Politics News in English

Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 05:13 PM

India's Role Crucial in Preventing War Between US and Iran: Finnish President

New Delhi: At a time when the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has brought the world to the brink of World War III, India's role is becoming crucial. President of Finland Alexander Stubb has stated with great optimism that India, if it wishes, can immediately prevent a major war between the United States and Iran. Hundreds of lives are being lost in West Asia and the world's busiest waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, has been paralyzed, putting the global economy at risk. In such a difficult situation, this statement by the Finnish President reinforces India's growing global power and image as a'Vishwamitra '. He stressed that India is a country that has the ability and moral influence to bring both sides to the table. India's foreign policy has been extremely balanced and admirable in this crisis. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has played an active diplomatic role in this crisis instead of just making statements. He has also maintained regular phone calls with Prime Minister of Iran Syed Narendra Abbas Araghchi, and has maintained high-level contacts with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

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Business Standard

Mar 17, 2026, 05:12 PM

LNG Prices Expected to Surge 40% Amid West Asia Conflict

The spot prices of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Asia are likely to climb to $14 per million British thermal units (mmbtu) from around $10 per mmbtu, an increase of 40 per cent, on account of the conflict in West Asia, said Norway-based Rystad Energy in a report on Tuesday.Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain minimal through early April, with LNG production in Qatar and the UAE gradually returning to full capacity only by the second half of May, the research firm said.“The current price environment is likely to persist as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, with additional upside if oil prices rise further,” it added. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint between Iran and Oman through which significant volumes of energy cargoes transit.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 05:08 PM

US Bombers Deployed from UK Base in Response to Iranian Drone Attacks

London: The British airbase'R.A.F. Fairford'located in a quiet and green area of southern England seems to have turned into a battlefield. However, after Iran's drone attacks on British allies, Starmer has conditionally approved the deployment of large American B-52 and B-1 bombers. These planes are loaded with ammunition and flying on missions directly to Middle Eastern countries, especially Iran. These scenes have revived memories of the 2003 Iraq War among British citizens, when the same base was used by the United States against Saddam Hussein. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a very cautious stance in this conflict. He has rejected US President Donald Trump's request to engage in a direct attack on Iran. However, Starmer has conditionally approved that the United States will be able to use the British base'only for defensive purposes '. He has also warned the public on social media that "We will oppose this war and we will oppose this economic cooperation."

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The Financial Express

Mar 17, 2026, 04:58 PM

US-Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Third Week: Israel Claims to Have Killed Top Iranian Military Leaders, Iran Launches Missile Attacks on Tel Aviv

