The Financial Express logo
The Financial Express
May 12, 2026, 11:45 AM
Gold Prices in India Drop Amid Escalating Tensions with Iran

Gold Prices in India Drop Amid Escalating Tensions with Iran

On 12 May 2026, the price of 24K gold at ₹153,810 per 10 grams, reflecting a loss of ₹240 compared to its previous close. Meanwhile, 22K gold is at ₹140,993 per 10 grams. Gold prices in India are largely influenced by international spot gold rates, US dollar fluctuations, and import duties on Gold among other things. Gold prices in India continue to remain higher than in Dubai. On 12 May 2026 the price of 24K gold in India is at ₹153,810 per 10 grams, while in Dubai it is ₹142,062, reflecting a difference of ₹11,748 or 8.27%. Similarly, 22K and 18K gold prices in India were also about 8.27% costlier compared to the price of gold in Dubai , not accounting for fees, duties, and taxes. Gold prices are trending sideways amid escalated tensions between the US and Iran, leading to an elevation in oil prices. The rise in fuel prices has once again stoked inflationary concerns, weighing on the appeal of the yellow metal. US President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran was “on life support,” reigniting market worries over escalations in the West Asia conflict and disruptions via the crucial trade route, the Strait of Hormuz . ALSO READ Gold Rate Today 11th May 2026: Gold is up by 0.77%; check prices in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru Inflationary concerns have also raised fears that central banks worldwide may opt for a more hawkish stance. Markets are pricing in no rate cut by the US Federal Reserve this year. Higher interest rates reduce the appeal of non-interest-bearing assets. Analysts expect gold prices to remain range-bound in the near term, citing uncertainties in the West Asia conflict. High oil prices have stoked inflationary concerns worldwide, dampening demand for gold. Markets will monitor Trump’s two-day visit to China, which is likely to provide cues on the West Asia conflict. Additionally, markets will monitor US CPI data scheduled for later in the day. Retail investors are advised to track not just domestic rates but also international trends before making buying decisions. ALSO READ Silver prices hit 2-month high, surges 6% to $85.50 amid geopolitical jitters
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NorthEast Now
May 12, 2026, 11:25 AM
Election Commission Set to Implement Phase Three of Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

Election Commission Set to Implement Phase Three of Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

: Phase three of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which was briefly postponed due to assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal last month, is scheduled to be implemented by the Election Commission in the upcoming days. The nationwide voter list verification drive, which had been put on hold due to Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is set to move forward as the electoral process in these states and Union Territories concluded last month, the Election Commission said. The revision exercise has been completed so far in 10 states and three Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Bihar, along with Puducherry, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Assam was covered under a separate revision process. About 60 crore of the approximately 99 crore registered voters have already been covered by the exercise, according to data from the Election Commission. The next phase would cover the remaining 40 crore voters from 17 states and five Union Territories. Election authorities in states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir were previously instructed by officials to finish preliminary work for the revision process. Due to administrative and legal issues, the SIR exercise, which was first ordered last year, has undergone multiple changes to the schedule.
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The New Indian Express logo
The New Indian Express
May 12, 2026, 11:22 AM
Tensions Rise as Kuwait Accuses Iran of Island Attack Amid US-Iran Standstill

Tensions Rise as Kuwait Accuses Iran of Island Attack Amid US-Iran Standstill

DUBAI: Kuwait accused Iran on Tuesday of sending an armed paramilitary Revolutionary Guard team to attack an island in the Middle East nation home to a China-funded port project, just before US President Donald Trump travels to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Iran didn't immediately acknowledge the allegation by Kuwait, which came under repeated attack by Iran in the war and even during the shaky ceasefire still holding in the region. However, the allegation and ongoing attacks throughout the region have threatened to tip the region back into open warfare. The accusation came as the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said that Israel sent Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to operate them to the United Arab Emirates to defend the country. That underlined the growing defense relationship between Israel and the UAE, countries long suspicious of Iran. It also represents the first publicly acknowledged deployment of Israel's military to the Emirates, a federation of seven sheikdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The narrow Strait of Hormuz remains in Tehran's chokehold and negotiations between the U.S. and Iran appear at a standstill for the moment — also raising the risk of the conflict breaking out again.
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Gujarat Samachar logo
Gujarat Samachar
May 12, 2026, 11:06 AM
Vijay Takes Office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister with Astrologer by His Side

Vijay Takes Office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister with Astrologer by His Side

Article Radhan Pandit Vetrivel: After initial refusal by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Vijay's claim to form the government was finally accepted. Vijay had first fixed 3.45 pm for his swearing-in ceremony on 10 May. However, as per the advice of his personal astrologer Radhan Pandit Vetrivel, this time was changed to 10 am keeping in mind the'shubh muhurat '. Vetrivel has been a guide in Vijay's political journey at every step. Jyotish Vetrivel's appointment as OSD to the Chief Minister With Vijay taking over as the Chief Minister, the fate of his astrologer Vetrivel has also been sealed. On Tuesday, Radhan Pandit Vetrivel has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD-Political) to the Chief Minister in the Government of Tamil Nadu, which means that he will give special advice and guidance to the Chief Minister in political matters. Vetrivel is known as a well-known spiritual guide in Tamil Nadu, who had accurately predicted Vijay's victory even before the elections.
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Gujarat Samachar logo
Gujarat Samachar
May 12, 2026, 11:04 AM
Surat Municipal Corporation Forms New Board Amid Election Results

Surat Municipal Corporation Forms New Board Amid Election Results

Surat Corporation: After the Surat Municipal Corporation election results, the administrative process to form a new board has intensified. As per the instructions of the municipal administration, all the winning candidates were instructed to submit the documents. Till yesterday, 109 candidates had submitted the documents in the municipal corporation. The remaining 11 candidates had submitted the documents by this afternoon and now the biometric verification has also started. Now in the coming days, after the approval of the BJP president, a new board will be formed and the office bearers including the mayor will be appointed in it. It is being calculated that the next board will be formed by May 15 as May 16 is a new month and there is an extra month after that. Earlier, after the election results were announced by the chief electoral officer, the municipal secretary department had instructed all the newly appointed corporators to submit the necessary documents. On the other hand, the state government has issued a gazette. The municipal commissioner has written a letter. The board will be called after the winning candidates. The biodata of all the winning candidates and other documents were submitted by the remaining 109 candidates of the Surat Municipal Corporation.
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News 18
May 12, 2026, 10:59 AM
India Successfully Evacuates Ships from Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

