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May 12, 2026, 09:03 AM
India Faces Economic Crisis Risk as Global Tensions Rise: PM Modi's Appeal

India Faces Economic Crisis Risk as Global Tensions Rise: PM Modi's Appeal

New Delhi: In the atmosphere of conflict between Iran-US and Israel, the price of crude is constantly increasing. The price of petrol and diesel has not increased in India, but petroleum companies are incurring a loss of 1000 to 1200 crores per day. The matter is now discussed when PM Modi also made a public appeal in Hyderabad. If this conflict between Iran and America continues for a long time, there is no possibility of India being out of economic crisis. Now PM Modi has also expressed concern about this. Modi has also made some appeals. Although there is no threat of a lockdown on India, but these appeals are part of PM Modi's long-term planning. India is currently spending foreign exchange on crude oil. But if people think seriously about these appeals, then India's foreign exchange worth 22 lakh crores is likely to remain in India, which is why PM Modi made appeals today. It is the first time for every Indian to invest separately.
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May 12, 2026, 08:59 AM
Indian Opposition Fails to Unite Against Ruling BJP

Indian Opposition Fails to Unite Against Ruling BJP

Looking at the current trends of Indian politics, it seems that a big clump of planets is speaking in the horoscope of the opposition. A strong opposition is inevitable in a democracy, but the picture is quite the opposite now. Despite facing continuous defeats, the opposition parties are fighting within instead of fighting against the BJP as one. After the results of the five state elections, it was expected that the opposition would form a strong organization, but it is still breaking down. The opposition unity has remained only on paper and in reality, each party is busy pulling each other's legs.
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May 12, 2026, 08:46 AM
Women's Reservation Creates Interest in Keshod Election Amid BJP Majority

Women's Reservation Creates Interest in Keshod Election Amid BJP Majority

(By Sanjay Devani) Keshod, તા.12: In Keshod Municipality and Taluka Panchayat, there is a reservation for women for the post of President, which is believed to create a lot of interest in the selection of candidates according to the caste equations. Political pundits are making their calculations in this regard. Recently, general elections were held for three local bodies (1) 36 seats of Keshod Municipality, which has a geographical demarcation of nine wards (2) 18 seats of Keshod Taluka Panchayat, which represents 53 villages, and (3) 4 seats of Junagadh Zila Panchayat, which belongs to Keshod Assembly constituency. The BJP won a majority in all three bodies amid a three-way battle between BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. As for the local municipality and Taluka Panchayat, out of a total of 36 seats in the municipality, BJP has 33 and Congress has 3 seats. While in Taluka Panchayat, out of a total of 18 seats, BJP has 10, Aam Aadmi Party has 6, and Congress has 1 seat in the year 2026.
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May 12, 2026, 08:40 AM
Trump Warns Ceasefire with Iran Reaches Fragile State

Trump Warns Ceasefire with Iran Reaches Fragile State

WASHINGTON તા.12: US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that the ongoing ceasefire with Iran has reached a very fragile state and is hanging on to a ventilator. After Tehran sent an unacceptable proposal in response to the US proposal, Trump described the ceasefire as incredibly fragile. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said that the ceasefire implemented a month ago is in a very bad state. After reading Iran's response, I have not even read it. I have described it as the weakest it has ever been. He further said that I can say that this ceasefire is now on life support, where the doctor comes in and says that sir, your relative has only a one percent chance of surviving. Notably, this tense ceasefire came into effect on April 8. At the time, Trump gave a clear warning that if there is no agreement, they will destroy the entire civilization of Iran. This ceasefire was originally set for two weeks.
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ANI News✓
May 12, 2026, 08:28 AM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Orders Closure of Over 700 Liquor Shops for Public Welfare

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Orders Closure of Over 700 Liquor Shops for Public Welfare

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 12 (ANI): Leaders from the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Tuesday welcomed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's decision to close more than 700 TASMAC liquor shops located near schools, colleges, religious places and bus stands across Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters, Tamil Nadu Minister and TVK leader Selvi S Keerthana also welcomed the decision and said women across the state were celebrating the announcement. "This is what the women had expected. On the second day itself, we have implemented it. The women are celebrating this announcement," Keerthana said. Separately, TVK MLA Vijay Saravanan termed the move a major step taken keeping women's welfare in mind. "Today's Assembly session went very well and healthy. The order to close more than 700 TASMAC shops near schools and colleges is a great act by our Chief Minister Vijay, thinking about women's welfare. Surely, the Chief Minister will stand with the people and fulfil all the needs of the state," Saravanan said. Earlier, newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay 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. Meanwhile, DMK MLA Thamimun Ansari commented on the political situation in the state and alleged that the BJP was responsible for the split within the AIADMK. "The BJP is the reason for the AIADMK split. AIADMK ruled Tamil Nadu for more than 30 years, and now this kind of situation has come to the party," Ansari said. Earlier, clouds of another split appeared to loom over the AIADMK after party MLA CV Shanmugam today claimed that amidst political deliberations ahead of the formation of the government in the State, General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami had proposed becoming Chief Minister with the support of the DMK, while asserting that the majority of legislators rejected the move and that his faction had no intention of splitting the party. Rumours of split within the AIADMK had intensified after several party MLAs reached the residence of Shanmugam after the declaration of Tamil Nadu election results on May 4, in which the party managed to secure only 47 seats. Speculation also grew over a possible alliance between the AIADMK and TVK, even as several MLAs associated with the Shanmugam faction were moved to a private resort in Puducherry. (ANI)
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May 12, 2026, 08:26 AM
Kerala Political Crisis: BJP Leader Slams UDF's Delay in Naming Chief Ministerial Candidate

Kerala Political Crisis: BJP Leader Slams UDF's Delay in Naming Chief Ministerial Candidate

Thiruvananthapuram ( Keralam ) [India], May 12 (ANI): General Secretary of Keralam BJP, S Suresh, on Tuesday slammed the United Democratic Front in the State for failing to announce a name for the Chief Ministerial position while lashing out at the Left Democratic Front for not declaring a Leader of Opposition. Suresh alleged that despite nine days after the declaration of Assembly poll resuts that potrayed a sweeping win for the Congress-led UDF the Congress high command has not declared a CM face indicated a split within the party. The BJP leader said, "It has been nine days since the election results came out. Keralam has been without a Chief Minister and a Leader of the Opposition for nine days. All I can say is, enlightened Keralam should be ashamed. The Congress high command still can't make a decision. On the streets, supporters are splitting into groups for leaders, leading to clashes and slogan shouting. What's coming next is corruption and violence. The LDF and the UDF are no different." Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is meeting with former Keralam Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs in the national capital today. Keralam Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, and senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala are seen among the top contenders for the Chief Minister post. Former KPCC presidents Mullappally Ramachandran, MM Hassan, K Sudhakaran, VM Sudheeran, K Muraleedharan, A P Anilkumar, PC Vishnunath and Shafi Parambil have arrived in New Delhi to meet Congress top leadership to finalise the next CM of the state. Congress leaders have been tight-lipped about the decision-making and ongoing deliberations. When pressed for details on the potential outcome of the high-stakes meetings, former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President K Sudhakaran, who is among those who arrived in the national capital New Delhi for high-level discussions with the party leadership, briefly remarked that he would return "happy and smiling," while declining to offer further comment on the leadership race for the CM position. The United Democratic Front (UDF) led by Congress secured 102 seats out of 140 seat Keralam Assembly in the recently concluded elections. Despite achieving such a decisive majority, the UDF has yet to name its candidate for Chief Minister in the state, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the LDF has maintained that the bloc will reveal the LoP after Congress announces the CM face. (ANI)
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May 12, 2026, 07:59 AM
Karnataka Minister Dismisses BJP's Questions Over Delay in Naming Kerala Chief Minister

