As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi completed one year as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, the BJP on Wednesday sharply criticised his performance, calling it “very low” and accusing him of failing to fulfil his constitutional responsibilities.

BJP leaders alleged that LoP Rahul Gandhi was frequently absent from the House for extended periods and spent too much time abroad, undermining his ability to represent the Opposition effectively.

“In the last year, the country’s politics has changed a lot. Today, during the meetings of the INDI Bloc in the Lok Sabha, they tried to create an impression that the BJP has been defeated and that the NDA has fallen behind. But the election results over the past year have shown the people of this country the reality. There is a clear difference in the politics and ideology of both sides,” BJP leader Rohan Gupta told.

The Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Tuesday amid positive global cues, as buying was seen in the auto and IT sectors in the early trade.

At around 9.26 am, Sensex was trading 188.66 points or 0.23 per cent up at 83,795.12 while the Nifty added 54.80 points or 0.21 per cent at 25,571.85

According to analysts, with the US market setting new record highs, the global equity market mood is positive and West Asian geopolitics is no longer a threat to global economy.

"Going forward, the market is likely to be influenced by developments on the tariff front. An India-US trade deal will be positive and if it does not happen, the market is likely to be impacted," said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Italia secured a victory in the Visavadar Assembly by-election in Gujarat, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kirit Patel by a margin of over 17,000 votes.

The bypoll, necessitated by the resignation of sitting MLA Bhupat Bhayani, witnessed a triangular contest among AAP, BJP and Congress.

However, it was Italia -- AAP’s Gujarat face and former state president -- who emerged as the clear frontrunner early in the counting process and maintained a steady lead throughout the day.

Stepping up its attack on the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi Government over what it termed its 'anti-poor policies', the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday announced a mass protest against the demolition of slum clusters in the national Capital.

AAP Delhi unit President Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the party will lead a major demonstration at Jantar Mantar on June 29 at 10 AM, demanding justice for lakhs of slum dwellers. Bharadwaj accused the BJP-led Delhi government of betraying the urban poor.

"The BJP promised 'Jaha Jhuggi, Wahan Makaan' but is instead bulldozing people's homes without providing alternative housing", he said.

Texas National Guard troops are "on standby" in areas across the state where protests are expected against the Trump administration's ongoing immigration raids, a spokesperson for Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has said.

"Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Abbott's spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, said in a statement on Wednesday (local time). "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law."

The advocacy group Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight, known as FIEL, is organising a "Chant Down the Walls" protest in Houston on Friday. Additionally, "No Kings" protests are scheduled for Saturday in more than two dozen Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, Lubbock, and Longview, according to a report by the Texas Tribune.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for naming the anti-terror operation against Pakistan as “Operation Sindoor”, asserting that the name of the operation is politically motivated.

“The name ‘Operation Sindoor' was their brainchild. It is politically motivated. I did not want to say this, especially when the multi-party delegations are visiting several countries and explaining India’s stand. But today, the Prime Minister came to West Bengal with the motive of political propaganda,” said the Chief Minister.

Earlier, while addressing a rally in Alipurduar district, PM Modi slammed the West Bengal government and ruling Trinamool Congress on multiple issues facing the state.

The Chief Minister also accused the Prime Minister of encouraging divisive politics through his address at Alipurduar.

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has opened up about how her latest project, ‘The Royals,’ helped her reconnect with her passion for cinema.

Reflecting on her journey back to the screen, she shared that the experience reminded her of the joy and purpose she once found in acting. Speaking about the same, Zeenat, who made a royal return as Maji, shared, “When I read the script, I knew The Royals had heart. But what’s truly special is how the audience has connected with it — especially the younger generation discovering love stories in a new light. It reminds me of why I fell in love with cinema in the first place.”

Zeenat Aman made her much-anticipated comeback in Netflix's 'The Royals.’ In the show, she played the role of Maji Sahiba — the regal matriarch of a royal family entangled in palace politics and contemporary scandals. “The Royals,” directed by Priyanka Ghose, also stars an ensemble cast including Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, and Milind Soman.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate a flyover at Pallav Char Rasta in Ahmedabad's Naranpura area on Sunday.

The project falls within Union Minister Shah's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. He previously represented the Naranpura Assembly seat during his tenure in Gujarat's state politics.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 117 crore, the flyover stretches across the 132-feet Ring Road and is expected to ease congestion for nearly 1.5 lakh commuters daily.