India Successfully Evacuates Ships from Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, a big news has come out regarding the safe evacuation of Indian ships from the Strait of Hormuz. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a recent briefing that continuous diplomatic talks and diplomatic efforts with Iran have started showing positive results. According to the ministry, 11 Indian ships have safely left the Strait of Hormuz so far, while 13 ships are still in the Persian Gulf. The relief is that all Indian sailors on these ships are completely safe and the Indian government is in constant touch with Iranian authorities so that the remaining ships can also be evacuated as soon as possible and they can reach their destinations. The West Asia crisis has started to deepen. If US President Donald Trump does not like Iran's response to America's proposals, then a storm of bitter statements has started. Meanwhile, Iran has warned that if it attacks again, the Iranian government will be fully alert.
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 10:58 AM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Appoints Astrologer as Officer on Special Duty

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Appoints Astrologer as Officer on Special Duty

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, the astrologer of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as the Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister with immediate effect. “Tamil Nadu Public Department issued an order appointing Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (Political) with effect from the date of joining,” reads a press release. He has predicted ‘tsunami victory’ for the actor-politician’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the recent Tamil Nadu assembly polls. Radhan has described Vijay’s horoscope as “extraordinary”, even calling it a “tsunami horoscope”, and claimed that the actor-politician would rise to the top, potentially becoming chief minister with a dominant vote share. TVK won 108 out of 234 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Vijay fell short of a majority, but Congress and the VCK among other parties extended their support, leading to his swearing-in as Chief Minister on Sunday. Meanwhile, Vijay today ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor retail outlets located within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations in the state within two weeks, citing public welfare. After assuming the office of CM, Vijay ordered a survey of TASMAC liquor shops to identify the ones operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands.
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Free Press Journal logo
Free Press Journal
May 12, 2026, 10:53 AM
AMMK Expels MLA Kamaraj Over 'Anti-Party Activities' Amid Tamil Nadu Political Uncertainty

AMMK Expels MLA Kamaraj Over 'Anti-Party Activities' Amid Tamil Nadu Political Uncertainty

Chennai: Amid continuing political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly elections, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Tuesday expelled the party’s lone MLA S. Kamaraj from the primary membership of the organisation and stripped him of all party responsibilities with immediate effect. The disciplinary action was announced after Kamaraj allegedly expressed independent support for Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the Tamil Nadu Assembly without the approval of the party leadership. Expulsion Over ‘Anti-Party Activities’ In an official statement, Dhinakaran accused Kamaraj of acting against the party’s policies and organisational discipline by making political decisions independently. The AMMK chief stated that Kamaraj’s conduct violated party principles and warranted immediate action. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Kamaraj, who represents the Mannargudi constituency, was the lone AMMK legislator elected to the Assembly and had recently come under the spotlight over reports of support to the TVK camp. Political Tensions After Hung Verdict The development comes in the backdrop of a fractured mandate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, emerged as the single largest party but fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member House, triggering intense political negotiations and alliance manoeuvring. The post-poll scenario has witnessed multiple claims regarding support from MLAs across parties, with allegations of unauthorised backing, forged support letters and behind-the-scenes lobbying dominating Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Alliance Frictions Surface Kamaraj’s expulsion is being viewed as a sign of growing unease among smaller regional parties amid the rapidly shifting political equations in the state. The action also underlines attempts by party leaderships to enforce discipline as discussions over government formation continue. Political observers believe the move by Dhinakaran is aimed at distancing AMMK from any perception of unofficial alignment with TVK while maintaining control over the party’s political positioning during the volatile post-election phase.
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Akila News
May 12, 2026, 10:39 AM
AIADMK Splits in Tamil Nadu After Election, Two Factions Vie for Control

AIADMK Splits in Tamil Nadu After Election, Two Factions Vie for Control

Chennai, તા.12: AIADMK appears divided in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK gets only 47 seats in this election. One faction is led by Palaniswami, who has the support of 17 leaders, while the other is led by Velumani, who has the support of 30 MLAs. The differences between the two factions became clear when newly elected AIADMK members arrived to attend the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday. One faction submitted a letter to Pro-Tem Speaker એમ.વી. Karuppiah, requesting him to declare P. Velumani as the leader of the AIADMK legislature party. The other faction demanded that party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami be declared the leader of the legislature party. Meanwhile, sources suggest that the group of 30 MLAs led by Velumani wants to support the TVK party in the state, while Palami is opposed to this.
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ANI News
May 12, 2026, 10:37 AM
PM Modi Congratulates Himanta Biswa Sarma on Taking Oath as Assam Chief Minister for Second Term

PM Modi Congratulates Himanta Biswa Sarma on Taking Oath as Assam Chief Minister for Second Term

Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 12 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Himanta Biswa Sarma after he took oath as Assam Chief Minister for a second term. Calling it "a great day for Assam," PM Modi praised Sarma's work as an administrator and wished him success for the new term. He also congratulated ministers Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Charan Boro and Ajanta Neog after they took oath in the Assam government. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "A great day for Assam! For the third consecutive time, the NDA Government assumes office. Congratulations to Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Ji on taking oath. He has made a mark as a wonderful administrator and has done pioneering work for the state. My best wishes to him for the tenure ahead." A great day for Assam! For the third consecutive time, the NDA Government assumes office. Congratulations to Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Ji on taking oath. He has made a mark as a wonderful administrator and has done pioneering work for the state. My best wishes to him for the… pic.twitter.com/WfBHleB7iM "Congratulations to Shri Rameswar Teli Ji, Shri Atul Bora Ji, Shri Charan Boro Ji and Smt. Ajanta Neog Ji on taking oath as Ministers in the Assam Government. My best wishes to them as they work towards strengthening the growth trajectory of Assam," PM Modi wrote in another post. Congratulations to Shri Rameswar Teli Ji, Shri Atul Bora Ji, Shri Charan Boro Ji and Smt. Ajanta Neog Ji on taking oath as Ministers in the Assam Government. My best wishes to them as they work towards strengthening the growth trajectory of Assam. @Rameswar_Teli @ATULBORA2 … pic.twitter.com/eqHO6mw1sI Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second term today. This will be the third NDA government in Assam. The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara, was graced by the auspicious presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President Nitin Nabin, senior Union ministers, and chief ministers and deputy chief ministers from several NDA-ruled states. Along with Sarma, four ministers - two from the BJP and one each from its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) - were also sworn in. They include Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora (AGP), Charan Boro (BPF) and Ajanta Neog. Former minister and senior BJP leader Ranjeet Kumar Dass will be the NDA's candidate for the position of Speaker of the state Assembly. The BJP-led NDA delivered a commanding performance in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, securing a three-fourths majority. The alliance won 102 of the 126 Assembly seats, with both the AGP and BPF contributing 10 seats each. Sarma also retained his constituency by a margin of more than 80,000 votes, further consolidating his stature as the BJP's tallest leader in the state. In his victory speech, he credited the "double-engine" government led by Prime Minister Modi for Assam's rapid transformation over the past decade. (ANI)
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TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 10:34 AM
Tamil Nadu CM Appoints Personal Astrologer as OSD Amid New Appointments

