indicted Harish Rao then Chief Secretary Joshi and then Secretary to Chief Minister Smitha Sabharwal IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kaleshwaram-commission-telangana-hc-bars-govt-from-taking-action-against-kcr-670661.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/sc-to-hear-ed-plea-against-mamata-banerjee-in-i-pac-raid-case-today-670665.html New Delhi April 22 IANS The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate ED against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday in connection with the Indian Political Action Committee IPAC raid casenbspThe hearing forms part of an ongoing legal dispute over allegations that the Chief Minister interfered in an ED search operation conducted at the premises of the Indian Political Action CommitteeThe matter traces back to raids carried out by the ED on January 8 as part of a multicrore money laundering investigation linked to an alleged coal smuggling scamAccording to the agency Mamata Banerjee accompanied by more than 100 police personnel and senior officials entered the IPAC office as well as the residence of its founder Pratik Jain while the searches were underwayThe ED has alleged that she unauthoritatively removed key evidence during the operation including laptops mobile phones and documents containing electoral dataDuring earlier proceedings the Supreme Court had described the alleged confrontation as very unusual and termed it an unhappy situation raising concerns about the absence of clear legal remedies in cases where a highranking state functionary is accused of obstructing a central investigationAppearing for the ED Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the alleged interference along with appropriate action against the Chief Minister and the states Director General of Police The agency has argued that central investigative bodies cannot be left remediless if their operations are physically obstructedOn the other hand the West Bengal government represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi has contested the maintainability of the plea The state has argued that the ED being a government department cannot claim fundamental rights or invoke Article 32 to directly approach the Supreme CourtThe state has also alleged that the raids are politically motivated and aimed at undermining the All India Trinamool Congress ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly electionsMeanwhile in a related development IPAC cofounder Vinesh Kumar Chandel was arrested on April 13 after which the organisation is reported to have scaled down or paused its operations in West BengalA court at Patiala House Court subsequently remanded Chandel to 10 days of ED custody in connection with the money laundering probe linked to the alleged coal pilferage case He is expected to remain in custody until April 23 for further interrogationIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/sc-to-hear-ed-plea-against-mamata-banerjee-in-i-pac-raid-case-today-670665.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/un-secretary-general-candidate-bacheletto-push-as-much-as-possible-for-unsc-reforms-670666.html United Nations April 22 Michelle Bachelet Jeria who is running to be the next secretarygeneral has declared she would âpush as much as possibleâ to have the member states reform the Security Council âTheres a huge movement that they UN members understand that the Security Council needs to be reformed but in which way will depend on how members decideâ she said on Tuesday at a news conference following a candidatesâ forumThe Council needs to have representation of those who are underrepresented as permanent members or nonpermanent members she saidIf it is not reformed there is not much hope for the multilateral system she added emphasising the need for changeBachelet said that while the secretarygeneral doesnât have the mandate to reform the Council she will do her best to convince member nations to act on reforming itA pediatric doctor by profession Bachelet is a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and was the president of Chile which nominated her along with Mexico and BrazilDuring the candidateâs forum on behalf of G4 Germanyâs Permanent Representative Thomas Hans Ossowski asked her what role she would see for the SecretaryGeneral in reforming the Security Council that âdoes not reflect todays geopolitical realitiesâ and its relevance and effectiveness are questionedG4 a group of India Germany Japan and Brazil lobbies for Council reform and they mutually support each other for permanent seats on a reformed CouncilBachelet said that there is a need for making the Council reflect the world as it is today so it can be more efficient and effective with better geographic representation with permanent members from certain regions and the secretarygeneral can play a role in bringing this aboutIndiaâs External Ministry Secretary Shibi George asked her about her approach to achieving the developmental goals of the Global SouthBachelet said the member states should make achieving the development goals a political priority and ensure finances are available for itIt will also have to be ensured that the Global South is well represented in the different decisionmaking positions at the UN agencies and the Secretariat she saidThis is to make sure their voices are really heard not only in particular group meetings like those on the situation of the least developed countries but on a daily basis she saidThere are three other candidates competing to succeed Antonio Guterres whose second term ends this year The Security Council will select the winner and recommend its choice to the General Assembly for approval IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/un-secretary-general-candidate-bacheletto-push-as-much-as-possible-for-unsc-reforms-670666.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/india-stands-united-will-never-bow-to-terror-pm-modi-remembers-pahalgam-victims-670670.html New Delhi April 22 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on the first anniversary of the dastardly massacre and said that India will never bow to any form of terrornbspHe extended condolences to bereaved families while affirming national unity in grief and a firm resolve that India will never yield to terrorism or allow terrorist designs to succeedIndia on Wednesday is observing one year of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which Pakistanbacked terrorists gunned down 26 innocent tourists after identifying their religion in one of the most brutal incidents targeting civilians in recent yearsIn a post on X PM Modi said Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year They will never be forgotten My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this lossAs a nation we stand united in grief and resolve India will never bow to any form of terror The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed the Prime Minister addedEarlier in the day the Indian Army took to social media and warned that any misdeeds against the nation will be met by a responseIn a post on X the Army said For acts against India the response is assured Justice will be served AlwaysIt also shared a photo showcasing Operation Mahadev with the tagline It was only a matter of time in red colour This refers to the intense manhunt and neutralisation of the terrorists involved in the attackOperation Mahadev was launched immediately after the April 22 attack It involved extensive searches in difficult Himalayan terrain near DachigamMahadev Ridge culminating in the elimination of the three main perpetratorsThe Indian armed forces scanned over 300 sq kilometres of treacherous terrain for 93 days and eventually neutralised the terroristsA day ahead of the anniversary the Indian Army reiterated its firm commitment to justice and issued a strong warning that any breach of the boundaries of humanity would invite a decisive responseIn a stronglyworded post on its X handle the Indian Army said When boundaries of humanity are crossed the response is decisive Justice is served India stands unitedThe post was accompanied by a visual message stating Some boundaries should never be crossed featuring a map of India marked with red sindoor powder symbolising the Armys decisive action against terrorists under Operation SindoorThe image also carried the message India does not forget underlining the countrys resolve and unityThe Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22 2025 when 26 people were killed in a brutal massacre targeting tourists The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front an offshoot of the Pakistanbased LashkareTaibaThe attackers singled out victims after asking about their religion forcing them to recite the Islamic kalima to identify nonMuslims Among those killed were 25 tourists and one local pony ride operator who tried to save the touristsSeveral victims were newly married and many were shot at close range in front of their familiesIn response to the attack Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 6 and 7 carrying out what officials described as a focused measured and nonescalatory military action targeting highvalue terror bases in Pakistan and PakistanoccupiedKashmirFollowing the operation Pakistan responded with drone activity and shelling over the next week targeting civilian and religious sites and schoolsIndia subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes including on radar installations in Lahore and facilities near GujranwalaAfter sustaining significant damage Pakistans Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart urging a stop to military action This led to a ceasefire understanding between the two sides on May 10 2025Despite the ceasefire there were continued attempts involving waves of UAVs and small drones entering Indian civilian and military areas These intrusions were intercepted and the Indian armed forces responded firmly with field commanders authorised to take appropriate action in case of any violationsOperation Sindoor was a significant demonstration of Indias military and strategic capability combining both military and nonmilitary measuresThe operation successfully neutralised terrorist threats deterred further aggression and reinforced Indias zerotolerance policy towards terrorism while maintaining strategic restraintIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/india-stands-united-will-never-bow-to-terror-pm-modi-remembers-pahalgam-victims-670670.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/india-remains-firm-in-its-commitment-to-fight-terrorism-eam-jaishankar-on-pahalgam-attack-anniversary-670671.html New Delhi April 22 IANS External Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar on Wednesday remembered the victims of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent people were killed by Pakistanbased terrorists and reaffirmed Indias resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestationsnbspEAM Jaishankar took to X and said Join the nation in remembering the victims of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack which took place this day last year India stands steadfast in its resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestationsEarlier in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary and expressed solidarity with their familiesIn a post on X PM Modi said the victims will never be forgotten describing the April 22 2025 attack as a tragedy that continues to weigh on the nations conscience and asserted that the country will not bow to any form of terrorRemembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year They will never be forgotten My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss he said in a post on XAs a nation we stand united in grief and resolve India will never bow to any form of terror The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed the Prime Minister addedThe Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22 2025 when 26 people were killed in a brutal massacre targeting tourists The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front an offshoot of the Pakistanbased LashkareTaibaThe attackers singled out victims after asking about their religion forcing them to recite the Islamic kalima to identify nonMuslims Among those killed were 25 tourists and one local pony ride operator who tried to save the touristsSeveral victims were newly married and many were shot at close range in front of their familiesIn response to the attack Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 6 and 7 carrying out what officials described as a focused measured and nonescalatory military action targeting highvalue terror bases in Pakistan and PakistanoccupiedKashmirOperation Sindoor was a significant demonstration of Indias military and strategic capability combining both military and nonmilitary measuresThe operation successfully neutralised terrorist threats deterred further aggression and reinforced Indias zerotolerance policy towards terrorism while maintaining strategic restraintMeanwhile the Jammu and Kashmir administration has also stepped up security in Pahalgam deploying additional forces and increasing surveillance to ensure a peaceful commemoration which is expected to be attended by political leaders civil society members and families of the victimsIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/india-remains-firm-in-its-commitment-to-fight-terrorism-eam-jaishankar-on-pahalgam-attack-anniversary-670671.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-transport-minister-appeals-to-rtc-employees-to-end-strike-670675.html Hyderabad April 22 Telanganaâs Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday urged employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation TGSRTC to call off the strike to protect the public organisation Stating that a strike is not a solution the minister said a highlevel committee formed by the government is looking into their demands and a report is expected in four weeksThe minister appealed to RTC employees and their families to call off the strike in the interest of protecting the organisation and ensuring public welfare He said in a statement that the government has already constituted a fourmember committee of senior officials to address the issues The committee has been instructed to submit its report within four weeks He clarified that this is not a delay tactic Ponnam Prabhakar said that of the 32 issues raised by RTC employees the government has no objection to 29 issues and they can be resolved immediately The remaining issues of the RTC merger and recognition of unions involve technical aspects and require detailed examination These will be discussed with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister he saidThe minister highlighted key steps taken by the government for the welfare of employees He said salaries were being paid on the first of every month despite delays in the RTC merger The longpending 2017 PRC has been cleared along with pending DA dues while the 2013 pending bonds have been settled He stated that PF dues have been reduced from Rs 1205 crore to Rs 600 crore while CCS dues have been reduced from Rs 690 crore to Rs 300 crore Monthly payments of Rs 75 crore are being made towards PF and CCS He promised that the recruitment of 4538 employees would be completed soon to reduce the workload The government has made 1134 compassionate appointments Around 250 employees previously removed from service have been reinstated The minister emphasised that RTC is gradually recovering and disruptions at this stage would harm both the institution and the public RTC serves as a lifeline for rural and economically weaker sections with around 65 lakh daily passengers including 45 lakh women Many depend on RTC for education employment and healthcare He urged employees to use democratic means of protest through their leadership without disrupting public transport He stressed that poor people cannot afford alternative travel options He assured that the government is committed to resolving all issues and stands firmly with RTC employees while urging them to resume duties and avoid inconvenience to the public IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-transport-minister-appeals-to-rtc-employees-to-end-strike-670675.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/delhi-hc-judge-recuses-from-pil-against-kejriwal-aap-over-court-proceedings-leak-670677.html New Delhi April 22 IANS A judge of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday recused himself from hearing a Public Interest Litigation PIL against leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party AAP and members of other political parties for allegedly recording and disseminating audio and video clips of court proceedings during the hearing of a recusal plea moved by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy casenbspnbspAfter Justice Tejas Karia withdrew himself from hearing the matter a Bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya directed that the PIL filed by advocate Vaibhav Singh be placed before a different Bench on Thursday for hearingList tomorrow before another Bench of which one of us J Karia is not a member the CJ Upadhyayaled Bench orderedThe petitioner alleged that audio and video clips of the court proceedings conducted on April 13 before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma were made and circulated intentionally and deliberately and with the wilful intention to malign the image of this Court and to mislead the general publicAccording to the plea Kejriwal who appeared in person after being permitted by the Delhi High Court argued his recusal application for around 4550 minutes following which the recordings of the proceedings were widely circulated across social media platformsThe circumstances in which the audiovideo recording of the Court Proceedings was done and shared retweeted and posted by various political leaders and the way it went viral smells of a deep conspiracy by Arvind Kejriwal and various leaders of Aam Aadmi Party to malign the image of this noble institution and to mislead the common people of this nation the petition saidIt also alleged that several political leaders amplified the content online with comments supporting Kejriwal and casting aspersions on Justice SharmaThe plea specifically referred to posts by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh who termed Kejriwals arguments as very courageous and suggested recusal a social media post that was reposted by KejriwalThe petition also referred to posts by AAP leaders including Saurabh Bharadwaj Manish Sisodia Sanjay Singh and others alleging that the court proceedings were shared with misleading remarks to influence public perceptionContending that such acts violate the High Court of Delhi Rules for Video Conferencing for Courts 2021 and the Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules 2025 the petitioner said quoting the rules Unless expressly permitted by the Court no person shall record or publish the proceedings There shall be no unauthorised recording of the proceedings by any person or entityThe petitioner also claimed that complaints were sent to the Delhi High Court registry and social media platforms seeking removal of the content but no effective measures have been taken till now necessitating the filing of the PILThe development comes amid ongoing proceedings in the Delhi High Court on a criminal revision petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI which has challenged a trial court order discharging all 23 accused including Kejriwal and Sisodia in the corruption case linked to the nowscrapped Delhi excise policyOn March 9 a singlejudge Bench of Justice Sharma had issued notice to the accused on the CBIs plea and stayed certain directions passed by the trial court including adverse remarks against the probe agencySubsequently Justice Sharma had rejected Kejriwals plea seeking her recusal holding that allegations of bias were based on mere apprehension or personal perception and not supported by cogent materialRecusal cannot be used as a tool to forum shop or to create a perception that justice can be influenced the judge had said cautioning that a courtroom cannot be a theatre of perceptionRejecting the allegations of bias as conjectures and insinuations Justice Sharma said that the application arrived with aspersions and doubts cast on my integrity but without any substantive materialThe Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court had also declined on the administrative side a request by Kejriwal to transfer the matter from Justice Sharmas Bench saying that the case had been assigned as per the roster and there was no reason for reassignmentIn his representation Kejriwal had expressed apprehension that the matter may not receive a hearing marked by impartiality if it remained before the same BenchEarlier a group of senior advocates academicians former police officials and members of the Bar had written to Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant expressing concern over allegations made by Kejriwal against a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court and seeking initiation of suo motu proceedingsIt is a settled principle that a litigant cannot choose the Bench or the Judge before whom their case is to be heard the representation said cautioning that imputing motives to judges without substantiated basis strikes at the very foundation of judicial proprietyThe signatories warned that permitting such conduct to go unchecked could erode public confidence in the justice delivery system and urged the CJI as the custodian and guardian of the judicial system to take appropriate action in accordance with lawIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/delhi-hc-judge-recuses-from-pil-against-kejriwal-aap-over-court-proceedings-leak-670677.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-home-minister-denies-promoting-betting-says-remark-misinterpreted-respects-law-670681.html Bengaluru April 22 Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has responded to a court order directing the registration of an FIR against him in connection with allegations that he placed a Rs 500 bet during a kabaddi match saying that his remarks have been misinterpreted and that he respects the legal process Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Bengaluru Parameshwara said it was not appropriate to comment extensively on the issue He clarified that his earlier statement was made casually in the context of a kabaddi game in a lighthearted manner similar to how people speak in rural settingsâThe context in which I spoke is very important If I had promoted betting that would have been wrong But I am in a responsible position it is completely false to say that I promoted bettingâ he saidHe added that interpretations of his statement were being taken out of context and stressed that he had not encouraged or supported betting in any formReferring to the legal development the minister said a private individual had approached the court in the matter and that neither he nor his office had received any notice before the courtâs orderâNo notice was served to us If we had received a notice we could have explained the context and requested that they not take it seriously But no notice came suddenly an order was passedâ he saidParameshwara further stated that he respects the law and would examine the court order in detail before taking any further steps âI have not fully understood the order yet I will look into itâ he addedThe court has reportedly directed police to register an FIR and conduct an investigation into the allegationsA Special Court in Bengaluru on Tuesday ordered the registration of a First Information Report against Parameshwara over an allegation that he placed a Rs 500 bet during a Kabaddi sports tournamentâTaking serious note of the development and the message it would send to society the court directed the Kodigehalli police in Tumakuru to register an FIR and carry out a comprehensive probe into the matterâThe directive follows a private complaint filed by HR Nagabhushan who argued that even a small bet made or publicly acknowledged by a person holding a constitutional position amounts to promoting an illegal activityResponding to the cabinet reshuffle Parameshwara stated That is entirely up to the Chief Minister and the high command It would be inappropriate for us to comment We will act according to whatever decision they take IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-home-minister-denies-promoting-betting-says-remark-misinterpreted-respects-law-670681.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/terrorist-acts-can-never-weaken-nations-unity-resolve-telangana-cm-670683.html Hyderabad April 22 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday affirmed that heinous terrorist acts such as the attack in Pahalgam can never weaken the unity and resolve of the nation On the solemn occasion marking one year since the tragic incident he paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives stating that their sacrifice remains an enduring and sacred debt owed by the nationThe Chief Minister emphasised that such reprehensible conspiracies are destined to fail as the people of the country stand steadfast united vigilant and resolute in confronting and defeating all forms of terrorism He also conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families assuring them that the nation stands in solidarity with them in this hour of remembranceUnion Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy also paid tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam attack âRemembering the innocent lives we lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in our collective memory My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who continue to endure this immense loss As a nation we stand united in grief in strength and in our unwavering resolve against terrorismâ Kishan Reddy posted on âXâUnion Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar also took to âXâ to pay his tributes âOne year ago the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam shook the conscience of the nation Innocent lives were lost but their memory will never fade My deepest condolences to the families who continue to live with this pain The entire nation stands with them in grief and solidarity India is united in its fight against terrorism We will never bow to fear and we will never be broken by violence The cowardly agenda of terrorists will never succeed Bharat stands firm and strongâ said the minister IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/terrorist-acts-can-never-weaken-nations-unity-resolve-telangana-cm-670683.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/we-remain-resolute-in-our-determination-to-defeat-terrorism-prez-murmu-on-pahalgam-attack-anniversary--670686.html New Delhi April 22 IANS President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday remembered the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack saying that such acts of terror cannot deter the countrys unwavering commitment to peace and unitynbspIndia is observing on Wednesday one year of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which Pakistanbacked terrorists gunned down 26 innocent tourists after identifying their religion in one of the most brutal incidents targeting civilians in recent yearsIn a post on X President Murmu said I pay heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack The tragic loss of innocent lives in that heinous act remains etched in our collective memory I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families The entire nation stands with themnbspSuch acts of terror cannot deter our unwavering commitment to peace and unity We remain resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism everywhere in all its forms she saidEarlier in the day Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also paid tributes to the lives lost in the heinous terror attacknbspI solemnly remember the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack The innocent lives lost in that gruesome and dastardly act of terror remain etched in our collective memory I pay heartfelt tributes to those we lost and stand in solidarity with their families whose grief is immeasurable They will forever be remembered the Vice President said in a post on XSuch acts of brutality can never shake our resolve to uphold peace unity and the enduring values of humanity We remain firm in our determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations he addedThe Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22 2025 when 26 people were killed in a brutal massacre targeting tourists The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front an offshoot of the Pakistanbased LashkareTaibaThe attackers singled out victims after asking about their religion forcing them to recite the Islamic kalima to identify nonMuslims Among those killed were 25 tourists and one local pony ride operator who tried to save the touristsSeveral victims were newly married and many were shot at close range in front of their familiesIn response to the attack Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 6 and 7 carrying out what officials described as a focused measured and nonescalatory military action targeting highvalue terror bases in Pakistan and PakistanoccupiedKashmirOperation Sindoor was a significant demonstration of Indias military and strategic capability combining both military and nonmilitary measuresThe operation successfully neutralised terrorist threats deterred further aggression and reinforced Indias zerotolerance policy towards terrorism while maintaining strategic restraintIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/we-remain-resolute-in-our-determination-to-defeat-terrorism-prez-murmu-on-pahalgam-attack-anniversary--670686.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/i-feel-kharge-ji-doesnt-differentiate-between-terrorists-and-terror-to-terrorists-vp-radhakrishnan-670689.html Bidar Karnataka April 22 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan took a dig at Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday saying that he appears unable to distinguish between terrorists and terror to the terrorists His remarks came amid a growing political controversy triggered by Kharges recent statement referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a terrorist which has drawn sharp criticism from the BJPSpeaking at the Amrit Mahotsava celebration of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru Mahaswamiji of Hiremath Samsthan at Sri Channabasavashram in Karnatakas Bidar the Vice President made the comment in Kharges presenceI get a little difference between our Kharge ji Sometimes I feel Kharge ji does not differentiate between the black and white sometimes between the terrorists and the terror to terrorists Otherwise I have no problem he is a very good friend of mine VP Radhakrishnan saidThe controversy erupted after Kharge while attacking AIADMKs alliance with the BJP ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections referred to PM Modi as a terrorist during a press conference He later clarified that he meant the Prime Minister was terrorising people and political parties and not that he was a terroristHowever the BJP launched a scathing attack on Kharge calling it a grave insult to the mandate of the countrys 140 crore peopleUnion Health Minister JP Nadda hit out at the Congress chief and said the people will give a befitting response to the partyThe use of the word terrorist by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is a grave insult to the mandate of 140 crore countrymen Nadda said on XThe issueless and visionless Congress has gone berserk out of fear of the impending defeat in the upcoming elections in five states In its attempt to snatch away womens rights it is facing the wrath of the public across the country irked by its eroding mass base Congress leaders are unable to digest the continuously rising popularity of Prime Minister Modi Ji he saidCondemning Kharges remarks the Union Minister said The shameful and derogatory language used by the Congress President against Prime Minister Modi Ji cannot be condemned enough no matter how strongly it is denouncedEarlier on Tuesday Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a post on X slammed Kharge and accused Congress of repeatedly lowering the standards of public discourse âHe wrote that Kharge had breached every standard of public conduct and brought shame to the nation by calling the elected Prime Minister a terrorist âHM Shah emphasised that PM Modi had curbed terrorism over the past 12 years and described the remark as highly condemnable âHe added that every time Congress hurls abuses at PM Modi the people of India respond and this time too the public will give its answer â IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/i-feel-kharge-ji-doesnt-differentiate-between-terrorists-and-terror-to-terrorists-vp-radhakrishnan-670689.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-hc-verdict-exposes-political-conspiracies-of-congress-says-harish-rao-670696.html Hyderabad April 22 Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS leader and former Minister T Harish Rao said on Wednesday that the Telangana High Courtâs order barring the state government from taking any action against him and BRS president and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on the basis of the PC Ghose Commission report has exposed the political conspiracies of the Congress party Truth always prevailsâ was how Harish Rao reacted to the High Court orders on their petitions challenging the report of the Ghose Commission which probed the alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project constructed during the BRSâNo matter how many conspiracies anyone hatches it has once again been proven today that in the end justice prevails in the courts and truth resoundsâ said Harish Rao who is also the nephew of K Chandrasekhar Rao KCRA Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin on Wednesday pronounced the orders on the batch of writ petitions filed separately by KCR Harish Rao retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary SK Joshi and serving IAS officer Smitha Sabharwal challenging the reportThe High Court observed that the Ghose Commission did not follow the procedure under the Commission of Inquiry ActHarish Rao stated that the High Court has struck down the trial conducted while disregarding fundamental rights and principles of natural justice âIt has clearly ruled that the remarks made by the commission which hurt personal prestige are invalid and no actions should be taken based on that report With this the political conspiracies of the Congress government have been exposedâ he saidThe BRS deputy leader in the Telangana Assembly remarked that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddys true colours setting aside public issues to stage dramas have been laid bare by the High Court judgment âEven now we appeal to him to immediately cease baseless complaints and political smear campaigns complete the repairs to the two piers right away and safeguard the interests of Telanganas farmers Whether anyone praises it or not Kaleshwaram will forever remain Telanganas lifelineâ he added Said to be the worldâs largest multistage lift irrigation project the Kaleshwaram project was started by the then BRS government in May 2016 Its main component was inaugurated by the then CM KCR in 2019In March 2024 the Congress government constituted a commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose to probe the alleged irregularities in planning design construction quality control operation and maintenance of Medigadda Annaram and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram projectThe commission submitted its report to the Telangana government on July 31 2025The Commission held KCR directly and vicariously accountable for irregularities in planning execution completion operation and maintenance of the Kaleshwaram project It also indicted Harish Rao then Chief Secretary Joshi and then Secretary to Chief Minister Smitha Sabharwal IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-hc-verdict-exposes-political-conspiracies-of-congress-says-harish-rao-670696.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/chhattisgarh-bans-employee-leave-for-three-months-amid-governance-festival-census-670717.html Raipur April 22 The Chhattisgarh government has announced a sweeping ban on employee leave for the next three months citing the dual priorities of the upcoming âSushasan Tiharâ Good Governance Festival and preparations for the national census The directive issued with immediate effect places a moratorium on leave across all departments to ensure maximum workforce availability during this critical period According to an order employees and officials will not be permitted to take leave unless they provide prior intimation and secure approval from a competent authority Even casual leave applications must now be submitted through digital channels reflecting the governmentâs push for transparency and accountability Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against any employee found violating these instructions The decision underscores the stateâs emphasis on effective governance during âSushasan Tiharâ a festival dedicated to resolving public grievances and accelerating the implementation of welfare schemes By restricting leave the government aims to guarantee that administrative machinery remains fully functional enabling swift responses to citizen concerns and ensuring smooth execution of programmes Equally significant is the upcoming Census a nationallevel exercise requiring extensive manpower and coordination State employees are expected to play a pivotal role in data collection and verification tasks that demand the uninterrupted availability of personnel The leave ban is thus seen as a measure to prevent disruptions and maintain efficiency in this massive undertaking Officials have clarified that while the restrictions are stringent they are not absolute Employees facing unavoidable circumstances may still apply for leave provided they follow the prescribed digital notification process and obtain prior approval This balance the government believes will maintain discipline without disregarding genuine needs The announcement has sparked discussions among employees with some expressing concern over the rigidity of the order while others acknowledge the importance of ensuring smooth governance and Census operations For the administration however the priority remains clear uninterrupted service delivery and successful execution of national and statelevel commitments By enforcing this temporary measure the Chhattisgarh government has indicated its determination to strengthen governance enhance accountability and ensure that both the Good Governance Festival and the Census are conducted with maximum efficiency IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/chhattisgarh-bans-employee-leave-for-three-months-amid-governance-festival-census-670717.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/president-murmu-to-inaugurate-tribal-museum-in-odisha-today-670501.html Bhubaneswar April 21 President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate a tribal museum a planetarium and a science centre during a daylong visit to Odisha on Tuesdayâ According to the Presidents Secretariat President Murmu will inaugurate the planetarium and science Centre and the Nirmal Munda Parivesh Path at a public function in Rourkela said a statementâShe will also inaugurate a tribal museum and an Integrated Command and Control Centre at RourkelaâExtensive and robust security measures have been implemented at all venues listed in the Presidents itinerary in view of her visitâOdisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi along with other senior dignitaries are expected to interact with President Murmu during the visitâEarlier in February President Murmu was on a sixday visit to her home stateShe visited Jajpur and offered prayers at the historic 13thcentury Biraja Temple and participated in some rituals at Nabhi GayaâThe President also visited the Balasore district and attended the 12th convocation ceremony of Fakir Mohan UniversityâLater she travelled to Puri and visited the Shree Jagannath Temple She offered prayers and participated in the aarti at the 12thcentury shrine The President also performed other specific rituals in the holy coastal townâDuring that visit President Murmu also visited Mayurbhanj district and participated in a number of programmes across her home districtâThe President attended a special programme at the Jagannath Temple in Rairangpur and later visit Simlipal Wildlife SanctuaryâThe next day she engaged directly with women and youth from tribal communities at Simlipal one of Odishas premier biosphere reserves known for its rich biodiversity and tribal heritageâLater that day she will grace the Black Swan Summit India in Bhubaneswar an event organised by the Odisha government in partnership with the Global Finance and Technology NetworkâConcluding her visit President Murmu later travelled to Chhattisgarh where she inaugurated the Bastar Pandum 2026 festival in Jagdalpurâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/president-murmu-to-inaugurate-tribal-museum-in-odisha-today-670501.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/vp-radhakrishnan-to-address-civil-servants-today-highlight-inclusive-development-670504.html New Delhi April 21 On the occasion of the 18th Civil Services Day on Tuesday Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will address officials at an event in Delhi highlighting the governmentâs commitment to inclusive development and citizencentric governance The event planned by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances DARPG Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions at Vigyan Bhawan will be themed âViksit Bharat CitizenCentric Governance and Development at the Last Mileâ said an official statementThe inaugural session will include an address by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh and a welcome address by Cabinet Secretary TV SomanathanThe inaugural session will be followed by a panel discussion on the âRole and effectiveness of civil services An external perspectiveâ which will bring together eminent personalities from government industry and policy institutions to deliberate on enhancing accountability innovation and service delivery in governanceThe Civil Services Day is observed annually as an occasion for the civil servants across India to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in their workOn this day in 1947 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the probationers of the All India Administrative Service where he described civil servants as the steel frame of IndiaThe sessions at the event will bring together senior officials experts and stakeholders for indepth discussions and the exchange of best practices towards strengthening citizencentric governance and improving lastmile service deliveryThe session on âSustainable Livelihood through PM Vishwakarmaâ will be chaired by Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi and the session on âAddressing NonCommunicable Diseases in India From Preventive to Careâ will be chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda the statement said IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/vp-radhakrishnan-to-address-civil-servants-today-highlight-inclusive-development-670504.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/voting-underway-in-aizawl-municipal-corporation-under-tight-security-670510.html Aizawl April 21 Voting for the 19member Aizawl Municipal Corporation AMC commenced on Tuesday morning amid tight security arrangements election officials said People including women turned out in large numbers forming queues at most of the 275 polling stations across the civic body urban areasPolling began at 7 AM and will continue uninterrupted until 5 PM A total of 239 lakh voters including 126 lakh women are eligible to cast their votes to decide the electoral fate of 68 candidates of whom 28 are women contesting in the civic body pollsElection authorities along with the state police have put in place elaborate measures to ensure that the polling process remains free fair and transparentThe Mizoram government has declared a public holiday in areas under the AMC on Tuesday to enable voters to exercise their franchiseâAll eligible voters have been urged to exercise their franchise On the day of polling all government offices educational institutions and public sector establishments within the AMC jurisdiction will remain closedâ an official notification statedOfficials of the Mizoram State Election Commission SEC said that nearly 94 per cent of the 2768 senior citizens Persons with Disabilities PwD and individuals with chronic illnesses have already cast their votes through the home voting facilityAccording to an SEC official the candidates comprise 40 men and 28 women representing four major political parties all contesting for seats in the civic bodyThe ruling Zoram Peopleâs Movement the main Opposition Mizo National Front MNF and the Congress have fielded 19 candidates each while the BJP has nominated 11 candidatesThe previous AMC elections were held in February 2021 when the MNF secured a majority by winning 11 seatsThe Zoram Peopleâs Movement won six seats while the Congress secured two seatsAlthough the municipalityâs term ended on March 1 the State Election Commission deferred the election process due to administrative reasons These included the state Assemblyâs budget session which concluded on March 16 as well as ongoing state Board examinationsThe State Election Commission has also enforced the Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates Votes will be counted on April 27 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/voting-underway-in-aizawl-municipal-corporation-under-tight-security-670510.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/vp-radhakrishnan-to-visit-meerut-today-may-take-namo-bharat-train-670511.html New Delhi April 21 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan is scheduled to visit Meerut Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday where he will attend the third convocation ceremony of IIMT University as the chief guest According to the official itinerary the Vice President is expected to begin his journey from Delhi in the morning boarding the Namo Bharat RRTS train from Sarai Kale Khan station He is slated to arrive at Begumpul station in Meerut from where he will proceed by road to the university campus located in GanganagarAnnouncing the ceremony IIMT University posted on its social media An inspiring presence for a defining milestone IIMT University Meerut is honoured to welcome CP Radhakrishnan Honâble Vice President of India as the Chief Guest for the 3rd Convocation Ceremony 2026The convocation ceremony a significant academic event for the institution will see nearly 3940 students from the 2024 and 2025 batches receiving their degrees Among them 203 meritorious students will be awarded gold medals in recognition of their academic excellenceDuring the event the Vice President will also confer honorary doctorate degrees upon prominent spiritual and social figures including Swami Kailashanand Giri Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Hari Singh RawatIn view of the highprofile visit extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Meerut More than 400 police personnel including senior officers have been deployed and drone surveillance is being carried out to ensure safety Traffic diversions have also been implemented particularly along the route leading to GanganagarSeveral dignitaries including Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Bajpai and MP Arun Govil are also expected to attend the ceremonyThe Vice President just concluded a landmark twoday official visit to Sri Lanka the firstever bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to the country He announced the expansion of the Overseas Citizen of India OCI scheme to include 5th and 6th generation Indianorigin Tamils in Sri Lanka IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/vp-radhakrishnan-to-visit-meerut-today-may-take-namo-bharat-train-670511.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/prez-murmu-extends-greetings-on-civil-services-day-praises-civil-servants-for-strengthening-governance-670513.html New Delhi April 21 President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday extended greetings to civil servants on Civil Services Day and praised their commitment to strengthening governance and building a more equitable and progressive nation In a statement the President said Warm greetings to all civil servants on Civil Services Day Your commitment continues to strengthen responsive governance and reinforce public institutions From the formulation of innovative futureoriented and citizencentric policies to their effective implementation on the ground your work significantly impacts the quality of life of millionsAs Bharat advances with renewed aspirations your integrity and empathy will be instrumental in bridging gaps fostering inclusivity and strengthening trust between the State and its citizens May you continue to uphold the highest standards of public service and contribute meaningfully to the building of a more equitable and progressive nation she addedThe Civil Services Day is observed annually as an occasion for civil servants across India to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in their workOn this day in 1947 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the probationers of the All India Administrative Service where he described civil servants as the steel frame of IndiaUnion Home Minister Amit Shah also extended warm wishes to the civil servants on the occasion and said On Civil Services Day greetings to our civil servants Their dedication to implementing policies strengthening governance and serving citizens with integrity plays a vital role in nationbuilding May this occasion further fortify their commitment to contribute to the nationUnion Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also took to social media to wish civil servants on Civil Services DayIn a post on X Gadkari said On this Civil Services Day we salute the dedication integrity and tireless service of our civil service professionals who shape the nations progress Your commitment to governance and public welfare inspires trust and drives change Thank you for being the backbone of a stronger more resilient India IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/prez-murmu-extends-greetings-on-civil-services-day-praises-civil-servants-for-strengthening-governance-670513.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/major-initiative-for-noida-workers-call-centre-set-up-for-quick-grievance-redressal-670542.html New Delhi April 20 In a significant move aimed at ensuring swift and effective resolution of workersâ issues the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has launched a dedicated call centre for grievance redressal The facility has been established by the office of the Additional Labour Commissioner Noida and will operate from the G25A office located in Sector3 The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of workers across the district Providing details about the development Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said that workers often face challenges in communicating their grievances to the concerned departments Keeping this issue in mind the administration has introduced the call centre to make the complaint registration process simpler and more accessible while also ensuring timely resolution of issuesWorkers can now register their complaints by calling the helpline number 0124126892 In addition to the helpline an email facility has also been introduced to make the system more convenient Workers can send detailed descriptions of their grievances to the official email ID complaintdlcnoidagmailcomAccording to the administration this initiative is expected to not only streamline the complaint registration process but also enhance transparency and accountability in addressing workersâ concerns All complaints received through the call centre and email will be closely monitored to ensure prompt action and resolutionThe move is particularly beneficial for workers in the industrial sector many of whom previously had to make multiple visits to government offices to get their issues addressed With the new system in place workers can now directly connect with the administration through a simple phone call or email saving both time and effortThe district administration has urged workers to make full use of this facility and to report any issues without delay so that appropriate action can be taken swiftlyMeanwhile on April 19 the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force STF arrested Aditya Anand alias Rasti the alleged mastermind behind the violent Noida workersâ protest from Tiruchirappalli Railway Station in Tamil Nadu The accused who carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh and is a BTech graduate from NIT Jamshedpur reportedly confessed to orchestrating the unrest during interrogation IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/major-initiative-for-noida-workers-call-centre-set-up-for-quick-grievance-redressal-670542.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/strong-room-row-brews-in-kerala-ceo-orders-no-opening-of-any-rooms-at-counting-centres-670553.html Thiruvananthapuram April 21 Amid mounting controversy over the handling of election materials Keralas Chief Electoral Officer CEO Dr Rathan U Kelkar on Tuesday issued a strict directive that no rooms at votecounting centres be opened under any circumstances The order extends to even beyond the completion of counting with explicit instructions that unsealed rooms too must remain closedThe move follows disputes reported from Perambra in Kozhikode and Nenmara in Palakkad prompting the CEO to seek an explanation over the decision to open a material room in NenmaraThe issue which appeared to be settling in Kozhikodeâs Perambra resurfaced in Palakkad after plans emerged to open a strong room at Victoria College NenmaraThe decision triggered sharp reactions leading authorities to withdraw the move District Collector MS Madhavikutty clarified that the proposal was to access the material strong room not the EVM strong roomShe explained that the material room housing electionrelated documents is located adjacent to the EVM strong room and opening it was not irregularAccording to officials the intent was to retrieve Form 17A to ensure accurate data entry on the Election Commissionâs websiteHowever the process has now been halted and any further action will depend on the CEOâs directionsThe Collector added that such a room would only be opened in the presence of candidates and reiterated that the materials strong room was not sealedMeanwhile the Opposition UDF has intensified its campaign over the Kozhikode controversyIt alleges that strong rooms storing voting machines at the JDT Islam Convention Centre in Vellimadukunnu were opened without due permissionThough officials maintain that only a reserve room was accessed the Opposition argues that procedural lapses have undermined confidenceWith the counting day approaching the Election Commission faces the challenge of restoring trust while ensuring strict adherence to protocols governing the security of voting machines and related recordsKerala went to the polls on April 9 and counting of votes will take place on May 4 when it will be known which political front will rule Kerala for the next five years IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/strong-room-row-brews-in-kerala-ceo-orders-no-opening-of-any-rooms-at-counting-centres-670553.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/permanent-political-solution-in-bengal-hills-by-next-month-if-bjp-comes-to-power-hm-shah-670560.html Kolkata April 21 IANS A permanent political solution in the hills scattered over Darjeeling Kalimpong and Kurseong in North Bengal will be achieved by next month if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal after the Assembly elections in the state Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on TuesdaynbspOn May 6 we will be deciding the matter and coming out with a solution which will bring smiles on the faces of our Gorkha brothers Be it Congress or Trinamool Congress they have left out patriotic Gorkha brothers who have been deprived for a long time I had been coming to the hills for the last nine years I will announce a solution to the longstanding issue by May 6 That solution will be according to the desire of our Gorkha brothers HM Shah said while addressing a campaign rally at Sukna in Kurseong on Tuesday morningHe also said that since the BJP understands the sentiments and problems of the Gorkha population none other than the saffron force would be able to solve their problemsSpeaking on the occasion he said that the negligence of the Mamata Banerjeeled Trinamool Congress government towards the development of the entire North Bengal is evident from the state governments paltry budgetary allocation for the regionIn the last budget the state government had allocated Rs 2000 crore for the entire North Bengal But for minority and madrasa education development the budgetary allocation is as high as Rs 5800 crore But the people of North Bengal will not tolerate this approach anymore Shah saidHe also accused the Chief Minister of making attempts to destroy the rich heritage of Gorkha culture The Gorkhas have a glorious history Mamata Banerjee is trying to destroy that history and culture The same thing was done first by Congress and then by CPIM It is high time now that such injustice on our Gorkha brothers and sisters should stop said ShahHe also said that the West Bengal government had deliberately and perpetually refrained from sending representatives to the tripartite meeting convened by the Union Home Minister to discuss a permanent political solution in the hillsSince I became the Union Home Minister I have convened at least three meetings on this issue But Mamata Banerjee did not send any representative to the meeting even once I want to tell the Chief Minister that we are not dependent on her to solve this issue I know what is on the minds of our Grokha brothers and sisters Hence the solution would be achieved accordingly he saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/permanent-political-solution-in-bengal-hills-by-next-month-if-bjp-comes-to-power-hm-shah-670560.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/people-of-tamil-nadu-will-give-massive-victory-to-nda-to-teach-lesson-to-stalin-piyush-goyal-670578.html Chennai April 21 IANS Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the people of Tamil Nadu will deliver a massive victory to the NDA to teach a lesson to Mr StalinnbspSpeaking to IANS Goyal said I am at least glad that finally Udhayanidhi Stalin and his father MK Stalin have realised that by hurting Tamil culture Tamil pride Tamil tradition and Tamil heritage and by calling Sanatan Dharma which is a way of life for Tamil Nadu and for Indians something that should be eradicated they have hurt the sentiments of every Tamil Tamil Nadu will not forget and Tamil Nadu will not forgiveHe further said The people of Tamil Nadu will give such a massive victory to the NDA to teach a lesson to Mr Stalin whom I call antiTamil for continuously creating false narratives and hurting our women by depriving them of reservation The Congress and Tamil Nadus DMK are primarily responsible for not ensuring reservationGoyal added It is clearly visible that there is a massive wave in favour of the NDA Edappadi K Palaniswami will be the next Chief Minister of Tamil NaduReferring to regional leadership he said You just heard N Chandrababu Naidu himself He is from South India They have hurt the interests of South India and the Northeast and they have also weakened the goal of ensuring equal opportunities for every part of India and for every woman Stalin has completely failed the people of Tamil NaduMeanwhile in Tamil Nadu Tuesday is the last day of campaigning According to the Election Commission all forms of campaigning will cease after 6 PM With limited time remaining political parties intensified their final outreach efforts across districtsDuring campaigning BJP leaders while canvassing for alliance candidates alleged that the DMK had delivered poor governance in the state and that dynastic politics had permeated even village panchayat levels under its ruleAIADMK leader Palaniswami claimed that the DMK government was responsible for deteriorating law and order and rising crimes against womenOn the other hand AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal stated that Tamil Nadu has progressed under the DMK government He criticised the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP and drew comparisons with the current political situation of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish KumarThe Congress party meanwhile accused the Income Tax Department of obstructing Tamil Nadu Congress President Selva Perunthagai from carrying out his political duties terming the searches a blatant misuse of central agencies by the BJPIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/people-of-tamil-nadu-will-give-massive-victory-to-nda-to-teach-lesson-to-stalin-piyush-goyal-670578.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rahul-gandhi-would-provide-direction-hm-parameshwara-on-concerns-raised-by-ktaka-congs-muslim-leaders-670603.html Bengaluru April 21 Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that concerns raised by Muslim leaders within the Congress party would be examined adding that senior party MP and Leader of the Opposition LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi would provide direction on the matter Responding to questions from reporters he said the Congress has consistently given priority to members of the Muslim community when it comes to electoral representationHe also clarified that the partyâs practice of granting tickets to family members of deceased leaders has been misinterpreted in the present caseâSome have sought tickets citing their voter strength which is not wrong Due to certain reasons a ticket has been given to late Shamanur Shivashankarappaâs family and it should not be interpreted differentlyThis is an internal matter of the Congress party The party president the Chief Minister and all of us will resolve itâ he saidIt can be recalled that a section of Muslim leaders had sought a ticket for a candidate from the community from Davanagere South bypoll After the poll with allegations of antiparty activities surfacing the Congress had stripped MLCs Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Hussain of party positionsAbdul Jabbar was asked to resign from the post of the party minority wing and Hussain was shunted out from the post of CMs Political Advisor as he refused to tender his resignationAddressing another issue Parameshwara said he has directed officials to submit a report regarding allegations of harassment by senior officers against a Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement DCRE Inspector as well as a letter reportedly written by an SP to the DGP against the Mangaluru City Police CommissionerSpeaking to the media Parameshwara said he had taken note of reports highlighting the matterA DCRE Inspector named Srinivas has made several allegations while SP Kashinath has written to the DGP raising concerns âI have sought a report from the DGP on both these matters Action will be taken based on the findings of the reportâ he saidIt can be noted that SS Kashi a Superintendent of Police SP with the DCRE in Karnataka wrote a letter to the Director General and Inspector General of Police DGampIGP MA Saleem in April 2026 alleging mental harassment and bias by Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar ReddyPolice Commissioner Reddy denied the allegations calling them baseless and stating that departmental enquiries against Kashi were initiated based on his performance and upheld by the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rahul-gandhi-would-provide-direction-hm-parameshwara-on-concerns-raised-by-ktaka-congs-muslim-leaders-670603.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/storm-over-kharges-terrorist-remark-at-pm-modi-ministers-and-mps-rip-into-cong-chief-670604.html New Delhi April 21 IANS Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge found himself in the firing line of the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP on Tuesday as Union Ministers MPs and party leaders launched a blistering attack at him for calling the Prime Minister Narendra Modi a terroristThe political storm arising over Kharges comments saw Union Ministers and leaders from the BJP launching a fierce and swift response at the Congress and its ChiefUnion Minister Piyush Goyal while taking a strong objection to the highly deplorable remarks demanded an outright apology and warned that such personal attacks on the Prime Minister wont go unpunished in the electionsI feel ashamed that the Congress and the DMK have stooped so low that they are insulting the Prime Minister who is democratically elected by the people of India by calling him a terrorist Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin must apologise for this downright insult to the Prime Minister Modi as well as the people of India who have voted him in Union Minister Goyal said taking to his official X accountThe Union Minister said that objectionable words against the Prime Minister was an insult to 140 crore Indians including Tamil brothers and sisters and said that such personal attacks against the Prime Minister Modi wont reverse their electoral fate that has already been sealed by the anger of the people who have suffered their misruleBJP MP Sambit Patra called out the abusive mindset of Congress and asserted that this was not a random controversy but a tactfully planned Congress gameplan to attack and humiliate the Prime Minister ahead of electionsHe also warned that Congress not learning from its mistakes will have to pay the price in the ensuing Assembly pollsThe words chosen by Kharge for PM Modi is highly condemnable and shows the vitriolic mindset of Congress party This is not a slip of tongue Their clarification on the issue if any means nothing because its not a oneoff incident but a well thoughtout and planned Congress strategy For past few days Rahul Gandhi and other top Congress leaders have been making abusive and insulting remarks against the Prime Minister Patra saidHe added that Tuesdays incident has breached all limits as Mallikarjun Kharge at the insistence of Rahul Gandhi called the Prime Minister a terroristIssuing a video statement the BJP MP said This is same Congress which is seen standing with separatists this is the same party which addresses terrorist Osama Bin Laden with respect which describes radical preacher Zakir Naik apostle of peace but finds countrys Prime Minister as terroristHighlighting the series of welfare schemes launched by the Narendra Modi government including Mudra Yojana Awas Yojana free ration to countrymen and the push for 33 per cent reservation to women Patra asked Is this the character of Congress partyWarning the grand old party of biting the dust in the ensuing polls he said The way Congress has been making disparaging remarks on PM Modi it must remember that whenever Congress abused the Prime Minister it paid a heavy price and this time also the people of country will give it a befitting replyThe controversy emanated from Kharges statement made during a press conference in Tamil Nadu on TuesdayAddressing the press Kharge said How these AIADMK people who themselves put the photo of Annadurai how can they join PM Modi He is a terrorist His party wont believe in equality and justice These people are joining with them it means they are weakening democracy they are weakening the philosophy of Annadurai Kamaraj Periyar Kaliagnar Baba Saheb AmbedkarLater in a clarification the Congress President said I did not mean that PM Modi is a terrorist What I meant was that people are being terrorised and institutions and agencies are being used to intimidate themIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/storm-over-kharges-terrorist-remark-at-pm-modi-ministers-and-mps-rip-into-cong-chief-670604.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-polls-crpf-jawan-on-election-duty-attempts-suicide-670464.html Kolkata April 20 A Central Reserve Police Force CRPF jawan who had come to West Bengal on Assembly election duty attempted suicide in Murshidabad district on Monday According to the police the jawan was rescued from the Shaktipur police station area of the Rejinagar Assembly constituency He is undergoing treatment at the hospitalA few Central Force personnel who arrived in Shaktipur on election duty have been accommodated at Bazarsau Higher Secondary High School It is alleged that the head constable of the Central Reserve Police Forceâs 142nd Battalion attempted suicide thereThe jawan hails from a state in southern India He had also done election duty in Assam a month ago According to a local source he shot himself with a service rifle One bullet hit his left shoulder The bleeding jawan was rescued by his colleaguesThe injured jawan is undergoing treatment at Berhampore Medical College and Hospital According to hospital sources his physical condition is stable However he has been kept under observation for the time beingEarlier a Central Force jawan on Assembly election duty died under mysterious circumstances in Falta of South 24 Parganas district on the night of April 14 The deceased was identified as Kanak KochHe was a constable with the IndoTibetan Border Police The initial assumption of the police is that he fell from the stairs and died after sustaining severe injuriesTwo days later a Border Security Force jawan died in a fire at the camp of the 77th Battalion of the Border Security Force at Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas districtThe deceasedâs name was Jyotiram SinghHe was working as an Assistant SubInspector Jyotiram entered the camps fuel storage room and soon the fire broke outThe fire spread so quickly that the Border Security Force jawan did not get a chance to come out As a result he got trapped in the room and died of burns IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-polls-crpf-jawan-on-election-duty-attempts-suicide-670464.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/chandrababu-trying-to-create-rift-in-jagans-family-alleges-lakshmi-parvathi-670472.html Hyderabad April 20 YSR Congress Party general secretary N Lakshmi Parvathi on Monday slammed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu for what she called trying to create a rift in the family of YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Lakshmi Parvathi the second wife of former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party TDP founder N T Rama Rao NTR said Chandrababu Naidu created a wedge in the family of NTR and alleged that he was playing the same cards with the Jagan Mohan Reddy familySpeaking to the media here she alleged that said Chandrababu made a backdoor entry into politics and usurped the TDP and power from NTR She remarked that Chandrababu never won an election on his ownLakshmi Parvathi criticised Chandrababu for trying to elevate his son Nara Lokesh âLokesh is another unworthy candidate who has no knowledge of any subject but has undeservedly high aspirationsâ she saidThe former MLA said that while Jagan Mohan Reddy championed the cause of womens empowerment and demonstrated it in its finest form by giving 50 per cent reservations to them Chandrababu always betrayed women be it Self Help Groups pensions free bus travel or other schemesShe alleged that Amaravati is a project for Chandrababu to mint money and claimed that MAVIGUN Machilipatnam Vijayawada Guntur suggested by Jagan Mohan Reddy is the most practical and viable oneMeanwhile YSRCP spokesperson and former MLA Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy strongly criticised Lokesh saying his newfound respect for Jagan Mohan Reddyâs mother YS Vijayamma exposes his political opportunismHe stated that Lokeshâs sudden birthday wishes to YS Vijayamma were driven by political motives rather than genuine respectThe YSRCP spokesperson said that those who are now claiming to respect Jagan Mohan Reddyâs mother and admire his sister are simultaneously targeting his wife He called it a clear reflection of unethical politicsHe pointed out that Vijayammaâs birthday is a moment of joy for YSRCP cadre and the people who respect the YSR family but Lokeshâs sudden display of affection raises serious doubts especially when he had never shown such regard in the pastSiva Prasad Reddy stated that this ânewfound respectâ is part of a calculated attempt to exploit internal family differences for political gain and to distance YS Jagan from his familyRecalling past incidents he said YSRCP leaders cannot forget how Vijayamma was subjected to humiliating vehicle checks during the previous TDP regime questioning the sincerity behind current greetings from the same quartersHe further criticised the selective nature of such gestures asking whether similar wishes were ever extended to the mothers of other leaders including national figures and allies and termed this as clear hypocrisy IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/chandrababu-trying-to-create-rift-in-jagans-family-alleges-lakshmi-parvathi-670472.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-cm-performs-bhoomi-puja-for-kaleshwaram-temples-development-works-670473.html Hyderabad April 20 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday laid the foundation stone for the development works of the Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Temple at Kaleshwaram in Jayashankar Bhupalapally district The development works of the temple are being taken up at a cost of â¹198 crore Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also laid the foundation stone for the Kaleshwaram Bus StationMinisters Uttam Kumar Reddy Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy Duddilla Sridhar Babu Ponnam Prabhakar Adluri Laxman Kumar MP Gaddam Vamshi Krishna and others were presentIn May last year the Chief Minister Reddy had announced that the state government will allocate Rs 200 crore for the development of the Kaleshwaram temple as a major tourist destinationHe had promised to release the funds through the green channelOn Monday Chief Minister Reddy reached Kaleshwaram by a helicopter from Hyderabad and after performing puja at the temple and participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the temples development works he visited Annaram barrage a part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation ProjectIrrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Revenue Minister P Srinivas Reddy National Dam Safety Authority NDSA Chairman Anil Jain and senior officials accompanied the Chief MinisterChief Minister Reddy along with ministers and senior officials inspected the ongoing geotechnical geophysical and GPR surveys â as well as sample collection activities â being conducted using bore rigs at piers 20 21 and 22 of the Medigadda barrageThe government plans to collect samples using 520 bore rigs and send them to the Central Water and Power Research Station CWPRSFollowing laboratory testing at the facility a comprehensive understanding regarding the extent of the damage to the barrage is expected to emergeMinister Uttam Kumar Reddy said last week that the Chief Minister Reddygovernment will undertake the repair and restoration of three barrages part of the Kaleshwaram project scientifically and transparentlyHe met NDSA Chairman Anil Jain in Delhi on April 17 and discussed the state governments action plan for the repair and restoration of the Medigadda Annaram and Sundilla barragesThe minister explained the precautionary measures the government is taking to prevent past errors from being repeatedThe NDSA Chairman expressed satisfaction with the manner in which comprehensive testing is currently being conducted under the supervision of experts IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-cm-performs-bhoomi-puja-for-kaleshwaram-temples-development-works-670473.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/confusion-over-vance-pak-trip-trump-rules-it-out-on-security-grounds-wh-says-otherwise-670323.html New York April 20 There was confusion over US Vice President JD Vance travelling to Pakistan to lead the US in talks with Iran after President Donald Trump ruled it out on Sunday citing security concerns while the White House said he would attend Trump told two television programmes that Vance would not be going to Islamabad for the second round of direct negotiations that he said would take place next weekBut both CNN and The New York Times reported soon afterwards that according to White House officials Vance would indeed be at the talks along with Trumpâs soninlaw Jared Kushner and Special Representative Steve WitkoffAn ABC News interviewer said that Trump told him âthat Vice President Vance will not be leading the US delegation to IslamabadâThe interviewer Jonathan Karl reported âHe said its because of security the Secret Service did not feel comfortable having the vice president go to Pakistan on 24 hours notice He added âJD is greatââTrump also told MSNBCâs Jacqueline Alemany that Vance would not be going because 24 hours was too short to make security arrangementsPakistan is a nation wracked by terrorism caused in part by its policy of exporting terrorism that has boomerangedIran has not confirmed that it is participating in a new round of direct talks in IslamabadTrump said that his representatives would be in Islamabad on MondayHe told Fox News that his soninlaw Jared Kushner and Special Representative Steve Witkoff would be leading the US side in the talks with IranAlthough the Strait of Hormuz remained closed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC Trump was going ahead with the talks while also issuing fresh threats against Iran if it did not make a dealâWeâre offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL and I hope they take it because if they donât the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iranâ he said on Truth SocialâNO MORE MR NICE GUYâ he addedThere appeared to be a power struggle between the diplomatic and military establishments in IranIranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the âStrait of Hormuz is declared completely openâ for commercial shipping but the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC countermanded it on SaturdayTrump confirmed Araghchiâs statement with a âThank youâ postThe IRGC said that the Strait was closed because the US was blockading its ports and fired on two Indian ships on SaturdayTrump did not immediately declare the ceasefire dead or take retaliatory action because he was invested in getting the negotiations to succeed as he faces increased pressure at home because of the impact of the war on the economyAbout the IRGC Navys hostile action in the Strait Trump said âThat wasnât nice was itâBut he added âMy representatives are going to Islamabad Pakistan they will be there tomorrow evening for negotiations Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait which is strange because our BLOCKADE has already closed itâTrump has claimed that Iran had agreed to most of the US demands including forswearing nuclear ambitions foreverAgain there was no confirmation of this from Iran which continued its bellicose rhetoric IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/confusion-over-vance-pak-trip-trump-rules-it-out-on-security-grounds-wh-says-otherwise-670323.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/feeling-blessed-rajnath-singh-offers-prayers-at-subramanya-swami-temple-in-tn-670337.html New Delhi April 20 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered prayers at the Subramanya Swami Temple in Tiruchendur Tamil Nadu on Monday Reflecting on his visit Rajnath Singh stated that he felt blessed to experience the divine energy of the ancient temple Rajnath Singh took to social media X and said Prayed at the sacred Sri Subramanya Swami temple in Tiruchendur Tamil Nadu Feeling blessed to experience the divine energy of this TempleSubramanya Swami temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess ParvatiIt is located in Tiruchendur Thoothukudi District Tamil Nadu It is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan and is the only one along the seashore The other five temples are situated on mountains The temple faces the Bay of Bengal and is washed by the sea waves from the Gulf of MannarEarlier on April 19 Rajnath Singh had reiterated the Union governments resolve to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies despite a bill over the quota getting defeated in Lok Sabha a few days agoAddressing an election rally in Tamil Nadu the Defence Minister said the 33 per cent womens reservation bill was not allowed to be passed in Parliament by the DMK Congress Trinamool Congress and the Communist partiesI want to assure you on behalf of the government and on the basis of the pledge taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that we will provide the womens quota at the very first opportunity we get in Parliament Rajnath Singh said in Vasudevanallur Assembly constituencyThe Defence Minister has joined other BJP star campaigners to boost the partys pitch in the Assembly election in the state on April 23Rajnath Singh is spearheading the NDAs campaign in southern Tamil NaduThe Defence Minister had a hectic schedule on Sunday which was packed with addresses in the Radhapuram constituency of Tirunelveli district Puliyangudi in Tenkasi district and a roadshow at Panagudi located about 400 metres from the main venueThe NDAs campaign has already seen highprofile appearances by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Piyush Goyal who have canvassed support for alliance candidates in recent days IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/feeling-blessed-rajnath-singh-offers-prayers-at-subramanya-swami-temple-in-tn-670337.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/manipur-shutdowns-hit-life-in-both-valley-hill-regions-21-arrested-after-violence-670366.html Imphal April 20 Normal life in both the Imphal valley and Nagainhabited hill areas of Manipur has been severely disrupted as shutdowns called by different organisations continued on Monday Meanwhile police arrested 21 people for their alleged involvement in violence during a rally in Imphal West district two days ago The shutdown in Imphal valley covering five to six districts was called by Meira Paibis women torchbearers one of the most influential womens bodies along with various Civil Society Organisations CSOsThe protest is against the killing of two minor children and the injury to their mother allegedly by suspected Kuki militants in Bishnupur district on April 7The shutdown which came into effect from midnight on Saturday has led to a nearcomplete halt in daily life across the valleyMembers of the Meira Paibis and groups of women protesters were seen at several locations blocking roads and restricting vehicular movementAccording to police passenger and commercial vehicles remained off the roads while shops business establishments and roadside vendors stayed shut contributing to widespread disruptionIn the hill regions the United Naga Council UNC the apex body of the Naga community in Manipur has separately called a threeday total shutdown across all Nagainhabited areas of the state from midnight on SundayThe UNC announced the shutdown to protest the killing of two Naga civilians including a retired Indian Army personnel in Ukhrul district on April 18 allegedly by suspected Kuki militantsIn a statement the UNC said that in view of the âoutrageous aggression over their homeland and the coldblooded killing of two Naga civiliansâ it convened a joint emergency meeting with various organisations on Sunday at Tahamzam in Senapati districtThe statement added that the total shutdown would continue from midnight on Sunday until midnight of April 23 across all Naga areas both as a mark of mourning and as a collective expression of condemnationDuring this period all public and private institutions business establishments and vehicular movement will remain suspended except for emergency servicesThe UNC also announced that a candlelight vigil would be held on the evening of April 23 in all Nagainhabited district headquarters as well as in Imphal to honour the deceased and reaffirm a commitment to peace with dignityManipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Sunday appealed to Civil Society Organisations CSOs and the public to reconsider and withdraw the shutdowns in the interest of public welfare and the normal functioning of the stateMeanwhile police said that at least 21 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in violence during a rally in Imphal West district two days agoAccording to a police statement on April 18 a torch rally was carried out along the ImphalâJiribam road organised by various CSOs from Patsoi to SagolbandDuring the rally the mob reportedly turned violent resorting to stonepelting hurling petrol bombs and using catapults and boulders against police personnel resulting in multiple injuriesOfficial vehicles of security forces were vandalised and three personnel of the 232 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force CRPF sustained grievous injuries Police said the mob was eventually dispersed and the situation brought under controlIn another development the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity COCOMI an apex body of the Meitei community accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters and sharply criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over what it described as a failure to contain the escalating violence in the stateCOCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpam said that recent incidents including the killing of two minors earlier this month and subsequent civilian deaths in fresh attacks have triggered widespread public anger and sustained agitation across the Imphal valleyHe added that despite the deteriorating situation the Chief Minister has continued district visits projecting progress in the peace process a claim the organisation has rejectedMeanwhile the Chief Minister has announced that the state government will hand over both the April 18 Ukhrul district shooting incident and the April 7 deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district to the National Investigation Agency NIA for a thorough and comprehensive probe IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/manipur-shutdowns-hit-life-in-both-valley-hill-regions-21-arrested-after-violence-670366.