The structure spans 935 metres in length and 8.4 metres in width, rising to a height of 5.37 metres at the Pragatinagar junction. Built with 62 spans, the flyover aims to streamline traffic movement in one of the city's busiest corridors. As of early 2025, the city boasts approximately 81 flyovers, railway overbridges, and river bridges, with ongoing construction at key intersections such as Vadaj, Naroda Patiya, Makarba, Bootbhawani, and Pallav Char Rasta.

External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar extended best wishes to his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, on being sworn in as the Foreign Minister.

"Congratulate Anita Anand on your appointment as Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs," he posted on X.

Indian-origin Canadian politician Anita Ananda has been sworn in as the country's Foreign Minister after a major Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Mark Carney, focussing on "mandate for change."

Taking to X, Anand posted, "I am honoured to be named Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer, fairer world and deliver for Canadians."

One of Anand's missions will be to pilot the reset of the almost ruptured ties with India that Carney signalled, while managing the delicate relations with President Donald Trump's America.

Aam Aadmi Party leader and MP Malvinder Singh Kang raised questions about Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia's statement on the main accused in the tragic death of 14 people in Majitha due to spurious liquor and accused him of doing politics over the issue.

Kang questioned how Bikram Majithia could claim with certainty whether the accused arrested by Punjab Police are genuine or not. He said the confidence with which Majithia is making such claims suggests either he has close ties with the culprits or he is blatantly lying.

Kang stated that if Majithia believes the arrested suspects are incorrect, he should reveal the names of the real culprits to the police. He urged Majithia to refrain from misleading people with such statements. Kang added that if Majithia fails to disclose the names of the main culprits after making such a significant claim, it would mean he is providing political protection to the criminals.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has sent a loud and clear message to Pakistan: India’s precise and powerful strikes on terrorist hideouts under “Operation Sindoor” are a warning-stop your terrorist activities and cowardly attacks now, or face the toughest consequences history has ever seen. 
 
Honoring the fearless courage of the Indian Armed Forces, Chadha urged the nation to stand united. He said, “We don’t pick fights, but we don’t let go once provoked. India is the land of Buddha, but also the home of warriors like Arjun and Bhishma.”  

Three contenders of the Democratic Party (DP) for South Korean presidential elections are set to hold their second public debate on Wednesday, four days before the party plans to pick its candidate for the June 3 presidential election.

The debate will bring together former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon and Kim Kyung-soo, a former South Gyeongsang Province governor.

During the 90-minute debate, the candidates will present their visions in key areas, including politics, the economy, diplomacy, security and social policy.

Lee, who declared his presidential bid earlier this month and is leading opinion polls for the presidential election, recently won two regional primaries by a large margin, news agency reported.

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Monday slammed the Bihar government over the caste census, saying that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is ‘deceiving the public’ over the issue.

“Nitish Kumar is deceiving the public over the caste census, land surveys, and employment promises,” the Jan Suraaj chief told media persons in Bihar.

Prashant Kishor also demanded bring White Paper on the caste census Implementation in Bihar.

“Why reservation cap was not increased after the caste survey data was presented in the Assembly. If the JDU-BJP alliance governs both the state and the Centre, what’s stopping them from raising the reservation limit?” he said.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of exploiting Dalits for political gains.

In a series of posts on X on Thursday, the BSP leader said the SP, like other parties, has been trying to incite tension and violence by using Dalits as political tools.

She posted on X in Hindi, "It is known that, like other parties, SP too is creating an environment of tension and violence by putting forward people of the party, especially Dalits, and its controversial statements, allegations and counter-allegations and programmes etc., seem to be their politics of extreme narrow selfishness."

She cautioned Dalits, OBCs and Muslims against SP's political tactics, saying the party can go to any extent to get Dalit votes.

Businessman Robert Vadra on Wednesday accused the government of stopping him from “doing good work and speaking about their unjust behaviour towards minorities”.

He said this a day after being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a Gurugram land deal case. As per sources, he will again be questioned by the ED on Wednesday.

Vadra has said that he is innocent and that 'truth will prevail.'

In a Facebook post, Vadra said that his birthday week seva had been hampered by the ED summoning him.