Tamil Nadu CM Appoints Personal Astrologer as OSD Amid New Appointments

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has taken a major decision. He has appointed his personal astrologer Ricky Radhan Pandit Vetrivel as OSD (Political). The Principal Secretary has also issued an order regarding the appointment of the Chief Minister as OSD. Vetrivel's posting has been made directly in the CM's office. Actually, new officers are being appointed in his office after TVK chief Joseph Vijay took charge as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. New appointments of his Principal Secretary to the CM 1 and 2 were made before the OSD and a government order was issued. Astrologer Ricky Radhan Pandit Vetrivel is considered very close to Chief Minister Vijay. Vijay is said to trust him a lot. Before becoming the Chief Minister, Vijay often discusses his films and family matters with him. Not only this, before entering the field of politics, Vijay had a conversation with Ricky Radhan Pandit Vetrivel. It is said that after meeting Ricky Hirani, Vijay has been made the CM of the TV channel.
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TV9 Hindi logo
TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 10:34 AM
NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Scandal

NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Scandal

After the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET) UG 2026 paper was leaked, it has been cancelled. After such a mess with the future of the children, a furore has started all over the country. SOG is not considering it a paper leak, but believes that 120 questions from the viral gas paper came in the main exam. After the protest, its investigation has been handed over to the CBI. While the opposition party is targeting the central government. On the cancellation of the NEET 2026 exam, Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the government and called it the result of the corrupt BJP system. Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, "The NEET 2026 exam has been cancelled. The hard work, sacrifice and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP system. A father took a loan, a mother sold jewelry, millions of children studied overnight and got money in exchange for the paper leak, government education and organized corruption." NEET 2026 "s cancellation, 22 lakh students were crushed by this corrupt BJP system, a father sold jewelry, and a father sold jewelry.
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Aaj Tak logo
Aaj Tak
May 12, 2026, 10:33 AM
Tamil Nadu CM Appoints Personal Astrologer as Officer on Special Duty

Tamil Nadu CM Appoints Personal Astrologer as Officer on Special Duty

Chief Minister Vijay has given special place to his close friends and trusted colleagues in the Tamil Nadu government. Now CM Vijay has appointed his personal astrologer Radhan Pandit Vetrivel as the'Officer on Special Duty'( OSD) in the Tamil Nadu government. Radhan Pandit Vetrivel has been close to Vijay for a long time. It is said that Vetrivel's advice has played a big role in Vijay's political journey and his big decisions. Vetrivel is the same astrologer at whose behest CM Vijay changed the time of his swearing-in ceremony on May 10. Initially, the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Vijay was fixed at 3.45 pm on May 10. However, on the advice of astrologer Vetrivel, the time was changed to 10 am. Radhan Pandit Vetrivel is a well-known spiritual guru of Tamil Nadu. He predicted Vijay's victory much before the elections. Along with Vijay, many big leaders including Jayalalithaa, Vetrivel had gone to Vijay's house to congratulate Vijay on his victory.
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Akila News
May 12, 2026, 10:27 AM
BJP Set to Select Office Bearers of Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Ahead of 2027 Assembly Elections

BJP Set to Select Office Bearers of Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Ahead of 2027 Assembly Elections

(By Mukund Badiyani) Jamnagar Dt. 12: The results of the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation elections have come last April. With the conclusion of the Prime Minister's visit to Gujarat, the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting will select the names of all five office bearers of the corporation, including the new female mayor, keeping in mind the caste-community, 2027 assembly elections. For which the first coordination meeting is being held today, and then the parliamentary board meeting will be held tomorrow, and the names may be announced after that. And Jamnagar will get the office bearers, including the new mayor, deputy mayor, next Monday. On the other hand, if the Municipal Commissioner gets the gazette within a couple of days, he can call the general board for the mayoral elections anytime, with a notice period of 3 days. In such a situation, the BJP will have a new female mayor, deputy mayor, chairman, leader of the ruling group, who will take power by winning 60 out of the city's 16 wards. Its speculations, discussions, and discussions have gained momentum. Jamnagar Municipal Corporation will now have a total of 27 mayors, who have been elected as independent mayors since 1993.
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 10:26 AM
Israel Establishes Special Military Tribunal to Prosecute Palestinian Militants

