Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Krishnanagar ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, mounted a strong attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He said that his “jhalmuri” remark had delivered a major blow to the ruling party and accused the TMC of protecting infiltrators and encouraging what he described as “jungle raj” in the state.

He assured the Matua and Namashudra communities, along with refugee families, that they would be safeguarded and would not have to live in fear under a BJP government. Modi further promised that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would be fast-tracked once the BJP comes to power in West Bengal. He said that all eligible beneficiaries would be granted citizenship rights and equal access to government benefits, describing it as a firm commitment from his side.

Recalling his recent campaign visit to Jhargram, where he was seen eating jhalmuri, he made a light-hearted remark that the snack had metaphorically “shocked” the TMC. He urged voters to support the BJP-NDA alliance and predicted a strong victory in the state. Modi also referred to the first phase of polling, saying that high voter turnout indicated growing dissatisfaction with the current government. He claimed that in several regions, including Puducherry and Assam, strong voter participation has historically favored the BJP, expressing confidence that similar trends would continue in West Bengal.

He praised the Election Commission for ensuring relatively peaceful elections compared to earlier years, stating that the voting process reflected a strengthening of democracy. Modi added that fear was being replaced by trust among voters, and cited slogans supporting political change in the state. Polling for the second phase in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, with counting of votes set for May 4.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, strongly condemning it as a “cowardly” act and stating that India will “neither forget nor forgive the criminals responsible.” In a post on X, she expressed deep grief over the killing of innocent and unarmed civilians, calling the incident a “crime against humanity.” She reaffirmed that the nation stands united against terrorism and violence, adding that the martyrs will always be remembered and the perpetrators will never be forgiven.

Priyanka Gandhi wrote that the entire country salutes those who lost their lives in the attack and reiterated that India has always opposed terrorism in all forms and will continue to do so in the future. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid homage to the victims on the first anniversary of the attack. He said that India will always honour the sacrifice of those killed and will never forgive those responsible for what he described as a dastardly act. He also expressed that the pain of the victims’ families is shared by the entire nation.

The statements were made as India observed the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025. The attack targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, where 26 civilians were killed. The incident had shocked the nation and led to widespread condemnation across the country.

India later launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation targeted terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Reports stated that multiple terror camps linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed, and over 100 terrorists were eliminated in the strikes.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, held a meeting with Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi to discuss key matters concerning paddy procurement for the upcoming 2025–26 agricultural season. The discussion mainly focused on ensuring an efficient and well-planned procurement system for farmers in the state.

During the meeting, the Telangana leadership formally appealed to the Centre to procure 30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of parboiled rice for the 2025–26 cycle, which includes both the Kharif (monsoon) and Rabi (Yasangi) crops. This request was made with the objective of maintaining smooth procurement operations and ensuring adequate market support and financial security for farmers across Telangana.

The state representatives also presented their production outlook for the upcoming season, informing the Union Minister that Telangana is expecting a Rabi (Yasangi) output of approximately 90 LMT in the 2025–26 period. This projection highlights the state’s preparedness for a substantial agricultural harvest and the need for robust procurement arrangements.

The meeting largely revolved around advance planning for procurement operations, with Telangana seeking clarity from the Centre regarding procurement limits and support mechanisms. Officials stressed that timely procurement, particularly of parboiled rice, is essential to avoid any distress sales and to safeguard farmers’ interests during peak harvesting periods.

Both sides also discussed the importance of better coordination between the Centre and the state government as they prepare for the upcoming agricultural cycle. The interaction is seen as an important step toward aligning expected production levels with procurement capacity, ensuring that the large anticipated output can be managed efficiently without disruption to farmers or supply chains.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from TelanganaCMO.

Factory workers in Noida staged violent protests on Monday, with reports of stone pelting, arson and vandalism in industrial areas of Phase 2 and nearby sectors, police and officials said. According to the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate, the demonstrations were influenced by workers from other states and took place at multiple locations. Authorities said police used minimal force at one site to control the situation and denied allegations of firing, adding that action will be taken against those spreading rumours or inciting unrest.

Officials said unrest had been building for about a week due to dissatisfaction over wages, pending demands, and comparisons with higher pay in Haryana. The protests began when large groups of workers, mainly from garment and hosiery factories, gathered to demand long-pending wage revisions. The situation worsened after police tried to disperse the crowds, though officials maintained that only limited force was used.

Some workers accused the police of excessive force, including baton charges and injuries, while reports of earlier injuries further escalated tensions. During the violence, protesters allegedly damaged property, set vehicles on fire and threw stones at security personnel, prompting police to use tear gas. The workers involved are mostly employed in export-oriented industrial units in Noida’s Phase 2 and Ecotech areas. Industry representatives said most issues are already being addressed and urged workers not to be misled by rumours.

Workers are demanding higher wages, payment of overtime and bonuses, weekly holidays, timely salary payments, proper salary slips, internal complaint committees, and improved workplace safety. Authorities have increased security in industrial zones and are holding discussions on labour issues, while police remain on alert to prevent further unrest.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has been sworn in as president, marking a continuation of his authority from a civilian position five years after seizing power in a military coup. The ceremony, held in the capital Naypyidaw, was presented as a celebratory parliamentary event, where the 69-year-old took the presidential oath, pledging to uphold the enduring values of justice, liberty, and equality. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss potential policy shifts and international reactions to his reappointment with CNA’s ASEAN Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been earning substantial income by sending paid personalized videos on Cameo. Over five years, he has made at least £374,893 from these recordings, often producing several videos per day. While many use Cameo for lighthearted messages, an investigation of over 4,000 of Farage’s videos revealed concerning content. Some videos included endorsements of neo-Nazi events, repetition of extremist slogans, and references to antisemitic conspiracies. He even made a £155 video for a man reportedly sentenced to 16 months for participating in a far-right riot. Farage also made misogynistic remarks about left-wing politicians, including a comment about US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A spokesperson for Reform UK emphasized that these videos were informal, not political statements, and that Farage opposes extremism and political violence. They also noted that occasional mistakes are inevitable given the volume of videos he records. Investigations correspondent Henry Dyer told Helen Pidd that the videos reveal what Farage is willing to say or do for money — raising questions about the judgment of someone who aspires to be prime minister.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Tuesday morning, the prime minister revealed that Australia will be deploying aircraft, missiles, and personnel to the Gulf amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, Anthony Albanese insists this does not imply that Australia is participating in the war or officially at war. Reged Ahmad discusses with Josh Butler whether Australia is being drawn into what he calls Trump’s “war of choice.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.