Rajya Saba polls: Election commission annocunces date for Upper House elections
Polling for the Rajya Sabha elections will take between 9 am and 4 pm, with counting scheduled to begin at 5 pm the same day. The Election Commission said the entire poll process will conclude by June 20. The Commission clarified that voters will be allowed to use only the integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer for marking preferences on ballot papers. Use of any other pen during voting will not be permitted.
DMK's 'bent coconut tree' jibe draws retort from VCK; Stalin says 'don't be harsh'
The DMK's sarcastic comment about the VCK and IUML joining the TVK government has ignited a political spat. VCK leaders have strongly refuted the remarks, asserting their independent growth. DMK chief M K Stalin has intervened, appealing to party members to refrain from using hurtful language. Both VCK and IUML have clarified their support for the TVK government.
Centre brings pregabalin under Schedule H1 to prevent amid misuse concerns
Union Health Ministry cites misuse among youth and illegal sale of the medicine.
Bhojshala case: Muslims to offer namaz at homes in Dhar on first Friday after HC order
Muslims in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, will offer Friday prayers at home and wear black bands. This follows a court ruling on the Bhojshala complex. Markets run by Muslims will also be closed. Security is heightened at the site. Hindu groups plan prayers and a procession. Authorities are implementing court orders and urging peace.
West Bengal makes Vande Mataram compulsory in schools and madrasas
The West Bengal government has made singing of Vande Mataram compulsory during assembly prayers in all schools and madrasas receiving government support
How BJP converted a modest vote edge into a Bengal landslide
PMK urges Centre to reject Karnataka's Mekedatu dam DPR
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Centre to reject Karnatakas Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Mekedatu dam, asserting that Tamil Nadu has every right to oppose the project. He warned that the dam could adversely affect irrigation and drinking water supplies for millions of people in Tamil Nadu. Ramadoss also dismissed Karnatakas claims regarding Supreme Court rulings on the project, alleging that such assertions are misleading and contrary to the state's interests.
SC to hear plea against CBSE's three-language mandate for Class 9 next week
Petition challenges CBSEs new policy that has made study of three languages, including at least two native Indian language, compulsory from July 1.
Bengal: Fresh ED raids in 'land grabbing' case against Sona Pappu, ex-Kolkata Police DCP
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting fresh searches across West Bengal. These raids are part of a money laundering investigation. The probe is linked to former Kolkata Police DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas and alleged criminal Biswajit Poddar. Several premises are being searched, including those of associates and relatives. Documents and financial records are under examination.
Congress criticizes NTA officials' claims of no NEET exam leak, calling it a cover-up and accusing the government of collusion with paper leak mafias. The party highlights a 'guess paper' circulating before the exam and links the 2026 scandal to previous irregularities, demanding accountability from top leadership.
Who gets what in Vijays Tamil Nadu Cabinet as Congress, VCK, IUML join power table
Tamil Nadu's political landscape has shifted with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay forming a 35-member coalition ministry. This new government includes Congress, IUML, and VCK, marking a departure from the state's traditional two-party order. Vijay retains key portfolios, emphasizing control over administration and law and order.
Amid West Asia conflict, shortage of bitumen set to impact construction, maintenance of roads
India is grappling with a severe shortage of bitumen, threatening the pace of road construction and upkeep amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. Prices for key VG-40 bitumen have skyrocketed, nearly doubling, while available supplies have plummeted.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has raised concerns over the digital activist Abhijeet Dipke, highlighting the controversial 'Cockroach Janta Party' online trend. Dubey alleges that there may be ties between Dipke and the Aam Aadmi Party, particularly questioning the funding behind Dipke's trip to Boston and hinting at potential foreign influences.
Parents of 'Cockroach Janta Party' founder Abhijeet Dipke express deep anxiety over his viral political satire platform, fearing legal trouble and arrest. Dipke, a Boston University student, launched the campaign a week ago, amassing millions of followers. His parents urge him to abandon politics for a safer career, citing his own expressed fears of detention upon returning to India.
