Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hailed voters in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu after both states recorded their highest-ever turnout since Independence during the 2026 Assembly elections. West Bengal witnessed over 91% participation in Phase 1, while Tamil Nadu recorded around 84–85% turnout, reflecting strong democratic engagement. The Election Commission credited tight security and smooth polling arrangements for the high participation. Kumar praised citizens for actively contributing to the electoral process, calling it a major milestone for Indian democracy. The record turnout highlights rising political awareness and public enthusiasm despite isolated incidents of violence in some areas. (PC: PTI)

The Supreme Court of India sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly interfering in an ongoing Enforcement Directorate probe linked to Indian Political Action Committee. The court said a sitting Chief Minister “cannot walk into the midst of an investigation” and warned such actions put democracy in jeopardy. The case stems from a January raid over a money-laundering probe, where Banerjee allegedly entered the premises and removed documents and devices, charges she denies. Rejecting claims of a Centre-state dispute, the court stressed the need to protect institutional integrity and ensure investigations remain free from political interference. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian National Congress has sharply criticised the government led by Narendra Modi over its stance on the Israel–Gaza conflict, accusing it of abandoning India’s traditional balanced foreign policy. Congress leaders alleged that the Prime Minister has maintained “silence” on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling it “moral cowardice.” They claimed the government has shown unprecedented solidarity with Israel, ignoring humanitarian concerns and Palestinian suffering. The opposition also argued that this position undermines India’s long-standing principles of supporting peace, non-alignment, and a two-state solution in West Asia. (PC: The Hindu)

Rahul Meena, a 19-year-old former domestic worker, has been arrested for the brutal rape and murder of a 22-year-old IIT graduate in her South Delhi home. Using a spare key, Meena entered the Kailash Hills apartment, strangled the victim with a charging cable, and assaulted her while she was unconscious. Following the attack, Meena allegedly attempted to use the victim’s fingerprint to open a biometric locker before breaking it with a screwdriver to steal valuables. Police described Meena as "remorseless," noting he is also suspected of a prior rape in Rajasthan. He is currently in four-day police custody. (PC: The Times of India)

An RTI reply by the Manipur government said 58,881 people were displaced in violence since May 2023. The clashes involved Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The data was shared in response to a query by Congress leader Hareshwar Goshwami. The state said 7,894 houses were fully destroyed and 2,646 were partly damaged. It reported 217 deaths based on ex gratia payments. Officials said 174 relief camps are running and funds have been released for support. The Manipur Information Commission has asked for complete data within 15 days. (PC: India Today)

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has allowed blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuel. The move comes through changes to the ATF marketing rules. The new definition now includes blends with man-made fuels under set standards. Officials said the step aims to reduce oil imports and cut emissions. No mandatory blending target has been set yet. Aviation fuel is mainly made from crude oil. India plans to introduce small amounts of sustainable aviation fuel in international flights in the coming years as part of its clean energy push. (PC: HT)

A BJP-led protest rally in Mumbai over the Women’s Reservation Bill triggered massive traffic congestion in the Worli area, leading to public frustration. A commuter, stuck for hours while on her way to pick up her child, confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan and police officials, demanding the road be cleared. The rally, attended by thousands, had blocked key routes, causing widespread disruption. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral, sparking debate over public inconvenience caused by political demonstrations. The minister later acknowledged the inconvenience and assured better planning for future events. 

A year after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, emotional scars continue to haunt survivors and residents, even as the region shows signs of recovery. The incident, which disrupted the tourism-dependent town, left deep psychological wounds, with many still struggling with fear and grief. While security measures have improved and efforts are underway to restore normalcy and tourist confidence, healing remains uneven. Locals who chose to stay reflect resilience, but memories of the tragedy persist. The report highlights that rebuilding infrastructure is easier than overcoming trauma, as the community continues its long journey between remembrance and recovery. (PC: X)

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, quashing all charges against them due to insufficient evidence. The court found that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case linking the accused to the terror attack. The 2006 blasts in Maharashtra’s Malegaon had killed over 30 people and injured more than 100, making it one of the deadliest incidents at the time. The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running case, which has seen multiple twists, including earlier arrests, acquittals, and questions over the credibility of investigations.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran is being seen as possessing a different kind of “nuclear weapon” — not a missile, but control over the critical Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway handles a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments, giving Tehran powerful leverage over global energy markets. Despite not having a fully developed nuclear bomb, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains a concern. Ongoing conflict and disruption in the strait have intensified fears of a global energy crisis, with oil supply chains severely impacted and prices rising, highlighting the geopolitical and economic stakes of the standoff. (PC: NDTV)