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Bengal polls: Calcutta HC directs ECI to ensure security at all polling stations

Kolkata, March 25, 2026
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Wednesday, directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to make adequate safety arrangement besides making sufficient provisions for drinking water as well as other basic amenities for the voters at all polling stations that would be utilised for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal next month.

The division bench of the Calcutta High Court’s Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen gave this direction to the ECI on a public interest litigation filed by the West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party President and Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, seeking the court’s intervention to ensure 100 per cent booth-level security in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state on April 23 and April 29.

However, the division bench, at the same time, said that the petitioner did not have the authority on whether any central agency or a state agency would be made accountable for ensuring the state polls peacefully.

The division bench of the Calcutta High Court said that the decision on this issue would be taken by the ECI.

The division bench of Calcutta High Court also added that the court would ensure that the voters going to the polling stations to cast their votes are provided with basic amenities like drinking water, and that the security systems at the polling stations and polling booths are adequate or not.

During the court hearing in the matter on March 18, the division bench raised the question of whether it was not also the duty of the West Bengal government, along with the ECI, to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polls in the state.`

West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, for 142 constituencies.

On Wednesday, the public interest litigation, challenging the ECI’s recent orders for transfer, replacements, and deputations of bureaucrats and police officers, is also scheduled for hearing at the same division bench of the Calcutta High Court.(Agency)

Congress criticises Centre over LPG shortage, black marketing

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over rising fuel prices, LPG shortages, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from key discussions, accusing the central government of ignoring pressing public concerns.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said that ensuring easy access to LPG cylinders and curbing black marketing should be among the government’s top priorities.

He stated that people in several parts of the country are being forced to stand in long queues or purchase cylinders at inflated prices.

“Today, the country’s priority is that people should not have to stand in queues for LPG cylinders or buy them in the black market. Ensuring access to LPG cylinders is a national priority, along with preventing shortages of petrol and diesel and protecting people from inflation,” Khera told IANS.

He further highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, claiming that nearly 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice remains stuck at sea, adding that multiple economic concerns are currently affecting citizens.

Stepping up his criticism, Khera also targeted Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister has remained largely absent from election campaigning and key political engagements.

“We are going everywhere to campaign, including Kerala and Assam. However, the Prime Minister has been absent. No state now wants the Prime Minister to come and campaign there,” he claimed, adding that rising fuel prices and LPG shortages are major issues troubling the public.

“Today, the situation has reached a point where the one who aspired to be a ‘world leader’ is not even being invited by his own party leaders in states where elections are being held,” he claimed.

Khera further alleged that despite visible hardships faced by citizens, including black marketing of essential commodities near the national Capital, the government has failed to respond adequately.

“The entire country can see what is happening. The Prime Minister is either deliberately turning a blind eye or choosing to ignore the reality. Just a few kilometres from the Prime Minister’s Office, queues are forming and black marketing is taking place,” he alleged.

On the issue of all-party meetings, the Congress leader questioned the Prime Minister’s absence, stating that the real concern is not the presence or absence of the Leader of the Opposition, but the Prime Minister’s participation.

“The Prime Minister has been absent from the last two or three all-party meetings. He steps away from the Lok Sabha and does not attend these meetings. This is the real issue,” Khera said.

The Congress has been consistently criticising the Centre over inflation, fuel prices, and governance issues, while the government has maintained that it is taking necessary steps to stabilise prices and ensure supply of essential commodities.(Agency)

Despite political differences, want Mamata Banerjee to win in West Bengal: Renuka Chowdhury

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Congress MP, Renuka Chowdhury, on Wednesday said that despite political differences, she personally wants West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to emerge victorious in the state.

Her remarks come amid recurring discussions within Opposition circles, where several INDIA Bloc leaders have several times suggested Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader of the alliance.