Israel Establishes Special Military Tribunal to Prosecute Palestinian Militants

Tel Aviv : Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Monday (local time) passed legislation establishing a special military tribunal to prosecute Palestinian militants accused of involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, The Times of Israel reported. According to The Times of Israel, the bill was approved with 93 votes in favour and none against, reflecting rare bipartisan support in the Knesset. The legislation was jointly introduced by Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman from the governing coalition and Yisrael Beytenu MK Yulia Malinovsky from the opposition. The law provides for the creation of a special court within Israel’s military justice system to try nearly 300 alleged militants who were captured by Israeli security forces during the October 7 attack and have remained in detention since then, The Times of Israel reported. Under the legislation, the tribunal will be authorised to prosecute defendants on charges including genocide under Israel’s 1950 Law for the Prevention of Genocide, harming Israeli sovereignty, causing war, assisting an enemy during wartime, and terrorism-related offences under Israel’s 2016 anti-terror law. According to The Times of Israel, individuals convicted of genocide charges could face the death penalty. Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin described the passage of the law as “one of the most important moments of the current Knesset”. “One can feel that we are doing the right thing by finding a way to unite at this moment, even though we are on the eve of elections and despite all the disagreements that exist,” Levin said, as quoted by The Times of Israel. Calling the tribunal a “historic framework”, Rothman said the legislation was intended “to deliver justice and bring to trial the terrorists who carried out the worst massacre in the state’s history.” Malinovsky stated that “these will be the trials of the modern-day Nazis, and they will go down in the history books”. She further dedicated the legislation to “the murdered victims, the hostages, and their families. In the end, our spirit and our ability to cope with and stand in the face of immense pain – that is what makes us great.” The Times of Israel reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 Palestinian militants, primarily from Hamas, along with members of other armed groups, entered Israel by land, sea, and air on October 7, 2023, launching coordinated attacks across multiple locations near the Gaza border. The attacks resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, many of whom were taken into Gaza. Israeli authorities have also accused the attackers of committing acts including torture and sexual violence during the assault. The newly passed law also stipulates that individuals suspected, charged, or convicted in connection with the October 7 attacks cannot be released as part of future prisoner exchange agreements. However, according to the report, implementation of the tribunal may face delays due to disagreements between Israel’s Defence Ministry and Finance Ministry over projected costs. Hebrew media reports cited by The Times of Israel stated that the Defence Ministry estimates the tribunal would cost around NIS 5 billion (USD 1.72 billion), including the construction of a dedicated judicial complex and staffing involving hundreds of military and civilian personnel. The Finance Ministry, however, reportedly estimates the cost at closer to NIS 2 billion (USD 689 million), arguing that the defence proposal is excessively expensive. The Times of Israel further reported that proceedings of the tribunal will be open to the public and broadcast online through a dedicated website. The tribunal is expected to consist of 15 judges, including individuals qualified to serve on Israel’s Supreme Court as well as international jurists approved by the justice minister in consultation with the foreign minister. Individual cases will reportedly be heard by panels of three judges, while trials involving multiple defendants will be overseen by five-judge panels. Appeals will be reviewed by the full 15-member bench, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI) Also Read: Iran’s envoy backs Xi Jinping’s “four-point proposal” for lasting security…
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Pudhari
May 12, 2026, 10:11 AM
Rane Instructs ZP Members on Proposal Preparation, Funding, and Crowd Management

Rane Instructs ZP Members on Proposal Preparation, Funding, and Crowd Management

At the meeting, Rane gave instructions to officials and office bearers on how to prepare proposals, how to ask for funds, how to handle crowds and enthusiasm. The meeting, which was held in the ZP chairperson's chamber, was attended by a large number of ZP members from BJP and Shiv Sena. The meeting lasted for more than an hour. He gave instructions on how to run the ZP in order to increase the per capita income.
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 10:06 AM
Iran Supports China's Four-Point Proposal for Middle East Security and Development

Iran Supports China's Four-Point Proposal for Middle East Security and Development

Beijing : Iran’s Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, has expressed support for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “four-point proposal” aimed at ensuring lasting security amid the conflict in West Asia as well as the shared development in the region. In his post on X, ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China this week, the Iranian envoy said that the Islamic Republic has expressed its “readiness” to the Chinese President’s proposal. He further stated that the issue was also addressed during the meeting of Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during the former’s recent visit. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has announced its readiness to support the Chinese President’s four-point plan aimed at establishing lasting security and shared development in the Persian Gulf region, an issue that was also emphasised during the meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries,” the post read. According to Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, the proposal put forward by Xi focuses on regional peace, sovereignty, international law and coordinated development. The first point of the proposal calls for a commitment to peaceful coexistence through the creation of a “common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable” security architecture for the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. The second point emphasises commitment to national sovereignty, including respect for the territorial integrity and security of regional states, while ensuring the protection of personnel, institutions and infrastructure. The proposal’s third point highlights adherence to the international rule of law and stresses the importance of preventing the international system from descending into what China described as the “law of the jungle”. The fourth point focuses on balancing development and security by encouraging regional cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and long-term stability across the Middle East and the Gulf. The remarks come as US President Donald Trump is set to travel to Beijing for high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of his three-day visit from May 13 to May 15, amid heightened tensions in West Asia and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and regional powers. China has increasingly sought to position itself as a diplomatic actor in the Gulf region in recent years, advocating dialogue-based approaches to regional security and economic cooperation. Also Read : “Inclusive politics vital for Bangladesh’s stability,” says Jatiyo Party chairman (ANI)
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Western Times logo
Western Times
May 12, 2026, 10:04 AM
Gujarat Bar Council Elections Marred by Vote Theft Allegations and Leadership Vacuum

Gujarat Bar Council Elections Marred by Vote Theft Allegations and Leadership Vacuum

Gujarat Bar Council elections were held under the supervision of High Power Committee Chairman Justice Siddharthbhai Mridul and the High Power Committee was supervised by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee and Supreme Court Justice Sudhansubhai Dhulia. But the elected members are helplessly waiting for the appointment of women co-opt members. Are the posts and allowances stuck?! Despite the vote count of the Bar Council of Delhi elections appearing on "YouTube," the lawyers started a movement with the allegation of "vote theft "?! What is happening everywhere in the" vote stealing "country?! There is no chairman in the Gujarat Bar Council! No vice-chairman! No executive chairman i.e.
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 10:02 AM
Bihar's Samrat Cabinet Takes Shape, But Key Figure Nam Mangal Pandey Left Out

Bihar's Samrat Cabinet Takes Shape, But Key Figure Nam Mangal Pandey Left Out

Patna: The Samrat cabinet in Bihar has not only taken shape but has also started working. 35 ministers, including CM Samrat Chaudhary, took oath and started working. But this time the face of the NDA government, who was a minister in all previous governments, has been out of the NDA government. Nam Mangal Pandey, MLC before 2025 but now MLA from Siwan. The question is why Mangal Pandey was kept out of the cabinet? Mangal Pandey was not made a minister. An interesting aspect in this is that even before the ministers were taking oath in Bihar, the BJP had surprised everyone in Bengal. The credit for this victory was also tied to Mangal Pandey, because he was in charge of the BJP in Bengal for a long time. In such a case, he should have received a reward, but the reverse happened. Where was the health minister, one of the leaders close to Nitish, and no minister remained.
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Amar Ujala
May 12, 2026, 09:59 AM
United Coal Workers Union Submits Charter of Demands to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

United Coal Workers Union Submits Charter of Demands to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

ExtensionAdd as a preferredsource on google United Coal Workers Union in Korba has submitted a six-point charter of demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of workers. The union has sent this memorandum through General Manager, Korba Zone, SECL on 12th May 2026. The charter of demands includes withdrawal of labour codes, release of arrested workers, minimum wage of 26 thousand. Read Trending Videos The memorandum sent by Regional Secretary B. Dharma Rao states that the union is submitting the charter of demands in the interest of workers, public interest, industry and the country. The union has appealed to the Prime Minister to take immediate action on the charter of demands. The union has demanded the withdrawal of anti-labour labour codes, terming the new labour codes as anti-labour. The union has demanded the immediate release of suspended workers and withdrawal of false cases filed against them. In view of the current inflation, the workers have been demanding a minimum wage of Rs. 26,000 per month and eight-hour working days.
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Breezy Scroll logo
Breezy Scroll
May 12, 2026, 09:58 AM
Labour Leader Faces Pressure to Step Down Amid Election Setbacks