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-summons-rice-trader-in-bengal-ration-corruption-case-670367.html Kolkata April 20 The Enforcement Directorate ED has summoned trader Barik Biswas as part of its investigation into the ration scam in West Bengal said the central investigation agency officials on Monday The rice trader has been asked to appear at the EDs CGO Complex office in the Salt Lake area of the city on Monday afternoon According to officials this rice trader Barik Biswas is close to former state food minister Jyotipriya MallickIncidentally in August 2024 the ED conducted searches at Barik Biswass house while investigating the ration corruption case Detectives were looking into Bariks role and influential connections in the huge money transactions in the ration scamAccording to ED officials Rs 20 lakh was recovered during the search ED officials even came across a lot of documents from his rice mill After two years the rice trader is back under the EDs scanner Barik is accused of trying to smuggle rice into Bangladesh The investigators are trying to find out through whom the rice was smuggled into Bangladesh who else is involved in the smuggling ring and whether there is a deal with anyone else from abroad Barik has been summoned again to find out all these thingsEarlier Barik Biswas name had come up in the gold and cow smuggling cases The central agencys sleuths have searched his house an apartment and an office earlier Now the Enforcement Directorate is trying to get more information in the ration case by questioning Barik BiswasIt is worth mentioning that on October 27 2023 the ED arrested senior Trinamool Congress leader and then state Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in the ration scamThe central investigation agency said that the state minister known by many inside and outside the party as âBaluâ was directly involved in widespread corruption in the distribution of rations in the state during the COVID19 lockdown He was arrested after an interrogation and the collection of evidence After about 14 months of his arrest the court granted him bail in January last year Just a week after his release on bail his close aide Anisur who was also accused in the same case was also granted bail IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-summons-rice-trader-in-bengal-ration-corruption-case-670367.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-stalin-condemns-it-raid-on-tn-congress-chief-alleges-attempt-to-disrupt-poll-campaign-670416.html Chennai April 20 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday strongly condemned the Income Tax IT raid conducted at the residence of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai alleging that it was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the Oppositionâs election campaign ahead of the Assembly polls In a post on X CM Stalin accused the BJPled Central government of resorting to intimidation tactics with less than 48 hours remaining for the campaign to endâI strongly condemn the conspiracy to hinder the campaign of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President brother Selvaperunthagai Forgetting that India is a democratic country the BJP government out of fear of defeat is trying to obstruct Opposition parties at the last minute The people of Tamil Nadu will give a fitting reply to such authoritarian actionsâ he saidThe remarks came after IT officials conducted searches at Selvaperunthagaiâs residence in Kilpauk Chennai from Monday morningThe Congress leader who is contesting from the Sriperumbudur Assembly constituency claimed that the officials had unlawfully detained him under the pretext of a house searchTaking to social media Selvaperunthagai alleged that he was being held in custody by IT officials during the raid He further claimed that the operation involved officers who did not speak Tamil raising concerns about the conduct of the searchâUnder the guise of an Income Tax raid I have been illegally detained in the Sriperumbudur constituency using Hindispeaking officersâ he said in his postThe development has triggered sharp political reactions in the State with Opposition leaders accusing the Centre of misusing central agencies to target political rivals during the crucial final phase of campaigningThe timing of the raid has also drawn attention as senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is currently in Tamil Nadu for election campaigningAs the political row escalates the incident is expected to further intensify the already heated electoral atmosphere in the State where campaigning is set to conclude shortly ahead of polling IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-stalin-condemns-it-raid-on-tn-congress-chief-alleges-attempt-to-disrupt-poll-campaign-670416.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/people-of-bengal-have-made-up-their-minds-to-bid-farewell-to-mamata-banerjee-jp-nadda-670429.html Murshidabad April 20 Union Minister JP Nadda on Monday asserted that the people of West Bengal have made up their minds to bid farewell to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Speaking to reporters Nadda said âThe enthusiasm I am witnessing across Bengal clearly indicates that the people have decided to say goodbye to Mamata DidiâHe further claimed that there is a growing inclination in favour of the BJP alleging that people are distressed over issues such as corruption and harassmentâIn a way people feel terrorised They have found hope in blooming the lotus on April 23 and May 4â he added referring to the BJPâs election symbol and key poll datesThe West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 with the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP as the principal contenders are shaping up to be an intense political battle centred on promises of better governance Political parties have released detailed manifestos focusing on key sectors such as healthcare education employment and social welfare aiming to connect with voters across the stateIn a significant departure from previous elections that were conducted in multiple phases West Bengal will vote in a streamlined twophase election this year covering all 294 constituencies The first phase of polling is scheduled for April 23 while the second phase will be held on April 29 The counting of votes will take place on May 4During Phase 1 polling will be conducted in 152 constituencies across 16 districts The remaining 142 constituencies spread across seven districts will go to the polls in Phase 2 completing the electoral exerciseThe Election Commission of India ECI has planned an extensive security arrangement for the elections Nearly 24 lakh Central Armed Police Forces CAPFs personnel are set to be deployed marking the highestever deployment in a single state during an election The move underscores the Commissionâs commitment to ensuring free fair and peaceful pollingOfficials said a detailed postpoll security plan is also in place Around 200 CAPF companies will remain stationed in the state after April 29 to guard Electronic Voting Machines EVMs strong rooms and counting centres Additionally 500 CAPF companies will continue law and order duties until further instructionsWith only two days left for campaigning to end for Phase 1 top leaders from various parties are making their final push to woo voters IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/people-of-bengal-have-made-up-their-minds-to-bid-farewell-to-mamata-banerjee-jp-nadda-670429.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/fire-at-rajasthan-pachpadra-refinery-a-day-before-inauguration-situation-brought-under-control-670440.html Jaipur April 20 Fire tenders were rushed to Pachpadra Refinery in Barmer Rajasthan on Monday as fire broke out in one of its units just a day before its scheduled inauguration The incident triggered brief panic among officials as the refinery is located barely one km from the event venue According to initial reports the fire originated in the CDU Crude Distillation Unit Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the site prompting immediate activation of the refineryâs fire safety systems Employees working in the affected area were swiftly evacuated as a precautionary measureThe officials confirmed that around 20 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the blaze Emergency response teams along with refinery personnel worked to contain the fire using inbuilt suppression systemsPolice control room officials told IANS that the situation was brought under control after sustained efforts as fire tenders were rushed to the venueThe officials in the Chief Ministerâs Office told IANS that the incident is âminorâ stating that the fire was successfully extinguishedThe incident occurred sometime before Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma was scheduled to arrive and review preparations for the highprofile inauguration eventDespite the fire officials indicated that there has been no major disruption reported so far The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and an investigation is likely to followMeanwhile Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Tikaram Jully said The fire at the Pachpadra Refinery in Balotra is extremely serious and concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming tomorrow to inaugurate this refinery built by the Congress party Such an incident just a day before raises serious questions about the governments hasty arrangementsThe BJP stalled this crucial Congress project for years doubling its cost This suggests the refinery isnt complete yet and is being inaugurated hastily for publicity purposes Had the Chief Minister taken the time to avoid false marketing perhaps such a major security lapse around such a crucial project wouldnt have occurred This isnt just an accident but the result of serious government negligence I pray for everyones safety in this accident Jully addedPrime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Rajasthan on Monday marking an important occasion for the countryâs energy and industrial sectorsDuring his visit the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation Indiaâs first greenfield integrated RefinerycumPetrochemical Complex at Pachpadra in Balotra The event is set to take place at around 1130 am after which he will also address a public gatheringThis refinerycumpetrochemical complex represents a landmark achievement in Indiaâs journey towards energy security and industrial growthDeveloped as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited HPCL and the Government of Rajasthan the project has been established with a massive investment exceeding Rs 79450 croreWith a capacity of nine Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum MMTPA it stands as one of the most significant greenfield projects in the sector The complex is designed as a stateoftheart facility that integrates both refining and petrochemical production IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/fire-at-rajasthan-pachpadra-refinery-a-day-before-inauguration-situation-brought-under-control-670440.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/strongroom-opening-row-triggers-tension-in-kozhikode-over-fears-of-election-manipulation-670454.html Kozhikode April 20 A complaint by the Congressled UDF on Monday alleging that a strongroom storing voting machines had been opened triggered brief tension and confusion at Vellimadukunnu in Kozhikode The Congress leaders raised suspicions of possible election manipulation before officials clarified that no breach had occurredThe controversy centres on the strongroom facility at JDT Islam College where Electronic Voting Machines EVMs from seven constituencies in Kozhikode district are stored under tight securityUDF leaders including Congress MP MK Raghavan and District Congress Committee President Praveen Kumar alleged that the opening of the strongroom pointed to a serious lapse and demanded a thorough probeThey reiterated concerns of possible attempts to tamper with the electoral process and called for enhanced security including handing over complete control to central forces and sealing adjacent roomsHowever election authorities moved swiftly to dismiss the allegations stating that the strongroom containing EVMs remained sealed and untouchedOfficials clarified that what had been opened was a separate âmaterials roomâ used for storing pollingrelated items and not the strongroom itselfThe Returning Officer said the room was accessed as part of a routine inspection of polling materials for the Perambra constituency in the presence of representatives from various political partiesUDF candidate from Perambra Fathima Tehlia said she had been informed about the opening earlier in the morning but noted that the process had already been completed by the time she reached the venue adding to the confusionOfficials maintained that the protest and allegations stemmed from a misunderstanding with the materials room being mistaken for the strongroomElections took place on April 9 to the 140 Assembly constituencies in KeralaWith vote counting scheduled for May 4 authorities said a threetier security system remains firmly in place to safeguard the strongrooms underscoring that there has been no compromise in the integrity of the stored voting machines IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/strongroom-opening-row-triggers-tension-in-kozhikode-over-fears-of-election-manipulation-670454.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/odisha-cm-disburses-rs-83848-crore-to-4168-lakh-farmers-under-key-scheme-670457.html Bhubaneswar April 20 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday released financial assistance of Rs 83848 crore to 4168582 farmers under the CMKISAN scheme on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and State Farmers Day The Chief Minister also made several major announcements for farmers at a grand event held at the Central Rice Research Institute CRRI in Cuttack After performing the Bhoomi Puja on agricultural land near CRRI Majhi ceremonially initiated the âAkhi Muthi Anukulaâ traditional paddy sowing ritual He then visited an agricultural exhibition and flagged off the âAma Bihana Rathaâ Seeds on Wheels and âKrushi RathaâTo ensure the easy availability of quality seeds Majhi launched the âAma Bihana Rathaâ initiative In the first phase these mobile seedselling units will operate in 31 blocks across 10 districts New varieties of paddy seeds will be made available at the gram panchayat level in 5 kg packetsExtending greetings on Akshaya Tritiya the Chief Minister said agriculture is the foundation of Odishaâs economy culture and prosperityâAgriculture is the foundation of our economy The progress of our state depends on the development of agriculture and farmers The growth of agriculture industry and other sectors will ensure the allround development of our state and help realise our governmentâs vision of a âSamruddha Odishaââ Majhi saidHe described âAkhi Muthi Anukulaâ as a proud cultural heritage of the state marking the beginning of the new farming season when farmers ceremonially sow paddyHe said that for the 2026 Kharif season financial assistance of approximately Rs 83848 crore has been disbursed to 4168582 farmers under the CMKISAN scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer DBTHe emphasised that empowering farmers economically is a top priority of the government and that the scheme reflects this commitment Among the beneficiaries 4124241 are small and marginal farmers 41049 belong to landless farmer families and 3292 are from tribal farmer familiesThe Chief Minister said that within 22 months of the new government coming to power the stateâs agricultural growth rate has reached 53 per cent surpassing the national average This year Odisha has achieved a record foodgrain production of over 150 lakh metric tonnesTo ensure fair remuneration for farmers the state government is procuring paddy at Rs 3100 per quintal During the 2025â26 Kharif season 7647 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from 1855661 farmersAn amount of Rs 558998 crore has been provided as input assistance The Chief Minister said farmers are the driving force behind building a prosperous Odisha and assured continued support to make agriculture more profitable modern and empoweredHe added that with coordinated efforts of the Centre and the state government development in Odisha has accelerated Special emphasis is being laid on quality seeds efficient irrigation and better market linkages to enhance farmersâ income IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/odisha-cm-disburses-rs-83848-crore-to-4168-lakh-farmers-under-key-scheme-670457.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/haryana-eyes-targets-for-2036-olympics-670461.html Chandigarh April 20 Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Monday chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of government initiatives in sports early childhood education nutrition and higher education Being recognised as Indias leading sporting State Haryana is now setting up ambitious targets for the 2036 Olympics The government has launched Mission Olympic 2036 Vijayee Bhavah a longterm talent identification programme aimed at grooming children aged eight to 10 years into worldclass athletes capable of winning medals Initial funding for the programme has been sanctioned by the Finance Department and implementation will be undertaken by the Sports UniversityDistrictlevel talent identification is being actively pursued under the One District One Sport initiative ensuring that sporting talent from every district from Ambala to Nuh gets equal opportunities The Khelo Haryana App announced in the Budget is also being developed to provide athletes with easy access to sportsrelated information and opportunities The Chief Secretary said the stateâs progress would be measured by its ability to deliver transparent technologydriven and citizencentric governance as it strives to become a leader in the national development agenda in line with the vision of âViksit Bharatâ given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Commissioner and Secretary Women and Child Development Shekhar Vidyarthi highlighted the stateâs significant progress in transforming anganwadi centres into quality early learning institutions for children from birth to six years of age More than 4000 anganwadi centres have been upgraded with preschool education kits educational toys furniture hygiene materials and RO drinking water facilities while 21962 additional centres have received customised education kits A workforce of 25000 anganwadi workers trained across all 22 districts with the support of 88 statelevel master trainers is delivering quality care and early learning to lakhs of children dailyThe Chief Secretary directed the Women and Child Development Department to clearly define measurable targets for each actionable item and ensure their timely completion within the stipulated timelines The meeting was informed that the NIPUN Bharat Mission would be extended to Grade V by March 2027 and highlighted the ongoing transformation of anganwadi centres into highquality preschool education hubs To ensure the health and academic tracking of the stateâs youth the administration is fasttracking the issuance of APAAR and ABHA digital IDs for all children in the zerotosix age groupFurthermore the Health Department has been tasked with developing a repository of regional nutritious recipes and ensuring absolute compliance with health protocols for children with severe acute malnutrition IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/haryana-eyes-targets-for-2036-olympics-670461.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/vijay-to-campaign-in-tns-tiruchi-east-gets-conditional-nod-from-authorities-670210.html Chennai April 19 Actorpolitician C Joseph Vijay president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK intensified his election campaign with backtoback outreach programmes in key constituencies contesting from both Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchi East A day after undertaking an extensive doortodoor campaign in the Perambur Assembly constituency Vijay is scheduled to campaign in Tiruchi East on Sunday evening Party sources said he will depart from Chennai at 2 pm in a private aircraft and arrive in Tiruchi shortly thereafter The campaign in Tiruchi East will be held between 3 pm and 7 pm covering several prominent localities under the constituency Vijay is expected to begin his outreach near the airport on Wireless Road followed by a roadshow through Thendral Nagar KK Nagar Bus Stand Kajamalai Road EVR College Road Tamil Nadu Hotel junction Kozhipannai Road and Kottapattu Addressing the public from an open vehicle he will seek support for his partys candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections After completing the campaign schedule Vijay is slated to return to the Tiruchi airport by 7 pm Authorities have granted permission for the campaign subject to strict adherence to election guidelines The Returning Officer has issued clearance after Vijayâs team sought approvals from both the Election Commission and the police However officials have imposed a set of conditions to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct and to maintain public order Among the key restrictions political flags must not be erected in a manner that obstructs traffic The campaign must not violate any provisions of the election code Unauthorised posters banners or party flags are strictly prohibited at the campaign venues Additionally the use or placement of any hazardous or explosive materials has been explicitly banned Officials also stressed that the campaign must be conducted strictly within the permitted time frame and at designated locations In total 27 conditions have been laid down including directives issued by the police and other concerned departments which the organisers are required to follow without deviation With highvoltage campaigning entering its final phase ahead of polling Vijayâs dualconstituency strategy is being closely watched as TVK looks to consolidate its presence in Tamil Naduâs political landscape IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/vijay-to-campaign-in-tns-tiruchi-east-gets-conditional-nod-from-authorities-670210.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-raids-residence-of-kolkata-police-dcp-shantanu-sinha-biswas-670211.html Kolkata April 19 The Enforcement Directorate ED on Sunday conducted raids at the residence of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas The ED officials reached the DCPs house on Fern Road in Ballygunge at 7 am It is reported that a search is underway at the houseOfficials said the search operation was being held in connection with the Sona Pappu syndicate case in the Ballygunge area of South Kolkata Biswas was once the OfficerinCharge of Kalighat police station which falls under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees Bhabanipur Assembly constituencyAt the same time the ED also raided the house of a businessman in the Behala area of South KolkataThe police have not yet arrested the main accused Sona Pappu alias Biswajit Poddar in the Golpark clash incident Although he has been seen in public and going live on social media he has yet to be arrestedEarlier the ED had called and questioned an IPS officer in this incident This time a search operation was conducted at the DCPs house itselfAccording to officials the ED went to the house of businessman Joy Kamdar in Behala Locals claim that he is mainly involved in the business of promoting real estate development His house was searched earlier too His name came up in the search conducted at Sona Pappus houseThe central investigation agency recovered cash from this house in Behala The ED also summoned the businessman twice for questioning However he avoided appearing both times After that ED officials went to his house again on SundayAccording to officials several teams of ED left from the CGO Complex early in the morning They were accompanied by central force jawans They had to wait for some time in front of the businessmans house in Behala Allegedly despite repeated knocking no one was opening the door of the house After a long time the door was opened and the ED officers entered Officials of the central agency had also reached Ballygunge early in the morningSearches were conducted at multiple addresses in the state capital city on Friday in connection with the illegal construction or syndicate case A few days ago the ED also raided the house of former state Minister Partha Chatterjee in the teacher recruitment corruption caseApart from this the Income Tax Department raided the house of outgoing Rashbehari MLA and Trinamool Congress candidate Debashis KumarThe Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29 The results of the vote will be known on May 4 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-raids-residence-of-kolkata-police-dcp-shantanu-sinha-biswas-670211.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/high-voltage-campaigning-peaks-in-tn-as-amit-shah-rajnath-singh-lead-nda-push-670214.html Chennai April 19 With just days left for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled on April 23 political campaigning has reached a fever pitch across the state The campaign will officially conclude on the evening of April 21 leaving parties with limited time to consolidate support in the final hours Senior leaders from both the state and the Centre have intensified their outreach crisscrossing constituencies in a whirlwind of rallies and roadshows Braving the scorching summer heat top leaders and Union ministers are aggressively campaigning for their respective parties and alliance candidatesThe National Democratic Alliance NDA has deployed its seniormost leaders to energise cadres and appeal directly to voters in key constituenciesUnion Home Minister Amit Shah is leading the campaign push on Sunday He is scheduled to address voters at Sivagiri in Erode district followed by a roadshow in support of the BJP candidate contesting from the Modakurichi Assembly constituencyLater in the day HM Shah will travel to Chennai where he will hold a roadshow in the Mylapore constituency at 4 pm backing BJP candidate Tamilisai SoundararajanAhead of the roadshow HM Shah is expected to offer prayers at the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore Authorities have put in place tight security arrangements in view of the highprofile visit and anticipated public turnoutMeanwhile Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is spearheading the NDAâs campaign in southern Tamil Nadu He is slated to address a public meeting in the Radhapuram constituency of Tirunelveli district later in the dayThe Defence Minister will then proceed to Puliyangudi in Tenkasi district for further campaigning and participate in a roadshow at Panagudi located about 400 metres from the main venueThe NDAâs campaign has already seen highprofile appearances by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal who have canvassed support for alliance candidates in recent daysWith only three days remaining before polling the frequent visits of Union ministers underline the importance the NDA is placing on Tamil Nadu As the campaign enters its final stretch all major parties are leaving no stone unturned to sway undecided voters and maximise turnout in what promises to be a closely watched electoral battle IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/high-voltage-campaigning-peaks-in-tn-as-amit-shah-rajnath-singh-lead-nda-push-670214.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/venkaiah-naidu-urges-youth-to-focus-on-agriculture-bring-scientific-research-to-fields-670239.html Hyderabad April 19 Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has called on the youth to focus on agriculture stating that agriculture is the backbone of the country He urged the youth to focus on this vital sector and stressed that research and scientific advancements must reach farmers in the fields rather than remain confined to laboratories The former Vice President was speaking at an event here on Saturday night to present the MS Swaminathan awardHighlighting environmental concerns the former Vice President warned against the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and underscored the importance of soil conservation and protection of nature and livestockVenkaiah Naidu called it a privilege to present the prestigious merit award named after the Father of the Green Revolution Dr MS Swaminathan to Ch Srinivasa Rao Director and ViceChancellor of ICARâIndian Agricultural Research Institute for his extraordinary contributions to the field of agricultureVenkaiah Naidu lauded Dr Srinivasa Raoâs efforts in formulating essential national policies regarding agriculture and climate change He noted that the award recognises his leadership in promoting natural farming practices and guiding the nation towards sustainable agricultureThe presentation ceremony for the 9th Professor MS Swaminathan Award 202425 was jointly organised by the Retired ICAR Employees Association and Nuziveedu Seeds Limited at the Dr Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao Chairman of Nuziveedu Seeds Limited Mandava Prabhakara Rao and the president of Retired ICAR Employees Association Vidyasagar Rao attended the ceremony Agriculture Minister Nageswara Rao expressed happiness that the award was presented during the birth centenary year of Professor MS Swaminathan He highlighted the need for scientific research to be more accessible to farmers and cautioned that neglecting soil health could reverse the gains of the Green Revolution Mandava Prabhakara Rao remarked that the award celebrates Dr Srinivasa Raoâs significant work in climateresilient agriculture and natural resource management He noted that Dr Rao has strengthened agricultural stability by expanding resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing districtlevel contingency plans IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/venkaiah-naidu-urges-youth-to-focus-on-agriculture-bring-scientific-research-to-fields-670239.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-cm-meets-governor-seeks-early-approval-for-azharuddins-nomination-as-mlc-670254.html Hyderabad April 19 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and requested him to approve the pending nominations of Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and M Kodandaram to the Telangana Legislative Council Accompanied by Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu and Rajya Sabha MP Vem Narender Reddy the Chief Minister called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and requested him to clear the nominations under the Governorâs quotaThe Chief Ministerâs meeting with the Governor came a day after Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and Advocate General A Sudarshan Reddy called on the GovernorAccording to Lok Bhavan they discussed administrative and legal matters related to the stateIt has been nearly six months since Azharuddin was sworn in as the minister He is not a member of the Legislative Assembly or CouncilAzharuddin who was sworn in as the minister on October 31 2025 is constitutionally required to get elected to either the Assembly or the Council by April 30 to continue in the CabinetThe Telangana Cabinet had recommended the names of Azharuddin and Kodandaram for nomination to the Council under the Governorâs quota on August 30 2025 The Governor has not yet approved the fileLast month the Chief Minister had exuded confidence that the Governor will give the nod for nomination of both Azharuddin and KodandaramHe noted that the Supreme Court had recently observed that it had no objection in the matter and that the state government was free to pursue the issue with the Governor for clearanceThe Cabinetâs decision to nominate former Indian cricket captain Azharuddin and Kodandaram as Members of the Legislative Council MLCs under the Governorâs quota in August last year came two weeks after the Supreme Court stayed the appointment of Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan as MLCs under the Governorâs quotaBoth Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan were sworn in as MLCs in 2024 The apex court gave a stay on a petition filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS leaders Dasoju Sravan and Kurra Satyanarayana challenging the nominations made by the state governmentThe petitioners had challenged the appointment on the ground that it violated interim orders of the Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court observed that swearingin after the interim orders was improper and made it clear that any appointments made under the Governorâs quota would be subject to the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedingsWhile Kodandaram is the president of Telangana Jana Samithi TJS Amer Ali Khan is the News Editor of the Urdu dailyBoth Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan were nominated to the Council under the Governorâs quota after the State Cabinet again sent the recommendation to the Governor in August 2024They were nominated as MLCs in January 2024 but the High Court set aside the nomination in March on the petitions by Dasoju Sravan and Kurra Satyanarayana whose nomination as MLCs was recommended by the previous government of BRS in July 2023 The same was rejected by thenGovernor Tamilisai Soundararajan on the grounds that the two were âpolitically aligned personsâThe High Court had quashed the Governorâs decision rejecting the nominations of Dasoju Sravan and Satyanarayana and held that the Governor can only return the governmentâs recommendation for reconsiderationFollowing the High Court order the BRS leaders had requested the Governor to nominate them as MLCs However as the BRS had lost power to Congress the Governor rejected the requestSravan and Satyanarayana had challenged the Governorâs refusal in the Supreme Court As the High Court had not passed any orders to the Governor to nominate them they pleaded with the apex court to give a direction to the Governor to appoint them The Supreme Court had declined to pass any orders IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-cm-meets-governor-seeks-early-approval-for-azharuddins-nomination-as-mlc-670254.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/misinforming-the-nation-assam-cm-hits-back-at-cong-on-delimitation-exercise-670286.html Guwahati April 19 IANS Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hit back at the Congress over its criticism of the states recent delimitation exercise accusing the party of misusing the term gerrymandering to mislead the public and delegitimise a longpending electoral correctionnbspIn a post on X CM Sarma asserted that the delimitation carried out in 2023 was not a conspiracy but a necessary and overdue exercise aimed at correcting decades of political imbalanceHe alleged that earlier governments particularly under the Congress party had ignored significant demographic changes in several regions especially Lower Assam for electoral gainsThe real distortion of representation happened in the past when changing population patterns were overlooked to suit votebank politics the Chief Minister said adding that the current exercise seeks to align constituencies with ground realitiesThe delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies in Assam was undertaken by the Election Commission of India under provisions of the Delimitation Act using the 2001 Census as the baseThe process finalised in August 2023 redrew boundaries of 126 Assembly and 14 Lok Sabha constituencies with a focus on rationalising population distribution geographical contiguity and administrative convenienceThe exercise also led to a reconfiguration of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes SCs and Scheduled Tribes STs reflecting their population share more accuratelySeveral constituencies in minoritydominated areas saw boundary changes which triggered political reactions across party linesCM Sarma maintained that the objective of the delimitation was to restore balance and ensure fair political representation for indigenous communitiesHe further described the current arrangement as a stopgap measure to address concerns arising out of illegal migration and demographic shiftsOpposition parties including the Congress have consistently criticised the exercise alleging that it disproportionately affects certain communities and benefits the ruling dispensationThey have termed it an instance of gerrymandering a charge the BJP has strongly rejectedThe Chief Minister said those opposing the exercise were uncomfortable because it disrupted a system that had historically worked in their favour reiterating that the move reflects the aspirations of the people of AssamIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/misinforming-the-nation-assam-cm-hits-back-at-cong-on-delimitation-exercise-670286.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cji-surya-kant-to-launch-ai-powered-notice-verification-chatbot-abhay-designed-by-cbi-tomorrow-670287.html New Delhi April 19 IANS Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant will deliver the 22nd DP Kohli Memorial Lecture at the Bharat Mandapam here on Monday with a focus on the growing challenges of cybercrime and the evolving role of police and the judiciary in addressing themnbspThe lecture organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI will centre on the theme Challenges of Cyber Crime Role for Police and Judiciary reflecting the increasing intersection of technology crime and justice delivery systemsOn the occasion CJI Surya Kant will also launch an AIpowered notice verification chatbot ABHAY designed to enable citizens to verify the authenticity of notices purportedly issued by the CBIThe initiative comes amid a rise in socalled digital arrest frauds and is expected to provide a crucial safeguard against impersonation and cyberenabled deceptionAs many as 24 Medals for Meritorious Service will also be presented during the event recognising distinguished contributions by CBI personnelThe CBI organises the annual lecture series in honour of its founder Director Dharamnath Prasad Kohli whose leadership laid the institutional foundation of the agency Established by a Union government resolution dated April 1 1963 the CBI was mandated to investigate cases of bribery and corruption violations of central fiscal laws and other serious crimes evolving over the decades into Indias premier investigative bodyKohli who led the Delhi Special Police Establishment DSPE before becoming the first Director of the CBI is credited with strengthening investigative processes and institutional integrityWhile delivering the 20th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture on the CBIs Raising Day in 2024 then CJI DY Chandrachud had stressed the need for adequate safeguards to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies He had observed that AI systems are not free from bias and may due to skewed data lead to profiling of marginalised communities potentially infringing privacy rights and resulting in disproportionate targetingAt the same time then CJI Chandrachud had highlighted the transformative potential of AI in law enforcement remarking that agencies such as the CBI can leverage algorithms to analyse vast volumes of data identify patterns and generate actionable intelligence with greater efficiency including in complex cases such as human traffickingIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cji-surya-kant-to-launch-ai-powered-notice-verification-chatbot-abhay-designed-by-cbi-tomorrow-670287.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengals-cultural-identity-might-change-by-trinamools-agenda-to-encourage-illegal-infiltration-pm-modi-670288.html Kolkata April 19 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that West Bengal might lose its original cultural identity because of the Trinamool Congress dangerous agenda to encourage rampant illegal infiltration and pamper the infiltratorsnbspThe forthcoming Assembly election in West Bengal is a battle to protect the identity and the land of the state Trinamool Congress is moving ahead with a dangerous agenda They want to create a government of the illegal infiltrators They want to form a state government that will only protect the culture language and religion of the illegal infiltrators The common people of West Bengal will be the principal enemy of that government of infiltrators That is why the common people of West Bengal this time had decided to bring a change in the state the Prime Minister added while addressing a campaign rally in the tribaldominated district of Jhargram which was his third rally in the state for the dayAccording to the Prime Minister Bharatiya Janata Party BJP had always cared for protecting the cultural heritage of West BengalnbspBengali was given the status of classical language during our time An edition of the Indian Constitution is now available in the Santali language The BJP is proud of the heritage of West Bengal and is determined to protect it at any cost he saidnbspSpeaking on the occasion the Prime Minister also added that at a time when the future of West Bengal and the people of the state are getting plunged into acute darkness the luxurious and highcost vehicles of the ruling Trinamool Congress leaders are shiningI guarantee that those who are responsible for the darkness in your lives will not be spared if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal after the Assembly election All the corrupt leaders of Trinamool Congress will be held accountable he saidnbspAccording to the Prime Minister when new and modern schools are being set up in different tribal dominated places in the country under the Eklavya Model Residential School the tribal people of West Bengal are being deprived of themIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengals-cultural-identity-might-change-by-trinamools-agenda-to-encourage-illegal-infiltration-pm-modi-670288.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/dual-citizenship-row-allahabad-hc-likely-to-hear-rahul-gandhis-stand-tomorrow-670293.html Lucknow April 19 IANS Leader of Opposition LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is likely to present on Monday his stand in the Allahabad High Court on a petition filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party BJP worker alleging that the Congress leader is a British national enjoying dual citizenshipThe crucial hearing before the singlejudge bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi will come ahead of the operation of the High Courts direction to the Uttar Pradesh Police to inquire into the complaint by BJP worker from Karnataka Vignesh ShishirOn Friday the High Court in an oral order had given a goahead to police to initiate a probe and consider filing an FIR if needed against LoP GandhiOn Saturday the High Court modified its final order saying that the prospective accused must be given an opportunity of hearing before any such direction is issuedEarlier in 2019 a petition seeking disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from contesting the Lok Sabha elections over the issue of alleged dual citizenship was dismissed by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan GogoiOn Saturday Justice Vidyarthi withheld the order after it had already been dictated in open court noting that the judgment could not be finalised without addressing the requirement of issuing notice to the proposed accusedIn the decision uploaded on the High Courts official website on Saturday Justice Vidyarthi recorded that during the hearing all parties had submitted that there is no requirement of issuance of a notice to the proposed accused while deciding an application under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita BNSSHowever before the judgment could be typed and signed the singlejudge bench came across a full bench ruling in Jagannath Verma vs State of Uttar Pradesh which held that an order rejecting a plea for registration of an FIR is not interlocutory and is amenable to revision and that the prospective accused is entitled to an opportunity of being heard before a decision is takenIn view of the aforesaid legal position it appears that the application under Section 528 of the BNSS should not be decided without issuing notice to the opposite party no1 Rahul Gandhi Justice Vidyarthi said adding that the parties need to address this aspectThe development assumes significance as the singlejudge bench had earlier directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to conduct an inquiry and consider registration of an FIR into the allegations that Rahul Gandhi holds dual citizenship while hearing a challenge to a January 28 order of a special MPMLA court in Lucknow that had refused to order an FIRThe petitioner has alleged that LoP Gandhi is a British citizen and therefore ineligible to contest elections or continue as a Member of Parliament relying on purported documents and communications from the UK authoritiesHe has sought action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita the Official Secrets Act the Foreigners Act and the Passport ActThe complaint was initially filed before a special MPMLA court in Raebareli before being brought before the Allahabad High CourtIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/dual-citizenship-row-allahabad-hc-likely-to-hear-rahul-gandhis-stand-tomorrow-670293.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/oppn-has-done-great-disservice-to-nation-chandrababu-naidu-on-womens-bill-669969.html Amaravati April 18 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday that by blocking the Womenâs Reservation Bill the Congressled Opposition has denied India a historic step towards womenâs empowermentâ âThis is not just political obstruction it is a betrayal of millions of women who deserve equal voice and rightful representation in Parliament The nation will rememberâ he posted on âXââIn another post the Telugu Desam Party TDP president said that by defeating the Delimitation and Constitutional Amendment Bill the Opposition parties have done a great disservice to the nationâHe wrote that with the freeze under Article 81 set to end after the first Census conducted post2026 the forthcoming census exercise will reset seat distribution purely on population potentially leading to a steep decline in representation for Southern NorthEastern and smaller statesâNaidu added that the National Democratic Allianceâs proposal was a sincere effort to preserve federal balance protect the voice of Southern NorthEastern and smaller states and ensure 33 per cent representation for women He said it recognised that states which have performed well on key development indicators should not be penalised in the democratic structureâIt is unfortunate that political agendas have prevailed over longterm national interest Those celebrating this outcome must introspect we have lost an opportunity to secure a fair and constitutional safeguard for rightful representationâ he notedâMeanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan slammed the Opposition parties saying they have squandered a golden opportunity to enhance womenâs empowerment within legislative bodiesâHe said that had the Opposition also supported the Womenâs Reservation Bill they too would have earned respect He expressed hope that in the days to come women will secure their rightful place in the legislatureâAs Jana Sena Party president Kalyan added âAs a partner in the National Democratic Alliance the Jana Sena Party welcomes the initiative taken by the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in bringing this Bill before the Lok Sabha Had this Bill been passed women across the length and breadth of India would have rejoiced immenselyââ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/oppn-has-done-great-disservice-to-nation-chandrababu-naidu-on-womens-bill-669969.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/opposition-floor-leaders-to-meet-at-kharges-office-at-10-am-rahul-gandhi-to-skip-669989.html New Delhi April 18 The floor leaders of the Opposition will meet at Congress National President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharges chamber in the Parliament Complex at 10 AM on Saturday Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will not attend the meeting as he will be travelling to Tamil Nadu for the election campaignThis comes a day after the defeat of the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2026 in the Lok SabhaThe Bill which aimed to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament failed to secure the required twothirds majority triggering a sharp political confrontation between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA blocThe proposed legislation which also sought to expand the strength of the House could not secure the constitutionally mandated twothirds majority despite a daylong debate The Bill received 278 votes in favour and 211 against falling short of the required threshold for passageThe outcome has triggered a sharp political confrontation with the NDA accusing the INDIA bloc of deliberately blocking a historic reform aimed at increasing womens representation in legislative bodiesThe Opposition on its part is objecting to the womenâs reservation Bill being tethered to the expansion of Parliament based on the 2011 Census and the exercise of delimitationEarlier on Friday the floor leaders of the ruling NDA met for a crucial meeting in Parliament following the defeat of the BillIt was decided in the meeting that the constituents will raise the issue of the Oppositions resistance to womens empowerment said sourcesThe message will be delivered to people across the country through protests press conferences and social media to make people aware of the developmentMeanwhile the NDA is set to launch a nationwide protest campaign on Saturday against the INDIA bloc over the issueParty leaders said protests will be organised at district headquarters across the country led by the BJPs womens wing the BJP Mahila MorchaThe campaign is intended to highlight what the NDA describes as an antiwomen agenda of the Opposition while mobilising public opinion around the issue The BJP is also expected to raise the matter prominently in the upcoming elections particularly in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/opposition-floor-leaders-to-meet-at-kharges-office-at-10-am-rahul-gandhi-to-skip-669989.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/parliament-special-session-ends-rajya-sabha-lok-sabha-adjourned-sine-die-670022.html New Delhi April 18 IANS The proceedings in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned sine die soon after the session began on Saturday marking an end to the Parliaments Special SessionnbspA day earlier the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2026 was defeated in the Lok SabhaThe Bill which aimed to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament failed to secure the required twothirds majority triggering a sharp political confrontation between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA blocThe proposed legislation which also sought to expand the strength of the House could not secure the constitutionally mandated twothirds majority despite a daylong debate The Bill received 278 votes in favour and 211 against falling short of the required threshold for passageSubsequently the Centre decided not to move forward with two related Bills on delimitation saying that the three Bills could be viewed in isolationMeanwhile the floor leaders of the Opposition met at Congress National President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharges chamber in the Parliament ComplexThe defeat of the Bill has triggered a sharp political confrontation with the NDA accusing the INDIA bloc of deliberately blocking a historic reform aimed at increasing womens representation in legislative bodiesThe Opposition on its part is objecting to the Womens Reservation Bill being tethered to the expansion of Parliament based on the 2011 Census and the exercise of delimitationEarlier on Friday the floor leaders of the ruling NDA met for a crucial meeting in Parliament following the defeat of the BillIt was decided in the meeting that the constituents will raise the issue of the Oppositions resistance to womens empowerment said sourcesThe message will be delivered to people across the country through protests press conferences and social media to make people aware of the developmentThe NDA is set to launch a nationwide protest campaign on Saturday against the INDIA bloc over the issueParty leaders said protests will be organised at district headquarters across the country led by the BJPs womens wing the BJP Mahila MorchaThe campaign is intended to highlight what the NDA describes as an antiwomen agenda of the Opposition while mobilising public opinion around the issue The BJP is also expected to raise the matter prominently in the upcoming elections particularly in West Bengal and Tamil NaduIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/parliament-special-session-ends-rajya-sabha-lok-sabha-adjourned-sine-die-670022.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/raj-si-recruitment-row-selected-candidates-move-sc-against-cancellation-seek-action-against-guilty-670032.html Jaipur April 18 IANS The controversy surrounding the SubInspector SI Recruitment Examination2021 in Rajasthan has reached the Supreme Court with selected candidates filing a Special Leave Petition SLP challenging the cancellation of the entire recruitment processnbspThe petitioners have challenged the Rajasthan High Court decision which annulled the recruitment citing irregularities such as paper leaks and riggingThey have urged the apex court to uphold the recruitment and argued that candidates selected through fair means should not be penalised for the wrongdoing of a fewIn their plea the selected SubInspectors contended that while strict action must be taken against those involved in malpractice cancelling the entire recruitment is unjustThose who secured selection through honesty and hard work should be allowed to continue in service the petition states adding that the High Courts verdict has left their future uncertainThe recruitment was first cancelled by a singlejudge bench on August 28 2025 Later on April 4 2026 a Division Bench upheld the decision reinforcing the cancellation The court had cited largescale irregularities including allegations of paper leaks as the basis for its rulingA hearing in the Supreme Court on this issue is likely in the second week of MayMeanwhile unsuccessful candidates have already filed a caveat to ensure their side is heard before any order is passed Advocate Harendra Neel has filed the caveat on their behalf The Division Bench led by Acting Chief Justice SP Sharma had also set aside the suo motu cognisance taken by the Single Bench against the Rajasthan Public Service Commission RPSCThe selected candidates maintain that the entire process should not be scrapped and have reiterated that accountability must be fixed only on those proven guilty of misconductThe state government has not taken any stand on the issue yetEarlier before the High Court the government had opposed the complete cancellation of the recruitment Its position on whether it will intervene in the Supreme Court proceedings is expected to come soonIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/raj-si-recruitment-row-selected-candidates-move-sc-against-cancellation-seek-action-against-guilty-670032.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/hm-shah-to-reach-tamil-nadu-tonight-lead-bjp-roadshows-tomorrow-670043.html Chennai April 18 IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to arrive in Tamil Nadu on Saturday night to spearhead the BJPs campaign in the crucial final phase of the Assembly elections with a series of highprofile roadshows lined up for SundaynbspParty sources said HM Shah will land in Coimbatore late tonight and stay there before launching his campaign engagements the next day His visit comes as the BJP intensifies efforts to boost its presence across key constituencies ahead of polling on April 23On Sunday Shah will begin his campaign with a roadshow in Modakurichi Assembly constituency in Erode district where he will canvass support for BJP candidate Kirthika ShivkumarThe western belt is considered strategically important for the party and the leadership is focussing on direct voter outreach in the regionLater in the day Shah will travel to Chennai for another major roadshow in support of BJP nominee Tamilisai SoundararajanAs part of his visit to the city he is also expected to offer prayers at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore before the roadshowSenior BJP leaders said the twin roadshows are aimed at energising party cadres and strengthening lastmile mobilisation in both western and northern Tamil NaduThe focus is on direct engagement with voters and consolidating support in the final stretch a party functionary notedThe visit is part of a broader push by the BJPled National Democratic Alliance NDA with top leaders stepping up their campaign in the StatePrime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to campaign in Tamil Nadu earlier on Saturday With the campaign entering its closing phase the BJP is relying on highimpact public outreach and the presence of senior leaders like Shah to maximise its electoral prospects in the StateIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/hm-shah-to-reach-tamil-nadu-tonight-lead-bjp-roadshows-tomorrow-670043.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-polls-i-have-betrayed-congress-and-guru-adhir-chowdhury-says-trinamool-legislator-biswas-670045.html Kolkata April 18 After winning the Sagardighi bypoll in West Bengals Murshidabad as a Congress candidate three years ago Bayron Biswas later joined the Trinamool Congress Ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections the outgoing MLA and Trinamool Congress candidate from Sagardighi Biswas said on Saturday that he had betrayed the Congress and his political guru and senior party leader Adhir Ranjan ChowdhuryTrinamool Congress leader Bayron Biswas said I am selfish I have betrayed I will not say that I did not betray I got the ticket from the Congress I came into politics by holding Adhir Ranjan Chowdhurys hands I will remember him for the rest of my life He is my Guru Adhir Chowdhurys place is after God I respect him as my elder brother As an elder brother he has the right to tell me anything But I have no regretsAlthough Biswas is confident about his victory in Sagardighi in the upcoming state Assembly polls he said Everyone wants to win Everyone goes with hope But social services have to be provided If someone can provide better services than me then make him winAfter Bayron Biswas admitted that he had betrayed his guru Adhir Chowdhury the latter took a jibe at him saying I have nothing more to say He Bayron Biswas himself has admitted that he has betrayed When he himself calls himself a traitor the common people will decide how to deal with that traitor All I can say is that there is no comparison to Manoj Chakraborty as a Congress candidate in Sagardighi Thats all I can sayIn 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls Trinamool Congress leader Subrata Saha won the Sagardighi constituency However he died in December 2022 As a result a byelection was held in this seat In that byelection Bayron Biswas contested as a Congress candidate supported by the Left Front and win the bypoll After his bypoll victory there was a stir in state politics over the LeftCongress Sagardighi model which produced a victory for the alliance as both parties had drew blank in 2021 Assembly electionsHowever three months later Bayron Biswas joined the ruling party by taking the Trinamool flag from the hands of partys General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee Bayron Biswas himself admitted that he had betrayed the Congress by leaving it It remains to be seen what the outcome of Sagardighi in the upcoming Assembly election will be IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-polls-i-have-betrayed-congress-and-guru-adhir-chowdhury-says-trinamool-legislator-biswas-670045.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-naidu-spar-over-womens-quota-delimitation-row-heats-up-670049.html ThiruvananthapuramNew Delhi April 18 A sharp political exchange has erupted between the Kerala unit of the Congress and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu after the latter accused the Opposition of blocking the Womenâs Reservation Bill In a stronglyworded social media post the Congressâ Kerala unit hit back at Naidu alleging that he had betrayed Andhra Pradesh and warning that such a stance would be rememberedThe post asserted that the Womenâs Reservation Bill had already been passed unanimously in 2023 with the support of all parties countering Naiduâs claim that it was being obstructedNaidu in his earlier post had criticised the Congress and its allies for allegedly stalling what he described as a historic step toward womenâs empowermentHe termed the move political obstruction and a betrayal of millions of women who he said deserved equal representation in ParliamentThe Congress response however shifted the focus to the contentious issue of delimitation stating that it had defeated the delimitation Bill for the future of the Indian UnionThe reference is seen as part of a broader Opposition apprehension that delimitation if carried out based on population could disproportionately affect southern states including Andhra Pradesh Telangana and Kerala by reducing their relative political representationThe exchange underscores the growing fault lines ahead of key political battles with womenâs reservation and delimitation emerging as intertwined flashpointsWhile the Womenâs Reservation Bill has been widely projected as a landmark reform to enhance female representation its implementation remains linked to future census and delimitation exercises adding layers of political complexityNaiduâs remarks echoing positions taken by leaders of the ruling alliance appear aimed at consolidating support around the womenâs quota issueThe Congress on the other hand is attempting to raise the debate of federal balance and regional equityWith both sides invoking themes of betrayal and representation the war of words signals an intensifying national debate that goes beyond gender equity to the very structure of political power sharing in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-naidu-spar-over-womens-quota-delimitation-row-heats-up-670049.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-joins-bjp-protest-against-oppn-over-womens-bill-defeat-in-ls-670057.html New Delhi April 18 IANS Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Bharatiya Janata Party BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal joined a protest on Saturday along with women workers expressing strong dissatisfaction over the rejection of the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2026 in the Lok SabhanbspnbspThe protesters raised slogans against the Opposition intensifying the political confrontation over the failed womens reservation legislationDuring the demonstration CM Gupta raised slogans Phool nahi chingari hai hum Bharat ki naari hai Mahilaon ka ye apman nahi sahega hindustan We are not flowers we are sparks we are the women of India India will not tolerate this insult to womenSpeaking on the issue BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal criticised the Oppositions conduct in Parliament saying In the way that yesterday in Parliament Congress and other opposition parties not only voted against the Bill aimed at empowering women but after the Bill was defeated Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders also thumped the tables it was showing how happy they wereThe protest comes amid a broader political backlash following the Bills defeat with ruling NDA leaders accusing the Opposition of opposing a historic measure meant to enhance womens political representationThe Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2026 had proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies along with an increase in the strength of the Lok SabhaHowever the legislation failed to secure the required twothirds majority in the Lower House despite extensive debateThe Bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against in the Lok Sabha falling short of the constitutional threshold required for passageIts defeat on Friday has triggered nationwide political reactions with the NDA alliance accusing the Opposition INDIA bloc of blocking a landmark reformEarlier the Union government had defended the Bill as a necessary step to address longstanding gaps in womens representation and to restructure Parliamentary seats based on population changes since the 1971 CensusHowever opposition parties said that the proposal was linked to broader electoral restructuring and raised concerns over federal balance and political intentIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-joins-bjp-protest-against-oppn-over-womens-bill-defeat-in-ls-670057.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/oppn-unity-defeated-centres-conspiracy-priyanka-gandhi-on-womens-quota-bill-670064.html New Delhi April 18 IANS Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said that through the unity of the Opposition the Centres conspiracy to allegedly alter the federal structure and weaken democracy was defeatedShe made these remarks during a press conference following the defeat of the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha a day earlierThe Bill which aimed to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament failed to secure the required twothirds majority triggering a sharp political confrontation between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA blocThe proposed legislation which also sought to expand the strength of the House could not obtain the constitutionally mandated twothirds majority despite a daylong debate The Bill secured 278 votes in favour and 211 against falling short of the required threshold for passageAddressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee office in New Delhi Priyanka Gandhi said What happened yesterday was a huge victory for democracy The governments conspiracy to alter the federal structure and weaken democracy was defeated and halted This was a victory for the Constitution for the country and for the unity of the Opposition It was clearly visible on the faces of the ruling party leadersReferring to the Lok Sabha speeches delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah she said Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister several times said that if we did not support the Bill then we would never be able to win and come to power This made it clear what their intention wasThe Congress leader said that the Opposition was shocked that this Special Session was called amid the ongoing Assembly elections I think its a conspiracy that somehow they need to stay in power So this was a plan to stay in power permanently using women she saidThey thought that if it was passed theyd win If its not passed theyll become the messiah of women by calling other parties antiwomen Being a woman I know that becoming a messiah of women isnt easy the Wayanad MP addedCiting incidents such as the Unnao rape the Hathras rape and murder case issues faced by Olympic athletes and developments in Manipur Priyanka Gandhi questioned No one supported those women And today you are standing in the Parliament and saying that you want to become a messiah of womenThis was not about the Womens Reservation Bill but delimitation Everyone saw how they the government can be defeated when the Opposition unites she saidDescribing the day as a Black Day for the Centre she said it was because theyve felt a shock for the first time which they deservedThe problems and struggles of women are growing Women are not fools they see everything The PR and media wont work anymore If you want to do something substantial bring back the Bill that was passed unanimously in 2023 which was supported by all parties You can make a few small amendments to it if you want do it and implement it now she saidGive women their rights right now But dont try to mislead women by twisting it around and attaching it to other things Bring it now Were all ready she addedPriyanka Gandhi further said that recent developments indicate a shift for the government adding that it is clear from their actionsFirstly they are under a lot of international pressure as my brother has said multiple times she said without naming him directlyThe public continues to face multiple challenges the price of gas fruit vegetables everything has gone up The burden of this is on the shoulders of women across class and caste she saidThey can take their Mahila Morcha in front of whoevers house they want They can create as much tamasha as they want This country has now awakened to the fact that they do not stand by their words They cannot be trusted And certainly women cannot trust them because we have seen their attitude and behaviour on multiple occasions she addedThe way they have brought this Bill the provisions attached to it including delimitation and the 2011 census make it very clear that they knew this Bill was not going to be passed They were only seeking political credit Priyanka Gandhi saidIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/oppn-unity-defeated-centres-conspiracy-priyanka-gandhi-on-womens-quota-bill-670064.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kumaraswamy-criticises-cong-over-womens-reservation-bill-ktaka-hm-counters-allegation--670065.html Bengaluru April 18 Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused the Congress of maintaining an antiwomen mindsetâ alleging that the party has obstructed efforts to implement womenâs reservation in legislatures through the Womenâs Reservation Bill However Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara countered the allegations by pointing out that during the tenure of former Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh the Congress introduced the Womenâs Reservation Bill Drawing a comparison between 1996 and 2026 Kumaraswamy said that history appears to be repeating itself with the Congress and its allies once again opposing measures aimed at ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State AssembliesReferring to the United Front Government led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda in 1996 Kumaraswamy said a historic step had been taken at the time to introduce a Bill providing 33 per cent reservation for women However he alleged that the effort was derailed by the Congress and its alliesHe further claimed that the present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a decisive step to correct what he termed a âhistoric injusticeâ but is again facing resistance from the CongressKumaraswamy said that those who have repeatedly opposed the Womenâs Reservation Bill would not be forgiven by the âNari Shaktiâ of the country calling such opposition an affront to womenAppealing to women across the country he urged them not to lose hope and expressed confidence that the goal of 33 per cent reservation for women would be achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister ModiMeanwhile commenting on the BJPâs charge that the Congress is antiwomen in the backdrop of its opposition to the Womenâs Reservation Bill Home Minister G Parameshwara said âFirst I want to make it clear that the Congress party is not opposed to the Womenâs Reservation Bill During the tenure of former Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh we were the first in the country to introduce the Womenâs Reservation BillThere is no question of Congress leaders opposing the Womenâs Reservation Bill The current Union government while bringing the Womenâs Reservation Bill has linked it to increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats he statedThe Lok Sabha which currently has 543 seats is proposed to be expanded to around 850 seats Shouldnât there have been a discussion on this The government should have taken the Opposition parties into confidence and held a proper debate If that had been done before introducing the Bill in the Lok Sabha it might have been passed he questionedAll Opposition parties including the Congress would have given their suggestions Instead by clubbing the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats with the Womenâs Reservation Bill it has not been done in the right spirit nor is it a good parliamentary tradition Parameshwara statedHence the Bill was defeated by 54 votes for these reasons If the intention was truly to implement womenâs reservation the government should have consulted the Opposition taken them into confidence and discussed every aspect of the Bill he statedIf the Womenâs Reservation Bill is brought without linking it to delimitation a solution may be found This is my opinionâ he stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kumaraswamy-criticises-cong-over-womens-reservation-bill-ktaka-hm-counters-allegation--670065.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nia-court-grants-default-bail-to-15-accused-in-beldanga-violence-case-670070.html Kolkata April 18 IANS A special court of the National Investigation Agency NIA on Saturday granted default bail to 15 of the 35 accused in connection with the violence that erupted at Beldanga in West Bengals minoritydominated Murshidabad district earlier this yearnbspThe default bail was granted to these 15 accused persons after the investigating agency failed to submit a charge sheet against them within 90 days from the day of their arrest However the court had imposed certain conditions for granting the default bailTo recall violence and riotlike situations surfaced at Beldanga earlier this year over the death of a migrant worker from the region in neighbouring Jharkhand The tension flared up after the body of the migrant worker reached Beldanga from JharkhandThe local protesters alleged that the migrant worker was lynched in Jharkhand because of religious and linguistic reasons The protests started with the blockade of railways and roads at BeldangaWhen the police tried to lift the blockade the protesters set up an ambush with the security personnel Some journalists were also attacked by the protesters some of whom got severely injuredLater the Jharkhand Police issued a statement citing the postmortem report that termed the migrant workers death a case of suicideCricketerturnedpolitician and the local Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Yusuf Pathan faced scathing criticism for not being present in the area or even in the state when the entire place was burningLater the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari filed a petition at the Calcutta High Court demanding deployment of Central Armed Police Forces CAPF at Beldanga and also handing over the investigation in the matter to the NIAThe matter went to the Supreme Court which also agreed with the Calcutta High Court that if the Union Home Minister thought it necessary it might ask the NIA to start the investigation into the matterFinally the NIA started the investigation into the matterIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nia-court-grants-default-bail-to-15-accused-in-beldanga-violence-case-670070.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ras-recruitment-2024-results-declared-merit-list-for-1-096-posts-released-670078.html Jaipur April 18 The Rajasthan Public Service Commission RPSC on Saturday declared the final results of the Rajasthan Administrative Service RAS Recruitment 2024 concluding the selection process for 1096 posts Candidates can view their results by visiting the Commissions official website Dinesh Bishnoi from Barmer has secured the top rankNotably Bishnoi had earlier achieved the 57th rank in the previous examination and is currently undergoing training for the Rajasthan Police ServiceVirendra Charan from Jaisalmer clinched the second position The son of a Head Constable he is presently serving as a TehsildarThe Commission released a merit list of 2391 candidates following the completion of interviews on April 17 Dinesh Bishnoi hails from Bhalisar village in Barmer His journey reflects steady progress securing the 948th rank in 2021 before rising to 57th and now topping the exam His father Ramdhan Manju is a retired District Education OfficerSecondrank holder Virendra Charan belongs to Rampuriya village in Pokaran Jaisalmer His father Jethudan Charan serves as a Head Constable in the police department Virendra had also been selected as a Tehsildar in the previous cycle and is currently in trainingThe RAS 2024 recruitment process comprised three stages the Preliminary Examination the Main Examination and the Interview Following the Preliminary Examination shortlisted candidates appeared for the Main Examination after which successful candidates were called for an interview The interview process commenced on April 1 2025 and was conducted in multiple phasesThe entire selection process was brought to a close with the completion of the final phase of interviews The Commission selected candidates based on merit Inclusion in the selection list is considered a significant achievement for the candidates as the RAS examination is counted among the most prestigious competitive examinations in the stateMany candidates expressed their joy over their success and extended gratitude to their families and teachersThe Commission has clarified that instructions regarding document verification and appointment as part of the subsequent process will be issued shortly for the selected candidates IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ras-recruitment-2024-results-declared-merit-list-for-1-096-posts-released-670078.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/day-after-womens-reservation-bill-setback-pm-modi-to-address-nation-tonight-670082.html New Delhi April 18 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation at 830 PM on Saturday and is likely to speak on the Womens Reservation BillEarlier in the day following the conclusion of the Parliament session leaders from all parties held a formal meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Prime Minister Modi also spearheaded a key meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security CCS in New Delhi focussing on safeguarding Indias security and economic interests amid the escalating conflict in West AsiaThe Cabinet meeting was held a day after the Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha was defeated in the Lower House While 298 members voted in favour of the Bill 230 voted against it Out of the 528 members who participated in the voting the Bill required 352 votes to secure passageAccording to the proposed legislation the number of Lok Sabha seats was to be increased from the current 543 to a maximum of 850 in order to operationalise the womens reservation law before the 2029 General ElectionsThis expansion was to follow a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census Similarly seats in state and Union Territory assemblies were also to be increased to accommodate a 33 per cent reservation for womenFollowing the Bills defeat in the Lok Sabha the BJP termed the development a black day and accused the Congress and other Opposition parties of betraying women Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Congress and the Opposition would have to face the anger of women across the country alleging that they had permanently damaged their credibilityMeanwhile the Congress and its allies maintained that the quota law passed in 2023 should be implemented immediately accusing the government of politicising the issue Several Opposition leaders including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that they were not opposed to womens reservation but objected to its linkage with delimitationCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged that the governments true intent is to alter the constitutional framework and concentrate executive power He noted that while the Congress had supported the Womens Reservation Bill in 2023 and ensured its passage the Centres decision to link it with delimitation was unacceptable to the OppositionIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/day-after-womens-reservation-bill-setback-pm-modi-to-address-nation-tonight-670082.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/day-after-womens-reservation-bill-setback-pm-modi-to-address-nation-tonight-670094.html New Delhi April 18 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation at 830 PM on Saturday and is likely to speak on the Womenâs Reservation Bill Earlier in the day following the conclusion of the Parliament session leaders from all parties held a formal meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Prime Minister Modi also spearheaded a key meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security CCS in New Delhi focussing on safeguarding Indiaâs security and economic interests amid the escalating conflict in West AsiaThe Cabinet meeting was held a day after the Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha was defeated in the Lower House While 298 members voted in favour of the Bill 230 voted against it Out of the 528 members who participated in the voting the Bill required 352 votes to secure passageAccording to the proposed legislation the number of Lok Sabha seats was to be increased from the current 543 to a maximum of 850 in order to operationalise the womenâs reservation law before the 2029 General ElectionsThis expansion was to follow a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census Similarly seats in state and Union Territory assemblies were also to be increased to accommodate a 33 per cent reservation for womenFollowing the Billâs defeat in the Lok Sabha the BJP termed the development a black day and accused the Congress and other Opposition parties of betraying women Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Congress and the Opposition would have to face the anger of women across the country alleging that they had permanently damaged their credibilityMeanwhile the Congress and its allies maintained that the quota law passed in 2023 should be implemented immediately accusing the government of politicising the issue Several Opposition leaders including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that they were not opposed to womenâs reservation but objected to its linkage with delimitationCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged that the governmentâs true intent is to alter the constitutional framework and concentrate executive power He noted that while the Congress had supported the Womenâs Reservation Bill in 2023 and ensured its passage the Centreâs decision to link it with delimitation was unacceptable to the Opposition IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/day-after-womens-reservation-bill-setback-pm-modi-to-address-nation-tonight-670094.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-minister-visits-wayanad-rehab-project-site-amid-cracks-in-new-homes-670097.html Kalpetta April 18 Mounting concerns over the rehabilitation of landslide survivors in Wayanad have come into sharp focus as Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajans visit on Saturday to the township project at Elston Estate triggered fresh debate over construction quality delays and accountability The Minister inspected a house in the MundakkaiâChooralmala rehabilitation township where cracks were reportedly found even as the local ruling Left leaders accompanied himWith the possibility of protests looming police were deployed in the areaDuring the visit visible seepage marks on the roof drew attention though Minister Rajan dismissed claims of structural cracks saying that only water leakage stains were presentHe clarified that the houses have not yet been formally handed over to beneficiaries and that only land titles have been distributed so farIssues will be taken seriously if they arise after handover The contractor will be held accountable as per agreement he said assuring that the state government guarantees corrective actionThe project which includes 410 houses is expected to be completed by October failing which those responsible will face consequencesMeanwhile the Youth Congress has announced a protest at the site further intensifying the political heatIt was in July 2024 the devastating landslides that left hundreds displacedSurvivors continue to wait for permanent homes with many rehabilitation promises yet to be fulfilledThough more than 1000 families were initially identified for resettlement the list has since shrunk to around 451 raising questions over transparency and eligibilityEqually troubling are allegations regarding the quality of constructionHouses reportedly built at a cost of around Rs 30 lakh each have shown signs of damage even before occupancyWhile official claims suggest more than 170 houses have been completed reports indicate only a fraction are even partially habitable with several lacking basic finishing workQuestions are also being raised over the utilisation of funds that poured in after the disasterWith crores received in aid the absence of clear accounting has fueled suspicions of mismanagementLocals allege largescale irregularities pointing to incomplete infrastructure and poorquality construction as evidenceBeyond housing many indirectly affected small traders and plantation workers who lost their livelihoods remain overlookedAs the state government defends its position and promises corrective steps the visible cracks both literal and administrative continue to deepen the anxieties of a community still waiting to rebuild its future IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-minister-visits-wayanad-rehab-project-site-amid-cracks-in-new-homes-670097.