Speaking to IANS, Renuka Chowdhury said, “We want them to win, whoever it may be. Despite whatever political differences we may have, I want Mamata Banerjee to win in Bengal, and for Congress to also move forward there. This is my personal wish. It may or may not reflect the party’s official stance. But I hope that she gives a strong reply to the Centre.”

She also stated that attempts were being made to highlight shortcomings in CM Banerjee’s governance.

“They are trying to bring out her shortcomings. Governors are being changed overnight, and new ones are being appointed. The whole country has seen this. As a woman, she is fighting, so I will support her,” she said.

Reacting to allegations by some party leaders in Haryana regarding ticket distribution, Chowdhury said such claims are not new.

“These kinds of allegations surface frequently. Those who are disappointed after not getting tickets tend to make such statements. This is not the first time we are witnessing this,” she added.

On the Congress party’s prospects in Kerala, Chowdhury expressed confidence, saying, “The situation is very good. We are winning there. We expect to form the government and serve the people effectively.”

Commenting on India’s stance regarding the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, she said, “We are doing now what should have been done earlier. This has turned out to be a costly situation for us. I hope the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister understand that we are going through a very delicate phase. We will have to see how things unfold going forward.”(Agency)

Delhi bus accident: Driver detained after passengers claim he was speeding, drunk driving

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
As two people lost their lives, and 23 others were injured after a tourist sleeper bus overturned in Delhi’s Karol Bagh area early Wednesday, several passengers alleged that the driver was intoxicated and driving at high speed at the time of the accident.

The driver, identified as 26-year-old Pankaj Kumar from Rajasthan’s Alwar, has been detained and is currently undergoing treatment at Lady Hardinge Medical College.

According to officials, a PCR call was received at around 1.05 a.m. at Karol Bagh Police Station reporting that a sleeper bus had overturned near the Jhandewalan Metro Station and Hanuman Mandir in the Chambery area, with multiple passengers injured.

The bus, bearing registration number RJ-14PE-5065, was a tourist sleeper coach with a capacity of around 70 passengers. It was travelling from Jaipur to Fatehpuri in Delhi’s Sadar Bazar area and had approximately 30 passengers on board at the time of the incident.

Passengers who survived the accident described a chaotic sequence of events leading up to the crash.

One injured passenger told IANS, “When he suddenly took a sharp turn, the vehicle overturned. We heard the conductor say that the brakes have failed. The driver consumed alcohol after entering Delhi. As soon as the bus entered Delhi, he started drinking. At a roundabout, he made a sharp turn, and the bus immediately overturned.”

Recalling the moments after the crash, she added, “When the bus overturned, everyone was focused on saving the children first. When people started arriving, they helped get the children out safely. They sustained minor injuries. Several people were critical as they were trapped under the bus.”

Another passenger alleged, “The driver was drunk, and the speed was over 100 km/hr.”

A third passenger repeated similar claims, stating, “The driver was speeding, and while on the highway, the bus engine even stalled a few times. After entering Delhi, he started drinking. A total of 30 people were travelling in the bus, and a few people had already gotten off before the bus overturned.”

Police officials said that soon after receiving the information, the Station House Officer of Karol Bagh, along with staff from the Ajmal Khan Road picket and night patrol teams, rushed to the spot. They found the bus overturned, with several passengers trapped inside and crying for help.

“Displaying promptness and presence of mind, Ct. Rohit stopped a passing JCB. The police team, along with public persons, carefully lifted the bus slightly and secured it using heavy roadside cement blocks. A rescue operation was immediately launched,” the police said in a statement.

Around 10 critically injured passengers were first pulled out and shifted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital using available ambulances. Additional police teams, including ACP under-trainee Bhanupriya, ACP Karol Bagh, SHO Prasad Nagar and SHO Nabi Karim, later joined the operation and assisted in rescuing the remaining passengers, including women and children.

In total, 23 injured persons were taken to different hospitals — 12 to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where two men succumbed to their injuries, 10 to Ganga Ram Hospital, and one to Lady Hardinge Medical College.