Labour Leader Faces Pressure to Step Down Amid Election Setbacks

Fresh political turbulence has erupted inside Labour Party after senior MP Catherine West reportedly circulated messages to colleagues urging support for a structured leadership transition away from Prime Minister Keir Starmer . The move follows a bruising round of local and regional election results that triggered anxiety across Labour ranks and intensified questions about Starmer’s political standing less than two years after returning the party to power. Catherine West stopped short of launching an immediate leadership challenge, but her intervention signals growing unrest inside a government already under pressure over public frustration, economic strain, and a rapidly shifting political landscape. According to reports, Catherine West asked fellow Labour MPs to support a proposal calling on Starmer to establish a timetable for electing a new party leader by September. That distinction matters politically. Instead of attempting a direct coup requiring backing from dozens of MPs, West appears to be advocating for what she describes as an “orderly transition.” In her statement following Starmer’s latest speech, West said: Her comments reflect a broader fear among some Labor lawmakers that the party risks losing political energy just as opposition movements gain traction. Political leadership crises rarely arrive with cinematic thunder. More often, they begin with carefully worded emails, tense corridor conversations, and MPs quietly counting allies over weak coffee in Westminster offices. The immediate pressure on Starmer stems from severe election setbacks across parts of the United Kingdom. According to reports: Those numbers sent shockwaves through British politics because they suggest growing voter volatility despite Labour currently holding national power. A useful infographic here could compare: Facing mounting criticism, Starmer delivered a speech in central London aimed at reassuring both the public and nervous Labour lawmakers. During the address, he acknowledged public frustration while insisting he intended to remain in office. Starmer said: The speech attempted to project resilience at a moment when Labour’s internal mood appears increasingly unsettled. For Starmer, the political challenge is especially complicated because he already achieved what many thought impossible: returning Labour to power after 14 years of Conservative rule. Now the question haunting parts of the party is whether winning government and sustaining political enthusiasm are proving to be very different tasks. Local elections in Britain often function as political weather vanes rather than final national verdicts. Still, the scale of Labour’s setbacks matters for several reasons. Farage’s Reform UK appears to be converting public frustration into electoral momentum at a startling pace. The party’s gains suggest: Labour losing dominance in Wales was particularly significant because the party had governed there continuously since the Welsh Parliament’s creation. That defeat shattered assumptions about Labour’s regional durability. Some critics inside Labour argue Starmer has struggled to define a compelling emotional narrative for voters beyond competence and stability. In politics, managerial credibility often wins elections. Sustained enthusiasm usually requires something more combustible. At the moment, no formal leadership contest has been triggered. Under Labour rules, mounting a serious challenge would require substantial parliamentary support. Catherine West reportedly stepped back from efforts to force an immediate contest because it would have required backing from 81 MPs. Still, leadership speculation itself can become politically damaging. Persistent internal unrest can: British politics has repeatedly shown how quickly leadership pressure can escalate once doubts gain momentum inside governing parties. Just ask the recent ghost parade of prime ministers who entered Downing Street confidently and exited politically vaporized months later. One of the biggest underlying stories behind Labour’s turmoil is the rise of Reform UK. Led by Farage, the party has increasingly positioned itself as: Its growth mirrors trends seen across Western democracies, where outsider parties capitalise on: The challenge for Labour is that Reform’s rise can fracture political coalitions in unpredictable ways. For now, Starmer remains Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. But the coming months could become critical. Much may depend on whether Labour can shift public focus from internal conflict back toward governance. Because once voters begin associating a government primarily with instability, political gravity becomes difficult to escape. Labour MP Catherine West has reportedly urged colleagues to support a planned leadership transition away from Prime Minister Keir Starmer after major local election setbacks. Labour lost significant ground in England and Wales, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK made major gains. Starmer insists he will stay on and rebuild support, but growing unrest inside Labour has intensified speculation about his political future.
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May 12, 2026, 09:55 AM
Gujarat Leader Dilip Sanghani Celebrates 73rd Birthday

Gujarat Leader Dilip Sanghani Celebrates 73rd Birthday

Rajkot: Shri Dilip Sanghani, a well-known leader of Gujarat, who has been absent from public life for years, both in batting and bowling, is being showered with birthday wishes today. He was born on તા.12મે 1954, today he has reached the 73rd year of dynamic and progressive life. He is currently the Chairman of the world-famous cooperative organization Indian Farmers Fertilizers કો.ઓ.લિ. (IKCO). Shri Dilip Sanghani, son of Amreli, has been serving as the President of Amreli Municipality for many years. He was elected to the Lok Sabha 4 times. He has been the Cabinet Minister of Road Construction, Agriculture Cooperation, Judiciary, Animal Husbandry, Prisons, etc. in the state. Apart from being the Chairman of the National Federation of Cooperative Banks, he is also the Chairman of IKCO NORFED, etc.
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Amar Ujala
May 12, 2026, 09:55 AM
Nitish Kumar Makes Surprise Visit to JDU Headquarters in Bihar

Nitish Kumar Makes Surprise Visit to JDU Headquarters in Bihar

ExtensionAdd as a preferredsource on google Former Bihar Chief Minister and National President of Janata Dal United suddenly reached the party's state headquarters today. This visit without any prior notice surprised the party workers and leaders. However, the enthusiasm of the workers and office bearers was evident. A large number of supporters chanted'Nitish Kumar Zindabad ', which turned the atmosphere of the JDU office completely political. Read Trending Videos Nitish KumarIddhar also went to the Janata Durbar, the weekly Janata Durbar of ministers was going on in the JDU office when Nitish Kumar came. Nitish Kumar also reached the Jansunwai Hall suddenly and took stock of the process of listening to the problems of the people present there. Sheila Kumar was present in the Janata Durbar. Nitish Kumar talked to the minister. Asked him about the work. Is everything going well? There is no problem? The minister also said that everything is going well. After this, Nitish Kumar left the JDU office.
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AajKaal News
May 12, 2026, 09:53 AM
Tamil Nadu CM-elect Vijay Sworn In with Astrological Guidance