The US-Israel-Iran conflict has now entered its third week — with the UAE and other Gulf countries firmly at the center of the conflict. UAE air traffic back to normal; blasts near US Embassy in Baghdad; Europe says ‘this is not our war’ Israel’s military said it is carrying out strikes on positions of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force in and around Tehran after announcing it had killed the group’s top commander. In a statement, the Israeli air force said it had targeted Basij fighters and positions deployed across the capital in recent hours, sharing footage of what it described as strikes. Earlier, Israel said it had killed Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani in an air strike, alongside its claim of assassinating Iran’s national security chief Ali Larijani. Iran has not confirmed either of the reported killings. US President Donald Trump said rising oil and gas prices linked to the Iran conflict are temporary and will fall sharply once the war ends. “As soon as that war’s over – which will be soon – your prices are gonna drop like a rock,” he said. His remarks come as global fuel prices have surged amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions. Tesla has announced free Supercharging at select locations across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, in a post on X. Saudi Arabia: Dammam Jeddah Jeddah - Al Ajawad Street Jeddah - Al Amir Sultan Riyadh Taif Qatar: Doha – Doha Festival City UAE: Abu Dhabi - Al Dhanna Abu Dhabi - Al Maryah Abu Dhabi - Al Mirfa Abu Dhabi - Masdar Central Park Abu Dhabi - Masdar City Centre Abu Dhabi - Yas Mall Hypermarket LG Abu Dhabi - Yas Mall Main Entrance Ajman - City Centre Al Ain Al Ain - Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium Dubai - Abu Hail Dubai - Al Habtoor City Dubai - Dubai Hills Grand Atrium Dubai - Dubai Hills Storm Coaster Dubai - Dubai Mall Za’abeel Dubai - Mall of Emirates Dubai - Meadows Village Dubai - Wadi Al Safa Dubai - Wafi City Fujairah Hatta Jebel Ali - Abu Dhabi bound Jebel Ali - Dubai bound Ras Al Khaimah – Al Naeem Mall Sharjah - City Centre Sharjah - Rahmania Mall Sharjah - Suyoh Mall US President Donald Trump said it will not be long before ships can move freely through the Strait of Hormuz as operations continue in the region. Speaking at the White House, Trump said efforts are underway along the coast to secure the key shipping route. “We’re knocking the hell out of the coast… It won’t be too long,” he said. He also said Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, have been supporting the efforts to restore navigation through the strait. US President Donald Trump said it was “a good thing” that National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent resigned, criticising him as “very weak on security.” Trump said Kent’s view that Iran was not a threat showed poor judgment, adding that most countries recognise the risks posed by Iran, even if they differ on how to respond. US President Donald Trump criticised NATO, saying the alliance is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to support US operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking from the White House, Trump expressed frustration that member countries are unwilling to send troops to help secure the key shipping route. “They don’t want to help us, which is amazing,” he said, adding that the United States does not need assistance. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has carried out its 59th wave of strikes, targeting multiple locations across the region. According to a statement carried by the ISNA news agency, the attacks hit areas in Israel including Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The IRGC also said strikes targeted US forces at Kuwait’s Ali al-Salem Air Base, as well as locations in the UAE’s Fujairah and Iraq’s Erbil. The group added that the operations began at dawn and are part of its ongoing campaign. Trump on Truth Social today stated that most NATO allies refused to take part in the US military operation against Iran despite agreeing that Tehran should not possess nuclear weapons, criticising the alliance as a “one-way street” where the US bears the cost of protecting others without reciprocal support. He claimed that American forces had effectively dismantled Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy, air force and defence systems, and eliminated key leadership, asserting that the US had achieved decisive success. Trump added that, given this outcome, the US neither needs nor seeks assistance from NATO or other allies such as Japan, Australia and South Korea, emphasising that the country is powerful enough to act independently. Scandinavian airline SAS has announced short-term flight cancellations due to a sharp increase in fuel prices. The carrier said the spike in jet fuel costs is linked to rising global oil prices amid the Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, SAS had also introduced temporary fare increases in response to the higher fuel costs. Around 1,600 Indian nationals have returned to India from Qatar on Qatar Airways flights, the Indian Embassy in Doha said. The airline operated five flights to India, including two to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud held a phone call with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss the regional impact of the US-Israel war on Iran. In a post on social media, bin Saud said the talks focused on security implications arising from the ongoing developments in the region. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Qatar in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and residents. The Saudi minister also held a similar call with UAE Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. One person has been killed and another injured in an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency. The strike reportedly targeted a car between the towns of Abba and Jebchit, near a school. Israel’s military said it has detected increased preparations by Hezbollah to launch rocket attacks towards its territory in the coming hours. In a post on X, the army said its air defence systems and forces along the border are on high alert and ready to respond. It added that operations are underway to prevent the anticipated rocket launches. France will not take part in operations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz while hostilities continue, President Emmanuel Macron said. Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Macron said France is not a party to the conflict and will therefore not participate in efforts to open the waterway in the current situation. He added that France is continuing work to prepare a coalition that could help ensure freedom of navigation once the conflict ends. Hezbollah has denied having any members or networks in Kuwait, a day after authorities announced the arrest of individuals allegedly linked to the group over a suspected sabotage plot. In a statement, the Iran-backed Lebanese group described the allegations by Kuwait’s interior ministry as “baseless” and rejected the accusations. “There are no Hezbollah cells, members or networks in Kuwait,” the group said. Emirates has advised passengers of their options if their flights are cancelled or if they choose not to travel between February 28 and April 15, 2026. In a notice shared on X, the airline said travellers can rebook onto an alternate flight to their destination for travel up to May 31, 2026. Passengers may also opt for a full refund by submitting a request through the airline’s website. One person has been killed and nine others injured in an Israeli air strike on Beirut’s Airport Road, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said. The ministry’s emergency operations centre reported the casualties, according to the National News Agency. Hamad International Airport has announced it is withdrawing from all external exhibitions, conferences, industry events and awards programmes amid the ongoing regional conflict. The move includes major events such as the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026 and the Passenger Terminal Expo 2026 in London. In a statement, the airport said the safety and wellbeing of passengers, staff and their families remain its top priority, and thanked aviation partners and stakeholders for their continued support during this period. The head of the United States’ National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned over the US-Israel war on Iran. In a letter to President Donald Trump posted on X, Kent said he could not support the ongoing conflict. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote, adding that he did not believe Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the killing of Iran’s national security chief Ali Larijani was part of efforts to weaken the country’s leadership. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said the move was intended to give Iranians a chance to challenge their rulers. He added that any change in Iran’s leadership would not happen quickly or easily, but said continued pressure could allow people to “take their fate into their own hands.” Lufthansa Group has extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until April 9 due to ongoing airspace restrictions in the Middle East. For operational reasons, the airline has also halted flights to Riyadh until April 5, while ITA Airways services will continue as scheduled. Several other major international carriers, including British Airways, Air Canada and US airlines Delta, United and American Airlines, have also suspended flights to Tel Aviv, with some extending cancellations into April and May as the conflict continues. Hezbollah said it fired a salvo of rockets at Israeli soldiers in the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon. In a post on X, the group said the soldiers were near a municipal building when they were targeted. Earlier, Hezbollah said it had also targeted Israeli troops inside a tent in the border town of Maroun al-Ras in the Bint Jbeil district. Iran has arrested 10 foreign nationals among dozens detained on suspicion of collaborating with the United States and Israel, Iranian media reported on Tuesday. Authorities said the arrests come amid heightened security concerns during the ongoing conflict, with officials warning that public events could be exploited by what they described as “the enemy.” Officials also urged residents to stay at home during an upcoming festival, citing fears of potential security threats The Israeli military said it is investigating a strike in southern Lebanon that Lebanese authorities say killed one soldier and injured at least four others. In a statement, the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson Ella Waweya said Israeli forces target Hezbollah members and not Lebanese military personnel. She added that the incident is under review. Germany said on Tuesday it will grant additional powers to its competition watchdog to tackle potential price gouging by energy companies amid rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said petrol prices in Germany have increased more sharply than the European average, adding that the oil industry has not provided a convincing explanation for the rise. She said the Federal Cartel Office will be empowered to quickly investigate and curb excessive price markups in the wholesale sector. IndiGo said flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to be affected and will resume based on prevailing safety conditions and regulatory approvals. The airline said it has managed to reunite many passengers with their families despite evolving circumstances and short-notice schedule changes, and is continuing to assist those with upcoming travel plans. Passengers have been advised to stay updated and follow IndiGo’s guidance to ensure a smooth travel experience. Akasa Air has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait until March 21 amid the ongoing regional situation. The airline has also extended its waiver on cancellation and rescheduling charges for affected passengers until March 31. A projectile has struck a tanker anchored about 23 nautical miles (42.6km) east of Fujairah in the UAE, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. No injuries were reported, and the incident caused only minor structural damage to the vessel. UKMTO said initial investigations suggest the damage was likely caused by falling debris from aerial interceptions in the area. Iran has launched a new wave of missiles targeting Tel Aviv, according to state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The development marks a fresh escalation in the ongoing conflict, with previous missile barrages triggering air raid sirens and interceptions across central Israel Qatar’s Defence Ministry said its armed forces successfully intercepted a second wave of missile attacks targeting the country. Authorities issued alerts indicating an elevated security threat before confirming that the situation had been brought under control. Officials later said the threat had been eliminated and normal conditions had been restored.

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Business Standard

Mar 17, 2026, 04:21 PM

Helmet Makers Face Cost Pressures Amid Global Supply Disruptions and Geopolitical Tensions

The Helmet Manufacturers Association of India on Tuesday warned that a sharp surge in raw material prices, driven by global supply disruptions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, is putting pressure on helmet makers and raising concerns that cost-cutting measures could compromise safety standards in a price-sensitive and highly competitive market.On February 28, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran, triggering a fresh conflict in the Gulf region, following which large parts of Middle Eastern airspace and key shipping routes across West Asia were shut or severely restricted, disrupting aviation and trade flows across one of the world’s busiest transit corridors.In a statement, the industry body said India’s helmet market -- estimated at over $2 billion -- is facing cost pressures even as demand remains strong due to annual two-wheeler sales exceeding 20 million units and tighter enforcement of safety norms.

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 04:04 PM

Left Front Nominee Kaltan Dasgupta Campaigns in Panihati

The candidate list has been announced. The candidate himself has been busy writing walls with CPI (M) workers. Kaltan Dasgupta, the Left Front nominee for the Panihati seat, has been writing walls as well as holding organisational meetings. Kaltan wrote walls on Station Road on the western edge of Agarpara on Tuesday. He has led the youth movement for a long time. He has led the movement from the face of police lathis and jail. He has repeatedly taken to the streets in Panihati to demand justice for'Abhaya '. Kaltan himself is one of the faces of the movement. Kaltan travels to different areas of Panihati. He talks to different sections. He appeals to the Left to vote. He talks to auto drivers, shopkeepers. He talks about the situation in the market since the gas crisis.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 04:01 PM

BJP Intensifies Preparations for Upcoming Local Body Elections in Gujarat

Gandhinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party has intensified its exercise to plan and strategize for the upcoming local body elections in Gujarat. A high-level meeting has been organized under the chairmanship of state president Jagdishbhai Vishwakarma at the BJP state office'Shri Kamalam ', Koba, tomorrow, 18 March 2026, Wednesday, at 1: 00 pm. The meeting was attended by state organization general secretary Ratnakarbhai, state office bearers, presidents of various morchas, general secretaries, in-charges of districts and cities, and members of the election committee.