Karnataka Minister Dismisses BJP's Questions Over Delay in Naming Kerala Chief Minister

Bengaluru ( Karnataka ) [India], May 12 (ANI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday shut questions from BJP around the delay in the naming of Keralam Chief Minister as the deadlock continues following the United Democratic Front's sweeping victory in the assembly elections, over a week ago, calling the alliance's "internal matter." Speaking with ANI, he slammed the BJP for raising questions on the matter, pointing that the party took "a month to make a CM in Karnataka ." "Why is BJP so interested in it? They took more than a month to make a CM in Karnataka . It is our internal matter," Kharge said. This comes after BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a jibe at the Congress party, which he said seemed to have a plan "to give five Chief Ministers to the State in five years." A week after the Congress -led UDF's sweeping victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly election, Poonawalla, speaking to ANI, highlighted that Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra seems to be pushing forward the name of VD Satheesan, the MLA from Paravur Assembly constituency, while Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is naming KC Venugopal, currently a Lok Sabha MP from Alappuzha. "In Keralam , the Congress has got a full majority. Even after so many days, the Congress party has not been able to decide who will be the Chief Minister. It is being said that under pressure from the Jamaat, Priyanka Vadra is pushing forward the name of VD Satheesan, while Rahul Gandhi is pushing forward the name of KC Venugopal. Some people are bringing forward Ramesh Chennithala. Some people want to make Shashi Tharoor the Chief Minister. It seems the Congress party has made a plan to give five Chief Ministers in five years," he said. In another dig at Congress , Poonawalla said that the party will usher in a "model of instability" in Keralam , like it did in Karnataka , Himachal Pradesh and previously in Punjab and Rajasthan. Meanwhile, the meeting to elect the next Keralam Chief Minister, with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and former Keralam Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs, began on Tuesday. Keralam Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, and senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala are seen among the top contenders for the Chief Minister post. Former KPCC presidents Mullappally Ramachandran, MM Hassan, K Sudhakaran, VM Sudheeran, K Muraleedharan, A P Anilkumar, PC Vishnunath and Shafi Parambil have arrived in New Delhi to meet Congress top leadership to finalise the next CM of the state. Notably, following the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, Siddaramaiah was named Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar as Deputy CM after intense consultations that lasted 5 days following Congress ' landslide victory. (ANI)
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May 12, 2026, 07:57 AM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In for Second Term, NDA Alliance Wins Big

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In for Second Term, NDA Alliance Wins Big

Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 12 (ANI): Calling the Assam Assembly election verdict a reflection of public faith in the BJP-led alliance, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia on Tuesday said the people of the state had "voted overwhelmingly" in favour of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the NDA government. Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term at a grand ceremony held at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of Sarma's oath-taking ceremony, Saikia said, "The public of Assam has voted overwhelmingly in favour of Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and the NDA government." The event witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Nitin Nabin, several Union ministers, and chief ministers and deputy chief ministers from NDA-ruled states. This marks the third consecutive NDA government in Assam and underlines the alliance's growing political dominance in the northeastern state. Along with Sarma, four ministers also took oath, including BJP leaders Rameswar Teli and Ajanta Neog, besides Atul Bora from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Charan Boro from the Bodoland People's Front (BPF). Senior BJP leader Ranjeet Kumar Dass has been named as the NDA candidate for the Speaker's post in the Assam 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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May 12, 2026, 07:56 AM
AAP Leader Questions PM Modi's 'Seven Appeals' Amidst Economic Crisis

AAP Leader Questions PM Modi's 'Seven Appeals' Amidst Economic Crisis

New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's "seven appeals" to citizens amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and said the country was "in shock" over the government's statements regarding the economy. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said India had faced several crises since Independence, including wars and economic challenges, but such appeals had never been made to citizens on this scale. "Since 1950, the country has faced many crises, including wars with Pakistan and China and economic crises. Leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi had appealed to people not to buy gold earlier as well, but no government had made such extensive 'seven appeals' to citizens. The nation is in shock," Kejriwal said. Referring to Prime Minister Modi 's recent remarks urging citizens to reduce consumption and spending amid global economic pressures, the AAP leader said he had three requests for the Prime Minister. "I have three requests from the PM. He should tell the nation the condition of our economy today and what is expected in the near future. Today, a lot of rumours are floating in the market and this is not good for confidence in the economy," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal further said that while the West Asia conflict had affected the global economy, no other country had issued similar appeals to its citizens. "We all know this is happening because of the Iran-America war, and the whole world is affected. But no government in any country has made such appeals to its citizens. This creates suspicion that perhaps the reason is something else," he said. The former Delhi Chief Minister also questioned why the burden of economic adjustment was being placed on the middle class. "The middle class is very patriotic, but why is the entire burden being put only on them? The first sacrifice should have come from the government itself," Kejriwal said. His remarks come after the Prime Minister made an appeal in Secunderabad on Sunday, urging citizens to prioritise work from home, cut fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel for a year, adopt Swadeshi products, reduce cooking oil use, shift to natural farming and curb gold purchases. He stressed the need to reduce dependence on imports and said every household should cut down on edible oil consumption and move towards natural farming to help save foreign currency and protect the environment. Highlighting the burden of fertiliser imports, the Prime Minister said India spends a significant amount of foreign exchange on importing chemical fertilisers and urged farmers to reduce their usage. To combat the volatility of fuel prices, PM Modi urged a shift in how India moves. He urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by using the metro and public transport wherever available, opting for car-pooling when private vehicles are necessary, preferring railway transport for the movement of goods, and increasing the use of electric vehicles wherever possible. The conflict in West Asia has led to a global energy crisis amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a significant maritime route for oil trade in the Gulf region. (ANI)
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NorthEast Now
May 12, 2026, 07:54 AM
NTA Cancels NEET UG 2026 Exam Amid Allegations of Irregularities