Tamil Nadu CM-elect Vijay Sworn In with Astrological Guidance

Nowadays webdesk: Despite good results in the elections, the Chief Minister's chair could have been bogged down by the numbers. Although Shemesh was not. The actor-turned-politician TVK chief Vijay is sitting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The governor's green signal initially set May 10 at 4 pm as the time of his much-awaited swearing-in ceremony. But later on the advice of his personal astrologer Radhan Pandit Vetrivel, Vijay brought forward the time of his oath to 10 am considering the auspicious time. It is known that every step of Vijay's political journey was guided by astrologer Vetrivel. Then the Chief Minister rewarded Vijay. The Tamil Nadu government appointed Radhan Pandit Vetrivel as the Chief Minister's Officer on Special Duty (Political). On Tuesday, Radhan Pandit Vetrivel, known as a prominent spiritual guru in Tamil Nadu, predicted Vijay's victory much before the elections. Not only did Vijay, but Vetrivel, along with a few other political leaders, was seen in front of the TV sets to advise the party to win.
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 09:51 AM
Indian Stock Market Continues Downward Trend Amid Global Uncertainty

Indian Stock Market Continues Downward Trend Amid Global Uncertainty

The stock market crashed for the second day today. The BSE Sensex fell more than 1,500 points and the Nifty fell more than 450 points during trading. The Sensex has fallen more than 3,500 points or 4 percent in the last four sessions. It has cost investors Rs 17 trillion. Know the 5 reasons why the stock market has fallen. Modi's appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to take steps to strengthen the economy, such as using fuel judiciously, avoiding gold purchases and postponing foreign trips, due to the West Asia crisis. Addressing a rally in Hyderabad, Modi suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, increasing metro use in cities, adopting electric vehicles, using railway services for parcel transport, and working from home. His appeal has affected market sentiment. The US President Donald Trump has proposed a ceasefire with Iran, but this has been described by Trump as "garbage."
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AajKaal News
May 12, 2026, 09:46 AM
RG Tax Case Sees Major Change After Government Shift

RG Tax Case Sees Major Change After Government Shift

With the change of government in the state, the RG Tax case has also undergone a major change. Justice Mantha's division bench has withdrawn from the RG Tax case. As a result, this case has now gone to the Chief Justice of the High Court. This time actor and one of the agitators of the RG Tax case, Kinjal Nanda, has responded to Dot In regarding this big change in the case of the 2024 incident that rocked the state politics. Kinjal said, "The hope is that the justice will be delivered as soon as possible. There is no hope. What is changing, or not so much understanding, so much knowledge. What is happening for a long time. There is no understanding. There is only the justice, the real culprits are caught. Whatever the commission, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this bench, this is the one who fought for the BJP in the West Bengal Assembly elections. This time, Ratna Debnath has won by a huge vote.
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ABP News
May 12, 2026, 09:46 AM
NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak; Tejashwi Yadav Slams BJP Government

NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak; Tejashwi Yadav Slams BJP Government

After the paper leak, the NEET UG 2026 exam has been cancelled. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has lashed out at the BJP over the paper leak and exam cancellation. On Tuesday (May 12, 2026), Tejashwi Yadav posted several questions from his X handle. Tejashwi Yadav said that the 2026 exam has been cancelled due to the paper leak. The future of 23 lakh students has been played with once again. The endless cycle of paper leaks in Bihar and the country is not ending. He said, "Do the BJP governments not have the administrative ability, ability, willpower and skill to conduct a normal exam without paper leaks in a systematic manner or is this also a coincidental and experimental bet that keeps the country running?" Tejashwi said that the continuous paper leak in the patronage of power is questioning the government's policy and intentions. Instead of introspecting, the government needs to introspect.
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DD News
May 12, 2026, 09:42 AM
Keir Starmer Defies Calls to Resign as UK Prime Minister

Keir Starmer Defies Calls to Resign as UK Prime Minister

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defied calls to resign on Tuesday, telling ministers he would “get on with governing” despite a “destabilising” 48 hours of growing calls to set out a timetable for his departure after an election drubbing. At a meeting of his cabinet team of ministers, Starmer, in the top job for less than two years, repeated that while he took responsibility for one of his Labour Party’s worst election defeats, there had been no official move to trigger a leadership contest. “The past 48 hours have been destabilising for government and that has a real economic cost for our country and for families,” Starmer told ministers, according to his Downing Street office. “The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a Cabinet.” British government bonds rallied weakly on Starmer’s comments, but remained firmly in the red for the day. His defiance was in marked contrast to the feelings of many in his Labour Party. On Tuesday, a junior minister resigned after a handful of ministerial aides also left the government. More than 80 Labour lawmakers have publicly called for him to set a resignation date so the party could install a new leader in an orderly manner. Starmer had sought to shore up his position on Monday when he promised to act more boldly and with more urgency to tackle Britain’s many problems. He had said the country would never forgive the centre-left Labour Party if it embarked on a leadership challenge, just two years after its huge parliamentary majority was supposed to bring an end to the political chaos that had gripped the country since Britain voted to leave the European Union 10 years ago. (Reuters)
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Siasat News
May 12, 2026, 09:42 AM
AAP Leader Calls for Mass Protests Over Cancellation of NEET Exam Due to Paper Leak Allegations

AAP Leader Calls for Mass Protests Over Cancellation of NEET Exam Due to Paper Leak Allegations

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said students affected by the cancellation of the NEET exam will have to resort to mass protests as the government only understands the language of agitation. The National Testing Agency on Tuesday cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam conducted on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak, with the government asking the CBI to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the “irregularities”. Kejriwal, in a press conference, alleged “political patronage” in paper leaks , saying the NEET question paper was leaked four times in the past nine years and none of the accused were punished. “I sympathise with all the students affected by the cancellation of the NEET paper. I know how hard students work for such exams. Coaching is expensive and many families even pawn their jewellery to arrange money,” he said. Calling paper leaks the “biggest betrayal” with the students, the former Delhi chief minister said, “Those who can not prevent paper leak, how would they run the government. It’s a case of complete collusion.” He said that paper leaks did not happen out of nowhere, as he alleged complicity of higher ups, and accused the government of toying with the future of lakhs of students. “I want to tell the students that they will have to come out on the streets. This government understands only the language of mass agitation … Kejriwal is with you,” the AAP supremo said. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was conducted by the NTA on May 3 for students seeking admission to medical education courses at the undergraduate level. The exam will now be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately.
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Siasat News
May 12, 2026, 09:40 AM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to Visit TNCC Headquarters Ahead of Floor Test