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-bjp-playing-blame-game-k-kavitha-on-womens-quota-defeat-670098.html New Delhi April 18 In the aftermath of the Constitution 131st Amendment Bills defeat in the Lok Sabha Telangana Jagruthi President K Kavitha on Saturday blamed both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP saying they are playing a blame game over the failure of the Womens Reservation Bill Speaking to IANS Kavitha said In the history of India yesterday will be remembered as the black day for women empowerment in this nationHolding both the ruling NDA alliance and the Opposition responsible she added BJP is blaming the Congress and the Congress is blaming the BJP But the point is that the women of this nation have seriously lost out a very long fought battleWomen were a part of Indias freedom movement but they never happened to make in the same proportion into the Parliament or assemblies of the nation Kavitha saidShe said in 2006 it was the Congress which cheated the womenNow after 20 years in 2026 the BJP has again cheated the women of the nation she allegedTerming the Bills failure as unfortunate Kavitha said It is unfortunate that Womens Reservation Bill is time and again being linked with either census caste census or delimitation or something or the other But women are being blockedShe appealed the women that despite the blow to the reservation attempt they should contest the elections without thinking about whether they will win or notI appeal to the women of the nation we need to stand on our own feet and get empowered by ourselves We need to come out and contest Kavitha saidMeanwhile Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra told reporters outside Parliament that the Womens Reservation Bill was passed in 2023 and that all opposition parties were of the view that the Bill will be implemented during 2024 Lok Sabha polls and women would be granted onethird of the 540 seatsBut the BJP didnt do that she allegedMoreover Moitra alleged that this was the Delimitation Bill dressed in the Womens Reservation BillSamajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav added that those who came to power with guarantees of womens security job opportunities and social justice are trying to spread mistruthsThey BJP are attempting this again since they had lost badly in Uttar Pradesh during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls she told reportersYadav alleged They BJP didnt give reservation to OBC women They want to create differences among the women too If they are talking about half of the countrys population they should also include OBC minority and Dalit women too IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-bjp-playing-blame-game-k-kavitha-on-womens-quota-defeat-670098.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-bjp-accuses-dmk-of-undermining-states-representation-in-delimitation-debate-670099.html Chennai April 18 The political debate over delimitation and womenâs reservation has intensified in Tamil Nadu with BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad accusing the ruling DMK of jeopardising the stateâs longterm constitutional and political interests In a statement issued on Saturday Prasad alleged that the DMKâs opposition to the Centreâs proposed delimitation exercise could adversely impact Tamil Naduâs parliamentary representationHe claimed that the BJPled Union governmentâs approach would strengthen the stateâs voice in Parliament while ensuring equitable representationPrasad pointed out that Tamil Nadu currently has 39 Lok Sabha seats and under a proposed nationwide expansion of constituencies the number could increase to 59 He said the Centreâs plan seeks to integrate delimitation with the implementation of 33 per cent womenâs reservation thereby balancing enhanced representation with gender equityCriticising the DMKâs stance he referred to a Private Memberâs Bill introduced by DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson that calls for womenâs reservation without linking it to delimitationAccording to Prasad implementing reservation within the existing 543seat framework would leave Tamil Nadu with only 26 general seats as 13 seats would be reserved for women He further argued that a delimitation exercise conducted strictly on population without increasing the total number of seats could potentially reduce representation for states like Tamil NaduHowever he maintained that the Centre has assured that no state would lose seats under the proposed reforms Highlighting disparities in voter distribution Prasad noted that more than 120 constituencies across India have electorates exceeding 20 lakh with some nearing 40 lakh voters He said delimitation is essential to uphold the principle of equitable representation and ensure effective governanceThe DMK and its allies have consistently opposed delimitation based solely on population raising concerns that such a move could disadvantage states that have successfully controlled population growthWith elections approaching the issue has emerged as a key political flashpoint with both the BJP and DMK positioning themselves as defenders of Tamil Naduâs rights and advocates of womenâs empowerment IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-bjp-accuses-dmk-of-undermining-states-representation-in-delimitation-debate-670099.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/police-in-jampks-srinagar-conducts-drive-against-misuse-of-pharmaceutical-drugs-670100.html Srinagar April 18 The Police in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar district said on Saturday that it has conducted a drive against the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs A police statement said that continuing its firm commitment towards building a drugfree society under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan Srinagar Police carried out a comprehensive inspection drive targeting chemist shops and druggist establishments located in the vicinity of hospitals across the districtDuring the drive police teams conducted detailed inspections of stock registers sale and purchase records valid licenses and other mandatory documentation at various establishmentsThe primary objective of the exercise was to identify irregularities and curb the illegal sale or misuse of pharmaceutical drugs particularly controlled and prescription medicines that may contribute to substance abuse among the youthOfficials reiterated that any violation involving the illegal possession sale or distribution of controlled substances will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of the NDPS ActThe Srinagar Police also emphasised that such inspection drives will continue on a regular basis as part of sustained efforts under the initiative to ensure accountability promote lawful practices and safeguard public health and safetyShopkeepers were advised to maintain proper records strictly adhere to prescribed norms and extend full cooperation with inspection teamsThe Jammu and Kashmir Police and the security forces are carrying out aggressive operations against drug smugglers and drug peddlers It is believed that funds generated by drug smuggling and hawala money rackets are used to sustain terrorism in the Union TerritoryLieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while launching the 100day long Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan said last week that as punitive action against drug smugglers and peddlers the Union Territory government has decided to cancel their passports Aadhaar cards driving licences in addition to attachment of properties created through these unlawful activitiesPolice in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir have been carrying out daily antidrug operations While pushing the drug smugglers the thirst of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan is to treat the victims of drugs through compassion aimed at their rehabilitation in the society IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/police-in-jampks-srinagar-conducts-drive-against-misuse-of-pharmaceutical-drugs-670100.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/action-cannot-be-taken-without-direction-from-delhi-ktaka-dy-cm-shivakumar-on-suspending-2-leaders-669957.html Bengaluru April 17 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar on Friday said that there was nothing personal in the action taken against the two minority leaders of his party for antiparty activities as action cannot be taken without direction from Delhi Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Friday Deputy CM Shivakumar said âThere is nothing personal in the action taken against minority leaders The party has its own report When action is initiated against a sitting MLA or MLC it cannot be done at our level without direction from DelhiââWe have to act based on guidance They may blame me but I donât bother about such accusations We have to work under party disciplineâ he saidResponding to questions about whether the development sends a wrong signal to the minority community he said âThe Congress party exists to deliver justice to Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes farmers OBCs and minoritiesâWhen asked about reports of differences between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah he said âYou media must be crazy We speak and discuss matters every day You talk about my camp where does my camp exist Has anyone put up a nameplate saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah camp All 139 MLAs are my legislators and they are Siddaramaiahâs legislators too There are no camps between usââThe media keeps talking about Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah camps Do you actually know which MLA belongs to which group There are no contradictions within the party All 139 MLAs belong to one group the Congress groupâIt can be recalled that in a major development the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee suspended Member of the Legislative Council Abdul Jabbar from the primary membership of the party on Wednesday for engaging in antiparty activitiesâDeputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar had signed the suspension orderâThe letter stated âAbdul Jabbar Member of the Legislative Council is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress with immediate effect in view of his antiparty activities during the recent byelection in the Davanagere South Assembly constituencyââAbdul Jabbar was heading the state partyâs Minority Wing and had earlier been asked to resign from the post After accepting his resignation Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar dissolved the Minority Wing Abdul Jabbar was also aspiring to contest from the Davanagere South Assembly seat as the Congress candidateâIt may be noted that Congress Member of the Legislative Council Naseer Ahmad was also relieved of his position as Chief Minister Siddaramaiahâs Political Advisor on April 14 for similar reasonsâIt can also be recalled that leaders from the Muslim community expressed outrage on Thursday objecting to the action against MLCs Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Ahmad over alleged antiparty activities during the bypolls âAlleging bias by the party they warned the ruling Congress leadership of consequencesâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/action-cannot-be-taken-without-direction-from-delhi-ktaka-dy-cm-shivakumar-on-suspending-2-leaders-669957.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/voting-today-on-passage-of-womens-reservation-delimitation-bills-669868.html New Delhi April 17 Voting on three bills in the Lok Sabha aimed at amending the womenâs reservation law and establishing a delimitation commission is scheduled to take place on Friday Addressing the House on Thursday Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said The discussion will be held for 12 hours The speaker should have the authority to extend the time for discussion The voting on the bills will be done tomorrowLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subsequently clarified that the debate could go on for a longer duration if required indicating flexibility in the schedule to accommodate detailed deliberations by membersHe said Discussion on these three bills will be held for 1518 hours Voting on these bills will be done at 4 pm tomorrow He further assured that everyone will be given appropriate time to speak during the discussionThe introduction of the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 aimed at enabling womenâs reservation and facilitating delimitation was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes in the House The development came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote leading to a formal division processUnion Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose in the House to table the Bill marking a key step in the legislative process The introduction follows an earlier round of voting in which Members of Parliament supported bringing the Bill forward for discussionThe Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 and the Delimitation Bill 2026 and Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026 were introducedEarlier the Lok Sabha had voted in favour of introducing the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 after the Opposition demanded a divisionFollowing the use of vote slips the distribution stood at 251 in support and 185 against announced Speaker Om Birla adding that it is subject to changeThe Lok Sabha typically relies on voice voting to pass motions however when the outcome is contested a âdivisionâ is conducted In such cases the Automatic Vote Recorder system is used to register votes under âAyesâ âNoesâ and âAbstainâSubsequently vote slips were also utilised during the proceedings after the division with a total of 333 members casting their votes and no abstentions recorded in that roundâIf any member wishes to change the vote they may call for voting through slipsâ the Lok Sabha Secretary General had earlier informed the HouseThe Opposition had insisted on a division as the House took up voting on the introduction of the Womenâs Reservation Bill The motion required a simple majority to be carried and the voting process was conducted accordingly amid heightened political engagement IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/voting-today-on-passage-of-womens-reservation-delimitation-bills-669868.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/mp-cm-to-inaugurate-ekatma-parv-at-omkareshwar-today-669869.html New Delhi April 17 Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will inaugurate the fiveday âEkatma Parvâ Festival of Unity on Friday at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district bringing together saints scholars and artists from across India and abroadâ According to an official statement the festival is being organised at Ekatma Dham on Mandhata Hill associated with Adi Shankaracharya the proponent of Advaita Vedanta Scheduled for Vaishakh Shukla Panchami the event aims to spread the message of unity through a blend of spiritual intellectual and cultural activitiesâDuring the inaugural programme the Chief Minister will open the âAdvaita Lokâ and âAkshar Brahmaâ exhibitions and participate in Vedic rituals Prominent spiritual leaders including Swami Sadanand Saraswati will be present on the occasion Nivedita Bhide and Swami Shardanand Saraswati are also expected to attendâA key highlight of the festival will be the âAdvaitamritam â Vimarsh Sabhaâ where scholars and experts will discuss the relevance of Advaita philosophy in the modern world The sessions will cover themes such as âAdvaita and GenZâ artificial intelligence environmental conservation global peace and the Sikh concept of âEk Omkarâ linking ancient philosophy with contemporary issuesâCultural programmes will be held every evening as part of the celebrations On the opening day classical vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi and Odissi dancer Shubhada Varadkar will perform followed by presentations of Bharatanatyam Carnatic music and Nirgun Vani in the coming daysâOn April 21 more than 700 youths from India and abroad will take a pledge as âShankaradootsâ committing themselves to spreading the teachings of Adi ShankaracharyaâOmkareshwar holds special religious significance as it is home to the revered Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva Located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims underscoring the spiritual significance of hosting the festival at this siteâThe festival is part of the state governmentâs efforts to develop Ekatma Dham as a global centre for spiritual learning The âStatue of Onenessâ and the upcoming âAdvaita Lokâ museum are expected to attract visitors researchers and devotees alikeâThe event is expected to strengthen cultural unity and highlight Indiaâs rich philosophical heritage on a wider platformâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/mp-cm-to-inaugurate-ekatma-parv-at-omkareshwar-today-669869.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/people-will-not-tolerate-opposition-to-it-bjp-leaders-on-womens-reservation-bill-669880.html New Delhi April 17 BJP leaders on Friday strongly defended the Womenâs Reservation Bill asserting that opposition to the measure will not be accepted by the people Speaking to IANS from West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said Any bill that is in the interest of the country to become law it is opposed by the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties But the people of this country will not tolerate the oppositionâs stance on thisBihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also weighed in saying When this bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha all members had given their consent unanimously Therefore the Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded everyone that they should support it with a common understanding and help ensure womenâs reservation is implementedPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Womenâs Reservation Bill on Thursday saying there is âno need to give the bill a political colourâ and calling it an opportunity to add a new chapter to âViksit BharatâThree key bills The Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 The Delimitation Bill 2026 and The Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026 were introduced in the special session of Parliament on Thursday with voting scheduled for 4 pm on FridayEarlier on Thursday Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the discussion on the bills would continue for 12 hours with provisions to extend the time if required Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla later indicated that the debate could last 1518 hours ensuring adequate time for all members to speak before votingThe special sitting of Parliamentâs Budget Session began on April 16 and will continue till April 18 during which the three key bills are being taken upThe government has been seeking the oppositions support for the amendment of the bill which aims to implement womenâs reservation in the Lok Sabha from the 2029 general elections based on the 2011 Census IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/people-will-not-tolerate-opposition-to-it-bjp-leaders-on-womens-reservation-bill-669880.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/crucial-democratic-reform-number-of-seats-expected-to-rise-meghalaya-cm-on-women-quota-bill-669882.html Shillong April 17 Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday welcomed the Womenâs Reservation Bill as a significant step towards strengthening democratic representation expressing optimism that Meghalaya could gain additional seats in Parliament following the proposed delimitation exercise The Centre introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha on April 16 including measures to amend provisions related to womenâs reservation and to set up a delimitation commissionReacting to the development CM Sangma termed the move a âvery welcome stepâ that addresses a longpending demand for enhanced political participation of womenâThis reform should have come much earlier but credit must be given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking this bold initiativeâ Sangma saidHighlighting the relatively low representation of women in legislative bodies the Chief Minister said the proposed law would help bridge the gap and empower women in decisionmaking rolesHe noted that while Meghalaya follows a matrilineal social structure where women hold important societal roles their presence in formal political institutions remains limitedâThis will be a crucial democratic reform that enables greater participation of women at the highest levels Their involvement in policymaking will benefit society as a wholeâ he addedCM Sangma also pointed to the potential impact of delimitation on smaller and geographically challenging states like MeghalayaHe expressed hope that the state would see an increase in parliamentary representation taking into account its unique terrain and demographic considerationsâI expect that the number of seats for Meghalaya will rise and I am hopeful that both the Government of India and the delimitation commission will take a positive view on this matterâ he saidAt the same time the Chief Minister urged a balanced approach in implementing the reservation and delimitation processesHe stressed that both should progress simultaneously with careful deliberation to avoid disruptionsCM Sangma also dismissed concerns about any reduction in seats for existing states expressing confidence that the overall strength of Parliament would be expanded to accommodate the changes IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/crucial-democratic-reform-number-of-seats-expected-to-rise-meghalaya-cm-on-women-quota-bill-669882.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/sigachi-fire-accident-brs-accuses-telangana-cm-of-reneging-on-rs1-crore-aid-promise-669898.html Hyderabad April 17 Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS deputy floor leader in Telangana Assembly T Harish Rao on Friday accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of failing to uphold the promise of Rs1 crore compensation each for the families of 54 workers killed in the fire at Sigachi Industries Limiteds unit in Sangareddy district in June last year The former minister said CM Reddy has failed to deliver even half of the amount promisedHarish Rao alleged in a statement that making grand promises only to subsequently disregard his own words has become a characteristic trait of CM ReddyHe recalled that immediately after the accident Chief Minister Reddy visited the accident site and announced that a compensation of Rs 1 crore would be provided to each of the families of the deceasedHowever a written response submitted by the government in the Assembly made it abundantly clear that this entire exercise was merely a token gesture and that the justice delivered to the victims amounts to absolutely nothing This incident stands as irrefutable proof that breaking promises has become a habit for Revanth Reddy Harish Rao saidHarish Rao alleged that the collusion between the management and the government to manipulate compensation figures constitutes a fraud of staggering proportionsAccording to the official figures submitted by the government in the Assembly if one were to divide the total compensation of â¹2451 crore paid to date among the 54 victims the average compensation received by each workers family amounts to â¹4540 lakh In other words out of the onecrorerupee compensation promised by the Chief Minister this government has reneged on a balance of approximately â¹5460 lakh per family â amounting to a total outstanding sum of â¹2948 crore â thereby leaving the victims in lurch Harish Rao saidâIt is truly deplorable that despite making grandiose claims of providing crores the State Government has so far paid a mere â¹1 lakh to each affected family So who is going to provide the onecrorerupee compensation that the Chief Minister and his ministers promisedâ Harish Rao askedAccording to Harish Rao Sigachi management admitted before the courts that they were providing between â¹40 lakh and â¹42 lakh However the actual truth is that they are inflating these figures by bundling together the â¹25 lakh they provided from their own funds with the statutory entitlements â such as PF ESI and life insurance payouts â that the workers families are legally entitled to receive following the workers demiseHarish Rao also claimed that they have deducted the medical expenses incurred by workers who passed away while undergoing treatment in the hospital directly from this meagre compensation package Moreover this is a callous government that forced the families of eight workersâwho were burnt to ashes in the accident and whose remains could not be tracedâto run from office to office for months on end just to obtain death certificatesâThis was not merely an accident it was a mass murder resulting from the managements gross negligence The investigation clearly establishedâ with irrefutable evidenc eâ that safety standards within the factory were completely disregardedâ the former minister saidHe stated that the police remained inert until a case was filed in the High Court on behalf of the victims and the judiciary issued stern reprimands The perfunctory arrest of the MD â followed by indirect assistance that allowed him to secure bail almost immediately â makes it abundantly clear that there are clandestine agreements in place between the government and the company management Harish Rao addedHarish Rao demanded that the government immediately attach the assets of the directors of Sigachi under the provisions of the Revenue Recovery Act These assets should be liquidated to immediately disburse the compensation of Rs1 crore to each affected family â without any bureaucratic hurdles or preconditions â in accordance with the promise made by the Chief MinisterOn June 30 2025 a huge fire broke out following a major explosion in the manufacturing plant of Sigachi Industries Pashamailaram industrial area unit in Sangareddy district killing 54 workers and injuring 28 othersThe plant manufactures Microcrystalline Cellulose powder which is used in tablets and capsules as a binding agent IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/sigachi-fire-accident-brs-accuses-telangana-cm-of-reneging-on-rs1-crore-aid-promise-669898.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/shows-deep-trust-of-this-house-in-you-pm-modi-congratulates-harivansh-on-rs-dy-chairman-re-election-669908.html New Delhi April 17 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Harivansh Narayan Singh on his reelection as the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman praising his leadership discipline and consistent contribution to the functioning of the Upper HousenbspAddressing the House the Prime Minister said I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Harivansh Ji The fact that he has been elected Deputy Chairman for the third consecutive time reflects the deep trust this House places in him Under his deputy chairmanship the House has seen significant improvement This is a symbol of his simple and efficient working style We have all seen under his guidance the House becoming more effective He uses his vast experience to conduct the proceedings making them more accurate and productiveI am confident that in his new tenure he will continue with the same dedication and balance With everyones cooperation this House will achieve new heights said PM ModiHarivansh Ji was born in Jai Prakash Jis village and since his student days he has been actively involved in village development workThe Prime Minister also connected the occasion with history saying Today April 17 1927 marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar It is indeed a coincidence that Harivansh Ji is beginning this responsibility on his birth anniversary He has also written a book on Chandrashekhar Ji and has helped introduce his life and ideas to new generationsHe further said Harivansh Jis public life is not limited to parliamentary work he has also achieved significant milestones in journalism He has always placed human values at the core of his work and his language and expression reflect discipline and simplicityI used to read his writings when I was in Gujarat He used to strongly express his views and raise important issues In journalism he always tried to reach the last person Even in the House we can see the reflection of these qualities which is a matter of great satisfaction he saidWhether in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha new Members of Parliament can learn a great deal from Harivansh Ji PM Modi addedPM Modi further stressed Punctuality and dedication towards responsibility are his strengths Since he became a member of the Upper House he has devoted full time to the functioning of the HouseHe listens to every issue carefully and gives full attention which is a valuable lesson for all of us he saidThe Prime Minister said As Deputy Chairman the way he conducts the House and as a member the way he contributes both are always spoken of highly Outside Parliament as well the manner in which he carries out his responsibilities is remarkable and admirableI have seen Harivansh Ji dedicate considerable time to engaging with youth and creating awareness among them He travels across the country for this purpose he addedCiting historical events PM Modi said In 2018 when he began his role as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha he conducted around 300 programmes in colleges and universities This is a significant effort visiting institutions participating in events preparing and motivating students This is truly commendableThe dream of Viksit Bharat 2047 should be a guiding vision for our youth and he consistently works to convey this message the Prime Minister addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/shows-deep-trust-of-this-house-in-you-pm-modi-congratulates-harivansh-on-rs-dy-chairman-re-election-669908.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/by-forcing-delimitation-centre-wants-to-redraw-countrys-electoral-map-dmks-kanimozhi-669912.html New Delhi April 17 IANS Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Friday launched a strong counter to the governments defence of three proposed legislations including womens reservation bill in Parliament for the operationalization of womens quota and accused of it using the cause to safeguard its own political future by redrawing the electoral map of the countrynbspJoining the debate in Lok Sabha the DMK MP questioned the timing intent and motive of the government behind calling a special session of Parliament and bulldozing the Oppositions concerns and apprehensionsShe slammed the Centre for stalling the implementation of womens reservation despite Parliaments unanimous approval in 2023 and now uses it as a front for furthering their political agendaQuestioning the linkage of delimitation with reservation she said that the BJPled government at the Centre is not serious and considerate towards womens cause and it is rewarding itself by using the 2011 Census data as a basis for delimitationIt is politically convenient for them to redraw the political map of the country by introducing delimitation from the back door she saidStating that the Opposition parties pressed the government to hold a Parliament session after elections but the latter dismissed all requestsFor decades you didnt show any urgency in implementing it But today you are blaming the Opposition for the delay This is not electoral reform but an electoral rescue strategy because of your fear of fairing poorly in upcoming elections Kanimozhi saidnbspThe DMK leader refused to buy Home Minister Amit Shahs assurances on maintaining the status quo on the Southern states share in the Lok Sabha and also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modis civilisational commitment promiseShe said that linking delimitation to womens reservation is a trap and is designed to blame the Opposition if the proposed legislation gets stalledI ask the Home Minister why cant you give a reservation by simply delinking the reservation from delimitation Why cant you give a reservation in the existing number of seats she askedThe Prime Minister called it civilisational commitment but I must state that women have been protecting families they die for the nation but their sacrifices have remained unnoticed for decades she addedThis bill looks like a prelude and facilitator to your future political goals This balance is ambiguous misleading and serves no real purpose she remarkedPointing to the Home Ministers assurances to parties that delimitation wont affect the states legislative representation in Parliament she demanded that these assurances be made part of the draft legislationRecords show that this governments 80 to 90 per cent assurances have never been seen through hence we cant buy your words she saidOn the black colour jibe at the DMK for protesting against the bill they said that they will not bow down to the governments diktats and would stand up to them to safeguard womens rightsIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/by-forcing-delimitation-centre-wants-to-redraw-countrys-electoral-map-dmks-kanimozhi-669912.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/delimitation-will-turn-out-to-be-political-demonetisation-dont-do-it-shashi-tharoor--669915.html New Delhi April 17 IANS Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday warned in the Lok Sabha that the proposed delimitation exercise could amount to political demonetisation cautioning against linking it with womens reservation and calling it a matter affecting the very soul of our democracynbspAddressing the House Tharoor said This is a matter of the very soul of our democracyFor decades womens reservation has long been promised discussed and partially delayed Today we stand at a threshold where there is a remarkably unanimous political consensus in favour of womens reservation Every major party in the House recognises that the time for tokenism is over and the era of equal partnership must begin and yet I find us deeply perturbed by the legislative exerciseReferring to the governments position Tharoor said The PM said the government has brought Nari Shakti a gift of justice but he has tethered the implementation of womens reservation to the expansion of Parliament based on the 2011 Census and the exercise of delimitationHe argued that the provision could be implemented immediately without linking it to a complex processWomens reservation is ready for harvesting it can and should be implemented immediately based on our existing parliamentary strength To link it to delimitation is to hold the aspirations of Indian women hostage to one of the most contentious and complex administrative exercises in our nations history Delimitation is not mere bureaucratic rearranging of maps it is a profound shift in political power Tharoor saidLinking womens reservation to it effectively holds the aspirations of Indian women hostage to one of the most contentious political exercises in our history It carries risks that could strain the fabric of our federalism he addedIn a sharp remark Tharoor said You have proposed delimitation with the same haste you showed on demonetisation and unfortunately we all know what damage that did to the country Delimitation will turn out to be political demonetisation Dont do itTharoor stressed the need for wider consultation saying We must be candid about what is at stake Constituencies are redrawn based on either current population figures or the 2011 Census Delimitation requires serious discussionHighlighting regional concerns he said The balance between states particularly southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala which have diligently implemented national goals of population control and invested in inclusive human development and those states mainly in the North who have not under future delimitation states that have failed to curb population growth would be rewarded with greater political weight We must ask if this is the message we wish to send that governance excellence leads to political irrelevanceHe further added The third factor is the balance between the states that are engines of our economy contributing more to the national pool than they receive and those that are net recipients of central funds Delimitation would further marginalise the voices of those statesWe risk creating a tyranny of the democratic majority he addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/delimitation-will-turn-out-to-be-political-demonetisation-dont-do-it-shashi-tharoor--669915.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/lack-of-funds-hinder-free-treatment-of-cancer-patients-in-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-669932.html Islamabad April 17 Free treatment of cancer patients at three major medical teaching institutions of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been hampered due to lack of funds local media reported on Friday citing officials Pakistans Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan said he was in contact with the Planning and Development Department for reappropriation of funds to resume treatment of cancer patients the daily Dawn reported However over 1000 poor patients already registered for cancer treatment were waiting for drugs at Hayatabad Medical Complex HMC and Khyber Teaching Hospital KTH Peshawar and Ayub Teaching Hospital ATH AbbottabadAccording to sources the government needed to release Pakistani Rupees PKR 1500 million for the free treatment programme for the year 202526 However it had provided PKR 820 million so far and the remaining PKR 680 million was yet to be releasedSo far 347 patients have received free drugs from ATH from August 2025 to till now The hospital last received medicines in December 2025 but now the stock is about to run out Similarly there is no stock available in KTH and 623 registered patients are awaiting drugs Dawn reportedOncologists linked with the free medication initiative stated that over 10000 patients had benefited from the programme since its beginning The oncologists said the programme was launched for all patients and the hospitals could not deny treatment to those who were in the last stage of cancer According to oncologists the stoppage of free medication might cause the death of many patients as medicines are very expensiveMeanwhile prices of medicines have increased in the open market and the pharmaceutical hub of Bohor Bazaar in Pakistans Rawalpindi with prices rising from 50 per cent to as high as 500 per cent local media reportedPrices of essential medicines including those for diabetes and hypertension antibiotics gastrointestinal conditions and cough have increased The price of an insulin injection device in the open market has increased from Pakistani Rupees PKR 2200 to PKR 4720 The Express Tribune reportedThe cost of vitamin B supplements has increased from PKR 500 to PKR 600 Similarly the price of a packet of indigestion and acidity medication has increased from PKR 530 to PKR 620 The price of a pack of nutritional supplements and vitamin tablets has increased from PKR 480 to PKR 510The price of thyroid medicine has increased from PKR 85 to PKR 290 Meanwhile the price for a commonly used typhoid treatment has increased from PKR 805 to PKR 930 Prices of several other lifesaving medicines have also increasedCritics have termed the increase unbearable stressing that insulin devices reaching between PKR 2000 and PKR 5000 deprive patients with lowincome to access essential treatment and have urged the government to intervene IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/lack-of-funds-hinder-free-treatment-of-cancer-patients-in-pakistans-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-669932.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/brs-student-wing-stages-protest-at-bjp-office-over-mp-suryas-remarks-669946.html Hyderabad April 17 Bharat Rashtra Samithiâs student wing BRSV on Friday staged a protest near the BJPâs Telangana headquarters here condemning the remarks made by Tejasvi Surya about Telangana in the Parliament Activists of BRSV tried to surround the BJP office in Nampally raising slogans against the BJP MP from KarnatakaThe protestors set a poster of Surya on fire Police intervened to detain the protestorsDuring the debate on Womenâs Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday Surya had allegedly compared bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh with the Partition of IndiaHis remarks have triggered strong condemnation from Congress BRS Left parties and Telangana Jagruti Leaders of all these parties accused him of insulting Telangana by comparing its formation with the creation of Pakistan and demanded an apologyBRSV leaders stated that Surya insulted the sacrifices of Telanganas martyrs and the sentiments of people They demanded that the MP tender an unconditional apology to the people of TelanganaMeanwhile BRS leader RS Praveen Kumar demanded that Surya come to Hyderabad and touch the feet of family members of Telangana martyrs for 24 hours continuouslyThe former IPS officer reacted to a clarification posted by Surya on âXâ This unapologetic AI generated reply wonât do Tejasvi Surya ji You must come along with all your Telangana BJP MPs who were mute spectators in Parliament to your vitriol to Hyderabad and touch the holy feet of family members of all 1300 Telangana Martyrs for 24 hours continuouslyâ demanded Praveen KumarIn a statement posted on Thursday night Surya stated that his statement was twistedâI reject the deliberate insinuation being furthered by the Opposition and firmly state my longstanding respect for the martyrs and protesters who sustained the Telangana movement However my comments must be seen as a reminder of how the Congress has traditionally betrayed the Southern states In the case of the Telangana movement in particular Congressâ betrayal has been starkâ wrote the MP from Bengaluru SouthMeanwhile Telanganaâs minister for transport and backward classes welfare Ponnam Prabhakar urged Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy to take immediate steps to remove Tejasvi Suryas controversial remarks from Parliament recordsPrabhakar said that Surya compared Telangana to the IndiaPakistan PartitionThe minister claimed that Kishan Reddy during his press conference in New Delhi on Friday admitted that Tejasvi committed a mistake Prabhakar told Kishan Reddy to take the initiative to urge the Lok Sabha Speaker to expunge Suryaâs remarks from the record IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/brs-student-wing-stages-protest-at-bjp-office-over-mp-suryas-remarks-669946.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kharge-greets-harivansh-on-re-election-as-rs-dy-chairman-flags-ls-dy-speaker-vacancy-669950.html New Delhi April 17 IANS Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday congratulated Harivansh on his reelection as Deputy Chairman of the House for a third consecutive termnbspnbspKharge expressed hope that Harivansh Singh would ensure fair treatment to the Opposition in the Upper HouseSpeaking in the Rajya Sabha the Congress President underlined the importance of the Opposition in sustaining a healthy democracy and said it was essential that Opposition members be given adequate time to raise their issuesCongratulating Harivansh Singh Kharge noted that his unopposed reelection reflected the confidence of the House in his impartiality and efficiencyHe also highlighted the historic nature of the achievement saying that Harivansh Singh is the first nominated member of the Rajya Sabha to be elected its Deputy ChairmanMr Deputy Chairman I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you on your third term in this prestigious office Your reelection demonstrates the impartiality and efficiency with which you have discharged your duties It is a privilege for us to work with you once again Kharge saidAt the same time the Congress President raised concerns over the continued vacancy of the Lok Sabha Deputy Speakers post since 2019 calling it contrary to the spirit of the ConstitutionHe urged the Union government to fill such key constitutional positions without delay irrespective of political considerationsEarlier Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda moved the motion proposing Harivanshs name While Opposition parties did not field a candidate they boycotted the election processFollowing Harivanshs unopposed election leaders across party lines extended their greetings to the Rajya Sabha ChairmanPrime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Harivansh on his reelection as the Rajya Sabha ChairmanThe Office of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman fell vacant after the term of Harivansh ended on April 9IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kharge-greets-harivansh-on-re-election-as-rs-dy-chairman-flags-ls-dy-speaker-vacancy-669950.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-raids-self-styled-godman-ashok-kharats-premises-in-money-laundering-case-669951.html Nashik April 17 The Enforcement Directorate ED on Friday conducted fresh search operations in connection with a money laundering case involving Nashikbased selfstyled godman Ashok Kharat officials said He is also facing serious allegations of sexual exploitation of women and financial fraud in the name of spirituality According to ED sources the agency carried out raids at Kharats commercial premises known as the Oaks Property Office located in the Canada Corner area of NashikThe premises had earlier been sealed by a Special Investigation Team SIT on March 26 after an extensive search operationED is conducting searches in connection with a money laundering case involving Nashikbased godman Ashok Kharat Raids are being carried out at his commercial premises known as the Oaks Property Office located in Canada Corner at Nashik an ED official saidThe latest action comes as part of the agencys ongoing probe into suspected financial irregularities including alleged benami transactions and undisclosed assets linked to Kharat and his associatesOfficials said the ED coordinated closely with the Nashik SIT to gain access to the sealed premises and continue its investigationThe earlier SITled searches had resulted in the seizure of several incriminating materialsDuring those operations authorities reportedly recovered two sacks of documents related to property dealings land transactions and financial records These included details of more than 52 land entries suspected benami properties cheque books receipts and financial registersElectronic evidence was also seized including computers hard disks and multiple pen drives which are now being examined for digital trails and financial linksThe ED had previously carried out searches in the case leading to the seizure of cash worth Rs 42 lakh Additionally assets valued at nearly Rs 24 crore were frozen as part of the probeSources indicated that the agency is now analysing the newly recovered documents and digital evidence to establish the money trail and identify other individuals who may be linked to the alleged laundering activitiesFurther action in the case is expected as the investigation progresses officials added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-raids-self-styled-godman-ashok-kharats-premises-in-money-laundering-case-669951.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-announces-ex-gratia-of-rs-2-lakh-for-kin-of-deceased-in-andhra-bus-accident-669696.html Kurnool April 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in Andhra Pradeshs Kurnool bus accident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the grieving families In a post on X the Prime Ministers Office PMO said The mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is deeply painful I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injuredAn exgratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased The injured would be given Rs 50000 the PMO addedThe accident occurred when a Bolero vehicle carrying pilgrims collided with a readymix lorry resulting in a devastating impact that left multiple passengers trapped and severely injuredAccording to officials a total of eight people died in the accident Five victims were declared dead at the spot while three others later succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a nearby hospitalAround 10 to 12 individuals were injured in the mishap The injured were promptly shifted to the Emmiganur hospital where they are currently undergoing treatment officials addedAuthorities confirmed that the initial information suggests that the deceased were pilgrims from Karnataka who had travelled to visit the Mantralayam temple and were returning when the accident took placePolice teams rushed to the scene immediately after receiving information about the collision and launched rescue and relief operations Efforts were made to evacuate the injured and clear the wreckage from the site according to the officialsA case was registered in connection with the incident and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accidentOfficials said further details are awaited as the probe progresses and more information emerges regarding the circumstances leading to the collisionThis comes close on the heels of a bus accident that killed six pilgrims in Punjabâs Fatehgarh SahibAccording to the officials at least six people were killed and around 20 were injured as the bus carrying devotees overturned in Fatehgarh Sahib while returning from Anandpur Sahib on TuesdayThe injured included women and children They were immediately admitted to nearby hospitals where they are currently undergoing treatmentThe bus with around 40 people on board was returning from Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district after paying obeisance on the occasion of Baisakhi when it developed a snag IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-announces-ex-gratia-of-rs-2-lakh-for-kin-of-deceased-in-andhra-bus-accident-669696.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-cm-debate-intensifies-ahead-of-kerala-election-verdict-669702.html Thiruvananthapuram April 16 Even before the votes are counted the Congress party in Kerala is grappling with a familiar problem internal rivalry With polling for the 140member Assembly concluded on April 9 and results due on May 4 growing optimism about a possible United Democratic Front UDF victory has triggered an intense debate over who should be the next Chief Minister What began as murmurs within party circles has now spilled into the public domainSocial media platforms are awash with campaigns backing key contenders while television channels have amplified the narrative turning it into a fullblown political spectacleCongress workers too have joined the fray openly aligning with their preferred leaders and pushing competing claims with unusual aggressionAt the centre of the debate are leaders like VD Satheesan KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala each backed by distinct camps within the partySupporters of Venugopal highlight his proximity to Rahul Gandhi and his role in shaping nationallevel strategies projecting him as a consensus builderSatheesan on the other hand is being positioned as the face of a younger more aggressive leadership credited with energising the UDFâs campaign against the Left governmentChennithalaâs camp leans on seniority and experience arguing that he remains a natural choice if the party returns to powerThis open jockeying however has raised concerns within the partyDuring the campaign the Congress had carefully avoided projecting a Chief Ministerial candidate insisting that the decision would rest with the high commandThe intent was to prevent factionalism from undermining electoral prospectsThat restraint appears to have faded quickly after polling dayReports now suggest that the party leadership in Delhi is unhappy with the public airing of internal differencesThe high command is understood to have reiterated that established procedures not social media campaigns or public posturing will determine the final choiceThere is also unease that the ongoing tussle could send confusing signals to voters and dilute the message of unity that the UDF sought to project during the campaignThe coming weeks therefore are as much about managing internal expectations as they are about awaiting the electoral verdictIf the Congressled front does secure a win the leadership will have to swiftly contain factional pressures and present a united frontFor now the battle for Keralaâs top post has begun well before the ballots are counted and it is playing out in full public viewK Muraleedharan son of fourtime Congress Chief Minister K Karunakaran who has seen it all at close quarters when the party was deeply divided between his father and Antony minced no words saying âitâs unfair to those who have voted for the UDF to see this unnecessary and needless discussions going on and all should maintain clamâ on Thursday morningSunny Joseph State Congress president on Thursday said there is an accepted procedure in the party that starts to work when a chief minister is being selected âWhat we have found out is that this is being done by a section using fake accounts on social media Moreover there will come a time when the legislators will be expressing their views on this topic at the appropriate forum and until then none should go overboardâ said Joseph IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-cm-debate-intensifies-ahead-of-kerala-election-verdict-669702.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/jammu-bsf-organises-yoga-session-at-veer-bhumi-park-under-yoga-at-iconic-places-initiative-669705.html Jammu April 16 The Border Security Force BSF on Thursday organised a yoga session at Veer Bhumi Park in Samba district under the âYoga at Iconic Placesâ initiative with 57 personnel participating in asanas pranayama and meditation BSF Jammu took to social media X and said BSF organized a Yoga session at Veer Bhumi Park Samba Jammu under the âYoga at Iconic Placesâ initiative where 57 personnel participated in asanas pranayama and meditation reinforcing the message âKaro Yog Raho Nirogâ and promoting physical fitness mental wellbeing and a disciplined lifestyleYoga has emerged as one of the most trusted means to boost physical and mental wellbeing The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root âyujâ meaning to join to yoke or to unite symbolizing the unity of mind and body thought and action restraint and fulfillment harmony between human and nature and a holistic approach to health and wellbeingRecognizing its universal appeal on December 11 2014 the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and was endorsed by a record 175 member states Prime Minister Narendra Modi first introduced the proposal in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly on September 27 2014 The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere This day represents a symbolic harmony between nature and human wellness and is important in many culturesThis ushered in an era of holistic health revolution in which attention was given to prevention rather than cure Since its first edition in 2015 India has led the celebration globally under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH with active support from state governments Indian missions abroad and UN agenciesThe journey of International Day of Yoga has been nothing short of extraordinary From a modest participation of 959 crore individuals in 2018 the celebration has grown exponentially In 2024 an estimated 2453 crore people joined celebrations worldwide showcasing the events massive global appeal The International Day of Yoga has become a global wellness movement uniting millions across countriesPrime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in globalising yoga by championing its recognition at the United Nations leading to the annual celebration of International Day of Yoga on June 21 since 2015 He has positioned yoga as a scientific evidencebased therapy for holistic health and sustainable living actively promoting its integration into modern medicine and daily life IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/jammu-bsf-organises-yoga-session-at-veer-bhumi-park-under-yoga-at-iconic-places-initiative-669705.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/womens-reservation-bill-tabled-in-ls-triggers-heated-debate-669729.html New Delhi April 16 The Centre on Thursday introduced the Womens Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha marking a significant legislative move during the ongoing special session of Parliament Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal initiated the debate by presenting the proposed Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 He also tabled the Delimitation Bill 2026 setting the stage for discussions on implementing a onethird reservation for women in legislative bodiesDuring the proceedings Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026 adding to the legislative agenda of the dayThe introduction of the Bills triggered strong reactions from the Opposition Congress MP K C Venugopal opposed all three legislations and formally recorded the partys objections in the House The government wants to completely hijack the Constitution the Congress MP said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that the Bills have just been introduced and the discussion on them is yet to followAs Venugopal continued to speak at length Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened reminding him that adequate time would be allotted during the debateSamajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav also objected to the Bills raising concerns over what he described as the exclusion of Muslim women from the reservation framework Rijiju immediately countered the remark terming it unconstitutionalSP chief Akhilesh Yadav said his party supports womens reservation in principle but questioned the government over delays in conducting the Census He remarked They are delaying the census because when it happens we will ask for the castebased census and they dont want itResponding to the charge Amit Shah said The Census process has already started across the country and after that we will also conduct a castebased census Currently the House Listing is underway homes dont belong to a certain caste If SP has its way they will designate a caste to homes alsoThe Home Minister also criticised Dharmendra Yadavs remarks calling them unconstitutional and asserting that the Constitution does not permit discrimination on religious grounds in matters of reservationAkhilesh Yadav in turn described Shahs comments regarding the Muslim community as undemocratic Replying sharply Shah said We are not stopping the Samajwadi Party from giving all their tickets to Muslim womenThe debate in the Lok Sabha is expected to continue with both the government and the Opposition preparing to press their positions on the proposed amendments and the broader issue of womens representation in legislatures IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/womens-reservation-bill-tabled-in-ls-triggers-heated-debate-669729.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/amit-shah-vs-akhilesh-yadav-in-ls-sp-questions-timing-of-womens-quota-govt-hits-back-669731.html New Delhi April 16 IANS A sharp exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Thursday as Samajwadi Party SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Centres urgency in introducing the Womens Reservation Bill raising concerns over the absence of a recent Census and alleging that the government is avoiding a castebased enumerationnbspThis came as the Centre introduced the Womens Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha marking a significant legislative move during the ongoing special session of ParliamentParticipating in the debate Akhilesh Yadav said Why is the Centre rushing for womens reservation Start with the Census first while reiterating that his party supports womens reservation in principle but opposes its implementation through delimitationHe further alleged that the government is deliberately delaying the Census to avoid triggering demands for a caste census and an expansion of reservationsnbspHe remarked They are delaying the census because when it happens we will ask for the castebased census and they dont want itResponding to the criticism Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Census exercise has already begun and assured the House that a castebased Census would also be conductedThe Census process has already started across the country and after that we will also conduct a castebased census Currently the House Listing is underway homes dont belong to a certain caste If SP has its way it will designate a caste to homes also I want to assure the House that the Census is going to happen with the caste census as well Shah said taking a swipe at the oppositionSamajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said the party strongly opposes the three proposed Bills on constitutional grounds He alleged that the measures attempt to distort the Constitution particularly by separating delimitation from the Census processSpeaking on behalf of the SP he said the party would not support the Womens Reservation Bill unless it includes provisions for Other Backward Classes and Muslim women He also urged the government to withdraw the proposed Bills and instead implement the law passed in 2023Shah asserted that a reservation based on religion is not permissible under the Constitution Based on religion reservation of any kind for Muslims is unconstitutional Shah saidIn response Akhilesh Yadav questioned whether the Muslim population falls outside the 50 per cent reservation cap pressing the government on its positionReplying to this Shah said We are not stopping the Samajwadi Party from giving all their tickets to Muslim womenThe exchange grew heated before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened urging members not to engage in such direct backandforth debate and to maintain decorum during the proceedingsIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/amit-shah-vs-akhilesh-yadav-in-ls-sp-questions-timing-of-womens-quota-govt-hits-back-669731.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/lok-sabha-showdown-govt-oppn-spar-over-merits-of-bills-669733.html New Delhi April 16 IANS As the threeday special sitting of Parliament began this morning to debate and discuss three legislations the Lok Sabha witnessed fireworks and uproar with Opposition and treasury benches engaging in a war of words over the merits of the proposed amendmentsnbspLaw Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill and the Delimitation Bill 2026 while Home Minister Amit Shah proposed to introduce the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026Congress MP KC Venugopal voiced strong opposition to the introduction of the bills claiming that this was an attempt to alter the constitutional fabric of the nation for certain motivesLok Sabha Speaker intervened asking them to reserve their arguments during Rule 72 and assured the Opposition of providing ample time to put forth their objections during the fullfledged debateHM Shah countered Venugopals charges stating that this was the time to raise technical objections to the introduction of the bills but the latter was questioning the merits of the billsSamajwadi Party fiercely opposed the bills on constitutional grounds claiming that this would destroy the federal structure and curtail parliamentary democracySP MP Dharmendra Yadav demanded that the proposed amendments and bills be withdrawn while the womens reservation bill which was passed in 2023 be brought into force with immediate effectThe SP lawmakers scathing criticism however sparked controversy as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly objected to his demands for inclusion of a special quota for Muslim womenRijiju asserted that the SP leaders demand for special reservation for Muslim women is totally uncalled for and asked him to refrain from adding communal flavour to the debateAIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also objected to the introduction of bills stating that this is against the very basis of federalism and the Constitutional frameworkThe government and opposition have been at loggerheads over the womens reservation bill and delimitation bill as the former is seeking to operationalise the quota for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections while the latter is calling it an attempt to pass delimitation from the backdoor using the womens reservation as a frontIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/lok-sabha-showdown-govt-oppn-spar-over-merits-of-bills-669733.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/oppn-objects-to-clubbing-of-key-bills-in-ls-amit-shah-cites-past-instances-669749.html New Delhi April 16 IANS Congress MP KC Venugopal on Thursday opposed the governments move to take up the Delimitation Bill alongside the Constitution Amendment Bill for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha arguing that combining the legislations was not an appropriate parliamentary practicenbspUnion Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose in the House to table the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 and the Delimitation Bill 2026 marking a key step in the legislative process The introduction follows an earlier round of voting in which Members of Parliament supported bringing the Bill forward for discussionRaising the issue in the House Venugopal said This is against the rule Here one is the Constitution Amendment Bill and the other two are not Clubbing will not be a good practice We cannot allow this there are consequences When the Constitution Amendment Bill is going to be defeated what is the pointResponding to the concerns Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the governments approach stating that the nature of voting for a Constitution amendment differs from that of a regular legislative amendmentnbspThe votes in a constitutional amendment are different compared to an amendment to a law Shah saidHe further explained that the introduction of multiple Bills together was part of a broader legislative plan aimed at implementing womens reservation effectivelynbspAfter the Bill on Constitution amendment to take the womens reservation to its logical end the other two Bills are important Hence they have been introduced together he addedShah maintained that the discussions on all three Bills revolve around the same subject justifying their simultaneous consideration in the House He also pointed out that such legislative practices have precedentnbspThis has happened several times in the past as well he said citing the passage of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023 when the Opposition agreed to a discussion on all Bills togetherTaking a swipe at the Opposition the Home Minister stated They have come here with a decision to oppose everything so they are opposing everythingIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/oppn-objects-to-clubbing-of-key-bills-in-ls-amit-shah-cites-past-instances-669749.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/voting-on-passage-of-womens-reservation-delimitation-bills-on-friday-at-4-pm-669767.html New Delhi April 16 IANS Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that an extended discussion would be held on the three crucial Bills related to womens reservation and delimitation with voting scheduled for FridaynbspAddressing the House Rijiju said The discussion will be held for 12 hours The speaker should have the authority to extend the time for discussion The voting on the bills will be done tomorrowLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subsequently clarified that the debate could go on for a longer duration if required indicating flexibility in the schedule to accommodate detailed deliberations by membersHe said Discussion on these three bills will be held for 1518 hours Voting on these bills will be done at 4 pm tomorrow He further assured that everyone will be given appropriate time to speak during the discussionThe introduction of the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 aimed at enabling womens reservation and facilitating delimitation was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes in the House The development came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote leading to a formal division processUnion Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose in the House to table the Bill marking a key step in the legislative process The introduction follows an earlier round of voting in which Members of Parliament supported bringing the Bill forward for discussionThe Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 and the Delimitation Bill 2026 and Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026 were introducedEarlier the Lok Sabha had voted in favour of introducing the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 after the Opposition demanded a divisionFollowing the use of vote slips the distribution stood at 251 in support and 185 against announced Speaker Om Birla adding that it is subject to changeThe Lok Sabha typically relies on voice voting to pass motions however when the outcome is contested a division is conducted In such cases the Automatic Vote Recorder system is used to register votes under Ayes Noes and AbstainSubsequently vote slips were also utilised during the proceedings after the division with a total of 333 members casting their votes and no abstentions recorded in that roundIf any member wishes to change the vote they may call for voting through slips the Lok Sabha Secretary General had earlier informed the HouseThe Opposition had insisted on a division as the House took up voting on the introduction of the Womens Reservation Bill The motion required a simple majority to be carried and the voting process was conducted accordingly amid heightened political engagementIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/voting-on-passage-of-womens-reservation-delimitation-bills-on-friday-at-4-pm-669767.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-fadnavis-offers-prayers-at-baps-swaminarayan-mandir-prays-for-peace-prosperity-669772.html Mumbai April 16 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai where he devoutly offered prayers and performed darshan of Bhagwan Swaminarayan During his visit CM Fadnavis participated in the sacred abhishek ceremony expressing deep reverence and spiritual devotion He was warmly received by the sadhu Tirthswarup Das of BAPS who apprised him of the organisationâs extensive spiritual cultural and humanitarian activities carried out across India and worldwideMumbai BJP President Amit Satam also joined the Chief Minister during this visit said a media releaseIn his post on X CM Fadnavis said âI visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Dadar to seek blessings and offer prayers for everyones wellbeing During the visit I also had the opportunity to perform the Abhishek ritualâBlessed to offer prayers and perform Abhishek at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Dadar Prayed for the peace and prosperity of all Joined by BJP Mumbai President and MLA Ameet Satamâ he saidThe Chief Minister appreciated the valuesbased initiatives of BAPS that continue to inspire society through service sanskar and unity He also spent time on the mandir premises experiencing its serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere In a spirit of humility and devotion prayers were offered at the feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj for the continued good health strength and dedicated service of Devendra Fadnavis towards the progress and wellbeing of the people of Maharashtra said the releaseThe BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai holds regular Ravi Sabhas Sunday assemblies where his latest blessings and discourses are shared with thousands of Mumbaikars Mumbaiâs BAPS community is highly active in disaster relief environmental drives like Mumbais green initiatives and blood donation campsA threespired mandir crafted from pink stone with intricate carvings features Murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan Gunatitanand Swami Gopalanand Swami Harikrishna Maharaj and RadhaKrishna It serves as a major centre for cultural and spiritual activities It is known for a rotating pillar located where Yogiji Maharajs body was placed in 1971 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-fadnavis-offers-prayers-at-baps-swaminarayan-mandir-prays-for-peace-prosperity-669772.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/voice-of-india-carries-lot-of-weight-bilaterally-and-in-international-forums-austrian-chancellor-stocker-669778.html New Delhi April 16 Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker on Thursday hailed Indias role bilaterally and in international forums saying that New Delhis voice carries a lot of weight Stocker stated that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agree that peace in all conflicts can be achieved through negotiations While addressing a joint press meet with PM Modi following their talks in New Delhi on Thursday Stocker stated that he and Prime Minister Modi support a rulesbased order and not a world where might is rightStocker stated We are living in an age of geopolitical upheaval and disruption Power centres are shifting new alliances are being created and conflicts are becoming more complex At times like this stability trust and reliable partnerships are not just words but a strategic necessity And that is why India is such a reliable partner and is valued by Austria The largest democracy in the world shares common interests and fundamental values At a time when geopolitical challenges are getting stronger such partnerships are even more valuable Together we represent an international order in which we can live in freedom and securityWe are in favour of a rulesbased world order and not a world in which might is right Mr Prime Minister and I share the view that peace in all conflicts can only be achieved through negotiation and the voice of India carries a lot of weight bilaterally and also in international forums In a vibrant democracy parliaments also play an important role We have very important priorities in many areas and we believe that dynamic technological cooperation will be important and will connect us he addedHailing Indias growth he said India has an impressive growth rate of about 7 per cent per year and its one of the most dynamic global markets and a key strategic partner for us Austrian companies will in the future benefit more strongly from this dynamismHe stated that the Free Trade Agreement FTA between India and the EU will reduce trade barriers and create new opportunities for exports investments and industrial cooperation He called the IndiaEU FTA important in times of geopolitical challengesTerming his visit to New Delhi a milestone for bilateral ties he said My visit is in fact a milestone for AustrianIndian relations and I am very pleased and I also think its a great honour to be the first federal Chancellor to visit India in more than 40 years Mr Prime Minister you visited Vienna in the summer of 2024 and I think we can truly say that the diplomatic relations that weve had for the last 75 years are much stronger than ever before and we will be trying to build on this positive dynamism And thank you very much Mr Prime Minister for your invitation and also for your very friendly welcome and your hospitalityBut I havent come to India alone I am accompanied by 60 highranking business leaders The whos who of the Austrian business world This delegation is led by our Minister for economic affairs and the Vice President of the Austrian Economic Chamber Our close political ties are also of benefit for our business landscape he addedCalling India one of the most important trading partners outside the EU for Austria he noted that the bilateral trade between the two nations has increased to about three billion euros in the last 10 years He stated that about 160 Austrian companies are active in the Indian market in important frontier technologies like semiconductor production renewable energies automotive and infrastructureHe announced that India and Austria will be strengthening cooperation in security and defence through strategic dialogueHe said As far as our enterprises are concerned we want to have good ideas that can be implemented much more quickly and that investment takes place and that decisions are taken more quickly and that problems are resolved In terms of food security we want clear standards We believe in cooperation and knowledge transfer Reliable quality strengthens markets It creates trust We will be intensifying our cooperation in the fields of security and defence through a strategic dialogueAnd so as far as combating terrorism is concerned its clear that security does not end where our borders end And this is something that can only be tackled at a global level All this shows that our partnership covers a lot of areas We have economic dynamism academic and scientific cooperation and responsibility as far as security policy is concerned he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/voice-of-india-carries-lot-of-weight-bilaterally-and-in-international-forums-austrian-chancellor-stocker-669778.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/akhilesh-yadav-questions-haste-in-pushing-bills-says-sp-fully-supports-womens-quota--669784.html New Delhi April 16 IANS Samajwadi Party SP President Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday questioned the governments intent and haste in rushing the three bills on womens reservation a Constitutional Amendment and delimitation in the special threeday sitting of the Parliament contending that this was attempt to deprive the backward and margainalised women from the benefits of reservationnbspnbspAkhilesh Yadav also hurled pointed questions at the Centre over its nari shakti resolve and claimed that the BJP is converting the womens reservation into a poll issue and trying to hijack the national cause by twisting itJoining the marathon debate on womens reservation and delimitation he demanded that the Census and castebased census in particular be conducted before the womens reservation bill is brought into forceAkhilesh Yadav said that his party stands wholeheartedly in support of women and it has consistently worked for their upliftment and empowerment and went on to call out the BJPs poor record of womens representation despite being in power in more than a dozen statesOur party leaders who draw inspiration from the socialist icons like Ram Manohar Lohia have consistently stood up for womens rights We are in support of womens quota but against any conspiracy to shortchange them he statedShowing the ruling dispensation the mirror on women empowerment claims he said that the BJP is in power in 21 statesUTs across the country but it must tell in how many places are the reins of power in womens handsThe party which takes pride in being the worlds biggest party must see its own records on giving women equal rights and share he said while calling out the hurry and haste in pushing through the three billsHe said that the reality is that the government wants to delay the Census and castebased census in particular as it is against giving reservations to backward and marginalised communitiesThe primary purpose of bringing the womens reservation bill is to cultivate a new vote bank as they fear losing support in the upcoming elections he addedThe SP chief also claimed that the delimitations purpose is to distort the federal structure of the nation and give political mileage to the ruling party citing Assam and Jammu ampamp Kashmir as examples of botched proceduresFurther claiming that the number of Legislative Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh will cross the 500 mark after delimitation he said that they suspect a conspiracy behind itIf there is any illwill behind the restructuring of constituencies the BJP will stand to lose much like what happened in Ayodhya he said issuing a note of cautionWe are against rotation of seats this doesnt bode well for democracy We demand that there must be a Census first he also statedIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/akhilesh-yadav-questions-haste-in-pushing-bills-says-sp-fully-supports-womens-quota--669784.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/samrat-choudhary-in-action-mode-holds-series-of-high-level-meetings-at-secretariat-669793.html Patna April 16 A day after taking charge as Bihars new Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary moved swiftly into governance mode on Thursday holding a series of highlevel meetings at the state Secretariat After his swearingin as Biharâs 24th Chief Minister and the first from the BJP Samrat Choudhary wasted no time in setting the administrative tone of the new governmentOn Thursday morning CM Samrat Choudhary reached the Secretariat early and convened a crucial meeting with Principal Secretaries of all departments Key administrative directions are expected to emerge from this meeting signaling the governmentâs priorities in the coming daysDeputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary formally assumed charge at the Water Resources Department located at Irrigation Bhawan He reviewed departmental functioning and took detailed briefings from officialsMeanwhile another Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav is also expected to take charge of his responsibilities soon Senior leaders from both the BJP and Janata Dal United including Vijay Kumar Sinha had met the Chief Minister on Wednesday eveningThe new government sworn in on Wednesday is currently functioning with a limited cabinet Alongside CM Samrat Choudhary both Deputy CMs Vijay Chaudhary and Bijendra Yadav are managing the administrationCM Samrat Choudhary is holding 29 departments including the Home Ministry while Vijay Kumar Chaudhary is holding 10 departments and Bijendra Prasad Yadav is in charge of 8 departmentsA full cabinet expansion is expected soon after which portfolios will be redistributed among ministersThe Chief Ministerâs immediate engagement with top officials and earlymorning review meetings indicate a strong governance push right from the outset The administration is expected to move quickly on key policy and development decisionsWith the transition from Nitish Kumar to Samrat Choudhary Bihar has entered a new political phase The coming days will be crucial in shaping the direction and priorities of the new government IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/samrat-choudhary-in-action-mode-holds-series-of-high-level-meetings-at-secretariat-669793.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/women-reservation-bill-will-help-to-change-disha-and-dasha-of-nation-pm-modi-669809.html New Delhi April 16 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the Women Reservation Bill will help change the disha and dasha direction and condition of the countrys politics by involving half of the population of the nation in decisionmakingnbspOutlining the benefits of womens reservation in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 PM Modi said all those who have opposed this provision have been taught a lesson by women votersWe are privileged that we have an opportunity to give a new direction to the nations politics and strengthen democracy he said urging parties not to see it through the prism of politicsEarlier the introduction was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes in the House The development came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote leading to a formal division processUnion Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose in the House to table the Bill marking a key step in the legislative process The introduction follows an earlier round of voting in which Members of Parliament supported bringing the Bill forward for discussion The Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 and the Delimitation Bill 2026 and Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2026 were introducedThe Lok Sabha had voted in favour of introducing the Constitution One Hundred and ThirtyFirst Amendment Bill 2026 after the Opposition demanded a division Following the use of vote slips the distribution stood at 251 in support and 185 against announced Speaker Om Birla adding that it is subject to changeThe Lok Sabha typically relies on voice voting to pass motions however when the outcome is contested a division is conducted In such cases the Automatic Vote Recorder system is used to register votes under Ayes Noes and AbstainSubsequently vote slips were also utilised during the proceedings after the division with a total of 333 members casting their votes and no abstentions recorded in that roundIf any member wishes to change the vote they may call for voting through slips the Lok Sabha Secretary General had earlier informed the HouseThe Opposition had insisted on a division as the House took up voting on the introduction of the Womens Reservation Bill The motion required a simple majority to be carried and the voting process was conducted accordingly amid heightened political engagementLok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Singh briefed the members on the functioning of the automatic vote recording system reiterating that while voice votes are the norm a division is invoked when demanded by membersThe votes will not be registered if the votes are kept pressed before the first gong or if they arent pressed simultaneously till the second gong Members can check their vote on the individual results board Singh saidIf any member wishes to change the vote they may call for voting through slips he addedIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/women-reservation-bill-will-help-to-change-disha-and-dasha-of-nation-pm-modi-669809.