Times of India

The Election Commission will retain 500 companies of central armed police forces in Bengal for post-poll law and order duties until further notice. This decision comes in light of the state's history of post-poll violence, with an additional 200 companies to remain until counting concludes to secure EVMs and counting centers.

Pune witnessed widespread commuter inconvenience as 97 PMPML buses broke down during sudden heavy showers. Officials admitted unpreparedness, citing unexpected intensity and a focus on summer maintenance. Passengers faced significant hardship with stalled buses and long waits for alternative transport, raising concerns about the transport body's monsoon readiness.

After Raghav Chadha's ousting as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, AAP leaders launched an intense critique, branding him as overly focused on superficial publicity while neglecting critical party ideologies. His peers challenged his muted stance on urgent political affairs and his conspicuous lack of presence at protests, suggesting a possible intimidation by PM Modi.

In a dramatic turn of events, Iran has intensified confrontations by bringing down a US A-10 Warthog over the vital Strait of Hormuz, following a prior F-15 incident. President Trump labeled the escalating scenario as 'war,' although he reassured that it would not alter the course of negotiations in progress.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is currently in the midst of a war and emphasized that the downing of two American jets would not impact ongoing or future negotiations with Iran. Speaking about the US-led search and rescue operations in Iran following the incidents, Trump declined to provide details, citing the sensitivity and intensity of the mission. He expressed frustration over some media coverage of the situation, describing it as misrepresenting the efforts of US personnel involved.

A 35-year-old man, Rahul Chaudhary, was shot five times outside a dhaba in Modinagar. He was on bail for an extortion case. Despite severe injuries, Chaudhary drove himself to a hospital. CCTV footage shows assailants opening fire at his SUV. Police have registered a case and formed teams to apprehend the accused. Investigations are ongoing to identify all involved parties.

Former BJP state president K Annamalai has been summoned to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai after not being included in the party's candidate list for Tamil Nadu. While the party states he chose to campaign statewide, his absence from the ballot sparks debate within BJP circles regarding its impact on voter mobilization and alliance dynamics.

In a shocking turn of events on the Dekargaon–Murkongselek Express in Assam's Lakhimpur district, a father has now been accused of committing an unimaginable act—his six-year-old daughter Sumi was allegedly beheaded with a machete. Fellow passengers reported feeling uneasy about the father's erratic behavior before this tragic and horrific incident unfolded.

A delivery worker allegedly stabbed a minor neighbor multiple times in East Delhi before dying in a suspected cylinder blast at his residence. Police are investigating the stabbing and the subsequent blast, which occurred shortly after the attack. The critically injured girl remains in hospital, while the man was declared brought dead.

Big Tech firms like Amazon, Meta, and Google are drastically cutting H-1B visa petitions, signaling a major hiring slowdown. This decline, driven by stricter immigration policies and widespread tech layoffs, reflects a significant shift in demand for skilled foreign workers. While some companies see sharp drops, Nvidia remains an exception, boosting its filings.

Iran's Parliament Speaker mocked the US after an F-15E fighter jet crashed over Iran, questioning the Pentagon's claims of air superiority. The fate of the two-member crew is unknown, with US teams reportedly scrambling for a rescue. This incident follows a series of US aircraft losses amid escalating regional tensions and threats against Iran.

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan's Jurm jolted Delhi-NCR and northern India on Friday evening. Residents across Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, and surrounding areas felt the tremors and evacuated their homes. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported thus far in this developing situation.

A bizarre moment in the IPL 2026 match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings saw Ayush Mhatre’s bat fail multiple checks due to an upside-down gauge. After confusion and delays, the error was fixed and his original bat passed. The incident, though harmless, became a widely discussed and humorous highlight of the match.

Kerala braces for a complex election as chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeks a rare third term. The traditional LDF-UDF rivalry faces a new challenge from the BJP's expanding footprint. With victories often decided by thousands of votes, this election hinges on micro-shifts and local dynamics, promising a tight, multi-layered contest.