Month: May 2025

The BJP-led NDA has registered a massive victory in the panchayat polls in Assam. The BJP and its ally party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), won 300 Zilla Parishad seats and 1436 Anchalik Panchayat seats.

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said in a press conference held at the State BJP headquarters in Guwahati that the BJP and its ally party AGP won 300 out of 397 Zilla Parishad seats and 1436 out of 2192 Anchalik Panchayat seats in 27 districts of the state.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Team NDA has secured a sweeping victory in the Assam Panchayat Polls 2025. The people’s mandate is a resounding endorsement of our welfare-driven governance & a strong show of faith as we move towards 2026,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister extended his gratitude to BJP president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and senior BJP leader BL Santosh for their unwavering support during this campaign.

“NDA has received 76.22 per cent vote share in Zilla Parishad and 66 per cent vote share in Anchalik Panchayat. In Anchalik Panchayat, the BJP won 1265 seats and AGP won 171 seats. Congress has won 72 Zilla Parishad seats, and it is only 18 per cent. Congress has won 21 per cent of the Anchalik Panchayat seats. BJP and its ally party won 66 per cent of the Anchalik Panchayat seats,” Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

He further said that the Assam Panchayat Polls results indicate a clear pro-incumbency wave in Assam.

“Compared to 2018, we have seen a broad increase in seat and vote share by over 26 per cent. These results come 1 year ahead of 2026 Polls and 1 year after an exceptional performance in 2024 Lok Sabha polls,” the Assam Chief Minister said.

He also said that, except in minority-dominated areas, the BJP-led NDA won almost 100 per cent of the seats of Zilla Parishad in Hindu-dominated areas of the state.

“We have won five minority dominated seats (70-90 per cent minority voters). Before the election, we didn’t expect to win more seats, but the state’s people have shown their faith in us and voted for us. In many minority dominated seats, we have secured the second position. If we replicate this in the upcoming assembly election, it will reflect in 103 seats. Starting next month, our scheme announcement will be implemented. After the implementation of the schemes, the magnitude will be greater. Ahead of the assembly polls in Assam, this election result is a booster for us,” the Assam Chief Minister said.

He further said, “The Assam State BJP will organise a panchayat conference in Guwahati and we will invite Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda.”

“The women and girls of minority dominated areas have shown their faith in the BJP and voted for us. Many development works under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been implemented. We will contest in 105 assembly seats with good candidates in the upcoming assembly polls. We don’t want to announce Mission 90 or Mission 100. If the BJP has done good work, then the people of the state will give us blessings. Silent votes from minority dominated areas will be more in the upcoming assembly polls,” the Assam Chief Minister said.

Assam State BJP president Dilip Saikia was also present at the press conference.

Sarma expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam, terming the results a “resounding endorsement” of the government’s welfare-oriented governance model.

“Thank you, Assam! Under the leadership of PM Modi, Team NDA has secured a sweeping victory in the Assam Panchayat Polls 2025. The people’s mandate is a resounding endorsement of our welfare-driven governance and a strong show of faith as we move towards 2026,” posted Sarma on X.

He also expressed gratitude to the top party leadership, including BJP National President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National General Secretary BL Santosh, for their “unwavering support” during the campaign.

Thank you, Assam!

Under the leadership of Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji, Team NDA has secured a sweeping victory in the #AssamPanchayatPolls2025.

The people’s mandate is a resounding endorsement of our welfare-driven governance & a strong show of faith as we move towards 2026.… pic.twitter.com/b66EyhrJmN

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 13, 2025

The panchayat polls in Assam were held in two phases – the first phase was held on May 2 and the second phase was held on May 7 across 27 districts of the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had expressed confidence in gaining a massive victory in this election earlier on Sunday.

The BJP and its alliance partners have registered an impressive victory in Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Nagaon, and Morigaon districts. (ANI)

In a major public outreach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a nationwide Tiranga Yatra on Tuesday. The yatra aimed to honour the valour of Indian soldiers and inform citizens about Operation Sindoor’s recent success.

BJP’s ‘Tiranga Yatra’, which was started today, will continue till May 23.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and other senior leaders and workers joined the yatra.

The campaign kicked off in Delhi with a symbolic march featuring a 108-foot-tall national flag. The yatra began at Kartavya Path and will conclude at the National War Memorial, with thousands, including BJP workers, citizens, NGOs, RWAs, religious leaders, and social organisations gathered to pay tribute to the armed forces.

According to party sources, ex-servicemen, social workers, and prominent public figures will lead the marches in various states, underscoring the message of unity, patriotism, and national pride.