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/asg-seeks-harshest-punishment-for-congress-mla-vinay-kulkarni-in-bjp-leader-murder-case-669814.html Bengaluru April 16 Additional Solicitor General ASG SV Raju appearing for the CBI urged the Special Court for MLAsMPs in Bengaluru on Thursday to award the harshest punishment to accused MLA Vinay Kulkarni and the other accused in the murder case of BJP leader and Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda âThe Special Court for MLAsMPs in Bengaluru on Wednesday held senior Congress MLA and former minister Vinay Kulkarni guilty in the murder case of the BJP leader âThe court delivered its final verdict after a prolonged trial Vinay Kulkarni has been named as accused number 15 in the case He is currently serving as the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board The court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy The court is hearing arguments over the quantum of punishment todayPresenting his arguments before the court Additional Solicitor General ASG Raju submitted that the accused should be given the harshest punishment stating that they had hatched a conspiracy and carried out a coldblooded murder He further argued that the deceased Yogesh Gowda was a public figure who was killed due to political rivalry He told the court that initially other individuals had surrendered before the police in connection with the case but the truth emerged only after the CBI investigationASG Raju contended that the accused being a legislator expected to uphold the law had instead orchestrated the killing He alleged that the accused misused the police machinery and violated constitutional principlesHe also stated that Yogesh Gowda was brutally murdered after chilli powder was thrown into his eyes He added that documents were fabricated and attempts were made to destroy evidence According to him the accused misused his position as an MLA and minister and manipulated the entire systemMeanwhile the caseâs approver witness Basavaraj Muttagi had visited the Ganesh temple located at KCD Circle in Dharwad city earlier in the day Muttagi who arrived at the temple under CRPF security offered special prayers and prayed to God to give him greater strength for his fightSpeaking to the media he said that the real struggle would begin now He also stated that he had been haunted by a sense of guilt as he too had been part of the conspiracy when Yogesh Gowda was murderedA total of 21 persons were named as accused in the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation Among 21 accused persons 17 were found guilty and two have turned approvers In this background the court has delivered its verdict holding 19 accused guiltyâAccused number one Basavaraj Muttagi had turned approver and given his statement while accused number 17 Shivanand even after turning approver gave a hostile statement Hence the Central Bureau of Investigation has filed an application to reaccuse accused number 17âThe accused number two Vikram accused number three Keerthi Kumar accused number four Sandeep accused number five Vinayak accused number six Mahabaleshwar alias Mudaka accused number seven Santosh accused number eight Dinesh accused number nine Ashwath accused number ten Sunil accused number eleven Nazeer Ahmed accused number twelve Shanawaz accused number thirteen Nutan accused number fourteen Harshit accused number fifteen Vinay Kulkarni accused number sixteen Chandru Mama accused number eighteen Vikas Kalaburagi and accused number nineteen Channakeshava Tingarikar have been declared guiltyâMeanwhile the court ordered the release of accused numbers 20 and 21 Vasudev Nilekani and SomashekarâThe case dates back to 2016 and the court will also decide the fate of 21 other accused in connection with the incidentâ The case was handed over to the CBI by the state government At the time the allegations surfaced Kulkarni was serving as a minister and district incharge ministerâYogesh Gowda was hacked to death by a group of assailants at a gym in Dharwad city on June 15 2016 He had challenged Kulkarni politically and the incident soon took a turn for the worseâKulkarni was arrested in 2020 and released on bail in 2021 He was accused of influencing witnesses following which the CBI sought cancellation of his bail alleging violation of bail conditions The court accepted the plea and revoked his bailâ Subsequently Kulkarni surrendered before the authorities and was recently released on bail againâKulkarni was accused of conspiring in the murder of Yogesh Gowda At the time he was a Cabinet minister in the Siddaramaiahled government Although his name surfaced no action was taken against him initiallyâThe BJP later made it a major issue with former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa vowing at election rallies that Kulkarni would be sent to jail if the BJP came to powerâThe case was subsequently handed over to the CBI and Kulkarni was arrested He spent more than nine months in jail before securing bail from the Supreme Courtâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/asg-seeks-harshest-punishment-for-congress-mla-vinay-kulkarni-in-bjp-leader-murder-case-669814.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/gujarat-accounts-for-83-pc-of-indias-gdp-says-cm-patel-at-trade-expo-inauguration-669817.html Gandhinagar April 16 Gujarat contributes 83 per cent to Indiaâs gross domestic product GDP along with 18 per cent of the countryâs industrial output and 31 per cent of exports Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Thursday after inaugurating a threeday trade expo in the state capital Addressing the opening of the Gujarat Advanced Technology and Economy Expo GATE 2026 organised by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry GCCI Patel said The stateâs economic performance reflects a development model built on the integration of trade and tradition commerce and culture and industry and entrepreneurship under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra ModiThe event being held from April 16 to 18 at an exhibition centre in Gandhinagar spans 18000 square metres and features more than 16 sectors including automobiles renewable energy information technology pharmaceuticals and textiles with a specific focus on artificial intelligence and cyber securityCM Patel said the expo themed Gujarat Vision Global Ambition is expected to provide a platform for micro small and medium enterprises MSMEs and young entrepreneurs to expand from local markets to global opportunitiesHe expressed confidence that such initiatives would strengthen the stateâs industrial ecosystemReferring to the Vibrant Gujarat summit CM Patel said its continued success has helped position Gujarat as âa global gateway to the futureâHe added that industry bodies such as GCCI play a key role in policymaking by providing groundlevel feedback and have worked in coordination with the state government in both planning and execution of such initiativesGujarat is advancing in emerging sectors including green growth renewable energy electric vehicle manufacturing and semiconductors in line with the national objective of Make in India Made for the World he notedCM Patel also noted that Gujarat is the first state to prepare a Developed Gujarat 2047 roadmap based on the principle of âearning well living wellâ to contribute to the broader goal of a developed IndiaGCCI President Sandeep Engineer said the event marks an important step towards strengthening industrial development in Gujarat and advancing the vision of Viksit Gujarat to Viksit BharatAround 610 exhibitors have registered for the expo with more than 30000 visitors already signed up and the number is expected to reach 50000 he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/gujarat-accounts-for-83-pc-of-indias-gdp-says-cm-patel-at-trade-expo-inauguration-669817.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bjp-leader-murder-case-court-reserves-verdict-on-quantum-of-sentence-for-friday-669826.html Bengaluru April 16 The Special Court for MLAsMPs in Bengaluru on Thursday completed the proceedings of recording the final statements on the quantum of punishment in the BJP leader Yogesh Gowda murder case and reserved the verdict for Friday The final counterarguments by the counsels representing the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI and those of the convicted Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni were completed Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat then adjourned the matter for the pronouncement of the verdict against the MLA and 16 othersEmotional scenes prevailed on the court premises as family members of the convicts gathered and were seen in tears throughout the proceedings Some of the convicts including MLA Vinay Kulkarni were seen consoling their family members while they themselves were also in tearsIt can be recalled that in a major development the Special Court for MLAsMPs in Bengaluru on Wednesday held senior Congress MLA and former Minister Vinay Kulkarni guilty in the murder case of BJP leader and Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda âThe court delivered its final verdict after a prolonged trial Vinay Kulkarni has been named as accused number 15 in the case He is currently serving as the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board The court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy Presenting his arguments before the court Additional Solicitor General ASG V Raju submitted that the accused should be given the harshest punishment stating that they had hatched a conspiracy and carried out a coldblooded murder He further argued that the deceased Yogesh Gowda was a public figure who was killed due to political rivalryHe told the court that initially other individuals had surrendered before the police in connection with the case but the truth emerged only after the CBI investigationASG Raju contended that the accused being a legislator expected to uphold the law had instead orchestrated the killing He alleged that the accused misused the police machinery and violated constitutional principlesHe also stated that Yogesh Gowda was brutally murdered after chilli powder was thrown into his eyes He added that documents were fabricated and attempts were made to destroy evidence According to him the accused misused his position as an MLA and minister and manipulated the entire systemConvicted Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni pleaded before the Special Court for MLAsMPs in Bengaluru stating that he has been in politics for 26 years and has not harmed anyoneRecording his statement before the court pronounced the quantum of punishment convict Kulkarni said âThe case has been filed for political reasons I have two daughters who have reached marriageable age and a son I contested the Lok Sabha election as well I am an agriculturist and take care of 3500 cows I have not troubled anyone in my constituencyâSenior counsel Shyam Sundar arguing on behalf of the accused submitted that awarding life imprisonment would be the maximum punishment and would be equivalent to a death sentence He urged the court to impose a sentence that allows scope for reformation He added that Kulkarni is a legislator elected by the people rears more than 3000 cows and is also an industrialistHe further submitted that thousands of people have placed their trust in Kulkarni and that these factors should be considered while determining the punishment This background he said reflects Kulkarniâs good character IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bjp-leader-murder-case-court-reserves-verdict-on-quantum-of-sentence-for-friday-669826.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/prez-murmu-visits-sevagram-ashram-in-wardha-impresses-locals-with-simplicity-and-curiosity-669846.html Wardha April 16 President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited the historic Sevagram Ashram in Maharashtras Wardha touring Mahatma Gandhiâs residence including Bapu Kuti Ba Kuti and Adi Niwas During her visit she paid tributes to Gandhi toured the premises and took a keen interest in the historical significance of each locationThe President also participated in a prayer meeting planted a sapling to support environmental sustainability and engaged in traditional thread spinning sut katayiAccompanying the President were Governor Jishnu Dev Varma state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Guardian Minister Dr Pankaj Bhoyar and Collector Vanmathi C among other dignitariesThe residents of the Ashram were deeply moved by the Presidentâs visit citing her remarkable simplicity and her asking detailed thoughtful questions While examining the preserved artefacts of Mahatma Gandhiâs daily life President Murmu noticed a pair of large tongs in a corner Driven by curiosity she inquired about its purpose Ashram officials explained that during Gandhijiâs time the area was prone to snake sightings However Gandhiji had strictly instructed that no snakes were to be killed Instead volunteers used these tongs to safely catch the snakes place them in baskets and release them into the nearby forest This practice served as a practical application of the principle of nonviolence AhimsaThe President expressed her profound appreciation for this historical anecdote Unlike many highprofile visitors who often rush through the premises President Murmu took the time to personally read every piece of information on the boards and plaques installed at the AshramUsually when a highprofile guest arrives they are short on time and cannot manage to read the displays But Madam President read all the instructions and information noted Vijay Tambe an Ashram member who guided her through the premises In a gesture of respect the President removed her shoes before entering each hut opting instead to wear the bamboo slippers provided by the AshramShe also showed specific interest in the hotline phone once used by BapuFollowing the Ashrams tradition a tree plantation ceremony was organised While the sapling was preselected and ready for the ceremony the President immediately identified it upon arrival Oh this is a Bel tree isnt it It is very useful she remarked Her accurate identification of the species left those present impressed by her deep knowledge of floraPresident Murmu expressed her delight at the peaceful and clean environment of the Ashram and tried her hand at spinning thread on the charkhaBefore departing she complimented the staff on the upkeep of the grounds saying You have maintained this area beautifully continue to preserve itShe also expressed wonder at the ancient clay roof tiles kavelu still preserved on the huts IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/prez-murmu-visits-sevagram-ashram-in-wardha-impresses-locals-with-simplicity-and-curiosity-669846.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-to-visit-karnataka-today-669462.html New Delhi April 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Karnataka on Wednesday to inaugurate the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district At around 11 am the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at He will also address the gathering on the occasionâDuring the visit the Prime Minister will also jointly release the book titled âSaundarya Lahari and Shiva Mahimna Stotramâ along with former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said a statementâSri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira is a memorial dedicated to the revered seer Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji the 71st Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana MathConstructed in the traditional Dravidian architectural style the Mandira stands as a tribute to the life and legacy of the late seerâThe Mandira is envisioned not only as a place of reverence but also as a source of inspiration for future generations the statement saidâSri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji was widely respected for his lifelong commitment to social service having established numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilitiesâHe firmly believed that service to society is the highest form of worship and his teachings transcended barriers of caste creed and region inspiring millionsâEarlier on Tuesday PM Modi inaugurated a sixlane DelhiDehradun expressway a Rs 12000crore highway project that is set to reduce travel time between the two cities from fivesix hours to about 225 hoursThe 213km accesscontrolled corridor now open for use is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity linking key towns including Baghpat Baraut Shamli and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh before reaching Dehradun It will also integrate with major national corridors including the DelhiMumbai DelhiKatra and DelhiMeerut expresswaysBefore that PM Modi reviewed the wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradeshs SaharanpurDuring this visit Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also presentAn exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the projectPM Modi also held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor which saw huge crowds lining up on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-to-visit-karnataka-today-669462.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/chirag-paswan-visits-ailing-uncle-pashupati-paras-in-hospital-calls-him-father-figure-669477.html Patna April 15 Former Union Minister and RLJP chief Pashupati Kumar Paras was admitted to a private hospital in Patna after he suddenly fell ill and experienced breathing difficulties He is currently undergoing treatment and doctors are closely monitoring his conditionUpon receiving news of his uncleâs hospitalisation Union Minister Chirag Paswan rushed to Sai Hospital in Kankarbagh to meet himIn a touching gesture Chirag Paswan first sought blessings by touching his uncleâs feet and then embraced himHe interacted with doctors to get a detailed update on Parasâs health and expressed hope for his speedy recoverySupporters of Pashupati Paras also gathered at the hospital to inquire about his conditionSpeaking to the media Chirag Paswan said that Pashupati Paras is like a father figure to himHe emphasised that beyond political differences his visit was a personal oneâPolitics is separate but I have come here as a son to check on his healthâ he saidThe relationship between Chirag Paswan and Pashupati Paras had deteriorated after the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan leading to a split in the Lok Janshakti Party in 2021Paras led one faction while Chirag Paswan formed his own party the Lok Janshakti Party Ram VilasDespite the earlier political rift recent interactions suggest a thaw in relations raising speculation about possible reconciliation in the futureIn the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the Lok Janshakti Party won six seats in BiharIn 2021 the party split into two factions led by Paras and ChiragIn the 2024 Lok Sabha elections Chirag Paswanâs party won five seats in Bihar under the NDA after which he became a Union MinisterIn the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections his party contested 29 seats and secured 19 victoriesDoctors have not released detailed medical information yet but sources indicate that Pashupati Paras is stable and responding to treatment IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/chirag-paswan-visits-ailing-uncle-pashupati-paras-in-hospital-calls-him-father-figure-669477.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/transparency-accountability-cm-samrat-choudhary-meets-top-officials-issues-directives-669489.html Patna April 15 IANS After taking the oath Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary moved swiftly to assert control over the administrative machinery signalling an actionoriented resultsdriven approach from the outset of his tenurenbspMoments after taking the oath as the states 24th Chief Minister Choudhary proceeded directly to the Secretariat where he formally assumed charge of the Chief Ministers Office underscoring his intent to waste no time in governanceSoon after he convened a highlevel meeting with senior IAS officers including Principal Secretaries and top officials from various departmentsThe meeting focused on accelerating governance streamlining administrative processes and reviewing the status of pending development projectsDuring the meeting the Chief Minister issued firm directives making it clear that the governments foremost priority would be the swift resolution of public grievancesHe stressed that negligence in the implementation of development schemes would not be tolerated and instructed all departments to meet their targets within stipulated timelinesKey sectors such as roads healthcare education and law and order were highlighted as areas requiring immediate and sustained attentionEmphasising transparency and accountability Choudhary directed officials to ensure that citizens are not forced to make repeated visits to government offices for basic servicesHe called for efficient grievance redressal mechanisms and urged the administration to adopt digital governance practices to simplify access to public servicesReviewing ongoing development initiatives he sought detailed progress reports and made it clear that accountability would be fixed in cases of delayAt the same time officials were instructed to fasttrack proposals for new schemes to further accelerate Bihars development trajectoryThe Chief Ministers immediate and proactive engagement with the bureaucracy reflects a government operating in active mode from day oneAs his directives begin to take shape on the ground the coming days will be crucial in determining how effectively this momentum translates into tangible outcomes for the people of BiharIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/transparency-accountability-cm-samrat-choudhary-meets-top-officials-issues-directives-669489.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/delhi-hc-directs-police-to-take-down-unauthorised-videos-of-kejriwal-arguing-in-excise-policy-case-669519.html New Delhi April 15 IANS The Delhi High Court has directed the police to ensure the removal of all videos circulating on social media that show Aam Aadmi Party AAP national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arguing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma during the hearing of his plea seeking the judges recusal from the Delhi Excise Policy casenbspThe direction came amid controversy over the unauthorised recording and circulation of the Delhi High Court proceedings with registry officials reportedly stating that action is being initiated against those found to have recorded and uploaded the videos in violation of video conferencing guidelinesThis is not the first instance where action has been taken for posting recordings of court proceedings on social media Similar action has been undertaken in the past as well officials saidEarlier in the day advocate Vaibhav Singh filed a complaint before the Delhi High Court alleging unauthorised recording and circulation of audio and video from the April 13 proceedings before Justice SharmaIn his complaint addressed to the Registrar General Singh alleged that several political leaders including Kejriwal and other AAP members intentionally and deliberately recorded and circulated the proceedings on various social media platforms in violation of rulesHe contended that the act was in clear contravention of the Delhi High Court Rules for Video Conferencing 2021 and the Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules 2025 which explicitly prohibit any unauthorised recording or publication of court proceedingsThe complaint further alleged that the recordings which were widely shared across platforms such as X Facebook Instagram and YouTube were part of a preplanned conspiracy to malign the image of the judiciary and mislead the publicIt is requested to set up a detailed inquiry into this matter and take appropriate action against all the personspolitical parties for wilfully and deliberately disobeying the rules the complaint statedThe April 13 hearing pertained to Kejriwals plea seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing cases linked to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy caseKejriwal had appeared in person and argued his application for nearly 45 minutes In his submissions before the Delhi High Court Kejriwal had asserted that he is no longer an accused in the matter stating that the trial court had discharged him and other accused after finding no material to frame chargesHe argued that Justice Sharmas subsequent ex parte order partially staying the trial courts findings gave rise to a grave and reasonable apprehension in his mind about receiving a fair hearingWhen this order came my heart sank I had serious doubts whether I would get justice Kejriwal told the Delhi High Court adding that he had also written to Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya master of the roster seeking transfer of the case before filing the recusal pleaHe further submitted that the principle governing recusal is based on a litigants reasonable apprehension of bias and not on whether bias actually existsResponding to his submissions Justice Sharma observed that issues relating to the manner or urgency of judicial orders cannot be examined in recusal proceedings and may instead be challenged before the Supreme CourtOpposing the plea Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the legal threshold for recusal is wellsettled and cautioned against making allegations that could undermine the dignity of the judicial processWhether we win or lose we must remain fair to the court the Centres secondhighest law officer saidAfter hearing arguments from all sides the Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on Kejriwals recusal plea and directed parties to file brief written submissions within the stipulated timelineIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/delhi-hc-directs-police-to-take-down-unauthorised-videos-of-kejriwal-arguing-in-excise-policy-case-669519.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-raids-punjabs-lovely-group-locations-linked-to-aap-mp-ashok-mittal-669524.html Chandigarh April 15 The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted raids at multiple locations of the Lovely Group headed by AAP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Ashok Kumar Mittal in Jalandhar and Phagwara in Punjab Officials said the searches are being carried out in connection with alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act FEMARaids are underway at several locations including Lovely Professional University LPU Lovely Autos Lovely Sweets and the Lovely Distance Education Centre Residential premises and offices linked to Mittalâs family members including his brothers Ramesh Mittal and Naresh Mittal are also being searchedMore details are awaitedMittal the founder Chancellor of LPU and Deputy Leader of the Rajya Sabha is a prominent educationist in the stateAshok Mittal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his family in 2023 where the former stressed the importance of promoting research in higher education âI also mentioned how LPU has been contributing to the national skill development mission by imparting industryrelevant education and training to its studentsâ Mittal was quoted as saying thenHe had said he expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his support of the education sector and his appreciation for the governmentâs New Education Policy NEP initiative Mittal and his wife Rashmi Mittal had presented a bouquet and a handwoven phulkari shawl to the PM while his daughter and soninlaw Srishti and Sreshtha Khetan had presented a frame that had a picture of PM Modi alongside his late motherLast year LPUâs âOne India2025â the annual mega cultural fest was inaugurated by national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant MannKejriwal expressed his admiration for the fest by saying âIt feels like a grand festival of India is underway The energy among the youth is incredibleâ He had highlighted Indiaâs strength in diversity noting âOne nation many languages cultures philosophy but one Hindustan This diversity is our strengthâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ed-raids-punjabs-lovely-group-locations-linked-to-aap-mp-ashok-mittal-669524.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/court-rejects-lokayukta-closure-reports-in-mp-scholarship-cases-kamal-nath-flags-lapses-669525.html Bhopal April 15 Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the states scholarship schemes He raised apprehensions over the functioning of the Lokayukta of Madhya Pradesh after a court rejected closure reports in multiple cases linked to the misuse of scholarshipsIn a statement on Wednesday Kamal Nath said that the rejection of closure reports in 34 cases points to âserious lapses in investigationâ and demanded a transparent probe to ensure accountability He added The courtâs observations clearly indicate that crucial evidence was not collected This raises apprehensions about how these cases were being handledThe cases pertain to alleged irregularities in scholarship schemes in which students were found to have secured admissions to two different colleges simultaneously to avail benefits Colleges and nodal institutions involved in the process were also named as accused parties in the matterOver the past three and a half months the Lokayukta had submitted closure reports in all 34 cases according to reports However the court rejected each of them citing a lack of proper investigation and insufficient evidenceOn April 13 the court also rejected a closure report in a separate bribery case involving a former Additional Commissioner of a Municipal Corporation In its observations the court pointed out that the investigating agency failed to collect key documents from the institutions involvedThese included attendance registers enrollment records of students in various courses examination attendance lists and result sheetsThe court noted that despite clear directions recorded in the official case file to gather such evidence the Lokayukta did not comply adequately As a result the available material could not conclusively establish whether the students were actually enrolled and studying in both institutions simultaneouslyAdditionally the court observed that records related to the disbursal of scholarships were not thoroughly examined further weakening the investigationKamal Nath stressed that such lapses not only undermine the credibility of the investigation but also raise concerns about the misuse of public funds meant for deserving studentsâScholarship schemes are designed to support the underprivileged Any misuse or negligence in probing such matters is unacceptableâ he said He urged the state government to take cognisance of the courtâs remarks and ensure a fair and comprehensive reinvestigation into the cases IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/court-rejects-lokayukta-closure-reports-in-mp-scholarship-cases-kamal-nath-flags-lapses-669525.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/decline-in-souths-representation-will-trigger-mass-movement-says-ktr-669530.html Hyderabad April 15 Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS working President KT Rama Rao on Wednesday warned the Centre that if delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies results in injustice to South India this will trigger a massive movement in the region He made it clear that if the delimitation exercise is conducted in a manner that diminishes the representation of the Southern states it will not remain merely a political process or a legislative amendment rather it will trigger a powerful mass movement across the entire South India In a statement he reiterated that there has been no change in the BRS partys stance on this matter emphasising that they remain firmly committed to the resolute position they adopted three years agoKTR asserted that they are proud Indians and representatives of exemplary states that play a pivotal role in the nations development He opined that it would be unjust and indeed unreasonable for the Southern states which have achieved remarkable progress in various sectors including population control to face political injustice as a consequence of this delimitation exercise He criticised the move to curtail the representation of developing states rather than encouraging them as being contrary to the very spirit of democracyKTR made it unequivocally clear that if attempts are made to stifle the voices and representation of their people in Parliament they will not stand by in silence He declared that they would wage an uncompromising struggle to uphold the rights of South Indians We hope that the Central Government at least now understands the ground realities and that the rulers in Delhi heed our words and exercise good judgment he statedBarring the BJP all political parties in the state have opposed the proposed pro rata model for delimitationChief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for a national political consensus on increasing seats for the Lok Sabha with a hybrid modelâThe proposal to increase in Lok Sabha seats on either population or pro rata model is not acceptable to many states among them southern states I wish to bring to your notice our serious concerns regarding the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats which if done on a pro rata basis is fraught with dangers for the countryâ wrote Revanth ReddyThe Chief Minister also wrote letters to the chief ministers of other southern states calling for unitedly resisting the Centreâs move to push a pro rata model to increase Lok Sabha seats saying this would be highly detrimental and inimical to the interests of Southern states IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/decline-in-souths-representation-will-trigger-mass-movement-says-ktr-669530.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ysrcp-leader-arrested-over-social-media-post-against-andhra-cm-669539.html Amaravati April 15 Police have arrested YSR Congress Party General Secretary Media Wing Pudi Srihari for the alleged social media posts against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Srihari who had served as the Chief Public Relations Officer when YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was the Chief Minister was arrested on Wednesday morning at his residence in VijayawadaThe police have reportedly seized his mobile phone and laptop A case was registered against Srihari in Chittoor for posting a cartoon showing a knife in the hand of Chief Minister Chandrababu NaiduCondemning the arrest in what it called an illegal case YSRCP leader and former Minister Ambati Rambabu said Chittoor 2 Town Circle Inspector Netti Kantayya forcibly took Srihari to Kuppam police stationReacting to the arrest YSRCPâs legal cell posted that Red Book Constitution has once again bared its venomous fangs in the stateâRed Book Constitutionâ is a reference to a redcoloured book carried by TDP leader Nara Lokesh during the 2024 election campaign claiming that it has the names of all those who allegedly harassed TDP leaders and cadres during YSRCP ruleThe YSRCP said that despite repeated reprimands from the High Court the conduct of the police who continue to trample upon democracy by engaging in illegal arrests remains unchangedThe legal cell of the party announced that it will initiate legal action against Circle Inspector Netti Kantayya and has sought the intervention of the High CourtMeanwhile Tirupati MP Dr M Gurumoorthy has strongly condemned the âillegal arrestâ of Srihari He alleged that police illegally seized his mobile phones and laptop during the arrest âThe ruling TDP is making a mockery of democracy by enforcing the âRed book constitutionâ to book illegal and false cases on the YSRCP functionaries and leaders in the state of Andhra Pradesh The arrest of Pudi Srihari is yet another classic example of how desperate the ruling TDP is to divert the peopleâs attention from former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddyâs scheduled visit to the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Nellore district todayâ the MP saidâThe YSRCP will not be allowed to be bullied by such false cases and illegal arrests and will knock on the judiciary to fight for justice and to expose the undemocratic practices of the ruling coalitionâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ysrcp-leader-arrested-over-social-media-post-against-andhra-cm-669539.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/centre-provides-security-to-raghav-chadha-after-punjab-withdraws-cover-sources-669542.html New Delhi April 15 IANS The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided security cover to Aam Aadmi Party AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha He will receive Z category security in both Delhi and Punjab sources said on WednesdaynbspThis followed the Punjab governments decision to withdraw Chadhas security detail earlier in the day This action also occurred amid a growing rift between Chadha and the AAP in recent weeksAccording to sources paramilitary forces will be deployed to provide security to the AAP leaderThis security cover has been granted based on a threat perception report submitted by the Intelligence Bureau IB and following an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Home AffairsThe developments follow recent changes within the party On April 2 AAP appointed Ashok Mittal as its new Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha replacing Chadha in the role The move was seen as a significant organisational shift bringing in a new face from PunjabEarlier on April 3 Chadha broke his silence on the development stating that he had been silenced not defeatedMeanwhile speculation is mounting about Chadhas position within AAP On April 8 a separate Instagram post shared by him drew attention after it featured a purported supporter suggesting that he should form a new youthled political party instead of joining any existing organisationOn April 10 amid an internal rift within the Aam Aadmi Party AAP the Rajya Sabha member shared a message on Instagram asserting that his parliamentary work would speak for itselfTaking to the social media platform Instagram Chadha posted a video and wrote With respect to those questioning my parliamentary performance Ill let my work do the talkingThe video featured a compilation of his interventions and questions raised in the Rajya Sabha highlighting a wide range of public policy issues he has addressedIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/centre-provides-security-to-raghav-chadha-after-punjab-withdraws-cover-sources-669542.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-delhidehradun-economic-corridor-today-669202.html New Delhi April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the DelhiâDehradun Economic Corridor on Tuesday Ahead of the inauguration he will visit Uttar Pradesh to inspect a wildlife corridor and will also offer prayers at a Kali temple in Uttarakhand The Prime Minister will review the Wildlife Corridor at Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh the official said in a statementAt around 1140 am PM Modi will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun Thereafter at around 1230 pm he will inaugurate the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasion the Prime Ministers Office said in the statementThe 213 km long sixlane accesscontrolled DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12000 croreThe corridor traverses through the states of Delhi Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours said the statementThe implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges three Railway Over Bridges ROBs four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless highspeed connectivityThe corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System ATMS to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters said the statementKeeping in view the ecological sensitivity rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing mananimal conflict it saidTo ensure the free movement of wild animals the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features These include a 12 kmlong wildlife elevated corridor which is one of the longest in AsiaThe corridor also includes eight animal passes two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each and a 370metrelong tunnel near the Daat Kali temple said the statementThe DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the regionThe project reflects the vision of PM Modi to develop nextgeneration infrastructure that combines highspeed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens said the statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office PMO IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-delhidehradun-economic-corridor-today-669202.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/babasahebs-life-work-continue-to-inspire-generations-to-build-just-and-progressive-society-pm-modi-669208.html New Delhi April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary describing his contribution to nationbuilding as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations In a post on X the Prime Minister said âTributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary His efforts towards nation building are deeply motivating His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive societyâIn a video message shared on the platform PM Modi said âToday is a very important day in the nationâs history it is Babasaheb Ambedkarâs Jayanti He was not just an individual but a symbol of resolve He did not merely live he connected it to struggle and fought He did not fight for personal pride but for equality for all including the backward and Dalit communities Despite facing many challenges and opposition he never stoppedâHe further added âBy walking on the path shown by Babasaheb the country is bringing positive changes in the lives of everyone be it the poor the middle class or the richâIn another post the Prime Minister said âDr Babasaheb Ambedkarâs personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nationbuildingâPM Modi also shared a Sanskrit verse writing âPeople with a noble and expansive heart rise above narrow thinking and consider the entire world as their family For them no one is a stranger rather every person is their own This very spirit forms the foundation of global unity and harmonyâSeveral Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social mediaUnion Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of societyâBabasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the countrys integrity Babasahib who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people every obstacle becomes smallâ he saidDefence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivilegedâBabasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sectionsBabasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nations institutions Even in adverse circumstances Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nationbuildingâ he addedUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari in an X post paid homage to Ambedkar calling him the architect of the Constitution and a great social reformerUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered tributes calling Ambedkar an âinvaluable gem of Mother Indiaâ whose life continues to guide the nation towards equality justice and social harmonyâOn the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji the architect of the Indian Constitution who laid the foundation of a harmonious and inclusive society illuminated by the lofty ideals of equality justice and fraternity I offer humble tributeâ CM Yogi posted on XâBaba Saheb dedicated to the upliftment of the last and the welfare of the people is truly an invaluable gem of Mother India His inspiring life will forever remain a guiding light for all of usâ he addedDr BR Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow now Dr Ambedkar Nagar Madhya PradeshHe was an Indian jurist economist and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/babasahebs-life-work-continue-to-inspire-generations-to-build-just-and-progressive-society-pm-modi-669208.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/vp-radhakrishnan-pm-modi-kharge-pay-floral-tributes-to-ambedkar-at-parliament-complex-669216.html New Delhi April 14 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan Prime Minister Narendra Modi Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge along with several other leaders paid floral tributes to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar at the Parliament on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Tuesday Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal Rajya Sabha member Ramdas Athawale and Congress leader Udit Raj among others also arrived at the Parliament to pay homage to the Father of the Constitution During this PM Modi and Congress National Mallikarjun Kharge also shared a candid chat Earlier in the day PM Modi paid tributes to BR Ambedkar describing his contribution to nationbuilding as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations In a post on X the Prime Minister said Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary His efforts towards nationbuilding are deeply motivating His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive societyIn a video message shared on the platform PM Modi said Today is a very important day in the nationâs history it is Babasaheb Ambedkars Jayanti He was not just an individual but a symbol of resolve He did not merely live he connected it to struggle and fought He did not fight for personal pride but for equality for all including the backward and Dalit communities Despite facing many challenges and opposition he never stoppedIn another post the Prime Minister said Dr Babasaheb Ambedkars personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nationbuildingSeveral Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social mediaUnion Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of societyBabasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the countrys integrity Babasahib who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people every obstacle becomes small he saidDefence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivilegedBabasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sectionsBabasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nations institutions Even in adverse circumstances Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nationbuilding he addedDr BR Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow now Dr Ambedkar Nagar Madhya PradeshHe was an Indian jurist economist and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/vp-radhakrishnan-pm-modi-kharge-pay-floral-tributes-to-ambedkar-at-parliament-complex-669216.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-governor-cm-pay-tributes-to-ambedkar-on-birth-anniversary-669232.html Hyderabad April 14 Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary The Governor described Babasaheb as one of the greatest sons of India and the chief architect of the Indian ConstitutionHighlighting the enduring relevance of Dr Ambedkarâs vision the Governor remarked Dr Ambedkarâs life remains a shining testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity A visionary social reformer and eminent jurist he devoted his life to the pursuit of justice equality and the empowerment of the marginalized His legacy is a clarion call for the protection of the rights of the poor and downtroddenThe Governor emphasised that the occasion is an opportunity for every citizen to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals and mandates of the Constitution He further called upon the people to uphold constitutional values and strive collectively to restore the glory of the nation ensuring a just and inclusive society for allLet us move forward with the spirit of unity and fraternity that Babasaheb championed the Governor added Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also paid rich tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary The Chief Minister praised Dr Ambedkars tireless efforts for the welfare of the oppressed sections of society and also recalled the national leaderâs yeoman services towards the empowerment of Dalits Adivasis tribals backward and weaker sections and womenDr Ambedkar envisioned the nations future with foresight and drafted the Constitution with profound vision which stands as an inspiration for future generations the CM said adding that his struggle for the rights of the oppressed sections serves as a beacon and a role model for the entire worldCalling upon everyone to strive collectively to realise the ideals and aspirations of this great leader CM Revanth Reddy highlighted that drawing inspiration from Ambedkarâs ideology the âpeoples governmentâ took some important decisions such as the categorisation of SC subcastes and the enhancement of BC reservationsThe Chief Minister noted that in addition to implementing the SCST SubPlan the government is prioritising the welfare of Dalit and tribal communities across the state He noted that the government also increased mess charges and cosmetic allowances in government welfare hostels and took other measures which are unprecedented in the states historyThe CM announced that the government would undertake the construction of a Young India Integrated Residential School in every Assembly constituency and expressed the hope that children from all sections and religions would receive quality education in one place IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/telangana-governor-cm-pay-tributes-to-ambedkar-on-birth-anniversary-669232.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/will-fight-till-my-last-breath-to-protect-babasahebs-ideals-rahul-gandhi-669238.html New Delhi April 14 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday paid tribute to BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary asserting that he would âfight with all his strengthâ to protect the ideals of the Constitution and Ambedkarâs vision of justice equality and dignity In a post on X Rahul Gandhi said âBabasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar did not just give us the Constitution he gave us the dream of a strong India founded on justice equality and dignity But today certain forces are systematically working to weaken Babasahebs legacy and our Constitution democratic institutions are being hollowed out rights are being trampled and the idea of equality is under attack This country is built on Babasahebs ideals I will fight with all my strength until my last breath to protect them Together we will bring back to life the India of Baba Sahebs dreams Heartfelt wishes to all on Ambedkar JayantiâCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute describing Ambedkar as the moral and constitutional foundation of IndiaIn his post Kharge said Babasaheb was not only the architect of the Constitution but also a relentless champion of liberty equality fraternity and justice He warned that the Constitution was facing âconspiratorial attacksâ and stressed that Ambedkarâs words and warnings remain highly relevant todayKharge added that the time calls for courage and conviction to defend every principle enshrined by AmbedkarCongress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared her tribute stating that Babasaheb gave every Indian a protective shield in the form of the Constitution ensuring liberty equality justice and fraternityShe said Ambedkar brought the issues of deprived sections to the centre of Indiaâs freedom struggle and constitutional framework Calling for the protection of constitutional values she said that upholding Ambedkarâs ideas is the true tribute to himAcross party lines Congress leaders collectively highlighted Ambedkarâs enduring legacy as the architect of the Constitution and a lifelong advocate for social justice equal opportunity and dignity for all citizens IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/will-fight-till-my-last-breath-to-protect-babasahebs-ideals-rahul-gandhi-669238.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ai-hologram-campaigns-take-tn-polls-by-storm-as-vijays-virtual-avatar-draws-crowds-669241.html Chennai April 14 Technology is rapidly reshaping the political campaign landscape in Tamil Nadu with artificial intelligencepowered holograms emerging as a striking new tool ahead of the Assembly elections A recent campaign in Kumbakonam has demonstrated how digital innovation is being deployed to bridge the physical absence of star campaigners and capture voter attentionAt the centre of this trend is a holographic projection of actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK President Vijay which has gone viral on social media The projection mounted on a moving vehicle delivered a highly realistic visual of Vijay addressing voters complete with synchronised speech and gestures leaving many in the crowd briefly believing he was physically presentThe initiative has sparked significant interest across political circles According to the company behind the technology there has been a sharp rise in enquiries from candidates across parties as well as requests to recreate holographic avatars of late political icons such as M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa reflecting the emotional and symbolic appeal such technology can generate among votersThe growing demand also points to a wider shift in campaign strategies where digital engagement is increasingly complementing traditional methodsEven in regions not currently facing elections such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka political actors are exploring the potential of AIdriven outreach tools to enhance visibility and connect with the electorateThe companies which offere the service said they have been receiving an overwhelming number of enquiries from candidates cutting across party lines with just 10 days to go for the Assembly pollsWhile holographic campaigning is not entirely new Prime Minister Narendra Modi famously deployed the technology during the 2014 general elections the current trend stands apart due to the integration of artificial intelligenceEnhanced lipsyncing realistic body movements and portability have made these projections more immersive and adaptable even in rural settingsPolitical observers note that such innovations underline the deepening reach of advanced technology into grassroots politicsThe novelty of a âvirtual leaderâ addressing crowds even from a moving vehicle has added a new dimension to campaign spectacle and voter engagement particularly among younger audiencesBehind the scenes the campaign was executed by a compact team of six including young engineers who utilised 3D hologram fan display systems to achieve sharper and more dynamic visuals compared to traditional projection methodsDespite its impact the technology is not without challenges Maintaining projection quality on moving vehicles and managing environmental disruptions remain concerns though companies continue to refine their systemsWith pricing starting at around Rs 50000 per day holographic campaigning is steadily carving out a niche as a futuristic highimpact addition to Indiaâs evolving electoral playbook IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ai-hologram-campaigns-take-tn-polls-by-storm-as-vijays-virtual-avatar-draws-crowds-669241.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/upholding-democratic-values-best-tribute-to-ambedkar-cm-chandrababu-naidu-669242.html Amaravati April 14 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Tuesday that the greatest tribute that can be offered to Dr BR Ambedkar is to uphold democratic values The Chief Minister through a social media post offered tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution social reformer and Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on the occasion of his 135th birth anniversaryâDr Ambedkar stands as an exemplary figure despite enduring caste discrimination and the scourge of untouchability he pursued higher education and rose to a stature of such eminence that the entire nation takes pride in him If our country stands today as one of the worlds strongest democracies it is solely due to the Constitution he bestowed upon usâ said the Chief MinisterâBy ensuring equal opportunities and rights he provided constitutional protection to every single citizen Our collective goal must be the realization of Dr Ambedkars ideals The greatest tribute we can offer to this visionary leader is to uphold democratic values and conduct ourselves as responsible citizensâ he addedDeputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also paid tributes to Ambedkar âRemembering the visionary leader scholar and Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Ambedkar the chief architect and Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution the first Law Minister of independent India on his birth anniversary His relentless fight for social justice equality and empowerment continues to guide usâ posted Pawan KalyanMeanwhile Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS President KT Rama Rao also paid tributes to AmbedkarThe former minister said that Ambedkar was a noble soul who toiled day and night for the upliftment of the marginalised sections of societyâAmbedkar was a universal humanist who fought on behalf of the oppressed people He was a visionary of an egalitarian society who secured rights for people from all walks of life Ambedkar was the towering intellect who designed the Constitution of Indiaâ KTR said in a post on âXâHe stated that Ambedkar was the visionary who ensured the fulfilment of the Telangana peoples aspiration for a separate state through Article 3KTR claimed that the nineandahalfyear tenure of the BRS government has been guided by the inspiration of Babasaheb AmbedkarâTo ensure that Ambedkars teachings ideals and values are passed on to future generations the KCR government has erected a 125ft statue of Ambedkar in the very heart of Hyderabad The government bestowed the highest honor upon him by naming the Telangana State Secretariat after Ambedkar On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar we pay our humble and profound tributes to this towering figureâ KTR added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/upholding-democratic-values-best-tribute-to-ambedkar-cm-chandrababu-naidu-669242.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/on-ambedkar-jayanti-cm-vijayan-calls-for-vigilance-against-caste-bias-669248.html Thiruvananthapuram April 14 Marking the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday issued a strong call to uphold the values of equality and social justice even as Kerala grapples with troubling allegations of caste discrimination in higher education In a message on Ambedkar Jayanti the Chief Minister took to his social media to pay tributes to AmbedkarHe described Ambedkar as a towering figure who dedicated his life to building a society free from caste divisionsThe CM noted that Ambedkarâs relentless fight against social inequality and his enduring contributions continue to guide the nationHowever Vijayan expressed deep concern over recent developments particularly the tragic death of a firstyear BDS student at a private medical college in Ancharakandi KannurThe student Nithin Raj from Thiruvananthapuram is alleged to have faced castebased harassment sparking widespread outrageCalling the incident deeply painful the Chief Minister said that any act that drives a promising student to such a fate is unforgivableHe cautioned that the emergence of castebased discrimination even within campuses raises serious questions about whether Keralaâs hardearned progressive values are erodingâThis is a time for introspection as a societyâ he said urging collective responsibility in addressing such issuesVijayan also flagged the Centreâs inaction on the longpending demand for a dedicated law to curb caste discrimination in educational institutions often referred to as the Rohith Vemula ActHe pointed out that existing University Grants Commission guidelines have been stayed by the Supreme Court leaving a regulatory vacuumCalling for unity against all forms of division and hatred the Chief Minister urged society to draw strength from Ambedkarâs idealsHe emphasised that building an equitable and just social order remains an unfinished task that demands renewed commitmentExtending Ambedkar Jayanti greetings Vijayan reiterated that safeguarding dignity and equality must remain central to Keralaâs social fabric IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/on-ambedkar-jayanti-cm-vijayan-calls-for-vigilance-against-caste-bias-669248.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-receives-rousing-welcome-at-roadshow-in-ups-saharanpur-669252.html Saharanpur April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district on Tuesday just before inaugurating the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor A large crowd gathered along the road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he waved back at themParticipants showered flowers at PM Modi while holding the Tricolour in their hands and chanting slogans such as Modi Modi Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Shri RamMany attendees wore costumes and performed traditional folk dances to welcome the Prime MinisterLater in the day PM Modi will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun Thereafter he will inaugurate the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasionThe 213 km long sixlane accesscontrolled DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12000 croreThe corridor traverses through the states of Delhi Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hoursThe implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges three Railway Over Bridges ROBs four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless highspeed connectivityThe corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System ATMS to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commutersKeeping in view the ecological sensitivity rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing mananimal conflictTo ensure the free movement of wild animals the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features These include a 12 kmlong wildlife elevated corridor which is one of the longest in AsiaThe corridor also includes eight animal passes two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each and a 370metrelong tunnel near the Daat Kali templeThe DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the regionThe project reflects the vision of PM Modi to develop nextgeneration infrastructure that combines highspeed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens said the statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office PMO IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-receives-rousing-welcome-at-roadshow-in-ups-saharanpur-669252.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/up-hikes-minimum-wages-after-noida-unrest-police-say-300-arrests-made-669254.html New Delhi April 14 The Government of Uttar Pradesh has increased minimum wages across worker categories following unrest in Noida with revised rates coming into effect retrospectively from April 1 As many as 300 people have been arrested by the police to bring the situation under control The move comes even as police on Tuesday said the situation in the industrial hub has returned to normal after largescale protests a day earlierThe wage revision significantly raises monthly earnings for workers across categories In Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts unskilled workers will now receive Rs 13690 per month up from Rs 11313 Semiskilled workersâ wages have been increased from Rs 12445 to Rs 15059 while skilled workers will now earn Rs 16868 compared to Rs 13940 earlierIn other municipal corporation areas unskilled workers will receive Rs 13006 semiskilled Rs 14306 and skilled Rs 16025 For the remaining districts wages have been revised to Rs 12356 for unskilled workers Rs 13591 for semiskilled and Rs 15224 for skilled workers Officials said the interim revised rates include both basic pay and Dearness AllowanceThe decision follows widespread protests by factory workers in Noida on Monday over low wages and pending demands for salary hikes The agitation turned violent in parts of the Phase 2 industrial area with reports of vandalism stonepelting and road blockadesTraffic movement was severely affected particularly along the Noida Link Road and routes from the Chilla Border causing long delays for commuters travelling between Delhi and NoidaProviding an update on the situation Joint Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra said âThe situation is normal today and police deployment has been made at all locations Police are continuously conducting flag marches and patrolling while some units are actively performing their dutiesDue to Dr BR Ambedkar Jayanti some groups have announced a holiday at certain places We are maintaining constant communication and coordination with all units and industrial associations and we remain alert If we talk about yesterday more than 40000 workers gathered at over 800 locations and raised their concerns Police reached more than 80 locations and engaged in dialogue with them explaining and resolving the situationââAround 300 arrests have been madeâa few more people have been identifiedâ he addedHeavy police deployment continues in sensitive areas with authorities maintaining close coordination with industrial bodies to prevent any further unrest IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/up-hikes-minimum-wages-after-noida-unrest-police-say-300-arrests-made-669254.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-reviews-wildlife-corridor-on-delhi-dehradun-expressways-elevated-section-in-up-669264.html Saharanpur April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the Wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur on Tuesday During this Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari UP Governor Anandiben Patel UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CMs Keshav Pradad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present An exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the project Earlier PM Modi held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor A large crowd gathered along the road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he waved back at themParticipants showered flowers at PM Modi while holding the Tricolour in their hands and chanting slogans such as Modi Modi Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Shri RamMany attendees wore costumes and performed traditional folk dances to welcome the Prime MinisterLater in the day PM Modi will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun Thereafter he will inaugurate the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasionThe 213 km long sixlane accesscontrolled DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12000 croreThe corridor traverses through the states of Delhi Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hoursThe implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges three Railway Over Bridges ROBs four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless highspeed connectivityThe corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System ATMS to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commutersKeeping in view the ecological sensitivity rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing mananimal conflictTo ensure the free movement of wild animals the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features These include a 12 kmlong wildlife elevated corridor which is one of the longest in AsiaThe corridor also includes eight animal passes two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each and a 370metrelong tunnel near the Daat Kali templeThe DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the regionThe project reflects the vision of PM Modi to develop nextgeneration infrastructure that combines highspeed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens said the statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office PMO IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-reviews-wildlife-corridor-on-delhi-dehradun-expressways-elevated-section-in-up-669264.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rahul-gandhi-lends-support-to-protesting-noida-workers-says-pay-hike-not-greed-but-their-right-669266.html New Delhi April 14 IANS The ongoing protests by the underpaid industrial workers in Noida have found support from the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition LoP Rahul Gandhi who termed the demands as their right and not greedThe Congress leader taking note of the unrest in Noida Phase 2 lent support to their demands and protests stating that their remuneration was much less than standard levels a pain which has only been aggravated by the raging conflict in West AsiaHundreds of industrial workers in Noida Phase 2 area took to the streets on Monday protesting against impractical working conditions and demanding a hike in the minimum wages on the lines of the salary hike in Haryana approved by the respective government The protests later turned violent leading to long traffic snarls in the area while at some places some vehicles were torched by the protesting workersTaking note of violence on Noida streets Rahul Gandhi said What happened yesterday was the final cry of this countrys workers one whose every voice was ignored who grew weary from endless pleadingHe argued for commensuration between their salary structure and the tough realities of life in a metro city while stressing how their pay structure purportedly in the range of Rs 12000 remains grossly insufficient in meeting their monthly expensesUntil the salary catches up this runaway inflation chokes life out of him drowns him in the depths of debt thats the truth of Developed India he said in a post on XDrawing a link between the West Asia war and the subsequent impact on workers livelihood he said that its the daily wagers who are the worst affected and therefore were justified in voicing their demandsSlamming the government for acting against them he said The worker whos no part of any war who didnt craft any policy he just worked Quietly Without complaint And what does he get for demanding his due Pressure and oppressionHe further pledged to stand by every protesting worker stating that they are the backbone of the country but unfortunately have been reduced to a burden by the ruling dispensationNoidas worker is demanding 20000 This isnt greed its his right the sole foundation of his life he asserted in a post on XThe Congress leader was also critical of the four labour codes recently notified by the Central government and claimed that this has only added burden to their livesHe said the government acted hastily without consultation and implemented 4 Labour Codes starting in November 2025 extending their work hours to 12 hours a dayIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rahul-gandhi-lends-support-to-protesting-noida-workers-says-pay-hike-not-greed-but-their-right-669266.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-trying-to-change-constitution-says-telangana-deputy-cm-669267.html Hyderabad April 14 Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday accused the BJP of attempting to change the Constitution of India and undermine democratic values Addressing an event to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar here he alleged that the BJP was trying to make a mockery of democracy putting citizensâ fundamental rights at risk Stating that every citizen faces the risk of losing their fundamental rights he called upon people to unite to safeguard the Constitution âWe must all unite clench our fists in solidarity and raise the slogan Jai Bhim to safeguard the Indian Constitutionâ he saidPaying tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution he said that it is our collective good fortune that Dr Ambedkar was born in India He called Ambedkar a man of extraordinary genius and a veritable mine of knowledgeVikramarka said Ambedkar was a great visionary who laid the foundations of democracy through the Indian Constitution thereby establishing India as the largest democratic nation in the worldThrough the Constitution he enshrined equal rights for every citizen of the country He was a visionary who secured womens empowerment and rights through the Constitution the Deputy CM saidHe claimed that Ambedkar was the first to address the gender discrimination and hardships faced by women who constitute half of the countrys populationAs the first Law Minister of independent India he introduced the Hindu Code Bill in Parliament to safeguard womens rights Ambedkar was a great leader who went so far as to resign from his ministerial post to advocate for the passage of that bill he saidThe Deputy CM stated that transcending the barriers of caste and religion Ambedkar worked tirelessly for the welfare of every woman He played a pivotal role in the implementation of maternity leave provisions and labour laws He was a great visionary who fought successfully to reduce the working hours for labourers from 12 to 8 hoursâPaving the way for democracy he granted every citizen the Right to Vote a mechanism through which the people themselves could become the rulers Ambedkar provided a remarkable opportunity for every individual to shape the policies and procedures that govern their lives through their chosen representativesâ said Mallu Bhatti VikramarkaHe claimed that the Indiramma Government in Telangana is moving forward in tune with Babasahebs ideals and on the path shown by him Every decision the government makes every law it enacts and every step it takes in governance reflects Dr Ambedkars economic and social philosophy he said while adding that this trajectory will continueHe affirmed that the government is advancing to ensure that resources and political rights are distributed equally among all citizens based on their demographic proportionFor the first time in the nations history the Telangana government has undertaken a caste census thereby moving forward in strict adherence to constitutional principles âWe are committed to the protection of the Constitution and human rights Ours is a government that implements the Indian Constitution in both letter and spiritâ he addedAt the programme held at the 125âfoot statue of Ambedkar near the state Secretariat the Deputy Chief Minister along with ministers and state Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud paid tributes and later released a special brochure aimed at spreading Ambedkarâs ideals IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-trying-to-change-constitution-says-telangana-deputy-cm-669267.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ambedkar-jayanti-stalin-calls-for-defending-constitution-upholding-social-justice-and-pluralism-669278.html Chennai April 14 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday issued a strong message urging citizens to defend the Constitution uphold social justice and protect the rights of the oppressed while reaffirming Indiaâs commitment to pluralism He was speaking at an event organised to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B R AmbedkarStalin quoted Ambedkarâs enduring words âI measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achievedâStalin in a post on X highlighted that the true measure of a societyâs advancement lies in the empowerment and upliftment of women He emphasised that inclusive development and gender equality must remain at the heart of governance and public policyIn his Ambedkar Jayanti message Stalin called upon people to strengthen their resolve to safeguard constitutional values and ensure justice for marginalised communitiesHe stressed that protecting the Constitution is essential to preserving democracy and maintaining the rights and dignity of every citizen particularly those who have historically faced discrimination and exclusionUnderscoring Indiaâs diversity Stalin asserted that the nationâs strength lies in its pluralistic fabric not in any imposed uniformity He cautioned against attempts to dilute this diversity stating that unity must be built on respect for differences rather than enforced samenessâIf progress is the benchmarkâ Stalin noted âwe must reject hierarchy and discrimination and instead choose pluralism and equalityâHe called for a collective commitment to building a society rooted in fairness inclusiveness and justice in line with Ambedkarâs visionThe Chief Ministerâs remarks came at a time when debates around social equity representation and constitutional safeguards continue to shape public discourse across the countryObservers noted that his message reflects a broader political emphasis on reinforcing the principles enshrined by Ambedkar in modern IndiaAs the nation commemorates the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar Stalinâs call serves as a reminder of the continued relevance of his ideals The emphasis on womenâs progress social justice and pluralism underscores the need to build a more equitable society where every voice is heard and every citizen is empowered IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ambedkar-jayanti-stalin-calls-for-defending-constitution-upholding-social-justice-and-pluralism-669278.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/baba-saheb-is-pillar-of-indian-democracy-delhi-cm-pays-tribute-on-ambedkar-jayanti-669288.html New Delhi April 14 IANS On the 135th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday visited the Ambedkar Memorial and paid floral tributes describing Baba Saheb as the pillar on which the strong structure of Indian democracy stands todaySpeaking to reporters CM Gupta said Baba Saheb was the pillar of India on which the strong structure of Indian democracy stands today He laid the foundation of our democracy and his contributions will be remembered by every citizen of the country for generations to comeShe further added Today I visited the Ambedkar Memorial in Delhi and paid my respects I consider myself fortunate that the Delhi government is working on the path shown by him His message of equality continues to guide us and we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of governance reach the last person in the national CapitalHighlighting the governments approach she said policies are being framed to improve peoples lives and ensure dignity for allWe strive to create policies that benefit citizens and enable them to live a life of dignity Today I pay my salutations to this great soul whose legacy will be remembered across the world she saidEvery year on April 14 India marks an important day that remembers a leader who played a key role in shaping the nation and its values Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated to honour Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar one of the foremost architects of modern India Born in 1891 in Mhow he was a jurist economist and social reformer and also the principal architect of the Indian ConstitutionThe day is not just a remembrance of his life but also a tribute to his continuous fight for social justice equality and human rights Dr Ambedkar was born on April 14 1891 and this day has now become a symbol of social empowerment and the fight against caste discrimination Over time Ambedkar Jayanti has established itself as an occasion that reiterates the constitutional principles he promoted Liberty equality and fraternityDespite facing discrimination in his early life Dr Ambedkar became the first Dalit to receive a doctorate in economics abroad He studied at Columbia University and the London School of Economics and considered education the most important means of empowerment As Indias first Law Minister he led the process of drafting the Constitution which included special provisions for the underprivileged including protection of civil rightsThe day holds deep emotional and political significance especially for the Dalit community as it commemorates the ongoing struggle against caste inequality and inspires social and economic reformsAmbedkar Jayanti also known as Bhim Jayanti is celebrated in India as well as in countries such as the United Kingdom the United States and Canada where the Indian community celebrates the occasion with special fervourIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/baba-saheb-is-pillar-of-indian-democracy-delhi-cm-pays-tribute-on-ambedkar-jayanti-669288.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/modiji-aapka-swagat-hai-echoes-in-dehradun-as-people-welcome-pm-669289.html Dehradun April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd during a roadshow in Dehradun on Tuesday following his arrival in Uttarakhand to inaugurate the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor Large numbers of people gathered along the sides of the road chanting phrases such as Modiji aapka swagat hai Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Modi Modi while waving the Tricolour and the BJP flagDressed in traditional attire from Uttarakhand women and children also lined the route to greet the Prime Minister as his convoy passed by the excited crowdEarlier PM Modi offered prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple in Dehradun During his visit he was welcomed by children dressed in traditional attire who performed the Durga Devi Stotram He also interacted with other devotees present at the templeThe Prime Minister also reviewed the Wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradeshs SaharanpurDuring this Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari UP Governor Anandiben Patel UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CMs Keshav Pradad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also presentAn exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the projectPM Modi also held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor in SaharanpurA large crowd gathered along the road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he waved back at themMany attendees wore costumes and performed traditional folk dances to welcome the Prime MinisterLater the Prime Minister will inaugurate the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasionThe 213 km long sixlane accesscontrolled DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12000 croreThe corridor traverses through the states of Delhi Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/modiji-aapka-swagat-hai-echoes-in-dehradun-as-people-welcome-pm-669289.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/gujarat-cm-pays-tribute-to-br-ambedkar-on-135th-birth-anniversary-in-gandhinagar-669290.html Gandhinagar April 14 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary as commemorative events were held across the state capital with significant public participation Patel began the day by offering flowers to an oil portrait of Ambedkar at the podium of the state Legislative AssemblyHe later garlanded a fullsize statue of Ambedkar at the Dr Ambedkar Statue Complex at Prerna Bhoomi located opposite the Assembly complex paying homage to the principal architect of the Indian ConstitutionStudents from Rangoli International School delivered a speech highlighting key moments from Ambedkarâs life and legacyThe Chief Minister also joined members of the public at Central Vista Garden where the birth anniversary was marked by large gatheringsThe venue echoed with slogans of âJai Bhimâ as people paid their respectsAmong those present were Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary and state Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja along with members of the Council of Ministers MLAs Assembly officials organisational representatives and citizensSchool students and religious leaders were also in attendance collectively remembering Ambedkarâs contribution to nationbuildingMeanwhile President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tribute to Ambedkarâs portrait at Lok Bhavan during her visit to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat also offered homage on the occasionSenior officials from both the Centre and the state government were present and paid their respects recalling Ambedkarâs enduring contribution to the Constitution and the nationPatel is scheduled to attend the convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha Shakti University RRU at Lavad in Dehgam taluka of Gandhinagar district at 5 PM which will also be attended by the PresidentPresident Murmuâs engagements in Gandhinagar on Tuesday are part of her fourday visit to Gujarat and Maharashtra from April 13 to 16 during which she is attending a series of academic and commemorative programmesOn Monday she attended the inaugural convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Rajkot where she addressed graduating students and presented degrees IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/gujarat-cm-pays-tribute-to-br-ambedkar-on-135th-birth-anniversary-in-gandhinagar-669290.