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 03:52 PM

Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Claims of Airstrike Victims and Retaliatory Missile Fire

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz claimed that Iran's security chief was killed in the overnight strike. Israel claimed that the head of Iran's National Security Council, Ali Larijani, was killed in the airstrike. Israel claimed that the commander of Iran's paramilitary Basij, Gholamrezz Soleimani, was also killed. Iran denied the claim. Iran's counter-claim was that the missile was fired within a few meters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Iran's Leader of State Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said that a surrender to the United States was out of the question. The United States-Israel must be defeated. Iran said that the United States always broke off negotiations. This time, too. The Israeli-American imposed war on Iran has been going on for eighteen days. Shipping on the Strait of Hormuz, an important international oil shipping route, has become almost impossible. Crude oil prices have risen by 40 percent in just eighteen days. The price of US military missiles in the Middle East has crossed $100.

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Free Press Journal

Mar 17, 2026, 03:45 PM

BJP and Congress Win One Seat Each in Rajya Sabha Election Amid Controversy

Chandigarh: The ruling BJP and the opposition party Congress won one seat each in the Rajya Sabha election amid allegations of ``vote secrecy violations’’, here late Monday night. Counting Dragged Past Midnight Amid Objections The counting for the votes for the Monday election ended past midnight in the wake of objections raised by both the parties which were sent to Election Commission of India and subsequently, the BJP candidate Sanjay Bhatia and Congress’ Karamvir Boudh were declared winners. Besides Bhatia and Boudh, a BJP leader Satish Nandal was also in the fray as an independent candidate. Singed by its debacles in the past two RS polls despite numbers, the Congress had taken its MLAs to Shimla prior to polling to prevent ``horse trading’’ by BJP. 83 Votes Polled After Invalidations For record, in the House of 90, BJP has 48 MLAs, Congress, 37, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), two and there are three Independent MLAs. Since INLD MLAs had abstained from voting and four Congress votes and one BJP vote were declared invalid after objections, in all 83 votes were polled. While Bhatia won with 39 (first preference) votes, Boudh got 28 votes, Nandal lost as he got 16. RUCKUS OVER CROSS-VOTING IN HOUSE Meanwhile, pandemonium prevailed over the issue of cross voting in the Rajya Sabha election in the ongoing budget session of the assembly on Tuesday. Ruckus erupted after Congress MLA Raghuvir Kadian raised the issue of the Rajya Sabha election asking while both the parties – BJP and Congress – had the requisite numbers for one seat each, why did BJP bring the third candidate and that it was ``the murder of democracy’’. Din gripped the House as the Congress MLAs began raising slogans of ``vote chor, gaddi chhod’’ against the BJP and the treasury benches raising slogans to counter them. They showed number 9 with both hands – apparently referring to the five cross-votes and four invalid votes of Congress, totalling nine. Chief minister Nayab Saini also said that there was lack of trust within Congress and it was why it took its MLAs to Shimla. When the ruckus continued with the Congress MLAs coming to the Well of the House and shouting slogans, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan who adjourned the House. However, when the situation aggravated after the House resumed, the Speaker named several MLAs of Congress following which they staged a walkout.

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 03:42 PM

CPI(M) Candidate Who Fought Maoists in Jangalmahal's Bandwan Now Campaigning for Office

Jangalmahal Bandwan is stained with the blood of twelve martyrs. CPI (M )'s crime of killing CPI (M) workers brutally started in 2003. The present ruling party of the state recognized the way of the Maoists in the darkness of that night. Rabindranath Kar and his wife Anandamoyee Kar were burnt alive by blocking the entire village. Yet the red flag could not be removed from Bandwan's chest. The CPI (M) was forced to retreat from Bandwan one day by standing in front of the Maoists and fighting against the Maoists with people from all walks of life. The man who forced the Maoists to retreat from Bandwan is the CPI (M) candidate this time, Rathu Singh Sardar. Since the announcement of the candidate on Monday, he has been on the campaign trail. On Tuesday morning, the workers first went to Chirudi, Bandwan, Kunchia and introduced the candidate. They were also told why they would vote for the CPI (M) candidate. The people of the tribal-dominated Lukpani village gave a warm welcome to the people there. On Tuesday, a huge crowd of people gathered in support of the candidate of Lal Bandwan (Lalmia). On Tuesday, the

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 03:37 PM

CPI(M) Candidate Debraj Barman Campaigns at Karlawali Tea Estate, Promises Support for Tea Workers' Demands

Soon after the announcement of the candidate, Debraj Barman, the Left Front nominated CPI (M) candidate from Jalpaiguri Sadar constituency, campaigned at Karlawali Tea Estate in Aurobindo Gram Panchayat area adjacent to the city. Debraj Barman met the workers and employees of Karlawali Tea Estate this morning. He went to the workers'place of work and exchanged pleasantries with them and discussed their demands. He was accompanied by Subhasis Sarkar, secretary of CPI (M) Sadar West Area Committee, Rabina Munda, Gobin Oraon, Mrinal Roy, Sanjay Sarkar, CPI (M) panchayat members of this garden. Debraj Barman said that the long-standing demand of the tea workers for their minimum wages and land pattas will be raised in the assembly after he wins. Debraj Barman campaigned at the garden lines door-to-door after campaigning at the garden work place. The tea workers also said that this time against the policies of Trinamool BJP's boss Toshon, they will unite in front of the Left Front candidate in the Jalpaiguri (Jalpaiguri) district office.

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The Moscow Times

Mar 17, 2026, 03:37 PM

EU Offers Technical Support to Repair Damaged Pipeline Amid Tensions Between Hungary and Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that the bloc will help repair a damaged pipeline that pumps Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary, coming after tensions between Hungary and Ukraine escalated over delays in restoring flows. The dispute has intensified in recent days, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán using the issue to block an EU loan of 90 billion euros ($104 billion) to Ukraine and a new round of sanctions against Russia. In a letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said they hoped a “rapid repair” of the pipeline would allow the bloc to move forward with both the loan and sanctions package. “The EU has offered Ukraine technical support and funding. The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer,” von der Leyen said in a statement released alongside the correspondence. “European experts are available immediately,” she said. Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline, which officials in Kyiv claim was damaged by Russian strikes in January. Ukraine had initially resisted EU involvement, with Zelensky calling attempts to link pipeline repairs to wartime support “blackmail.” But the letters published Tuesday suggest Kyiv has softened its stance as pressure from Brussels mounted. Zelensky said Ukraine would accept “necessary technical support and funding” to complete repairs and would task the head of state energy firm Naftogaz to coordinate with EU officials. A European Commission spokesperson said Brussels is now “confident” that progress in issuing the loan to Ukraine could be made soon, “ideally” before a summit of EU leaders on Thursday. The dispute between Hungary and Ukraine over the Druzhba pipeline came to a head as global energy markets tightened amid war in the Middle East. Governments are scrambling to boost energy supplies and ease soaring prices. Orbán, who maintains an amicable relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has called on the EU to suspend sanctions on Russian oil and gas.

