Indian Haj pilgrims are questioning a mandatory Rs 7,000 GPS smartwatch, part of a Rs 10,000 airfare hike. Many devices, procured by the Haj Committee and supplied by Sekyo Innovations, reportedly fail to turn on or track pilgrims, causing distress, especially for the elderly. This initiative, aimed at safety, faces criticism over cost and execution.

The Russian pavilion’s return to Venice points to a wider European shift as cultural and sporting bans on Moscow now face growing resistance Read Full Article at RT.com

Congress leadership intervened as supporters of opposition leader V D Satheesan held demonstrations across Kerala, demanding his appointment as the next chief minister. Some activists allegedly tore down posters of AICC leader K C Venugopal, also a contender for the post, prompting the KPCC to direct workers to refrain from such actions.

Preparations are in full swing at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground to ensure Saturday's oath-taking ceremony for Bengal's first BJP government proceeds smoothly despite heavy rains. A massive waterproof hangar tent has been erected, and seating capacity has been significantly increased. Authorities are working round-the-clock to restore the grounds, with an indoor stadium on standby as a backup.

Kolkata's iconic Writers' Buildings and other government offices will glow orange on Saturday evening, marking the first day of the new BJP government. Illumination trials were conducted Friday. The historic Writers' facade, along with Assembly House and Kolkata Collectorate, will be lit up. Inside, preparations are underway for the new Chief Minister's symbolic visit.

Supreme Court rulings consistently state governors must invite the largest party or alliance to form government post-election, without questioning how support was gained. The apex court has warned against dismissing governments or dissolving assemblies based on 'fanciful assumptions' of horse-trading, emphasizing that majority must be proven on the floor of the House.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP's West Bengal victory a national security triumph, promising to identify and remove infiltrators. He criticized the TMC for political violence and criminalization, vowing a new era of fearless governance and dismantling the 'syndicate raj'.

Congress leadership is deliberating on the Kerala CM post, weighing intra-party support for KC Venugopal against public sentiment favoring VD Satheesan. A decision is expected by Sunday, with discussions involving key state leaders and central party chiefs in Delhi.

Bengal CM-designate Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath's murder probe now includes contract killers from UP and Odisha. Sleuths are focusing on Montu Mondal, who was in the SUV during the attack and escaped. A car used in the crime was traced to a Matigara owner who'd advertised it for sale online.

The Supreme Court refused to consolidate multiple FIRs against Sameer Agrawal, accused of defrauding thousands of investors of Rs 10,000 crore and fleeing to Dubai. The court emphasized a victim-centric approach, stating that each instance of cheating warrants an independent FIR. It suggested considering consolidation only if duped investors collectively petitioned, and if Agrawal deposits the full refund amount.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that future wars will hinge on innovative thinking and synergy, not just weaponry. He urged commanders to prioritize artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and secure communications, stressing the need to anticipate enemy surprises and stay ahead. Singh highlighted hybrid threats and multi-domain operations, commending the forces' jointness and technological adoption.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused the West of rewriting the history of World War II Read Full Article at RT.com

Leaked tapes reportedly implicate a former senior SAPO investigator as Timur Mindich’s informant inside the agency Read Full Article at RT.com

A charge-sheet has been filed by the SIT against Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, for the attempted assassination of former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah. Jamwal allegedly fired at Abdullah during a wedding ceremony in Jammu, driven by resentment over Kashmiri migrant issues. The SIT's investigation indicates a pre-meditated intent to target the politician.

An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Patna made an emergency landing in Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in Patna. The aircraft, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, was diverted after being unable to receive landing clearance. The flight later departed for Patna once the weather improved.

New labour codes have capped weekly working hours at 48, with overtime paid at double the hourly wage. Final rules for wages and industrial relations codes are out, paving the way for implementation. A National Reskilling Fund will support retrenched workers with new skills, financed by employers.

The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals accused of murder or abetting murder cannot inherit property from their victims. This disqualification applies to both wills and intestate succession, even if a trial is ongoing. The court emphasized that no one should profit from their own wrongdoing, citing principles of justice and public policy.

For the first time, the National Crime Records Bureau has tracked animal cruelty cases, registering 9,039 incidents and arresting over 10,000 individuals in 2024. Maharashtra led with the highest number of cases. The data reveals a high conviction rate for concluded cases but significant delays in judicial disposal.

German public spending has significantly increased as the private sector implodes Read Full Article at RT.com

The finding is a major setback for Democrats in their effort to counter GOP-led redistricting in other states. The measure approved April 21 gave Democrats an edge in four districts.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has faced criticism over his leadership of the agency that oversees vaccine and drug approvals.

The US global image has rapidly declined under US President Donald Trump, a globalist pro-NATO foundation claims Read Full Article at RT.com

Berlin’s years of obedient Atlantic loyalty have ended in troop cuts, shelved missiles, and fresh humiliation from Washington Read Full Article at RT.com

US President Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine during Victory Day celebrations Read Full Article at RT.com

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign after his Labour Party was decimated in local elections Read Full Article at RT.com

Keir Starmer’s local election losses are the result of deeply unpopular policies and failed promises to the Labour Party’s left-wing base Read Full Article at RT.com

Three people standing in front of a synagogue in North York Thursday night were shot at with a replica firearm in an incident that police say is being investigated as a hate-motivated offence.

Police in Brockville, Ont., have charged a 17-year-old with first-degree murder after the bodies of a woman and her two young daughters were found inside a home in the eastern Ontario city on Thursday.

West Bengal's election saw a political earthquake, with BJP's massive win overshadowing concerns about Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Analysis reveals voter deletions exceeded winning margins in numerous seats, particularly in areas with significant supplementary deletions. While some seats showed clear BJP gains, others indicated TMC erosion without a direct BJP benefit, highlighting complex local dynamics.