The Times of India

Todays polling will largely be about the disenfranchisement under SIR of 27 lakh voters who had all proof of voting rights

For adolescents, who are already navigating intense physical and emotional changes, constant exposure to social media can be damaging

Prime Minister Modi urged voters in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to participate in the sacred duty of democracy as polling commenced for crucial Assembly elections. Appealing particularly to young voters and women, he emphasized the importance of their participation in this significant electoral exercise.

Bengal Accounts For 96% Of Value Of Liquor Seized

Party Believes Prospects Better This Time

Of the total 127.7-crore cash seizures, over 100 crore crore were in Tamil Nadu and Rs 27.5 crore in West Bengal. Around 39.3 lakh litres of liquor valued at Rs 102.5 crore was seized in West Bengal, as against 1.2 lakh litres worth Rs 3.8 crore in Tamil Nadu. The value of seizewd freebies was higher in Tamil Nadu at Rs 259 crore, as against Rs 178.8 crore in West Bengal.

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are set for high-stakes assembly elections on April 23, with intense campaigns by national and regional parties. Over Rs 1,000 crore in inducements have been seized, and central forces are deployed in West Bengal. Key contests include Nandigram and the DMK vs. AIADMK battle in Tamil Nadu, with superstar Vijay's new party adding a twist.

As one of the two Muslim women in the housealongside Trinamool Congress's Sajda AhmedChoudhary, who represents Kairana in western UP, said her scepticism about who this bill will actually reach is not theoretical.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress, using '#PAY2TMC' and 'Tolabazi' to accuse the party of cash-for-service politics and widespread corruption. He cited wall posters in Kolkata and alleged irregularities in recruitment and public distribution systems, claiming the state's youth and poor have been 'robbed blind' ahead of the assembly polls.

Pramod Kumar clinched the men's 21km (40-49) category at the Times Internet Half Marathon with a chip time of 1:19:26. Naresh Rawat secured second place at 1:20:27, while Einar Benediktsson finished as the second runner-up. The event celebrated dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of personal growth through running.

A political storm erupted in Gujarat as BJP MP Mitesh Patel allegedly threatened to withhold development grants from Anklav if voters elect Congress nominees. The opposition has filed a complaint with the State Election Commission, accusing the MP of voter intimidation and violating the Model Code of Conduct. The remarks were made during campaign rallies for upcoming local body polls.

The Supreme Court criticized Mamata Banerjee for allegedly interfering in an ED raid linked to I-PAC, deeming it a threat to democracy. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan of retaliation, and an Indian student's AI influencer targeting US conservatives was removed for fraud.

Iran has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz. One vessel was heading to Mundra port in Gujarat. This action escalates tensions in the vital oil chokepoint. The seizures follow recent incidents involving Indian-bound ships. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has taken custody of the vessels. Tensions remain high despite a ceasefire.

A Chennai-based dermatologist says he has had politicians knocking on his door from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

US Ambassador to India condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on its one-year anniversary, reaffirming Washington's support for India's fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute, vowing that India will never bow to terror. The attack led to Indian military operations targeting terror infrastructure.

A bench of Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria told the counsels arguing on behalf of the West Bengal administration which includes the CM Mamata Banerjee and other senior officials, that they may argue on abstract legal principles but the Court cannot shut its eye over the practical realities going on in the State.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan criticized Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's errorist remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting Kharge struggles to differentiate between concepts. This follows Kharge's controversial statement during the Tamil Nadu election campaign. A BJP delegation has urged the Election Commission to take strict action against Kharge, demanding an apology.

The BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a errorist. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that such language is unprecedented and demanded strict action and an apology from Kharge and the Congress party.

A year after a devastating terror attack claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam, the valley grapples with lingering fear and a fractured tourism economy. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military action, and extensive diplomatic efforts. While security has been bolstered, the region's recovery remains fragile, with businesses and residents still navigating the profound impact of the violence.

Mothabari in Bengal witnessed violence over SIR deletions. The crackdown thats followed has led many voters to flee the area