The Times of India

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on Donald Trump's derogatory remarks about India. Kharge questioned Modi's stance, highlighting India's contributions to the US and alleging that the government has failed to protect national interests in past dealings with the US.

The absence of joint rallies between Rahul Gandhi and alliance partners like MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu raises concerns about Congress's coalition strategy. This visual gap fuels speculation and opposition attacks, contrasting with proactive alliance building seen from other INDIA bloc leaders like Arvind Kejriwal.

Autopsy findings in the rape and murder of an IRS officer's daughter reveal multiple injuries indicating a violent struggle. The 22-year-old victim sustained abrasions, contusions, and a nasal bone fracture. The accused, a domestic help, allegedly used a spare key to enter the apartment and assaulted her before fleeing with valuables.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has responded to an Election Commission notice regarding his errorist remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge stated his party would reply to the EC's ultimatum, which warned of action if he failed to explain his stand within 24 hours. The controversial comment was made during campaigning in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu witnessed brisk voting across 234 constituencies, with high-profile leaders, celebrities, and first-time voters participating in large numbers. Actor Vijay's TVK sought extended polling hours due to delays, while a robot greeted voters at a Chennai booth. The election sees a three-way contest between DMK, AIADMK, and TVK.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalized in a stone-pelting incident in Asansol after she exited a polling booth. Paul alleged a deliberate attempt to influence the elections and filed a complaint. Contesting from Asansol South, she expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, calling the election a 'war to save Bengal' focused on jobs and development.

West Bengal's first phase of assembly elections saw violence, voter intimidation, and EVM glitches. Crude bombs were hurled, clashes erupted between party workers, and a BJP candidate was allegedly attacked. Several polling stations experienced delays due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines, disrupting the electoral process across multiple districts.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a case on gender discrimination in temples, cautioned against relying on information from 'WhatsApp University.' A nine-judge bench, led by the Chief Justice, emphasized that while eminent authors' views are respected, personal opinions are not sufficient for judicial decisions. The court acknowledged the difficulty in defining essential religious practices.

Prime Minister Modi playfully responded to opposition criticism about his unscheduled jhalmuri stop in West Bengal, stating the state will celebrate BJP's victory with sweets and the popular snack. He suggested the TMC felt the heat of chillies from his brief break, while the TMC accused him of staging a scripted drama and humiliating an Adivasi leader.

Military doctors may soon practice across India with a single state registration, thanks to draft National Medical Commission regulations. This aims to eliminate administrative hurdles for frequently transferred Armed Forces Medical Services personnel. Additional qualifications will be valid nationwide during service, and licenses won't lapse due to renewal delays, ensuring seamless care for soldiers and their families.

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.