The Times of India

Following a significant win in the BMC elections, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has housed newly elected corporators in a luxury hotel, fueling speculation about their mayoral ambitions. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance emerged victorious, and discussions regarding the Mayor's post are underway, with a collective decision expected soon.

Mumbai Congress faces internal turmoil after a dismal BMC election performance, its worst ever. Senior leaders are demanding city president Varsha Gaikwad's resignation, citing moral grounds. Despite the setback, party spokespersons defend the outcome, attributing it to adverse circumstances and alleged misuse of power by rivals. The party plans organizational strengthening amidst simmering dissent.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis wittily responded to Uddhav Thackeray's mayoral aspirations, questioning if 'Deva' referred to him or God. Fadnavis asserted that the Mahayuti alliance, led by BJP and Eknath Shinde, will collectively decide the BMC mayor's selection and tenure, following their victory in the civic body elections.

US President Trump's aggressive tariff strategy is prompting global trade realignments, with Canada notably cutting import taxes on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced Chinese tariffs on canola. This shift signals a growing perception in Canada that the US poses a greater economic threat than China, leading allies to seek alternatives beyond the US market.

India is actively engaging Iran to secure the release of 16 Indian crew members detained on the MT Valiant Roar since December. New Delhi is pressing for consular access, communication with families, and legal representation, while also ensuring the vessel's provisions. The detention follows Iran's seizure of the tanker for alleged illegal fuel transport.

Modern Indian women are celebrated as independent, yet this often masks exhaustion from constant negotiation and performance. Once a thrilling discovery, independence now carries immense pressure, demanding visible strength and early responsibility. This evolution highlights a generational truth: independence is expected early, learned through observing the sacrifices of others, and often met with criticism.

Senior US lawmakers emphasized India's central role in America's Indo-Pacific strategy, highlighting its importance for global stability and strong economic ties. They clarified that routine engagement with Pakistan does not signify a strategic shift, as India remains the primary focus for US investments and partnerships.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sees hopeful signs of de-escalation in Iran, citing reports of cancelled executions and a toned-down US military stance. He believes regional nations desire stability, suggesting a potential turning point despite limited information access. Meanwhile, Tharoor expressed skepticism about peace in Gaza, noting ongoing violence.

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) combine had framed the BMC polls as a battle to save the Marathi manoos and Mumbai, projecting the contest as both an assertion of regional pride and a referendum on the Thackeray legacy. The reunion of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray after nearly two decades was billed as an acid test for the Thackeray brand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Malda, West Bengal, advocating for asli poribortan and criticizing the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress. He highlighted BJP's recent poll victories in Bihar, Odisha, and Assam, stating these states have been freed from divisive politics. Modi expressed confidence in Bengal's urge for real change to achieve a developed India by 2047.

India's youth, comprising millennials and Gen Z, face distinct anxieties shaped by differing political, economic, and technological landscapes. While millennials fear instability after years of effort, Gen Z grapples with the prospect of never achieving stability. Both generations navigate concerns over job security, economic inequality, and climate change, highlighting a cautious outlook on their future.

Rahul Gandhi visited Indore to meet victims of a water contamination outbreak, offering condolences to families of the deceased and consoling the ill. He criticized the government's 'urban model,' highlighting the lack of clean drinking water and demanding accountability and compensation for affected families.

New Amrit Bharat Express trains: PM Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate four new Amrit Bharat Express services, expanding affordable long-distance rail connectivity and strengthening mobility and economic linkages across multiple states.

A Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, Phool Singh, has sparked controversy by seemingly justifying rape, linking it to religious scriptures. He claimed that seeing a beautiful woman could disturb a man, leading to rape. Singh also alleged that certain texts promise spiritual rewards for sexual acts with women from Dalit or tribal communities, even if they are not considered beautiful.

Vande Bharat sleeper launch today: PM Narendra Modi will flag off Indian Railways' first Vande Bharat sleeper train set today. The new air-conditioned train will run between Howrah and Kamakhya, providing a premium and faster overnight travel option.

Maharashtra civic polls saw controversial wins, including two relatives of jailed gangster Suryakant Andekar elected in Pune. In Jalna, Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder, secured a victory as an independent. These results have sparked significant public debate and criticism.

Ambassador of Italy to India, Antonio Bartoli, emphasised the eliable partnership between Rome and New Delhi and said it will be further enhanced by the conclusion of the European Union-Indian Free Trade Agreement.

Takes Control Of BMC For 1st Time, But Needs Shinde Sena For Majority

Akshaye Khanna's unforgettable portrayal of Rehman Dakait is reportedly making waves again in 'Dhurandhar 2', the sequel to Aditya Dhar's box-office sensation. Although his character seemed to meet a tragic end in the first installment, the filmmakers are devising innovative flashbacks and reshoots to revisit him. Read on to know more.