A complaint has been lodged at the Siliguri Cyber Cell police station against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, seeking an investigation into certain statements he allegedly made during election campaigning ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls and their circulation on social media. The complaint was filed by Sanjay Kumar Singhal, who described Banerjee’s remarks as potentially “capable of political tension.”
According to the complaint, the statements—reportedly available in video recordings and public speeches—contained warnings and references to consequences after polling and the declaration of results. The complainant argued that parts of these remarks could be seen by the public as intimidating, provocative, or likely to create fear and political unrest.
Singhal, speaking to ANI, confirmed that he filed the complaint on Friday, which has been registered under case number 175/12/06/2026. He claimed that Banerjee made multiple remarks during the campaign that were not in accordance with the law and questioned how a Member of Parliament could allegedly make such statements while invoking the Union Home Minister and challenging authority.
He also cited specific comments attributed to Banerjee, including remarks about playing loud music and warnings that were interpreted as threats, arguing that such language could spread fear among voters. He added that the Election Commission’s responsibility is to ensure free and fair elections, questioning whether elections can truly be fear-free under such circumstances.
Singhal further stated that his intention in filing the complaint was not personal harassment but to uphold the principle that the law applies equally to everyone. He said the case would test whether authorities take action, emphasizing his belief in accountability and rule of law. He also referred to past incidents of political violence, expressing concern over potential unrest. Reports said that a CID team conducted a search at Abhishek Banerjee’s Kalighat residence in Kolkata. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose alleged that the search operation took place early in the morning, claiming that officials conducted a detailed search but found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The Trinamool Congress described the action as political vendetta and dismissed claims of financial irregularities, calling it misinformation. Party sources insisted there were no such transactions or evidence, and said they would pursue legal action over the alleged false narrative. Kolkata Police also registered an FIR against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over a separate complaint alleging that a speech she delivered earlier this year was misleading and capable of disturbing public order and communal harmony.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
At the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, held on June 11 and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay called for stronger federal cooperation, greater autonomy for states, and increased financial support, arguing that a developed India can only be built through empowered states and inclusive growth.
He said Tamil Nadu is committed to working with the Union Government while protecting its own developmental priorities and aims to grow into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036 as part of India’s broader “developed nation by 2047” vision. A major focus of his speech was youth development, where he proposed a “Youth Skill and Employment Mission” offering annual paid internships and industry-linked training for five lakh young people. He also sought central support to set up advanced skill centres in every district, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, deep-tech, cloud computing, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, along with stronger startup incubators, venture capital support, and research funding.
On education, he reiterated the state’s opposition to NEET for medical admissions, saying it disadvantages rural and underprivileged students, and urged that Tamil Nadu be allowed to admit students in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses based solely on Class 12 marks for state quota seats. He also requested approval for a second AIIMS in Coimbatore, support for affordable housing, and release of pending funds under schemes such as Samagra Shiksha without conditions tied to NEP or the three-language policy.
Other proposals included a poverty-free state mission, support for women-led development initiatives, enhanced disaster management infrastructure for cyclone and flood resilience, and recognition of the Thirukkural as a national literary work. On infrastructure and connectivity, he sought assistance for completing BharatNet Phase-II, funding for the Hogenakkal water supply project, and central backing for developing Kulasekarapattinam as a national space manufacturing hub.
He also raised concerns about Tamil Nadu fishermen detained abroad, calling for diplomatic efforts for their release and protection of traditional fishing rights. He concluded by emphasizing that strengthening states through cooperative federalism would ultimately strengthen the country and ensure balanced and sustainable national development.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Pakistan has presented an 18.77 trillion rupee (about $67.49 billion) budget that reflects a strong rise in defence spending alongside reduced allocations for development projects. The government is trying to meet IMF programme requirements while also managing domestic political pressures, which leaves little room for tax cuts or expanded welfare initiatives.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that defence expenditure will increase to 3 trillion rupees in the upcoming fiscal year starting July, marking an 18% rise from the previous year. In contrast, federal development spending has been limited to 1 trillion rupees, showing a clear shift toward security and debt obligations over infrastructure and social investment.
This rise in defence funding came after discussions with provincial authorities, who agreed to redirect resources toward security, resulting in reduced provincial development budgets. Aurangzeb said the higher defence allocation was aimed at making the country “invincible” amid regional uncertainty. The budget reflects Pakistan’s tight fiscal situation, where debt repayments, military needs, and IMF conditions dominate spending priorities. Tax revenue is expected to reach 15.26 trillion rupees, an 8.2% increase, even though the Federal Board of Revenue has previously missed its targets.