Heatwave grips Tamil Nadu, Chennai hits 420C
A bulletin of Regional Meteorological Centre on Friday here said heat wave conditions are expected to prevail over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till Saturday.
VCK and IUML MLAs inducted as ministers in the TVK government
This takes the size of the Vijays ministry to 35
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan elected Kerala Assembly Speaker
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been elected Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. He secured 101 votes. A C Moideen received 35 votes and B B Gopakumar got 3 votes. The Congress-led UDF holds a majority in the 140-seat Assembly. The opposition fronts announced their nominees earlier.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday expressed his frustration over the South Block's agenda being disseminated from Washington's podiums after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio bypassed traditional diplomatic protocol, confirming the state visit of the Venezuelan President to India before a formal announcement could be issued by either capital.
EC Announces Rajya Sabha Polls For 24 Seats On June 18
NEW DELHI, May 22: The Election Commission on Friday announced polls for 24 Rajya Sabha seats on June 18. In a statement, the EC said the elections for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held in 10 states where the incumbents are retiring on different dates beginning June 21 to July 19. The Rajya Sabha elections will be held in four seats each in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka, three seats each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two seats in [] The post EC Announces Rajya Sabha Polls For 24 Seats On June 18 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tamil Nadu cabinet expansion: CM Vijay inducts VCK, IUML MLAs as ministers
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expanded his cabinet, inducting Vanni Arasu from VCK and AM Shahjahan from IUML. This move strengthens coalition representation, bringing the total number of ministers to 33. The expansion follows a recent reshuffle, with key portfolios like Finance and Revenue reassigned.
Tamil Nadu Cabinet expansion: Shahjahan, Vanni Arasu sworn in as ministers
AM Shahjahan of IUML and Vanni Arasu of VCK were sworn in as ministers by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was present as the two legislators took their oath of office and secrecy. Their induction brings the total cabinet strength to 35, the constitutional maximum.
Red alert issued as heatwave sweeps UP
A red alert calls for immediate action as severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue for more than two days and pose a serious risk to public health
Govt plans childhood cancer registry as India battles 75,000 new cases a year
'$500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030': US envoy Sergio Gor hints at trade pact with India
In a strategic move, the US is pushing to wrap up a trade deal with India that seeks to expand market access and lower trade obstacles, aiming for a remarkable $500 billion in trade by 2030. This agreement is set to bolster supply chain resiliency and attract foreign investments.
Assam, Odisha, UP and Bihar lead solar wave as rooftop boom outpaces Indias grid readiness
PM Surya Ghar installations cross 31 lakh, but ageing grids, DISCOM delays and transformer stress threaten Indias next rooftop solar growth phase
Political banter finds its way into legal arguments in SC
'Vande Mataram' from top of the world: BSF's first all-women team conquers Everest
Govt weighing steps to check current account deficit: Piyush Goyal
Will remove vendors, move in-house: NTA
Bitumen crisis due to Iran war to hit road work
Kerala to scrap 23 land act, set up vigilance panel headed by judge
Ebola outbreak forces India to put off Africa summit
45 warships will be delivered in 3-4 yrs, nod given for 195 more naval vessels: Vice Admiral
AI planes tail scrapes runway while going around at Bengaluru
Muslim side in SC, challenges high court's Bhojshala order
Peak crush: 274 summit Everest in single day
Metamorphosis: Cockroach grows into giant on social media
Noida plot decree pending for 40 years
NEET paper leak row: CBI grills doctor, teacher, parlour owner
SC: Even PMLA accused has a right to be heard
HC to CBI: Set up SIT to probe RG Kar probe lapses & 'hush-up' bid
CBDT detects very rich farmers without land
Bengal minister: No ban on cattle slaughter, follow existing rules
Council of Ministers meeting: PM signals fresh reform push, focus on ease of living
'Suspicious act' led to Howrah train fire, shows CCTV footage
No rationing of fuel, bulk consumers leading to long queues: Govt
Congress' UP script sees SP's 'limits' & 'restive' Maya base
Congress is crafting a strategy for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. The party aims to reach voters beyond Samajwadi Party's reach. Rahul Gandhi will lead the campaign. Congress sees an opportunity with a shifting Dalit electorate. They believe the ruling BJP faces incumbency issues. Congress is also targeting non-Yadav OBCs and EBCs.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay expands cabinet by inducting 23 more ministers, Congress joins govt
The newly expanded Cabinet also includes four women ministers. Governor Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a ceremony held at the Lok Bhavan on Thursday morning. Leaders of alliance parties supporting the government were present on the occasion.