One of the deceased has been identified as Shehbaj Alam, 30, a resident of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. The identity of the second victim, estimated to be around 25 to 26 years old, is yet to be established, and efforts are underway to confirm it.

The investigation is being led by Sub-Inspector Trilok, who is collecting statements and medical details of the injured from the hospitals concerned.

Officials said that necessary legal action will be initiated against the driver following the completion of the inquiry.(Agency)

‘Maa Ka Sum’ starring Mona Singh follows life of a maths prodigy in pursuit of perfect partner for his single mother

Mumbai, March 25, 2026
The upcoming streaming series ‘Maa Ka Sum’ explores the bond between a single mother and her 19-year-old son. It follows the life of Agastya, a bright maths prodigy in his late teens. The series stars Mona Singh, Mihir Ahuja, Angira Dhar, and Ranveer Brar.

The relationship between the mother and the son is built on friendship, mutual trust, and the freedom to support each other as they grow together.

For Agastya (played by Mihir Ahuja), who sees the world through graphs, numbers, and algorithms, every problem has a logical solution, even finding the perfect partner for his single mother Vinita (played by Mona Singh).

Nikhil Madhok, Director & Head of Originals, Prime Video India, said in a statement, “Stories rooted in relationships have a timeless appeal because they reflect emotions and bonds that feel deeply universal. At the heart of Maa Ka Sum is a mother-son relationship portrayed with a rare freshness and emotional depth. This series captures the tenderness, friction, and quiet understanding of this bond in an honest and deeply relatable way. Mona and Mihir are terrific in their roles. We are delighted to bring this story to our customers across the world on April 3, 2026”.

The series is directed by Nicholas Kharkongor and produced by Babita Ashiwal under the banner of Eunoia Films.

Babita Ashiwal shared, “What drew me to this series was its warmth and the heartfelt way it looks at relationships. At its core, it’s the story of a boy in his late teens trying to make sense of love and adulting through math and data.

It’s the kind of story that feels instantly relatable, full of humor and the little lessons we all pick up while figuring life out. Prime Video has always been a great partner to work with, ‘Maa Ka Sum’ is a wholesome family watch that promises to entertain everyone, from young adults to older audiences. I look forward to Maa Ka Sum premiering exclusively on Prime Video”.

The eight-episode series is set to premiere on Prime Video in Hindi with subtitles in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.(Agency)

Positive step, peace likely soon: BJP on PM Modi–Prez Trump call on West Asia crisis

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, the BJP on Wednesday termed the move a ‘positive step’ and expressed hope that peace would prevail soon.

Opposition leaders demanded that the details of the conversation be shared in Parliament.

Speaking to IANS, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said he believes the discussion between the two leaders focussed on the prevailing conflict and the need to de-escalate tensions. He noted that there are indications the war could be paused and may come to an end soon.

“The role of Prime Minister Modi has always been to ensure peace and prevent war. The ongoing conflict has led to global challenges, including rising diesel and petrol prices. The entire world is suffering losses because of this situation. India’s position is clear — the war should stop,” Athawale said.

He added that the dialogue between the two leaders was a constructive development.

“A solution must be found. President Trump speaking with Prime Minister Modi is a good step, and there will be peace soon,” he told IANS.

BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi also expressed optimism, stating that there is hope for a pause in the conflict. He said that Prime Minister Modi has been actively engaging with leaders from West Asian countries and exploring ways to facilitate peace.

“Prime Minister Modi has spoken with several heads of state in the Middle East to understand how India can contribute to peace efforts and use its influence constructively,” Tripathi said.

Meanwhile, Opposition parties questioned the government’s approach and called for greater transparency.

Samajwadi Party MP, Ram Gopal Yadav, said that countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are already playing mediating roles, and India should have taken a more proactive position.

