The Times of India

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.

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.