NTA Cancels NEET UG 2026 Exam Amid Allegations of Irregularities

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3, citing findings reviewed jointly with central authorities and investigative inputs shared by law enforcement agencies. The agency had earlier referred the matter on May 8 to central agencies for independent verification and appropriate action, reiterating its commitment to ensuring fair, secure and credible conduct of national-level examinations. Following approval from the Government of India, the NTA said the examination will now be re-conducted on dates to be announced separately. It added that the decision was taken to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the examination system. In a post on X, the agency said registration data, candidature details and examination centre preferences from the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conduct NEET. It clarified that there will be no fresh registration and no additional examination fee. It also stated that fees already paid will be refunded, and the exam will be re-conducted using internal resources. Further details, including the revised examination schedule and re-issuance of admit cards, will be notified through official channels. Candidates, parents and other stakeholders have been advised to follow official updates regarding the rescheduled examination. The development comes amid political reactions over alleged irregularities. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier criticised the Centre over the issue, alleging concerns around the examination process and questioning the conduct of the system.
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May 12, 2026, 07:47 AM
UAE Conducts Covert Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions

UAE Conducts Covert Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions

Dubai [UAE], May 12 (ANI): Despite rejecting any military involvement during the recent conflict in West Asia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly carried out covert strikes on Iran , marking a significant escalation in the Gulf monarchy's role in the war, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. According to the WSJ report, the UAE conducted attacks, including a strike on a refinery located on Iran 's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, in early April, around the same time US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire following a five-week military campaign against the Islamic Republic. The Wall Street Journal reported that the strike triggered a major fire at the refinery and disrupted much of its operational capacity for several months. Iran had at the time described the incident as an enemy attack and subsequently launched missile and drone strikes against the UAE and Kuwait in retaliation. The WSJ report stated that while the UAE has not publicly acknowledged carrying out the strikes, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed to previous statements asserting the country's right to respond, including militarily, to hostile acts. The Pentagon declined to comment on the allegations, while the White House did not directly address questions regarding the UAE's involvement. However, according to the WSJ, the White House stated that Trump retained "every option at his disposal" and that the United States maintained "maximum leverage" over Iran . The Gulf states had initially said they would not allow their airspace or military bases to be used for attacks against Iran . However, after the conflict intensified, Iran launched extensive missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf population centres, airports and energy infrastructure in an effort to raise the economic and political costs of the war. According to the report, the UAE was one of the primary targets of Iran ian retaliation, with more than 2,800 missiles and drones reportedly directed at the country during the conflict. The attacks have significantly impacted the UAE's aviation, tourism and real estate sectors, while also triggering layoffs and furloughs, WSJ reported, citing officials. Abu Dhabi's strategic outlook toward Iran had shifted sharply, with Emirati officials increasingly viewing Tehran as a destabilising force threatening the country's economic and social model, the WSJ reported. The report also cited open-source researchers who pointed to imagery allegedly showing French-made Mirage fighter jets and Chinese Wing Loong drones, both used by the UAE, operating inside Iran ian territory. The UAE has also supported diplomatic and economic measures against Iran , including backing proposed United Nations resolutions aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and restricting access for Iran ian-linked entities within Dubai. Iran , meanwhile, has repeatedly accused the UAE of aligning itself with the United States and Israel during the conflict. (ANI)
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Sandesh
May 12, 2026, 07:31 AM
Saudi Arabia Shifts Stance on Middle East Crisis, US Sees Iran as 'Loser'

Saudi Arabia Shifts Stance on Middle East Crisis, US Sees Iran as 'Loser'

Bangladesh's Dhaka and Islamabad have worked out a 10-point defence deal. Amid rising tensions in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Saudi Arabia has made a major reversal. Saudi Arabia, for years America's closest ally, has now distanced itself from the military strategy of the US and Israel. Prince Turki al-Faisal, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, has caused a sensation by making serious accusations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US President Donald Trump has taken an aggressive stance against Iran, making it clear that he is in no mood to accept any weak peace proposals. Speaking before a dinner with lawmakers in the Rose Garden, Trump said sarcastically, "This evening, I will put the Iranians aside and enjoy dinner with you." His statement shows that the US now sees Iran as a loser rather than a serious threat. Trump responded by saying that he was not reacting to Iran's latest bellicose words.
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May 12, 2026, 07:25 AM
BRS Chief Accuses BJP and Congress of Protecting Political Families in POCSO Case

BRS Chief Accuses BJP and Congress of Protecting Political Families in POCSO Case

Hyderabad ( Telangana ) [India], May 12 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Tuesday accused both the BJP and Congress of protecting political families while launching a sharp attack on Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar over the alleged POCSO case involving his son, Bandi Sai Bhagirath. In a post on X, KTR took a swipe at the BJP's "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" slogan and accused both the BJP and Congress. "Original slogan was 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. Latest is 'Beta Bhagao, Beta Bachao'. Well done both BJP and Congress," KTR posted on X. KTR, earlier in the day, even took a jibe at the situation and asserted that it's not the first case of the "son of a Union Minister" being embroiled in controversy, reiterating his allegations against the moral authority of the Union Government in reference to the "Beti Bachao" campaign. "Is it the first time in the history of our country that the son of a Union Home Minister is absconding? #BetiBachao #POCSO," he wrote in another post on X. The remarks came amid allegations surrounding a POCSO case against Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Sai Bhagirath. KTR also questioned the alleged disappearance of the accused during the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Bandi Sai Bhagirath, on Saturday filed a police complaint at Telangana 's Karimnagar over a purported honey-trap and extortion attempt targeting him, according to a press statement. According to the statement issued by the Union Minister's PRO, "a woman allegedly attempted to lure Bandi Sanjay's son into a honey trap by using her daughter as bait. After allegedly executing the plan, she is accused of demanding a huge sum of money and resorting to blackmail." The statement also alleged that the woman was trying to divert the case by misrepresenting her daughter's age and creating fear through media reports by threatening to file a POCSO case, claiming that a minor girl had been harassed. In response, KT Rama Rao had strongly condemned the handling of the case registered by Telangana Police against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar. KTR alleged that "injustice" was being done to the victim and slammed the BJP-led central government and the Congress-led state government and asked if 'Beti Bachao' campaign of Modi government was merely a slogan and demanded that Bandi Sanjay should resign or should be removed from office. KTR alleged that there was a delay in taking legal action against the Union Minister's son and asked if any exemptions were given under the law. "Rahul Gandhi stood by the victim in the Unnao case. Will he now come to Hyderabad and stand by this victim as well? Or does your sense of justice not apply to victims in Telangana ? Under what provision was a minor girl booked in honey-trap and extortion cases?" he asked. (ANI)
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Free Press Journal
May 12, 2026, 07:21 AM
Tamil Nadu Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin Reiterates Anti-Sanatan Stance, Calls for Political Civility

Tamil Nadu Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin Reiterates Anti-Sanatan Stance, Calls for Political Civility