“As the world’s largest democracy, India could have played a significant mediating role. The Prime Minister shares strong relations with global leaders, and his intervention could have carried weight. The details of his conversation with President Trump should be shared with Parliament and the people,” Yadav said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut took a critical stance, saying, “If President Trump had understood diplomacy, the situation would not have escalated into war. The United States appears to be facing setbacks, which is why there is now urgency in its response.”

The conversation between the two leaders came amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the February 28 strikes by the US and Israel on Iran.

The strikes reportedly resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals, and allied forces, intensifying the conflict across the region.(Agency)

SC declines court-monitored probe into Holi killing in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a plea seeking directions for a court-monitored probe into the killing of a youth during Holi celebrations in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar.

While granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the Delhi Commissioner of Police with a detailed representation, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed that the reliefs sought, including protection for the victim’s family, should first be taken up with the police authorities.

“Delhi Police is a professional force, why demoralise them?” remarked the Bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi.

In its order, the apex court not only granted liberty to the petitioner to submit a comprehensive representation before the Delhi Police Commissioner, who would assess any threat perception and take appropriate remedial measures, but also stated that if the grievances remain unaddressed, the petitioner would be at liberty to move the Delhi High Court.

The plea alleged that the incident involving the death of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar was a case of “mob lynching” and sought a court-monitored probe, along with security for the victim’s family and compensation of Rs 5 crore.

The petition also relied on the landmark Supreme Court’s judgment in the Tehseen Poonawalla case dealing with mob lynching.

According to police, tensions in the Uttam Nagar area escalated on Holi after a minor dispute triggered by a water balloon incident spiralled into a violent clash between two groups.

The situation worsened when relatives were called to the spot, leading to a confrontation. Tarun Kumar, who was returning home after celebrating Holi, was allegedly intercepted near his residence and assaulted with iron rods, sticks, bricks and stones.

He sustained grievous head injuries and later succumbed during treatment at a hospital.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the incident and issued notices to the West Delhi District Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police.

The apex human rights body observed that the allegations, if true, prima facie indicate a violation of human rights.

It has directed authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify and prosecute all accused, and assess the threat perception to the victim’s family.

The NHRC has also sought preservation of all relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, social media material, and forensic samples, and asked for an Action Taken Report within two weeks.(Agency)

Pakistan economy vulnerable to global shocks without reforms, experts warn

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Experts have warned that Pakistan’s economy remains highly vulnerable to global shocks due to its heavy reliance on imported fuel, weak external finances, and limited fiscal space, cautioning that the situation could worsen without urgent structural reforms.

However, they said that the government’s decision to sharply raise the petroleum levy on high-octane fuel is being seen as a move with some fiscal logic, as it targets a product largely used by luxury and high-performance vehicle owners, as per Dawn report.

By collecting around Rs 9 billion every month from those who can afford higher costs, the government aims to use this money to protect the wider public from rising oil prices.

It offers only temporary relief at a time when global oil prices are under pressure due to geopolitical tensions, the report stated.

The measure does little to fix deeper structural problems such as heavy dependence on imported fuel, weak external finances, and limited fiscal space, as per the report.

These challenges make the economy vulnerable to global shocks, and without reforms, the situation could worsen over time.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has himself acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, saying that ‘hope is not a strategy’ as the world watches ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Even if the conflict eases, its impact on supply chains, production, and trade routes could keep oil prices high for a longer period.

Earlier measures announced by the government, such as reducing fuel allowances and introducing partial work-from-home arrangements, are also seen as limited in impact.

Analysts believe stronger steps are needed to manage energy demand more effectively, the report stated.

Ideas like early closure of markets, restaurants, and businesses — often avoided due to political concerns — may now need to become standard policy instead of temporary fixes.(Agency)

Bengaluru cop accused of harassing woman rowdy sheeter; audio, messages go viral

Bengaluru, March 25, 2026
An incident of Bengaluru Police Inspector allegedly harassing a woman history sheeter and forcing her to entertain him has come to light on Wednesday. In an embarrassment to the police department, the purported audio clips and messages containing the conversation went viral on social media.