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to Visit TNCC Headquarters Ahead of Floor Test

: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will visit TNCC headquarters here on Wednesday, May 13, afternoon, ahead of the crucial floor test the government is slated to face on May 13. Congress spokesperson A Gopanna, in a statement, said Vijay will be meeting TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, AICC in-charge for TN, Girish Chodankar, AICC secretaries Suraj Hegde, Nivedith Alva and Congress party Legislative leader S Rajeshkumar at Sathyamurthy Bhavan, the party’s headquarters. Former TNCC presidents, central ministers, party MLAs and other senior leaders will also be present, he said. Secretariat sources also said Vijay is also likely to meet VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan and Indian Union Muslim League (IMUL) leaders. CM Vijay on Monday called on his predecessor, DMK president MK Stalin at the latter’s Alwarpet residence here. He also called on MDMK founder Vaiko, PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss and Tamil nationalist party, NTK’s chief Seeman at their respective residences here.
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May 12, 2026, 09:40 AM
UK Politics in Turmoil: PM Starmer Faces Resignation Demands and Leadership Crisis

UK Politics in Turmoil: PM Starmer Faces Resignation Demands and Leadership Crisis

ExpandAdd as a preferredsource on google The turmoil in British politics has intensified. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government suffered a major setback when junior housing, communities and local government minister Miatta Phanbuli resigned. Not only did she quit, but she also demanded Starmer set a deadline for an orderly transfer of power. Read Trending Videos Demanding the Prime Minister's Resignation Tejphanbuli tendered her resignation as ministers gathered in No. 10 Downing Street for a key cabinet meeting. According to reports, four other senior Labour Party leaders are also demanding the prime minister's resignation. Starmer is facing the biggest political crisis of his leadership after a poor performance in local elections. Amid the advertising campaign, Britain's Health Secretary Wes Streeting is considered to be Starmer's biggest challenge. It is reported on Tuesday that Streeting has been elected for the first time as an MP in the government.
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Amar Ujala
May 12, 2026, 09:39 AM
Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Corporator of Double Standards in Sheltering Case

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Corporator of Double Standards in Sheltering Case

ExtensionAdd as a preferredsource on google Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Tuesday accused AIMIM corporator Matin Patel of double standards. The case is related to sheltering the accused in the Nashik TCS sexual assault and alleged forced religious conversion case. Also Read: Nida Khan arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 7. According to Trending Videos Police, she was allegedly given shelter in her house by accused Matin Patel. Later the Municipal Corporation issued a notice to Patel over illegal construction and demanded a reply within 72 hours. Advertising Minister Shirsat said that on one hand Patel's people say the house is not theirs and on the other hand they talk about going to court, which shows their double standards. He also alleged that Nida Khan was a moneylender and the case involved political conspiracy. Also Read: Assam CM meets CM Sarma
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Pudhari
May 12, 2026, 09:38 AM
Astrologer Vetrivel: A Prophet of Leaders, Including Himself?

Astrologer Vetrivel: A Prophet of Leaders, Including Himself?

Vetrivel, who has been working in the field of astrology for the last four decades, has predicted many big leaders. However, it is still unclear whether he had predicted his own entry into politics. According to political analysts, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa often took important decisions only after consulting Vetrivel. Apart from this, she also gives astrological advice to people through social media.
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Akila News
May 12, 2026, 09:36 AM
Farmers' Leader Criticizes Centre's Policies, Calls Them 'Back-Breaking'

Farmers' Leader Criticizes Centre's Policies, Calls Them 'Back-Breaking'

(By Jagdish Rathore) UPLATA, Dt. 12: In a statement with a sense of outrage, the president of the Pradesh Kisan Sabha, Dyalal Gajera has said that the present farmer and anti-poor BJP government at the center has not only doubled the income of the farmers but has also broken the backs of the farmers by increasing the back-breaking price of fertilizers and has broken the backs of the farmers.
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TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 09:35 AM
Pakistan Terrorist Group Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Kills 15 Soldiers in Bannu

Pakistan Terrorist Group Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Kills 15 Soldiers in Bannu

In Pakistan, after the Tehreek-e-Taliban and the Baloch Liberation Army, a new terrorist organization, Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen, has started creating a ruckus. The terrorist organization was founded a year ago on April 11, 2025. On Sunday, Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen killed 15 Pakistani soldiers in Bannu. This is the biggest terrorist attack of this year against the government. That too, when the Pakistan Army claims to be in control of the areas of Bannu. Like Tehreek-e-Taliban, this terrorist organization's goal is to establish a hardline Islamic rule in Pakistan. Most of the terrorists of this organization are active in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. After the attack in Bannu, the Pakistani government has said to punish this terrorist organization. The terrorists of Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen in Bannu carried out the incident through a suicide attack. The Pakistan government has linked the terrorists of this year 2025 to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Afghanistan, according to the BBC.
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DD News
May 12, 2026, 09:32 AM
Asia's Coal-Fired Power Generation Surges as LNG Supplies Disrupted by Iran War

Asia's Coal-Fired Power Generation Surges as LNG Supplies Disrupted by Iran War

Major Asian liquefied natural gas (LNG) importers Japan and South Korea ramped up coal-fired power generation in April and into early May, market data showed, as the Iran war disrupted supplies of the super-chilled fuel and boosted prices. Japan’s gas-fired power supply hit two-year lows in April and South Korea’s dropped to six-month lows, according to data from the Japanese Electricity Market Data Hub and Korea Power Exchange (KPX). The switch underscores how the conflict is reshaping power generation patterns after Iranian retaliation to U.S.-Israeli attacks knocked out 17% of LNG export capacity in No. 2 global supplier Qatar. “The longer this war continues, the more switching we will see,” Andre Lambine, a power analyst at S&P Global Energy, told a recent industry event. In April, coal-fired power supply in Japan surged 11.1%, the fastest pace in at least a year, as gas-fired power plunged 12.9% to 16,447 gigawatt-hours (GWh), statistics from the Japanese Electricity Market Data Hub showed. Japan and South Korea typically use LNG to offset nuclear maintenance shutdowns before demand starts rising in June. “Japan’s rising coal power output displaced roughly 4 LNG cargoes in April – already about half the annual imports the government expected to avoid by using more coal,” said Fei Xu, senior gas analyst at ICIS. “This has helped maintain end-April LNG inventories near 5-year averages.” South Korea’s coal-fired power supply rose 39.7% annually to 10,733 GWh in April – the sharpest rise since August 2019, while gas-fired power fell 6.4%, data from KPX showed. COAL IMPORTS RISE AS UTILITIES RUSH TO SECURE POWER SUPPLY Nuclear supply fell 2.7% annually in Japan and 14.6% in South Korea in April and continued declining in the first 10 days of May, the data showed. That was offset by an 18.3% annual increase in coal-fired supply in Japan and 14.7% in South Korea in May, as gas-fired power plunged 23.4% and 12.2% respectively. S&P’s Lambine said South Korea could use more coal as its coal-fired power plants remained underutilised, while ICIS’ Xu said Japan’s ability to switch from gas to coal may be larger and faster than expected. Elsewhere, a heatwave across Southeast Asia drove a 12.3% surge in Vietnam’s coal-fired output to a record 17,864 GWh last month, pushing coal’s share in its power mix to the highest since March 2024, government data showed. The war-induced LNG supply crisis and hot weather also drove a surge in Asian thermal coal shipments in May outside China and India – the top global coal users, with imports by countries set to rise 9.4% annually to 31 million metric tons, according to London-based DBX Commodities. Vietnam’s electricity-grade coal imports surged to a record 5.4 million tons in April, Kpler data showed. In May, coal imports by South Korea and Japan are on track for annual rises of more than 50% and 20% respectively, the data showed. Asian spot LNG prices LNG-AS have surged 62% since the start of the war, dwarfing a 13% rise in the Newcastle coal benchmark Coal’s supply chain to Asian markets is unaffected by the war. “Coal’s value is increasingly being defined by security rather than economics,” said DBX Commodities CEO Alexandre Claude. (Reuters)
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Indian Express
May 12, 2026, 09:30 AM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Orders Closure of 717 Liquor Outlets Amid Public Welfare Concerns

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Orders Closure of 717 Liquor Outlets Amid Public Welfare Concerns

In one of the biggest moves after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay ordered the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets across the state on Tuesday, May 12. Mentioning that the decision was made with the welfare of the public in mind, an official release issued by the government stated that the 717 retail liquor outlets to be shut down within the next two weeks included 276 shops near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 outlets near bus stands. Soon after the Chief Minister issued the order, Rajya Sabha MP and Makkal Needhi Maiam’s (MNM) founding president, actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, lauded Vijay for the decision, opining that the sale of liquor should never be the government’s responsibility. According to news agency PTI , the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) operates a total of 4,765 retail liquor outlets across the state. Don’t Miss | From onscreen messiah to Tamil Nadu CM: The cinematic blueprint behind Vijay’s political ascent Pointing out that this is a long-standing dream for many families in Tamil Nadu, Kamal commended Vijay for taking appropriate action immediately after assuming office. “Liquor sales should never be a function of the government; the government must take responsibility for regulating the flow of alcohol. The Tamil Nadu government must move towards this position. Today, it has begun by closing 717 liquor shops. This number must be increased. This action must be continued. Congratulations,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Kamal Haasan has often spoken out against the rampant sale and use of liquor. Back in 2018, in his column in Ananda Vikatan magazine, the actor-politician noted that although he did not believe in prohibition , he supported reducing alcohol consumption. Questioning the need for so many liquor outlets, he pointed out that it was easier to locate a TASMAC shop than a post office. “This has to be changed,” he stated. 2/2 இரண்டு வாரத்திற்குள் மூடுமாறு மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு ச. ஜோசப் விஜய் அவர்கள் உத்தரவு #CMJosephVijay‌ pic.twitter.com/rYfphaAmhM — CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) May 12, 2026 Later, he reportedly advocated for the establishment of counselling centres near liquor shops in the state. In the aftermath of the 2024 Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu, he stated that such incidents, unfortunately, continue to occur, regardless of which party comes to power. MNM has been supporting the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the past few years and is also part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at the national level. In fact, Kamal Haasan reached the Rajya Sabha with the help of DMK. Must Read | When Vijay said he wanted to follow Rajinikanth’s path, then achieved what even Thalaivar couldn’t As per a pact made during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MK Stalin-led party promised to allocate one seat to MNM in the Rajya Sabha polls. When the time arrived in May 2025, DMK kept its word and allotted a seat to MNM, which, in turn, named Kamal as its candidate. Subsequently, Kamal’s party decided not to contest in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and extended unconditional support to the DMK-led alliance. However, it was defeated in the polls by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). While TVK bagged 108 seats, DMK won only 59 constituencies out of the total 234.
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Newsbytes
May 12, 2026, 09:30 AM
Ukraine's Former Chief of Staff Named Suspect in Corruption Investigation

Ukraine's Former Chief of Staff Named Suspect in Corruption Investigation

Andriy Yermak, the former Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , has been named a suspect in a high-profile corruption investigation.The anti-corruption agencies of Ukraine have alleged that Yermak was part of a criminal group that laundered around $10.5 million through an elite housing project near Kyiv.Although the agencies did not officially name him due to legal restrictions, local media widely identified him as the suspect, as per The Guardian.
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Amar Ujala
May 12, 2026, 09:29 AM
Madhya Pradesh BJP Leaders' Contrasting Styles Spark Discussion Amid Fuel-Saving Appeal

Madhya Pradesh BJP Leaders' Contrasting Styles Spark Discussion Amid Fuel-Saving Appeal

ExpansionAdd as a preferredsource on google Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to save fuel, the different styles of leaders in the Madhya Pradesh BJP became the subject of discussion. On the one hand, the newly appointed chairman of the Textbook Corporation, Saubhagya Singh Thakur, arrived in Bhopal with a convoy of more than 200 vehicles, while on the other hand, the chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Small Industries Corporation, Satyendra Bhushan Singh, arrived in an e-rickshaw to take charge.
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Akila News
May 12, 2026, 09:24 AM
Gujarat BJP Veteran Shri Mahendra Trivedi Turns 73

Gujarat BJP Veteran Shri Mahendra Trivedi Turns 73

Rajkot: Shri Mahendra Trivedi, an old and well-known veteran of Gujarat BJP, originally from Bhavnagar, was born on તા.12મે 1954. He has reached the age of 73 today. He was elected as a BJP MLA from Bhavnagar 4 times. He has been the Minister of State for Youth Services, Cultural Affairs and Home Department. He was also the Chairman of the Holy Pilgrimage Development Board at one time. મો.98250 35833 Gandhinagar.
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