West Bengal makes Vande Mataram mandatory in madrasa prayers
The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' in all madrasas. This directive applies to government, aided, and recognized madrasas across the state. The order takes immediate effect. This follows a similar mandate for singing the national song in all schools. The singing will occur during assembly prayers before classes begin.
After opposition attack, BJP lists gains from PM's tour
BJP asserts Prime Minister Modi's recent foreign visits have boosted India's global standing as a trusted partner and investment destination. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted significant investment commitments from the UAE and other outcomes, while defending the PM against opposition criticism regarding economic challenges and the West Asia crisis.
Calcutta HC gives interim protection to Trinamool Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee
The single-judge bench also rejected Banerjee's plea for scrapping the FIR filed against him last week. The court directs the concerned police authority not to take any coercive step against the petitioner till July 31, 2026, or until further order, whichever is earlier, the high court order said.
Wangchuk set to join Ladakh talks today
Even before 1st industry PSLV flies, IN-SPACe offers full PSLV tech transfer
India's space regulator is offering full technology transfer for the reliable PSLV rocket to private firms, aiming to boost commercial launches. This follows a similar move for the SSLV. Despite delays in the first industry-built PSLV and SSLV, the government seeks an industry-driven launch ecosystem, signaling a major shift from ISRO's production model.
West Bengal govt to track illegal Bangladeshi immigrant deportations, streamline process
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government will monitor data of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants being deported. Those apprehended, outside the CAA ambit, will be directly sent to BSF border outposts for deportation, bypassing jails and courts. Instructions have been issued to police and RPF to arrest and hand over such individuals to the BSF.
Ranjeet Kumar Dass elected Assam Assembly Speaker unanimously
Ranjeet Kumar Dass has been unanimously elected Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly for a second consecutive term. This marks a historic achievement in the state. Meanwhile, the assembly witnessed an unexpected moment when a Trinamool Congress MLA raised a slogan for Mamata Banerjee. The slogan was later expunged from the proceedings.
86.11% voter turnout recorded in re-polling at West Bengal's Falta constituency
Voters turned out in large numbers for the Falta Assembly constituency re-poll in South 24 Parganas district. The polling concluded peacefully with an 86.11% turnout by 5 pm. Central forces ensured security across all 285 booths. The Election Commission ordered the re-poll following complaints of malpractices during the initial election on April 29.
Rahul Gandhi files revision petition in defamation case in Sultanpur
Rahul Gandhi has filed a revision petition in a sessions court against a lower court's order in a defamation case. The petition challenges the rejection of the complainant's plea to collect evidence. The sessions court will hear the plea on May 30. The original defamation case, filed in 2018, will have its next hearing on June 17.
BJP counters Opposition, experts on PM Modi's five-nation tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent foreign visits have bolstered India's global standing. The BJP highlighted significant investments secured from the UAE in key sectors. These visits underscore India's role as a trusted partner and a preferred investment destination. The government emphasized proactive measures to address global economic challenges.
