92.6% turnout in Phase 2 takes Bengal total to record 92.9%

West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout of 92.9% across two phases, surpassing previous records and nearing India’s highest. This surge, particularly in Kolkata, is attributed to voter roll corrections and enhanced security. Despite a reduced electorate, more votes were cast, with women outvoting men. Officials are investigating complaints of…

View More 92.6% turnout in Phase 2 takes Bengal total to record 92.9%

Poll of exit polls 2026: Bengal cliffhanger, Congress in Kerala; status quo in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry – predictions decoded

Exit polls released on Wednesday after the conclusion of voting across four states and one Union Territory (UT) offered an indecisive picture, where entrenched incumbencies, rising challengers and new entrants are simultaneously may shape electoral outcomes if the exit polls numbers hold. With results scheduled for May 4, the projections…

View More Poll of exit polls 2026: Bengal cliffhanger, Congress in Kerala; status quo in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry – predictions decoded

West Bengal logs record 91.66% turnout in phase 2, sporadic violence reported across districts

West Bengal witnessed a record voter turnout exceeding 91% in the second phase of assembly elections, contributing to an overall 92.47% across two phases, the highest since Independence. Despite high participation, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from various locations, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports and…

View More West Bengal logs record 91.66% turnout in phase 2, sporadic violence reported across districts

Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: Kejriwal breakthrough or Prashant Kishor’s ‘farsh’ moment — what will it be for Vijay?

Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor’s Bihar debut….

View More Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: Kejriwal breakthrough or Prashant Kishor’s ‘farsh’ moment — what will it be for Vijay?

Puducherry exit polls 2026: NDA likely to retain power; Congress, TVK lag in fragmented fight

Puducherry’s 2026 elections saw a massive 89.83% voter turnout, with exit polls suggesting a tight race. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC-BJP, appears to have a slight edge over the Congress-DMK alliance. A new force, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has also made its presence felt in several key constituencies, potentially fragmenting…

View More Puducherry exit polls 2026: NDA likely to retain power; Congress, TVK lag in fragmented fight

Kerala exit polls 2026: UDF predicted to win coastal state in neck-and-neck contest with LDF

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,…

View More Kerala exit polls 2026: UDF predicted to win coastal state in neck-and-neck contest with LDF

Evening news wrap: Exit polls today for 4 states, 1 UT; Trump’s fresh warning to Iran & more

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. …

View More Evening news wrap: Exit polls today for 4 states, 1 UT; Trump’s fresh warning to Iran & more

West Bengal polls: Bhowanipore feels the heat as Mamata and Suvendu take on each other

Bhabanipur witnessed high-voltage drama as Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari traded barbs amid polling. Mamata accused the BJP of rigging, while Suvendu dismissed her claims as frustration. Tensions flared at a polling booth, requiring intervention by security forces. This phase is crucial for both TMC’s stronghold and BJP’s challenge in…

View More West Bengal polls: Bhowanipore feels the heat as Mamata and Suvendu take on each other

Young talent shines: Under-29 10K (male) category delivers strong performances at Times Internet Half Marathon

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. …

View More Young talent shines: Under-29 10K (male) category delivers strong performances at Times Internet Half Marathon

‘Historic hat-trick of victories’: PM Modi hails ‘fearless voting in Bengal’

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…

View More ‘Historic hat-trick of victories’: PM Modi hails ‘fearless voting in Bengal’

FSSAI proposes plastic-free packaging for pan masala, gutka

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…

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‘No vacuum in law to deal with the offence’ — What Supreme Court said on hate speeches

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. …

View More ‘No vacuum in law to deal with the offence’ — What Supreme Court said on hate speeches

1 in 14 school children obese in India; north tops chart

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…

View More 1 in 14 school children obese in India; north tops chart

‘Gave clean chit to Pakistan’: Congress calls Rajnath’s SCO meet statement ‘anti-national’

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…

View More ‘Gave clean chit to Pakistan’: Congress calls Rajnath’s SCO meet statement ‘anti-national’

TMC worker attacked, BJP booth vandalised; Bengal votes amid incidents of violence in Phase 2 – top developments

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…

View More TMC worker attacked, BJP booth vandalised; Bengal votes amid incidents of violence in Phase 2 – top developments