Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking on Monday, said that “Vande Mataram” played a central role in India’s freedom struggle and should now become a guiding principle for the reconstruction and development of Bengal in the 21st century. He assured people in West Bengal of development, employment opportunities, and improved security, stating that his government aims to transform the state into one of prosperity, peace, and happiness. Addressing a public gathering in Barrackpore, he said that “Vande Mataram” once inspired the fight against colonial rule and should now inspire Bengal’s revival and growth.

He added that his vision for the state includes turning “sujalam sufalam” into a policy direction, making “shasyashyamala” a foundation for employment generation, using “malayaja sheetala” as a symbol of peace and prosperity, and channeling the strength of Goddess Durga as a guarantee of justice and security for all citizens.

PM Modi also stated that under a BJP-led government, no citizen would face discrimination on the basis of caste or community. He promised strict action against illegal infiltrators while assuring that people from the Matua community would be granted citizenship benefits. He also criticized the TMC, alleging that it had failed to respect the mandate of voters, and urged people to support the BJP for establishing a “double-engine” government in the state.

Referring to the ongoing election process, he noted that the first phase of polling on April 23 witnessed a very high turnout of 92.35%, indicating strong voter participation despite tight security arrangements. He also mentioned that the second phase of voting is scheduled for April 29, while results are expected to be announced on May 4 along with other states.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Narendra Modi/Youtube.

After seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs joined the BJP, political tensions have escalated across a wide region, including Punjab, Delhi, Goa, and Gujarat. Senior BJP leaders claim the party achieved multiple strategic gains simultaneously. Attention is now focused on whether this split in AAP’s Rajya Sabha wing could trigger similar defections among its Lok Sabha MPs and MLAs in Punjab and Delhi. This concern has long troubled the AAP, which has repeatedly accused the BJP of attempting to weaken it through “Operation Lotus.”

The impact of these developments is expected to be significant, especially as the BJP aims to strengthen its position not only in Punjab but also ahead of upcoming elections in Gujarat and Goa. While much political focus was on West Bengal, the BJP is believed to have quietly executed its strategy in Delhi, which could have long-term consequences.

Sources suggest the BJP had been preparing this move within the AAP for some time. Leaders such as Swati Maliwal were reportedly in contact with BJP figures, while Raghav Chadha was also being closely observed due to signs of dissatisfaction with AAP leadership. However, internal dynamics, including rivalries within the party, influenced coordination among the MPs involved in the split.

Among those who switched sides, several were already under pressure or had shown ideological or political differences with the AAP leadership. Others maintained limited political engagement or expressed views closer to the BJP on certain issues. One key strategic advantage for the BJP is believed to be access to influential figures within AAP’s organisational structure, particularly in Punjab.

The BJP’s reported plan is to leverage these connections to weaken AAP’s base in Punjab ahead of the 2027 state elections. Although a formal legislative split would require a large number of MLAs, analysts do not rule out the possibility of defections closer to the elections. A similar situation is being monitored in Delhi as well.

In Punjab, where the BJP currently has a limited presence, the party aims to expand its footprint independently, having ruled out an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal. It plans to strengthen its outreach in both urban and rural regions while targeting AAP legislators for potential support.

The recent developments are also seen as a setback for AAP ahead of local body elections in Gujarat, where the party is attempting to expand its influence in key regions such as South Gujarat and Saurashtra. In Goa, too, AAP has been trying to consolidate its base in coastal and minority-dominated areas. The BJP’s gain in Rajya Sabha numbers is expected to strengthen its legislative position in the upper house, making it easier for the government to pass key bills. The move is being described by party leaders as a significant political advantage ahead of the next election cycle.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

In a major development, the Inter-State Cell (ISC) of the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested a wanted accused in a blackmail and extortion case registered in Gurugram, Haryana. The accused, Rakesh Sharma, had been on the run for allegedly blackmailing a woman and extorting money using objectionable videos. He was arrested near the Patiala House Courts in New Delhi following specific intelligence inputs.

According to police, FIR No. 133/26 dated 21.03.2026 was registered at Police Station Palam Vihar, Gurugram, under Sections 308(2), 308(7), 351(3), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint filed by a woman from Palam Vihar. The complainant stated that she had attended yoga classes during the COVID period conducted by the accused, during which he developed close relations with her and later allegedly established physical relations. She further alleged that he also took financial help from her.

Police said the accused secretly recorded intimate videos and used them to blackmail her, initially extorting ₹3 lakh by promising to delete the content. Later, in March 2026, he again contacted her, shared the videos with her husband, and demanded an additional ₹15 lakh. On 21 March 2026, his wife, Nitu Sharma, was allegedly caught while collecting the money by Gurugram Police, though the main accused escaped at that time.

During interrogation, Sharma admitted that he still possessed copies of the videos and resumed extortion due to financial difficulties. Police also revealed that he has a criminal history, including involvement in a murder case in Sahibabad, Uttar Pradesh, and had spent around 8–9 years in judicial custody before being granted bail in 2018. The accused has been produced before the court of Ld. CJM, New Delhi, and further proceedings are ongoing.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Crime branch.

Shiv Ratan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Bikaji Foods International Ltd, passed away on Thursday morning in Chennai, according to information shared by family sources. As per the details provided, the 74-year-old experienced sudden uneasiness and was immediately taken to a private hospital in the city. Despite medical attention, he could not survive and was declared dead at the hospital. Family members also mentioned that he had been staying in Chennai for some time, as his wife had recently undergone a heart bypass surgery and doctors had advised her complete rest. Because of her condition, the couple had shifted temporarily to the city for medical care and support.

Agarwal originally belonged to Sardulganj in Bikaner and went on to establish the Bikaji brand in 1993. Over the years, what began as a modest business initiative gradually developed into one of India’s well-known packaged food companies. The brand gained strong recognition both in domestic and international markets, particularly for its popular snack item, Bikaneri bhujia, which became widely associated with Indian snack culture.

Following the news of his demise, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot expressed deep sorrow. He described the loss as significant for the industrial sector and noted that Agarwal had played an important role in taking Bikaneri bhujia to global recognition through the Bikaji brand. He also extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul while wishing strength to his relatives in this difficult time.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from bikaji.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In spring 2003, the initial euphoria over Saddam Hussein’s fall quickly turned into deadly chaos across Iraq. Guardian reporters, whether working independently or embedded with military units, witnessed the violence and disorder firsthand, documenting the rapid shift from jubilation to conflict, looting, and unrest that marked the early days following the invasion and the collapse of Saddam’s regime.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.