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 03:35 PM

TMC Releases Candidate List for Assembly Elections

The TMC released its list of candidates for the Assembly elections on Tuesday at a press conference from the Chief Minister's residence in Kalighat. The TMC announced its candidates for 291 seats. Anik Thapar's party will contest three seats in Darjeeling. Mamata Banerjee will contest from Bhabanipur. Paresh Chandra Adhikari from Mekhliganj constituency. Ankita Adhikari, the daughter of Paresh Chandra Adhikari, who lost her job in a teachers'recruitment scam case. Arup Biswas, Jadavpur Debabrata Majumdar, Kolkata Bandar Firhad Hakim, Kasba Javed Khan, Bhangar Soukat Molla, Dum Dum Bratya Basu, Dum Dum Uttar Chandrima Bhattacharya, Bidhannagar Sujit Bose, Rajarhat-Gopalpur Munshi, Barsat Sabyasachi Dutta, Baruipur Paschim Biman Banerjee, Falta Jahangir Gaon, Sonarpur Dakshin Lovely Maitra, Balighat Nandi Sobhandeb Chatterjee, Rashbehari Debashish Kumar, Beleghata Kuntalo Ghosh, Purbata Ulubata Shrestha, Pabitra Banerji, Indranil Bannurji, Chandan

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 03:35 PM

RSS Teachers' Teachings and Mamata Banerjee's Remarks on Muslim Community Spark Controversy

Chandan Das is violent, Jantav is a particular'community '. The whole'community'is criminal. The riots of'46 were committed only by that'community '. All the'twelve bangs'in Bangladesh in the last one and a half years are the acts of that'community '. In the more than 50 riots that have taken place in West Bengal in the last one and a half decades, the attackers were only people from that community. Nothing has ever happened in Gujarat. There is nothing happening in Palestine, Iran. The Mughals are the only aggressors, the Hindu zamindars-rajas-ranas are all big troublemakers. All this great history has taught us to read birds, say the RSS teachers. Why did Mamata Banerjee suddenly have to become the principal of that college? What did she say? On the stage of the sit-in at Dharamtala, the chief minister said,'We are fine. If we are not, then a community alliance will put twelve bangs in a second.'Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of the state, does not understand this'Muslim community '?

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Ganashakti Patrika

Mar 17, 2026, 03:31 PM

Election Commission Reshuffles State Police Posts in Kolkata

The Election Commission has reshuffled several state police posts, including Kolkata. Indira Mukherjee, DC Central, Kolkata Police, has been removed by the Commission. YS Jagannath Rao has been given charge in place of Indira. Rajesh Kumar Singh has been made ADG and IGP South Bengal. K Jayaraman has been made ADG and IGP North Bengal. Pranab Kumar has been posted as Commissioner of Police, Asansol Durgapur. Akhilesh Kumar Chaturvedi has been made CP, Howrah. Amit Kumar Singh CP, Barrackpore. Sunil Kumar Yadav CP, Chandannagar. Pushpa has been made SP, Barasat Police District. Jaspreet Singh SP, Coochbehar. Surya Pratap Yadav Birbhum. Rakesh Singh Islampur Police District. Kumar Sunny Raj Hooghly Rural. Ishani Pal Diamond Harbour Police District. Sachin Mooshirdabad Police District. Alokananda Bhawal Basirhat Police District. Anupam Singh East Midnapore. Surinder Singh Jangipur. Papia Sultana West Midnapore. Sujit Kumar Mishra, Secretary, West Midnapore Commission.

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Maharashtra Times

Mar 17, 2026, 03:21 PM

US War Against Iran Suffers Major Blow with Senior Official's Resignation

Washington: As the war against Iran rages on, US President Donald Trump has been dealt a body blow. A senior official has resigned, questioning the decision to go to war. Joe Kent, director of the US Counterterrorism Center, has decided to step down. Kent's abrupt resignation is being seen as a major blow to Trump. "I don't support the war in Iran. I'm saying this in the voice of my conscience. There was no real threat to our country from Iran. We started this war under pressure from Israel and the powerful lobby," Kent said in an open criticism of US policies. Donald Trump's troubles in this war have reached a peak. The situation in West Asia is getting worse. Kent has resigned around this time. He was working in a senior position. His resignation has been the subject of discussion.

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 03:15 PM

Vijay's Party to Contest Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Alone, Ruling Out Any Alliance

Chennai, March 17 - Vijay, an actor-turned-politician, has created a new equation in Tamil Nadu politics. He made it clear that his party will go alone in the upcoming assembly elections. After this announcement, the political battle in the state is going to get more complicated. Vijay said in the party meeting on Tuesday that they had no discussion with any other party. He told the workers,'We will fight alone in the elections. Everyone should increase the work in their areas. The list of candidates will be announced soon. We are confident of winning.'Earlier, there was speculation that Vijay's party may have an understanding with the BJP-led alliance. But he himself poured water on this possibility. According to political circles, Vijay's decision will now be fought from all sides. On the one hand, the ruling alliance, on the other hand, Vijay's party will fight alone as a new force. On the other hand, there were differences between Vijay's party and another regional party.

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Free Press Journal

Mar 17, 2026, 03:05 PM

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Checks In with BJP MLA Manda Mhatre After Heart Attack

Navi Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, March 17, spoke to BJP MLA Manda Mhatre via video call enquiring about her health after news of a heart attack surfaced. The Deputy CM cheered her and urged her to remain strong, saying, "willpower strong theva." Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The video of their conversation was posted on Manda Mhatre's official handle on X. The post captioned, "Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke via video call, inquired about the health, and extended best wishes for a speedy recovery. The love and blessings of the people are with me. I will soon fully recover and resume service to the people." In the video call, Shinde is heard saying, "Bilkul chinta karu naka. Amhi sagde aple sobat ahot. Manda Tai Tension karu naka. Will power strong theva. Tumhi lavkar bare honar. Parat aplyala kaam karaycha ahe ani jantechi seva karaychi ahe. (Don’t worry at all. We are all with you. Manda Tai, don't take tension. Keep your willpower strong. You will get well soon. We have work to do again and serve the people." The BJP MLA from Belapur was admitted to Apollo Hospital after suffering a heart attack. According to reports, she experienced chest pain and discomfort in the early hours of March 17. Her family acted quickly and rushed her to the hospital. An emergency procedure was conducted, and she is now stable. Her son, Nilesh, while speaking to Newsband , said that two stents were placed during the procedure to clear the blockage. Although she is currently in the ICU, her condition is stable and responding well to treatment. Who is Manda Mhatre? Born on January 20, 1956, Manda Mhatre is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and the current MLA from the Belapur constituency. According to IndiaLeader.com , Mhatre has been recognised for her work with the fishermen community. Mhatre had defeated Sandeep Naik, son of Ganesh Naik, in the 2024 assembly elections. Sandeep Naik had contested on the NCP (SP) ticket. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

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EI Samay

Mar 17, 2026, 03:04 PM

Trinamool Congress Shakes Up Bankura Constituencies with New Candidate Lineup

Since the announcement of the list of candidates from Kalighat, there has been a stir in Bankura. Nine out of 12 constituencies have changed their candidates. The Trinamool Congress has replaced several sitting MLAs from the minister with new faces. Several people got tickets within hours of joining the party. The list includes doctors, businessmen and professors. A number of MLAs from the heavyweight minister to the outgoing MLA have also been left out. This time the Trinamool Congress has arranged a kite with defectors to spread flowers on the red soil of Bankura. In the same strategy, the MLAs who have won Bankura in the past have been left out. The ruling party has not even given a ticket to a two-time MLA and'outgoing'minister in this district in 26 installments. The name of Jyotsna Mandi, the only minister from Bankura district, has not been included in the list. Tanushree Hansda, who joined the party just a few hours ago, has been replaced by the TMC on Tuesday morning. Chandrima Bhattacharya, the minister, has also picked up a double-flagged ticket.

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EI Samay

Mar 17, 2026, 03:01 PM

TMC Shake-Up: Krishna Das and Khageswar Roy Replaced in West Bengal Assembly Elections

Four-time MLA Krishna Das has not been named in the TMC candidate list. Four-time MLA Khageswar Roy resigned as the chairman of Jalpaiguri district TMC after the announcement of TMC's candidate from Kolkata. He is going to hold a meeting with his followers about the next step. Khageswar Roy said that the party will get a better leader than him in the coming days. Khageswar Roy's followers are angry that he could not be a candidate. Swapna Barman, who won gold in the Asiad, has replaced Khageswar Roy in Rajganj. Pradip Kumar Verma has been replaced by Krishna Das in Jalpaiguri Sadar constituency. Khageswar was in the Youth Congress with Mamata Banerjee since the formation of the TMC. He was nominated by Mamata Banerjee from Rajganj assembly in 2001 and 2006. Though he lost at that time. However, he lost the by-election in 2009 by 15,000 votes to the Left candidate in Bamdurg. After that, Khageswar MLA Khageswar Roy said that the party could not consider him as a strong candidate. Khageswar Roy's followers told him in the media that Khageswar was not a strong candidate for the seat. Khageswar

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TV9 Hindi

Mar 17, 2026, 03:01 PM

TMC Releases Candidate List for West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026

West Bengal Assembly Election: TMC releases list of candidates for Assembly elections 2026. On Tuesday, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee announced the names of candidates for 291 out of 294 seats in the state. TMC announced 52 women, 47 minorities and 95 SC and ST candidates for the assembly elections. In a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee said that the remaining three seats in Darjeeling Hills will be contested by Anit Thapa's Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM). Mamata Banerjee said that TMC will contest 291 out of 294 seats. The remaining three seats in Darjeeling Hills will be contested by TMC's ally, Anit Thapa's BGPM. Mamata Banerjee exuded confidence that TMC will retain power with a comfortable majority and win more than 226 seats in the 2026 assembly elections. The chief minister also assured party leaders and workers who did not find a place in the list of candidates, that they will be accommodated in the list.

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Live Hindustan

Mar 17, 2026, 03:01 PM

Two BJP Leaders Killed, Two Injured in Car Accident in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Two BJP leaders, including Mandal Vice President Kailash Sharma, were killed and two others seriously injured in an accident on Tuesday in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:59 PM

PGVCL Deploys Over 1,000 Teams Nationwide to Resolve Financial Issue

For the second time in a row today, the corporate office of PGVCL has deployed more than 1 thousand teams in more than 12 power circles of the whole country including Rajkot-Kutch and has kept a mega power connection "cut" drive in the pending finance question of Vijbil.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:58 PM

BJP Suffers Setback in Rajkot's Ward 12 as Party Leaders Face Internal Discontent

Rajkot, તા.17: Ward no. 12 is dominated by Leuva Patels, Kadva Patels, Ahirs and Kshatriya Samaj. The BJP has suffered a major setback with the husband of sitting woman corporator Asmita Delvadia joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Also, the developmental issues of Mehmadi Bagh and the internal discontent among the leaders have become a matter of concern for MLA Bhanuben Babaria and the party. According to the new rotation, there will be a thorny tussle between the bigwigs to get a ticket in this ward. After the festival of Dhule, new colors are seen in the politics of the city BJP. As the next municipal elections are approaching, there is a different mood among the workers. The silent discontent among the workers due to some decisions taken after the change in the organizational structure is now clearly visible in ward no. 12, similar to the'Tel Dekho, Telni Dhar Dekho '. This ward is mainly dominated by Leuva Patels, Kadva Patels, Kadva Kshatriya Samaj.

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News 18✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:58 PM

NCTC Head Resigns Over Trump's 'Vain' War Against Iran; Netanyahu Confirms Death of Iranian Security Chief

Joe Kent, the head of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned. He has shared his resignation, saying that how Trump launched a war against Iran in vain while there was no threat from Iran. Netanyahu has come live and confirmed the death of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani. He has said that we killed the IRGC goon.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:56 PM

Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Defamatory Content Against Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

New Delhi: In a major relief to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the Delhi High Court has ordered that the controversial and defamatory content related to him be removed within 24 hours.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:54 PM

Gujarat Legislative Assembly Passes Budgetary Demands for 2026-27 with Focus on Empowering Marginalized Groups

Gandhinagar: At the end of the discussion on the budgetary demands for the year 2026-27 of the General Administration Department in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, provisions of ₹2051.27 crore have been passed by majority. On this occasion, Minister Ishwarsinh Patel said that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghvi is moving forward with the mantra of'Good Governance, Service, Resolve and Dedication '. This budget has a special focus on empowering the poor, youth, Annadata and Nari Shakti (GYAN). Decentralized Planning and Increase in MLA Grants: The budget under the Decentralized District Planning Program has been increased by ₹500 crore to a total of ₹2102 crore. In addition, the MLA Area Development Grant has been increased from ₹1.50 crore to ₹2.50 crore. To accelerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's'Catch the Rain'campaign for environmental protection, now a minimum expenditure of ₹50 lakh has been made for the implementation of the'Gujarat Jal Sanchayogya Karmachari'scheme.

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 02:54 PM

TMC Candidate List Sparks Controversy in Rajganj Assembly Constituency

The Rajganj assembly constituency in Jalpaiguri has been on the boil ever since the TMC released its list of candidates. Four-time MLA and district TMC chairman Khageswar Roy is angry at the party for not fielding him this time. The party has replaced him with Arjuna awardee athlete Sapna Barman, who recently joined the TMC. Khageswar publicly resents his followers for not seeing his name on the list. He alleges that the party has done injustice to him. He rues that he has been removed after winning Rajganj four times in a row, starting with the 2009 by-election. He even claims in an explosive manner, "I lost to money." The influence of Khageswar Roy, who has been a strong face of the organisation in Rajganj for a long time, is still significant. On the other hand, the TMC is trying to attract youth votes by fielding a popular sportsperson like Sapna Barman. Khageswar Roy has announced to resign from the post of district TMC president in protest against this decision. Though he has not yet made any political move, it is not clear how much he will be affected by the political situation within the TMC.

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Live Hindustan

Mar 17, 2026, 02:53 PM

Tejashwi Yadav Accused of Knowing in Advance of RJD Candidate's Loss in Rajya Sabha Election

Former BJP national secretary and MLA Rajnish Singh has alleged that Tejashwi Yadav knew in advance that the RJD candidate would not win the Rajya Sabha election, so he made a bhadra bhumihar a scapegoat. Rajnish Singh claimed that if Tejashwi Yadav was confident of victory, he would have fielded a member of the Lalu Yadav family.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:51 PM

New Administrator Takes Charge as Zilla Panchayat Term Ends

RAJKOT: The five-year term of office-bearers and elected members in zilla panchayats ended last evening. The zilla panchayat president returned the office, car, bungalow facility he was getting. Today, the nameplates of the office-bearers have been removed from the second floor of the panchayat office. The state government has installed a board in his name appointing collector Dr Omprakash as the administrator. He took charge at 2 pm today. (Photo: Sandeep Bagriyath)

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Dainik Jagran

Mar 17, 2026, 02:49 PM

Trump Calls for Global Cooperation to Assert Control Over Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump recently called on countries around the world to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to assert control over it, seeking cooperation from Britain, France, Japan, China, among others.

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 02:46 PM

Uncertainty Surrounds Fate of Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei After Alleged Attack on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Office

The uncertainty surrounding Iran's supreme leadership has led to renewed speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei. Questions have been raised as to whether he is alive, but multiple sources in Iran claim that Mojtaba is alive but seriously wounded. He is reportedly being treated in Russia. On 28 February, a deadly attack on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office in Tehran was alleged. Several top military and administrative officials, including Khamenei, are claimed to have been killed in the attack. A foreign media report claims that Mojtaba left the office shortly before the attack, resulting in serious injuries to his legs, though he survived the blast. The leaked audio is gruesome and the intensity of the blast has left many top officials disfigured. Although the authenticity of the audio has not been verified. Mojtaba has been portrayed as the new leader after the attack. But the speculation is growing since he has not yet come out in public. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claims that Mojba has died, while a report by Russian President Vladimir Putin says that he has been treated.

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Navbharat Times

Mar 17, 2026, 02:45 PM

Rahul Gandhi to Visit Gujarat Ahead of Election Announcement

Ahmedabad: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rae Bareli MP Rahul Gandhi will arrive in Gujarat on March 23 ahead of the announcement of elections in the state.

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Business Standard

Mar 17, 2026, 02:44 PM

US Counterterrorism Head Resigns Over Disagreements on War with Iran

The head of the National Counterterrorism Center resigned on Tuesday, becoming the first and most senior member of US President Donald Trump's administration to resign over the war in Iran, saying Tehran posed no imminent threat to the United States."I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful lobby," Joseph Kent wrote in a letter to Trump posted on X.After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this…pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19)March 17, 2026Some experts have said an imminent threat would be required for the United States to launch a war under current law.Also ReadIran's top security officials, Ali Larijani killed in airstrike: IsraelMojtaba Khamenei narrowly escaped death during Israeli strike: ReportMamata accuses EC of transferring officers at BJP's behest before pollsSelected civil services candidates told to avoid self-promotion onlineKC Tyagi quits JD(U), says will decide further course of action soonThe White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence also did not immediately respond.Intelligence officials were caught off guard by the news.Kent is close with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has kept a low profile since the Iran war began.Gabbard has not issued any public statements and has only appeared in public during the dignified transfer of American soldiers killed earlier this month during the conflict with Iran.

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 02:43 PM

Trinamool Congress Supports Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha in Darjeeling Hills

The Trinamool Congress has taken a strategic decision in the hills for the upcoming assembly elections. The ruling party will not field candidates in the three seats of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong, supporting Anit Thapa's party Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha. On Monday, the party announced its list of candidates. Mamata Banerjee and All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee released the list of candidates. Before releasing the list of candidates, Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Election Commission. She then said that the TMC will contest a total of 291 seats in the state. However, three important seats in the hills have been left for Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha. Therefore, the candidates of Anit Thapa's party will fight in support of the TMC. Soon after the elections were announced, Anit Thapa announced the names of candidates for the three seats in the hills. Since then, there was speculation in the political circles whether the TMC will field its own candidates in these three seats or support Anit Thapa's party. The announcement on this day ended the speculation.

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EI Samay

Mar 17, 2026, 02:42 PM

TMC Drops Sitting MLA Asit Majumdar, Fields Young Face Debangshu Bhattacharya for Assembly Polls

The TMC has announced its list of candidates for the assembly polls. The names of several sitting MLAs are missing. Asit Majumdar, a three-time MLA from Chinsurah, has been dropped. Debangshu Bhattacharya, the party's young face and spokesperson, has been fielded from that seat. Asit Majumdar, who won his first election in 2011 as a TMC candidate from Chinsurah when the Left Front was in power. Asit Majumdar, the party's candidate from Chinsurah in 2016 and 2021. But in 2026, the party is banking on a young face. But did Asit get an inkling of this? The outgoing MLA said,'We are chunoputi people. Why talk to us? And if I have flaws, why not give me a ticket?'He has given me a ticket three times in the past. But I have no qualms about it.

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Amar Ujala

Mar 17, 2026, 02:41 PM

Senior Indian Congress Leader Arrested Over Social Media Post Critical of PM

ElaborationAdd as a preferredsource on google Senior Congress leader Anil Dadwal has been arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with a case registered against him for posting a social media post against the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, he reached the office of the Delhi Police Special Cell to join the investigation, where he was arrested late in the evening after a long interrogation. Anil Dadwal himself arrived to join the investigation on Tuesday after a notice was issued by the Delhi Police Special Cell.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:37 PM

Congress Party Preps for Local Elections with Public-Driven Ticket Allocation

Rajkot, તા.17: In view of the forthcoming elections to the Zila Panchayat and Taluka Panchayat, the Congress party has already started intensive preparations. According to party sources, in-charges for 11 (eleven) taluks of the district will be appointed in the next few days. These in-charges will go among the people at the taluka and village level and conduct an exercise to allocate tickets to the candidates of the people's choice, so as to gain the unwavering trust of the public. Earlier, such direct public relations methods were not used by the party on a large scale. On the other hand, amidst the sporadic internal dissensions or factionalism in the party, the party will achieve great success through'Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan'and polling station (booth) level work. Currently, the BJP is in power in the Zila Panchayat. Some administrative issues and shortcomings in the development work during the tenure of the current regime are being raised by the Congress from time to time.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:34 PM