Tamil Nadu: The Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Tuesday reiterated his anti-Sanatan stance while addressing the House. While speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the DMK MLA said, "Sanathanam, which separates people, should be eradicated." Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? His latest remarks come amid the controversy sparked in 2023, when Udhayanidhi Stalin had said that "Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion" and argued that "uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality." At the time, his remarks had triggered strong reactions from several political parties and religious groups. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Reacting to LoP's statement, BJP MLA M. Bhojarajan said today it is time to honour our unanimously elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker and "nothing more is required today" He further added, "Certain things happened, but I am not prepared to answer them." Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Udhayanidhi Expresses Concerns Over Vande Mataram Udhayanidhi also expressed concerns over Vande Mataram, the national song, being played ahead of Tamil Nadu's State song Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at the swearing-in ceremony. He asked the TVK government in the state not to allow this to happen again. "Our Tamil Nadu state song should never be pushed to the second spot," he said. In the Assembly, Udhayanidhi also said that the ruling government and the opposition should work together for the development of the state. He further said, "Political civility should continue in this House also. Even if we are on different rows as the ruling government and opposition party, we all should work together for Tamil Nadu's development. This is the wish of people also. CM and the opposition leader, we studied at the same college. But in politics, we are seniors. We would like to share our experience and knowledge. You also be ready to accept our suggestions." Meanwhile, on Monday, CM Vijay also met former CM MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin. The leaders exchanged bouquets, silk shawls, hugs, and handshakes during the courtesy visit at Stalin’s residence.
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TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 07:21 AM
Multiple Developments Across India: Flight Cancelled, Supreme Court Case Ongoing, and More

Multiple Developments Across India: Flight Cancelled, Supreme Court Case Ongoing, and More

In Tamil Nadu, an Abu Dhabi-bound flight had to be cancelled after its wing caught fire. An Abu Dhabi-bound flight was cancelled on Tuesday. There were about 280 passengers on board. The case related to the late industrialist Sanjay Kapoor family property is going on in the Supreme Court. Sanjay's mother Rani Kapoor has filed a new application in the Supreme Court. This new application will be heard by the Supreme Court on May 14. The application has sought to stop Sanjay's third wife Priya Sachdev Kapoor and some others. The National Testing Agency has ordered a CBI investigation into the NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak case. With this order, the exam has been cancelled. Himanta Biswa Sarma has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive time in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition to Sarma, 4 other ministers will also be sworn in the BJP-led NDA. Police said on Tuesday that security forces from 3 different districts of Manipur have arrested 6 militants associated with the possibility of light rain and thunderstorm in the capital today.
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Deccan Herald
May 12, 2026, 07:14 AM
Rahul Gandhi Slams Appointments of Ex-Election Officer as West Bengal Chief Secretary

Rahul Gandhi Slams Appointments of Ex-Election Officer as West Bengal Chief Secretary

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the appointments of erstwhile chief election officer Manoj Agarwal as the new West Bengal chief secretary and Subrata Gupta as the chief advisor to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, claiming that in the BJP-EC "chor bazaar", the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Experience a more refined e-paper today Subscribe ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Congress has said that the appointments reflected the "brazen collusion and connivance" between the BJP and the Election Commission. In a post in Hindi on his X handle made on Tuesday, he said, "In the BJP-EC's 'chor bazaar'' the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward," a reply to the official announcement made by West Bengal government. BJP-EC के “चोर बाज़ार” में - जितनी बड़ी चोरी, उतना बड़ा इनाम। https://t.co/2lNC1oATW1 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 12, 2026 Also Read:Top poll official who oversaw SIR made chief secy, TMC slams move Also Read:TMC cries foul as Bengal's top poll official, who oversaw SIR, appointed chief secretary; BJP defends move Manoj Agarwal, a West Bengal cadre officer, played a major part in the EC-mandated Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the run-up to the Assembly polls, in which over 90 lakh voters were removed from the voter list. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links Stories You May Like Tumakuru: PWD Engineer Manju Prasad Jumps to Death at Devarayanadurga Patel girls marrying outside community as its men 'not capable enough', claims UP... Bride Marriage Refusal: Bride Stops Wedding After Groom’s Illness Subrata Gupta was appointed advisor to the chief minister, hours after he was sworn in, while Shantanu Bala was named his private secretary. The state government appointed two IAS officers and seven WBCS (executive) officers in the chief minister's office (CMO), according to official notifications. Earlier on Monday, the opposition party had said that there is not even an attempt to keep the collusion discrete or concealed. Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, had noted that the BJP-led West Bengal government has appointed the erstwhile chief election officer Agarwal, a 1990-batch IAS officer responsible for overseeing the recent Assembly elections in the state, as the new chief secretary. Similarly, Gupta, also a 1990-batch IAS officer who oversaw the SIR deletions in Bengal as the special roll observer, has been appointed the chief advisor to the Chief Minister, Ramesh pointed out. "These appointments reflect the brazen collusion and connivance between the ECI and the BJP. There is no longer even an attempt to keep the collusion discrete or concealed," Ramesh alleged. The appointments are a testimony that the ECI was not impartial and acted exclusively to benefit the BJP, he further claimed. An entire state went to the election with 27 lakh people being debarred from voting. This was tactfully executed by the ECI to create an electoral advantage for the BJP, Ramesh said. (with PTI inputs) ADVERTISEMENT Published 12 May 2026, 12:44 IST India News BJP Congress West Bengal Indian Politics Election Commission Follow us on : Follow Us Read More
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 07:14 AM
Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin Repeats Controversial Statement Against Sanatan

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin Repeats Controversial Statement Against Sanatan

Chennai: Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin has once again made a controversial statement. Repeating his controversial statement in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that Sanatan should be destroyed. Chief Minister Vijay was sitting right in front of Udhayanidhi when he made this statement. Let us tell you that Udhayanidhi Stalin made this statement in 2023 as well. He had a huge uproar over this statement. The BJP had protested against Udhayanidhi across the country. Now once again this has heated up the political atmosphere and the possibility of intensifying the conflict between the ruling and the opposition. A user on X shared this video. On VideoX, a user named Rahul Shivshankar tweeted this video and wrote that CM Vijay is watching when Udhayanidhi Stalin is saying,'Sanatan should be destroyed.'It will be interesting to see that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu criticizes the opposition for hurting the religious sentiments of Sanatan Sanstha or that Udhayanidhi made a statement against social justice in September 2023 as well.
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ANI News✓
May 12, 2026, 07:13 AM
BJP's Bihar President Urges Public Support for Fuel Conservation Amid Rising Oil Prices

BJP's Bihar President Urges Public Support for Fuel Conservation Amid Rising Oil Prices

