Bengal elections: TMC MLA Khagendranath Mahato switches to BJP after being denied ticket in Gopiballavpur
In a significant political development from West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Khagendranath Mahato, who represented the Gopiballavpur Assembly constituency in Jhargram district, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. This development comes just a day ahead of the first phase of the Assembly election in the state. His switch comes at the last moment after he was denied a ticket by the TMC for the upcoming Assembly elections. Party insiders said Mahato was upset over not being given a ticket by the TMC. With limited time left before the elections, he decided to join the BJP and formally announced his move on Wednesday.
Read more
Trump claims Iran halts execution of eight women protesters at his request: ‘I very much appreciate it’
A major development has emerged amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has suspended the execution of eight women protesters who were facing the death penalty. Posting on Truth Social, Trump described it as “very good news” and said the punishment of the protesters had been put on hold following his intervention.
Read more
Stage set for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Assembly polls: Will MK Stalin, Mamata Banerjee hold their ground?
Amid tight security, the stage is all set for high-stakes electoral battle as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu head to the assembly elections on Thursday. While Tamil Nadu is voting in a single phase across 234 seats, West Bengal will vote for 152 seats in first phase. And the second phase of West Bengal assembly contest will be held on April 29. Governed by regional heavyweights, both the poll-bound states have witnessed an intense, high-decibel political campaigns.
Read more
Rajasthan Royals move to second on points table after thrashing LSG in low-scoring affair in IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs at the Ekana Stadium in the ongoing IPL 2026. On a surface that was tough on the batters from the get go, the visitors struggled early on. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is known for his rapid starts, also failed to keep up with the momentum, playing a maiden over, before getting out to Mohsin Khan in the fourth over of the game.
Read more
Iran says reopening of Strait of Hormuz ‘impossible’ amid US blockade, calls it ‘ceasefire violation’
Iran on Wednesday (April 22) said that the Islamic Republic would not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as long as the US naval blockade remains in place, describing it as a “blatant violation of the ceasefire.”
Read more
‘CM has put entire system in danger’: SC rebukes Mamata Banerjee day ahead of polling in Bengal
The Union government has proposed a draft framework to replace the decades-old Sugarcane (Control) Order of 1966. The proposed Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026, aims to modernise oversight by incorporating ethanol production, digital compliance systems and a structured approval mechanism for factories, news agency PTI reported. The Centre has invited public comments on the draft till May 20. While the new proposal retains key provisions such as Fair and Remunerative Price norms, restrictions on cane movement, a 14-day payment timeline for farmers, and a 15 per cent annual interest on delayed dues, it also introduces wide-ranging changes to reflect the evolving nature of the industry.
Read more
Mohammad Nawaz tests positive for recreational drug use, ICC alerts Pakistan Cricket Board
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is currently under investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after reportedly testing positive for recreational drug use. The incident has disrupted Nawaz’s plans to join Surrey for the T20 Blast in England, with the deal now officially cancelled.
Read more
Kedarnath Dham portals open for devotees amid chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’; Uttarakhand CM Dhami offers prayers
The sacred portals of Kedarnath Dham, the eleventh Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, were ceremoniously opened for devotees on Wednesday (April 22)with proper rituals and Vedic chants, marking a grand confluence of faith, devotion, and divinity.
Read more
Jaafar Jackson set to portray uncle Michael Jackson in debut film Michael, says ‘Can’t wait for the world…’
Jaafar Jackson has been drawing steady attention ever since he was cast as Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic Michael. The film is slated to release in Indian theatres on April 24, 2026, and there’s already a fair amount of curiosity around it. For many, the interest goes beyond the film itself and into who Jaafar is and how closely he’s connected to the global icon. What makes this casting stand out is the real-life link. Jaafar isn’t just stepping into a challenging role; he’s portraying his own uncle.
Read more
Modi govt revamps six-decade-old sugarcane law; seeks public comments on draft by May 20
The Union government has proposed a draft framework to replace the decades-old Sugarcane (Control) Order of 1966. The proposed Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026, aims to modernise oversight by incorporating ethanol production, digital compliance systems and a structured approval mechanism for factories, news agency PTI reported. The Centre has invited public comments on the draft till May 20. While the new proposal retains key provisions such as Fair and Remunerative Price norms, restrictions on cane movement, a 14-day payment timeline for farmers, and a 15 per cent annual interest on delayed dues, it also introduces wide-ranging changes to reflect the evolving nature of the industry.
Read more
