Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to posthumously award the Bharat Ratna to Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram. Gandhi highlighted Kanshi Ram's significant role in social justice and empowering marginalized communities. This call follows consistent demands from Dalit leaders and intellectuals for the highest national honor for the BSP founder.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in monthly honorariums for priests and muezzins, raising their pay to Rs 2,000. This move, along with the approval of all new applications, was made just before the Election Commission declared poll dates. Banerjee stated the decision recognizes the vital role of religious functionaries in community life.

The Election Commission is set to announce the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry today. The upcoming polls are expected to involve fewer phases, particularly in West Bengal, with a substantial increase in central forces deployment. Supplementary voter lists for West Bengal will also be published following the adjudication of 'doubtful' voter cases.

Theme parties are transforming social gatherings into immersive experiences, driven by social media and a desire for participation. Brands are engineering these events to foster deeper engagement, turning passive fandom into collective celebration. This trend taps into psychological needs for connection and belonging, creating shared cultural moments that extend beyond mere entertainment.

The Election Commission is set to announce the schedule for assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal today at 4 pm. Ahead of the announcement, opposition leaders have voiced concerns, questioning the poll body's neutrality and the effectiveness of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission is set to announce the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry today. The upcoming polls are expected to involve fewer phases, particularly in West Bengal, with a substantial increase in central forces deployment. Supplementary voter lists for West Bengal will also be published following the adjudication of 'doubtful' voter cases.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal reacted to the BJP's decision to contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, stating that every party has the right to make its own alliance decisions. Badal emphasized Punjab's interests as paramount and expressed confidence in the SAD securing a landslide victory, differentiating his party from «Delhi-based parties.»

In recent weeks, the seer has found himself at the centre of a political and legal storm that stretches from allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to a decades old dispute over who has the right to call himself the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. For many followers of Sanatan Dharm, the position of Shankaracharya is among the most revered spiritual roles in Hindu tradition.

Kerala minister VN Vasavan stated the LDF government maintains its 2007 affidavit, advocating for ritualistic experts to decide on women's entry at Sabarimala. He accused BJP-linked lawyers of initiating the legal battle that led to the 2018 Supreme Court verdict allowing entry, a decision the government only implemented.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, labeling them an «act of aggression» and emphasizing the need to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty. The strikes, which reportedly caused civilian casualties, follow accusations by the Afghan Taliban government against Pakistan. Pakistan claims its operations target Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

Tragedy strikes as five Indians lose their lives and one remains missing amid escalating Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, two Indian LPG carriers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, en route to India with vital fuel supplies. Missions are working tirelessly to aid affected nationals and ensure repatriation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, aiming to form its own government. He asserted the party's growing vote share and criticized the AAP government's performance on law and order, drugs, and corruption. Shah also pledged to enact a law against religious conversions if the BJP wins.

Indian LPG vessels safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions, with the government assuring all Indian crew are secure. Despite panic booking, LPG supplies remain stable. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released after his NSA detention was revoked.

Tensions flared near Girish Park in Kolkata as TMC and BJP supporters clashed, pelting stones and raising slogans just before Prime Minister Modi's rally. Both parties accused each other of initiating the violence, with claims of damaged vehicles and hurled abuses. Police intervened to restore order in the area.

Despite India's rich intellectual tradition and early Nobel laureates like Tagore and Raman, the country has experienced long gaps in recognition. Factors like brain drain, limited funding, and an emphasis on publications over long-term innovation hinder the journey from research to global acclaim. The case of Mahatma Gandhi's missed Peace Prize also highlights complexities beyond merit.