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/must-wage-struggle-to-ensure-number-of-seats-in-south-states-hiked-on-pro-rata-basis-telangana-cm-on-seeking-fair-delimitation-669310.html Hyderabad April 14 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday slammed the BJP for what he called hatching conspiracies to do injustice to Southern states in delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies and called for a movement for increasing the seats on a prorata basis Addressing the birth anniversary celebrations of Dr BR Ambedkar on Tuesday he reiterated that the BJP is engaging in conspiracies regarding the delimitation of constituencies to do injustice to Southern statesâUnder the pretext of increasing seats based on a 50 per cent criterion they are attempting to reduce the seat quota allocated to the Southern states We must wage a struggle to ensure that the number of seats in the Southern states is increased on a prorata basisâ he saidRevanth Reddy declared that his government will always be at the forefront of any noble causeHe said that delimitation on a 50 per cent criterion will result in an injustice to women as well as to the Scheduled Castes SCs and Scheduled Tribes STs in the Southern statesâAre those serving as Union Ministers truly unaware of this simple calculationâ he askedStating that the government belongs to the people he said the responsibility to safeguard it rests with themRevanth Reddy paid rich tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar and said his role in steering the nation onto the path of progress is just as significant as that of Mahatma Gandhi He termed them two eyes of this nationâWhile Mahatma Gandhi proved that a war could be won peacefully without shedding a single drop of blood Babasaheb Ambedkar demonstrated that a nation could be governed in a manner that serves as a model for the entire worldâ he saidThe Chief Minister said Ambedkar firmly believed that education alone holds the power to transform lives Ambedkarâs philosophy itself constitutes the very essence of democratic governanceHe stated that it was through the provisions of Article 3 that Congress senior leader Sonia Gandhi facilitated the formation of the state of Telangana He said marginalised and weaker sections of society played a pivotal role in the Telangana movementHe also recalled the role played by revolutionary balladeer Gaddar in the Telangana movement âIf anyone imagines that the role played by Gaddar â who through his songs galvanized the movement to unprecedented heights â will ever be forgotten they are merely deceiving themselvesâ he saidHe claimed that the peoplecentric government has accorded the highest priority to DalitsApparently targeting former Chief Minister and BRS President K Chandrasekhar Rao he remarked that since a Dalit son is serving as the Speaker they are insulting him by refusing to attend the AssemblyâShouldnt Dalit sons and daughters hold positions such as Finance Minister or Health Minister It is this peoplecentric government that has brought about a situation where those who once insulted Dalits now have to ask a Dalit for the microphone We are giving priority to Dalits and Adivasis in every sectorâHe claimed that the government is establishing Young India Integrated Schools with the aim of eliminating castebased disparitiesâWe are upholding the ideals of Dr Ambedkar who envisioned that education should be accessible to the poor We are introducing Telangana Public Schools with the objective of providing quality educationâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/must-wage-struggle-to-ensure-number-of-seats-in-south-states-hiked-on-pro-rata-basis-telangana-cm-on-seeking-fair-delimitation-669310.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nitish-kumar-dissolves-cabinet-set-to-resign-as-bihar-cm-669313.html Patna April 14 Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday dissolved his Cabinet marking the end of an era in Bihar After nearly two decades at the helm during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the stateâs development trajectory Nitish Kumar is now set to step away from state politics and shift his focus toward national responsibilitiesEarlier in the day Nitish Kumar chaired his final cabinet meeting at the Chief Ministerâs Secretariat The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha along with ministers from all departments and senior officialsDuring the meeting the Chief Minister formally informed his colleagues of his decision to resignThe atmosphere was visibly emotional as ministers reflected on the long political journey shared under his leadershipIn a rare and personal gesture Nitish Kumar interacted individually with ministers who in turn expressed their gratitude and emotionsHe reassured them that although he is heading to Delhi his focus will remain firmly on Biharâs development Nitish Kumar remarked âThis is a deeply emotional moment I am now heading to Delhi but I will continue to keep a watchful eye on everything from thereâFollowing the meeting a photo session was held at the Secretariat where the Chief Minister posed with cabinet colleagues and senior officials capturing the final moments of his tenureNitish Kumar is scheduled to submit his resignation to the Governor later in the day This will formally conclude his tenure and trigger the process for the formation of a new government in the stateAfter taking the oath as a Rajya Sabha member Nitish Kumar will actively shift toward national politicsDespite stepping down his continued influence on Biharâs governance and political direction is expected to remain significantThis marks not just a change in leadership but a defining transition in Biharâs political landscape closing one chapter while opening another IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nitish-kumar-dissolves-cabinet-set-to-resign-as-bihar-cm-669313.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-inaugurates-delhi-dehradun-economic-corridor-highway-to-enhance-connectivity-669320.html Dehradun April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the DelhiDehradun Expressway on Tuesday which will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity with the national capital The 210km highway built for Rs 11868 crore is expected to cut down travel time to 25 hours The highway distance between the two cities which was 235 kms will now be reduced to 210 kms and the travel time will be reduced from 65 hours to 25 hours once operationalEarlier the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd during a roadshow in Dehradun after his arrival in Uttarakhand to inaugurate the DelhiDehradun Economic CorridorLarge numbers of people gathered along the sides of the road chanting Modiji aapka swagat hai Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Modi Modi while waving the Tricolour and the BJP flagDressed in traditional attire from Uttarakhand women and children lined the route to greet the Prime Minister as his convoy passed by themWhile on the way to inaugurate the Economic Corridor PM Modi also offered prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple in Dehradun He was welcomed by children dressed in traditional attire who performed the Durga Devi Stotram and he also interacted with other devotees present at the templeBefore that PM Modi reviewed the wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradeshs SaharanpurDuring this visit Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also presentAn exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the projectPM Modi also held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor which saw huge crowds lining up on both sides of the road to catch a glimpseSupporters and onlookers showered flower petals at PM Modi while chanting Modi Modi Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Shri Ram IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-inaugurates-delhi-dehradun-economic-corridor-highway-to-enhance-connectivity-669320.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ambedkar-bhavan-in-goa-to-be-ready-in-a-year-says-cm-sawant-669322.html Panaji April 14 Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday offered floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 135th Jayanti and virtually laid the foundation stone for the Ambedkar Bhavan at Porvorim The project spearheaded by the Directorate of Social Welfare in coordination with the Goa State Scheduled Castes and Other Backwards Classes Finance and Development Corporation is slated for completion within a yearThis Bhavan will be dedicated to the people by the next Ambedkar Jayanti Our government remains committed to the ideals of Babasaheb specifically his belief that education is the most powerful tool for social empowerment Chief Minister Sawant said during the statelevel functionThe Chief Minister felicitated meritorious students from the SC and OBC communities urging them to compete in nationallevel examinations such as NEET and JEEHe emphasised that the state provides extensive scholarship opportunities to ensure financial constraints do not hinder academic progressThe Chief Minister noted that the government aims to reach every section of society through the âSwayampurna Goaâ mission ensuring that welfare schemes penetrate the grassroots levelHe said that the Ambedkar Bhavan would serve as a hub for social advancement and intellectual discourse for marginalised communitiesUnder the Sawantled administration the BJP government has expanded the social safety net for backward classesKey measures include the âKanya Dhanâ scheme which provides financial assistance for the marriage of daughters from SCOBC families and the âGriha Aadharâ initiative that supports housewives from lowerincome bracketsThe government has also streamlined the issuance of caste certificates and enhanced credit facilities through the stateâs finance corporation to encourage entrepreneurship among youthOfficial data indicate a significant increase in budgetary allocations for the Directorate of Social Welfare during Sawantâs tenure These funds support the construction of community halls vocational training centres and the renovation of houses for the underprivileged IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ambedkar-bhavan-in-goa-to-be-ready-in-a-year-says-cm-sawant-669322.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/lop-satheesan-calls-for-round-the-clock-vigil-at-evm-storage-centres-669326.html Thiruvananthapuram April 14 Amid heightened political scrutiny following the conclusion of polling in Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan on Tuesday urged stringent vigilance at centres where Electronic Voting Machines EVMs are stored calling for continuous monitoring to ensure transparency and safeguard electoral integrity In a letter addressed to all 140 United Democratic Front UDF candidates their election agents District Congress Committee DCC presidents and district UDF chairpersons Satheesan emphasised the need for special caution at EVM storage strongrooms across the stateThe directive comes at a crucial juncture as the state awaits the counting of votes with political tensions running highHighlighting existing provisions Satheesan pointed out that candidates are permitted to deploy representatives in control rooms that monitor surveillance cameras installed at EVM strongroomsHe stressed that this facility must be fully utilised ensuring that a designated representative remains present 24 hours a day to oversee proceedingsTo facilitate this the Opposition leader instructed candidates and their chief election agents to obtain the necessary permissions from respective District CollectorsHe underlined that uninterrupted presence of UDF representatives in these control rooms is essential to reinforce public confidence in the electoral processThe move reflects the Oppositionâs broader strategy to maintain strict oversight during the sensitive post poll phase particularly in light of recurring concerns raised in past elections regarding the security of voting machinesWhile election authorities have consistently maintained that EVMs are stored under robust security protocols political parties often deploy their own monitoring mechanisms as an added layer of assuranceSatheesanâs communication signals a coordinated effort within the UDF to remain vigilant until the declaration of results reinforcing the allianceâs emphasis on procedural transparency and accountability in the electoral processKerala went to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators and the counting of votes will take place on May 4 a day that is eagerly awaited by all political parties in the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/lop-satheesan-calls-for-round-the-clock-vigil-at-evm-storage-centres-669326.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-polls-bjp-manifesto-promises-rs-2000-for-women-3-free-lpg-cylinders-tough-anti-drug-measures-669327.html Chennai April 14 Union Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Partyâs manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections outlining an expansive welfare and development agenda with a strong focus on women household finances infrastructure and law enforcement Positioning itself as an alternative to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government the BJP criticised rising inflation and the cost of living while promising direct financial support to familiesA key highlight is a monthly assistance of Rs 2000 for women heads of households along with a onetime grant of Rs 10000 to every household to ease economic pressuresThe party also pledged three free LPG cylinders annually during major festivals including Pongal Tamil Puthandu and DeepavaliWomenâs welfare and entrepreneurship form a central pillar of the manifesto The BJP has promised interestfree loans of up to Rs 50 lakh for womenled manufacturing units and a 20 per cent procurement quota for womenowned enterprises Additional incentives include a Rs 25000 subsidy for escooters and financial support for gig workers including insurance cover up to Rs 10 lakh and monthly fuel or EV charging assistanceOn law and order the party has proposed a stringent antidrug framework including the creation of a Tamil Nadu Drug Eradication Department with a dedicated intelligence wing helplines and fasttrack courtsMeasures such as zeroFIR registration enhanced CCTV coverage in public transport and institutions and stronger utilisation of the Nirbhaya Fund have also been promised to improve safety particularly for women and childrenInfrastructure development is another major focus area The manifesto proposes highspeed rail corridors connecting Chennai with Bengaluru and Hyderabad regional rapid transit systems in western Tamil Nadu and expanded semiurban rail networksIt also includes plans for sleeper Vande Bharat trains linking Chennai to major metrosIn healthcare the BJP has promised free annual doorstep checkups for senior citizens expanded trauma care facilities and increased support for rare disease treatmentEducation and employment initiatives include interestfree loans for students districtlevel coaching centres and the creation of one lakh government jobsThe manifesto also outlines plans for desalination expansion industrial parks skill universities and pilgrimage tourism initiatives aiming to combine welfare with longterm economic growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-polls-bjp-manifesto-promises-rs-2000-for-women-3-free-lpg-cylinders-tough-anti-drug-measures-669327.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-cardiologist-offers-rs-500-discount-to-patients-with-jai-shri-ram-poster-says-move-aimed-at-social-service-669332.html Kolkata April 14 A Kolkatabased cardiologist Dr PK Hazra has sparked discussion after announcing a Rs 500 discount on consultation fees for patients who present a poster carrying the phrase Jai Shri Ram a move he says is aimed at contributing to society through his medical practice Speaking to IANS Dr Hazra who is also associated as Director of Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital clarified that the offer is applicable only at his private clinic in the cityâs Ballygunge area and not at any corporate hospitalExplaining his decision Dr Hazra said that he had already been treating several patients free of cost and saw this initiative as an extension of his efforts to help people while also aligning with his personal ideological beliefsI am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP Jai Shri Ram is not a religious slogan It is a political slogan the veteran doctor told IANSI had been treating patients for free for many days and I had a desire to support the BJP because I follow the ideology of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi So if I can do even a little for society this is my platform â the medical field There is nothing unethical in it he saidAccording to him patients who show a designated poster with a QR code and the words Jai Shri Ram written on it are eligible for the Rs 500 discount He added that his consultation fee had earlier been reduced from Rs 2000 by Rs 500 ahead of the elections and the current offer provides an additional reductionThis will benefit needy patients It is valid at my clinic because no corporate hospital will promote this due to political pressure from the opposite camp he claimedDr Hazra also emphasised that the scheme is open to all patients irrespective of religion or socioeconomic backgroundIt is for everyone â Hindus Muslims Christians rich and poor alike he said while adding that he views Jai Shri Ram as a political slogan rather than a religious oneSpeaking about his future plans Dr Hazra expressed his intention to formally join politics through the BJP He acknowledged that contesting elections requires significant groundwork within society and community networks which he is yet to fully undertakeI want to get involved in the BJP and I want to serve the country through the BJP To contest elections one has to do a lot of work in society and within the community which I havenât been able to do yet This is just a beginning â maybe next year I will approach the authorities and concerned leaders And if they give me a chance I will definitely contest he saidThe announcement has triggered mixed reactions with some viewing it as a creative form of outreach while others have raised questions over the intersection of medical services and political messaging IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-cardiologist-offers-rs-500-discount-to-patients-with-jai-shri-ram-poster-says-move-aimed-at-social-service-669332.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-cardiologist-offers-rs-500-discount-to-patients-with-jai-shri-ram-poster-669333.html Kolkata April 14 A Kolkatabased cardiologist Dr PK Hazra has sparked discussion after announcing a Rs 500 discount on consultation fees for patients who present a poster carrying the phrase Jai Shri Ram a move he says is aimed at contributing to society through his medical practice Speaking to IANS Dr Hazra who is also associated as Director of Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital clarified that the offer is applicable only at his private clinic in the cityâs Ballygunge area and not at any corporate hospitalExplaining his decision Dr Hazra said that he had already been treating several patients free of cost and saw this initiative as an extension of his efforts to help people while also aligning with his personal ideological beliefsI am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP Jai Shri Ram is not a religious slogan It is a political slogan the veteran doctor told IANSI had been treating patients for free for many days and I had a desire to support the BJP because I follow the ideology of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi So if I can do even a little for society this is my platform â the medical field There is nothing unethical in it he saidAccording to him patients who show a designated poster with a QR code and the words Jai Shri Ram written on it are eligible for the Rs 500 discount He added that his consultation fee had earlier been reduced from Rs 2000 by Rs 500 ahead of the elections and the current offer provides an additional reductionThis will benefit needy patients It is valid at my clinic because no corporate hospital will promote this due to political pressure from the opposite camp he claimedDr Hazra also emphasised that the scheme is open to all patients irrespective of religion or socioeconomic backgroundIt is for everyone â Hindus Muslims Christians rich and poor alike he said while adding that he views Jai Shri Ram as a political slogan rather than a religious oneSpeaking about his future plans Dr Hazra expressed his intention to formally join politics through the BJP He acknowledged that contesting elections requires significant groundwork within society and community networks which he is yet to fully undertakeI want to get involved in the BJP and I want to serve the country through the BJP To contest elections one has to do a lot of work in society and within the community which I havenât been able to do yet This is just a beginning â maybe next year I will approach the authorities and concerned leaders And if they give me a chance I will definitely contest he saidThe announcement has triggered mixed reactions with some viewing it as a creative form of outreach while others have raised questions over the intersection of medical services and political messaging IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-cardiologist-offers-rs-500-discount-to-patients-with-jai-shri-ram-poster-669333.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/final-warning-stalin-threatens-massive-agitation-over-delimitation-669334.html Chennai April 14 Issuing a direct warning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin cautioned that the state will launch a massive agitation if the Union government proceeds with the proposed delimitation exercise that could reduce its parliamentary representation In a strongly worded video message posted on X Stalin questioned the rationale behind the move particularly in the context of southern states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully implemented population control measures Is delimitation a punishment for Tamil Nadu which succeeded in population control he asked warning that the state would resist what he described as an impending injustice at its doorstep Stalin alleged that the Centre is attempting to push ahead with the delimitation process without consulting states calling it a unilateral decision that undermines the federal structure He stressed that Tamil Nadu would not remain passive if its political voice is weakened If the Union government proceeds with this exercise Tamil Nadu will undertake a massive protest he said adding that the issue goes beyond electoral considerations For us elections and governance are secondary policy and selfrespect come first Stalin asserted underlining the emotional and political weight of the issue The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the timing and manner in which a possible parliamentary session may be convened to take forward the process Referring to reports of a special sitting he remarked that the Parliament may not be convened in the usual manner and could instead be forcibly brought together suggesting a lack of transparency Stalin further warned that if any move affecting state representation is introduced during the session Tamil Nadu would respond with fullscale protests He reiterated that the Centre has not sought the views of states like Tamil Nadu before attempting to implement such a critical exercise In a striking escalation Stalin cautioned that the Union government would witness a Tamil Nadu it has never seen before if delimitation is imposed Invoking the legacy of the Dravidian movement he said the country may once again see a resurgence of the kind of political resistance associated with the DMK in the 1950s and 1960s The remarks signal a deepening CentreState confrontation with Tamil Nadu positioning itself at the forefront of opposition to delimitation The issue is expected to spark wider debate particularly among southern states concerned about losing representation despite better population control outcomes IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/final-warning-stalin-threatens-massive-agitation-over-delimitation-669334.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-cardiologist-clarifies-over-rs-500-discount-to-patients-with-jai-shri-ram-poster-669338.html Kolkata April 14 A Kolkatabased cardiologist Dr PK Hazra has sparked discussion after announcing a Rs 500 discount on consultation fees for patients who present a poster carrying the phrase Jai Shri Ram a move he says is aimed at contributing to society through his medical practice Speaking to IANS Dr Hazra who is also associated as Director of Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital clarified that the offer is applicable only at his private clinic in the cityâs Ballygunge area and not at any corporate hospitalExplaining his decision Dr Hazra said that he had already been treating several patients free of cost and saw this initiative as an extension of his efforts to help people while also aligning with his personal ideological beliefsI am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP Jai Shri Ram is not a religious slogan It is a political slogan the veteran doctor told IANSI had been treating patients for free for many days and I had a desire to support the BJP because I follow the ideology of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi So if I can do even a little for society this is my platform â the medical field There is nothing unethical in it he saidAccording to him patients who show a designated poster with a QR code and the words Jai Shri Ram written on it are eligible for the Rs 500 discount He added that his consultation fee had earlier been reduced from Rs 2000 by Rs 500 ahead of the elections and the current offer provides an additional reductionThis will benefit needy patients It is valid at my clinic because no corporate hospital will promote this due to political pressure from the opposite camp he claimedDr Hazra also emphasised that the scheme is open to all patients irrespective of religion or socioeconomic backgroundIt is for everyone â Hindus Muslims Christians rich and poor alike he said while adding that he views Jai Shri Ram as a political slogan rather than a religious oneSpeaking about his future plans Dr Hazra expressed his intention to formally join politics through the BJP He acknowledged that contesting elections requires significant groundwork within society and community networks which he is yet to fully undertakeI want to get involved in the BJP and I want to serve the country through the BJP To contest elections one has to do a lot of work in society and within the community which I havenât been able to do yet This is just a beginning â maybe next year I will approach the authorities and concerned leaders And if they give me a chance I will definitely contest he saidThe announcement has triggered mixed reactions with some viewing it as a creative form of outreach while others have raised questions over the intersection of medical services and political messaging IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-cardiologist-clarifies-over-rs-500-discount-to-patients-with-jai-shri-ram-poster-669338.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-chandrababu-naidu-writes-to-all-mps-from-andhra-pradesh-to-support-womens-quota-bill-669339.html Amaravati April 14 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has written a letter to the heads of political parties in the state and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members from the state seeking their support in Parliament for the Womens Reservation Bill He has requested them to extend their support to the Nari Shakti Vandan Constitution Amendment Bill which aims to implement 33 per cent reservations starting from the 2029 elections The national president of the Telugu Desam Party TDP said that he has appealed to them to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modis resolve to provide onethird reservations for women in Parliament and Assemblies Chandrababu Naidu stated that the introduction of the Womens Reservation Amendment Bill in Parliament on April 16 will be a historic milestone in Indian democracy He believes that Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will contribute to womens empowerment as well as the nations progress The Chief Minister addressed letters to Jana Sena president K Pawan Kalyan BJP state President PVN Madhav YSR Congress President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy state Congress President YS Sharmila Reddy CPI state Secretary G Eswaraiah and CPIM state secretary V Srinivasa RaoCM Naidu wrote that with the âNari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyamâ coming before Parliament a decadesold dream is finally becoming a reality This marks a monumental stride towards achieving equality and establishing a legacy that will endure forever in Indias democracyâThe allocation of onethird of the seats in legislative bodies to women a measure unparalleled in any other nation across the globe is an occasion that fills every Indian with immense pride It is truly gratifying to witness our aspirations regarding womens empowerment finally taking concrete shapeâ reads the letterThe TDP chief thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people especially the women of Andhra PradeshâI have always held a firm conviction that true progress can only be realised when womens participation in government administration and legislative bodies is significantly enhanced The development of society is inextricably linked to ensuring that women are accorded their rightful place It is my firm belief that women must play a pivotal role in the progress of both the state and the nation The impact women are demonstrating across sectors including education healthcare research technology sports defence industry commerce and services is truly extraordinary Through sheer hard work and unwavering dedication to duty women today are proving their mettle in every single fieldâ wrote the CMI am writing this letter with a deep sense of responsibility on behalf of our daughters to urge that a united voice be raised regarding the issue of womens reservations It is imperative that all political parties and Members of Parliament unanimously extend their support to this cause Let us all consider it a privilege a stroke of good fortune to have this opportunity to honour the women of our households and the women of our nation Let no one miss the chance to be a part of this sacred moment I earnestly urge everyone to extend their wholehearted support toward bringing into effect the legislation that grants women onethird representation in our legislative bodiesâ he saidChandrababu Naidu wrote that as a nation that reveres Mother India all 14 billion Indians must stand ready for these momentous occasion moments dedicated to paying homage to âNari Shaktiâ womens power âThis legislation transcends politics it is a matter concerning the dignity and honor of our nation Every political party and every Member of Parliament must leave their indelible mark on this historic decision I appeal to everyone to collectively extend their support to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Central Government in the implementation of the âNari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyamââ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-chandrababu-naidu-writes-to-all-mps-from-andhra-pradesh-to-support-womens-quota-bill-669339.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/annamalai-hits-out-at-stalins-warning-on-delimitation-accuses-him-of-fear-mongering-669344.html Chennai April 14 BJP leader K Annamalai on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over his remarks on the proposed delimitation process calling his warning to the Centre uncalled for and alleging that it was aimed at creating fear among the public Annamalai said the Modi government is committed to taking all stakeholders along on the issue and dismissed Stalins concerns as an attempt to generate unnecessary apprehension among people in the stateThe remarks come ahead of a Special Session of Parliament scheduled to begin on April 16 during which the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 and a proposed Delimitation Bill are expected to be discussed to facilitate onethird reservation for women in ParliamentEarlier Stalin in a video message had cautioned the Centre against proceeding with delimitation in a manner that could adversely impact southern statesHe said Tamil Nadu would launch a largescale agitation if its interests were compromised or if the southern region faced disproportionate consequences He also questioned the timing of the special session noting that it coincides with Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal scheduled for April 23The Chief Minister argued that Tamil Nadu and other southern states had implemented population control measures in line with the Centres guidance and should not now face adverse outcomes as a result He maintained that the state would not remain silent if its interests were underminedResponding to these remarks Annamalai told IANS It is very unfortunate that the Chief Minister is trying to sow discord and create fearmongering in the minds of the Tamil population We all know if you look at the video the kind of language he has used saying that Tamil Nadu will go back to the 1960s threatening the Prime Minister is uncalled forHe further said that the Prime Minister has made a lot of effort to bring everybody togetherSince 1996 it womens reservation issue has been stuck Many senior leaders of various political parties in the current INDIA bloc have opposed reservations for our mothers and sisters The Prime Minister made the effort from September 2023 to pilot this and get this bill passed in both Houses of Parliament by bringing everybody together he saidSlamming Stalin Annamalai said What is the problem of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Nowhere have we said its a populationbased increase Everywhere we have said we will take everybody together The Home Minister in Coimbatore a year back said its going to be a pro rata increaseWhatever increase we are going to bring it is going to be pro rata so that nobody suffers It is very very unfortunate that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister by putting out this video has gone against the oath he took on the Constitution of India the BJP leader said referring to Stalins video post on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/annamalai-hits-out-at-stalins-warning-on-delimitation-accuses-him-of-fear-mongering-669344.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/up-govts-push-for-mushroom-farming-helps-rural-women-earn-up-to-rs-10-lakh-annually-669346.html Lucknow April 14 The Uttar Pradesh governments efforts to promote alternative agriculture and womenled entrepreneurship are transforming rural livelihoods with mushroom cultivation emerging as a lucrative avenue for income generation A notable example is Pappu Devi a resident of Bhadohi district who has broken away from traditional farming practices to build a successful mushroom cultivation enterprise earning between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh annuallyIn regions like Bhadohi where agriculture has long been centred around conventional crops such as wheat and paddy Pappu Devis journey reflects a shift towards innovative and highvalue farming practicesWith support from the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission UPSRLM she ventured into mushroom farming a decision that has significantly improved her familys financial conditionThe Rural Livelihood Mission implemented by the state government is increasingly becoming a lifeline for women in rural areas by promoting selfemployment and financial independenceThrough structured training technical guidance and financial assistance the initiative is enabling women to explore nontraditional income sourcesPappu Devi began her venture with an initial investment of around Rs 25 lakh from her personal savings and an additional loan of Rs 50000With technical support from Development Alternatives and guidance under UPSRLM she started mushroom cultivation on a small scale Over time her efforts have expanded into a sustainable and profitable businessHer success story goes beyond personal achievement By creating employment opportunities for other women in her village Pappu Devi has contributed to strengthening the local rural economy Several women are now engaged in various aspects of mushroom production from cultivation to packaging and marketingPappu Devis model has also inspired selfhelp groups SHGs and rural women across the region to adopt similar ventures Her journey underscores the potential of governmentbacked schemes in driving grassroots entrepreneurshipSpeaking about her experience she emphasised that with proper training financial support and determination women in rural areas can achieve substantial success in selfemploymentOfficials note that such initiatives are part of a broader push by the Yogi Adityanathled Uttar Pradesh government to diversify agriculture enhance rural incomes and empower women economicallyMushroom farming in particular is being promoted as a lowinvestment highreturn activity suitable for smallscale farmers and women entrepreneursAs more women take inspiration from success stories like Pappu Devis the Rural Livelihood Mission continues to play a pivotal role in reshaping rural economies and fostering selfreliance among women across Uttar Pradesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/up-govts-push-for-mushroom-farming-helps-rural-women-earn-up-to-rs-10-lakh-annually-669346.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/from-constitution-day-to-panchteerth-pm-modis-efforts-to-carry-forward-ambedkars-legacy-669349.html New Delhi April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spent years quietly consistently and passionately honouring the legacy of B R Ambedkar Over time his efforts have reflected not only in words but also in initiatives institutions and policies ranging from the development of significant memorial sites to the observance of Constitution Day and the launch of transformative welfare schemes Modi Archive a popular social media platform took to X and highlighted key moments that it said demonstrate how the Prime Minister has carried forward Babasaheb Ambedkars vision over the yearsThe social media post described this journey as one marked by consistency commitment and a deep sense of purposeThe words PM Modi lives by If Babasaheb was not there PM Narendra Modi would not be here Modi Archive wrote on XPM Modi has repeatedly emphasised that his own journey beginning from humble beginnings to the Prime Ministers office is possible because of Babasaheb Ambedkars role in creating a democratic India He frequently highlights his own poor and backward roots as proof of the Constitutions success He considers Dr Ambedkars most significant legacy to be a nation where birth is not a barrier to success allowing any citizen the opportunity to lead the country the Modi Archive addedThe post also highlighted the development of the PanchteerthThe Panchteerth are five sacred sites connected to Ambedkars life stretching from his birthplace in Mhow to 26 Alipur Road and London Narendra Modi ensured infrastructural improvement and modernisation He also made sure each site encourages every generation to learn about the man who gave dignity to crores of Indians the Modi Archive saidThe day PM Modi reclaimed Constitution DayIn 2015 PM Modi declared November 26 as the Constitution Day a powerful gesture to promote constitutional values and honour Ambedkars role as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution A day that reminds every Indian that the book which governs this nation was written by a man who once fought for the right to even drink water from a public well the Modi Archive notedThe philosophy PM Modi governs by AntyodayaNarendra Modis governance has always carried Ambedkars fingerprints His policies frequently centre on Antyodaya or uplifting the last person in line which is a direct reflection of Ambedkars lifelong devotion to human dignity It is not about welfare as charity but about empowerment as a right the Modi Archive addedThe schemes launched by PM Modi that changed livesInitiatives like StandUp India and Mudra Yojana put capital in the hands of those the system had long overlooked The BHIM app named after Bhimrao Ambedkar put financial power in everyoneâs hands even in villages Schemes not just announced but delivered to Dalits to tribals to women to every last person standing in the last mile the Modi Archive saidThe vision that connects themOver time India began to see it clearly Ambedkarâs Vision Modiâs Provision The flagship schemes of the Narendra Modi government are the modern implementation of BR Ambedkars intellectual and economic theories brought to life seven decades later by a man who is himself proof that those theories worked the Modi Archive addedThe Constitution that Ambedkar wrote did more than safeguard the powerless It made it possible for someone from their ranks to become the countrys Prime Minister And that Prime Minister has spent every day in office continuing the mission Ambedkar began IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/from-constitution-day-to-panchteerth-pm-modis-efforts-to-carry-forward-ambedkars-legacy-669349.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/indias-first-quantum-reference-facilities-unveiled-in-amaravati-669365.html Amaravati April 14 Indiaâs first quantum reference facilities were unveiled here on Tuesday opening a new chapter in quantum technology to mark the World Quantum Day Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the â1S Open Access Quantum Facilityâ at SRM University as well as the 1Q Quantum Facility situated at Medha TowersThese two quantum testbeds provide the necessary infrastructure to test quantum computing devices and components officials saidWith the unveiling of these two systems Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in the country to have a dedicated Quantum Test Reference Facility With this the Amaravati Quantum Valley has acquired the capability to test and certify quantum computer hardwareQuantum computer testbedsâdesigned to operate at an ultralow temperature of minus 273 degrees Celsiusâhave been established at both locationsThese quantum testbeds are designed to serve the needs of companies manufacturing quantum computing devices as well as researchers students and industry expertsThe Amaravati 1S facility at SRM University will facilitate research while the Amaravati 1Q facility at Medha Towers will cater to industrial applicationsRepresentatives from the National Quantum Mission and the Department of Science and Technology DST along with delegates from various quantum technology companies IIT professors and scientists attended this eventSpeaking on the occasion Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh has created history by realising this milestone on World Quantum Day coinciding with the centenary of Quantum ScienceâWe have ushered in a new era of quantum history in Amaravati on the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkarâthe visionary who proclaimed that knowledge is the true symbol of social progressâ he saidHe expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for encouraging the establishment of the Amaravati Quantum Valleyâa key initiative in setting up Indias first openaccess quantum facilitiesThe Chief Minister stated that 1S and 1Q quantum hardware testbeds launched in Amaravati will play a pivotal role in testing and certifying quantum devicesâIt is a matter of great pride that this Telugu landâwhich has already played a pivotal role in the IT sectorâis now emerging as a hub for quantum technologiesâ he saidCM Naidu believed that just as electricity was vital for the industrial age and the Internet is vital for the digital age quantum technology is crucial for modern innovation Nations that achieve mastery in quantum technology are the ones most likely to shape the future he saidHe noted that the AQRF Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility will serve as a vital resource for Indian researchers seeking to test quantum hardwareStating that the quantum computing reference facilities took shape in just 8 months he said they significantly enhanced the nations capabilities in the field of quantum technologyAjay Kumar Sood Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India said that the establishment of Quantum Reference Test Facilities marks a pivotal step forward in achieving selfreliance in quantum technologyHe said that Amaravati is poised to emerge as a national hub for both AI and quantum technologiesâOur focus should not be limited solely to quantum algorithms we must also embrace allied fields such as atomic and cryogenic technologies In light of the evolving global dynamics it is imperative that we strengthen our technological capabilitiesâ he saidHe said the reference facilities will play a crucial role in the indigenous manufacturing of quantum hardware Domestically manufactured equipment will play a pivotal role in achieving selfreliance IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/indias-first-quantum-reference-facilities-unveiled-in-amaravati-669365.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ambedkars-ideals-continue-to-inspire-nation-mp-cm-mohan-yadav-pays-homage-at-mhow-memorial-669369.html Indore April 14 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday that BR Ambedkar laid a strong foundation for Indias democratic system through the Constitution and his ideals continue to guide the nation He urged people to follow Babasaheb Ambedkars path of equality social harmony and unity to build an inclusive societyThe Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing a gathering on the occasion of Ambedkars 135th birth anniversary during his visit to the grand memorial built at his birthplace in Ambedkar Nagar MhowEarlier Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the memorial complex and offered floral tributes to the statue of Dr AmbedkarHe also paid respects at the site where an urn containing Babasahebs ashes has been preserved a place considered highly sacred by followersThe Chief Minister toured the premises and reviewed arrangements as a large number of devotees and Buddhist monks gathered to mark the occasionThe memorial at Mhow developed at Ambedkars birthplace has become a major pilgrimage site attracting visitors from across the country especially on his birth anniversaryAcross Madhya Pradesh several programmes such as rallies wreathlaying ceremonies and public gatherings are being organised with enthusiasm to commemorate the dayUnion Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur State Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat and BJP MLA Usha Thakur along with other public representatives were present during the eventMeanwhile Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari also visited Mhow and paid tribute to Dr AmbedkarSpeaking to the media Patwari alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP was engaging in politics in the name of Ambedkar and raised concerns over issues related to the Constitution reservation and social justiceThe occasion saw a blend of devotion and political reactions as leaders across party lines paid homage to one of Indias foremost architects of democracy IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ambedkars-ideals-continue-to-inspire-nation-mp-cm-mohan-yadav-pays-homage-at-mhow-memorial-669369.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nashik-tcs-row-sparks-political-storm-leaders-demand-probe-accountability-669382.html Mumbai April 14 Allegations of forced religious conversion and sexual exploitation at the Nashik branch of Tata Consultancy Services TCS on Tuesday triggered a major political controversy in Maharashtra with leaders across party lines calling for a thorough investigation while differing on the extent of institutional accountability Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam described the allegations as serious and alarming claiming that Hindu women employees at the Nashik office were allegedly pressured to convert their religion and subjected to exploitationHe questioned how such incidents could take place within a globally reputed company without its knowledgeWe want to ask TCS you are such a prestigious company providing services worldwide yet such wrongdoing was happening right under your nose and you were not even aware of it Nirupam saidHe also asserted that responsibility must be fixed and action taken against company officialsThe issue has also drawn a strong reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP with MLC Chitra Wagh alleging that coercion and pressure were used in carrying out conversionsShe said that the state government along with Nashik Police and the Home Department is handling the matter very effectively and conducting a detailed probeMeanwhile Union Minister Ramdas Athawale offered a nuanced view saying that while religious conversion itself is not illegal any conversion carried out through coercion inducement or pressure is against the law and must be dealt with strictlyI think there is no legal restriction on voluntary religious conversion But if someone is trapped pressured or influenced improperly then it becomes illegal Athawale saidOffering a contrasting perspective NCPSP National Spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui said Conversion does not happen by feeding beef or by feeding bitter gourd Religious conversion happens for two reasons either someone falls in love and their mind changes or there is financial pressure on them The state government should investigate thisCautioning against tarnishing the image of TCS as an institution Siddiqui added that any wrongdoing should be attributed to individuals rather than the company as a wholeTCS is a very good institution of the country No questions should be raised against it If some individuals within TCS have done something wrong the government should investigate it order a CBI probe and punish the guilty the NCPSP leader said adding If there are rapists sitting in Parliament will you defame Parliament Even after sitting in mosques many people go and commit rape will you defame mosques If a priest sitting in a temple commits an act of lust against someone will you defame templesAccording to officials the Maharashtra Police have taken cognisance of the allegations and the state leadership including the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar has treated the matter with urgencyAuthorities are expected to examine all aspects of the case including the nature of the allegations the role of individuals involved and whether any coercion or organised wrongdoing took place within the companys premisesAccording to reports the controversy began in March after a woman accused a TCS colleague of maintaining a physical relationship with her on the false promise of marriageDuring the investigation authorities uncovered additional complaints leading to several more FIRs linked to similar allegationsMeanwhile the police have arrested at least six employees in connection with the case based on intelligence inputs received by the Nashik Police Commissioners officeAs the probe progresses the controversy has intensified political debate in the state raising broader questions about workplace safety corporate accountability and the legal boundaries surrounding religious conversion IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nashik-tcs-row-sparks-political-storm-leaders-demand-probe-accountability-669382.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/mizorams-history-spans-from-conflict-to-peace-guv-singh-669383.html Aizawl April 14 Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh Retd on Tuesday highlighted that the stateâs history is unique a remarkable journey from struggle and conflict through reconciliation to lasting peace and progress Releasing the book From Guerrilla Fighter to Chief Minister authored by former Chief Minister Zoramthanga at the Aijal Club here the Governor lauded it as a significant and reliable historical document that offers valuable insights into key phases of Mizoramâs political historyHe described the book as far more than a mere personal narrative noting that it chronicles the authorâs remarkable journey from insurgency to responsible democratic governance and statesmanshipSingh said the memoir serves as a powerful reminder that dialogue understanding and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult challengesThe Governor praised Zoramthangaâs dedication and lifelong desire to learn saying these qualities reflect exceptional political acumen and true statesmanship âIt shows that if there is a will there is a wayâ he remarkedHe commended the author for documenting history through his lived experiences and expressed hope that the memoir would help the younger generation better understand the complexities of conflict while appreciating the true value of peace and the strength of democratic institutionsSingh observed that the book will prove to be a valuable resource for students scholars policymakers and citizens alikeAuthor and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga described the release of the book as a deeply significant milestone in his life He revealed that he had meticulously maintained personal diaries for 50 years which served as key references while writing the memoirZoramthanga who is also the President of the Mizo National Front the stateâs principal opposition party emphasised that most of the events described in the book were personally witnessed or experienced by himHe expressed sincere gratitude to all those who assisted in the preparation and publication of the book and said he hoped the memoir would not only benefit the Mizo people but also enable readers from other communities to gain a clearer and deeper understanding of Mizo historyThe former Chief Minister also shared a memorable personal anecdote recalling that he had first met the Governor decades earlier during the IndoPakistani War of 1971 when Singh was serving as a young Lieutenant in the Indian ArmyZoramthanga noted that it was a remarkable and unexpected coincidence that the same officer is now releasing his book as the Governor of MizoramDuring the event Lalnunkimi Colney delivered an insightful preview of the bookOctogenarian veteran Mizo leader Zoramthanga served as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for three terms 19982008 and 20182023 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/mizorams-history-spans-from-conflict-to-peace-guv-singh-669383.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/education-most-powerful-weapon-to-break-chains-siddaramaiah-on-ambedkar-jayanti-669384.html Bengaluru April 14 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that it is because of the Constitution framed by BR Ambedkar that he has become the states Chief Ministerâ He was speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Bharat Ratna and architect of the Constitution BR Ambedkar along with the BR Ambedkar Award presentation ceremony organised by the Social Welfare Department on the grand steps of Vidhana SoudhaâRecalling Ambedkarâs views the Chief Minister said that as long as the caste system exists untouchability will continue He noted that Ambedkar had clearly articulated that as long as social and economic inequalities exist casteism will persistâHe said Ambedkar dedicated his entire life to fighting for the oppressed the Scheduled Castes the exploited and deprived sections of society Siddaramaiah added that Ambedkar was not just a leader of Dalits but a champion of all those who faced injustice and discriminationâThrough the Constitution Ambedkar made a sincere effort to ensure liberty equality and fraternity for all Indians Siddaramaiah said that is why Indiaâs Constitution is regarded as one of the finest in the worldâThe Chief Minister said it is unfortunate that complete equality has not yet been achieved He recalled that Ambedkar had warned that unless social and economic inequalities were eradicated Indiaâs independence would remain incompleteâHe said that despite being a scholar Ambedkar not only fought for the oppressed but also made serious efforts to reform Hindu society However when those efforts failed he chose to renounce Hinduism He also rejected âManuvadâ which he described as a system responsible for inequalityâSiddaramaiah said that social and economic empowerment is essential for selfreliance quoting Ambedkarâs words that education is the most powerful weapon to liberate people from all forms of bondageâHe added that had Ambedkar not been educated or possessed a spirit of resistance it would not have been possible for India to have such a Constitution âSiddaramaiah stressed that education must be given utmost importance urging people to strive for the kind of education received by leaders like Ambedkar Ram Manohar Lohia and Jawaharlal Nehru education rooted in rationality scientific temper and humanismâHe further noted that Ambedkarâs deep understanding of the social system enabled him to draft such a comprehensive ConstitutionâThe Chief Minister said that without scientific education building an equal society is impossible âHe added that the governmentâs guarantee schemes are aimed at strengthening social and economic empowerment and represent sincere efforts to build an equitable societyâSiddaramaiah cautioned people against âManuvadisâ whom he described as antiConstitution forces spreading misinformation He said they falsely claim that Congress defeated Ambedkar and did not allow his last rites in Delhi urging people not to believe such liesâHe said it is impossible to imagine what the country would be like without Ambedkar âWe must remember his life and ideals Ambedkar belongs to all timesâ he addedâThe Chief Minister said that 9722 per cent of students in governmentrun hostels have passed their examinations including high scores in the PreUniversity Course exams calling it a matter of pride for the governmentâHe also congratulated the recipients of the Dr BR Ambedkar Award and meritorious students on the occasionâMinisters HC Mahadevappa and KH Muniyappa Legislative Council Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed MLA Rizwan Arshad Council members Bhojegowda and Govindaraju former MP Chandrappa former minister Anjaneya and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh were among those presentâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/education-most-powerful-weapon-to-break-chains-siddaramaiah-on-ambedkar-jayanti-669384.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/no-matter-how-much-ktaka-cm-cong-beat-their-drums-they-wont-win-bypolls-bjp-669385.html Bengaluru April 14 BJP State President and MLA BY Vijayendra said on Tuesday that no matter how much the Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah beat their drums they will not be able to win in both constituencies where byeelections were held in the state recently Speaking to the media on Tuesday Vijayendra said that the BJP will definitely win in both Davanagere South and Bagalkot constituenciesHe alleged that people were now fed up with the Congress government as the administrative machinery has collapsed and there is lack of developmentHe further alleged that the state government is indulging in minority appeasement while insulting Hindus and due to all these reasons people will bless the BJPVijayendra also challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to an open debate comparing development works carried out in Shivamogga district during the BJP government under BS Yediyurappa with those undertaken in Mysuru district under SiddaramaiahHe also criticised the government for allegedly lacking the capability to preserve Mysore Silk in Mysuru accusing it of attempting to shut it down and convert the land into a stadiumHe added that regardless of the speeches made by Congress leaders the results will be clear on May 4 during the counting of votes which will reflect the peopleâs verdictIt can be noted that the main contest in Bagalkot was between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Congress MLA HY MetiThe Congress had fielded Samarth Mallikarjun while the BJP had nominated Srinivas T Dasakariyappa in Davanagere South Assembly segment Meanwhile the Social Democratic Party of India SDPI was hopeful that the intense contest between the BJP and the Congress would benefit the party and had fielded Afsar Kodlipet as the candidate The byeelection was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader MLA Shamanur ShivashankarappaThe results of the byeelections have become a matter of prestige for the two national parties and also the results are crucial for Vijayendra Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/no-matter-how-much-ktaka-cm-cong-beat-their-drums-they-wont-win-bypolls-bjp-669385.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/all-indian-seafarers-ships-in-gulf-region-are-safe-govt-669390.html New Delhi April 14 All Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are safe and no incident involving Indianflagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours the Ministry of Ports and Shipping said on Tuesday The Directorate General DG of Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 2262 Indian seafarers so far including 85 in the past 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region a ministry statement saidThe DG Shipping Control Room has handled 6292 calls and more than 13228 emails since activation including 219 calls and 361 emails in the past 24 hoursPort operations across India also continue normally with no congestion reported the statement saidThe Ministry continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of External Affairs Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure the welfare of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted maritime operations the statement saidAcross the region Indian Missions and Posts remain in close contact with the Indian community while continuing to provide assistance and issue necessary advisories for their safety and wellbeing according to a statement released by the Ministry of External AffairsMeanwhile the Ministry of External Affairs has continued its outreach to countries in West Asia External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to the Foreign Minister of Kuwait and discussed the regional situation and the wellbeing of the Indian community He also spoke with the Foreign Minister of Israel and discussed various aspects of the conflict in West AsiaFurther the External Affairs Minister also spoke to his Singaporean and Australian counterparts to discuss issues related to the conflict in West AsiaThe Ministry is also in regular contact with state governments and Union Territories for better sharing of information and coordination Efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety security and welfare of the Indian community in the region the statement addedIndian Missions and Posts continue to operate roundtheclock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals They remain in close contact with the local governments IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/all-indian-seafarers-ships-in-gulf-region-are-safe-govt-669390.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/sc-issues-notice-on-pil-seeking-biometric-voter-verification-to-curb-electoral-fraud-669185.html New Delhi April 13 IANS The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre the Election Commission of India ECI and all states on a Public Interest Litigation PIL seeking implementation of fingerprint and irisbased biometric identification of voters at polling stations to curb electoral malpracticesnbspA Bench of Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order while hearing a petition filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar UpadhyayIssuing a notice the CJI Kantled Bench made it clear that the relief sought in the petition cannot be considered for the ensuing Assembly elections in certain statesPrima facie the nature of reliefs cannot be considered for the ensuing elections in some of the states However whether such a recourse deserves to be followed for the next parliamentary elections andor elections of state legislatures needs to be examined the apex court saidDuring the hearing the CJI Kantled Bench remarked that implementation of such a mechanism would require major changes in rules and entail a huge financial burdenThe plea contended that fingerprint and iris biometric authentication at polling booths would help curb bribery undue influence personation duplicate voting ghost voting and other electoral malpracticesIt stated that despite various steps taken by the poll body instances of electoral fraud continue to persist undermining public confidence in the electoral processThe injury to citizens is extremely large as bribery undue influence personation duplicate voting and ghost voting still affects the purity and integrity of the electoral process the petition saidAccording to the petitioner adoption of biometric verification at polling booths would ensure that only genuine and dulyregistered electors are permitted to cast their votes and would strengthen the principle of one citizen one voteThe plea claimed that the ECI can exercise its plenary powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to introduce such biometric authentication measures for ensuring free and fair electionszUpadhyay said he had submitted a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners on March 28 seeking implementation of fingerprint and iris biometric identification at polling booths but no action was taken necessitating the filing of the PILIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/sc-issues-notice-on-pil-seeking-biometric-voter-verification-to-curb-electoral-fraud-669185.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-urges-cec-to-publish-complete-april-9-kerala-voting-data-669108.html Thiruvananthapuram April 13 Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan has sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner CEC raising concerns over the delay in publishing detailed and authenticated data related to the Kerala Assembly elections held on April 9 calling for immediate corrective steps to uphold transparency In his letter circulated to the media on Monday Satheesan pointed out that three days after polling concluded the Election Commission is yet to release comprehensive figures on its official website including constituencywise polling data vote percentages and postal ballot statisticsHe stressed that the prompt dissemination of such information is vital to ensure public scrutiny and maintain trust in the electoral processThe opposition leader warned that any delay in making verified data publicly available could lead to uncertainty around an otherwise closely monitored electionHe urged the Commission to act without further delay noting that timely access to accurate data is crucial for stakeholders ranging from political representatives to researchers and the general publicAccording to figures already released by the Commission a total of 7803 per cent of the 271 crore electorate exercised their franchiseThis includes 7501 per cent male voters and a significantly higher 8086 per cent turnout among women while 5704 per cent of third gender voters also participated in the electoral processElections were held on April 9 to choose 140 legislators to the State Assembly with votes scheduled to be counted on May 4Kerala known for its high voter participation and strong democratic traditions has once again recorded robust turnout figuresHowever the delay in publishing granular data has now come under the spotlight adding a procedural dimension to the postpoll discourseWith the counting day approaching attention is likely to focus on how swiftly the Election Commission responds to the concerns raised and whether the complete dataset will be made available in the coming days IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-urges-cec-to-publish-complete-april-9-kerala-voting-data-669108.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/indian-army-iaf-mark-siachen-day-honour-42-years-of-operation-meghdoot-669115.html New Delhi April 13 The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force on Monday saluted the indomitable courage unwavering commitment and supreme sacrifice of Indiaâs brave soldiers defending the worldâs highest battlefield As Operation Meghdoot completed 42 years both forces paid tribute to a legacy defined by valour endurance and operational excellence in some of the harshest terrains and weather conditions on EarthTaking to the social media platform X the Indian Army commemorated the occasion marking April 13 1984 as a historic day It shared a tribute that read Quartered in snow Silent to remain When the clarion calls They shall rise and march againThe Army also shared a video highlighting the significance of the operation describing the extreme conditions under which soldiers continue to serve It noted that at altitudes exceeding 20000 feet where survival itself is a constant challenge Indian troops secured the highest battlefield on Earth on April 13 1984 through Operation Meghdoot The visuals emphasised the soldiersâ âaltitude of courageâ and âsteel spiritâ underscoring how every inch of territory is defended with determination and braveryIndian Air Force also took to social media X and said On this Siachen Day IAF salutes the indomitable courage unwavering commitment and supreme sacrifice of our brave warriors defending the worldâs highest battlefieldAs Operation Meghdoot completes 42 years we honour the legacy of valour endurance and operational excellence in the harshest of terrains and weather conditions the Indian Air Force addedFrom strategic airlift and logistics support to casualty evacuation in extreme highaltitude conditions the IAF continues to sustain operational readiness in the Siachen sector the Indian Air Force addedApril 13 marks Siachen Day commemorating the Indian Armys Operation Meghdoot in 1984 On this day Indian troops landed at Bilafond La Pass and captured key positions on the Siachen Glacier securing a strategic advantage in the disputed region of Kashmir the worlds highest battlefieldThe poem Quartered in snow Silent to remain When the clarion calls They shall rise and march again beautifully captures the spirit of the Indian Armys presence in Siachen It highlights the soldiers ability to remain vigilant and prepared even in the harshest of conditions and to respond swiftly when called upon to defend the nationIndian soldiers have been stationed in the harsh environment of the Siachen Glacier for decades enduring extreme temperatures and challenging terrainThe day marks the historic launch of Operation Meghdoot in 1984 when the Indian Army established full control over the Siachen Glacier thwarting adversarial attempts to claim the strategically vital region It celebrated the 41st anniversary of the famous Operation which was carried out by the Indian forcesSiachen has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan ever since the Karachi Agreement of 1949 when the area was left undivided due to the hostile terrain and extremely rough weatherOperation Meghdoot was Indias bold military response to what New Delhi calls Pakistans cartographic aggression in the uncharted territory of Ladakh north of map reference NJ9842 where New Delhi and Islamabad had agreed the Line of Control LoC ran up toIntelligence inputs about impending Pakistani military action prompted India to secure strategic heights on Siachen deploying troops via airlifts and airdropping supplies to highaltitude airfieldsThe primary objective behind this operation was to preempt the seizure of Sia La and Bilafond La passes by the Pakistan ArmyLaunched on April 13 1984 this military operation was unique as the first assault launched on the worlds highest battlefieldIt was launched under the leadership of Lieutenant General Manohar Lal Chibber Lieutenant General PN Hoon and Major General Shiv SharmaIt is distinguished by being one of the greatest examples of seamless coordination and synergy between the Indian Army and the Air ForceThe military action resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen Glacier IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/indian-army-iaf-mark-siachen-day-honour-42-years-of-operation-meghdoot-669115.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/adopting-babasahebs-thoughts-will-build-harmonious-empowered-prosperous-state-cm-yogi-669123.html New Delhi April 13 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued a detailed public message titled âYogi Ki Patiâ Yogis noteletter a day ahead of BR Ambedkars birth anniversary urging citizens to adopt the ideals of the Constitutionâs chief architect and promote education in everyday life In a post on X CM Yogi wrote âApril 14 marks the sacred birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Jiâ through whose vision millions of people gained the right to a life of dignityâHe added that âby embracing Babasahebs ideals our government is ensuring that the benefits of schemes reach every poor deprived woman and youthâExpanding on this in his longer note the Chief Minister described the occasion as âan opportunity to express our gratitude to that great personality who drafted the framework of Indias ConstitutionâThe CM emphasised Ambedkarâs intellectual depth writing that âevery word of Babasaheb is inspirationalâ particularly highlighting his vision in the fields of economy and educationQuoting Ambedkarâs enduring message he wrote âEducate organise and struggleâ and noted that Babasaheb was âamong the most educated people of his timeâ who maintained a collection of over 35000 books and studied for â16 to 18 hours a dayâThe Chief Minister also referred to welfare initiatives in Uttar Pradesh stating âBy adopting Babasahebâs ideas our government is ensuring that benefits of schemes reach every poor deprived woman and youthâ including access to housing healthcare sanitation and education He added that targeted programmes have helped âmore than six crore people rise above multidimensional povertyâ with continued efforts toward a âzero povertyâ missionIn a personal appeal CM Yogi urged citizens âKeep good books in your homes read them yourselves and inspire your children to do the sameâ stressing that âonly then will Babasahebâs dream be realisedâHe concluded that âonly by adopting Babasahebâs thoughts will the resolve to build a harmonious empowered and prosperous state be fulfilledâ calling on people to carry forward the legacy of social justice and equalityThe message comes as the country prepares to observe Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 Tuesday with tributes and public programmes celebrating his enduring contributions to Indian society and governance IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/adopting-babasahebs-thoughts-will-build-harmonious-empowered-prosperous-state-cm-yogi-669123.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pmk-leader-ramadoss-shifted-to-chennai-for-treatment-condition-stable-after-fainting-while-campaigning-669134.html Salem April 13 PMK founder S Ramadoss has been shifted to Chennai for advanced medical treatment following a health setback during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign party sources said on Monday According to sources the veteran leader is expected to undergo specialised treatment at Apollo Hospitals where a team of senior doctors will monitor his condition He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Salem and later moved to another facility for further evaluation before the decision was taken to transfer him to ChennaiDoctors who treated him in Salem said his condition is currently stable and under control They attributed the health issue to physical exhaustion caused by continuous campaigning along with agerelated factorsâHe had experienced fatigue and a possible drop in blood pressure He is now stable and recovering wellâ a senior doctor saidMedical experts have advised that Ramadoss remain under observation for at least 24 hours and take adequate rest before resuming any political activitiesParty leaders have expressed confidence that he will make a swift recovery and return to campaigning soonThe development comes at a politically sensitive time for the PMK which has been witnessing internal differences between Ramadoss and his son Anbumani RamadossThe fatherson rift over party leadership and strategy has led to parallel political activities and differing campaign approaches drawing attention ahead of the Assembly electionsRamadoss had addressed a public meeting at Pallapatti in Salem campaigning in support of Salem West constituency candidate and sitting MLA Arul as part of the election campaignHowever yesterday shortly after concluding his speech and stepping down from the stage he suddenly fainted causing panic among those presentHis daughter Dr Srikanti along with party members immediately rushed to his aid and arranged for his transfer to a nearby private hospital for emergency treatmentThe incident briefly disrupted the campaign schedule even as party leaders moved quickly to ensure he received timely medical care IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pmk-leader-ramadoss-shifted-to-chennai-for-treatment-condition-stable-after-fainting-while-campaigning-669134.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/if-already-planned-why-didnt-cong-implement-it-when-in-power-jd-669135.html New Delhi April 13 JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her remarks on delimitation and the Womenâs Reservation Bill questioning why such measures were not implemented during the Congressled UPA government Speaking to IANS Jha said âIf it was already planned earlier then why wasnât it implemented when they were in power Who stopped themâHe further added that during the UPA regime when the Bill came up âNitish Jiâ even went out of his way to support it in Delhi Who stopped them from implementing itâHe also argued that the present process marks a significant political and constitutional moment stating âSo when the Bill is brought delimitation will also happen and the number of seats will increase These seats are based on populationâ this is a historical momentâTaking a dig at the Congress party Jha remarked âShe just has to make an issue about everythingâ that is the situation of the Congress todayâThe remarks came after Sonia Gandhi in an opinion article published in The Hindu raised strong objections to the Centreâs plan to introduce Bills during a special Parliament session on April 16 She said the âcentral concernâ was delimitation rather than womenâs reservation calling the exercise âextremely dangerousâ and an âassault on the ConstitutionâGandhi also alleged that the government was attempting to âdelay and derailâ the caste census and criticised the timing of the legislative process which coincides with election campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal She further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to âderive political advantage and place the Opposition on the defensiveâIn her article she wrote that the government had âdeclined repeated requestsâ for an allparty meeting after the recent state elections schedule was announced and accused Prime Minister Modi of being âeconomical with the truthâ regarding the Oppositionâs stance on womenâs reservationThe exchange highlights intensifying political sparring ahead of the special parliamentary session with both sides trading sharp allegations over constitutional and electoral reforms IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/if-already-planned-why-didnt-cong-implement-it-when-in-power-jd-669135.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nari-shakti-sammelan-pm-modi-says-india-about-to-make-one-of-the-most-significant-decisions-of-21st-century-669148.html New Delhi April 13 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the nationallevel Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan and said that the Parliament is on the verge of making a historic decision in the coming days by introducing the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan AdhiniyamAddressing the large gathering at New Delhis Vigyan Bhawan the Prime Minister started by paying homage to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and also extended Baisakhi greetings to the countrymennbspDuring this Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also shared a tollfree number 9667173333 which people can give a missed call to support the Modi governments Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam BillsSpeaking about the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam PM Modi said India is about to make one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century I say this with a strong sense of responsibility This decision is dedicated to the Nari Shakti and Nari Shakti VandannbspOur Parliament is going to make a historic decision which will give concrete form to the concepts of the past and fulfil the resolutions of the future A resolve rooted in equality where social justice is not merely a slogan but an integral part of our work culture and decisionmaking process he saidFrom the State Assemblies to the Parliament the end of decades of waiting is 16 17 and 18 referring to April 1618 he saidThe Prime Minister recalled that in 2023 in the new Parliament building the first step was taken towards the Nari Shakti AdhiniyamnbspFor it to be implemented on time womens participation gives strength to our democracy We have called a special session of the Parliament he addedThe Sammellan saw participation from prominent personalities and women achievers across diverse sectors including government academia science sports entrepreneurship media social work and cultureThe event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders to deliberate on the role of women in Indias development journeyAddressing the gathering PM Modi said Through this event we are receiving the blessings of mothers and sisters from across the nation I have not come here to wake you up or give you orders but to seek your blessings You all have come here from different parts of the nation and I thank you for your timeEveryone had felt the need for womens reservation for decades and discussions were also held Over 40 years were spent on this deliberation Every party and several generations made an effort towards this Every political outfit took this forward according to their understanding When Nari Shakti Adhiniyam was introduced in 2023 even then every political party passed it with consensus and then everyone had also demanded its implementation before 2029 he saidThe Prime Minister further mentioned that it was unacceptable that a Bill was passed but not implemented Recalling the Oppositions stance he said that the leaders were also very vocal that this be implemented soonnbspKeeping the 2029 deadline and the Oppositions demand in mind we kept deliberating on the ways to do this consulted experts and now we have called for a special discussion on this issue in the Parliament It is our effort that this time too this work is done with dialogue support and consensus I have full trust that the way this Adhiniyam was passed this time too the Parliamentary tradition will reach new heights PM Modi saidThe women of the country will also feel good that everyone has taken this important decision in their favour he addedThe programme is being organised as part of the Centre governments broader push towards womenled development and seeks to underline the importance of greater participation of women in decisionmaking processesThe event comes in the backdrop of the landmark passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023 which marked a significant step towards enhancing womens representation in legislative bodiesThe legislation provides for onethird reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies a move widely seen as transformative for Indias political landscape IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nari-shakti-sammelan-pm-modi-says-india-about-to-make-one-of-the-most-significant-decisions-of-21st-century-669148.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-police-grant-conditional-nod-to-vijays-tiruchy-roadshow-tighten-security-669152.html Tiruchy Tamil Nadu April 14 With just days to go for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections actorturnedpolitician C Joseph Vijay is set to intensify his campaign in the central region after police granted him conditional permission for a roadshow and party functionariesâ meeting in Tiruchy scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday subject to a stringent set of 27 restrictions According to officials the conditions focus heavily on crowd management traffic regulation and public safety reflecting heightened caution after recent incidents linked to large political gatheringsVijay will embark on a twokilometre roadshow from the airport Police sources said organisers have been instructed to strictly adhere to designated routes avoid overcrowding and ensure that emergency lanes remain unobstructed throughout the processionThe restrictions also include limits on vehicle convoys the use of public address systems and the deployment of volunteers for crowd controlAfter the roadshow Vijay will interact with party cadres and hold a meeting with functionaries where he is expected to issue key electionrelated directions He will then proceed to the neighbouring Pudukottai district to address three campaign meetings as part of his statewide outreachThe campaign push comes at a crucial juncture for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam TVK which was launched by Vijay in 2024 with a promise of clean governance youthcentric policies and an alternative to the entrenched Dravidian political frameworkSince its formation the party has rapidly mobilised support particularly among firsttime voters and urban youth However Vijayâs political journey has not been without controversy A tragic stampede during a TVK event in Karur in September 2025 which claimed 41 lives cast a shadow over the partyâs campaign style and triggered widespread criticism over crowd management lapsesThe incident prompted authorities across the state to enforce tighter regulations on political gatherings especially those involving large public turnouts In this backdrop the Tiruchy event is being closely monitored by the police with additional personnel deployed across key points to prevent any untoward incidentsSenior officers said the administration is committed to facilitating democratic campaigning while ensuring public safety is not compromised IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-police-grant-conditional-nod-to-vijays-tiruchy-roadshow-tighten-security-669152.