Papanna, attached to the Konanakunte police station in Bengaluru, is the accused inspector. The victim has submitted a complaint to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and urged action against the cop.

The victim has alleged that complaints against the accused Inspector to the police were of no use. “The accused cop claims that his wife is a close relative of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and no one can harm him in any way. The police had initiated action against me recently, and they are not taking any action against the accused cop, even as all evidence is submitted,” she stated.

“Police Inspector Papanna is harassing me. He sends vulgar messages on WhatsApp. He says that he loves me and calls me ‘very sexy’. These are just a few examples — he has sent many more such messages.”

“In 2016, the accused inspector had called me for an inquiry and asked for my number. When a cop asks for my contact number, I will have to provide it. He started sending good morning and good night messages. I showed the messages to my husband, and he advised me not to reply. In February 2017, he even started sending sleazy messages. After this, when I went to file a complaint with the DCP, I got a threat call from his side,” she stated.

“They threaten my husband that our children will be killed. For three months, Papanna has been calling me frequently and harassing me. He says he will come to my house and prepare chicken, and will also feed me. The cop asks me to treat him like a friend. The cop openly says his wife is a relative of CM Siddaramaiah, and nothing can be done to him. He was suspended twice, but he immediately took charge, and he is all set to get a promotion and become an assistant commissioner of police. He will be in power,” he stated.

“He should be punished. If he is suspended, he will get it revoked. He will continue to exploit women. There are a large number of women victims. I am an MBA graduate, and American University has awarded me Phd. I was feeling disgusted with the messages of cops,” she wrote in the complaint.

The woman, a rowdy sheeter in Basavanagudi police station, was recently arrested by Bengaluru Police under the stringent Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act, 2000 (KCOCA) in connection with a kidnap case of a high-profile real estate businessman. The police stated that she is facing about 10 cases in various police stations across Bengaluru.(Agency)

India-Taiwan trade records 17 pc growth to scale $12.5 billion mark

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
The bilateral trade between India and Taiwan recorded a robust 17 per cent increase in 2025, compared with the previous year, to touch the $12.5 billion mark, according figures compiled by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) here.

India’s exports to Taiwan amounted to $3.3 billion, consisting of mineral fuels, aluminium, iron, steel, organic chemicals and plastics while Taiwan’s exports to India amounted to $9.2 billion, comprising mainly electronic integrated circuits, plastics, organic chemicals, electrical machinery, iron and steel.

Addressing the event to launch the ‘Taiwan Excellence’ expo here, Estela Chen, Director, Economic Division, TECC said, “Taiwan is well-known for its leading role in semiconductors, AI server, AIoT total solution and edge computing,” according to a report in Asian Community News website.

Last year, the bilateral trade between Taiwan and India reached a record high of $12.5 billion. This growing economic relationship continues to drive investment and deepen business cooperation between the two sides.

Taiwanese enterprises are actively investing in India’s electronics manufacturing, semiconductor, and automotive sectors, while Indian businesses are discovering valuable opportunities in Taiwan’s information technology and engineering sectors, Chen added.

She said that Taiwan is proud to be a trusted partner in India’s flagship initiatives such as Digital India and the India AI Mission. “From smartphone and IoT manufacturing to advanced high-tech product design, Taiwan’s expertise is committed to supporting India’s digital transformation,” she added.

Currently, the total number of Taiwanese companies operating in India has crossed 300.

However, compared with Taiwan’s bilateral trade with other countries such as the USA ($246.43 billion), Mainland China ($100.1 billion), South Korea ($90.2 billion), and Japan ($84.85 billion), there is scope for a lot more progress with India.

According to the International Trade Administration of Taiwan, since Taiwan and India are important bilateral trading partners, both sides have been vigorously working on and discussing mutually beneficial measures to expand bilateral trade.(Agency)

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