Patna (Bihar) [India], May 12 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi on Tuesday urged the public to support the Prime Minister's initiative to curb fuel consumption for fuel conservation. The leader criticised the opposition and stated that people no longer take the Congress party seriously. The BJP State President further extended his greetings for the new government formation in Assam. Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader linked the rising oil prices to global conflicts and praised the party's governance model for securing repeat mandates in states like Assam. Backing the Prime Minister's stance on the global economic situation, Sanjay Saraogi said, "Prime Minister Modi's thinking and intentions are 100% correct. Due to the war in West Asia, crude oil prices are rising sharply... He has appealed to the citizens to use as little as possible diesel and petrol. If possible, you should work from home... The entire world is on the brink of recession. Prime Minister Modi has far-sighted vision... Rahul Gandhi talks incoherent nonsense in other countries about India... People no longer take the Congress party seriously. The Congress has been completely wiped out..." Regarding the historic second term for the Assam Chief Minister, he said, "My very best wishes to Himanta Biswa Sarma... People from NDA across the country will be present there... Wherever the BJP government is formed, such good work happens that the government gets re-elected..." On the other hand, on Monday, Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha hit back strongly at LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that things would have been different for the Congress party if they had done "self-reflection" over their performance in the recently concluded assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Jha stressed the government's job to manage problems of the nation, accusing Rahul Gandhi of being 'opportunist' in his time of disaster. "If they had done some self-reflection, things would have changed. How many seats did they win in Bengal? Their two MLAs from Bengal can ride off on a single bike. This is the state of this party because of them. They don't understand anything. If there's a problem, managing it is the government's job. They are looking for opportunities in this disaster, but the public keeps track of everything," said Sanjay Jha. Earlier, on the same day, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent 'seven appeals' to counter the ongoing West Asia crisis, and termed them as "failures" rather than "sermons." In an 'X' post, the Congress MP intensified his attack on PM Modi, reiterating his 'Compromised PM' criticism and added that running the country is no longer in the hands of the Prime Minister. He further accused PM Modi of shifting the responsibility to the public so that the government could itself escape from accountability. "Modi ji demanded sacrifices from the public yesterday - don't buy gold, don't go abroad, use less petrol, cut down on fertiliser and cooking oil, take the metro, work from home. These aren't sermons - these are proofs of failure. In 12 years, he's brought the country to such a pass that the public has to be told what to buy, what not to buy, where to go, and where not to go. Every time, they shift the responsibility onto the people so they can escape accountability themselves. Running the country is no longer within the reach of a Compromised PM," the 'X' post from Rahul Gandhi said. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made "seven appeals" from the nation to counter the ongoing West Asia crisis. While addressing an event in Secunderabad, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to curb the usage of petrol and diesel amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis. PM Modi reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic period, where work from Home had become a culture for every household, and stressed adapting it at present. He also stressed to people to limit their foreign travels for at least a year so that the country's foreign exchange could be saved. He also urged to cut down the usage of edible oil and chemical fertilisers while calling it a "huge contribution to patriotism" and its impact to improve the health of the national treasury and health. (ANI)
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 07:09 AM
Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Guwahati: Tuesday became a historic day in Assam politics when Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term. With this, he became the first non-Congress leader to become the Chief Minister of Assam for two consecutive terms. Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya administered him the oath of office and secrecy at a grand swearing-in ceremony held in Guwahati. Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term on Tuesday. After a resounding victory in the assembly elections, this swearing-in has further strengthened the grip of the BJP-led NDA in the northeastern state. At the age of 57, Sarma has become the first non-Congress leader from Assam to become the Chief Minister for the second consecutive term. Laxman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sarma and four other MLAs at a grand ceremony held at Veterinary College ground in Khanapara, Guwahati. The four MLAs who took oath of office along with Sarma included BJP leaders Ajanta Neog and Rameswar Teli, AGP's Atul Bora and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) Neog Boro Boro and Boro Boro Boro Boro Boro, who returned to the state politics last night after
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 07:07 AM
UAE Reportedly Strikes Iranian Oil Refinery with Mirage Fighter Jet

UAE Reportedly Strikes Iranian Oil Refinery with Mirage Fighter Jet

Tehran / Tel Aviv: The United Arab Emirates struck a refinery on Iran's Lavan Island with a Mirage fighter jet during the conflict in April, the Wall Street Journal reported. The UAE's Mirage - 2000-9 jet destroyed the oil refinery. The paper quoted an unnamed source as saying. The United States has quietly welcomed the UAE strikes and other Gulf states willing to join the fight. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB said on the morning of April 8. "The UAE and Kuwait have been hit by missile and drone strikes in the hours after the Lavan Island oil facilities were targeted in Iran." However, neither the UAE nor Iran have officially commented on the Wall Street Journal report so far. But many experts say the United Arab Emirates carried out the strikes in conjunction with Israel because the two countries did not want the Mirage 2000 fighter jet to be used in this war outside the United States.
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Free Press Journal
May 12, 2026, 07:06 AM
AIADMK Rebels Back Chief Minister Vijay's Government, Leaving EPS in a Miserable Position

AIADMK Rebels Back Chief Minister Vijay's Government, Leaving EPS in a Miserable Position

Chennai: Alleging AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) wanted to become Chief Minister with the backing of the arch rival DMK, senior AIADMK rebel leader C Ve Shanmugam, on Tuesday said majority of the party’s legislators have resolved to extend support to Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay’s Government. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The rebel group, having support of a majority of the 47 legislators, also elected S P Velumani, the party Coimbatore strongman and one-time EPS confidante, as leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party and former Minister C Vijayabaskar as the Whip. A letter to this effect was already handed over to the Pro-tem Speaker Karuppaiah on Monday evening. The move has pushed EPS to a miserable position, where he has the support of only about 17 or so legislators. His faction had on Monday morning given a letter to the Pro-tem Speaker stating EPS was elected the AIADMK Legislature Party leader. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The Free Press Journal had reported on May 10, 2026 that Shanmugam along with regional strongmen S P Velumani and C Vijayabaskar had toyed with the idea of backing the TVK, soon after the results. The report also mentioned about EPS’s outreach to the DMK to form the Government to keep Vijay out of power. Addressing journalists in Chennai, ahead of the Assembly session to elect the new Speaker, Shanmugam said: “The AIADMK was formed opposing the DMK. In the last 53 years – for two or three generations - our politics has revolved around opposition to the DMK. At a consultative meeting after our electoral defeat, the general secretary (EPS) placed before us a proposal that an AIADMK Government with him as Chief Minister could be formed with the support of the DMK. The majority of the MLAs, almost all, did not agree. We were shell-shocked. How could he have the heart to say this? If we join with the DMK, the AIADMK will vanish. We said ‘no’.” According to Shanmugam, accepting the people’s verdict, where “a mandate was given to TVK”, a meeting of the MLAs of the AIADMK had resolved to extend support to Vijay’s Government. He did not specify if the TVK had accepted the offer and under what terms and conditions. Having lost successive elections since 2017, Shanmugam said the AIADMK collectively accepted responsibility for this without placing the blame on any individual. “Now our duty and concern is the AIADMK founded by MGR and safeguarded by Jayalalithaa, must be saved and rejuvenated. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? We need to hold consultations and introspect on the reasons for the defeat,” he said while declaring the party had exited the NDA, as part of which it had fought the Assembly elections. The rebels demanded that EPS must convene the party general body where everyone could unitedly participate and introspect what went wrong and why so that the party could be rejuvenated and work for restoring “Amma’s Government” in the future. Chipping in, Velumani urged the media not to “defame us” by claiming we are trying the split the AIADMK. “We don’t have any such intention. Our fathers were in the party. We have faced successive defeats and it has gone out of hand. AIADMK will not split at any point. We will not be the reason for it. The general secretary must convene the general body,” he added. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
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Free Press Journal
May 12, 2026, 06:58 AM
Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes Oath as Chief Minister for Second Term

Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes Oath as Chief Minister for Second Term

Guwahati : Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara, Guwahati. Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sarma and four other MLAs, who took oath as ministers at 11:40 am. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Narendra Modi, Union ministers, and chief ministers from several NDA-ruled states were also present during the ceremony. The four ministers sworn in alongside Himanta Biswa Sarma were BJP leaders Ajanta Neog and Rameswar Teli, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Atul Bora, and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader Charan Boro. Atul Bora Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Atul Bora is the president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a key NDA ally in the state. Ajanta Neog Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Ajanta Neog served as the state's Finance Minister in the previous government and became the first woman Finance Minister of the state and has represented the Golaghat Assembly constituency continuously since 2001. Rameswar Teli Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Rameswar Teli comes from the tea garden workers' community, previously served as a Rajya Sabha MP representing Assam and as Member of Parliament from Dibrugarh from 2014 to 2024. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Charan Boro is from the Ally Bodoland People's Front (BPF). He served as Transport Minister in the previous government. Election results The NDA secured a sweeping victory in the Assam Assembly elections, winning 102 seats in the 126-member House. Bharatiya Janata Party alone won 82 seats, while its alliance partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) secured 10 seats each. The majority mark required to form the government in the state is 64.
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TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 06:56 AM
Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

After West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term on Tuesday. Along with Sarma, 4 other MLAs were also sworn in as ministers. These 4 include a woman leader who has been an MLA for the last 25 years and was earlier in the Congress, but later she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Along with the BJP, which has formed the government for the third consecutive time in Assam, 1 leader each has been made a minister from 2 other allies. These allies are the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF). Asom Gana Parishad President Atul Bora and Bodoland People's Front MLA Charan Boro took oath as ministers. Both these leaders have been ministers in the previous NDA-led BJP government in the state. Apart from this, former minister Ranjit Kumar Das has been made a candidate from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the post of Assam Assembly Speaker. But the name of the new minister of Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the most talked about, is also the only woman minister in the state.
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ANI News✓
May 12, 2026, 06:56 AM
Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin Again Criticizes Sanatan Dharma, Calls for Its 'Eradication'

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin Again Criticizes Sanatan Dharma, Calls for Its 'Eradication'

Chennai (West Bengal) [India], May 12 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly and DMK MLA, Udhayanidhi Stalin, again expressed remarks against the Sanatan Dharma, calling for its "eradication." Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "Sanathanam, which separated people, should be eradicated." The remarks drew immediate criticism from the BJP with spokesperson CR Kesavan calling it a toxic rant. "Udayanidhi Stalin is the Rahul Gandhi of Tamilnadu, peddling divisive hate politics. Rahul Gandhi mocked the sacred Sengol and he insulted & boycotted the Pran Prathishta ceremony of Ram Mandir. Like Rahul Gandhi who has been rejected for the past 3 Lok Sabha elections, Udayanidhi Stalin despite being punished and ousted by the Tamil people continues with his toxic rant. What better can you expect from the divisive DMK which opposed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam and whose CM never wished the people of Tamilnadu on Deepavali. A DMK MP and former Union minister had outrageously remarked that Hinduism is a menace to only to India but to the entire world. These repeat offenders need to keep in mind that the state emblem of Tamilnadu has a temple Gopuram and the people of Tamilnadu will not forget nor forgive such flagrant abuse and insult of their faith and sentiments," he said. Udhayanidhi has made such remarks in the past as well, and invited a strong criticism not just from political leaders but also from the court. On January 21, this year, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on January 20 quashed the FIR registered in 2023 by the Tiruchi city police against BJP leader Amit Malviya for allegedly "distorting the comments" made by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatana Dharma. Justice S Srimathy, while allowing the petition, observed that the remarks made by Udhayanidhi amounted to "hate speech." Elaborating on the issue, the judge said the minister's speech must be examined in its entirety. "He stated that Sanatana Dharma should not merely be resisted or opposed, but should be abolished or eradicated. In Tamil, the expression used was not Sanatana ethirppu (opposition to Sanatana), but Sanatana ozhippu (eradication of Sanatana)," Justice Srimathy noted. Meanwhile, today, the newly formed Assembly met after CM Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam ( TVK ) recorded a thumping victory in the elections. TVK MLA JCD Prabhakar was unanimously elected as the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker. Prabhakar, who was elected from the Thousand Lights constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections, defeated Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ( DMK ) candidate Ezhlian Naganathan. Addressing the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin praised Chief Minister Vijay for meeting the DMK leadership and called for "political civility" in the House. He said that the ruling government and the opposition should work together for the development of the state. Further, he also expressed concerns over Vande Mataram, the national song, being played ahead of Tamil Nadu's State song at the swearing-in ceremony. Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "Yesterday, the CM came and got wishes from our leader and many others. That political civility should continue in this House also. Even if we are on different rows as the ruling government and opposition party, we all should work together for Tamil Nadu's development. This is the wish of people also. CM and the opposition leader, we studied at the same college. But in politics, we are seniors. We would like to share our experience and knowledge. You also be ready to accept our suggestions." Recalling the DMK government's tussle with former Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, the LoP added, "Tamil state song was played at the third spot. Opposition parties have expressed concern. The ruling government gave clarification. In the West Bengal CM ceremony event, there was no Vande Mataram. But here it was played. You all know who the Governor is there. What he demanded when he was here as Governor. The government should not allow this to happen again. The Tamil state song should never be pushed to the second spot. We should protect our customs. After years, women legislators have come here. We are happy to see it. Congratulations. We will be a healthy opposition in Tamil Nadu." (ANI)
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 06:45 AM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Faces Pressure from Within Labour Party After Local Election Setbacks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Faces Pressure from Within Labour Party After Local Election Setbacks

