9.5% of West Bengal panchayat seats uncontested, down from 34%

Around 9.5% of West Bengal’s 73,887 panchayat seats have been won uncontested by various parties, nomination data indicated on Wednesday, marking a big dip from five years ago when the winners in a third of all seats were declared without any contest. Elections will be held at three-tier panchayats in 20 districts and two-tier panchayats in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. In the last round of rural elections in 2018, when large-scale violence lashed the state and killed 20 people, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) had bagged around 90% seats, of which 34% were uncontested.

India, Chile to start negotiations for free trade deal on May 26

India and Chile will start free trade agreement negotiations on May 26 in New Delhi, aiming to boost bilateral trade and collaboration in critical minerals, digital services, and investment sectors, following the signing of terms of reference for a comprehensive economic partnership.

SC rejects BJP leader’s plea to enforce NEP’s three-language formula in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal

Supreme Court dismisses BJP leader's plea to enforce NEP's three-language formula in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. The court lacks power to compel states to adopt the policy and questioned the petitioner's relevance to the issue.

Delhi temples hold prayers for Indian Army's safety, national unity

Temples in Delhi are conducting prayers and "havan" ceremonies for the safety of armed forces and the nation's well-being amid the India-Pakistan military conflict. Rituals include recitations of "Durga Saptashati," "Hanuman Chalisa," and "Vishnu Sahasranama," focusing on peace and national harmony. Collective prayers aim to foster unity, spiritual resilience, and gratitude towards Mother Earth.

Centre authorises Army Chief to call upon Territorial Army amid India-Pak tensions

Government authorizes Army Chief to mobilize Territorial Army units amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, enabling deployment of 32 infantry battalions across key military commands to support regular forces.

Meghalaya imposes 2-month night curfew along Indo-Bangladesh border amid rising tensions

A night curfew has been imposed in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, due to concerns over illegal border activities amid tensions between India and Pakistan. The curfew, effective from May 8, 2025, restricts movement near the Indo-Bangladesh border and bans gatherings of five or more people. Bangladesh has urged both nations to exercise restraint following India’s military response to a recent terror attack.

War not a solution; countries must resolve matters through dialogue: AIMPLB amid Indo-Pak tensions

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has urged dialogue over conflict in light of rising India-Pakistan tensions, emphasizing that war is not a solution, especially with nuclear capabilities involved. They will continue their "Save Waqf Campaign," but public events are postponed for a week. The board condemned terrorism and called for unity among citizens and authorities.

Bid to target military installations in Rajasthan foiled, drones intercepted

Pakistan attempted drone attacks on five Rajasthan military installations, but Indian forces intercepted and destroyed the drones mid-air. Heightened tensions followed India's cross-border strikes, with multiple drone and missile attacks repelled along the border.

Mk Stalin to lead Chennai rally tomorrow in support of armed forces amid Indo-Pak tensions

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin announces a solidarity rally in Chennai supporting armed forces on May 10, honoring their bravery against terrorist attacks. He also pledged assistance for 52 Tamil Nadu students in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their safe return.

Delhi: Air raid sirens to be tested in ITO, public urged not to panic

Delhi government and police will test new air raid sirens in ITO on Friday afternoon, covering a 4 km radius. Authorities urge public not to panic, emphasizing this is a precautionary drill amid India-Pakistan tensions.

Supreme Court sets aside Wikipedia order, says cannot tell media what to publish

Supreme Court overturns Delhi high court's order against Wikipedia, defending media freedom and right to public discussion. Emphasizes courts must remain open to scrutiny, and mere criticism doesn't constitute contempt unless it threatens judicial administration.

Mumbai: Failed girder launch halts CR’s Trans Harbour line, hits morning commute

A failed girder launch by MMRDA disrupted Mumbai's Central Railway Trans Harbour line, causing train cancellations, 30-45 minute delays, and 56 service suspensions between Thane and Vashi during morning peak hours.

Bomb-like object found in Jaisalmer after Pakistan’s drone attacks; area cordoned off: Report

A bomb-like object was discovered in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, following Pakistan's drone attacks. Authorities cordoned off the area, with local resident Arjun Nath alerting officials. The state government has cancelled leave for border staff amid heightened tensions.

Cannot compel states to adopt National Education Policy: Supreme Court

Supreme Court refuses to compel states to adopt National Education Policy, dismissing a petition seeking implementation in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala. Court can only intervene if fundamental rights are violated, emphasizing state autonomy in education policy.

Punjab government mobilizes ministers to border districts to review emergency services

In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Punjab government is enhancing security by dispatching ten cabinet ministers to border districts for an emergency services review. Residents in Amritsar are advised to stay indoors and keep lights off for safety. This follows recent incidents, including the Indian Army shooting down two Pakistani drones amid ongoing artillery exchanges.

Security beefed up at Delhi's vital installations amid soaring tensions with Pakistan

Heightened security measures were implemented in Delhi following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as the latter targeted border areas with drones and missiles. Police increased vigilance at vital installations and crowded areas, canceled personnel leaves, and conducted vehicle checks. This response follows India's thwarting of multiple Pakistani military attempts to strike various locations, amid ongoing military operations.