The Times of India

A defeat for LDF would also diminish the presence of CPM in its last major stronghold. The campaign narrative has also undergone notable shifts. Early phases were dominated by issues such as corruption allegations, economic concerns, backdoor appointments, the Sabarimala gold heist controversy, and rehabilitation concerns of Wayanad landslide victims, alongside scandals involving opposition leaders.

Exit polls for the Assam elections indicate a strong victory for the incumbent Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, projecting a third consecutive term. Most pollsters suggest the BJP will secure a comfortable majority, leaving the Congress campaign with limited gains and pushing the party further into vulnerability.

In an official statement, district attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr said the return highlighted the massive scale of trafficking networks that targeted Indias cultural heritage. He added that efforts to recover and repatriate stolen artefacts would continue.

Voters await exit polls as West Bengal concludes its Phase 2 elections. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Uttar Pradesh's longest Ganga Expressway. Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran regarding nuclear talks, and King Charles III emphasized democratic values and climate action during his US visit.

Krishna Pal triumphed in the under-29 10km at the Times Internet Half Marathon with a 34:00 chip time, inspired by a newspaper article. Rajesh secured second place at 35:40, while Mohit Sharma, a former school national qualifier, took third with 36:19. The event showcased emerging talent and athletic aspirations.

Prime Minister Modi lauded West Bengal's high voter turnout in the second phase of assembly elections, highlighting a fearless atmosphere. He expressed confidence in a BJP hat-trick of victories across five states, citing recent successes in Bihar and Gujarat. The results on May 4 are anticipated to bolster the resolve for a developed India.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a complete ban on single-use plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. The draft amendment mandates the use of paper, paperboard, or naturally derived materials, prohibiting plastics and aluminium foil. This move aims to curb plastic waste and aligns with existing state-level bans on these products.

The Supreme Court ruled that current laws adequately address hate speech, stating punishment is a legislative matter and no vacuum exists. However, it encouraged the government to assess if new legislation is needed due to changing social dynamics.

Congress slammed the Centre, accusing it of giving Pakistan a clean chit after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated terrorism lacks nationality or theology. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called this appeasement of the US and capitulation to China, questioning Pakistan's role in terror attacks. Singh's remarks were made at the SCO meet in Bishkek.

A concerning national analysis reveals nearly 7% of Indian school children are obese, with rates climbing nationwide. Researchers link this rise to processed foods, sedentary habits, and screen time. Experts warn of early onset of adult diseases like diabetes and heart issues, stressing the urgent need for dietary changes and increased physical activity to combat this growing public health crisis.

The National Medical Commission has removed key restrictions on MBBS seat expansion, eliminating the 150-seat cap per college and the 100 seats per 10 lakh population ratio. These policy shifts aim to increase medical education capacity to meet rising demand. Additionally, the distance norm for teaching hospitals has been revised to 10 km, with a relaxed limit for specific regions.

West Bengal's second phase of Assembly elections commenced amidst reports of violence, voter intimidation, and technical issues. Incidents were reported across Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged bias from observers and TMC party flags being removed, while the BJP reported an assault on a polling agent in Chapra.

Prime Minister Modi urged record voter turnout for West Bengal's Phase-2 elections, especially from women and youth. Voting commenced across 142 constituencies, a crucial phase for the TMC's dominance in southern districts against the BJP's challenge. Key contests include Bhabanipur, with extensive security and webcasting in place for 3.21 crore voters.

2-Year-Long Hunt Spanned Several Countries, Involved Int'l Agencies

West Bengal's final assembly polls are underway with an unprecedented security deployment across 142 constituencies. Over 2.3 lakh central forces and state police are on duty, alongside observers and NIA teams, to ensure a fear-free and fair election. A significant crackdown has led to over 800 arrests and preventive detentions, targeting potential troublemakers in sensitive zones.

Supreme Court-mandated tribunals restored voting rights for 1,468 people in West Bengal before the second phase of polls, bringing the total reinstatements to 1,607. This follows the deletion of 27 lakh voters under the logical discrepancy clause, with scrutiny intensifying due to a high restoration-to-deletion ratio.

A nearly 90-year-old woman and her daughter have had their defamation suit against housing society committee members adjourned until 2046 by the Bombay High Court.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek. The two leaders discussed regional and global security, including developments in West Asia, amidst ongoing efforts to rebuild ties after the 2020 LAC standoff. Singh also held discussions on bilateral defence cooperation with his Russian counterpart.

Iltija Mufti, a PDP leader, protested the government's plan to remove Urdu knowledge as a requirement for Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Service jobs. She stated this move attacks the region's linguistic heritage. Mufti argued Urdu connects communities and is a repository of knowledge. She questioned the government's priorities and vowed to resist the changes.

Swami Jnananandas life traces a rare journey from years of meditation in the Himalayas to advanced research in nuclear physics across Europe, the UK, and the US. Returning to India, he established a key physics department at Andhra University, blending scientific rigour with a philosophical outlook shaped by spirituality.

Children's actions often misinterpreted as misbehavior are actually forms of communication due to their limited vocabulary. Overwhelm, big emotions, and developing brains can lead to behaviors like avoiding tasks, throwing objects, not listening, and meltdowns. Understanding these underlying feelings and responding with empathy and clear boundaries helps children express themselves better.

Introducing sugar and salt to babies under one year old is strongly discouraged by health experts. This is to protect their developing organs, prevent tooth decay, and shape healthy taste preferences. Focus on natural food flavors, offering plain fruits, vegetables, and grains instead of processed, salty, or sugary options. The advice emphasizes a simple, fresh approach to infant nutrition.

Mirzapur: The Film is easily among the most anticipated projects of the year, and the excitement has only intensified with Divyenndu Sharma returning as Munna Bhaiya. With fans closely tracking every update, the actor has now shared a glimpse of whats in storeand it sounds massive.

Banknotes serve as a canvas for national identity, history, and lineage. Increasingly, countries are featuring female pioneers, artists, and leaders on their currency. Nations like Australia, England, Canada, Mexico, and Samoa are recognizing the significant contributions of women by placing them on their banknotes, reflecting a commitment to gender parity and diverse representation.

According to police officials, the accused approached the guards stationed at an under-construction building near Wockhardt Hospital in the early hours of Monday, around 4.00 am. He reportedly asked them to recite the Kalma, an important Islamic declaration of faith, before launching the attack. Police moved swiftly after the attack, scanning CCTV footage from the area to trace the suspect. Ansari was tracked down and apprehended within roughly 90 minutes. He was later taken to Naya Nagar Police