NEET paper leak: MPs grill NTA officials, DG says 'was not leaked through system'
NTA chief Abhishek Singh told a parliamentary panel the NEET-UG 2026 paper didn't leak through their system, with the CBI now investigating. Officials presented reforms, noting 70% of Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations are implemented. Concerns over staff shortages and future computer-based testing were also raised during the meeting.
Pulwama terror attack wanted Hamza Burhan shot dead in PoK
Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir like several other terrorists and ISI agents in the past
'Forced to convert and marry': 23-year-old woman accuses man she met online abuse over years
The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government's restrictions on slaughtering certain animals ahead of Bakr Eid. The court found the notification aligned with previous directives, emphasizing that cow sacrifice isn't a mandatory Islamic practice. Authorities must now decide on exemptions within 24 hours, ensuring proper certification and infrastructure for any permitted slaughter.
Umar Khalid has approached the Delhi High Court seeking 15 days' interim bail to attend his uncle's Chehlum ceremony and care for his mother undergoing surgery. A trial court had previously denied his request, deeming the ceremony ot that necessary and suggesting other family members could assist.
Modi making reels in Italy, while our youth tormented by paper leaks: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the NEET-UG exam paper leak. Gandhi stated that the Prime Minister has not taken responsibility nor removed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress leader vowed to continue protests until Pradhan resigns and a secure system to prevent paper leaks is established.
PM Modi-Meloni chemistry: How Italy became the heart of India's Europe bet
India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.
Don't take Bangladeshi infiltrators to courts, send them to BSF instead: Suvendu to Bengal police
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has introduced a new policy. Detained Bangladeshi infiltrators will now be directly handed over to the Border Security Force for deportation. This bypasses the court system. The Chief Minister also reviewed civic infrastructure and development plans for Howrah city. He expressed hope for completing delimitation exercises and forming elected boards by year-end.
RRP Defense bags 29.8 crore BEL order for high-precision germanium lenses
The company said it has also got a contract from a friendly neighbouring country to export 100 drones along with electro-optical systems for $20 million
Three trademark applications filed to register Cockroach Janata Party, official records show
Three trademark applications were filed for the name 'Cockroach Janata Party'. This development follows the satire social media handle's rapid growth. The account has now surpassed the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party's Instagram follower count. It quickly gained millions of followers, reaching over 16 million by May 21.
Telangana CM clarifies POCSO accused Bandi Bageerath was arrested
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has affirmed that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case accused Bandi Bageerath was taken into custody at Appa Junction during a vehicle search by police Rejecting Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjays claim that he made his son Bageerath surrender before the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
KCR appoints constituency in-charges for BRS membership drive
Hyderabad: In a major push to revive the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) after its defeat in the 2023 Telangana elections, the partys chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has announced in-charges for all 119 Assembly constituencies for digital membership registration. Digital training will be provided to the newly appointed in-charges at Telangana Bhavan through IT experts. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
International Tea Day 2026: The storm brewing inside Indias favourite cup
India's beloved chai faces unprecedented challenges. Climate stress, rising costs, and global conflicts are impacting tea production and exports, making your daily cup more expensive. Despite these pressures, the nation's deep emotional connection to tea, a symbol of hospitality and connection, ensures its enduring cultural significance.
Delhi riots 2020: HC grants bail to Salim Malik in UAPA case
The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Salim Malik, who faced serious allegations under the UAPA linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. Described as a key player attributed to the riots, Malik's release comes after the court took into account the bail statuses of other co-accused individuals.
US investments in India top $60 billion in 6 months, says Piyush Goyal ahead of Rubios visit
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Goyal framed this massive capital influx as a testament to the surging economic momentum between the two nations
West Bengal govt bars employees from sharing official information with media sans prior sanction
West Bengal government has reissued some rules for its employees. These rules prohibit sharing official information with the media without permission. Employees are also barred from publicly criticising state and central government policies.
