Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a Bengal election rally, invoking the RG Kar rape-murder case. Sharing the stage with the victim’s mother—now a BJP candidate—Modi accused the state government of failing to protect women and suppressing justice. He said the mother “lost her daughter to TMC’s jungle raj,” highlighting the case as a symbol of law-and-order concerns. The 2024 murder of a trainee doctor had sparked nationwide outrage. The issue has now become a major political flashpoint, with BJP leveraging it to target TMC ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

A major political upheaval has unfolded after Raghav Chadha quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with several MPs. The move triggered a sharp reaction from Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the BJP of “betraying Punjabis” and attempting to weaken AAP’s stronghold in Punjab. The defection is seen as one of the biggest setbacks for AAP, exposing internal rifts and ideological differences. BJP, however, dismissed allegations of political manipulation. The development signals shifting alliances and intensifying rivalry ahead of upcoming elections, raising concerns over AAP’s stability and its influence in Punjab politics. 

NDTV recently introduced a unique mental health initiative by inviting a therapy dog named Oscar as its “Chief Bark Officer” for a day. The visit aimed to help employees cope with stress from hectic newsroom routines, including constant deadlines and back-to-back meetings. Oscar interacted with staff, offering comfort through simple gestures like companionship and play. The initiative underscored the importance of workplace well-being and taking breaks when overwhelmed. Employees described the experience as refreshing and uplifting, reinforcing the growing trend of incorporating pet therapy in corporate environments to improve morale, reduce stress, and boost overall productivity.

India has strongly criticised Donald Trump after he shared a social media post describing the country as a “hellhole,” calling the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste.” The controversy stems from Trump reposting a transcript of a podcast discussing US birthright citizenship and immigration, which also made negative claims about Indians in the tech sector. New Delhi stressed that such comments do not reflect the reality of India–US relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests. The episode risks straining ties that were gradually improving after tensions over tariffs, immigration policies, and geopolitical differences. (PC: Bloomberg)

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks following U.S.-brokered talks at the White House led by President Donald Trump. The extension is part of broader efforts to de-escalate an expanding Middle East conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he is willing to wait for the “best deal” with Iran, signalling a preference for a long-term agreement over a quick resolution. Despite the truce, sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persist, raising doubts about stability. Meanwhile, tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence continue to complicate peace efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Raghav Chadha said he will leave the Aam Aadmi Party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference, Chadha said that seven other Rajya Sabha MPs will also move with him. Among them is Harbhajan Singh. Chadha called the move a “new political step” and said it was taken after careful thought. The shift is seen as a major blow to AAP in Parliament. The party has not yet given an official response. The development may change the numbers in the Rajya Sabha and affect future debates and voting. (PC: X)

Raghav Chadha on Friday said he and two other Rajya Sabha MPs have quit the Aam Aadmi Party and will join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, Chadha said, “We… merge ourselves with the BJP.” He claimed more MPs, including Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal, will also join. If confirmed, the move could bypass anti-defection rules. The development comes as AAP prepares for key elections in Punjab, where it is currently in power.

Israel has begun relocating members of the Bnei Menashe from Manipur under Operation Wings of Dawn. About 250 people were flown via Delhi this week, part of a plan announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The community claims descent from a biblical tribe and has sought to return to Israel for religious reasons. Many cite limited access to Jewish practices in remote areas. Israel says the move will help “strengthen” its northern regions. Economic factors and ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur have also pushed migration, though some earlier migrants reported hardship and discrimination. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will shift focus to Delhi after the state elections. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, she said she aims to unite opposition parties to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre. “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal,” she said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the remark. “There is nothing left here. How will she come to Delhi?” he said. The comments come as voting continues in West Bengal, which recorded high turnout in the first phase. (PC: HT)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will shift focus to Delhi after the state elections. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, she said she aims to unite opposition parties to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre. “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal,” she said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the remark. “There is nothing left here. How will she come to Delhi?” he said. The comments come as voting continues in West Bengal, which recorded high turnout in the first phase. (PC: NDTV)