The yatra is being seen as more than just a party initiative, with the BJP aiming to turn it into a large-scale people’s movement.

In preparation, BJP President JP Nadda held a key strategy meeting on May 12 at the party headquarters with general secretaries.

Senior leaders, including Sambit Patra, Vinod Tawde, and Tarun Chugh, have been tasked with coordinating the campaign across regions.

The party also plans to hold press conferences nationwide and will engage social media influencers to amplify the campaign’s message digitally and reach younger audiences.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 civilians lost their lives.

In a swift and decisive retaliation, Indian forces eliminated over 100 terrorists across the border in Pakistan.

Though Pakistan launched a counteroffensive, India responded with force, leading to a ceasefire and reasserting its defence posture.

Through the Tiranga Yatra, the BJP aims to remind citizens of India’s resolute stand against terrorism and to foster a deeper sense of nationalism and unity across the country. (ANI)

As part of the Miss World 2024 events being hosted in Hyderabad, 109 contestants representing countries from across the globe will participate in a special Heritage Walk at the world-renowned Charminar on Tuesday.

As per the press note by I&PR Telangana, the Miss World contestants will arrive in four special buses and will be welcomed at Charminar with the traditional and vibrant Marfa music, popular in the Old City of Hyderabad.

A special photo shoot has been arranged at Charminar to capture the iconic monument alongside the international contestants.

Following the photo session, the contestants will visit the nearby Laad Bazaar (Chudi Bazaar) for a curated shopping experience. They will explore nine selected stores renowned for their traditional bangles, pearls, and ornamental items, including Hyderabad Bangles, Mujeeb Bangles, Kanhaiyalal, Motilal Karwa, Gokuldas Zariwala, K.R. Kasat, Jaju Pearls, A.H. Zariwala, and Afzal Miya Karchobwale.

The contestants will also witness live demonstrations of bangle-making techniques, offering them a glimpse into the city’s unique artisanal traditions.

Later, the delegation will be hosted at the historic Chowmahalla Palace for a specially arranged cultural evening. A mehendi ceremony will be conducted, and the contestants will be given the opportunity to wear traditional Nizami attire, stated the press note by Telangana I&PR.

As part of the cultural showcase, specially curated films highlighting the diverse tourist destinations and cultural richness of Telangana will be screened.

The contestants will also visit the palace’s Nizam-era exhibits, including ancient weapons, royal household items, and traditional artifacts, which will provide them with an immersive experience of Hyderabad’s royal heritage and Old City traditions.

Officials from various departments have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the success and grandeur of this prestigious international event.

Meanwhile, the contestants of the 72nd Miss World Festival from the Asian and Oceanic regions marked Buddha Purnima with a cultural and spiritual visit to Buddhavanam, a renowned Buddhist heritage site at Nagarjunasagar in Telangana’s Nalgonda district on Monday.

The heritage tour, a significant part of the festival’s itinerary, aims to highlight Telangana’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage to offer the contestants the region’s profound spiritual and historical legacy.

The day’s itinerary included a brief stopover at a guest house near Chintapalli, followed by a picturesque photo session at Vijay Vihar, set against the serene backdrop of the Nagarjunasagar reservoir. (ANI)

Veteran actress Simi Garewal has shared glimpses of her red carpet look for the Cannes Film Festival, which begins Tuesday.

She will walk the red carpet in celebration of the screening of the restored version of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ in which she has starred. The film that also starred Sharmila Tagore and Soumitra Chatterjee has been restored by Wes Anderson and Martin Scorcese.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Garewal posted a video of herself looking at the ensemble she would wear on the red carpet, “So I’ve finally decided as to who will design my ensemble for the red carpet in Cannes!! It’s on 19th May, when we present my film with Ray, ‘Arranyer Din Ratri’ restored by Wes Anderson, Martin Scorcese & Heritage Foundation. Because I love their aesthetics…I’ve chosen @karleofashion!,” the ‘Karz’ actor wrote in her post.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJjQkKcocAW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Film Heritage Foundation earlier announced that a restored 4K version of the 1970 film ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ will be screened at the Cannes 2025 Film Festival. The film had Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, and Rabi Ghosh in key roles.

The Instagram post shared by the Film Heritage Foundation read, “Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest, 1970) restored by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at L’Immagine Ritrovata in collaboration with Film Heritage Foundation, Janus Films, and the The Criterion Collection.”

‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ is a 1970 adventure drama film by Satyajit Ray based on the novel of the same name by Sunil Gangopadhyay. The film was nominated for the Golden Bear for Best Film at the 20th Berlin International Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Simi Garewal is known for her works in Do Badan (1966), Saathi (1968), Mera Naam Joker (1970), Siddhartha (1972), Karz (1980) and Udeekaan (Punjabi film). (ANI)

Padma Shri Awardee sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik dedicated a sand art to Virat Kohli after he announced retirement from test cricket on Monday. The sand art was made with a replica of 14 bats to express gratitude.

“Virat Kohli has announced retirement from test cricket…His contribution to the nation, world, and cricket is unimaginable. We have created a sand art with a replica of 14 bats to express our gratitude to him,” Sudarsan Pattnaik told ANI on Tuesday.

Virat Kohli draws the curtain on a glorious Test career; the numbers he leaves behind are a testament to his stature as one of the modern greats in the longest format. From home dominance to overseas grit, Kohli’s red-ball career was a masterclass in skill, determination, and consistency.

In 123 Tests, Kohli compiled 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, finishing as one of India’s most prolific and influential Test cricketers. Here’s a closer look at his record, team by team and venue by venue, as we pay tribute to a glittering red-ball career.

In Indian conditions, Kohli played 55 Test matches and scored 4,336 runs, including 14 centuries and 13 half-centuries. His highest Test score also came at home, a commanding 254* against South Africa in Pune in 2019.

Whether it was spin-friendly turners or flat batting tracks, Kohli’s control and hunger for big scores made him a giant in home Tests. Kohli’s most frequent Test opponent was Australia. Across 30 matches, he amassed 2,232 runs, notching up nine centuries and five fifties.

His highest score against the Aussies was 186.In Australia, he featured in 18 matches, scoring 1,542 runs, including seven centuries and four fifties, a staggering record given the challenges of playing on bouncy, pace-friendly pitches.

His top score Down Under stands at 169, underlining his remarkable adaptability. Against England, Kohli played in 28 Tests, scoring 1,991 runs, five hundreds, and nine fifties. His personal best against them was 235, which came at the Wankhede in 2016 during a dominant home series.

In England, he had struggled generally, but he compiled 1,096 runs in 17 matches, including two centuries and five half-centuries. His highest score on English soil was 149, a career-defining knock at Edgbaston that silenced his critics. (ANI)

Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Matram echoed at the Adampur Air base in Punjab as Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Air Warriors and other soldiers’ days after India’s stupendous success in Operation Sindoor.

Earlier this morning, PM Modi arrived at the Air Force Station Adampur and met the brave air warriors and soldiers. A visible wave of happiness could be seen amongst the men in unfiorm as they celebrated their success.

PM Modi in a post on X, said that it was very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness.

“Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation, ” the PM said in a post on X.

PM Modi was also briefed by Air Force personnel at the base.

The Adampur base was one of the Air Bases active during Op Sindoor. On Monday, DG Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that the purpose of Operation Sindoor was to target terrorists, and not to engage with the Pakistan Military or Pakistani civilians.

Addressing a press briefing, Air Marshal Bharti said, “Our fight is with the terrorists, our fight is not with the Pakistan Military or Pakistan civilians, so that is very clear. We are very clear in our targeting.”

The Air Marshal emphasised that the Indian Armed Forces showcased their effectiveness through precise strikes during Operation Sindoor.

“Our counter systems and trained air defence operators are fully capable, and our nation’s indigenous capability has proven its effectiveness. It has been demonstrated that no matter what kind of technology emerges, we are prepared to counter it. There is no need for excessive words, you have seen with your own eyes the consequences we have delivered,” he stated.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the forces had been given full freedom to wipe out terrorists. In his address to the Nation, PM Modi said, “Every terror organisation now knows ‘ki hamari behano, betiyon ke maathe se Sindoor hatane ka anjaam kya hota hai.”

PM Modi said Indian Air Force, Army Navy, Border Security Force and India’s paramilitary forces are constantly on alert.

“After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal,” he said.

PM Modi said India will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 to strike multiple terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 in which 26 tourists were killed.

In addition to eliminating over 100 terrorists, the strikes targeted 11 Air bases inside Pakistan and inflicted significant damage on their military capabilities. The air, land and sea operations were carried out with calibrated restraint, with an emphasis on minimising civilian casualties. (ANI)

Following the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the improved security situation along the border, the Jammu & Kashmir administration has announced the reopening of all schools in Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

The ceasefire has brought much-needed calm to the region, allowing residents, pilgrims, and students to return to normal life. Schools in Katra, which were earlier shut due to cross-border tensions, will now resume regular classes.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi has directed officials to ensure a safe and secure environment for learning. Steps such as sanitation, counselling, and mental health support for students affected by the disruption have been arranged.