London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure after dozens of lawmakers from his own Labour Party called for his resignation following poor local election results, even as he vowed to remain in office and warned that leadership instability would plunge Britain into “chaos”, CNN reported. According to CNN, Starmer has come under fire after his Labour Party suffered significant losses in the recently concluded council elections across England, with the far-right Reform UK and the liberal Green Party marking major gains, as well as setbacks in devolved elections in Scotland and Wales. In response, Starmer told party members in London that he accepted responsibility for the results but insisted he would not step down. “What we witnessed with the last government was the chaos of constantly changing leaders, and it cost this country a huge amount,” Starmer said, adding, “A Labour government would never be forgiven for inflicting that on our country again,” as reported by CNN. However, the report noted that internal dissent within the party intensified shortly after, with more than 70 Labour Members of Parliament reportedly urging him to resign or announce a clear timeline for departure. Several party members have also stepped down from ministerial aide positions in protest, CNN reported. Despite Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 UK General Election, Starmer has faced growing criticism over immigration policy, economic decisions, and what opponents describe as a lack of political vision and leadership charisma. According to CNN, following last week’s local election setbacks, in which Labour reportedly lost over 1,400 council seats and control of the Welsh parliament, some lawmakers have concluded that Starmer may not be positioned to lead the party into the next general election scheduled for 2029. Internal party mechanisms could allow challengers to force a leadership contest if they secure the backing of at least 81 MPs, representing one-fifth of Labour’s parliamentary seats, CNN reported. While Starmer continues to resist calls for resignation, speculation is growing within Westminster circles about potential successors. Former UK deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who previously resigned over a property tax issue, has not formally declared a leadership challenge but is viewed as a possible contender. In a statement cited by CNN, Rayner said Starmer must “meet the moment and set out the change our country needs”. Responding to the political pressure, Starmer said, “Like every prime minister, I have learned a lot in the first two years in the job in terms of the policy changes that our country faces. Incremental changes won’t cut it.” The report further noted that Starmer attempted to signal a policy reset, including a push to improve relations with the European Union after years of Brexit tensions, though he provided limited detail on the proposed direction. As internal pressure builds, reports also suggest that discontent has spread into senior levels of government. A cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held in Downing Street on Tuesday morning, CNN reported. The situation has raised comparisons with past UK political recoveries following local election setbacks, though analysts cited in the report noted that Starmer’s current political challenges appear significantly more severe due to the scale of internal party dissent, as per CNN. (ANI) Also Read: PM Modi to be received by Netherlands’ monarch, PM Jetten as part of his official two-day…
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 06:45 AM
PM Modi Urges Oil Conservation as Global Prices Soar Amid West Asia Crisis

PM Modi Urges Oil Conservation as Global Prices Soar Amid West Asia Crisis

New Delhi: Describing the ongoing crisis in West Asia as the biggest crisis since the Corona epidemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people to save oil. The Iran war has tightened oil supplies in the world and its price has skyrocketed. Many countries have declared an oil emergency. The European Union has also advised work from home. Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, has warned that the world's crude oil stocks are heading towards dangerously low levels. OPEC countries'production in April reached the lowest level in 26 years. There is no distant hope of restoring peace in West Asia. Clearly, the situation could get worse in the coming days. According to a Reuters poll, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries'oil production fell by 830,000 barrels per day in April to an average of 20.04 million barrels, the lowest since 2000. Kuwait's exports to Kuwait went to zero in April, as the world begins to move through the Strait of Iran, but the world is still over a billion barrels per day.
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 06:41 AM
BJP Seeks to Form Government in Punjab Amid AAP Crisis

BJP Seeks to Form Government in Punjab Amid AAP Crisis

Bhupendra Sharma, New Delhi: The BJP, which formed its first government in West Bengal, is trying to repeat the same feat in Punjab. Assembly elections are due in February-March next year in Punjab along with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. The BJP is in power in all four states except Punjab. The party has previously formed a government with the Shiromani Akali Dal in the state, but has never come to power on its own. The AAP came to power in Punjab in 2022 with a historic majority. But now its political existence is in question. Apart from the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP, ED action, factionalism in the party can become a crisis for it. In such a situation, it may be difficult for the AAP to keep its MLAs united in Punjab. It has already lost power in Delhi. Punjab is very important for it. On local issues, the BJP did not succeed in the last assembly elections in Punjab and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and by-elections.
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NorthEast Now
May 12, 2026, 06:38 AM
Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes Oath as Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes Oath as Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, days after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a decisive mandate in the state. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara, Guwahati, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and other senior leaders. Representatives and dignitaries from the country and abroad were also present. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office to Sarma, who at 57 has become the first non-Congress leader in Assam to serve as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term. The BJP won 82 seats in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly in the recent elections. Its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), secured 10 seats each, taking NDA’s total tally in the state to 102 seats. Sarma, who contested from the Jalukbari constituency, won his seat by a margin of over 89,000 votes. Along with Sarma, BJP leaders Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Charan Boro and Ajanta Neog were sworn in as ministers in the new Cabinet. Ahead of the ceremony, Sarma had announced their names in a post on social media, stating that they would be inducted into the Council of Ministers in the presence of the Prime Minister. Senior BJP leader and MLA Ranjit Dass has also been named the NDA’s candidate for the post of Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly. This marks the third consecutive term of NDA governance in Assam, which began in 2016 under the then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal . Security was tightened across Guwahati ahead of the ceremony, with coordinated deployment of central and state forces to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 06:37 AM
Tamil Nadu MLA JCD Prabhakar Elected as Speaker; Oath-Taking Ceremony Held

Tamil Nadu MLA JCD Prabhakar Elected as Speaker; Oath-Taking Ceremony Held

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA JCD Prabhakar on Tuesday was unanimously elected as the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and TVK leaders displayed respect and support with folded hands as Prabakara sat in his chair. Earlier on Monday, Prabhakar filed his nomination for the post of Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay. The nomination filing marks a key procedural development in the formation of the new Tamil Nadu Assembly leadership structure under the TVK-led government. Prabhakar, who was elected from the Thousand Lights constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections, defeated Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate Ezhlian Naganathan. Meanwhile, in the oath-taking ceremony of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government, all MLAs of the State Legislative Assembly took oath as members of the House on Monday. Among those sworn in were prominent leaders such as Edappadi K Palaniswami, O Panneerselvam, and Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with Tamil Nadu ministers including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, KG Arunraj and KA Sengottaiyan. Before the swearing-in of the MLAs, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay took oath as a member of the House. The oath was administered by pro tem Speaker MV Karuppaiah. Soon after taking the oath, Vijay signed the first set of official documents related to key poll promises and governance measures. The approvals included providing 200 units of free electricity and constituting Special Task Forces to tackle drug-related crimes and strengthen women’s safety in the state. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam registered a major victory in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, emerging as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the Assembly.
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TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 06:36 AM
Assam Swears In New Government Led By Himanta Biswa Sarma As Chief Minister For Second Term

Assam Swears In New Government Led By Himanta Biswa Sarma As Chief Minister For Second Term

The new government in Assam is being sworn in today. Himanta Biswa Sarma became the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term. At 4 am, he took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam. Along with Himanta, four MLAs were also sworn in as ministers. The swearing-in ceremony of Himanta was attended by the Chief Ministers of several states including PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Veterinary College Ground in Guwahati. LIVE UPDATES: #WATCH. Guwahati: BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma greets PM Narendra Modi after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second term at Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara (Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/E4sjYRYM6h - ANI (@ANI) May 12, 1926 Guwahati, Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as the Chief Minister of Assam. pic.twitter.com/AzAIiT6Qij - ANI _ Hindi News (@AHindinews) May 12, 202. Bora is the president of Assam Gono Parishad (APG) and a former minister of state in the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) government.
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 06:33 AM
Narendra Modi to Visit Netherlands for Strategic Partnership Talks