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/if-women-can-manage-homes-they-are-equally-competent-to-govern-nation-raj-cm-on-nari-shakti-vandan-adhiniyam-669156.html Jaipur April 13 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma asserted that women are not only capable of governance but can often excel at it He remarked that if women can efficiently manage households they are equally competent to govern the nation with vision and responsibility CM Sharma was addressing women from diverse fields at a programme held at the Chief Ministerâs residence on Sunday where he highlighted the significance of the âNari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyamâ Womenâs Reservation Act passed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiHe described the legislation as a historic and visionary reform aimed at enhancing womenâs representation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative AssembliesThe Chief Minister stated that the Act provides for onethird reservation for women in both Houses which will significantly increase their participation in policymakingHe emphasised that this step will ensure womenâs active involvement in achieving the vision of a Developed India by 2047He also urged women to play a proactive role in spreading awareness about the Act across societyCM Sharma noted that since 2014 several major initiatives have been launched by the Central government focussing on womenâs dignity safety and empowermentHe said that schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Lakhpati Didi Ujjwala Yojana Jan Dhan Yojana Beti BachaoBeti Padhao and the Swachh Bharat Mission have benefitted a large number of women across the countryHe added that both the Central and Rajasthan governments are consistently working towards strengthening womenâs socioeconomic status through targeted welfare measuresHighlighting Rajasthanâs initiatives the Chief Minister said women are excelling in fields such as sports Defence entrepreneurship science education and the arts bringing pride to both the state and the nationHe noted that schemes like the Lado Protsahan Yojana are supporting young girls while the Maa Voucher Scheme is providing pregnant women with access to free sonography servicesAdditionally over 16 million women in the state have become âLakhpati Didisâ reflecting growing financial independence among women Sharma further stated that the Kalika Patrolling Unit has been established and is functioning effectively to enhance womenâs safetyThe Chief Ministerâs Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana is promoting women entrepreneurship while the Dugdha Utpadak Sambal Yojana is empowering women in the dairy sector through a subsidy of five rupees per litreSharma also highlighted broader development efforts stating that the âRising Rajasthan Global Investment Summitâ has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 35 trillion with projects worth around Rs 900 billion already under implementation He added that the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery project will accelerate industrial development in the stateFurthermore the completion of Phase 2 of the Jaipur Metro will provide women with safer and more convenient transportation optionsDuring the programme women were given detailed information about various Central and State government schemes aimed at empowerment and inclusive developmentThe event saw participation from women representing diverse sectors including the Department of Women and Child Development the Chief Ministerâs Office industry bodies such as FICCI and CII as well as professionals from education media healthcare law enforcement social work and digital platforms IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/if-women-can-manage-homes-they-are-equally-competent-to-govern-nation-raj-cm-on-nari-shakti-vandan-adhiniyam-669156.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-stalin-hits-back-at-fm-sitharaman-over-farm-policy-row-defends-tn-incentives-669162.html Chennai April 13 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday strongly countered Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserting that his remarks on agricultural incentives were based entirely on the Centreâs official communication and did not go beyond what was stated in the letter In a post on X CM Stalin said Tamil Naduâs incentive schemes for paddy cultivation have contributed significantly to increased production in the state over the years He maintained that the Union governmentâs communication to the stateâs Chief Secretary clearly suggested discontinuing such incentives and stressed that his interpretation was drawn directly from the contents of the letterâI have not said anything beyond what is stated in the letter There is no need for me to add anything moreâ he said dismissing allegations of misrepresentationThe rebuttal came after Sitharaman said she had written to Chief Secretaries of all states including Tamil Nadu urging them to align agricultural incentive policies with national prioritiesShe emphasised the need to promote cultivation of pulses oilseeds and paddy noting that these crops are in high domestic demand and can improve farmersâ income if supported effectivelyClarifying her position Sitharaman said that offering incentives or bonuses above the Minimum Support Price MSP remains within the exclusive domain of state governments and that the Centre has not curtailed this authorityHowever she accused Stalin of diverting attention from constructive engagement and turning the issue into a political controversy for narrow electoral gainsShe further criticised the DMK alleging that when the nation is seeking solutions the party is creating unnecessary controversies and when the Union government extends cooperation it is being used for electionoriented narrativesThe exchange has intensified political tensions between the DMKled Tamil Nadu government and the Centre ahead of the Assembly electionsIt also reflects a broader debate on federal autonomy policy coordination and the balance between statespecific welfare measures and national agricultural priorities IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-stalin-hits-back-at-fm-sitharaman-over-farm-policy-row-defends-tn-incentives-669162.html Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-to-address-mega-vijay-sankalp-sabha-in-siliguri-today-669006.html New Delhi April 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a massive âVijay Sankalp Sabhaâ in Siliguri West Bengal on Sunday at 1 pm marking a key moment in the ongoing election campaign ahead of the upcoming twophase Assembly polls later this month The rally is expected to witness a huge turnout with party supporters and local residents gathering in large numbers as campaigning intensifies across the state The event forms part of an extensive outreach programme by the BJP which is aiming to strengthen its presence in the regionEarlier the Prime Minister had addressed three mega campaign rallies across different districts of West Bengal on the same day Following these engagements he participated in a grand roadshow at Bagdogra near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district on Saturday eveningAs the Prime Ministerâs convoy moved through the roads thousands of people lined the streets enthusiastically chanting slogans such as âModiModiâ and âJai Shree Ramâ The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the leaderInitially PM Modi was seen seated in the front of his vehicle beside the driver waving to the crowd Later he leaned out of the vehicle window greeting supporters while holding a replica of the BJPâs election symbol the lotus His direct interaction further energised the crowd with chants growing louder and more spiritedThe BJP has launched an ambitious campaign in West Bengal organising over 500 rallies and public meetings to mobilise voters ahead of the upcoming elections The party is deploying its top central leadership along with key state leaders in what is being described as one of its most aggressive election drives in recent yearsIn addition to rallies the BJP plans to begin daily press conferences from April 15 coinciding with Poila Baisakh Each day the party will highlight specific aspects of its manifesto focusing on welfare initiatives cultural identity and development agendas including agricultural reforms womenâs empowerment and infrastructure growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-to-address-mega-vijay-sankalp-sabha-in-siliguri-today-669006.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-polls-scorching-heat-reshapes-election-campaign-669013.html Chennai April 12 With temperatures soaring close to 40 degrees Celsius across several parts of Tamil Nadu the ongoing Assembly election campaign is being dictated as much by the weather as by political strategy Candidates and party workers are recalibrating their routines to cope with the oppressive summer heat even as they strive to maintain momentum in voter outreach In districts such as Tiruchy and Madurai campaigning now follows a split schedule Activities begin early in the morning pause during the peak afternoon heat and resume only after sunsetWhat was once a continuous day of rallies and doortodoor canvassing has transformed into carefully timed engagements aimed at minimising heat exposureParty cadres on the ground are taking additional precautions Caps scarves and drinking water are being distributed widely among supporters while leaders repeatedly urge people to stay hydrated during public interactionsCampaigns in crowded neighbourhoods and marketplaces continue but with visible adjustments to pace and durationThe toll of the extreme weather is already evident In a recent incident in Thanjavur AIADMK candidate Elamathi Subramanian reportedly fainted while campaigning highlighting the physical strain imposed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures The episode has served as a cautionary reminder prompting candidates across parties to adopt stricter safety measuresSenior leaders particularly those in advanced age groups are among the most cautiousA senior DMK leader who has already crossed 75 years of age said he has modified his daily schedule significantly beginning his campaign at 7 am and concluding by late morning He avoids hot beverages such as tea and coffee opting instead for juices to stay hydrated The leader also said that while providing refreshments to large gatherings is limited by election expenditure regulations party workers have been advised to carry their own water and essentialsCampaigning resumes only after 330 pm once temperatures begin to dipDespite the challenges posed by the heatwave the intensity of the election campaign remains undiminishedPolitical parties continue to push aggressively balancing voter engagement with health precautionsAs polling day approaches the battle for votes is increasingly becoming a test of endurance against both political rivals and the unforgiving summer sun IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-polls-scorching-heat-reshapes-election-campaign-669013.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-police-seize-unaccounted-cash-from-four-cars-in-pre-poll-crackdown-669020.html Kolkata April 12 Ahead of the twophase Assembly elections in West Bengal police continue to recover cash and also firearms from different places in Kolkata said a senior police officer on Sunday From Friday evening to Saturday evening members of the polices Flying Squad FS recovered bundles of notes during naka checking at around four places in Kolkata The amounts ranged from Rs four lakh to Rs seven lakh in each case According to the police officer a total of Rs 1824000 was seized Not only money but the police also recovered firearmsThe police gave the details of the recoveries made in the 24 hoursOn Friday evening at around 745 pm the police recovered a cache of notes from a car during a naka check at Park Street crossing Members of the Static Surveillance Team SST were with the officers of Park Street police station during naka checking It was found that the car had a total of Rs 696000 The notes were seized and taken to Park Street police station The police have started an investigation into where all this money came from and where it was being takenOn Saturday morning during a naka checking near Garden Reach Crossing members of the Flying Squad FS recovered lakhs of rupees from a car While stopping the car and searching it they found a brown packet inside When the packet was opened a bundle of money came out which totalled to Rs 218000 The police have started looking for the source of the money and the end userAt the same time near the same area lakhs of rupees in cash were also seizedAccording to the police the money was recovered from a car which was forced to stop in front of Nature Park on Taratala Road The Flying Squad FS members found Rs 410000 in the carIn addition while checking near the Joka tram depot the SST recovered a bag full of money from a car According to the police a white car was stopped with five passengers The bag was found during the search and as it was opened a wad of notes was found The police recovered 10 bundles of 500 rupees with each bundle containing Rs 50000 A total of Rs five lakh was confiscated from the carAlong with the cash the police also recovered weapons in Kolkata Acting on a tipoff a team from the Cossipore police station raided an address in Maniktala in North Kolkata During the search operation the police recovered a countrymade pistol from under the bed of a young man named Asgar Ali Mollah who lives in that house After failing to get any concrete answers from him about the pistol the police arrested him IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kolkata-police-seize-unaccounted-cash-from-four-cars-in-pre-poll-crackdown-669020.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/first-phase-of-census-2027-in-chhattisgarh-to-begin-from-may-1-669029.html Raipur April 12 As the first phase of the nationwide Census 2027 has already commenced across the country from April 1 the house listing exercise in Chhattisgarh is scheduled to begin on May 1 Preparations for this massive exercise are in full swing in the state The first phase known as the House Listing and Housing Census is a crucial component of the overall census processDuring this phase detailed information about every residential and nonresidential building including its status usage and available amenities will be collectedIn Chhattisgarh house listing and enumeration of houses will be carried out from May 1 to May 30 In line with the Digital India initiative citizens will also have the option of SelfEnumeration this timeFrom April 16 to April 30 families can voluntarily submit information about their households through a dedicated online portal Those opting for selfenumeration will receive a unique SelfEnumeration ID which they must preserve and provide to census enumerators during their visit for verificationThe first phase will record several key details including the number status and type of each building and house its usage residential commercial or other the nature of construction kachcha pakka or semipakka the number of households and availability of basic amenities such as drinking water toilet facilities electricity cooking fuel and internet connectivityThis Census is historic in many ways It will be Indiaâs first fully digital census with enumerators and supervisors entering data directly through mobile phones The entire process will be monitored through the Census Management and Monitoring System All information collected will remain strictly confidential and will not be disclosed even under the RTI ActThis will be Indiaâs 16th national census overall and the eighth since Independence The last census was conducted in 2011 while the one due in 2021 could not be held due to the COVID19 pandemic The first census in India was carried out in 1872 and the first after Independence took place in 1951 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/first-phase-of-census-2027-in-chhattisgarh-to-begin-from-may-1-669029.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/touched-countless-hearts-pm-modi-expresses-grief-over-passing-away-of-asha-bhosle-669061.html New Delhi April 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the passing away of legendary singer Asha Bhosle Bhosle breathed her last in Mumbai on Sunday at the age of 92Deeply saddened by the passing of Asha Bhosle Ji one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known PM Modi said in a post on XPraising the singers journey he said Her extraordinary musical journey spanning decades enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions her voice carried timeless brillianceIâll always cherish the interactions Iâve had with her the Prime Minister saidPaying tribute to the legendary singer PM Modi said My condolences to her family admirers and music lovers She will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in peopleâs livesBhosle was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital on SaturdayDoctor Prateet Samdani revealed that the singer was suffering from several medical complications and passed away due to multiple organ failureIt is sad news that Asha Bhosle has passed away today She was suffering from multiple medical complications and died due to multiorgan failureMaharashtra Culture Minister Ashish Shelar announced the unfortunate news of Bhosles passing away outside the hospitalAsha Bhosles son Anand Bhosle confirmed the news saying that those who wish to pay their last respects to the singer can visit her Mumbai residence in Lower Parel on Monday at 11 amâMy mother Asha Bhosle has passed away today Tomorrow at 11 am people can pay their last respects at her residence he saidHer last rites will take place at Mumbais Shivaji Park on Monday at 4 pmThe film fraternity is in a state of shock after learning about the demise of the legendary singer and several of them have recalled her contributions in their condolence messages IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/touched-countless-hearts-pm-modi-expresses-grief-over-passing-away-of-asha-bhosle-669061.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/those-opposing-vande-mataram-should-leave-country-says-yogi-adityanath-in-bengal-rally-669071.html Kolkata April 12 IANS Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing an election rally in Nandakumar Assembly constituency in West Bengals East Midnapore district said on Sunday that those who oppose Vande Mataram should leave the countrynbspnbspFrom the land of Uttar Pradesh the holy place of Lord Ram Mahadev and Krishna I have come to the land which has the national song and anthem Those opposing Vande Mataram should leave the country he saidIn his speech the UP Chief Minister mentioned prominent Bengali personalities such as Swami Vivekananda Khudiram Bose Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee and talked about their influence on the countrys national spiritDr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had said that there cannot be two laws in one nation and that dream has been fulfilled under Prime Minister Narendra Modi The abrogation of Article 370 which was a longstanding ideological objective has now been realised The country is scaling new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi he saidAdityanath also criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over a rise in political violence in the stateHe said This is the land which produces several scientists and notable personalities including Rabindranath Tagore However Trinamool Congress has made this place a land of polarisation and atrocities The appeasement politics of the Trinamool know no limits It is facilitating infiltration for its electoral advantage The TMC government is not helping in the fencing work of the border just to use infiltrators as their vote bankHe also referred to incidents of violence across the state and severely criticised the TMC governments stance over such incidents including during the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder incidentMamata didi was mute over the horrifying incident of RG Kar Medical College because the goons of TMC were somehow involved in it She remains silent when atrocities are carried out on women and Hindus he addedAll in all the UP Chief Minister held three election rallies in West Bengal on SundayIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/those-opposing-vande-mataram-should-leave-country-says-yogi-adityanath-in-bengal-rally-669071.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ugc-secretary-manish-joshi-to-be-relieved-shyama-rath-to-take-charge-668894.html New Delhi April 11 In a significant administrative reshuffle within Indiaâs higher education sector the University Grants Commission UGC has decided to relieve its Secretary Prof Manish R Joshi from his duties The decision approved by the competent authority will take effect on April 25 2026 Prof Shyama Rath currently serving as Member Secretary of the All India Council for Technical Education AICTE has been entrusted with the additional charge of UGC SecretaryProf Joshiâs tenure was marked by several initiatives aimed at enhancing equity transparency and accountability in universities However his period in office also coincided with one of the most contentious regulatory debates in recent yearsIn January 2026 the UGC introduced new regulations mandating the establishment of âEquity Committeesâ in all higher education institutions and strengthening grievance redressal mechanismsWhile framed as measures to promote fairness the regulations quickly drew criticism from multiple quarters Stakeholders argued that the definitions were ambiguous and risked creating reverse discriminationStudent groups educators and social organisations voiced strong objections leading to widespread protests and petitions The matter escalated into a legal battle that reached the Supreme CourtDuring preliminary hearings the Court observed that the language of the regulations was vague and susceptible to misuse It placed an interim stay on the new rules directing that the older 2012 regulations remain in force until further examinationThe Court also noted that such provisions could potentially deepen social divisions stressing the need for a thorough constitutional review The case originally stemming from petitions filed in 2019 over alleged discrimination in higher education remains pending before the apex courtAgainst this backdrop of uncertainty the appointment of Prof Shyama Rath assumes particular importance He inherits not only the administrative responsibilities of the UGC but also the formidable challenge of navigating a policy dispute that has polarised the academic communityObservers believe his role will be crucial in balancing diverse stakeholder interests restoring confidence in the regulatory framework and steering the higher education system through a period of intense scrutiny and debateThe transition at the UGC thus comes at a sensitive juncture underscoring the weight of leadership in shaping the future of Indiaâs universities IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ugc-secretary-manish-joshi-to-be-relieved-shyama-rath-to-take-charge-668894.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/andhra-govt-clears-rs-936-lakh-crore-investments-in-22-months-668895.html Amaravati April 11 The Telugu Desam Partyâled coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has approved investment proposals worth Rs 936 lakh crore since assuming office in June 2024 Minister for Information and Public Relations and Housing Kolusu Parthasarathy said on Friday Briefing media persons after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu the minister said the proposals cleared so far are expected to generate employment for 962 lakh peopleThe Cabinet approved 16 projects in information technology electronics and communications involving an investment of Rs 17459 crore These projects are projected to create jobs for 36411 peopleAmong the major decisions was approval for data centre projects in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts The Cabinet also cleared Credence Realtyâs proposal to establish an IT Park in Visakhapatnam Recognised under the âIT Campus Developerâ category of the Andhra Pradesh IT and Global Capability Centre Policy 40 2024â29 the project will receive applicable incentives Recommended by the State Investment Promotion Board the project entails an investment of Rs 38688 crore and is expected to create 6500 jobsApproval was also granted for the allocation of two acres of land to Feuji Software Solutions Private Limited for an ITITeS campus in Visakhapatnam under the Andhra Pradesh Land Incentive for Tech Hub Policy 40 2024â29 The project involves an investment of â¹425 crore and has the potential to generate 2500 jobsThe Cabinet cleared the allocation of 04 acres of land to Sritech Data Limited for a Cable Landing Station in Visakhapatnam to be built with an investment of Rs 1800 croreParthasarathy said approval was also given to PG Technoplast Private Limited for manufacturing facilities for refrigerators washing machines and air conditioners in Phaseâ1 along with expansion of PCB vertical capacity setting up a research and development centre and a Component Vendor Park in Phaseâ2 The project entails an investment of Rs 1305 crore and is expected to create 2910 jobs IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/andhra-govt-clears-rs-936-lakh-crore-investments-in-22-months-668895.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tripura-emerges-fastest-growing-economies-in-ne-attracts-rs-2-000-cr-investment-interest-at-bengaluru-conclave-668896.html BengaluruAgartala April 11 Tripura has emerged as one of the fastestgrowing economies in the Northeastern region with GDP performance comparing favourably with other states a top official said Tripura Industries and Commerce Department Secretary Kiran Gitte while addressing a Business Conclave in Bengaluru said on Friday that sustained public investment improved governance outcomes and a growing focus on private sector participation are steadily reshaping perceptions about the states economic potentialAddressing the gathering the senior IAS officer said that the Tripura government is proactively strengthening the Ease of Doing Business framework through a series of policy reforms procedural simplifications and timebound approval mechanismsHe emphasised that Tripura offers significant untapped potential across both emerging and traditional sectorsThis is supported by a skilled talent pool improving connectivity and a responsive institutional frameworkHe encouraged industry participants to explore longterm partnership opportunities with the stateThe Bengaluru roadshow and Business Conclave was organised as a focused outreach initiative aimed at engaging industry leaders investors startups and institutional stakeholders from southern IndiaThe roadshow resulted in the signing of 44 Letters of Intent LoIs and Memorandums of Understanding MoUs amounting to investment commitments worth more than Rs 2000 crore across multiple sectorsThe programme presented a comprehensive overview of Tripuras industrial ecosystem highlighting recent infrastructure developments progressive policy initiatives and sectorspecific investment opportunities with a strong emphasis on investment facilitation and ease of doing businessHighlighting Tripuras strategic geographical location Gitte underscored the states growing economic and trade engagement with Bangladesh which is significantly enhancing regional connectivity and improving access to international marketsHe noted that this strategic positioning is creating fresh opportunities across logistics valueadded manufacturing services and crossborder tradelinked industriesProviding a detailed sectoral perspective Industries and Commerce Department Director Deepak Kumar outlined investment opportunities across priority sectors such as IT and digital services electronics and technologyenabled manufacturing education and skill development healthcare and pharmaceuticals tourism and hospitality agri and food processing bamboo rubber and agarwoodbased industries renewable energy urban infrastructure real estate handloom and handicrafts as well as manufacturing and allied industriesKumar elaborated on the states investorcentric incentive framework availability of industrial land identification of suitable project locations and the endtoend facilitation support being extended to investors from project conceptualisation to implementation and operationalisationHe emphasised that the department is committed to ensuring ease of entry faster approvals and continued postinvestment handholding for all investorsPradeep Krishnaraj Director of Skill Development highlighted Tripuras structured and industrylinked skilling ecosystemHe noted that it is supported by flagship programmes and partnerships designed to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled manpower aligned with emerging sectors and investor requirementsMegha Jain Director of the Urban Development Department outlined Tripuras planned urban development initiatives including integrated townships and redevelopment projectsThese are aimed at supporting sustainable growth modern infrastructure and enhanced private sector participation through PPPbased modelsThe Business Conclave featured detailed departmental presentations interactive discussions and onetoone B2G meetingsDuring these sessions senior state government officials engaged directly with participating investors to understand business interests and clarify policy and procedural aspectsOfficials said that the Bengaluru roadshow successfully strengthened Tripuras engagement with the southern India business ecosystem while reinforcing the states positioning as an investmentready reformdriven and rapidly emerging economy in the NortheastThe event marks an important step ahead of the Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026 which is scheduled to be held in Agartala IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tripura-emerges-fastest-growing-economies-in-ne-attracts-rs-2-000-cr-investment-interest-at-bengaluru-conclave-668896.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/madanis-remarks-a-threat-to-nation-and-justice-system-vhps-vinod-bansal-668902.html New Delhi Nov 29 National Spokesperson of the Vishva Hindu Parishad VHP Vinod Bansal has slammed the statements made by Jamiat UlamaiHind JUH chief Maulana Mahmood Madani on Saturday Speaking to IANS Vinod Bansal said that Maulana Madaniâs remarks pose a serious challenge to Indiaâs nationhood religion culture judicial system and administrative structure He alleged that people who make such statements âpierce the very plate they eat fromâAccording to Bansal leaders like Madani incite Muslim youth and extremists in the name of jihad which is a threat to the countryâs unity and securityBansal said that Maulana Madani is an influential leader of the Muslim community and if he invokes âjihad against oppressionâ to mobilise the youth it effectively means he is indirectly supporting terroristsHe added that Madani should clearly state whether he supports terrorists as his statements point in that direction Referring to the terrorist Dr Umar who carried out blasts in Delhi Bansal asked âWas he also according to Madani a victim of oppressionâHe further said that Indian soldiers posted at the borders sacrifice their lives while chanting Vande Mataram and insulting such heroes is unacceptable under any circumstancesHe demanded strict action from the administration against Maulana Madaniâs statementsBansal also appealed to the Muslim community to distance itself from radical leadership saying such leaders mislead youth with promises of jannat jihad and â72 hourisâ pushing them toward violence and bringing disrepute not only to the nation but to the entire communityBansal also objected to Maulana Madaniâs remark that people who chant Vande Mataram are symbols of a âdead communityâ He said this is an insult to patriotism and should not be taken lightlyIn addition Bansal slammed the comments made by TMC MLA Humayun Kabir regarding mosque construction in West Bengal He said that historically Baburâs son was named Humayun but todayâs Humayun does not have Babur as his fatherâEither he should say that Babur is his father or he should admit that he has adopted Babur and wants to build a mosque on that basisâ Bansal said IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/madanis-remarks-a-threat-to-nation-and-justice-system-vhps-vinod-bansal-668902.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/such-a-crowd-public-enthusiasm-in-my-rallies-in-bengal-was-not-even-witnessed-in-my-gujarat-pm-modi-668907.html Kolkata April 11 IANS The crowd of common people and public enthusiasm in my campaign rallies in West Bengal this time was never witnessed even in my native state of Gujarat before Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday afternoonnbspEven in Gujarat I could not have arranged such a rally at this time of 12 noon even if I wanted to You hold amazing gatherings here every time I am impressed It is certain from here that changes are coming in this state after May 4 Such enthusiastic gatherings are the trailers of what is going to happen on May 4 the Prime Minister said at a campaign rally in East Burdwan district amid the crucial Assembly elections later this monthThe twophase Assembly polls will be held on April 23 and April 29 and the results will be declared on May 4Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister said that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal this time the new government will release a White Paper detailing the instances of corruption during the last 15 years of the Trinamool Congress regime in the stateThe Trinamool Congress is already in panic mode That is why they are campaigning that all welfare schemes in the state will be discontinued if the BJP comes to power I guarantee that not a single welfare scheme will be discontinued Only the shops of corruption and loot of the Trinamool Congress leaders will be closed down said the Prime MinisterSpeaking on the occasion he also made an announcement that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal this time the first Cabinet led by the new chief minister will pass a resolution allowing implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the stateThe Trinamool Congress government here had deprived the people of the state for a long time by not allowing implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state But those days will be over once the BJP government is here PM Modi saidHe also said that the new BJP government will not only take action against the infiltrators but also against those who had helped them settle in West Bengal by arranging fake identity documents for themIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/such-a-crowd-public-enthusiasm-in-my-rallies-in-bengal-was-not-even-witnessed-in-my-gujarat-pm-modi-668907.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-faults-govts-diplomacy-as-us-accords-new-role-to-pak-in-west-asia-peace-talks-668910.html New Delhi April 11 IANS Amid the USIran talks in Islamabad the Congress on Saturday targeted the Union government for its diplomatic inability to prevent the US from according to Pakistan a new role in the West Asia peace processnbspJairam Ramesh Congress General Secretary Communications InCharge on social media platform X said The USIran meeting is beginning today in Islamabad The entire world including India are hoping that this is the beginning of a durable peace process between the two countries that will not get derailed by Israels continuing aggression in its neighbourhoodPeace in West Asia must return quickly The Strait of Hormuz must once again revert to the situation that prevailed before the USIsrael assault on Iran began on Feb 28 the Congress leader saidHe noted that Pakistans reported role undermines Indias longstanding strategy of diplomatically isolating Islamabad over terrorismIn a post on X made hours after the ceasefire announcement Ramesh said The entire world will cautiously welcome the twoweek ceasefire in the West Asia conflict between the US and Israel on the one side and Iran on the other The conflict had begun on Feb 28 with the targeted assassinations of the topmost echelons of the regime in IranThe veteran Congress leader also linked the developments to Indias diplomatic positioning saying that the hostilities began shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel which he claimed diminished Indias global stature and standingRamesh also questioned why India could not outshine Pakistan in the Gulf conflictrelated talksWhy didnt India as the current President of BRICS launch any peace or mediation initiative especially since Iran the UAE and Saudi Arabia are members of the BRICs the Congress leader asked in a post on XRamesh raised questions on Indian diplomacy saying How has Pakistan managed to carve out a new role for itself despite its role in the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025 and the diplomatic engagement India mounted to isolate it following the terror attackThe veteran Congress leader said This failure is especially damming because the Manmohan Singhled Congress government had very effectively isolated Pakistan after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-faults-govts-diplomacy-as-us-accords-new-role-to-pak-in-west-asia-peace-talks-668910.html Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/india-mauritius-strengthen-ties-with-enhanced-strategic-partnership-668703.html Port LuisNew Delhi April 9 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to Mauritius reaffirmed Indiaâs commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the island nation In a message to Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam Jaishankar congratulated Mauritius for hosting the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegationHighlighting the progress made in just over a year Jaishankar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs state visit to Mauritius in March 2025 when both governments elevated their ties to an âEnhanced Strategic Partnershipâ He noted that this decision reflects the enduring bonds of history culture and trust between the two nations while also expanding cooperation across key sectorsJaishankar emphasised the importance of development partnership citing the Special Economic Package jointly announced last year which is now being implemented through the Exchange of LettersHe also underscored Indiaâs support in healthcare inaugurating a Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and pointed to ongoing projects such as the AYUSH Centre of Excellence and community development initiatives across Mauritius Rodrigues and Agalega Sustainable energy cooperation featured prominently in his remarksIndia has supported Mauritius with ebuses solar power projects and collaborations under the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance An Indian enterprise is also developing Mauritiusâ first floating solar power projectOn defence and security Jaishankar announced the forthcoming appointment of a Defence Attache in Mauritius strengthening maritime cooperation and joint hydrography servicesHe also highlighted capacitybuilding initiatives including the launch of the iGOT Karmayogi portal for Mauritian civil servants making Mauritius the first country to receive a dedicated version of the platform Education and labour cooperation were also noted with agreements between the University Grants Commission and Mauritiusâ Higher Education Commission alongside operationalisation of the labour MoU memorandum of understandingEnergy security remains a priority with India and Mauritius finalising a governmenttogovernment agreement for oil and gas supplyJaishankar concluded by reaffirming Indiaâs commitment under its âNeighbourhood First Policy Vision Mahasagar and Global Southâ priorities stressing that the partnership with Mauritius is both unique and enduring IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/india-mauritius-strengthen-ties-with-enhanced-strategic-partnership-668703.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/mp-govt-transfers-senior-ias-officers-668704.html Bhopal April 9 The Madhya Pradesh government has issued a major reshuffle of senior Indian Administrative Service officers transferring commissioners and collectors across key departments and districtsâ The order issued on Thursday reflects a wideranging administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening governance and balancing responsibilities among officersâIn the new postings senior officer Krishna Gopal Tiwari 2008 batch Commissioner of Narmadapuram Division has been appointed Commissioner of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Bhopal Shilpa Gupta 2008 batch Commissioner of Public Instruction has been moved to the post of Secretary Home Department Abhishek Singh 2009 batch who was the Secretary Home Department will now serve as Commissioner of Public Instruction and ex officio as Secretary School Education DepartmentâAmong district collectors several significant changes have been made Kaushlendra Vikram Singh 2010 batch Collector of Bhopal has been appointed Secretary to the Chief Minister and CommissionercumDirector Town and Country Planning with additional charge âRavindra Kumar Chaudhary 2011 batch Collector of Shivpuri has been transferred to the Additional Secretary post in the Narmada Valley Development and Water Resources DepartmentsâPratibha Pal 2012 batch Collector of Rewa will now serve as Collector of Sagar Rajiv Ranjan Meena 2012 batch has been appointed Collector of Dhar while Dharanendra Kumar Jain 2012 batch Collector of Umaria has been posted as Additional Secretary in the Aviation DepartmentâOther notable transfers include Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi 2012 batch Collector of Betul who will now take charge as Collector of Rewa Priyank Mishra 2013 batch moves from Dhar to Bhopal as Collector Sonia Meena 2013 batch Collector of Narmadapuram has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Finance Department Somesh Mishra 2013 batch will serve as Collector of Narmadapuram while Sandeep G R 2013 batch Collector of Sagar has been posted as Labour Commissioner IndoreâFurther changes include Sheetla Patle 2014 batch Collector of Seoni who becomes Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission Indore Neha Meena 2014 batch has been appointed Collector in Seoni while Rani Batad 2014 batch has been appointed Deputy Secretary in the Cooperation Department Sudhir Kumar Kochar 2014 batch Collector of Damoh will now serve as Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister and Executive Director of EPCO BhopalâThe reshuffle also covers younger officers Arpit Verma 2015 batch becomes Collector of Shivpuri Rakhi Sahay 2015 batch takes charge as Collector of Umaria and Sheela Dahima 2015 batch has been appointed Collector of Sheopur Bidisha Mukherjee 2015 batch will serve as Collector of MaiharâPratap Narayan Yadav 2016 batch has been posted as Collector of Damoh Rahul Namdev Dhote 2017 batch as Collector of Mandla Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat 2017 batch as Collector of Jhabua and Saurabh Sanjay Sonawane 2017 batch as Collector of BetulâThe order also relieves several officers from the additional responsibilities they had been holding Sonali Pondhe Wayangankar has been relieved of the extra charge of the Commissioner Social Justice and Empowerment Deepak Arya has been relieved of the additional charge of Executive Director EPCO âTanvi Duda has been released from the role of Labour Commissioner Indore while Kailash Bundela has been relieved of the additional charge related to the Aviation DepartmentâThis sweeping bureaucratic reshuffle is expected to sharpen administrative focus across key districts and departments with the full list of transfers already circulated to all concerned officesâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/mp-govt-transfers-senior-ias-officers-668704.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/manoj-tiwari-backs-bharat-ratna-demand-for-mangal-pandey-calls-him-above-the-honour-668734.html Ballia April 10 Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has supported the demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Mangal Pandey one of the earliest icons of Indiaâs freedom struggle He remarked that while Pandey deserves the countryâs highest civilian award his legacy is far greater than any honour Speaking to reporters Tiwari said he had not been fully aware of the demand earlier but now considers it justifiedâIt is a very valid demand Mangal Pandey truly deserves the Bharat Ratna If Uttar Pradesh Minister Dayashankar Singh takes this initiative forward I will also support it In fact Mangal Pandey is far above the Bharat Ratna but recognition is important and I will raise my voice for itâ he statedMangal Pandey whose name resonates strongly in Indiaâs independence movement was born on July 19 1827 in Ballia Uttar Pradesh He served as a sepoy in the British East India Companyâs 34th Bengal Native Infantry However it was his act of defiance in 1857 that turned him into a symbol of resistance against colonial ruleApril 8 marked the 169th death anniversary of the revolutionary whose actions are widely seen as a catalyst for Indiaâs first largescale uprising against British authority The unrest was triggered by the introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges which were rumoured to be greased with animal fat deeply offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers Although the British denied these claims mistrust and anger spread rapidly among the sepoysTensions eventually reached a breaking point on March 29 1857 when Mangal Pandey openly rebelled at Barrackpore and attacked British officers His actions ignited a wave of resistance that soon spread across northern and central IndiaFollowing his arrest Pandey faced a courtmartial but remained firm in his stance asserting that his rebellion was a personal decision He was executed by hanging on April 8 1857 a moment that became a defining chapter in Indiaâs struggle for independencePandeyâs sacrifice inspired many others and the uprising of 1857 evolved into a broader movement involving both soldiers and civilians April 8 is remembered as the First War of Independence laying the foundation for Indiaâs eventual freedom His legacy continues to inspire generations of IndiansHis contribution to the Indian freedom movement was acknowledged in 1984 with a commemorative postage stamp issued by the Government of India IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/manoj-tiwari-backs-bharat-ratna-demand-for-mangal-pandey-calls-him-above-the-honour-668734.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/mafia-grip-fear-tactics-udf-candidate-points-fingers-at-cpi-668740.html Payyannur April 10 Fresh allegations of intimidation and political violence have surfaced in Payyannur in Keralas Kannur district with UDFsupported Independent candidate V Kunjikrishnan claiming that a mafialike network is operating to silence dissenters His remarks came hours after the poll ended in the backdrop of a latenight attack on the house of his supporter where unidentified assailants smashed window panes and set ablaze a car owned by T PurushothamanThe incident which occurred around 1 am has heightened political tensions in the Kannur regionâI had mentioned in my book and in my speeches that Payyannur is in the grip of a mafia When it became clear that the CPIM candidate and sitting MLA TI Madhusoodhanan was facing a tough contest this is what such forces resort to against detractorsâ Kunjikrishnan saidHe alleged that the sense of security associated with oneâs home was being deliberately targetedâThe concept that a home is a safe place is under attack This was evident throughout the campaign periodâ he noted pointing to what he described as a sustained attempt to create fear among opposition supportersDrawing parallels with his own political past Kunjikrishnan recalled a similar episode during his exit from the CPIM a few weeks back âwhen I was ousted from the party one of my supportersâ bikes was burnt To date no action has been takenâ he said suggesting a recurring pattern of intimidationWhile stopping short of directly accusing the CPIM of orchestrating the latest attack he made a pointed observation saying âI will not say this was done by the CPIM but I know such incidents would not happen without the knowledge of MadhusoodhanâThe UDF has already alleged widespread irregularities including bogus voting and threats to booth agents during polling in PayyannurThe latest incident has added to concerns over postpoll violence in the districtAfter the incident the police have stepped up security in and around Payyannur even as the political atmosphere remains charged ahead of the counting day on May 4Kunjikrishnan who was ousted from the CPIM fought the election as an Independent candidate with support from the Congressled UDF IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/mafia-grip-fear-tactics-udf-candidate-points-fingers-at-cpi-668740.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-highlights-world-bank-chief-ajay-bangas-praise-for-india-model-668765.html New Delhi April 10 IANS The Office of the Prime Minister of India on Friday highlighted an IANS report on World Bank President Ajay Banga backing job creation as the core of development strategy and citing Indias cooperative model as an example of scalable growthnbspThe story shared by PMO India on the social media platform X underscores the importance of employmentled growth and the global recognition of Indias development approachBanga emphasised that development efforts must move beyond individual projects and instead focus on broader outcomes such as job creation and economic opportunityDevelopment isnt a charity Its a strategy he said adding that employment generation is central to sustaining growth and stabilitySpeaking ahead of the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington Banga also flagged a looming demographic challenge noting that around 12 billion young people are expected to enter the workforce over the next 15 years while job creation may not keep paceHe outlined a threepronged approach to boosting employment including investment in infrastructure businessfriendly governance reforms and improved access to financeHe also identified key sectors such as infrastructure agriculture healthcare manufacturing and tourism as major drivers of job creationDrawing from his own experience Banga pointed to Indias dairy cooperative model as a successful example of how technology and organisation can help improve rural livelihoods and expand market access for small producersI grew up in India he said The WB chief said that cooperative structures like those in the dairy sector helped small producers access better markets and pricingHe also warned that failure to generate adequate employment opportunities could lead to rising migration pressures and social instability globallyImagine the impact if 800 million people are not able to get hope and dignity he said linking job shortages to broader global challengesIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pm-modi-highlights-world-bank-chief-ajay-bangas-praise-for-india-model-668765.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/gehlot-criticises-delay-cost-escalation-of-pachpadra-refinery-project-from-rs-37-229-cr-to-rs-80-000-cr-668770.html Jaipur April 10 Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday sharply criticised the BJP government for its handling of the Pachpadra Refinery project describing it as the âmega chapterâ of what he termed Intezaar Shastra a metaphor for prolonged delays in development âThe cost has escalated from Rs 37229 crore to nearly Rs 80000 crore reflecting poor planning and politicallymotivated delaysâ he said In a statement Ashok Gehlot alleged that BJP governments caused âgrave injusticeâ to the people of Rajasthan by delaying the project and increasing its financial burdenGehlot wrote on X BJP governments have committed a grave injustice against the people of Rajasthan in the name of this refinery An unnecessary financial burden was imposed upon the public The project cost skyrocketed from Rs 37229 crore to approximately Rs 80000 crore Driven by the politics of creditclaiming the BJP deliberately caused a delay of over seven and a quarter years Despite the challenges posed by COVID19 the Congress government had completed 80 per cent of the work he saidThe BJPs parochial politics have dealt a severe blow to the states economy and employment aspirations of its youth Why after all does the BJP harbour such animosity towards the development of Rajasthan Gehlot questionedFurther while tracing the projectâs origins Gehlot stated that the refinery was conceptualised after the Congress came to power in 2008 He said discussions were initiated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited HPCL who was initially hesitant to start the project âIt was only after the intervention of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi that the project was approvedâ he saidHe added that the foundation stone was laid by Sonia Gandhi with the vision of strengthening Indiaâs energy security and transforming Barmer into a major energy hubâThe refinery was meant to place Rajasthan at the forefront of the countryâs oil and energy sectorâ he noted However Gehlot alleged that after the change in government the project âtook a political turnâ and was stalled by the BJPâFor years the project remained hanging The Congress had to stage protests and only under pressure did the BJP restarted the work in 2018â he claimedHighlighting his governmentâs tenure Gehlot said the project was prioritised when Congress returned to power âDespite COVID19 disruptions continuous monitoring ensured steady progress and nearly 80 per cent of the work was completed during our tenureâ he saidHe further argued that delays adversely impacted employment and economic growth âThe youth of Rajasthan lost valuable opportunities due to unnecessary delaysâ he addedCalling the refinery a symbol of the Congressâ commitment Gehlot said âToday as the refinery nears completion its scale reflects our dedication to public welfare This is the true model of development where public interest takes precedence over politicsâThe Pachpadra Refinery is expected to significantly boost energy security and economic activity in the region even as political debate over its execution continues IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/gehlot-criticises-delay-cost-escalation-of-pachpadra-refinery-project-from-rs-37-229-cr-to-rs-80-000-cr-668770.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nagaland-bypoll-over-82-pc-turnout-recorded-in-koridang-npp-seeks-repoll-in-alichen-668792.html Kohima April 10 More than 8221 per cent of the 22390 eligible voters exercised their franchise in the byelection to the Koridang Assembly constituency in Nagalandâs Mokokchung district officials said on Friday However this turnout is lower than the 8806 per cent of 21740 voters recorded during the 2023 Assembly electionsNagaland Chief Electoral Officer CEO Bhagyashree Banayat stated that polling for the byelection was conducted smoothly on Thursday registering an overall voter turnout of 8221 per cent across all 30 polling stationsShe said that following the completion of polling the polled Electronic Voting Machines EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail VVPAT machines were securely stored in designated strong rooms The storage process was carried out in the presence of contesting candidates or their representatives as well as Central Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India and was fully videographed in accordance with the Commissionâs prescribed storage and security protocolsBanayat added that a twotier armed security system has been put in place for the strong rooms including the deployment of at least one platoon of armed security personnelIn addition 247 CCTV surveillance has been ensured to maintain strict vigilance Reserve EVMs and VVPATs have also been stored separately in reserve strong rooms following the same security guidelines laid down by the Election CommissionShe further said that all contesting candidates have been formally informed to depute their representatives to observe the security arrangements of the strong rooms Candidates and their representatives have also been permitted to remain outside the inner security perimeter to monitor the arrangements while live CCTV footage of the strong rooms has been made available for their viewingThe counting of votes is scheduled on May 4Meanwhile the National Peopleâs Party NPP led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission seeking a repoll at the Alichen polling station In a statement the NPP alleged serious irregularities and deliberate suppression of voter turnout in the Alichen cluster of polling stationsThe party pointed to a sharp and highly unusual decline in voter turnout in Alichen raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral processAccording to official data only 1323 votes were cast out of 3310 registered voters in Alichen resulting in a turnout of approximately 399 per cent This indicates that nearly 60 per cent of voters were unable to exercise their franchise In contrast neighbouring polling areas recorded significantly higher participation with turnout figures ranging from over 70 per cent to as high as 99 per cent the party notedThe byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting MLA Imkong L Imchen who passed away on November 11 2024 at a private hospital in Guwahati after a brief illness He was 75A total of six candidates are contesting the byelection The BJP a constituent of the ruling Peopleâs Democratic Alliance PDA has fielded Daochier I Imchen son of the late legislator as the consensus candidate of the alliance Other key candidates include I Abenjang of the National Peopleâs Party NPP and T Chalukumba Ao of the Congress Three Independent candidates Imchatoba Imchen Imtiwapang Kichu and Major Toshikaba Retd are also in the fray making the contest more competitive IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nagaland-bypoll-over-82-pc-turnout-recorded-in-koridang-npp-seeks-repoll-in-alichen-668792.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjps-wb-manifesto-promises-crackdown-on-infiltration-rs-3-000-aid-for-women-unemployed-youth--668801.html Kolkata Apr 10 The BJP on Friday promised a hardline stand on infiltration Rs 3000 monthly assistance for every woman and unemployed youth and setting up the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees within 45 days of assuming power in West Bengal following the Assembly pollsnbspUnveiling its Sankalp Patra for the West Bengal assembly poll Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the document as a roadmap for creating a Sonar BanglaHe launched a blistering attack on the incumbent Mamata Banerjee government alleging that the last 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule had been a nightmare for the people of the statenbspThe BJP Sankalp Patra will guide farmers youth and women giving them a new direction It will offer renewed hope to every citizen who takes pride in Bengals culture and will serve as a roadmap for the creation of Sonar Bangla Shah saidSeeking to make infiltration and border security a central election issue Shah said a BJP government in the state would adopt a policy of detect delete and deport against infiltratorsnbspOur BJP government in Bengal will move with zero tolerance towards infiltration in the state he saidnbspIn Bengal one law will be ensured for all citizens Shah said adding the BJP would also bring a law to ensure that everyone can practise their religion freelyThe BJP also sought to sharpen its campaign around the border issue promising to secure the states frontiers and put an end to cattle smugglingnbspThe manifesto made a strong pitch to women voters promising a monthly transfer of Rs 3000 to women in the state The BJP also promised 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs including in the police forcenbspIn another major welfare promise Shah said unemployed youth would receive a monthly allowance of Rs 3000 He also said that the Seventh Pay Commission for government employees will be set up within 45 days of the BJP coming to power in the state https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjps-wb-manifesto-promises-crackdown-on-infiltration-rs-3-000-aid-for-women-unemployed-youth--668801.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/maharashtra-governor-calls-for-strengthening-cost-audit-framework-for-viksit-bharat-668810.html Mumbai April 10 Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Friday emphasised the critical role of Cost Audit in building an efficient transparent and competitive economy stating that cost competitiveness is imperative for India as it advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat Inaugurating the National Seminar on Cost Audit for Viksit Bharat organised by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India ICMAI here the Governor said that the vision of a developed India goes beyond economic growth and industrial expansion âIt is about ensuring that every rupee spent every resource used and every decision taken contributes meaningfully to national progressâ he saidDescribing Cost Audit as a âstrategic instrument of economic governanceâ the Governor noted that it helps improve efficiency reduce wastage and ensure optimal utilisation of resources across sectors He said that in an increasingly competitive global environment innovation and quality must be complemented by cost efficiency to give India a decisive advantageThe Governor said that with India entering into Free Trade Agreements and facing increased global competition Cost Audit serves as a vital diagnostic tool for benchmarking continuous improvement and informed decisionmakingHe further underlined the role of Cost Audit in promoting transparency and accountability particularly in sectors such as infrastructure energy healthcare telecom education and emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and data infrastructure where pricing has a direct impact on citizensReferring to his role as Chancellor of 29 universities in Maharashtra with over three million students the Governor observed that many students are not adequately aware of the professional opportunities offered by ICMAI He urged the Institute to reach out to universities and colleges especially in smaller cities to create awareness about its courses and examinations and encourage more students to join the professionThe ICMAI national seminar focuses on the strategic importance of cost audit in enhancing transparency improving efficiency and fostering Vishwas trust among stakeholders while contributing to Value creation and aligning with the broader national Vision of Viksit Bharat It also provides a platform for meaningful discussions on emerging trends and the future direction of the CMA profession in a rapidly evolving economic landscape IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/maharashtra-governor-calls-for-strengthening-cost-audit-framework-for-viksit-bharat-668810.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/its-clear-witch-hunting-sarma-also-made-false-allegations-against-gogoi-his-wife-kc-venugopal-668829.html New Delhi April 10 KC Venugopal General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee AICC and a Member of Parliament on Friday accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of engaging in clear witchhunting against Congress leader Pawan Khera after making false allegations against another Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi and his wife Speaking to reporters Venugopal said âThis is a witchhunt by Himanta Biswa Sarma He has made clearcut false allegations against Gaurav Gogoi and his wife How many times has he made such baseless claims If there was any truth to these allegations before the elections why didnât he present any proofâHe further criticised the Assam Chief Minister for what he described as contradictory statementsâThe person who made false allegations against Gaurav Gogoi and his family is now accusing Pawan Khera of mischief This is nothing but a clear case of witchhuntingâ he addedVenugopal also expressed confidence about the Congress partyâs prospects in KeralaâWe are going to win in Kerala We will form the government in the stateâ he assertedOn April 7 Assam Police registered a case against Pawan Khera including charges of forgery defamation and criminal conspiracy linked to remarks targeting the family of Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan SarmaEarlier in the day Telangana High Court granted interim relief to Pawan Khera in the case registered against him by Assam PoliceThe High Court granted anticipatory bail to Khera for one week to enable him to file an application for regular bail before the concerned courtJustice K Sujana who had reserved orders on Kheraâs petition on Thursday pronounced the same on FridayKhera had approached the High Court for transit anticipatory bail to enable him to approach courts in AssamAppearing for Khera Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the FIR registered by Assam Police was a result of political vendettaSinghvi stated that the FIR had been loaded with every possible charge to exert pressure on a political opponent He argued that even if the Congress leaders statements turned out to be wrong the case was one of defamation and there was no reason to arrest himâKhera is not absconding He is ready to cooperate He came to this court only because he was in Hyderabad with his wife when he learnt about the FIRâ Singhvi saidAppearing for Assam Police Advocate General of Assam Devajit Saikia challenged the maintainability of the anticipatory bail petition in Hyderabad He submitted that Khera a resident of Delhi has not shown any reason why he cannot file the petition in AssamAssam Police have booked Khera in a case of alleged defamation forgery and criminal conspiracyThe case was registered against him after he claimed that Riniki Bhuyan holds multiple foreign passports and undisclosed assets abroadA team of Assam Police on Tuesday visited Kheraâs residence in Delhi but he was not present therePolice also put up barricades and placed security outside the residence of Khera and his wife Neelimas house in HyderabadThe controversy began after Kheras press conference on Sunday in which he claimed that Riniki Sarma held three passports undeclared luxury properties in Dubai and also shell companies in the US IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/its-clear-witch-hunting-sarma-also-made-false-allegations-against-gogoi-his-wife-kc-venugopal-668829.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/assam-polls-female-voters-hail-womens-reservation-bill-668672.html Guwahati April 9 Women who arrived to cast their votes in the Assam Assembly election on Thursday hailed the Womenâs Reservation Bill They appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his work towards women empowerment and hoped the Bill will pave the way for women to come forward and raise their voices Notably PM Modi shared a video message on Thursday urging collective support for the Womenâs Reservation BillThe government plans to introduce amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act Women Reservation Act during the upcoming threeday special session of Parliament Under the Bill 33 per cent of seats will be reserved for women in the Lok Sabha and state AssembliesReferring to a signed article posted on his website PM Modi urged citizens to read and share it widely and to motivate political parties to support the legislation He called for collective action during the upcoming Parliament sittings on April 16 17 and 18Waiting in a queue at a polling booth Sagarika told IANS Women should get equal rights as men because politics is also the same for both men and womenIf women dont come forward then how will the country move towards development A country progresses because of its women That is why I liked this step taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi she saidReferring to the article Manju Das added The Prime Minister is doing good work including for the poorDivyamani mentioned how earlier women were forced to stay at home and even put a veil She said Earlier a woman couldnt live for herself Now as the Prime Minister is bringing this Bill women can raise voice for themselvesSignificantly PM Modi stated in his video that empowering women is essential to achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047Another women at a polling booth said Earlier it was difficult for women to leave homes for work The husbands used to be stressed about their wives safety especially during night and so didnt allow us to leave homes Now we are not facing such issues in AssamYouths and young female voters also came out in support of the Bill Moreover they emphasised on the struggles faced by women at workLuna a young voter said I hope the government brings more schemes for women empowermentIf the Bill is passed it will be a very good thing because women are still struggling specially in rural areas So I hope this Bill empowers each and every woman So that all women can thrive to become independent just like men she told IANSAnother youngster added Compared to men females face more struggles at workLuna highlighted that safety is the most important thing for women Crimes against women like female foeticide cases are still taking place in the 21st century so I would request the government to take steps for female protection After this other things can be taken care of she saidShe further said Whenever I am in a male dominated area I still feel unsafe She urged the government to implement stringent laws for the safety of womenA woman who was leaving the booth after casting her vote said Women should first empower themselves before the government does something IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/assam-polls-female-voters-hail-womens-reservation-bill-668672.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-withdraws-from-baramati-bypoll-citing-maharashtras-political-culture-668673.html Mumbai April 9 In a significant political development the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee MPCC has officially announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Baramati Assembly byelection State President Harshwardhan Sapkal confirmed the decision during a press conference on Thursday the final day for the withdrawal of nominationsThe bypoll scheduled for April 23 was necessitated by the untimely and tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar While Congress had initially fielded Akash More as its candidate the party has now opted to step back paving the way for a potential unopposed or less contested electionAddressing the media Sapkal explained that the initial decision to contest taken on March 15 was a strategic ideological move against the BJP However a series of highlevel emotional appeals from across the political spectrum led to a change in stance Ajit Pawar was a tall leader of Maharashtra and his accidental death has left a deep void in the states political landscape Sapkal statedWhile we remain ideologically opposed to the BJP we cannot ignore the cultural and emotional traditions of Maharashtraâ he addedSapkal revealed that several top leaders from the NCP Ajit Pawar faction and the Maha Vikas Aghadi MVA had reached out to the Congress leadership to request a withdrawal NCP president and Dy CM Sunetra Pawar reached out multiple times including as recently as Wednesday and Thursday morning emphasising the longstanding relationship between Ajit Pawar and the Congress party Senior NCP leaders including Chhagan Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde made personal telephonic appeals for the sake of political grace and tradition said SapkalThe state Congress chief noted that NCPSP chief Sharad Pawar had provided counsel on the matter and NCPSP Working President Supriya Sule had expressed similar sentiments regarding a dignified tribute to the departed leaderThe breakthrough came following a meeting with Rohit Pawar Sapkal mentioned that Rohit Pawar visited to seek cooperation and expressed regret over certain immature remarks made by others against Congress recently acting on behalf of the family to mend ties Ultimately our senior leadership discussed the situation at length While we were prepared to fight this election we have chosen to prioritise harmony civility and Maharashtras political culture Sapkal saidConsidering Ajit Dadas long association with Congress and the emotional appeal from his family and colleagues we are withdrawing our candidate Akash Moreâ he added With Congress officially out of the race the focus now shifts to the remaining candidates as Baramati prepares for a poll heavily overshadowed by the legacy of the late Ajit PawarEarlier in a dramatic turn of events Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally reached out to the opposition to negotiate the Baramati Assembly byelection According to reliable sources CM Fadnavis made a direct phone call to Harshwardhan Sapkal During the conversation CM Fadnavis reportedly requested the Congress to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati byelection to ensure the unopposed election of Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar who is contesting as the candidate for the NCP Ajit Pawar factionSimilarly the NCPSP Chief Sharad Pawar spoke to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the withdrawal of the partys nominee in BaramatiThe Congress high command had earlier informed Pawar that they were positively considering the proposal Pawar told reporters âThe Congress has decided to contest the byelection in Baramati It is a national party We cannot tell them what to do but coincidentally this seat has become vacant after the demise of a capable representative from Maharashtra If asked I would advise Congress It would be appropriate for this election to be held unopposed but the decision is up to Congressâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/congress-withdraws-from-baramati-bypoll-citing-maharashtras-political-culture-668673.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/raje-gehlot-pilot-together-in-assembly-committee-congress-gets-3-of-16-chairperson-posts-668678.html Jaipur April 9 Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani announced the appointment of chairpersons and members for 16 Assembly committees including 12 general committees and four financial committees In a notable development former Chief Ministers Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot along with former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot have been included together as members of the Assemblyâs Rules Committee Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani has been appointed as the exofficio Chairman of the Rules Committee constituted by the Legislative AssemblySenior legislators from different parties have been included as members According to the official list the members of the committee include Vasundhara Raje Ashok Gehlot Shrichand Kriplani Chandrabhan Singh Akya Sachin Pilot Harish Chaudhary and Deepti Kiran Maheshwari Out of the 16 committees BJP MLAs have been appointed as chairpersons in 11 while Congress MLAs will head three committeesThe Speaker serves as the exofficio chairman of two committees Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully has been appointed Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee a key financial panel Congress MLA Rajendra Pareek will head the Question and Reference Committee while Narendra Budaniyan has been named Chairman of the Committee on Welfare of Backward Classes The tenure of all committees will run until March 31 next yearIn another significant move Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has been inducted as a member of the General Purposes Committee Traditionally chaired by the Speaker this committee includes 16 members among them senior legislators and the Leader of OppositionNotably the Chief Minister was not part of this panel in the previous term The composition of the committees reflects a mix of senior leadership across party lines particularly in influential panels like the Rules Committee and the General Purposes CommitteeMeanwhile representation of women in leadership roles within the committees remains limited Of the 16 committees only one is chaired by a woman BJP MLA Kalpana Devi has been appointed to lead the committee related to the welfare of women and childrenThe newlyformed committees are expected to play a crucial role in legislative oversight policy review and governancerelated deliberations in the coming yearThe primary role of the Rules Committee is to review amend and recommend changes to the rules governing the functioning of the AssemblyThe newlyformed committee is expected to suggest reforms to ensure smoother and more efficient conduct of House proceedings IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/raje-gehlot-pilot-together-in-assembly-committee-congress-gets-3-of-16-chairperson-posts-668678.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/voter-turnout-in-kerala-stands-at-6271-pc-puducherry-crosses-70-pc-mark-668684.html New Delhi April 9 The voter turnout in Kerala Assembly elections was recorded at 6271 per cent and in Puducherry at 7240 per cent as of 3 pm on Thursday according to data shared by the Election Commission of India ECI Meanwhile Assam recorded a robust voter turnout reflecting strong public participation in the democratic process According to the estimated polling trends available until 300 pm the state recorded a voter turnout VTR of 7591 per cent signifying a high degree of electoral participation across various constituenciesThe turnout figures suggest that voters in Assam are coming out in significant numbers despite the usual logistical and weatherrelated challenges Compared to other regions voting on the same day Assam is emerging as one with the highest participation rates underscoring the keen political interest among its electoratePolling for the highstakes Assembly elections in Assam Kerala and Puducherry commenced at 7 am earlier in the dayThe polling is underway for 126 Assembly seats in Assam 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry The results will be announced on May 4In Kerala around 271 crore voters are set to determine who will govern the state Even before dawn broke the electoral machinery was in motion By 530 am the states 30471 polling booths had sprung to life with officials initiating mandatory mock polling proceduresNotably nearly two lakh voters have already exercised their franchise through home votingDespite the formal end of campaigning the final hours saw candidates across all three fronts in a lastmile scramble meeting overlooked voters and key influencers to secure every possible vote underscoring the unusually high stakes and palpable anticipation surrounding this electionIn Assam the main competition is between the BJP and Congress The incumbent BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term while the Congress seeks to regain power since 2016Voting commenced in a single phase at 7 am and will run until 5 pm Long lines of voters were seen outside polling stations from early in the morning Assams 126member Assembly will conclude its term on May 20Polling commenced smoothly across the Union Territory of Puducherry on Thursday morning with voters turning out steadily at booths to elect representatives to the 30member Assembly The election assumes significance as the Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India NR Congress AINRC headed by Chief Minister N Rangasamy with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party BJPA keen contest is expected with all major political formations vying for control IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/voter-turnout-in-kerala-stands-at-6271-pc-puducherry-crosses-70-pc-mark-668684.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/uttar-pradesh-under-cm-yuva-initiative-more-than-10-000-innovative-enterprises-spring-up-668688.html Lucknow April 9 Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a remarkable shift in the entrepreneurial journey with thousands of youths making a conscious switch to innovationdriven startup ecosystem rather than getting involved in familyrun businesses The new trend has picked up among the stateâs youth and is witnessing their increased participation in newage sectors The âCM Yuvaâ scheme is the force behind this new trend as several innovationdriven startups are springing up across the state with many youth grabbing the opportunity to turn âjob creatorsâAccording to an official statement more than 10000 innovative enterprises have been established so far in the state under the âCM Yuvaâ initiative indicating a rapid rise in entrepreneurial confidence among young people Youth are moving beyond traditional businesses and making their mark in modern and emerging sectorsAccording to Sarveshwar Shukla Nodal Officer of âCM Yuvaâ and Joint Commissioner Industries schemes like âCM Yuvaâ have not only expanded employment opportunities but are also playing a key role in realising the vision of Atmanirbhar BharatSharing information about the oneofitskind initiative he said Out of the total enterprises established so far under the scheme 10 per cent are based on innovative models As per the vision of the Chief Minister a target has been set to increase this to 25 per cent in the current financial year 202627Sectorwise data shows that food and restaurant businesses have emerged as the top choice among youth with the highest number of 763 enterprises established Other sectors with active participation include computer training with 370 enterprises pathology sampling with 260 fast food with 253 franchisebased models with 253 and online teaching with 189 enterprisesAdditionally emerging sectors such as gyms with 170 enterprises mobile IT and digital platforms with 120 travel and tourism with 117 and cloud kitchens with 117 enterprises are also witnessing rapid growthLucknow with 287 enterprises is said to be spearheading this trend being followed closely by Azamgarh 286 enterprises and Hardoi with 262 enterprises Other leading districts include Jaunpur Ambedkar Nagar Kanpur Varanasi Raebareli Bareilly and Firozabad This initiative has provided a new direction to the startup culture in the stateBanks have played a vital role in strengthening the startup ecosystem Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank has provided loans to the highest number of innovative models totalling 2133 Other major contributors include State Bank of India Bank of Baroda Punjab National Bank and more IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/uttar-pradesh-under-cm-yuva-initiative-more-than-10-000-innovative-enterprises-spring-up-668688.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/good-that-he-didnt-suggest-vatican-naidu-on-jagans-mavigun-proposal-668689.html Amaravati April 9 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday mocked YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over his âMAVIGUNâ proposal and also took a swipe stating good that he didnât suggest Vatican as the state capital For the uninitiated Vatican City is an independent citystate enclaved within Rome Italy and is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic ChurchAddressing a public meeting in Bapatla district the Chief Minister lashed out at the former Chief Minister for mooting âMAVIGUN Machilipatnam Vijayawada Guntur corridor as the state capitalHe made it clear that Amaravati will be developed as the only and permanent capital of Andhra PradeshâAmaravati will not stop even if 1000 psychos like you try to stop itâ said the Chief MinisterHe said 49 parties in the Parliament supported the bill to give statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent state capital He said not just NDA partners but other parties also supported itChandrababu Naidu said YSRCP was the only one party to oppose the Bill âWe use to call a leader a psycho but the entire party has become psychoâ he remarkedThe Chief Minister said YSRCP was talking about womenâs dignity and recalled that the same party insulted Amaravati women and indulged in their character assassination He said they also abused his wife in the AssemblyâA rowdy batch exhibiting psychotic behaviour is engaging in perverse arguments They are attacking a newspaper without any provocation They have harassed women This psycho party is in no position to provide an explanation for such behaviourâ he saidAlleging that attempts are being made to destroy the state he called up on people to unitedly defeat such attempts âThe state has already suffered immense losses due to its bifurcation and the actions of previous rulers We have just began the process of rebuilding itâ he saidStating terrorists lurking in forests launch attacks and then flee he remarked that this individual is no different as he operates from a distance spreads malicious propaganda and runs awayâWe are prepared to respond to constructive criticism but they are spreading falsehoods by claiming that Rs 2 lakh crore are being spent on Amaravati The fact is that Amaravati is selffinanced projectâ he saidHe said the YSRCP keep mentioning Vijayawada Guntur and Machilipatnam apparently unaware that this entire area constitutes the CRDA Capital Region Development Authority regionâOut of an aversion to even uttering the name Amaravati they are attempting to create chaos and cause distress to the public It would take me mere moments to have individuals of this nature arrested but the law will be allowed to take its own courseâ he saidâIf individuals intent on creating destruction are allowed to roam free can the people particularly the women of this state ever truly feel safeâ he askedChandrababu Naidu stated that is in the best interest of the people to simply forget about such parties and individuals IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/good-that-he-didnt-suggest-vatican-naidu-on-jagans-mavigun-proposal-668689.