A large portion of revenue is projected from taxes and levies, especially petroleum levies, which are expected to generate 20.60 trillion rupees. Analysts warn that the tax burden will mainly fall on salaried individuals and formal businesses, while sectors like agriculture, retail, and real estate continue to remain lightly taxed due to political influence. The fiscal deficit is projected at 7.02 trillion rupees, with an overall deficit target of 3.6% of GDP after accounting for a provincial surplus. The government has also committed to achieving a primary surplus of 2% of GDP under its IMF agreement, meaning it must collect more than it spends before interest payments.
The budget was delayed by a week and comes at a time of renewed inflationary pressure driven by rising global oil prices linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. This has pushed inflation back into double digits after earlier signs of stabilisation. Economic targets for the coming year include 4% growth and 8.2% inflation, compared with 3.7% growth and 6.7% inflation in the previous year.
Pakistan continues to face severe economic challenges after narrowly avoiding default in 2023 and relying on a $7 billion IMF programme. High debt servicing costs, rising defence spending, and external shocks are tightening fiscal space and limiting social spending, with much of the adjustment burden expected to fall on the middle class. The budget reflects a security-focused fiscal strategy driven by external constraints, but it raises concerns about long-term development, inequality, and economic sustainability.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Netflix has officially announced Ikka, a high-stakes courtroom drama featuring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, set to release on July 10. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, the film also marks Deol’s debut on Netflix and reunites the two actors in a story built around justice, ethics, and emotional conflict. Set during a tense legal case, Ikka centers on a renowned lawyer, played by Sunny Deol, who is unexpectedly required to defend a man from his past, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. This case resurfaces old memories and forces him to question his beliefs as he tries to manage conflicting pressures from his personal life, family duties, and professional ethics.
The film features Tillotama Shome as a strong-willed public prosecutor pursuing justice, while Dia Mirza plays a wife and mother struggling to keep her family intact amid rising tensions. Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, described Ikka as a gripping courtroom drama filled with moral dilemmas, emotional depth, and suspense. She highlighted its layered storytelling and the way it keeps viewers engaged with unexpected twists and thought-provoking questions.
She also noted the significance of Sunny Deol’s Netflix debut and his return to the courtroom genre after many years, alongside Akshaye Khanna, whose performance is expected to complement him strongly. With Tillotama Shome and Dia Mirza also part of the cast, she emphasized the strong ensemble driving the narrative. Produced by Alchemy Films, the movie explores the ripple effects of difficult decisions and the complexity of justice beyond the courtroom setting.
Director Siddharth P. Malhotra shared that Ikka has been a long-time passion project, especially as he has always admired courtroom dramas. He explained that the film is as much about emotional and personal conflicts as it is about legal proceedings. He also expressed excitement about working with Sunny Deol in a lawyer’s role once again, alongside a talented cast, calling it a project that came together at the right moment following his work on Maharaj.
Written by Althea Kaushal and Mayank Tewari and produced by Siddharth and Sapna Malhotra under Alchemy Films, the film also stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shishir Sharma, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor. Ikka explores themes of loyalty, accountability, and sacrifice, and will premiere exclusively on Netflix on July 10.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/@netflix_in.
Officials from the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on Saturday took possession of the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area, officials said. This followed an eviction order issued on May 20, which cited the need for the land for a “larger public purpose,” though no specific use was disclosed. The move makes the Jaipur Polo Ground the latest Lutyens’ Delhi property involved in an ongoing dispute over government land and legacy clubs, similar to cases involving the Race Course Club and Delhi Gymkhana Club. On June 8, the Delhi High Court directed a district court to hear the Indian Polo Association’s (IPA) plea challenging the eviction notice, but the lower court refused interim relief. The IPA has called the eviction “wrongful and arbitrary” and said it will pursue legal remedies. The L&DO has also issued eviction notices to other elite clubs, including the Race Course Club and Gymkhana Club, as part of a broader effort to reclaim land for public purposes, leaving the future use of these high-value properties unclear.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson, and Pablo Maurer as the USA kick off their World Cup campaign. They discuss the US team’s dominant opening win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, suggesting they might actually be a strong side, with praise for Christian Pulisic. Elsewhere, Canada rescue a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Jesse Marsch’s triple substitution helping turn the game around, though Bosnia’s defending nearly held firm. They also preview upcoming fixtures such as Haiti vs Scotland, answer listener questions, and share some light moments from the studio.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A second batch of more than 1,000 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has been made public. The files were expected to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson’s connections to Epstein and the vetting process behind his approval. Instead, they exposed internal government tensions and early concerns over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Lucy Hough talks with the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