Narendra Modi to Visit Netherlands for Strategic Partnership Talks

The Hague : The King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, and Prime Minister Rob Jetten are set to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day official visit to the country on May 16 and May 17. According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, on Monday, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries. As per the statement, on May 16, King Willem-Alexander, along with Queen Maxima, will receive PM Modi in an audience at Huis ten Bosch Palace. This will be followed by a luncheon hosted at the palace in honour of the PM Modi and members of his delegation. The event will also be attended by Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen, senior industry leaders, and representatives from the fields of arts, culture,e and academia. Prime Minister Jetten will separately receive PM Modi at the Catshuis, the official residence of the Prime Minister, where both leaders will participate in a roundtable discussion with CEOs hosted by Minister Sjoerdsma of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Later in the day, a cooperation agreement between the two companies is expected to be signed in the presence of both prime ministers. The leaders will also engage in another roundtable discussion focused on economic cooperation between India and the Netherlands, followed by brief addresses from both sides. “In the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Jetten, a cooperation agreement is signed between two companies. Subsequently, both prime ministers participate in a roundtable discussion with CEOs of Dutch companies regarding economic cooperation between the Netherlands and India. Minister Sjoerdsma delivers an opening address,” the statement read. In the evening, PM Modi will attend a delegation-level meeting and an informal dinner hosted by PM Jetten at the Catshuis. Discussions are expected to cover key global and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as cooperation in sectors such as security, emerging technologies, water management,nt and trade, as per the statement. Several agreements forming part of the Strategic Partnership between India and the Netherlands are also expected to be exchanged during the visit. “Various agreements forming part of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries will also be exchanged,” the statement added. The two leaders will conclude the official engagements on May 17 with a working visit focused on water management cooperation. This visit comes as part of PM Modi’s five-nation official visit, during which he will be visiting the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. According to the Minister of External Affairs, PM Modi will be visiting the Netherlands as part of his second leg of tour at the invitation of PM Rob Jetten. This will be his second visit to the country, following his earlier trip in 2017. The visit is expected to further strengthen ongoing high-level engagement and cooperation across key sectors such as defence, security, innovation, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and the Strategic Partnership on Water. According to the MEA, the early engagement under the new Dutch government presents an opportunity to deepen and expand the multifaceted partnership between the two countries. (ANI) Also Read: Pakistan confirms allowing Iran to use its airbase during conflict with the US
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Kalinga TV
May 12, 2026, 06:32 AM
BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes Oath as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes Oath as Assam Chief Minister for Second Consecutive Term

Guwahati: BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term today (May 12). Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the BJP leader and members of the new Council of Ministers at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara in Guwahati. Along with Sarma, four ministers, including two from BJP allies AGP and BPF, took oath as ministers in the new NDA government. He also became the first non-Congress leader in Assam to secure two back-to-back terms as chief minister. The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and BJP national president Nitin Nabin, along with over 40 NDA chief ministers and deputy chief ministers.
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Newsbytes✓
May 12, 2026, 06:19 AM
TVK Official Arrested for Alleged ₹25 Crore Financial Fraud

TVK Official Arrested for Alleged ₹25 Crore Financial Fraud

An official of actor-politician Vijay 's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has been arrested for allegedly committing a financial fraud of over ₹25 crore, according to Hindustan Times .The accused, identified as Saravanan, is a central district executive committee member of TVK and hails from Pudukkottai's Thiruvappur area.He was nabbed by the District Crime Branch police after receiving multiple complaints from investors who alleged he collected large sums with promises of high returns.
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TV9 Hindi
May 12, 2026, 06:19 AM
AIADMK Split: EPS Backs New Alliance, Senior Leaders Support TVK

AIADMK Split: EPS Backs New Alliance, Senior Leaders Support TVK

Following the assembly election results, there seems to be a split in Tamil Nadu's main opposition party AIADMK. Former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has come out in the open. The major faction led by senior leaders S P Velumani and C V Shanmugam have announced their support to Chief Minister Vijay's party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Shanmugam said on Tuesday that it is the decision of the majority of AIADMK MLAs. After the crushing defeat in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, AIADMK has announced that it will support Vijay's TVK. He said that a faction of AIADMK MLAs will meet Chief Minister Vijay to support the Tamil Nadu government. AIADMK leader Shanmugam said, "Edappadi K Palaniswami proposed to become the chief minister with the support of DMK. However, most of the MLAs did not accept this proposal, as a result of the decision to form an alliance with any party of AIADMK, and the AIADMK MLA accepts his decision to support a new AIADMK government."
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Newsbytes✓
May 12, 2026, 06:18 AM
Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Term

Himanta Biswa Sarma Sworn In as Assam Chief Minister for Second Term

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term on Tuesday.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was appointed on Sunday by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a historic third term in the state.The NDA won 102 out of 126 seats in the assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats alone.
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 06:15 AM
Bangladesh Vows to Take Tough Stand on Border Dispute with India

Bangladesh Vows to Take Tough Stand on Border Dispute with India

Dhaka: Humayun Kabir, a close aide of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has hinted at taking a tough stand on the border issue with India. On India's decision to fence the border, he said that the government in Dhaka will not bend on the border dispute. So far, Kabir has used a bitter tongue for Delhi, advocating good relations with all neighbours, including India. Humayun Kabir is the foreign affairs adviser to Tarique Rahman, who became the prime minister of Bangladesh in February. The BJP government has been formed after the assembly elections in West Bengal. The government led by Suvendu Adhikari has said to act tough on the Bangladesh border. The new government has announced that land will be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) within 45 days to fence the Bangladesh border. To this, Humayun Kabir has responded. Bangladesh has also alerted the border forces. According to the'Bangladesh has changed'protocol, Humayun Kabir, the foreign affairs minister of Bangladesh, on Monday said that Bangladesh will no longer show flexibility on border issues.
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Navbharat Times
May 12, 2026, 06:15 AM
Assam Chief Minister's Re-Election Linked to Wife's Campaigning Efforts

Assam Chief Minister's Re-Election Linked to Wife's Campaigning Efforts

Guwahati: The victory of Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was sworn in for the second time in Assam, had many factors. His wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma also played a big role. Businesswoman Riniki was first confined to Jalukbari in the elections, but when Pawan Khera accused her of having assets worth billions and a passport of many countries, she jumped into the election campaign. She challenged Gaurav Gogoi along with Pawan Khera in the political forums as well as in the media.
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Akila News✓
May 12, 2026, 06:13 AM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Under Pressure to Resign After Labour Party's Local Election Defeat

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Under Pressure to Resign After Labour Party's Local Election Defeat

London: Troubles for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are showing no signs of abating. After the crushing defeat of the Labour Party in the recent local elections, pressure is now mounting on PM Starmer to set a deadline to resign or step down. The number of rebel Labour MPs has risen to 72 by early Tuesday morning. Out of the total 403 MPs of the Labour Party, 71 have so far openly demanded Starmer's resignation. These MPs say that either the PM should step down immediately or make it clear when he will resign. The British government cabinet is now split into two. The biggest blow came when Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood openly asked the Prime Minister to announce the date of her resignation. However, most of the cabinet ministers are still with the PM, but Shabana Mahmood's big name is in opposition. Questions have been raised against the stability of the government. Labour Party leaders and MPs are angry: The defeat in the last election in England: The main reason behind the defeat: The Labour Party has lost almost a century of seats and the Labour Party's dominance in the Council of Scotland.
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