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/absolutely-wrong-husain-dalwai-after-maha-cong-councillor-refuses-to-sing-vande-mataram-668691.html Mumbai April 9 As controversy erupted over Maharashtra Congress councillor Fauzia Sheikhâs refusal to sing âVande Mataramâ in Indore Congress leader Husain Dalwai on Thursday termed the act âabsolutely wrongâ He added that it is the national song and that not following it is inappropriate The row broke out after Congress councillors Fauzia Sheikh Alim and Rubina Iqbal Khan declined to sing âVande Mataramâ during a municipal corporation budget discussion citing Islamic beliefsSpeaking to IANS Husain Dalwai said âIt is absolutely wrong These notions that have emerged among some Muslims are misguided Certain leaders claim that reciting âVande Mataramâ is not in accordance with our religion However everyone including Maulana Azad has sung âVande Mataramâ People even went to jail for singing itâHe further added âHowever asking people to sing all six stanzas as suggested by the BJP is also not correct It is acceptable to sing the first two stanzas of âVande Mataramâ It is the national song and not following it is wrong At the same time those insisting on the full version are also wrong and so are those who outright refuse to sing itâEarlier in the day NCPSP MP Fauzia Khan also said that singing the national song goes against my religious beliefsFauzia Khan told IANS Had I been there I too would not have sung it as it goes against my religious beliefs I would have stood there respectfully and upheld the lawShe emphasised that no one particularly a person belonging to a different faith can be compelled to sing the song given that our Constitution guarantees religious freedomMeanwhile on February 11 Husain Dalwai had criticised the Centreâs decision to make it mandatory to play or sing the complete sixstanza version of âVande Mataramâ at official events calling the move âforcefulâ and contrary to earlier decisions regarding the national songâs recognition IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/absolutely-wrong-husain-dalwai-after-maha-cong-councillor-refuses-to-sing-vande-mataram-668691.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/no-govt-events-in-hotels-private-venues-rajasthan-chief-secretary-issues-circular-668692.html Jaipur April 9 In a move aimed at curbing unnecessary public expenditure the Rajasthan government has prohibited its departments from organising events at hotels and private venues As per a circular issued by Chief Secretary V Srinivas meetings exhibitions seminars and ceremonies must as far as possible be held only in government buildings and official auditoriumsThe circular emphasises optimal use of existing government infrastructure and directs all departments corporations autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings PSUs to host their events in governmentowned facilities These include wellequipped venues such as the Rajasthan International Centre RIC Constitution Club Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj Institute IGPRS Harish Chandra Mathur Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration HCMRIPA and the State Institute of Agricultural Management SIAM DurgapuraThe circular clarifies that events at private venues or hotels will be allowed only under exceptional circumstances In such cases prior approval must be obtained in a specially called meeting from a committee headed by the Chief Secretary The committee will include the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Finance Department the Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department GAD and the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the concerned departmentThe state government said that this decision will ensure proper utilisation of public resources and prevent unnecessary expenditure It believes the move will improve efficiency in the delivery of government services while reducing wastage and controlling avoidable costs ultimately leading to better management of funds and more effective governanceWith this directive the government has effectively ended the routine practice of hosting official events in private venues reinforcing fiscal discipline and better utilisation of public assets said officialsThis initiative has been taken for the first time and hence is being discussed across political and bureaucratic corridors Officials said that there are worldclass buildings in Jaipur owned by the state government which remain unused while officials rush to private hotels for different events IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/no-govt-events-in-hotels-private-venues-rajasthan-chief-secretary-issues-circular-668692.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bypolls-voting-crosses-54-pc-in-bagalkot-49-pc-in-davanagere-sdpi-cong-workers-clash-668693.html DavanagereBagalkot April 9 The voting process for the bypoll to two Assembly segments in Karnataka on Thursday is progressing briskly Polling at stations in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency crossed 54 per cent while in the Davanagere South constituency it crossed 49 per cent as of 3 PM Polling commenced at 7 AM and voters can exercise their franchise until 6 PMAccording to official data released by the Election Commission of India ECI the voter turnout in Bagalkot stood at 5482 per cent while Davanagere South recorded 4966 per cent Earlier by 1 PM Davanagere South had recorded 3717 per cent turnout while Bagalkot registered 4375 per cent Voting had crossed 20 per cent in the first four hoursMeanwhile a clash broke out between Congress and Socialist Democratic Party of India SDPI workers near Basha Nagar main road in Davanagere during polling today leading to brief tension in the areaThe incident occurred outside a polling booth set up at Millat School According to sources SDPI polling agents had placed a table about 200 metres away from the polling station Congress workers objected to this and insisted that the table which they claimed was set up beyond the permitted limit be removedTensions escalated when table set up by the SDPI agents was allegedly overturned triggering a confrontation between workers of both parties The situation turned tense as arguments quickly escalated into a clashThe incident coincided with the arrival of Davanagere South Block Congress President Ayub Pailwan at the spot further intensifying the situationPolice personnel intervened and after some effort managed to bring the situation under control No injuries have been reported so farFurther the byeelection in Bagalkot witnessed allegations of mismanagement with voters facing difficulties due to the lack of basic facilities at a polling station in AminagadAccording to reports voters who arrived to cast their ballots were left without access to essential amenities such as drinking water The absence of proper arrangements caused considerable inconvenience especially under the scorching heat There were also no adequate provisions for shade forcing people to stand in long queues in the sunAmid these conditions an elderly woman waiting in line reportedly fell ill and collapsed at the spot Locals immediately came to her assistance and arranged for her to be sent for medical treatmentThe incident has raised concerns over the preparedness and arrangements at polling stations during the byeelectionBJP candidate for Bagalkot segment Veeranna Charantimath cast his vote along with his family Speaking to the media later he expressed complete confidence in his victory this time Charantimath who had lost by a narrow margin in the previous election said the atmosphere is favourable this timeMeanwhile allegations of cash distribution to influence voters surfaced during the byeelection in Bagalkot triggering tension in parts of the constituencyReports emerged from Wambe Colony in Navanagar that money was being distributed to voters as an inducement Locals alleged that Rs 500 currency notes were handed outIn a viral video the authenticity of which could not be verified by the IANS a woman is seen showing a Rs 500 currency note and alleging that it was given by Congress members She is also heard expressing dissatisfaction that only Rs 500 was givenMeanwhile tensions escalated when a group of people surrounded a car belonging to Congress leader Santosh Hokarani The crowd alleged that money was being distributed and confronted those in the vehicle Hokarani reportedly got down from the car and questioned the crowd about the incidentA total of 34 candidates are in the fray across the two constituencies More than 2500 police personnel have been deployed at polling stations to ensure that no untoward incidents take place There is a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in both seatsThe SDPI is hopeful that the intense contest between the BJP and the Congress will benefit the party The results will be announced on May 4In the Bagalkot Assembly segment there are 259 lakh voters and nine candidates in the fray A total of 332 polling stations have been set up The electorate includes 126 lakh male and 132 lakh female votersAround 1564 staff members along with additional security personnel have been deployed to manage and monitor the polling processThe main contest in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna CharantimathThe bypoll was necessitated by the death of Congress MLA HY MetiIn the Davanagere South Assembly segment authorities have set up 284 polling stations of which 76 have been identified as sensitive Prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 200metre radius of polling stations The constituency has 231 lakh voters with 25 candidates in the fray More than 1000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safetyCongress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun while the BJP has nominated Srinivas T Dasakariyappa Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as the Social Democratic Party of India candidateThe byeelection was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bypolls-voting-crosses-54-pc-in-bagalkot-49-pc-in-davanagere-sdpi-cong-workers-clash-668693.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rajasthan-vasundhara-raje-ensures-women-only-stage-at-nari-shakti-vandan-668553.html Jaipur April 9 In a symbolic gesture highlighting womenâs empowerment former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje ensured that only women occupied the stage during the âNari Shakti Vandanâ programme in Banswaraâ Emphasising the spirit of the event she appealed to male leaders present on the stage to vacate their seats and extend their support to womenâThis programme is dedicated to Nari Shakti I request my brothers to support us by giving space to womenâ Raje said âIn response to her appeal all male leaders seated on stage stepped down and joined the audience Women participants who had been seated below were then invited onto the stage âRaje later expressed her gratitude to the male leaders for their cooperation and gesture of respectâAddressing the gathering at the BJP office Raje said the programme was being organised under the guidance of the partyâs national leadership and was launched from the sacred land of Goddess Tripura Sundari revered as a symbol of supreme powerâShe underlined the cultural and spiritual significance of beginning this initiative on this land ââThis programme has been organised under the directives of our National President Nitin Nabin and is being launched from the sacred land of Goddess Tripura Sundari the embodiment of supreme powerâ she saidâRaje described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a mark of selfrespect for women and expressed her gratitude to PM Modi under whose leadership the Parliament approved the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023 Through this legislation women will receive a 33 per cent reservation in the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies she saidâHighlighting recent legislative developments Raje described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a symbol of dignity for women across the countryâShe explained that the law provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies which would ensure greater participation of women in governance and decisionmakingââWith this step women will have a decisive role in shaping the nationâs futureâ she saidâEncouraging active political participation Raje urged women not to treat politics as a parttime activity but as a fulltime commitment to public serviceâEnding her speech on a lighter note she remarked that while 33 per cent of women would now help run the country men might have to take greater responsibility at homeâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rajasthan-vasundhara-raje-ensures-women-only-stage-at-nari-shakti-vandan-668553.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/punjab-mohali-to-get-multipurpose-exhibition-and-convention-centre-668556.html Chandigarh April 9 Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Sanjeev Arora on Wednesday announced the development of a stateoftheart Multipurpose Exhibition and Convention Centre in Mohali near here âThis landmark initiative reflects the governmentâs commitment to positioning Punjab as a preferred destination for global events and investmentsâ Arora said hereDetailing the project he said that the Convention Centre will be developed on approximately 14 acres in the heart of Mohali IT City under a PublicPrivate Partnership model with an estimated outlay of around Rs 250 crore The projects concession period will be 15 yearsHe said the project involves the creation of a stateoftheart convention centre designed to host largescale national and international events with worldclass infrastructure and facilitiesThe project will be completed in two phases with Phase I targeted for completion by December 31 and Phase II by December 31 2027Highlighting the infrastructure components the minister said the convention centre will feature largespan columnfree exhibition halls including two major halls of approximately 40000 sq ft and 15000 sq ft along with conference and breakout rooms retail and food and beverage zones spread over around 15000 sq ft and parking infrastructure for at least 1000 vehiclesHe said the facility will also include worldclass landscaped public spaces and open event areasEmphasising modern design and sustainability he said the facility will incorporate advanced columnfree structural systems efficient traffic circulation and logistics planning integration of modern mechanical electrical and plumbing audiovisual and information technology systems compliance with National Building Code fire safety and accessibility standards and adoption of GRIHA 5Star sustainable design principlesâThis Convention and Exhibition Centre will be a transformational project for Punjab It will significantly enhance our capacity to host global events attract investments and generate largescale employmentMohali is fast emerging as a modern urban and technology hub and such worldclass infrastructure will further accelerate its growth trajectoryâ the minister added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/punjab-mohali-to-get-multipurpose-exhibition-and-convention-centre-668556.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rajasthan-it-notice-exposes-rs-598-crore-diamond-scam--668557.html Jaipur April 9 A major financial fraud has surfaced in Ajmer after the Income Tax Department issued a notice to a roadside clothes presser over transactions exceeding Rs 598 crore linked to diamond tradingâ The presser Jitendra Kumar who runs an ironing cart in the Ramnagar area was left shocked and frightened upon receiving the notice on April 1 2026 The transactions mentioned involved highvalue diamond and jewellery deals far beyond his meansâAccording to his lawyer Rakesh Thada Jitendraâs Permanent Account Number card was allegedly misused to carry out these transactions The suspicion points towards a diamond trader from Pali The Income Tax Department has also sought an explanation from a private bank manager indicating possible collusionâJitendra said he had no knowledge of any such financial activity Upon legal consultation it emerged that a bank account had been opened using his Permanent Account Number through which all transactions were routed He said âI had no idea why I received such a noticeââDuring the inquiry Jitendra realised that his Permanent Account Number card had been missing for nearly two years It is suspected that the accused identified as Shatrughan Singh from Pali used the lost card to open the accountâTransactions worth over Rs 59850 crore were allegedly conducted using this account Further investigation revealed that the accused also obtained a Goods and Services Tax registration using Jitendraâs Permanent Account Number and set up a firm Ms Manan Enterprises in Surat Gujarat The firm was reportedly engaged in diamond and jewellery tradingâAn FIR has been registered against the accused at Ganj Police Station in Ajmer Jitendra said the incident has disrupted his livelihood He explained that for the past week he has only been running between the police and lawyers IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rajasthan-it-notice-exposes-rs-598-crore-diamond-scam--668557.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/polling-begins-across-kerala-amid-high-voter-turnout-expectations-668565.html Thiruvananthapuram April 9 After 23 days of highvoltage campaigning and an equally intense silent push Kerala stepped into decision day on Thursday with around 271 crore voters set to determine who will govern the state Even before dawn broke the electoral machinery was in motion By 530 am the stateâs 30471 polling booths had sprung to life with officials initiating mandatory mock polling proceduresOnce completed and the EVMs sealed a brief lull followed before the real momentum beganBy 630 am queues had already started forming across the stateIn a telling snapshot from Thodupuzha long lines dominated by elderly voters hinted at the deep civic engagement that has come to define Keralaâs electorateAt Chooralmala in Wayanad a region still scarred by the devastating landslide that claimed over 200 lives the act of voting carried an emotional weightSome voters visibly moved recalled how family members who stood with them in 2021 were no longer around this timeThe polling which began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm spans all 140 constituenciesWith each press of the voting machine the states political fate inches closer to clarityNotably nearly two lakh voters have already exercised their franchise through home votingDespite the formal end of campaigning the final hours saw candidates across all three fronts in a lastmile scramble meeting overlooked voters and key influencers to secure every possible vote underscoring the unusually high stakes and palpable anticipation surrounding this electionSuperstar Mohanlal a voter in the Nemom highprofile constituency in the state capital city was spotted at the queue around 645 am and beside him were rival candidates sitting member and State Education Minister VSivankutty and his Congress rival KSSabarinathan who was seen exchanging pleasantries with himThe third candidate is State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar Other prominent figures were among early votersUnion Minister Suresh Gopi joined the queue at a polling booth in Guruvayoor as early as 630 am while Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan was seen voting alongside his family in ParavoorBJP candidate R Sreelekha contesting from Vattiyoorkavu cast her vote early citing a packed schedule across her 209 boothsâI am extremely confident of the outcomeâ she said reflecting the optimism candidates carried into polling dayThe scale of the exercise is formidableAuxiliary booths have been set up in select districts to manage crowds while 352 allwomen polling stations and 37 booths managed by persons with disabilities highlight inclusive electoral effortsAdditionally 884 model polling stations have been establishedSecurity remains tight with over 76000 police personnel deployed across the state including Special Police Officers central forces and units from neighbouring Tamil NaduAround 2500 booths have been identified as sensitive with prohibitory orders and enhanced surveillance in placeAs Kerala votes in what is widely seen as one of its most keenly watched elections in recent memory the day unfolds not just as a democratic exercisebut as a vivid expression of public will IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/polling-begins-across-kerala-amid-high-voter-turnout-expectations-668565.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/polling-begins-smoothly-in-puducherry-for-30-seats-668567.html Puducherry April 9 Polling commenced smoothly across the Union Territory of Puducherry on Thursday morning with voters turning out steadily at booths to elect representatives to the 30member Assembly Election officials reported a calm and orderly start with no major disruptions in the early hoursVoting began at 7 am across 1099 polling stations and will continue until 6 pm Authorities expressed confidence that the process would remain peaceful and wellmanaged throughout the day with elaborate arrangements in place to facilitate votersThe election assumes significance as the Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India NR Congress AINRC headed by Chief Minister N Rangasamy with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party BJPA keen contest is expected with all major political formations vying for control Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar said the administration had made comprehensive preparations to ensure a free and fair pollA total of 4836 polling personnel have been deployed supported by 2791 police personnel and 30 companies of Central Armed Police Forces CAPF to maintain law and orderSecurity arrangements have been intensified particularly in sensitive areas As many as 209 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable and five as critical These locations are under strict surveillance with microobservers and CAPF personnel deployed to monitor proceedings closelyOfficials also highlighted extensive measures taken to enhance voter convenienceAround 2000 student volunteers have been stationed at polling booths to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities ensuring inclusive participation in the democratic processIn the runup to polling enforcement teams maintained strict vigilance under the Model Code of Conduct MCC Authorities seized suspected inducements worth approximately Rs 84 crore during the campaign period This included gold and other precious metals valued at Rs 67 crore Rs 77 lakh in cash and liquor worth Rs 68 lakh indicating robust monitoring mechanismsDespite the end of campaigning on Tuesday evening surveillance teams continued their operations to prevent any violationsElection officials stated that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure that voters could exercise their franchise without difficultyWith a voter turnout of over 82 per cent recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections officials expressed optimism that participation could exceed previous levels reflecting strong public engagement in the electoral process IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/polling-begins-smoothly-in-puducherry-for-30-seats-668567.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bypolls-voting-underway-in-davanagere-south-bagalkot-as-cong-bjp-locked-in-close-fight-668574.html DavanagereBagalkot April 9 The voting at polling stations in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies of Karnataka was underway on Thursday Polling commenced at 7 am and voters can exercise their franchise until 6 pm According to initial reports voters are queuing outside polling stations in Davanagere South In Bagalkot as well voting has seen a good start and Naveen Charantimath son of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath was among the first ones to cast his voteA total of 34 candidates are in the fray across the two constituencies More than 2500 police personnel have been deployed at polling stations to ensure that no untoward incidents take place There is a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in both seats The SDPI is hopeful that the intense contest between the BJP and the Congress will benefit the party The results will be announced on May 4In the Bagalkot Assembly segment there are 259 lakh voters and nine candidates in the fray A total of 332 polling stations have been set up The electorate includes 126 lakh male and 132 lakh female voters Around 1564 staff members along with additional security personnel have been deployed to manage and monitor the polling processThe main contest in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Veeranna CharantimathThe bypoll was necessitated by the death of Congress MLA HY MetiIn the Davanagere South Assembly segment authorities have set up 284 polling stations of which 76 have been identified as sensitive Prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 200metre radius of polling stations The constituency has 231 lakh voters with 25 candidates in the fray More than 1000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safetyCongress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun while the Bharatiya Janata Party has nominated Srinivas T Dasakariyappa Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as the Social Democratic Party of India candidateThe byelection was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader MLA Shamanur ShivashankarappaBJP State President and MLA BY Vijayendra taking to the social media platform X appealed âDear voters of Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies I request all of you to come out in large numbers and exercise your right to vote in the byelection being held today in both constituencies Every single vote is extremely important for the future of the constituency It is through your vote that democracy is strengthenedââI especially urge our mothers and sisters as well as young voters including those voting for the first time to participate in large numbers For a strong Karnataka and a secure future do not miss your right cast your vote and strengthen democracyâ he statedMeanwhile Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday evening appealed to voters in Davanagere South and Bagalkot to support Congress candidates in the byelections scheduled for Thursday April 9 highlighting the legacy of senior leaders and the need to ensure continuity in development IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bypolls-voting-underway-in-davanagere-south-bagalkot-as-cong-bjp-locked-in-close-fight-668574.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-polling-16-pc-turnout-sets-pace-cm-vijayan-says-decisive-election-for-states-future-668583.html Thiruvananthapuram April 9 Around 16 per cent of Keralaâs 271 crore electorate have cast their votes within the first two hours of polling on Thursday setting an energetic tone for what Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described as a decisive election for the stateâs future Leading the campaign narrative for the Left Democratic Front LDF CM Vijayan said the mandate would determine whether Kerala sustains its development trajectoryAfter casting his vote he stressed that there should be no interruption to progress and that continuity in governance is essentialCPIM General Secretary MA Baby echoed the sentiment calling the election a vote for continuityâWe do not claim everything was perfect but we have done a lot and that will reflect when people voteâ he said expressing confidence in another term for the Left FrontKey constituency battles underscore the high stakesState Excise Minister MB Rajesh is locked in a keen contest against Congress leader VT Balaram in Thrithala in Palakkad district one of several closely watched seatsThe opposition United Democratic Front UDF however has struck a confident noteLeader of Opposition VD Satheesan after voting in Paravur urged maximum voter participation calling it a fundamental democratic rightHe asserted that the UDF is on course for a decisive mandate âOur assessments clearly show we will cross 100 seatsâ he said adding that public sentiment has shifted in favour of change over the past three months of campaigningThe Bharatiya Janata Party BJP contesting a triangular fight in several constituencies including Nemom projected itself as a potential kingmaker where state BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar is fighting it outâThis time a fractured verdict cannot be ruled out and the BJP will be playing a decisive role in the postpoll scenarioâ said ChandrasekharWith brisk early turnout and sharp contrasts between continuity and change shaping the narrative Keralaâs electorate appears set to deliver an interesting verdict IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-polling-16-pc-turnout-sets-pace-cm-vijayan-says-decisive-election-for-states-future-668583.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/festival-of-democracy-union-minister-pabitra-margarita-urges-assam-people-to-cast-vote-668584.html New Delhi April 9 Voters in Assam turned out in large numbers on Thursday to cast their ballots in the Assembly elections with political leaders highlighting the exercise as a celebration of democracy The contest is primarily between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party BJP aiming for a third consecutive term and the Congress seeking to return to power after being out of office since 2016Union Minister of State Pabitra Margarita casting his vote at polling station No 21 in the Jorhat Assembly constituency described voting as a democratic festival âI have come to cast my vote So yes the festival of democracy is the greatest celebration of democracy I also on behalf of you appeal to our people to come out to cast their vote for democracy for a strong democracyâ he saidIn Diphu BJP candidate Surya Rongphar cast his vote at polling station No 130 and expressed confidence in his partyâs prospects âWe have seen how the BJP has been doing in the last 10 days The people have come out and they are very excited that this time they have decided to form a BJP government againâ Rongphar statedDespite heavy rainfall in Jalukbari and other parts of the state voters braved the weather to exercise their franchiseAt polling stations in Kamrup Block Level Officer Ankur Das highlighted the extensive preparations âTwentyseven cadres have been working since yesterday to set up everything Our team has handled all the decorations The station is equipped with medical facilities cradles for infants breastfeeding rooms wheelchairs for the physically handicapped and an ambulance is on standbyâ he saidPolling began at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm covering all 126 Assembly constituencies Long queues of voters were observed from early morning reflecting widespread enthusiasm and engagement Many voters expressed hope that the incoming government would prioritise development infrastructure and growth in AssamThe 126member Assam Assembly is scheduled to complete its current term on May 20 making these elections pivotal in determining the political direction of the state for the next five years IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/festival-of-democracy-union-minister-pabitra-margarita-urges-assam-people-to-cast-vote-668584.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-polls-ldf-says-people-will-vote-for-continuity-udf-confident-of-decisive-majority-668592.html Thiruvananthapuram April 9 Voting began across Kerala on Thursday with political leaders expressing confidence and urging citizens to exercise their franchise in what is widely seen as a decisive election for the states future Kerala Minister P Rajeev arrived at the Ambedkar Training Centre in Vidya Nagar Colony to cast his vote early in the morningWe are very confident with the people because the people I hope will cast a vote in favour of the continuity of this government And in this constituency I tried my best to fulfil the promises which I had given to the people in 2021 P Rajeev saidAround 16 per cent of Keralas 271 crore electorate had cast their votes within the first two hours setting an energetic tone for the dayIUML leader PK Kunhalikutty expressed optimism for the United Democratic Front UDF saying Let us wait this time UDF will definitely come to power All signs indicate that the majority is in favour of UDF They are expected to secure a clear and decisive majorityCongress leader and State Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan also exuded confidence stating I hope I have made it clear from the beginning to the media that we aim for 100 per cent I have maintained this stance throughout the election process and we will achieve 100 per centHe further added I am very much confident that UDF will come back with 100 plus seats From the very beginning I have been saying this because I have travelled across the state four times in three months I know the trendUDF candidate K Muraleedharan highlighted strong voter enthusiasm at his polling booth People want a change I have been standing in the queue for about half an hour for the first time Previously when I cast my vote at the same booth there was no queue This time however there is a huge queue This is an important area in the electorate so people are actively coming out to cast their votesAfter 23 days of highvoltage campaigning Kerala stepped into decision day on Thursday with polling beginning at 7 am across all 140 constituencies and continuing until 6 pmEven before dawn officials had activated the states 30471 polling booths and conducted mandatory mock polling procedures By 630 am voters had started forming queues indicating strong civic engagementIn areas such as Chooralmala in Wayanad still scarred by the devastating landslide that claimed over 200 lives casting a vote carried emotional significance for some residents who remembered family members lost since the 2021 electionsAs Kerala heads to the polls the outcome of this election is expected to shape the states political and developmental trajectory for the coming years with vote counting scheduled for May 4 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-polls-ldf-says-people-will-vote-for-continuity-udf-confident-of-decisive-majority-668592.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/jaipur-metro-phase-ii-to-have-41-km-corridor-with-36-stations-to-ease-congestion-668607.html Jaipur April 9 IANS A 41kilometrelong NorthSouth metro corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod has been approved for Jaipur under PhaseII of the metro project The corridor described by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma as the citys future lifeline will connect key industrial and residential hubs from Sitapura to VKIA ensuring safe efficient and convenient public transportnbspThe project estimated to cost over Rs 13037 crore will comprise 36 stations and be implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited RMRCL a 5050 joint venture between the Centre and the state government said officialsThis corridor will act as Jaipurs lifeline connecting major industrial and residential hubs from Sitapura to VKIA and ensuring safe efficient and convenient transport for the public Sharma saidThe corridor will provide seamless connectivity to key locations including Sitapura Industrial Area VKIA Jaipur Airport Tonk Road SMS Hospital Ambabari and Vidhyadhar Nagar Underground stations are also planned in the airport zone to ensure an integrated metro networkCurrently Jaipur Metros Phase I spans 1164 km from Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar with 11 stations The new phase will significantly expand connectivity reduce traffic congestion and strengthen Jaipurs urban transport system The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Jaipur Metro PhaseII while the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has cleared the revised cost of the Pachpadra RefineryThe corridor will provide seamless connectivity to key locations including Sitapura Industrial Area VKIA Jaipur Airport Tonk Road SMS Hospital Ambabari and Vidhyadhar Nagar Underground stations are also planned in the airport zone to ensure an integrated metro networkThe Cabinet Committee has also approved the revised cost of Rs 79459 crore for the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery at PachpadraSharma added that the refinery will boost industrial development and generate over 25000 direct and indirect employment opportunities contributing significantly to the states economic growthChief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma termed the decisions historic and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister stating that they would accelerate the states holistic developmentIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/jaipur-metro-phase-ii-to-have-41-km-corridor-with-36-stations-to-ease-congestion-668607.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/brisk-voting-in-assam-in-first-four-hours-over-38-pc-polling-recorded-668614.html Guwahati April 9 Initial polling trends indicate a steady voter turnout across key regions as voting progressed on Thursday across 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam According to data recorded till 1100 am Assam reported an approximate voter turnout rate VTR of 3892 per cent reflecting moderate participation in the early hours of pollingElection officials noted that queues were visible in several constituencies particularly in rural pockets suggesting a gradual increase in turnout as the day advancesAssam is witnessing a highvoltage electoral battle on Thursday as polling is underway in all 126 Assembly constituencies with the contest largely shaping up as a direct fight between the BJPled NDA and the Congressled opposition alliance The ruling BJP led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is aiming to secure a third consecutive term in office while the Congress party is attempting to stage a comeback after being voted out of power in 2016According to official data a total of 722 candidates are in the fray Prominent names include CM Sarma Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi and Assam Jatiya Parishad AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi Polling has been taking place across 31490 polling stations spread over 35 districtsThe electorate comprises around 250 crore eligible voters including nearly 125 crore women and 318 voters from the third gender categoryAmong political parties the Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99 followed by the BJP with 90 The AIUDF is contesting 30 seats while NDA allies Asom Gana Parishad AGP and Bodoland Peopleâs Front BPF have fielded 26 and 11 candidates respectively Other parties in the fray include Raijor Dal 13 AJP 10 CPIM 3 APHLC 2 AAP 18 UPPL 18 Trinamool Congress 22 and JMM 16 in addition to 258 Independent candidatesThe constituencies of AlgapurKatlicherra and Karimganj South have the highest number of candidates at 15 each In contrast nine seats Rangia Jagiroad SC Hojai Naduar Jonai ST Doomdooma Mahmora Teok and Lakhipur are witnessing straight contests with only two candidates each Out of the total contestants 59 are women with the Congress fielding the highest number at 14 followed by the BJP with sevenCounting of the votes is scheduled for May 4 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/brisk-voting-in-assam-in-first-four-hours-over-38-pc-polling-recorded-668614.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/andhra-pradesh-cm-pays-tributes-to-vicente-ferrer-moncho-on-birth-anniversary-668619.html Amaravati April 9 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday paid rich tributes to the founder of the Rural Development Trust RDT Father Vicente Ferrer Moncho on the occasion of his birth anniversary I pay my humble tributes to a man who served with a humanitarian spirit undertaking numerous development initiatives to foster the progress of 25 million underprivileged and backwardsclass people across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana the Chief Minister said in a social media postâLet us draw inspiration from Vicente who came from Spain did immense good for the people of the Rayalaseema region and became a revered figure for themâ said Chandrababu NaiduMinister for Human Resource Development Nara Lokesh also paid tributes to Father Vicente Ferrer calling him a gift from God to the poorâI offer my humble tributes to the spirit of service embodied by this great soul Stepping onto the Telugu soil half a century ago Father Vincent Ferrer established the Rural Development Trust RDT and shone as a beacon of hope for countless peopleâ said LokeshâThrough the construction of hospitals educational institutions selfhelp groups sports grounds and permanent housing for the destitute across the Telugu states he stood as a true architect of progress As a tribute to Father Ferrers birth anniversary this year we successfully secured the FCRA clearance for the RDT thereby ensuring that the Trusts services continue to reach the people without interruption I pay my homage to Father Vincent Ferrer a man who through his selfless service will forever live on in the hearts of the peopleâ said the ministerLast month the Centre renewed FCRA permission for the RDTFormer Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had welcomed the renewal of FCRA permissions and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the decisionHe stated that the renewal under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act will ensure the continuation of RDTâs vital services in education healthcare environment and social development across the undivided Anantapur district significantly benefiting the poor and vulnerable sections who depend on the organisationThe YSR Congress Party chief however criticised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for attempting to claim credit for the renewal questioning why it took nearly a year to restore permissions that were halted on April 21 2025 He pointed out that the delay was due to inaction which forced people along with YSRCP and civil society groups to launch sustained protests demanding restorationHe asserted that the renewal was achieved through public pressure and collective struggle not through any initiative from the ruling leadership adding that attempts to portray it otherwise amount to mere publicity stunts and credit appropriation IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/andhra-pradesh-cm-pays-tributes-to-vicente-ferrer-moncho-on-birth-anniversary-668619.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/in-first-4-hours-assam-records-3892-pc-voter-turnout-kerala-3328-pc-puducherry-3706-pc-668621.html New Delhi April 9 The voter turnout in Assam Assembly elections was recorded at 3892 per cent as of 11 am on Thursday according to data shared by the Election Commission of India ECI In Kerala the turnout was recorded at 3328 per cent while in Puducherry it was 3706 per cent Polling for the highstakes Assembly elections in Assam Kerala and Puducherry commenced at 7 am earlier in the dayThe polling is underway for 126 Assembly seats in Assam 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry The results will be announced on May 4In Kerala around 271 crore voters are set to determine who will govern the state Even before dawn broke the electoral machinery was in motion By 530 am the states 30471 polling booths had sprung to life with officials initiating mandatory mock polling proceduresNotably nearly two lakh voters have already exercised their franchise through home votingDespite the formal end of campaigning the final hours saw candidates across all three fronts in a lastmile scramble meeting overlooked voters and key influencers to secure every possible vote underscoring the unusually high stakes and palpable anticipation surrounding this electionIn Assam the main competition is between the BJP and Congress The incumbent BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term while the Congress seeks to regain power since 2016Voting commenced in a single phase at 7 am and will run until 5 pm Long lines of voters were seen outside polling stations from early in the morning Assams 126member Assembly will conclude its term on May 20Polling commenced smoothly across the Union Territory of Puducherry on Thursday morning with voters turning out steadily at booths to elect representatives to the 30member Assembly The election assumes significance as the Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India NR Congress AINRC headed by Chief Minister N Rangasamy with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party BJPA keen contest is expected with all major political formations vying for control Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar said the administration had made comprehensive preparations to ensure a free and fair poll IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/in-first-4-hours-assam-records-3892-pc-voter-turnout-kerala-3328-pc-puducherry-3706-pc-668621.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/eci-announces-bypoll-to-bhojpur-cum-buxar-local-body-mlc-constituency-668622.html Patna April 9 The Election Commission of India ECI on Thursday announced a byeelection to the Bihar Legislative Council from the BhojpurcumBuxar Local Authoritiesâ Constituency The byeelection has been necessitated due to a casual vacancy following the resignation of JDU leader Radha Charan SahHe won the Bihar Assembly election from the Sandesh Assembly constituency in 2025 Sah was arrested in 2023 by the Enforcement Directorate ED in connection with a money laundering case which has further intensified political and legal scrutiny surrounding himAccording to a statement issued by Rajesh Kumar Singh Under Secretary at the Election Commission the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the concerned constituencyAs per the schedule the notification will be issued on April 16 and the last date of filing the nomination will be April 23 The scrutiny of nominations will be on April 24 The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 27The date of polling is scheduled on May 12 between 8 am and 4 pm and counting of votes will take place on May 14 The election will be completed on May 15Radha Charan Sah hails from the Barhara block of Bhojpur district His journey reflects a remarkable rise from humble beginnings In the early 1970s his family ran a small jalebi shop near the Arrah railway station where he assisted his father Over time he diversified into business starting with a hotel followed by expansion into real estate rice mills cold storage and hospitality venturesHe owns multiple establishments in Arrah including properties at Ramna Maidan and Shaheed Bhawan as well as a resort on the Bypass Road His business interests also extend to states like Uttarakhand and Himachal PradeshIn addition Sah established a strong presence in the sand trading sector along the Son River in BhojpurUnlike traditional players he reportedly relied on strategic networking and a lowprofile approach to consolidate his position in the business Due to the sand trading business he came under the radar of EDThe upcoming byeelection is likely to draw significant political attention given the evolving dynamics in Biharâs political landscape IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/eci-announces-bypoll-to-bhojpur-cum-buxar-local-body-mlc-constituency-668622.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/karnataka-bypolls-voting-crosses-20-pc-in-first-four-hours-cong-candidate-brings-a-ram-near-polling-booth-668623.html DavanagereBagalkot April 9 Voting at polling stations in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies of Karnataka crossed 20 per cent till 11 AM on Thursday Polling commenced at 7 AM and voters can exercise their franchise until 6 PM According to official data released by the Election Commission of India ECI the voting percentage in Bagalkot stood at 2783 per cent while Davanagere South recorded 2201 per cent Earlier by 9 AM Davanagere South had recorded 901 per cent voter turnout while Bagalkot registered 1187 per centAs part of the Bagalkot Assembly byeelection Congress candidate Umesh Meti cast his vote at Booth No 39 in his native village Timmappur He arrived near the polling booth with a ram adult male sheep adorned with Congress flags and later entered the polling station and cast his vote It may be noted that Umesh Meti hails from the shepherd communityA total of 34 candidates are in the fray across the two constituencies More than 2500 police personnel have been deployed at polling stations to ensure that no untoward incidents take place There is a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in both seatsThe SDPI is hopeful that the intense contest between the BJP and the Congress will benefit the party The results will be announced on May 4In the Bagalkot Assembly segment there are 259 lakh voters and nine candidates in the fray A total of 332 polling stations have been set up The electorate includes 126 lakh male and 132 lakh female votersAround 1564 staff members along with additional security personnel have been deployed to manage and monitor the polling processThe main contest in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna CharantimathThe bypoll was necessitated by the death of Congress MLA HY MetiIn the Davanagere South Assembly segment authorities have set up 284 polling stations of which 76 have been identified as sensitive Prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 200metre radius of polling stations The constituency has 231 lakh voters with 25 candidates in the fray More than 1000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safetyCongress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun while the BJP has nominated Srinivas T Dasakariyappa Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as the Social Democratic Party of India candidateThe byeelection was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader MLA Shamanur ShivashankarappaBJP State President and MLA BY Vijayendra taking to the social media platform X appealed âDear voters of Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies I request all of you to come out in large numbers and exercise your right to vote in the byeelection being held today in both constituencies Every single vote is extremely important for the future of the constituency It is through your vote that democracy is strengthenedââI especially urge our mothers and sisters as well as young voters including those voting for the first time to participate in large numbers For a strong Karnataka and a secure future do not miss your right Cast your vote and strengthen democracyâ he statedMeanwhile Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday evening appealed to voters in Davanagere South and Bagalkot to support Congress candidates in the byeelections highlighting the legacy of senior leaders and the need to ensure continuity in development IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/karnataka-bypolls-voting-crosses-20-pc-in-first-four-hours-cong-candidate-brings-a-ram-near-polling-booth-668623.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ajit-pawars-son-parth-pawar-takes-oath-as-rajya-sabha-member-668625.html New Delhi April 9 IANS Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday administered the oath to Nationalist Congress Party NCP leader Parth Pawar as a newly elected Member of Parliament MP from Maharashtra at Parliament HouseParth Pawar 35 took the oath in English in the presence of the Leader of the House J P Nadda and Congress Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh and several other leadersnbspHe is the son of NCP leader Ajit Pawar who passed away in a plane crash earlier this yearPrior to Ajit Pawars death his wife Sunetra Pawar had been elected to the Rajya Sabha Following the tragic incident she assumed office as Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister and subsequently stepped down from the Upper HouseParth Pawar was later elected to the Rajya Sabha with the backing of the NCPs strength in the state Assembly where the party holds 40 MLAs He had earlier contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Maval constituency but was defeated by Shiv Senas Shrirang BarneIn a parallel political development NCPSP Legislator Rohit Pawar on Thursday met the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal urging him to withdraw the party nominee Akash More for an unopposed election of NCP candidate and state Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar in the April 23 Baramati byelectionnbspnbspRohit Pawars plea is important as Thursday is the last date of withdrawal of nomination at 3 pm for the Baramati byelection in which 47 contestants have filed their nominationsPawar after meeting Harshwardhan Sapkal told reporters I made a request to the state Congress chief for the withdrawal of the party nominee which will pave the way for the unopposed election of Sunetra Pawar in the Baramati bypoll This is necessary as the bypoll is taking place after the untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the unopposed election will be a tribute to him It is now up to the Congress party to make a decision I am quite hopeful about the Congress partys move It is a national party and it will make a decision after the due processRohit Pawar said that the Congress party has taken a stand that the state government should register an FIR in the plane crash in which former Dy CM Ajit Pawar died on January 28nbspHe further added that he has been pressing for the same for a long time and ultimately the FIR was filed in Karnataka with the help of the Congress government therenbspDuring the meeting Rohit Pawar facilitated a video call with Congress incharge Ramesh Chennithala to discuss the sensitivity of the situationnbspFollowing the loss of a stalwart like Ajit Dada it is essential to view this election through an emotional lens as a true tribute to him Rohit Pawar statedAs a family member and a karyakarta I have appealed to Congress to withdraw their nomination he addednbspEarlier Sunetra Pawar had personally reached out to Harshvardhan Sapkal twice to request an unopposed path the Maharashtra Congress leadership has deferred the final decision to the High Command in DelhinbspThe decision to contest Baramati was taken at the national level Therefore any move to withdraw must be discussed with the High Command and follow their counsel a Congress source indicatedIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ajit-pawars-son-parth-pawar-takes-oath-as-rajya-sabha-member-668625.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/haryana-has-turned-into-crime-state-under-bjp-govt-says-aap-668631.html Chandigarh April 9 The BJP has turned Haryana into a crime state said AAP national media incharge Anurag Dhanda on Thursday Highlighting a horrific murder in Haryanaâs Jhajjar on Wednesday Dhanda said three or four assailants barged into a house in broad daylight fired 14 bullets and walked away while the police and state government slept through it âWhats surprising is that the Congress which never misses a chance to wail about law and order over any incident in Punjab is staying mum despite being the main Opposition party in Haryanaâ the AAP leader wrote on XâWhy does the Congress have such an attachment to the BJP government in Haryana What do you call this kind of relationshipâ he askedThe shooting incident has taken place in the village of Dighal in Jhajjar district on Wednesday where a financier who was smoking a hookah outside his house was shot deadCCTV footage of the incident has surfaced capturing the armed assailants in the crimeMeanwhile upon receiving information about the incident a police team promptly arrived at the scene and has initiated an investigationAccording to reports the deceased has been identified as 26yearold Sahil alias Sonu a resident of Dighal villageCritically injured by the gunfire Sahil was rushed to a hospital in Rohtak where doctors declared him dead It is reported that the attackers arriving in a Scorpio SUV fired between 10 and 15 rounds several of which struck SahilThe sound of the gunfire triggered panic and chaos within the villageVideo footage of the incident has also emerged It showed three or four assailants travelling in a black Scorpio entering the premises through the gateThey proceed to fire continuously at Sahil who was seated in the courtyard of the houseSahil seen wearing a white shirt is struck by the bullets and collapses to the ground Subsequently one of the assailants steps further inside through the gate before all the attackers flee the scene in their vehicleSeveral bystanders rushed towards the spot upon hearing the sound of the gunshots IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/haryana-has-turned-into-crime-state-under-bjp-govt-says-aap-668631.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/baramati-bypoll-cm-fadnavis-makes-surprise-call-to-maha-cong-chief-sharad-pawar-speaks-to-kharge-668633.html MumbaiBaramati April 9 In a dramatic turn of events Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has personally reached out to the opposition to negotiate the Baramati Assembly byelection Thursday marks the final day for the withdrawal of nominations and all eyes are on whether the highstakes battle will turn into an unopposed win for the ruling alliance or a contest According to reliable sources CM Fadnavis made a direct phone call to Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal During the conversation CM Fadnavis reportedly requested the Congress party to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati byelection to ensure the unopposed election of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar who is contesting as the candidate for the NCP Ajit Pawar factionThis move is being viewed as one of the most surprising incidents in recent state politics It is perhaps the first time that a top leader from the ruling BJP has directly contacted the state head of the primary opposition party to seek a withdrawal of candidacySimilarly the NCPSP chief Sharad Pawar spoke to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the withdrawal of the partys nominee in BaramatiThe Congress high command has informed Pawar that they are positively considering the proposal Pawar told reporters âThe Congress has decided to contest the byelection in Baramati It is a national party We cannot tell them what to do but coincidentally this seat has become vacant after the demise of a capable representative from Maharashtra If asked I would advise Congress It would be appropriate for this election to be held unopposed but the decision is up to CongressâThis development follows a highlevel meeting on Wednesday where Sunetra Pawar and key NCP leaders met with CM Fadnavis who assured the party leadership that the full strength of the alliance would be behind her candidacyBy reaching out to the Congress President the Chief Minister has demonstrated his commitment to securing a smooth path for Sunetra PawarThe Congress party had previously maintained a firm stance on contesting the seat refusing to back down However Congress has now decided to withdraw from the race as stated by the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar The final announcement from the Congress party is expected soon after it gets a green signal from the partys high command he said earlier IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/baramati-bypoll-cm-fadnavis-makes-surprise-call-to-maha-cong-chief-sharad-pawar-speaks-to-kharge-668633.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/chhattisgarh-cm-outlines-bastar-20-development-plan-after-meeting-pm-modi-668634.html Raipur April 9 Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has highlighted the significant progress in eradicating Naxalism from the state during his recent threeday visit to Delhi where he held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Nitin Nabin Speaking to mediapersons Chief Minister Sai credited Prime Minister Modiâs guidance the strong resolve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the bravery of security forces for successfully rooting out Naxalism from the regionOn behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for this achievement Chief Minister Sai particularly focused on the Bastar region which remained deprived of development for nearly four decades due to leftwing extremismHe apprised the Prime Minister about the governmentâs plans to accelerate progress in Bastar through the Bastar 20 development initiative âDuring my time in Delhi I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the Bastar 20 development initiative With his guidance we aim to promote development in Bastar enhance agriculture increase the value of forest produce and boost animal husbandry fish farming tourism and homestay projects I am grateful to the Prime Minister and to the people of Chhattisgarh especially the residents of Bastar who have waited decades for developmentâ the Chief Minister saidThe Bastar 20 plan aims to bring infrastructure employment and basic amenities to the tribaldominated region now that peace has been restoredThe Chief Ministerâs Delhi visit is seen as a step towards securing central support for transforming Bastar into a model of inclusive developmentBastar which was once severely affected by leftwing extremism has witnessed a remarkable improvement in the security situation in recent years With the near elimination of Naxal influence the state government is now shifting focus from security operations to largescale socioeconomic developmentThe Bastar 20 plan represents the next phase of this transformation aiming to turn the region into a hub of infrastructure innovation startups tourism and sustainable livelihoods for its predominantly tribal populationThe initiative lays special emphasis on modernising agriculture through better irrigation and advanced farming techniques It also seeks to add significant value to minor forest produce such as tendu leaves and mahua by improving processing packaging and market linkages thereby increasing income for local tribal familiesAnimal husbandry and fish farming will be expanded to create additional sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote areas the chief minister saidTourism and homestay projects form a key pillar of the plan with efforts to promote Bastarâs natural beauty cultural heritage traditional arts and festivals This is expected to generate employment for local youth while bringing economic benefits to villagesThe development blueprint is guided by a core strategy of saturating basic services improving connectivity facilitating growth empowering communities and engaging local people in the development processDuring the meeting the Chief Minister also discussed major infrastructure projects including the expansion of Jagdalpur airport progress on the RaoghatJagdalpur railway line and the establishment of a superspecialty hospital and medical college in the regionHe has extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Bastar after the monsoon season to lay the foundation stones for several key initiatives IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/chhattisgarh-cm-outlines-bastar-20-development-plan-after-meeting-pm-modi-668634.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tripura-bypolls-voting-underway-amid-tight-security-nearly-53-pc-turnout-so-far-668638.html Agartala April 9 Around 53 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 1 pm in the byelection for Dharmanagar Assembly constituency in North Tripura district and the balloting is underway amid tight security arrangements election officials said An election official said that no untoward incident has been reported so far after the polling began at 7 am at the 55 polling stations in the Assembly segment which shares interstate borders with Assam and MizoramBefore the voting started voters turned out in large numbers forming queues at most of the 55 polling stations across the Assembly constituency Polling will continue uninterruptedly until 5 pm in the mixedpopulation constituencyA total of 46142 voters including 23758 women are eligible to cast their votes to decide the electoral fate of six candidates Election authorities along with the state police have put in place elaborate measures to ensure that the polling process remains free fair and transparentOut of the 55 polling stations 11 are managed entirely by women personnel while two stations each are operated by differentlyabled staff and youth polling teams reflecting efforts toward inclusive electoral participationThe Dharmanagar Assembly constituency has remained a stronghold of either the Congress party or the BJP since 2008 with the CPIM last winning the seat in 2003 A multicornered contest has made the electoral battle highly competitiveThe six candidates in the fray include nominees from major political parties smaller outfits and an Independent contender Key candidates include Jahar Chakraborti of the ruling BJP Chayan Bhattacharjee of Congress and Amitabha Datta representing the CPIMled Left FrontDatta a former MLA had won the seat in the 2003 Assembly elections Chakraborti 59 currently serves as the BJPâs North Tripura district VicePresident In addition candidates from the Amra Bangalee party SUCI and an Independent aspirant are also contesting the bypoll further intensifying the competitionThe Left Front and Congress which had entered into a seatsharing arrangement during the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections to jointly challenge the BJP are contesting separately in this byelection adding another dimension to the contest Supported by the Left parties Congress leader Chayan Bhattacharjee had earlier contested the Dharmanagar seat in 2023 but lost narrowly to BJP candidate Biswa Bandhu Sen by a margin of 956 votesThe byelection was necessitated following the demise of sitting MLA and Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen who passed away on December 26 2025 at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness at the age of 72Sen had been elected to the Tripura Assembly four times twice as a Congress candidate in 2008 and 2013 and later in 2018 and 2023 as a BJP nominee from the same constituencyThe counting of votes is scheduled for May 4 IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tripura-bypolls-voting-underway-amid-tight-security-nearly-53-pc-turnout-so-far-668638.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-will-choose-bjp-for-development-says-agnimitra-paul-668642.html Asansol West Bengal April 9 BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul on Thursday expressed confidence that the people of West Bengal are ready for political change and will back the Bharatiya Janata Party for the stateâs development and progress Speaking to IANS Paul said the people of Bengal have resolved to bring a BJP government saying that the state has faced âinjustice and harassmentâ over the past 15 years under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party the Trinamool CongressThe people of Bengal have made up their minds that they want a BJP government for the stateâs development and progress For the past 15 years Mamata Banerjee and her party have cheated us she saidShe described the Prime Ministerâs visit to Asansol as a significant moment for the region âAfter many years the Prime Minister has come to the sacred land of Asansol For us it is a matter of great pride and good fortune that PM Modi is visiting againâ she saidOn the Womenâs Reservation Amendment Bill Paul asserted that the Central government remains committed to womenâs empowerment She said the Prime Minister has consistently worked towards uplifting women and ensuring their participation in governanceThe Prime Minister and the Central government are always with the women At all times the Prime Minister wants women to move forward she notedTargeting opposition parties particularly those aligned under the INDIA bloc including the Trinamool Congress Paul said that any opposition to the bill would expose their stance on womenâs rights âIf they oppose this bill then the women of Bengal and across the country will understand how much these leaders truly support women and how much they stand against themâ she saidAddressing concerns around the Special Intensive Revision SIR of electoral rolls Paul thanked the Election Commission and officials including Gyanesh Kumar for their efforts However she alleged that irregularities in the process were due to pressure from the state governmentâThe responsibility for the removal of valid votersâ names lies entirely with Mamata Banerjee because her government officials are functioning as BLOs AEROs and EROs Due to her pressure uploads were not allowed and whatever confusion has occurred is because of her administrationâ Paul claimedShe further alleged a lack of cooperation from the state machinery in the SIR process accusing the ruling party of attempting to benefit from irregularities in voter lists According to her such practices have persisted over the past decade and a half but the BJP remains confident of overcoming these challenges in the upcoming elections IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bengal-will-choose-bjp-for-development-says-agnimitra-paul-668642.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nagaland-bypoll-around-60-pc-voter-turnout-recorded-in-koridang-assembly-seat-till-1-pm-668643.html Kohima April 9 Nearly 60 per cent of voters cast their ballots in the Koridang Assembly bypoll in Nagalandâs Mokokchung district till 1 PM on Thursday officials said With the deployment of a large number of state and central forces security has been significantly tightened across the entire Assembly constituency following prepoll violence on April 5 and 6 in which one person died several others were injured and a few vehicles were damagedVoting which commenced at 7 AM across all 30 polling stations has so far remained peaceful an election official saidPolling will continue till 4 PM without any break and the counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4A total of 22390 eligible voters including 11013 women will decide the electoral fate of six candidates In view of the recent violence the district administration has imposed a night curfew in four villages under the Assembly segment following prepoll clashes that claimed one life and left several others injured two days agoDeputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma has also ordered the complete sealing of the interstate border between Mokokchung district and Assam from April 7 until 6 PM on April 9These measures have been taken to curb any unauthorised movement prevent the distribution of inducements and check attempts at intimidation or other disruptive activities during the electoral processThe byeelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting MLA Imkong L Imchen who passed away on November 11 2024 at a private hospital in Guwahati after a brief illness at the age of 75The BJP a constituent of the ruling Peopleâs Democratic Alliance PDA has fielded Daochier I Imchen son of the late legislator as the consensus candidate of the allianceOther prominent candidates include I Abenjang of the National Peopleâs Party NPP and T Chalukumba Ao of the CongressThree Independent candidates Imchatoba Imchen Imtiwapang Kichu and Major Toshikaba Retd are also in the fray making the contest more competitiveCongress candidate Chalukumba Ao has contested the seat three times earlier 2013 2018 and 2023 but was unsuccessful on each occasion while Major Toshikaba Retd had narrowly lost the 2023 election as a candidate of the Naga Peopleâs Front NPFA seasoned politician the late Imchen had an illustrious electoral career having been elected to the Nagaland Assembly five times first as an Independent in 2003 then on NPF tickets in 2008 2013 and 2018 before winning on a BJP ticket in 2023The Koridang Assembly constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes According to a police official at least one person was killed several others were injured multiple vehicles were damaged and 16 individuals were detained in connection with pollrelated violenceArms and ammunition were also recovered from different locations prompting authorities to impose a night curfew in villages under the constituencyChief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat said that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the byeelection is conducted in a free fair and peaceful manner IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nagaland-bypoll-around-60-pc-voter-turnout-recorded-in-koridang-assembly-seat-till-1-pm-668643.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/haryana-aims-towards-water-sustainability-with-world-bank-funds-668650.html Chandigarh April 9 IANS In a significant push towards longterm water sustainability Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Thursday chaired a highlevel meeting with the World Bank Appraisal Mission marking a decisive step forward in the implementation of the ambitious Water Secure Haryana programmenbspnbspThe programme with a total outlay of Rs 5715 crore including a Rs 4000 crore World Bank loan is aimed at improving the efficiency reliability and sustainability of agricultural water use across the statePlanned over a sixyear period the initiative represents a comprehensive and structured effort to strengthen water management systems in the state The project will be implemented through a coordinated approach involving the Irrigation and Water Resources Department which has been allocated Rs 3328 crore the MicroIrrigation and Command Area Development Authority with an outlay of Rs 1500 crore and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare which will utilise Rs 887 croreThis convergence of departments is expected to ensure integrated planning and effective executionSatbir Singh Kadian Engineer in Chief Irrigation and Water Resources Department informed that the programme has been designed to bring a structural transformation in water governance by leveraging modern technology strengthening institutions and promoting farmercentric interventionsIt will be implemented across 15 clusters covering 4894 lakh acres benefiting a significant portion of the states cultivable command areaA key focus of the initiative is the adoption of datadriven water management systems including digital databases and realtime monitoring mechanisms to improve irrigation efficiency and service deliveryThe programme also emphasises sustainable agricultural practices including crop diversification and the promotion of watersaving techniques such as directseeded riceWith strong administrative backing global financial support and a clearly defined implementation roadmap the Water Secure Haryana programme is poised to emerge as a model for sustainable water management and agricultural resilience in the countryAdditional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Vijayendra Kumar Principal Secretary Architecture Pankaj Agarwal Commissioner and Secretary Excise and Taxation Ashima Brar and other senior officers were present at the meetingIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/haryana-aims-towards-water-sustainability-with-world-bank-funds-668650.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/with-nearly-50-pc-polling-in-six-hours-kerala-turnout-surge-puts-record-in-sight-668655.html Thiruvananthapuram April 9 Keralaâs highstakes Assembly election gathered remarkable momentum on Thursday with nearly 50 per cent of the stateâs 271 crore electorate having exercised their franchise by 1 pm raising expectations that the final turnout could challenge longstanding records With polling set to close at 6 pm all eyes are now on whether the state will breach the elusive 80 per cent mark and possibly inch closer to its historic high of 85 per cent recorded in 1960The steady stream of voters across urban and rural booths alike has injected fresh uncertainty into an already tightly contested electionOfficials led by Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Khelkar had set an ambitious target of 85 per cent turnout this timeWhile that benchmark remains challenging the brisk pace of voting has made crossing 80 per cent a realistic possibility something Kerala has not achieved since 1987 when turnout last touched that levelIn recent electoral cycles participation has remained robust but below the 80 per cent thresholdThe 2016 Assembly election which brought Pinarayi Vijayan to power recorded a turnout of around 77 per centFive years later when he secured a historic reelection the figure dipped slightly to about 75 per centThis time with a revised electoral roll placing the total voter base at 271 crore the early surge has left political parties watching developments closelyHigher turnout levels have traditionally produced unpredictable outcomes in Kerala often reshaping electoral arithmetic in the final stretchAcross constituencies long queues and enthusiastic participation cutting across age groups and regions have become a defining feature of the dayPolling officials attribute the strong response to heightened voter awareness competitive campaigning and a keen sense among the electorate about the stakes involvedAs the day progresses the central question remains Will the surge sustain through the afternoon and push Kerala into record territory and more importantly who stands to gain from a higher voter turnout IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/with-nearly-50-pc-polling-in-six-hours-kerala-turnout-surge-puts-record-in-sight-668655.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/assam-records-nearly-60-pc-voter-turnout-so-far-puducherry-at-5683-pc-668657.html New Delhi April 9 The voter turnout in Assam Assembly elections was recorded at 5963 per cent and in Puducherry at 5683 per cent as of 1 pm on Thursday according to data shared by the Election Commission of India ECI Meanwhile in Kerala the highstakes Assembly election gathered remarkable momentum with nearly 50 per cent of the states 271 crore electorate having exercised their franchise by 1 pm raising expectations that the final turnout could challenge longstanding records The turnout stood at 4970 per centPolling for the highstakes Assembly elections in Assam Kerala and Puducherry commenced at 7 am earlier in the dayThe polling is underway for 126 Assembly seats in Assam 140 in Kerala and 30 in Puducherry The results will be announced on May 4In Kerala around 271 crore voters are set to determine who will govern the state Even before dawn broke the electoral machinery was in motion By 530 am the states 30471 polling booths had sprung to life with officials initiating mandatory mock polling proceduresNotably nearly two lakh voters have already exercised their franchise through home votingDespite the formal end of campaigning the final hours saw candidates across all three fronts in a lastmile scramble meeting overlooked voters and key influencers to secure every possible vote underscoring the unusually high stakes and palpable anticipation surrounding this electionIn Assam the main competition is between the BJP and Congress The incumbent BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term while the Congress seeks to regain power since 2016Voting commenced in a single phase at 7 am and will run until 5 pm Long lines of voters were seen outside polling stations from early in the morning Assams 126member Assembly will conclude its term on May 20Polling commenced smoothly across the Union Territory of Puducherry on Thursday morning with voters turning out steadily at booths to elect representatives to the 30member Assembly The election assumes significance as the Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition led by the All India NR Congress AINRC headed by Chief Minister N Rangasamy with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party BJPA keen contest is expected with all major political formations vying for control Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar said the administration had made comprehensive preparations to ensure a free and fair poll IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/assam-records-nearly-60-pc-voter-turnout-so-far-puducherry-at-5683-pc-668657.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/delimitation-move-not-reform-but-power-grab-says-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-668658.html Chennai April 9 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticised the Centreâs proposed delimitation exercise terming it not a genuine reform but an attempt to consolidate political power He also criticised the Centre for linking womenâs reservation with the delimitation process In a post on X CM Stalin said the proposal to increase the number of parliamentary constituencies under the guise of delimitation runs contrary to the BJPâs own slogan of âminimum government maximum governanceâHe argued that expanding constituencies would not enhance governance but could instead tilt political representation unfairlyThe Chief Minister warned that the proposed delimitation process could disproportionately disadvantage southern states such as Tamil Nadu which have effectively implemented population control measures over the decadesHe said the move would effectively âpenaliseâ these states while benefiting those with higher population growth particularly in northern IndiaCM Stalin further expressed concern that such a shift would increase the political weight of northern states in Parliament thereby diminishing the voice and influence of southern statesHe cautioned that this could undermine Indiaâs federal structure and weaken the balance of representation among states While welcoming the proposal to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures Stalin criticised the Centre for linking womenâs reservation with the delimitation processHe described this linkage as politicallymotivated and unnecessary stressing that womenâs reservation should be implemented based on the existing constituencies without delayThe Chief Minister also raised concerns over social justice issues particularly the lack of adequate representation for Other Backward Classes OBCsCM Stalin reiterated the demand for a castebased census stating that ignoring such measures undermines equitable representation and policymakingIn addition Stalin pointed out that despite Indiaâs economic progress the income ceiling for determining the âcreamy layerâ among OBCs has remained unchanged at â¹8 lakh for several yearsHe described this as unjust and called for a revision to ensure fairness and inclusivity Overall CM Stalin framed the proposed delimitation as a move with farreaching political consequences urging a more balanced and inclusive approach that respects federal principles and social justice IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/delimitation-move-not-reform-but-power-grab-says-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-668658.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pakistans-oil-companies-face-crisis-as-govt-holds-up-funds-668665.html New Delhi April 9 Pakistans oil marketing companies are facing an acute liquidity crisis as up to Rs107 billion in unpaid price differential claims remain stuck with industry players accusing the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority of repeatedly shifting documentation requirements instead of clearing dues according to an article in the local media Industry estimates show the first claim of around Rs 27 billion filed in midMarch was only partially settled while subsequent claims worth Rs 7080 billion remain entirely unpaid The cumulative exposure has left companies operating on razorthin margins and struggling to sustain the cash flow as per the article in the Karachibased Express TribuneOfficials say the issue is not transparency but unpredictability Each time OMCs move to comply Ogra introduces fresh documentation demands â from invoicelevel reconciliations to repeated CEO CFO and auditor certifications â effectively resetting the process A revised format was circulated as recently as Monday night with no clarity on whether further changes will follow Each time the industry prepares to comply a new requirement arrives There is no finishing line in sight a senior industry source said noting that some audit firms may refuse involvement as the requirements fall outside of the standard audit scopeThe situation may worsen if the regulatory authority proceeds with a proposal to withhold 10 per cent of the payments until tax reconciliation with the Federal Board of Revenue â a move that could lock up another Rs74 billion for up to two monthsPrice differential claims arise when the government caps fuel prices below procurement cost and the difference needs to be reimbursed Delays force oil marketing companies to bridge the gap through borrowing which adds to the financial strainIndustry officials warn the crisis could soon translate into fuel supply disruptions if the liquidity continues to erode The sector has urged the Ministry of Energy to intervene and has called for immediate settlement of dues a single documentation framework and withdrawal of the proposed move to withhold some of the payments the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pakistans-oil-companies-face-crisis-as-govt-holds-up-funds-668665.