“My Birthday Week Seva has been paused for a few days. Plans I have made for feeding the elderly and gifts for all the children in different areas will be continued as soon as I get over the “Government’s ways of stopping Me”, from doing good and speaking about their unjust behavior towards minorities, or if there are even wishes and talks of me being in politics,” wrote Vadra.

The temporary relief on the US reciprocal tariffs front gives businesses and India vital space to stabilise supply chains and adapt operations, while also providing policymakers an opportunity to work toward more sustainable trade agreements, industry experts said on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump has announced a lower rate of 10 per cent for 90 days in reciprocal tariffs for trading partner countries that have not retaliated with higher levies on American goods — such as India — and further hiked the levy on China to 125 per cent for hitting back.

“President Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs for India and several other countries reflects a tactical recalibration rather than a fundamental policy shift — but it’s a welcome development from both US consumers and global geopolitics perspectives,” said Ashok Chandak, President of SEMI IESA.

While this pause opens the door to reassess global trade dynamics, underlying tensions and uncertainty persist due to the existing 10 per cent baseline tariff on most US imports and what comes after 90 days, he mentioned.

Ahead of the upcoming civic body elections, former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of state unit chief and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and former minister and state executive president Ravindra Chavan.

By joining the BJP, which leads the Mahayuti government in the state, Jadhav is set to start his new innings.

Bawankule said that it was a great moment to welcome a former cricketer, Kedar Jadhav, into the party fold.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Saturday slammed the Karnataka government, alleging that people like invaders Muhammad Ghori, Muhammad Ghazni, and Malik Kafur are effectively ruling over the state.

“Our state is on the verge of destruction. The illegalities, loot, and robbery by this government have brought the state to this point. Muhammad Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and Malik Kafur are governing the state. They are sitting on the third floor of the Vidhana Soudha,” he alleged, without directly naming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while addressing a press conference in Bengaluru.

“I challenge this government. Forty years ago, I bought 46 acres of land. I have honestly cultivated it like a farmer. In four decades, such hateful politics and misuse of officers have never occurred,” he claimed.

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has responded to criticism from within his own party over his recent article in an English daily, which discussed Kerala’s advancements in the startup sector.

After securing control over five municipal corporations in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party today elected its mayor in the Bathinda Municipal Corporation as well. AAP councillor Padamjit Mehta has been elected as the Mayor of Bathinda Municipal Corporation.

President Donald Trump proposed a potential deal to Iran while simultaneously threatening its destruction and imposing the harshest possible sanctions on the country. These developments unfolded in a series of rapid events that sent shockwaves across global politics.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann continued his campaign trail in Delhi on Friday, leading three roadshows in Kondli, Rohtas Nagar, and Gokalpur, and addressing two powerful Jansabhas in Badarpur. The campaign exuded AAP's commitment to clean governance, development, and accountability, with CM Mann directly addressing voters' concerns and exposing the political tactics of rival parties.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini launched a strong critique of former Delhi Chief Minister Sh Arvind Kejriwal over the quality of Yamuna water, stating that no work had been done in Delhi over the past 10 years. He accused Kejriwal of resorting to cheap politics to cover up his failures. "For the last decade, Kejriwal has forced the people of Delhi to drink contaminated water," Saini remarked.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back at the statement made by Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Bittu regarding the raid on the Delhi residence of Punjab’s Chief Minister. AAP MP and senior spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang criticized the incident, stating that the BJP is continuously trying to defame Punjabis as part of its larger conspiracy.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha led a massive roadshow in the Rajendra Nagar Assembly constituency on Friday, seeking support for party candidate Durgesh Pathak. The event witnessed an overwhelming response filled with energy and enthusiasm. Raghav Chadha reminded the people that this was the very seat where he once served as an MLA, and this time, he was seeking their votes for Durgesh Pathak.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while campaigning for AAP candidates in Delhi on Thursday, addressed massive Jansabhas in Tuglakabad and Greater Kailash, and led vibrant roadshows in Kalkaji and Kasturba Nagar. CM Mann urged the people of Delhi to choose progress, education, and healthcare over conflict, divisiveness, and corruption in the upcoming elections.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann campaigned for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Jarnail Singh in Delhi’s Tilak Nagar Assembly constituency. Mann also participated in a Lohri celebration and addressed the gathering.

Speaking to the people of Tilak Nagar, Mann said that February 5 will be the day for you to decide the future of your family and children. Therefore, choose a person who knows how to work and does not engage in hate politics. He urged, “Do not entrust the responsibility of your future to those who do divisive politics. Those who practice hate politics can never work for your welfare.”