Israel Claims Killing of Top Iranian Official Ali Larijani in Airstrike

Tel Aviv, તા.17: A major news has come out in the ongoing fierce war in the West Asian desert. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has claimed that Secretary of Iran's National Security Council and veteran politician Ali Larijani has been killed in an overnight airstrike. Although there is no official confirmation from the Iranian government yet, this claim created a stir all over the world. છે.કોણ Ali Larijani? Ali Larijani was not only a leader, but a very trusted advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has served for a long time as the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. His role in shaping the country's defense and nuclear policies was considered the most important. Larijani played a major role in strengthening Iran's strategic relations with Russia and China. હતી.પરમાણુ Larijani was the mastermind of the negotiations, according to a report by Reuters, when he traveled to Oman last month, where he met with the US Minister of State for Diplomacy, seeking a diplomatic solution to the missile attack.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:33 PM

Opposition MPs' Suspension Lifted, Allowing Them to Return to Lok Sabha

New Delhi, તા.17: The recent ruckus in the Lok Sabha has finally subsided and there is news of relief for the opposition camp. The ban on eight opposition MPs, who were suspended on charges of disrupting proceedings since February 11, has been lifted. There was a vacuum in the throat during the second half of the budget session of Parliament, but now the return of these MPs will revive the throat. This important decision was taken in the all-party meeting held in the chamber of Speaker Om Birla, in which the ruling party and the opposition agreed to maintain the dignity of democracy. The Congress leadership has played a very important role in this whole development. On Monday, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal raised the issue very strongly in the throat and appealed to the Speaker that the members have been out of the throat for a long time, which is not appropriate for the parliamentary process.

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TV9 Hindi

Mar 17, 2026, 02:33 PM

Trinamool Congress Ditches Star Power for Familiar Faces in West Bengal Elections

West Bengal Elections 2026: Kabhi Mimi Chakraborty, Kabhi Nusrat Jahan and Kabhi Kanchan Mallick. Be it Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly included star surprises in her candidate list. In the last Lok Sabha elections, too, Trinamool surprised everyone by giving tickets to Rachna Banerjee to Yusuf Pathan. Even before the 26th Assembly elections, speculation was rife about star candidates. Speculation was rife that this time singer Emon Chakraborty and actress Srabanti could get Trinamool tickets. There were also rumours that actor Parambrata Chatterjee could join the Trinamool camp. However, as soon as the candidate list was released, it became clear that this time the list is not a new Tollywood surprise. Instead, the Trinamool relied on old people. TMC has not given tickets to Kanchan Mallick and Chiranjeet. This time too, Raj Chakraborty is contesting from Barrackpore Assembly seat, Sayantika Banerjee from Barrackpore, Singer Munshi from Rajarhat-Chandanagore, and actor Chandanil Sen from Chandipur.

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Prameya

Mar 17, 2026, 02:32 PM

Rajnath Singh and Odisha CM Pay Tribute to Late Union Minister Dr. Devendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar, 17.3: Dr. Devendra Pradhan was an important pillar of Indian politics. Ease, simplicity and precision were reflected in Dr. Pradhan's work. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the first death anniversary celebrations of former Union Minister and veteran politician Dr. Devendra Pradhan at the local Krishi Shiksha Sadan. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi also attended and described him as an outstanding politician of Odisha. Raksha Mantri Singh said that he had the opportunity to work with him in a very short span of time. He also knew that Dr. Pradhan was a man of perfect harmony between both speech and action. The Chief Minister said that humility and affinity were the biggest charms of Dr. Pradhan's personality. He was fully dedicated to the principles and ideals of the Bharatiya Janata Party and it was always reflected in his conduct and pronunciation. Not only as a politician, but as a good human being, he endeared himself to everyone. It was his perseverance, hard work and commitment that made him the mainstay of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha.

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 02:30 PM

Partha Chatterjee Dropped from TMC List Ahead of Assembly Election

Behala Paschim once meant Partha Chatterjee, the equation seems to have changed in this assembly election. Five-time MLA Partha Chatterjee was dropped from the list by Mamata Banerjee's party All India Trinamool Congress. At the same time, the name of Manik Bhattacharya, accused in the primary education recruitment scam, has also been dropped from the list. Partha Chatterjee, who has long been at the center of controversy over allegations of corruption in the recruitment of teachers. He has also been accused of corruption in the recruitment of teachers. After his arrest, he was removed from the cabinet. He was also suspended from the party for six years, a situation that still persists. Although he is currently out on bail after serving almost three years in jail, there is no indication of his return to the party. Some in the political circles had earlier thought that he would not be fielded in this situation. Eventually, that dream came true. Partha Chatterjee started his political career in 2001. He left his job with a multinational company and contested the Behala Paschim election in 2006. He defeated CPM leader Nirmal Mukherjee in the same election in 2011 and won three consecutive elections from the same political party in 2021.

55 shares

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 02:28 PM

India and Russia Discuss UN Reforms, Counter-Terrorism, and Peacekeeping in Delhi

India and Russia held substantive discussions in Delhi on UN Security Council reforms, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping. The seventh UN Consultation Meeting was held on Tuesday and was co-chaired by the Diplomatic Heads of the two countries. Secretary of the Western Department of the Ministry of External Affairs of India Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Alimov co-chaired the meeting. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov and other officials were also present. The discussions focused on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping missions around the world and reform of the UN Security Council. Both sides stressed the need to make the Council more effective and representative in line with the current global situation. Russia has always supported India's claim for permanent membership. According to them, India, Brazil and African countries need to be included as permanent members of the Security Council to ensure representation of a larger part of the world. Earlier in December, during the India-Russia summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin had stressed on the need to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in the UN.

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Siasat News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:27 PM

US Counterterrorism Centre Director Resigns Over Disagreement with Trump's Iran Policy