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/karnataka-bypolls-voting-crosses-43-pc-in-bagalkot-37-pc-in-davanagere-668670.html BagalkotDavanagere April 9 The voting process for the bypoll to two Assembly segments in Karnataka on Thursday is progressing briskly Polling at stations in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency crossed 43 per cent while in the Davanagere South constituency it crossed 3717 per cent as of 1 PM Polling commenced at 7 AM and voters can exercise their franchise until 6 PMAccording to official data released by the Election Commission of India ECI the voter turnout in Bagalkot stood at 4375 per cent while Davanagere South recorded 3717 per cent Earlier by 9 AM Davanagere South had recorded 901 per cent turnout while Bagalkot registered 1187 per cent Voting had crossed 20 per cent in the first four hoursBJP candidate for Bagalkot segment Veeranna Charantimath cast his vote along with his family Speaking to the media later he expressed complete confidence in his victory this time Charantimath who had lost by a narrow margin in the previous election said the atmosphere is favourable this timeMeanwhile allegations of cash distribution to influence voters surfaced during the byeelection in Bagalkot triggering tension in parts of the constituencyReports emerged from Wambe Colony in Navanagar that money was being distributed to voters as an inducement Locals alleged that Rs 500 currency notes were handed outIn a viral video the authenticity of which could not be verified by the IANS a woman is seen showing a Rs 500 currency note and alleging that it was given by Congress members She is also heard expressing dissatisfaction that only Rs 500 was givenMeanwhile tensions escalated when a group of people surrounded a car belonging to Congress leader Santosh Hokarani The crowd alleged that money was being distributed and confronted those in the vehicle Hokarani reportedly got down from the car and questioned the crowd about the incidentBJP candidate Charantimath also alleged that there was information that the ruling party has distributed money He further alleged that people from outside areas such as Gokak Arabhavi and Belagavi district have arrived and are staying here and said that this has been brought to the notice of election officialsHe appealed to all youth men and women and senior citizens to come out in large numbers and vote for the BJPAs part of the Bagalkot Assembly byeelection Congress candidate Umesh Meti cast his vote at Booth No 39 in his native village Timmappur He arrived near the polling booth with a ram adult male sheep adorned with Congress flags and later entered the polling station and cast his vote It may be noted that Umesh Meti hails from the shepherd communityA total of 34 candidates are in the fray across the two constituencies More than 2500 police personnel have been deployed at polling stations to ensure that no untoward incidents take place There is a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in both seatsThe SDPI is hopeful that the intense contest between the BJP and the Congress will benefit the party The results will be announced on May 4In the Bagalkot Assembly segment there are 259 lakh voters and nine candidates in the fray A total of 332 polling stations have been set up The electorate includes 126 lakh male and 132 lakh female votersAround 1564 staff members along with additional security personnel have been deployed to manage and monitor the polling processThe main contest in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna CharantimathThe bypoll was necessitated by the death of Congress MLA HY MetiIn the Davanagere South Assembly segment authorities have set up 284 polling stations of which 76 have been identified as sensitive Prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 200metre radius of polling stations The constituency has 231 lakh voters with 25 candidates in the fray More than 1000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safetyCongress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun while the BJP has nominated Srinivas T Dasakariyappa Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as the Social Democratic Party of India candidateThe byeelection was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/karnataka-bypolls-voting-crosses-43-pc-in-bagalkot-37-pc-in-davanagere-668670.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bypolls-voting-crosses-43-pc-in-bagalkot-37-pc-in-davanagere-claims-of-cash-distribution-made-668671.html BagalkotDavanagere April 9 The voting process for the bypoll to two Assembly segments in Karnataka on Thursday is progressing briskly Polling at stations in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency crossed 43 per cent while in the Davanagere South constituency it crossed 3717 per cent as of 1 PM Polling commenced at 7 AM and voters can exercise their franchise until 6 PMAccording to official data released by the Election Commission of India ECI the voter turnout in Bagalkot stood at 4375 per cent while Davanagere South recorded 3717 per cent Earlier by 9 AM Davanagere South had recorded 901 per cent turnout while Bagalkot registered 1187 per cent Voting had crossed 20 per cent in the first four hoursBJP candidate for Bagalkot segment Veeranna Charantimath cast his vote along with his family Speaking to the media later he expressed complete confidence in his victory this time Charantimath who had lost by a narrow margin in the previous election said the atmosphere is favourable this timeMeanwhile allegations of cash distribution to influence voters surfaced during the byeelection in Bagalkot triggering tension in parts of the constituencyReports emerged from Wambe Colony in Navanagar that money was being distributed to voters as an inducement Locals alleged that Rs 500 currency notes were handed outIn a viral video the authenticity of which could not be verified by the IANS a woman is seen showing a Rs 500 currency note and alleging that it was given by Congress members She is also heard expressing dissatisfaction that only Rs 500 was givenMeanwhile tensions escalated when a group of people surrounded a car belonging to Congress leader Santosh Hokarani The crowd alleged that money was being distributed and confronted those in the vehicle Hokarani reportedly got down from the car and questioned the crowd about the incidentBJP candidate Charantimath also alleged that there was information that the ruling party has distributed money He further alleged that people from outside areas such as Gokak Arabhavi and Belagavi district have arrived and are staying here and said that this has been brought to the notice of election officialsHe appealed to all youth men and women and senior citizens to come out in large numbers and vote for the BJPAs part of the Bagalkot Assembly byeelection Congress candidate Umesh Meti cast his vote at Booth No 39 in his native village Timmappur He arrived near the polling booth with a ram adult male sheep adorned with Congress flags and later entered the polling station and cast his vote It may be noted that Umesh Meti hails from the shepherd communityA total of 34 candidates are in the fray across the two constituencies More than 2500 police personnel have been deployed at polling stations to ensure that no untoward incidents take place There is a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in both seatsThe SDPI is hopeful that the intense contest between the BJP and the Congress will benefit the party The results will be announced on May 4In the Bagalkot Assembly segment there are 259 lakh voters and nine candidates in the fray A total of 332 polling stations have been set up The electorate includes 126 lakh male and 132 lakh female votersAround 1564 staff members along with additional security personnel have been deployed to manage and monitor the polling processThe main contest in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna CharantimathThe bypoll was necessitated by the death of Congress MLA HY MetiIn the Davanagere South Assembly segment authorities have set up 284 polling stations of which 76 have been identified as sensitive Prohibitory orders have been imposed within a 200metre radius of polling stations The constituency has 231 lakh voters with 25 candidates in the fray More than 1000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safetyCongress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun while the BJP has nominated Srinivas T Dasakariyappa Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as the Social Democratic Party of India candidateThe byeelection was necessitated by the demise of veteran Congress leader MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/ktaka-bypolls-voting-crosses-43-pc-in-bagalkot-37-pc-in-davanagere-claims-of-cash-distribution-made-668671.html Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/vvip-chopper-case-delhi-hc-rejects-christian-michels-plea-for-release-668472.html New Delhi April 8 IANS The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea filed by alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam Christian Michel James challenging a trial court order that had rejected his application for release from prison on the ground of having undergone the maximum sentence of seven yearsnbspA Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja upheld the trial courts decision observing that there was no merit in the petitionWe find no merit in the petition The same is accordingly dismissed the Justice Chawlaled Bench saidMichel a British national had approached the Delhi High Court assailing the order of a court below which refused to release him despite his claim that he had already undergone the maximum punishment of seven years for the offences for which he was extraditedEarlier Special Judge PC Act Sanjay Jindal had rejected Michels plea observing that he could not be released as he continues to face charges under Section 467 of the Indian Penal Code a serious offence punishable with life imprisonmentReferring to orders passed earlier by the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court the Special CBI Judge emphasised that most of the issues raised by the accused had already been adjudicated in the past stating Judicial propriety does not allow to reconsider the issues again and again when the superior courts have already given observations on the sameThe trial court had relied on the observation of the Supreme Court in an order passed in February 2023 where the apex court had categorically held that Section 436A CrPC would not apply due to the presence of the Section 467 IPC chargeUnder Section 436A of the CrPC an undertrial prisoner who has spent half of the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the alleged offence shall be released on bail except in cases where the offence is punishable with deathMichel an accused in the Rs 3600crore alleged scam relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland faces multiple charges of corruption criminal conspiracy and money launderingHe was extradited to India on December 5 2018 from the UAE On his arrival in India he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI Days later he was also arrested by the financial probe agency the Enforcement Directorate ED Since then he has been lodged in judicial custody at Tihar JailIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/vvip-chopper-case-delhi-hc-rejects-christian-michels-plea-for-release-668472.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cong-repeat-offender-has-dalit-virodhi-mindset-bjp-on-rahuls-bahujan-share-remark-668480.html New Delhi April 8 IANS The Bharatiya Janata Party BJP on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress calling it Dalit virodhi against Dalits after Leader of Opposition LoP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over what he described as systemic exclusion of Bahujan entrepreneurs from major public sector contractsThe political exchange follows remarks earlier made by Gandhi in Parliament where he questioned the government over the distribution of public works contracts worth Rs 16500 crore awarded last year He specifically sought details on how much of these contracts were allocated to businesses owned by Dalits Adivasis and Other Backward ClassesResponding to his remarks BJP leaders accused the Congress of having a long history of marginalising Dalit communities rejecting Gandhis criticism of the current governments policiesBJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan speaking to IANS alleged that the Congress has consistently demonstrated a Dalitvirodhi mindset over the yearsRight from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rahul Gandhi now the Congress Party has been a repeat offender when it comes to disrespecting the dignity of our Dalit community Mallikarjun Kharge himself on multiple occasions has expressed his frustration and made helpless remarks saying that the final decision is not with him though he is Congress President but with the high command he saidKesavan further criticised the Congress leadership structure stating This is how the first family of the Congress party has demeaned and degraded the office of the Congress President into a mere rubber stamp which is now being held by Mallikarjun KhargeContinuing his attack he added No one can forget the way the Gandhi family disrespected Kharge when Priyanka Gandhi was filing her nomination They made him stand outside This is how Congress functions They even denied the Bharat Ratna to Dr BR AmbedkarReiterating his allegations Kesavan said Congress party has a Dalitvirodhi mindset and it is the same thing that Rahul Gandhi practicesMeanwhile Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal also criticised Gandhis remarks Speaking to IANS he said Rahul Gandhi should ask his ancestors Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi Rajiv Gandhi the souls of these people why did you do such injustice Why did they Congress not give them backward castes their rightsIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cong-repeat-offender-has-dalit-virodhi-mindset-bjp-on-rahuls-bahujan-share-remark-668480.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/mamata-banerjee-files-nomination-papers-proposers-list-reflects-bhabanipurs-cosmopolitan-nature-668485.html Kolkata April 8 IANS West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination from her native Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur in South KolkatanbspThe list of proposers in her nomination form reflected the cosmopolitan nature of Bhabanipur which is considered a cauldron of people from almost the entire countryThe proposers in her nomination form include Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakims wife Ismat Hakim representing the Muslims actressturnedpolitician and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Koel Mallicks husband Nishpal Singh Rane representing the Punjabis local Trinamool Congress block President Bablu Singh representing the Biharis and Bhabanipur Education Society representative Miraj Shah representing the GujaratisThe Chief Minister started from her residence at Harish Chatterjee Street in South Kolkata and walked down leading a procession to submit her nomination at the Alipore Survey Building which is barely a kilometre away from her residenceShe was accompanied while leading the procession by Firhad Hakim her brothers Kartik Banerjee and Swapan Banerjee her sisterinlaw Kajari Banerjee and the local party councillor Sandip Bakshi among othersAfter filing her nomination the Chief Minister spoke to the media persons and said that she stays with the people of Bhabanipur round the year My entire life has revolved around Bhabanipur I have stayed in this constituency since my childhood and will continue to stay here forever My entire life and political career have revolved around Bhabanipur So today I take the opportunity to thank and bow to the people of Bhabanipur the Chief Minister saidAs a precaution the police cordoned off a part of the road with guardrails to control the crowd while the Chief Ministers procession was underway with thousands of people gathering on the side of the road The Chief Minister led the procession and waved at the peopleThis time at Bhabanipur the Chief Minister is pitted against the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari who is contesting simultaneously from his native Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district where he is a twotime MLA first for Trinamool Congress from 2016 to 2021 and then for the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2021 to dateTo recall in 2021 Adhikari got elected from Nandigram defeating Mamata Banerjee by a little less than 2000 votes Later she got elected from Bhabanipur in a byelection and retained her chair as the West Bengal Chief Minister for the third consecutive termIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/mamata-banerjee-files-nomination-papers-proposers-list-reflects-bhabanipurs-cosmopolitan-nature-668485.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/chandrababu-naidu-thanks-prez-murmu-pm-modi-after-amaravati-gets-statutory-status-as-andhra-capital-668199.html New Delhi April 7 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre issued a gazette notification on Monday giving Amaravati statutory status as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh This followed after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 which was passed by the Parliament last weekTaking to the social media platform X CM Naidu wrote âI thank the Union Government led by Honâble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his commitment to our state and his guidance all MPs who supported the Bill our state leaders and every citizen who stood with us This is a victory for my people of Andhra Pradesh especially my farmers of AmaravatiâHe also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for giving the nod to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026âOn behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh I express profound gratitude to Honâble President Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji for her gracious assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Act 2026 fulfilling the longcherished dream of our capitalâ he added As per the gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Act 2026 shall be deemed to have come into force on June 2 2024The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Act 2026 amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014In the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 in section 5 2 the words âand there shall be a new capitalâ have been replaced with âand Amaravati shall be the new capitalâThe expression âAmaravatiâ includes the capital city areas notified under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act 2014 reads the explanation of the ActThe Parliament on April 2 gave its final approval to the Amendment Bill officially designating AmaravatiThe Rajya Sabha passed the bill through a voice vote a day after the Lok Sabha cleared itThe enactment has ended years of uncertainty and political flipflops over the capital issue that arose after the 2014 bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh It effectively rules out any future attempts to alter the capitalâs status or revive the previous threecapital modelA total of 35 MPs in both Houses participated in the debate on the bill Barring two MPs of the YSR Congress Party all the MPs supported itYSRCP opposed the bill on the grounds that it failed to address the concerns of farmers who gave their lands for the development of the state capitalThe foundation for Amaravati as the state capital was laid in 2015 when the Telugu Desam Party TDP was in power However after YSRCP came to power in 2019 it stopped all the projects in Amaravati and mooted the idea of three capitalsAfter the TDPled NDA stormed to power in 2024 it decided to develop Amaravati as the only capital The works were relaunched last year IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/chandrababu-naidu-thanks-prez-murmu-pm-modi-after-amaravati-gets-statutory-status-as-andhra-capital-668199.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/trump-defends-risky-iran-rescue-amid-dissent-668204.html Washington April 7 President Donald Trump said some US military officials opposed a highrisk rescue mission in Iran warning it could cost hundreds of lives but he approved it anyway to bring back two downed airmenâ âNot everybody was on boardâ Trump said He added that âthere were military peopleâ that preferred not doing itââThe mission took place deep inside Iranian territory after an F15 fighter jet went down Two crew members ejected and were stranded behind enemy linesâTrump said the operation involved âhundreds and hundredsâ of personnel He said the risk was severeââHundreds of people could have been killedâ he saidâSome officials advised against itââThey saidâ You just donât do this You donât go into the heart of a very powerful militaryâ Trump saidâHe said he understood the concerns but went aheadââI understood that but I decided to do itâ he saidâThe rescue unfolded in two phases The first airman was recovered in a daylight mission The second who was injured evaded capture for hours before being located and rescuedâTrump highlighted the dangers of flying over hostile territoryââWe flew seven hours over Iranâ thatâs a long time over unbelievably hostile territoryâ he saidâHe said US forces had weakened Iranian defences but not eliminated themââThey still haveâ a shoulderâ missileâ he saidâMilitary planners warned of heavy lossesââThey saidâ weâre going to be sacrificing hundreds of peopleâ Trump saidâIn the end both airmen were rescued No American lives were lostâTrump said the outcome exceeded expectationsââIf you had told meâ nobody was even essentially injured I would have said that would be impossibleâ he saidâOfficials said the mission required coordination across air ground and intelligence units It lasted more than two daysâThe operation comes amid high tensions between the United States and Iran Washington has stepped up military pressure while keeping the door open for negotiationsâThe US military has long adhered to the âleave no one behindâ principle But such missions are rare They are often avoided due to high risksâOperations inside Iran are especially complex The terrain is rugged The military presence is dense That raises the stakes for any future action IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/trump-defends-risky-iran-rescue-amid-dissent-668204.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/trump-sets-deadline-warns-iran-of-strikes-668207.html Washington April 7 US President Donald Trump has issued a final deadline to Iran to reach a deal warning of sweeping military action if talks fail as tensions in West Asia escalate with global energy and security implicationsâ âThey have till tomorrow 800 eastern timeâ Trump said adding that the window for diplomacy was closing fastâHe said negotiations were ongoing but uncertain âWe think they are negotiating in good faithâ weâre going to find outâ he told reporters at a crowded news conference hereâAt the same time Trump made clear that military options remain on the table âWe can knock them out for a loopâ he said underscoring the scale of potential US actionâHe added that âvery little is off limitsâ in terms of possible targets signalling that critical infrastructure could be hit if Iran fails to complyâThe President indicated that ensuring the free flow of oil remains central to US demands âPart of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything elseâ he said pointing to the strategic importance of energy routes such as the Strait of HormuzâTrump described Iran as weakened after recent US operations âThey have no navyâ they have no Air Forceâ they have no antiaircraft weaponryâ he said while cautioning that asymmetric threats remainâHe also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict âI canât tell youâ It depends on what they doâ Trump said when asked whether the war was nearing an end or could escalate furtherâThe remarks reflect a mix of pressure and diplomacy with the US seeking concessions while keeping the option of intensified strikes open Trump said several countries were engaged in efforts to resolve the crisis âA lot of people are affected by thisâ he notedâThe situation carries significant implications for global energy markets particularly if tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz a key artery for oil supplies Trump warned that even limited actions such as deploying sea mines could halt traffic and trigger wider economic fallout IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/trump-sets-deadline-warns-iran-of-strikes-668207.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/farmer-blames-cpi-leaders-for-harassment-found-dead-in-party-office-in-keralas-vaikom-668266.html Kottayam April 7 With just 48 hours left for voting to start in a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Keralaâs political landscape a farmer was found hanging inside the CPI local committee office at Thalayazham in Vaikom a constituency represented by the party The deceased Chellappan Pulikkasheri a local farmer and agricultural researcher had earlier levelled serious allegations against party leaders making his death particularly contentiousChellappan had publicly accused CPI district and local leaders of destroying his livelihood and subjecting him to sustained harassmentThrough social media posts and a video he had criticised the partyâs policies and the alleged excesses of certain leadersHe claimed that the crops he had painstakingly cultivated and other sources of income were wiped out due to the intervention of influential party functionariesChellappan also alleged that despite repeated attempts he was denied permission to meet the Agriculture Minister and warned that he faced threats of retaliation after the electionsFriends and relatives say Chellappan had been under severe mental distress having complained that he was betrayed by leaders he had trusted and supportedPreliminary indications suggest that this distress may have driven him to take the extreme step inside the party office itself a move that has amplified the political falloutThe incident triggered widespread outrage with a large crowd gathering outside the CPI officeAngry locals and relatives refused to allow the body to be removed until the Revenue Divisional Officer RDO reached the spotPolice presence has been stepped up but proceedings were delayed due to public anger and protestsLocals have demanded stringent action against those they hold responsible while various organisations are preparing for protests seeking a highlevel probe and immediate arrestsThe death has placed the CPI and the ruling LDF government in a tight spot especially given Vaikomâs political significance as its strongholdOpposition parties have seized on the issue alleging that the incident exposes how party leadership treats its own grassroots workers and farmers IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/farmer-blames-cpi-leaders-for-harassment-found-dead-in-party-office-in-keralas-vaikom-668266.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/brs-leaders-placed-under-house-arrest-to-foil-visit-to-parigi-668275.html Hyderabad April 7 Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS deputy leader in Telangana Legislative Assembly and former minister T Harish Rao and several other party leaders were placed under house arrest on Tuesday to prevent them from leaving for Parigi in Vikarabad district where they were planning to meet farmers affected by the industrial park project Former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and several other leaders from the erstwhile Ranga Reddy and Vikarabad districts were placed under house arrestPolice stepped up security outside the house of Harish Rao to foil his plans to visit ParigiTalking to media persons Harish Rao condemned the detentions He asked why the government was scared when they were just planning to stage a âdharnaâ in a peaceful manner âIs this the peopleâs governmentâ he askedMeanwhile BRS working president KT Rama Rao has condemned the house arrest of Harish Rao and other leaders He termed the house arrests and detention as illegalFormer MLAs Mahesh Reddy Narender Reddy and Menthuku Anand Vikarabad district president and other leaders have also been detainedRama Rao said that the house arrests and detentions of the leaders who were on their way to stand in solidarity with farmers fighting to protect their land is a cowardly act by the governmentHe stated that attempts to stifle dissenting voices through the brute force of the police amounts to nothing less than the murder of democracyRama Rao strongly condemned the alleged forceful seizure of 1200 acres of farmers land in the Kadlapur and Rapolu villages of the Parigi constituency for establishing an industrial parkRama Rao alleged that since coming to power the Revanth Reddy government has cast aside the promises it made to the public and has instead set its sights on seizing the lands of the poorHe asserted that it is atrocious for a government which Rama Rao alleged has already subjected farmers to immense hardship by failing to implement schemes such as âRythu Bharosaâ farm loan waivers the âSix Guaranteesâ and other promises to now embark on land acquisition drives in the name of industrial developmentRama Rao claimed that this government has failed to bring in a single industry over the past twoandahalf years and displays an insatiable appetite for plundering landHe made it clear that arrests imprisonment and fabricated legal cases were nothing new to BRS leaders noting that they have faced all such adversities since the days of the statehood movement while consistently standing firmly on the side of the peopleHe warned that no one would be intimidated by the governments bluster and threats and that the struggle on behalf of the people would not cease IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/brs-leaders-placed-under-house-arrest-to-foil-visit-to-parigi-668275.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/womens-reservation-bill-a-historic-step-for-empowerment-jampk-minister-668286.html Jammu April 7 Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday welcomed the Womenâs Reservation Bill calling it a longoverdue yet significant move towards ensuring greater participation of women in governance Speaking to reporters in Jammu Minister Itoo said âI believe this should have come much earlier but better late than never as long as it does comeâ She added that the passage of the bill would mark a turning point in addressing gender imbalance in politicsHighlighting societal challenges the minister remarked that some sections still struggle to accept womenâs progress âThere are people who cannot tolerate women when women move forward they develop an inferiority complex Those who are worried or fearful once this reservation bill is passed in Parliament their dominance will come to an endâ she saidExpressing optimism Itoo extended her greetings to women across the country âI am happy about this and I extend my congratulations to all our sisters across India from Kashmir onwardsâ she saidDrawing inspiration from prominent women leaders she added âSome people try to suppress women but I have hope that just like Rani Lakshmibai Indira Gandhi and today our Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the opposition women will continue striving to work with honestyâ She reiterated her support saying she welcomed the bill on behalf of women from Jammu and KashmirMeanwhile Karamjit Kaur Lok Sabha incharge of the Aam Aadmi Party from Hoshiarpur and Chairperson of the District Planning Board also welcomed the proposal terming it a major step towards womenâs empowermentShe said the Aam Aadmi Party fully supports the decision and believes it could bring transformative change âIn many states across the country lakhs of women are already working under reservation If this decision is implemented in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as well it could prove to be a historic change for womenâ she notedHowever Kaur also raised concerns about the billâs passage in Parliament stating that some uncertainty still surrounds the issue âQuestions remain on whether the bill will be passedâ she saidOn its political implications she clarified that the measure should not be viewed through a partisan lens âThis is not an issue that would benefit only one party such as the BJP If the bill is passed all political parties and their workers will benefit from itâ she saidKaur said the matter should not be politicised âThis is an issue related to womenâs rights and empowerment and everyone should welcome itâ she assertedSharing her own journey Kaur highlighted her rise within the party stating that the Aam Aadmi Party entrusted her with key responsibilities after she began as a volunteer She said this reflects the partyâs commitment to promoting womenâs leadership IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/womens-reservation-bill-a-historic-step-for-empowerment-jampk-minister-668286.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cong-attacks-assam-cm-over-search-at-pawan-kheras-home-calls-it-witch-hunt-668291.html New Delhi April 7 IANS Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the searches carried out by the Assam Police at party leader Pawan Kheras Delhi residence on Tuesday stating that the witch hunt stands as proof that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is facing imminent defeatAssam Police arrived at Kheras residence in Delhi earlier in the day amid the controversy over the partys claim that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas wife holds three passports The searches came after Sarmas wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma lodged an FIR over the issue on MondayReacting to this Ramesh took to X and said The deployment of a full army of police officials to arrest my colleague Pawan Khera for asking basic questions in the public interest proves that the Assam CM is disturbed desperate and rattledThis is not due process but instead a witch hunt a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the Opposition that is exposing his many black deeds Those who intimidate are the ones who are afraid and have much to hide It also proves that the CM is facing imminent defeat the Congress General Secretary addedMeanwhile Assam Police said that they could not find Congress leader Pawan Khera at his Delhi residence and his whereabouts are unknown while the authorities are working to trace him outnbspSpeaking to the reporters outside the Congress leaders residence in New Delhi a police official said A case has been registered We wanted to talk to Pawan Khera We couldnt meet him as he is not here We found some things in his house but I will not disclose the details We dont know where he is right now but we will trace him outMeanwhile Chief Minister Sarma said the allegations made by Khera regarding his wifes alleged foreign passports have been completely exposed as liesnbspnbspSpeaking to reporters CM Sarma asserted that the governments of all three countries mentioned in the allegations had rejected the claims that his wife held their passportsnbspThe Congress lies are now fully exposed All three countries have denied the claims made by Pawan Khera he saidThe Chief Minister further stated that the Assam Police had visited Kheras residence as part of the investigation but alleged that the Congress leader was not found therePawan Khera mere hisaab mein bhaag gya I think Pawan Khera has absconded CM Sarma told IANSLater speaking to the reporters he also alleged that Khera may have fled to Hyderabad to evade questioning He has probably run away to Hyderabad CM Sarma addedThe Chief Minister maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at defaming him and his family ahead of the elections He said the state government would pursue the matter legally and ensure that those spreading misinformation are held accountableThe controversy erupted after Khera accused Sarmas wife of holding multiple foreign passports a charge strongly denied by the Chief Minister and his familyCongress leaders including Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera have recently raised questions regarding alleged foreign assets and links of the Chief Ministers family including claims about Dubai properties and foreign documentsThese allegations have been categorically denied by the Chief Minister and his family members Sarmas wife Riniki has also rejected claims of any foreign business interests or assets terming the accusations baselessIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cong-attacks-assam-cm-over-search-at-pawan-kheras-home-calls-it-witch-hunt-668291.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bypolls-cong-will-be-wiped-out-in-2028-assembly-elections-in-ktaka-says-bjp-668311.html Bagalkot Karnataka April 7 Senior BJP leader and former minister B Sriramulu has said that people have decided to uproot the Congress party from Karnataka and that it will be wiped out in 2028 He expressed confidence that BJP candidates will win in the Bagalkot and Davanagere byeelections Speaking to the media here on Tuesday he said that people have already made up their minds to ensure BJPâs victory in both bypolls and should not miss this opportunity He alleged that if Congress wins its âdramaâ will continue for another two years claiming that the government is being run through âdinner and lunch meetingsâHe said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been campaigning for the past ten days asking people to vote based on development and guarantees However he alleged that people will not vote for development as âno development has taken placeâHe also alleged that price rise has made it difficult for the poor to survive and that the government has failed to properly deliver its guarantee schemes âNow after all this they have started a new narrative asking for votes based on casteâ he saidCriticising the governmentâs transport sector he claimed no new buses have been purchased and that there is not even money to buy a jack if a bus gets puncturedMocking the governmentâs guarantee schemes he said the Congress has spent three years talking about guarantees Referring to the Gruha Lakshmi scheme he alleged that while Rs 2000 is given to women it ultimately burdens their families financially He further alleged corruption of Rs 5000 crore in the schemeResponding to allegations that BJP is a casteist party he said Congress uses caste for political gain Referring to the MUDA case in which CM Siddaramaiah is named as accused number one he alleged largescale corruption and accused the Chief Minister of using caste identity as a shieldHe further alleged that Siddaramaiah is antiDalit citing alleged irregularities in the Valmiki Corporation and claiming that funds under SCSPTSP were diverted for guarantee schemes and even for the Lok Sabha elections He said the longpending demand for internal reservation has not been properly implementedSriramulu also claimed that the state lacks basic infrastructure such as roads and that the government is struggling to pay salaries leading to protests by employees across departments He alleged that the state is facing an economic crisis IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bypolls-cong-will-be-wiped-out-in-2028-assembly-elections-in-ktaka-says-bjp-668311.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/karnataka-govt-mandates-audit-of-teenage-pregnancies-668320.html Bengaluru April 7 The Karnataka government on Tuesday issued an order mandating a statewide audit of all adolescent pregnancy cases aiming to strengthen monitoring prevention and support systems for girls aged 10 to 18 years The order issued by the Under Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department Pradeep Kumar BS has come into immediate effectAccording to the order the move seeks to address teenage pregnancy as a serious public health and social concern given its links to maternal health risks adverse birth outcomes school dropouts and social vulnerabilityThe government noted that despite existing programmes such as the National Health Mission NHM and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram RKSK the persistence of teenage pregnancies highlights gaps in awareness access to reproductive health services and broader socioeconomic factors such as early marriage and discontinuation of educationUnder the new directive all adolescent pregnancies must be mandatorily reported by both government and private health institutions on the Reproductive and Child Health RCH platform The Taluk Health Officer THO will be responsible for conducting audits of each caseThe audit will assess multiple factors including age at marriage educational status awareness of reproductive health access to contraception and counselling services as well as socioeconomic and family vulnerabilities It will also examine linkages with programmes such as RKSK Integrated Child Development Services ICDS and school health initiativesAt the taluk level an audit committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Taluk Health Officer with members including the Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre health inspectors or Lady Health Visitors ASHA and Anganwadi supervisors and a school representative where applicableThe government has directed that counselling services be strengthened through existing mechanisms such as Sneha Centres and that contraceptive services and pregnancy testing kits be made available as per programme guidelines It also called for identification and mapping of vulnerable adolescents including school dropouts migrants and those from socially disadvantaged backgroundsDistrict Health Officers DHOs will oversee implementation at the district level while the Deputy Director under the RBSK will monitor progress at the state level Authorities have been instructed to classify cases as preventable or nonpreventable and recommend corrective actions Periodic reviews will be conducted by Deputy Commissioners at the district level and the Mission Director of NHM at the state levelThe order also emphasises strict confidentiality and adherence to legal provisions including mandatory reporting requirements under child protection lawsThe government clarified that the initiative will be implemented within the existing framework and budgets of NHM and RKSK with no additional financial burden on the state exchequer IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/karnataka-govt-mandates-audit-of-teenage-pregnancies-668320.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pakistan-section-144-imposed-in-rawalpindi-ahead-of-ptis-protest-outside-adiala-jail-668321.html Islamabad April 7 The authorities have imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi till April 20 considering the Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI protest outside the Adiala jail local media reported on Tuesday In an order released on Monday Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema enforced Section 144 of the CrPC in Rawalpindi from April 6 to April 20 banned gatherings sitins and protests Pakistans leading daily Dawn reportedThe order issued by Rawalpindi DC reads It has been brought to my attention by the District Intelligence Committee DIC in its meeting held on April 4 that there exists an imminent threat within the limits of District Rawalpindi particularly surrounding sensitive installations prominent roads and other critical infrastructureAccording to the order the DIC has reported intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are making efforts to disturb law and order situation in the district through gatherings protests and assembliesThe order stated The forum further indicates that these elements may target soft locations and mobilise individuals with the potential to engage in violent actions near key installations and other sensitive sitesCheema stated that considering these circumstances it is necessary to ensure the security of the people and buildings against any possible threat Subsequently he imposed a ban on gatherings of five or more individuals in Rawalpindi Furthermore ban has been imposed on display of arms other than possessed by law enforcement personnel and objectionablehate speechCheema also imposed a ban on carrying weapons spikes ball bearings petrol bombs laden batons improvised explosives or any other instrument that could possibly be used for violence Pillionriding and the use of loudspeakers have also been bannedRawalpindi Deputy Commissioners order comes as PTI has called for a peaceful protest outside the Adiala jail on Tuesday over the restrictions imposed on meeting PTI founder Imran Khan The party has also said that it will hold a protest in Rawalpindi on April 9 marking the day when Imran Khan was ousted in a noconfidence motion in 2022 Dawn reportedIn the past few months PTI has held sitins outside Adiala jail every Tuesday and Thursday which are the days allowed by court to meet Imran Khan who has been incarcerated at the jail and has faced restrictions in meeting his family members and party leaders IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pakistan-section-144-imposed-in-rawalpindi-ahead-of-ptis-protest-outside-adiala-jail-668321.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/pakistan-in-a-fix-as-deadline-for-repaying-35-billion-uae-debt-nears-668327.html New Delhi April 7 Debtridden Pakistan is facing a grim financial situation as it has to repay 35 billion to the United Arab Emirates this month The repayment confirmed by a senior cabinet minister during a press briefing as reported by Pakistanâs Express Tribune comes at a time when Islamabadâs foreign exchange reserves have fallen to abysmally low levels raising concerns about the countryâs capacity to fulfil its external debt obligationsThis financial burden has been intensified by the United Arab Emiratesâ reported decision not to extend further rollovers on the debt For years Pakistan has relied on such rollovers from friendly nations to ease immediate repayment pressures and stabilise its reserves However shifting geopolitical dynamics particularly tensions linked to the ongoing USIsraelIran conflict appear to have influenced Abu Dhabiâs stance accelerating Islamabadâs need to settle its obligations according to an article in Sri Lankaâs Guardian newspaperThe implications for Pakistanâs economy are significant Foreign exchange reserves already stretched thin will take a direct hit as funds are redirected toward debt servicing Economists warn that this could weaken the countryâs capacity to manage its external accounts potentially affecting its ability to pay for imports and maintain currency stability Such pressures come at a delicate time as Pakistan continues to navigate a challenging economic recovery under the framework of an International Monetary Fund program the article pointed outIn recent years the financial relationship between Pakistan and the UAE has been marked by both cooperation and tension In 2018 Abu Dhabi provided 2 billion to support Pakistanâs economy followed by an additional request from Islamabad for 1 billion in 2023 to meet external financing needs These arrangements were part of a broader pattern in which Pakistan has leaned heavily on bilateral partners to bridge funding gaps while implementing economic reforms tied to international lending programsNow with rollover options narrowing Pakistan is exploring alternative approaches Some officials have indicated that discussions are underway to convert portions of the debt into investment a move that could ease immediate repayment pressures while fostering longerterm economic engagement However such arrangements remain uncertain and may not provide timely relief given the urgency of current obligations the article observedGeopolitical factors are also shaping the situation Pakistanâs perceived proximity to Iran during the ongoing regional conflict has added complexity to its relations with Gulf partners including the UAE While Islamabad has traditionally balanced its ties across the Middle East shifting alliances and heightened tensions are testing that equilibrium with potential economic consequences the article pointed outThe broader context of Pakistanâs financial position further amplifies the challenge The countryâs reliance on external financing including support from the International Monetary Fund and allied nations reflects structural weaknesses in its economy such as low export competitiveness high fiscal deficits and limited revenue generation These issues have made Pakistan particularly vulnerable to external shocks whether economic or geopolitical the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/pakistan-in-a-fix-as-deadline-for-repaying-35-billion-uae-debt-nears-668327.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-leader-sapan-dass-house-targeted-in-broad-daylight-firing-in-jamshedpur-668331.html Jamshedpur April 7 In a brazen incident that has raised serious concerns over law and order unidentified miscreants opened fire at the residence of BJP leader Sapan Das in Adityapur subtown of Jamshedpur on Tuesday The entire incident which occurred in broad daylight was captured on nearby CCTV cameras According to initial reports the attackers arrived on a scooter and fired at least three rounds in quick succession targeting the window of Dasâs house located in Saldih Basti under SeraikelaKharsawan district Eyewitnesses said the assailants also shouted abuses during the attack before fleeing the scene leaving residents in a state of shockThough no injuries were reported in the firing the incident has triggered panic and heightened tension in the locality Locals identified the attackers as known criminals Raju alias âTaklaâ and Chandan who are reportedly active in the areaResidents and local BJP workers expressed strong anger following the incident accusing the police administration of negligence They pointed out that the same accused were allegedly involved in a previous violent attempt in the area on April 4 According to them failure to take stringent action earlier may have emboldened the criminals to carry out Tuesdayâs attackTaking cognisance of the situation Adityapur police station incharge Inspector Vinod Tirkey said that a police team immediately reached the spot after receiving information and conducted a preliminary investigation He confirmed that the accused have been identified and raids are underway to apprehend themâThe matter is being taken seriously We are examining CCTV footage and pursuing all possible leads Efforts are on to arrest the culprits at the earliestâ he saidMeanwhile the firing incident has created a tense atmosphere in Saldih Basti with residents demanding increased police patrolling and stricter enforcement of law and orderPolice officials said they are conducting searches at multiple suspected hideouts based on intelligence inputs and CCTV evidence IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-leader-sapan-dass-house-targeted-in-broad-daylight-firing-in-jamshedpur-668331.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/andhra-cm-condemns-attempt-to-attack-media-outlet-office-by-ysrcp-workers-668345.html Amaravati April 7 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday condemned the attempt by YSR Congress Party YSRCP workers to attack the office of a Telugu media outlet in Hyderabad The Chief Minister described the incident as a direct assault on media freedom He said that the attack was carried out because the media outlet questioned the stand of former Chief Minister and YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on AmaravatiIn a statement Chandrababu Naidu criticised the YSRCP for allegedly misusing its own media platforms while resorting to baseless allegations and abusive rhetoric against independent media organisationsHe noted that despite facing harassment and conspiracies during the previous five years of YSRCP government the regional media channel continued to function without fear He remarked that the participation of sitting MLAs and former Ministers accompanied by mobs in targeting a media office is a clear reflection of the YSRCPs unruly cultureThe Chief Minister also praised the regional media outlets Managing Director Vemuri Radhakrishna for running the newspaper and channel fearlessly for decades despite facing cases attacks and sustained pressureChandrababu Naidu asserted that attempts to intimidate the media through attacks protests and threats have no place in a democratic society and such political tactics have become outdatedHe also alleged that the people especially women have not forgotten the conduct of YSRCP leaders including their treatment of women and even their own family members during their tenure in powerThe Chief Minister accused the YSRCP of resorting to diversionary politics saying that instead of responding to the editorial questioning on its alleged conspiracies against Amaravati the party has chosen to engage in attacks and protestsThe YSRCP on Monday had lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting against the media outlet for allegedly broadcasting defamatory and derogatory contentIn a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar on Monday YSRCP MLC and partys general secretary Lella Appireddy sought immediate intervention and appropriate action against the media outlet its anchor editor and management for allegedly broadcasting defamatory derogatory misleading and unethical content through its electronic and digital platformsThe MLC cited allegedly objectionable and defamatory language used by the news anchor while describing members and supporters of the YSRCPThe YSRCP quoted the news anchor as saying that party supporters would blindly believe anything said by Jagan Mohan Reddy and used language the party described as abusive and derogatory IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/andhra-cm-condemns-attempt-to-attack-media-outlet-office-by-ysrcp-workers-668345.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-vijayan-not-a-divine-figure-his-approach-shows-arrogance-says-rahul-gandhi-668163.html Thrissur Kerala April 6 IANS Rahul Gandhi said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not a divine figure uniquely capable of ruling Kerala and that the state was home to many capable leaders marked by humility and empathynbspHe argued that projecting oneself as the sole capable leader insults the people of Kerala and reflects arroganceAccording to him such messaging undermines both the public and other leaders within the LeftBuilding on this sharp critique Rahul Gandhi alleged that the ongoing electoral contest in Kerala is not a conventional bipolar fight but one marked by a tacit understanding between the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP and the Left Democratic Front LDF positioning the United Democratic Front UDF as the sole opposition forceAddressing a campaign rally in Thrissur he intensified his attack on both CM Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra ModiRahul Gandhi questioned why PM Modi who frequently invokes religion in his speeches remains silent on the alleged Sabarimala gold smuggling issue during his visits to KeralaHe contended that such selective silence suggests an attempt to shield or assist the LeftRahul Gandhi further claimed that while he has faced action from central agencies for criticising PM Modi no similar scrutiny appears to touch CM Vijayan or his family an observation he said strengthens the perception of a political understanding between the BJP and the Left leadershipTurning his focus back to Vijayans campaign style Gandhi criticised the proliferation of posters across Kerala that prominently feature the Chief Minister arguing they create an impression that governance rests solely on one individualHe termed this approach as emblematic of political arrogance drawing parallels with what he described as centralised leadership styles seen under PM Modi Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa SarmaThe Congress leader concluded by asserting that democratic leadership must be grounded in humility and inclusiveness warning that any attempt to project supremacy undermines both institutional balance and public dignityIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/cm-vijayan-not-a-divine-figure-his-approach-shows-arrogance-says-rahul-gandhi-668163.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/excise-policy-case-delhi-hc-issues-notice-on-kejriwals-recusal-plea-cbi-terms-allegations-contemptuous-668195.html New Delhi April 6 IANS The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice on a recusal application filed by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal who appeared in person and sought that the matter relating to the alleged excise policy case be heard by a Bench other than that of Justice Swarana Kanta SharmanbspThe development came during the hearing of a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI challenging a trial court order discharging Kejriwal former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other accused in the corruption case linked to the nowscrapped Delhi Excise Policy 202122At the outset Kejriwal submitted before the Delhi High Court that he had filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Sharma and requested that it be taken on recordnbspAppearing in person the former Delhi Chief Minister said he wished to avail his legal right to argue the matter himselfnbspSolicitor General SG Tushar Mehta appearing for the CBI strongly objected to the recusal plea terming the allegations baseless and contemptuousnbspSome people in this country make a career out of making allegations This is for the first time that this respondent has made baseless allegations against this august institution Its not only frivolous and vexatious but its contemptuous also SG Mehta submittedThe Centres secondhighest law officer added that while the probe agency had no objection to Kejriwal appearing and arguing in person he could not adopt a hybrid approach If Mr Kejriwal wants to appear personally he will have to continue to appear personally He cannot come once in the court for pure theatrics and thereafter let his lawyer argue This forum is not for theatrics SG Mehta arguednbspHe also highlighted that except for a few respondents most respondents including Kejriwal had failed to file their replies despite earlier directions of the Delhi High Court and cautioned that if the recu sal pleas were ultimately rejected it should invite contempt proceedingsIn response Kejriwal contended that as per procedure a petitioner appearing in person cannot directly file an application without orders of the Delhi High Court and therefore sought that his plea be formally taken on record Kejriwal reiterated that he intended to argue the matter himselfnbspTaking note of the submissions Justice Sharma said it would issue notice on the application and directed that replies be filed The judge also observed that if any other party wished to move a similar application seeking recusal the same could be filed so that all such pleas could be decided togetherThe Delhi High Court further directed that written submissions be placed on record and listed the matter for further hearing on April 13 at 230 pmnbspThe Delhi High Court is presently seized of multiple connected matters arising out of the trial courts February 27 order which had discharged all accused holding that the material on record did not disclose a larger conspiracy in the formulation of the nowscrapped excise policynbspThe CBI has challenged the discharge order terming it perverse while the Enforcement Directorate ED has sought expunction of adverse observations made against it by the trial courtSeparately Kejriwal has already approached the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Delhi High Court Chief Justice to reject his request for transfer of the CBIs plea from the Bench of Justice SharmanbspIn his writ petition before the apex court Kejriwal assailed the communication issued by the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court conveying that Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya the master of the roster had declined to reassign the matter on the ground that it had been allocated as per the rosterThe petition contended that the refusal to transfer the case gives rise to a grave bona fide and reasonable apprehension regarding the fairness and impartiality of the proceedingsnbspKejriwal has also referred to earlier instances where bail was denied to certain accused by Justice Sharma but later granted by the Supreme CourtnbspHe has additionally filed a Special Leave Petition SLP challenging certain observations made by the Delhi High Court while hearing the CBIs revision pleaIANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/excise-policy-case-delhi-hc-issues-notice-on-kejriwals-recusal-plea-cbi-terms-allegations-contemptuous-668195.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rooted-in-nationalism-committed-to-nations-development-chandrababu-naidu-on-bjps-foundation-day-668071.html Amaravati April 6 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday greeted leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP on its foundation day Praising the BJP the Telugu Desam Party TDP national president said that rooted in nationalism the BJP has consistently worked towards strengthening our culture and democratic valuesCM Naidu whose party is a key partner in the BJPled NDA at the Centre took to âXâ to congratulate the BJPâI extend my warmest wishes to all leaders karyakartas and supporters of the BJP on its 47th Foundation Day Rooted in nationalism and committed to the nationâs allround development the party has consistently worked towards strengthening our culture and democratic values promoting inclusive development and upholding the spirit of service to the nationâ CM Naidu saidâFrom its founding fathers to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi ji as Prime Minister the BJP has strengthened the nation through decisive governance and a clear commitment to progressâ the TDP chief addedThe Chief Minister also stated that in Andhra Pradesh the doubleengine NDA government continues to deliver for the people with renewed focus and momentum setting an excellent benchmark for cooperative federalism âI wish the party continued success under the leadership of its President Shri Nitin Nabin ji in serving the nation with dedication and further strengthening our journey towards Viksit Bharatâ he wroteState minister for human resources development and information technology Nara Lokesh has also greeted the BJP on its foundation dayLokesh who is the national general secretary of the TDP shared his thoughts on a social media platformâOn the occasion of Bharatiya Janata Party Foundation Day I extend my warm greetings to our valued partners in the NDA The BJPâs unwavering commitment to nationbuilding good governance and development has been instrumental in shaping a stronger Indiaâ he said on XâIn Andhra Pradesh we deeply value the steadfast support extended by BJP in advancing key priorities including the realization of Amaravati Together under the leadership of Honâble Prime Minister Narendra Modi we remain committed to building a Viksit Bharat and a prosperous Andhra Pradeshâ Lokesh added IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rooted-in-nationalism-committed-to-nations-development-chandrababu-naidu-on-bjps-foundation-day-668071.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-moving-ahead-with-nation-first-ideology-ktaka-bjp-chief-on-foundation-day-celebrations-668112.html Davanagere Karnataka April 6 Karnataka BJP Chief and MLA BY Vijayendra said on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party has grown into one of the largest parties in the country and the state due to the tireless efforts of crores of party workers He was speaking to party workers at the BJP office in Davanagere during the partyâs Foundation Day celebrationsVijayendra said that the BJP has expanded across the country with the ideology of âNation Firstâ and with a commitment to deliver justice to even the last person in societyHighlighting leadership at the national level he stated that under the strong leadership of PM Modi the country is progressing with the belief that farmers who feed the nation and soldiers who protect the borders are equally important He added that soldiers safeguarding the nation were honoured as part of the occasionVijayendra recalled the role of senior leaders like former PM late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and veteran BJP leader LK Advani in building the party He also said that former MP Mallikarjunappa should be remembered for his contributionsSpeaking about Karnataka he noted that leaders such as former CM BS Yediyurappa late Ananth Kumar late VS Acharya Thanga and Shankarmurthy along with several others worked with dedication and sacrifice to take the BJP from urban centres to villagesHe said that many senior leaders have contributed their body mind and wealth making sacrifices that helped the party grow to its present stature both in the state and across the countryThe state BJP chief further said that it is a matter of pride that PM Modi has been conferred with the highest honours by more than 25 countriesAppealing to party workers Vijayendra urged them to strengthen the organisation by working shoulder to shoulder with commitment and dedicationLegislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy along with MLAs former MLAs ministers and several party leaders were present at the event IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-moving-ahead-with-nation-first-ideology-ktaka-bjp-chief-on-foundation-day-celebrations-668112.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/rajasthan-cm-allotted-room-no-5-at-bjp-office-earlier-used-by-vasundhara-raje-668122.html Jaipur April 6 More than two years after the BJP formed the government in Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has been allotted a dedicated chamber at the partyâs state headquarters in Jaipur Room No 5 at the BJP office has now been reserved exclusively for the Chief Minister and a nameplate bearing his name has been installed outside the chamber Sharma formally inaugurated the room on Monday by taking his seat there marking the beginning of its official useSignificantly the same room was earlier allotted to former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje who used it during her tenure as both Chief Minister and State BJP President Until now no permanent room had been designated specifically for the sitting Chief Minister within the BJPâs state officeParty sources indicated that the chamber is likely to serve as a key space for coordination between the government and the organisationThe development coincides with the BJPâs Foundation Day on April 6 adding symbolic significance to the move According to party officials the Chief Minister often needs to hold oneonone meetings with party leaders and workers âThis dedicated chamber will facilitate smoother interaction and better communicationâ he saidParty leaders believe that having a designated space for the Chief Minister within the organisational setup will enhance coordination between the government and party workers and make it more convenient for workers to connect directly with the leadershipThe move is being seen as an effort to strengthen organisational functioning and streamline communication within the party structureEarlier CM Sharma called party workers to work at the grassroots level with the public and ensure that the party stays unconquered and undefeatedAfter unfurling the flag at the party office he said that there is a doubleengine government at the central and state levels and hence the party workers should focus on working on the ground with the public He also unfurled the party flag at his residence in the presence of party workers in the morning IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/rajasthan-cm-allotted-room-no-5-at-bjp-office-earlier-used-by-vasundhara-raje-668122.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/renowned-doctor-mani-chhetri-passes-away-chief-minister-banerjee-expresses-grief-668127.html Kolkata April 6 Renowned doctor and Padma Shri awardee Mani Chhetri has passed away his family members said on Monday He was suffering from old agerelated ailments The Padma Shri awardee doctor breathed his last at 1015 PM on Sunday at his home in Ballygunge Place He was 105 years old According to the family he had suffered a head injury fifteen days ago After this the eminent cardiologists physical condition deteriorated rapidlyChief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media to condole the death of the renowned doctorI am saddened by the passing away of renowned physician Dr Mani Chhetri A chapter in the medical world of Bengal and India has come to an end I pray for the peace of his departed soul and express my condolences to his family and countless students patients and admirers CM Banerjee wrote in a post on Monday morningMani Chhetri was the director of SSKM Hospital and due to his efforts the Intensive Therapy Unit or ITU setup was created in this hospitalAlso different departments like Endocrinology Cardiology Nephrology Diabetes Rheumatology were started on his initiative which was the first in any hospital in the stateIt has been stated by the West Bengal Doctors Forum that all the doctors in the state will come to work on Monday wearing black badges to pay tribute to the legendary doctorMani Kumar Chhetri was born in Darjeeling on May 23 1920 He did his primary education from Darjeeling Municipality Primary School and passed his matriculation from Calcutta University in 1936He graduated in medicine in 1944 and did his postgraduate degree in medicine in 1949 Then he went abroad for further studies in medicineIn 1955 he received his MRCP degree from the Royal College of Physicians London In 1969 he obtained a fellowship from the American College of Cardiology In 1972 he received a fellowship from the Indian Academy of Medical Sciences In 1973 he received a fellowship from the Royal College of PhysiciansAfter returning from London Mani Chhetri started his career at the School of Tropical Medicine in Kolkata He joined as a resident physician Later when Bidhan Chandra Roy was the Chief Minister he was brought to the Presidency General Hospital as a consultant physicianDr Mani Kumar Chhetri was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1974 for his outstanding contribution to the field of medicine IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/renowned-doctor-mani-chhetri-passes-away-chief-minister-banerjee-expresses-grief-668127.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/population-should-not-be-criterion-for-delimitation-ktaka-minister-668149.html Bengaluru April 6 Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara commenting on the proposed delimitation of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies by the Centre stated that population should not be the sole criterion for the exercise Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Monday Parameshwara said the reason Karnataka is likely to get fewer Lok Sabha seats around 66 is due to population being used as the primary criterion âNorth India has a higher population and that is why we are getting fewer seats It is our concern that this should not happenâ he underlinedResponding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiahâs statement on the alleged likely injustice to Karnataka in the delimitation process he said âCM Siddaramaiah has urged that population should not be used as a criterion In South India we have effectively implemented family planning which has reduced our population This should not become a disadvantage His statement is correctâOn the controversy surrounding the state governmentâs decision not to make Hindi compulsory for passing Class 10 exams and the protests by Kannada organisations as well as the Governorâs intervention Parameshwara said that opposition to Hindi is not new âEven during my student days we were made to raise slogans like âDown with Hindiâ This confusion has continued since thenâ he saidHe added that the issue needs resolution âThere has always been a demand that regional languages should get proper representation We demand it for Kannada while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will demand it for Telugu This has been an ongoing issue especially in nonHindispeaking southern states It would be good if this matter were resolvedâ he saidAddressing concerns over LPG shortage he said âStatements of assurances may be made but we need essential supplies like gas petrol and diesel If these are provided to our state on par with others the situation will improve We are taking action against black marketing We have submitted our requirements and the Centre must ensure adequate allocation Everyone knows there is a global issue due to the USIsrael and Iran conflict but we must at least receive minimum suppliesâOn the upcoming byelections to two Assembly constituencies in Karnataka Parameshwara expressed confidence in his party âThere is a positive wave for the Congress party and we will win in those constituencies Since these are byelections the governmentâs social justice programmes implemented over the last three years will yield resultsâ he saidResponding to his campaign remarks that the BJP had divided Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes he said âWho created confusion regarding internal reservation My statement was made in that context The Sadashiva Commission report was rejected and later percentages were added before sending it to Delhi On what basis were those percentages fixed My statement was made in response to the confusion created by the BJPâWhen asked whether internal reservation would affect the Congress partyâs prospects he said âHave we ever stated that we will withdraw or not implement internal reservation We have always maintained that we are committed to implementing itâHe added that the process is ongoing âSince it is under process the special Cabinet meeting scheduled for April 22 was postponed The process will continue after the byelections It is up to the Chief Minister to convene the special Cabinet meetingâ he saidOn the IPL ticket distribution row Parameshwara said that tickets are often booked online âWhether legislators or their family members book them can we control online ticket sales I am not fully aware of the conditions under which IPL tickets are distributed If we start finding fault in everything it will become very difficultâ he saidHe added âWhen I receive a ticket it usually mentions that it is nontransferable meaning I cannot give it to someone else However if it is openended anyone can use it to watch the match Typically two tickets are provided to legislators and anyone can use themâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/population-should-not-be-criterion-for-delimitation-ktaka-minister-668149.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/nation-first-party-next-self-last-says-vasundhara-raje-on-bjp-foundation-day-668150.html Jaipur April 6 On the BJPs Foundation Day former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje shared a message recalling the partyâs ideological roots and the sacrifices of its founding leaders Nation First Party Next Self Last she said and paid homage to leaders such as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Deendayal Upadhyaya and Vijayaraje Scindia Referring to stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani she emphasised that their legacy is not merely history but a solemn responsibilitySpeaking on politics as service she reiterated that true politics lies in the upliftment of every section of society and in striving to elevate India to global leadershipOn her X handle she said Nation First Party Next Self Last Hearty congratulations to all the countrymen and workers on the 47th Foundation Day of Bharatiya Janata Party This day is dedicated to those millions of dedicated workers who sacrificed their lives at the altar of national service without any expectations without any selfishness We remember with gratitude those great personalities whose sacrifice and penance laid the foundation of this organisation Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee who sacrificed his life to spread the message of national unity Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay whose philosophy of Antyodaya ensured the right to development for the last person in society and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Nanaji Deshmukh Kushabhau Thakre Atal Bihari Vajpayee Lal Krishna Advani and countless ascetic leaders who through struggle and dedication built this organisation like a banyan tree Their legacy is not just history it is our responsibilityThis sacred day inspires us to follow his ideals His life reminds us that serving the nation is the highest pursuit that uplifting every section of society is true politics and that taking India to global heights is our resolve she said marking a hashtag saying 47YearsOfNationFirst BJPFoundationDayIn her message Raje extended greetings to citizens and party workers calling the day a tribute to millions of dedicated individuals who have served the nation selflessly She highlighted the philosophy of Antyodaya upliftment of the last person as central to the partyâs visionAt the BJP state office in Jaipur Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and State President Madan Rathore inaugurated the dayâs events by hoisting the party flag Senior leaders officebearers and party workers gathered in large numbers to participate The Chief Minister also hoisted the flag at his private residence reinforcing the message of âService is our ResolveâIn his message to party workers Bhajanlal Sharma credited the tireless efforts and dedication of party workers for the BJPâs growth into one of the worldâs largest political organisations The flaghoisting ceremony including one at his residence was described as a tribute to the sacrifices of countless workersHe affirmed that the BJP represents the aspirations and trust of the people State BJP President Madan Rathore emphasised that the partyâs mission remains rooted in Antyodaya ensuring welfare for the most marginalisedAddressing party workers he urged continued dedication to public service and administered an oath reinforcing commitment to the partyâs ideals IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/nation-first-party-next-self-last-says-vasundhara-raje-on-bjp-foundation-day-668150.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-polls-cm-stalin-to-campaign-in-virudhunagar-madurai-today-667944.html Chennai April 5 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will campaign across Virudhunagar and Madurai districts on Sunday addressing a series of public meetings and a roadshow in support of DMK and alliance candidates Continuing his highenergy campaign trail Stalin addressed public meetings on Saturday in Nagercoil and Sankarankovil in Tenkasi district before halting for the night at a guest house in VirudhunagarOn Sunday the Chief Minister is scheduled to address a major public rally in Virudhunagar The meeting will be held at Chathirareddiapatti along the Madurai fourlane highway where an elaborate stage has been set up to accommodate party cadres and supportersAt the Virudhunagar event Stalin will campaign in support of candidates from seven Assembly constituencies including Sattur Ramachandran Aruppukottai Thangam Thennarasu Tiruchuzhi Ashokan Sivakasi Thanga Pandian Rajapalayam Vijay Prabhakar Virudhunagar Mahalingam Srivilliputhur and Bernadur RajachirathurFollowing the Virudhunagar rally Stalin will proceed to Thirumangalam in Madurai district where he is slated to address another public meeting at 4 pm in Rayapalayam This event will focus on mobilising support for nine DMK alliance candidates contesting in the district Among those being backed are Palanivel Thiaga Rajan Madurai Central along with candidates from Madurai East North South West Thirumangalam Tirupparankundram Sholavandan and Usilampatti constituenciesNotably the candidate for the Melur constituency is yet to be announcedLater in the evening Stalin will arrive in Madurai city where he will hold a roadshow covering a key stretch from TVS Nagar bridge to Villapuram Jayavilas area in the Madurai West constituencyThe roadshow is expected to draw significant public participation as the DMK seeks to consolidate its voter base in the regionConcluding the dayâs campaign schedule the Chief Minister will depart for Chennai by flight around 7 pmWith just days remaining for the Assembly elections Stalinâs extensive campaign tour underscores the DMKâs intensified efforts to strengthen its presence across southern districts and rally support for alliance candidates in closely contested constituencies IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/tn-polls-cm-stalin-to-campaign-in-virudhunagar-madurai-today-667944.html Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-revokes-action-against-ans-prasad-after-apology-over-vijay-nda-remark-667947.html Chennai April 5 The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP has reinstated its state spokesperson ANS Prasad after he issued a formal apology over his controversial remarks suggesting that actorpolitician Vijay should join the National Democratic Alliance NDA ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state The controversy began when Prasad publicly stated that Vijay aligning with the NDA would help safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu He further claimed that the alliance would âcertainly allocate a seatâ to the actorpolitician if he chose to join hands with the BJPled frontThe remarks quickly triggered unease within party circles as they were viewed as speculative and not reflective of the partyâs official stand on alliance negotiationsIn response the Tamil Nadu BJP leadership initiated disciplinary action and removed Prasad from his responsibilities as state spokespersonParty insiders indicated that the move was intended to reinforce message discipline and prevent confusion at a time when political alignments are still evolving ahead of the electionsFollowing his removal Prasad submitted a written apology expressing regret over his commentsIn his letter he acknowledged that his statement had caused unnecessary controversy and assured the leadership that he would strictly adhere to party communication protocols in the futureHe also reiterated his commitment to the partyâs objectives and leadershipTaking note of his apology Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagenthran announced that the disciplinary action had been withdrawn and that Prasad would be reinstated to his positionâThe state spokesperson ANS Prasad was relieved of his responsibilities on disciplinary grounds As he has now expressed regret and submitted an apology the action against him is hereby withdrawnâ the statement saidThe BJP leadership has also advised Prasad to exercise greater caution in public statements and to contribute effectively to the partyâs campaignThe episode underscores the importance the party places on coordinated communication as it prepares for a highstakes electoral battle in Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/bjp-revokes-action-against-ans-prasad-after-apology-over-vijay-nda-remark-667947.html Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/to-my-colleagues-in-aap-picture-abhi-baaki-hai-raghav-chadha-on-punjab-agenda-row-667959.html New Delhi April 5 AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday defended his record of raising Punjabrelated issues while responding to recent criticisms from within his party Chadha shared a video clip on X from the Rajya Sabha in which he is seen addressing issues related to Punjab emphasising his commitment to the stateIn his post he wrote âTo my colleagues in AAP who were forced to issue videos saying that âRaghav Chadha failed to raise Punjabâs issues in Parliamentâ here is a small trailerâPicture Abhi Baaki Hai Punjab isnât a talking point for me It is my home my duty my soil my soulâEarlier on Saturday Chadha directly addressed the partyâs accusations âI didnât want to speak up but if I stayed silent even the repeatedly repeated lie would start to seem like the truth Three Allegations Zero TruthâIn earlier posts Chadha responded to three major allegations against him following his removal as AAPâs deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha He posted on X âI didnât want to speak up but if I stayed silent even the repeatedly repeated lie would start to seem like the truth Three Allegations Zero TruthâIn a video message Chadha also alleged a âscripted campaignâ against him saying âThe same questions and the same allegations against me This is no coincidence but a coordinated attackâ He further challenged the claim that he had not supported the opposition during walkouts stating âThis is a white lie There are CCTVs all around the Parliament Anyone can check them to get their answerâThe dispute highlights rising tensions within AAP as Chadha seeks to defend his record while the party accuses him of neglecting parliamentary responsibilities The MP reiterated that his focus remains on Punjab and its people asserting that he has consistently raised state concerns in the Rajya Sabha and intends to continue doing so IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/to-my-colleagues-in-aap-picture-abhi-baaki-hai-raghav-chadha-on-punjab-agenda-row-667959.html Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-locals-express-excitement-for-amit-shahs-roadshow-in-beypore-today-667960.html Beypore Kerala April 5 Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Beypore in Kerala on Sunday where he will spearhead a highintensity roadshow in support of NDA candidate KP Prakash Babu The roadshow forms part of an election campaign by the NDA ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls scheduled for April 9 The procession is scheduled to pass through key stretches from Mathottam Bijith Junction to Naduvattam and PerachanangadiIn the leadup to the event enthusiasm among local residents and BJP supporters was visible with many gathering for the Home Ministers roadshowMany people are gathered here for our leader Amit Shah We are very happy a local resident told IANSAnother attendee expressed hope for political change in the state saying We want a change and we want the BJP to form a government here We are excited for Home Minister Amit Shahs visitA BJP supporter told IANS Every seat will go to the BJP this time We want a change here Our blessings and love are with Home Minister Amit ShahAnother local also highlighted expectations from the visit stating This time we want the BJP government here We are happy that the top leadership of the party is visiting us todayAuthorities have made extensive preparations for the roadshow with heightened security arrangements in place as large crowds of supporters continue to gather for the programmeEarlier on Saturday Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Keralas Thiruvalla where he opened his speech with the slogans Jai Keralam Jai Vikasita KeralamAddressing the gathering the Prime Minister said that the growing trust of the people in the NDA along with strong backing from women across Kerala is clearly visible He remarked that although he had visited the state earlier the current atmosphere appears markedly different and indicative of change adding that Kerala seems prepared for a historic transformation IANS https://dailyworld.in/politics/kerala-locals-express-excitement-for-amit-shahs-roadshow-in-beypore-today-667960.html Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:47:00 +0530