India is poised to redefine its role in global trade, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 per cent in trade over the next decade, roughly in line with its high GDP growth, according to a report on Monday.

The ASEAN region and especially India, are among the greatest beneficiaries of production shifts spurred by geopolitics, such as trade tensions between the US and China.

"We project 6.4 per cent CAGR in India’s total trade through 2033, to $1.8 trillion annually, roughly in line with its high GDP growth," according to the report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

As the world increasingly pivots toward resilient and diversified supply chains, India’s 'China+1' strategy, backed by its large domestic market, skilled workforce, and forward-looking policies, positions it as a preferred global manufacturing hub.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking answers to some questions on the BJP's politics.

In the letter, Kejriwal has posed questions like -- Does RSS support whatever wrong BJP has done in the past few days? BJP leaders are openly distributing money, does RSS support vote buying? Dalit and Purvanchali votes (from the voter list) are being cut on a large scale. Does RSS think this is good for democracy? Doesn't RSS feel that the BJP is weakening democracy?"

The former Delhi Chief Minister had on December 29 launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of attempting to manipulate the voter lists, and also claimed that 'Operation Lotus' has been going on since December 15 in his Assembly constituency. He highlighted voter deletion issues in the Shahdara constituency, where the BJP allegedly submitted applications to remove 11,008 voters.

Committed to fostering longstanding, historic and close relations with all Gulf countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Kuwait starting Saturday - the first by an Indian PM to the key West Asian country in 43 years. "India and Kuwait share traditionally close and friendly relations which are rooted in history and have been underpinned by economic and strong people to people linkages. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said ahead of PM Modi's historic visit.

 In the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, Chief Minister Atishi on Monday hit out at the night stays by BJP leaders in slums as a “drama” for vote bank politics, a charge denied by the Opposition party.

Addressing the media, Atishi claimed that BJP leaders were distributing dresses and goodies in slums and making lists of voters for deletion from electoral rolls, while Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said this is an interaction exercise, especially with the youth, in slum clusters to understand their problems and solutions directly from them.

CM Atishi said, “If there is any well-wisher of slum dwellers in the city it is Arvind Kejriwal, an Indian Revenue Service officer who quit his job and served people while living, spending six months in a slum cluster in Seemapuri.”

 AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday that the party has accepted Shahdra MLA and Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel's request for retirement from electoral politics due to health issues.

Kejriwal said the party has decided not to field Goel in the upcoming Assembly elections on his request.

He also hit out at BJP leaders who have criticised the AAP-led Punjab government for "deteriorating" law and order, citing the attempt on the life of Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.

"I compliment Punjab Police for avoiding a big incident and want to request BJP leaders and media to also highlight the deteriorating law and order in Delhi and the threats to women, children and businessmen from shootouts and murders," said Kejriwal.

Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is celebrating her 34th birthday today. On this occasion, CM Mann also shared a picture with his wife on social media and wished her health, progress and mutual love.

The Chief Minister tweeted, My life partner Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Maan Happy birthday to.. May God bless you with health, progress and mutual love.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur got married on July 7, 2022. CM's wife is the youngest of three sisters. One of his sisters lives in America while the other is settled in Australia.

Their marriage became a topic of much discussion. He often shares pictures with his wife on social media. Their pictures go viral as soon as they hit social media.

US President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid any escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in a recent phone call.

The call, made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, comes just days after his decisive electoral victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

During the conversation, Trump expressed an interest in fostering further discussions with Moscow to de-escalate tensions and resolve the two-and-a-half-year-long war.

According to sources cited by The Washington Post, Trump highlighted the significance of the substantial US military presence in Europe, suggesting that he intends to bring American influence to bear on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Trump, who made ending the war a key campaign promise, emphasised the urgent need for peace but has yet to reveal specific strategies or proposals.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to appoint Yechiel Leiter as Israel's Ambassador to the United States, according to a statement issued by Netanyahu's office.

Leiter, 65, has served in senior public service positions in Israel, including the deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, chief-of-staff in the Finance Ministry, and acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company, news agency reported.

"Leiter was born in the United States and is deeply familiar with the American administration and society," the statement said, calling him "a highly capable diplomat" and "an eloquent speaker" who "possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics."