National News

Rajya Sabha nominations have set the stage for political contests in Bihar and Odisha, with new alignments tested. While Maharashtra's NCP factions remain divided, the BJP-led NDA is strategically nominating diverse candidates to broaden its social coalition.

The Supreme Court has taken the unprecedented step of transferring three petitions from the Allahabad High Court to itself, citing a six-year delay in delivering a verdict on a 1994 criminal case. This intervention, aimed at ensuring speedy justice, highlights concerns over the High Court's prolonged inaction, which has also kept the trial stayed.

The DMK has managed to keep a major alliance partner happy

A significant gubernatorial reshuffle has seen R N Ravi appointed as West Bengal's new governor, replacing C V Ananda Bose. This move, occurring just before state elections, has drawn sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Taranjit Singh Sandhu is set to become the new L-G of Delhi, among other key appointments across various states and Union Territories.

The Supreme Court has strongly condemned government authorities and litigants for routinely defying court orders and resorting to delayed appeals when facing contempt. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan emphasized that such practices erode public faith in the judiciary, urging strict action against disobedient parties, especially state entities, to uphold the rule of law.

The BJP has strongly refuted claims blaming India for a US strike on an Iranian naval vessel, emphasizing the incident occurred in international waters far from Indian jurisdiction. Party leader Amit Malviya stated that geographical proximity does not equate to control or accountability under international maritime law, dismissing attempts to involve India as factually incorrect and politically motivated speculation.

Mr. Ravi’s transfer was announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in an X post; Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will discharge functions of Governor of Tamil Nadu.

West Asian conflict is causing airlines, especially Indian ones, significant operational challenges and fare hikes due to Pakistan airspace closure. Air India seeks approval for a new Central Asia route to bypass war zones and mitigate rising costs, including soaring insurance premiums and fuel prices. This crisis is leading to a demand-supply mismatch, drastically increasing ticket prices for passengers.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the "conflict" and the sinking of an Iranian warship. They accused the government of "surrendering strategic sovereignty" and "undoing" India's foreign policy, particularly concerning oil imports and the safety of Indian citizens in the Gulf region.

India and Finland emphasized that ending the Russia-Ukraine war is crucial for global stability and called for UN reform. Both nations agreed to support a just peace in Ukraine through diplomacy. A new Migration and Mobility Agreement was signed, fostering cooperation in technology, defense, and critical minerals, strengthening bilateral ties and global supply chains.

Complaints of lapses in the famed public health system of Kerala hog the headlines as the State braces for Assembly polls. C. Maya finds out what is ailing the health sector of the State

A Srinagar court has rejected the Enforcement Directorate's bid to add charges against Dr. Farooq Abdullah and others in the JKCA scam. While the ED cannot join the existing CBI case, the court found prima facie evidence of criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.

The 53-year-old is one of the secretaries of the All India Congress Committee, and had been in charge of northeastern States such as Manipur and Nagaland

Jammu and Kashmir authorities are coordinating with the Centre to bring back students, primarily medical students, stranded in Iran. Officials are facilitating peaceful expressions of condolences while urging against exploiting the situation. Internet services have been restricted in Kashmir ahead of planned protests. Efforts are underway to evacuate students to safer locations within Iran before flying them home.