Joe Kent, director of the United States National Counterterrorism Centre, resigned on Tuesday, March 17, saying he can no longer support the war in Iran. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent said. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” In his resignation letter to US President Trump, the director said that high-ranking Israeli officials and American media officials “deceived” and pressured Trump into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the US. “This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women,” Kent said. “We cannot make this mistake again,” he added. Kent is a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists who was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote. Israel’s defence minister said Tuesday that the military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. The military also announced it killed Gen Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force. Iranian state media did not immediately confirm either death. A drone attack early Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates sparked a fire at an oil tank farm in Fujairah, which is an emirate on the country’s east coast with the Gulf of Oman that has been repeatedly targeted. No one was injured in the blast. The Israeli military also said Tuesday it had launched new attacks across Tehran and Beirut, with the strikes on the Lebanese capital targeting Hezbollah militants. On Monday, US President Donald Trump said “numerous countries” have told him “they’re on the way” to help police the Strait of Hormuz. But he also suggested some countries’ reluctance showed a lack of reciprocity in defense agreements with the United States. The war has killed at least 1,300 people in Iran, at least 850 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The US military says 13 US service members have been killed and about 200 wounded. The army said the soldiers were killed while riding on a motorcycle on the road linking the village of Zebdine with the southern city of Nabatiyeh. The strike occurred hours after another airstrike killed one soldier and wounded four in the southern village of Kfar Sir. Sardar Mousavi, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force, stated a “new phase of effective and heavy strikes across the region against the American-Zionist enemy.” According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the commander said, “The backbone of arrogance will be broken in the streets and squares.” Iran began airing footage of the pro-government demonstrations on state television, which include images of some men in plainclothes branding assault rifles and shotguns on the back of motorcycles — a rarity in such demonstrations and a sign of the government wanting to warn any protesters off the streets. “Poland has other responsibilities within NATO,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday. “This applies to our land, air and naval forces, which are still, I would say, under development. The naval assets at our disposal must serve the security of the Baltic Sea. And our allies, including the Americans, understand this very well.” The United Arab Emirates reported a missile and drone attack Tuesday afternoon. The government urged residents to remain in safe locations. The Lebanese Health Ministry said Tuesday’s strike hit on the old road of Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport. In a statement announcing the killings of Larijani and Soleimani, the Israeli leader said the attacks were aimed at weakening the government. “We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it. It won’t happen quickly or easily, but if we persist, they will have the chance to take their destiny into their own hands,” he said. Iranian hard-liners planned demonstrations late Tuesday afternoon in squares across the country, likely to counter any possible unrest as the country was set to celebrate its ancient fire festival. The demonstrations were called to confront Israel and other enemies. Witnesses said in the Iranian capital, Tehran, there was a heavy security force presence around the Grand Bazaar, including heavy, truck-mounted machine guns being deployed. “Chaharshanbe Souri,” or the Festival of Fire in Iran, is to be marked on Tuesday night. The festival comes in the hours just before the Wednesday before Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. There had been some fears from authorities any gathering could spark new protests against the theocracy. Hezbollah claimed that it fired multiple rockets at a group of Israeli soldiers in the Khiam town of southern Lebanon. It said the soldiers were targeted near a municipal building in the town. The group, earlier on Tuesday, had targeted a group of Israeli soldiers in a tent on the border town of Maroun al-Ras in Bint Jbeil district, southern Lebanon. The United Arab Emirates says its air defences responded to 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones Iran fired Tuesday at the Gulf county. Humanitarian groups are bracing for a crisis as the US-Israeli war against Iran and its proxies displace millions across the Middle East, said International Organization for Migration (IOM) Brussels director Lukas Gehrke. In Lebanon, more than a million people are displaced, and about 100,000 people, mostly Syrians, have fled into Syria, where the IOM is expects 250,000 refugees might soon need food and medicine, he said. Inside Iran, Gehrke said fighting has damaged about 55,000 civilian structures, including 30,000 homes, pushing people to shelter within Iran, with IOM tracking more than half a million cars headed north. Meanwhile, the war has disrupted global supply chains, and funding cuts have hit aid agencies hard. “We need to keep in mind how far we can go with the available funds,” Gehrke said. “It’s certainly a big test for everybody.” Spain said it has approved the release of up to 11.5 million barrels of oil reserves over the next three months as fears around supply shortage grow and prices surge due to Iran’s decision to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. The release will occur in phases, in accordance with the International Energy Agency’s effort to deliver up to 400 million barrels. The first release will start in 15 days, Sara Aagesen, Spain’s Energy Minister said. The World Food Program says the Middle East conflict is upending its supply chains like rarely before and could push 45 million more people into acute hunger if the war lasts through June. That would be up from 319 million today. “This would take global hunger levels to an all-time record. And it’s a terrible, terrible prospect,” WFP deputy executive director Carl Skau told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. Spiking food and fuel costs could price millions of families out of stable access to foods, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. As a result, he said the WFP could be “on the brink of the most severe disruption since Covid and the Ukraine war back in 2022.”

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Economic Times

Mar 17, 2026, 02:25 PM

Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes on Kabul, Escalating Tensions with Afghanistan

Synopsis Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, escalating tensions with Afghanistan, which claimed the attack killed 400 people at a hospital. Islamabad denied targeting civilians, saying it hit military infrastructure. The strikes mark a sharp escalation after weeks of border clashes and an “open war” declaration in February.

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Live Hindustan

Mar 17, 2026, 02:25 PM

India Aims for Universal Health Insurance Coverage by 2033

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that health insurance is a priority for this government and hopes that by 2033, everyone in the country will be covered by insurance. The Finance Minister replied to supplementary questions during Question Hour in the Upper House that the insurance sector is expanding and during ID1, it covered 580 million people in the country. She said, "Health insurance is a priority for this government. In fact, we are hoping that by 2033, everyone will have insurance cover." The Minister said that in December 2025, the government introduced a bill to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, which is aimed at strengthening the market. She said that insurance regulator IRDAI notified rules in 2024 to increase penetration in rural areas. The Finance Minister said, "If we talk about insurance in general, we have a challenge." He said that although insurance coverage is still low, but through targeted reforms and cost-effective measures, the government has made considerable efforts to bridge this gap in the insurance sector. The Finance Minister said that the insurance sector has been developed today.

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Dainik Statesman

Mar 17, 2026, 02:24 PM

TMC Surprises with Candidate List for Tamluk Constituency

TMC's candidate list for Tamluk constituency in East Midnapore saw a major surprise. Three-time minister and four-time MLA Soumen Mohapatra was denied a ticket this time. The party has been playing a key role in Tamluk politics for a long time. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee jointly announced the list on Tuesday afternoon. Soumen Mohapatra's name from Tamluk constituency was speculated but eventually dropped. He was replaced by Dipendranarayan Roy. There are various interpretations surrounding the TMC's decision. According to a section of political analysts, the TMC wants to rely on new faces and young candidates in several constituencies this time. Experienced leaders have been removed in some cases as part of that strategy. On the other hand, Soumen Mohapatra has been playing an important role in Tamluk politics for a long time. His absence is expected to have some impact on the local organization. Although party sources indicate that experienced leaders may be used in the future.

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Akila News✓

Mar 17, 2026, 02:20 PM

India's Central Government to Announce Dearness Allowance Hike for January 2026

New Delhi: The moment that millions of central government employees and pensioners have been eagerly waiting for is now near. The hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for January 2026 can be announced anytime now. Though earlier it was expected that the government would give good news in early March before the Holi festival, now according to the latest update, the announcement is likely to be made in late March or the first week of April.

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Amar Ujala

Mar 17, 2026, 02:20 PM

Kejriwal Challenges Modi to Hold Delhi Assembly Elections: 'AAP Will Win Over 60 Seats'

Follow Vistara WhatsApp channel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal addressed a rally on Tuesday during which he challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold assembly elections in Delhi. He said that if elections are held now, the Bharatiya Janata Party will not be able to win even 10 seats, while the AAP will get more than 60 seats. And Read Trending VideosWhat did he say on the court's decision on the excise policy? Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, Aam Aadmi Party has successfully passed the test of fire. He said, AAP's leadership has come out of the test of fire. History is witness that when we walk on the path of truth, it is not easy to walk on the path of fire. In the last 4-5 years, attempts have been made to defame the AAP. Also read the advertisement: How much has the Rajya Sabha changed after the elections?

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