'Congress insults tricolour abroad': Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi's 'gaddar' jab at PM Modi
Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal emphasized India's enhanced global reputation and robust strategic partnerships, citing strong ties with the US and significant investment deals secured during Prime Minister Modi's recent foreign visits. These engagements underscore India's growing influence and trusted partnership status worldwide.
Haryana SIR: Over 20,000 BLOs to conduct door-to-door verification of voter information
Haryana is set to undertake a comprehensive voter list revision. Over 20,000 booth-level officers will conduct door-to-door verification from June 15 to July 14. This Special Intensive Revision aims for pure and accurate electoral rolls. Political parties are urged to appoint booth-level agents to assist. The final electoral roll will be published on September 22.
Telangana hikes minimum wages for 1.11 crore workers, new rates from June 1
Hyderabad:Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday, May 21, announced a major revision of minimum wages benefiting 1.11 crore workers across Telangana, with the new rates taking effect from June 1 this year. Addressing a press conference, Reddy said the revision was based on recommendations of a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Viral Cockroach Janta Party's X account withheld in India
'Time will answer': DK Shivakumar on Karnataka CM buzz amid leadership change speculation
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that ime will decide his potential elevation to Chief Minister, amidst growing speculation of a leadership change in the state's Congress government. This comes as the Siddaramaiah-led government approaches a significant milestone, fueling discussions about a possible power-sharing arrangement.
Pulwama mastermind Hamza Burhan killed by unknown gunmen in PoK
Tamil Nadu sets up dedicated ministry for Artificial Intelligence
TVK legislator R Kumar, who won from Velachery Assembly constituency, was administered the oath as minister by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar here on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
70 trips to Delhi, not a single one to procurement centres: KTR jabs Revanth
Hyderabad: In a strongly worded letter to the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday, May 21, took a jibe saying the former made 70 trips to Delhi to protect his political career but could not find the time to visit a single procurement center Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Opinion: The day I learned my heart medicine was useless for me
Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict recognizing Dhar's Bhojshala complex as Goddess Vagdevi's temple, Hindu petitioners have filed new pleas. They are demanding free entry for devotees, further excavation, and the opening of a locked room, asserting the court's order necessitates unrestricted access and removal of 'unauthorised Islamic symbols'.
Abhishek Banerjee slams Bengal govts gag order, says BJP is 'choking fundamental rights'
The notification, issued by the states Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department on Wednesday night and signed by chief secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, said the restrictions are in line with provisions under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the West Bengal Service (Duties, Rights and Obligations of Government Employees) Rules, 1980, and the West Bengal Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1959.
Telangana CM demands Centre to pass womens reservation bill
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday, May 21, demanded that the Centre convene a special session of parliament and introduce womens reservation bill. He cited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who provided quota for women in local bodies. Speaking after paying tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at his statue outside the Secretariat here Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Thane court acquits MNS chief Raj Thackeray in 2008 railway exam assault case
Thane court has acquitted all accused, including MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in a 2008 case. The charges related to an alleged assault on Railway Recruitment Board examinees at Kalyan railway station. Defence arguments highlighted a lack of evidence linking Thackeray to the incident. Prosecution witnesses could not identify the accused.
Cockroach Janata Party account blocked on X but bigger than BJP on Instagram
The Cockroach Janata Partys (CJP) X account was withheld in India on Thursday, May 21, a move its founder Abhijeet Dipke said he saw coming. As expected, Cockroach Janta Partys account has been withheld in India, he posted on X, sharing a screenshot of the blocked page. He followed it up with two words: Own Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tamil Nadu cabinet expansion: 23 MLAs inducted into Vijay government - who gets what
As part of the reshuffle, Vijay retained the Poverty Alleviation portfolio and reassigned the Women Welfare department, previously held by him, to newly inducted minister K Jegadeshwari. Congress leaders S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan have been allotted the Tourism and Higher Education portfolios, respectively. Another TVK minister, Mohamed Farvas, has been allocated the Labour Welfare and Skill Development portfolio.
