Bengal Polls See Strong Start with Over 62% Voter Turnout in First Six Hours

Kolkata — The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed a robust voter turnout, with polling reaching 62.18 per cent in the first six hours till 1 p.m. on Thursday.

According to data from the office of the Chief Electoral…

Pakistan Pulls Out of 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship Amid India Tensions

Lahore — Pakistan has officially withdrawn from the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship, citing ongoing political tensions with India, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed on Thursday.

The decision means the tournament,…

Strong early turnout in Bengal and Tamil Nadu as polling begins

Kolkata/Chennai: Voter participation got off to a steady start in both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with turnout recorded at 18.76% and 17.69% respectively by 9 a.m., according to the Election Commission of India.

Polling for the first phase…

US Tourist Alleges Assault in Karnataka; Accused and Homestay Owner Arrested

Bengaluru — Disturbing details have surfaced in a case involving the alleged sexual assault of an American tourist in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. Based on the survivor’s complaint, police say a man identified as Vrijesh Kumar allegedly…

Supreme Court Flags ‘Serious Threat to Democracy’ in I-PAC Raid Controversy

New Delhi — The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday made sharp oral observations over the alleged role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an ongoing probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stating that such conduct could…

Why South Asia Is Turning to India—Not China—During the Fuel Crunch

New Delhi — As tensions in the Middle East disrupt oil supplies and push global prices upward, countries across South Asia are increasingly looking toward India rather than China for immediate energy support. This trend is highlighted in a recent…

NHRC flags costly private textbooks, seeks strict enforcement of NCERT norms

New Delhi — The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Ministry of Education, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories over allegations that private schools…

Elephant Attacks in Jharkhand Kill Two; Herds Continue to Damage Crops and Villages

Ranchi — The threat from wild elephants continues across parts of Jharkhand, with two people killed in a fresh attack in Koderma, while herds also caused damage in the neighbouring Seraikela-Kharsawan district, officials said on Wednesday.

Thrissur Fireworks Tragedy Claims 13 Lives; Veteran Cracker Maker Retires After Close Escape

Thrissur — The death toll in the Munthathikkode fireworks accident in Thrissur has risen to 13, District Collector Shikha Surendran confirmed on Wednesday.

So far, seven bodies have been recovered, with only three victims identified.…

Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire Unilaterally Amid Stalled Talks

New York — Donald Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, just hours before it was set to expire, despite Tehran refusing to participate in a second round of negotiations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump…