The Times of India
Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
The joint opposition is preparing to move a notice for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Rajya Sabha soon after the Lok Sabha addresses the notice against Speaker Om Birla. This move, spearheaded by TMC, stems from concerns over electoral roll reviews in West Bengal, with other INDIA bloc parties now reportedly on board.
The UPSC clarified that Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, secured rank 301 in the Civil Services Examination 2025, resolving confusion over two candidates with the same name claiming the same rank. The commission confirmed the successful candidate's details, including roll number and parentage, amidst reports of another Akanksha Singh from Bihar also claiming the rank.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals in Iran against approaching land border points for exit without prior coordination. The mission emphasized it cannot assist individuals stranded after leaving Iranian territory without entering a third country. This advisory follows the External Affairs Minister's statement on India's focus on dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate Middle East tensions.
A Delhi court has granted Sharjeel Imam 10-day interim bail in a 2020 Delhi riots case, months after the Supreme Court denied him regular bail. The Supreme Court had previously stated that long incarceration alone isn't enough for bail under UAPA, especially in cases affecting public order and national security.
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff. This happened due to sudden airspace restrictions. These restrictions are linked to the evolving situation in West Asia. IndiGo is working with authorities to resume the journey. The airline is also informing passengers about potential delays and diversions on other international routes.
Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor and K.C. Venugopal criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for delivering a statement on the West Asia conflict without allowing parliamentary debate. They emphasized the need for discussion on energy security and international law, urging the government to involve the opposition in its response to the escalating regional instability.
India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to ease Middle East tensions, with PM Modi closely monitoring the situation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted concerns for over a crore Indians residing in the Gulf and the region's importance for energy security. The conflict's escalation has led to significant disruption and the tragic loss of two Indian mariners.
Lineman Diwas was celebrated in Delhi to honor the dedication of linemen and ground staff. Around 250 participants attended the event. A safety pledge was administered. Ministers and officials acknowledged their vital role in maintaining uninterrupted power supply. Modern technologies and safety practices were discussed. Awards were given to high-performing discoms and linemen.
The entire 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor will soon be operational as its final 102-km stretch nears completion. This, along with the already functional Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, significantly boosts freight train speeds. Railways is now planning a new 2,150-km corridor connecting Dankuni to Surat, designed for faster, high-capacity bulk transport.
The issue reportedly arose after Mammootty expressed displeasure with CPMs Wayanad district secretary K Rafeeq standing close to him during the actors personal visit to the township on Saturday. According to reports, Mammootty, often considered a fellow traveller of the Marxist party, asked Rafeeq why he was standing near him and remarked that people might assume he had come there on behalf of the ruling party.
New Delhi [India], At a defining moment in India's clean energy transition, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0) at an inspiring 'Dinner of Hope' in New Delhi -- reimagining decentralized renewable energy as a catalyst for green livelihoods, women-led entrepreneurship, and measurable climate action.
Accused Monu Manesar, out on bail after two-and-a-half years, returned to his Gurugram village Sunday. Residents welcomed him with celebrations, drums, and garlands. Manesar, real name Mohit Yadav, faces charges in the 2023 killing of Junaid and Nasir, whose bodies were found in a burnt vehicle. He was released from Rajasthan jail after the High Court granted him bail.
Speaking from the central Kolkata sit-in platform, Banerjee responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis criticism earlier in the day, in which he accused the TMC government of insulting a woman tribal leader and the President of the country. In reply, Banerjee displayed an enlarged photograph showing the Prime Minister seated beside veteran BJP leader LK Advani while the President stood nearby.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress for allegedly mismanaging and boycotting an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu. Modi termed the actions an insult to the President, the Constitution, and democratic traditions, warning that the people of West Bengal would not forgive this perceived disrespect towards a tribal woman leader.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, has formally joined the JD(U). This development follows Nitish Kumar's decision to step down as CM, sparking speculation about his successor and potentially ushering in a new political era in Bihar. Nitish Kumar himself announced his intention to contest the Rajya Sabha elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings on International Women's Day, celebrating 'Nari Shakti's' pivotal role in India's progress. Both leaders lauded women's determination, creativity, and zeal, emphasizing their empowerment as central to national development and the creation of an inclusive, prosperous society where every woman can achieve her full potential.
A political storm erupted after West Bengal's last-minute venue change for the International Santhal Conclave, drawing public displeasure from President Murmu. She questioned the reasoning and highlighted the community's struggle for recognition, sparking a fierce exchange between the TMC and BJP over alleged politicization of tribal issues and disrespect to the President's office.

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