The reopening marks an important move towards restoring routine civic life in the spiritually significant region. The government has reiterated its commitment to the well-being of citizens and uninterrupted access to education.

“As you know, there was ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. Following the Education Minister’s order, schools in non-border areas were shut. Now, they have reopened and we are very happy. We stand with the Indian government and extend our full support. We thank the Indian Army for keeping us safe. Jai Hind!” said a student from Huda Public School, Katra.

“Due to the conflict between India and Pakistan, our education was disrupted and students had to suffer. Now that schools in Reasi district have reopened, we are very happy. Classes have resumed in my school,” said Preeti Sharma, a student of Trikuta Public Higher Secondary School, Katra.

“I’m in 12th standard. During the India-Pakistan conflict and Operation Sindoor, our schools were shut down due to missile attacks across various districts. I’m extremely happy that our school has reopened, because studies are very important. I’m grateful to the Indian Army for protecting us. They were right there at the border ensuring our safety. Many districts still have schools closed, so I feel very lucky and glad to live in Katra, which is a safe place,” shared Kanak Sharma, also from Trikuta Public Higher Secondary School, Katra.

However, local residents of a border village in the Samba district feared the violation of the understanding by Pakistan army after blasts were heard on Monday night and splinters hit one of the houses. The roof and kitchen of the affected house have been damaged after shelling by Pakistan.

Dalbeer Singh, a local, said that there was constant fear due to shelling by Pakistan.

“We were clueless last night, but we heard noises. We saw in the morning that this had happened. However, there is not much damage. We were all at home when the explosion happened. The police came later and took stock of the situation. There is an environment of fear.”

Prakar Singh, a local from another border village, said, “When the drone firing happened, I was trying to calm my kids. Pakistan is not ready to agree.”

Red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India’s air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Samba on Monday evening, with Army sources saying that a small number of drones had come in the Samba sector and were being engaged.

Army sources said that comparatively, a very small number of drones have come in the Samba sector, and they are being engaged, and there is nothing to be alarmed. (ANI)

Three terrorist with affliation to the Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an encounter in Shopian, South Kashmir on Tuesday. The confirmation of the identification of two out of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-affiliated terrorists has been made, sources told ANI.

Three of the terrorists were killed in the Shukroo forest area of Keller in the Shopian district.

According to sources, one of the terrorists was identified as Shahid Kuttay, son of Mohd Yousuf Kuttay and a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian.

He was a Category A, LeT operative who was involved in the firing incident at the Danish Resort in Srinagar on April 8, 2024, in which two German tourists and one driver were injured. He joined the terror outfit on March 8, 2023.

Kuttay was involved in the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora on May 18, 2024 and was suspect involved in the killing of Territorial Army Personnel at Behibagh in Kulgam on February 3, 2025.

The other identified terrorist was Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar, who was a resident of Wanduna Melhora in Shopian. He joined the terror outfit on October 18, 2024 and was a category C LeT operative. He was involved in the killing of non-local labourers at Wachi in Shopian on October 18, 2024.

However, the identity of the last terrorist is yet to be confirmed.

According to the source, the terrorists were encountered around 8:00 am today following specific intelligence related to terrorists hiding in the Shukroo forest area of Keller.

This came following a massive cordon-and-search operation launched in the forests of Kellar after receiving specific input about the presence of some terrorists in the region, as per a top police official.

Meanwhile, posters were seen in different parts of Pulwama District, announcing Rs 20 lakh reward for information on terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches and identities of three terrorists said to be involved in the terror attack in Pahalgam.

All three terrorists are affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba and a bounty of Rs 20 lakh for each of the three terrorists was announced by the Police.

The terror operatives were identified as Hussain Thoker, a native of Anantnag; Ali Bhai, also known as Talha Bhai; and Hasim Musa, also known as Suleiman. Of the three LeT operatives, Musa and Talha are suspected to be Pakistani terrorists, while Thokar is a Kashmiri local.

The operation comes on the heels of India achieving stupendous success in Operation Sindoor, where precision strikes saw the elimination of nearly 100 terror operatives at key bases in Pakistan. Among the targets were Bhawalpur, the Headquarters of the Jaish and Muridke, a key training base of the Lashkar. (ANI)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the results of the Class 12th examinations on Tuesday. This time, 88.39 per cent of students passed the examinations, which was 0.41 per cent more than the previous year.

91 per cent of girls have passed the CBSE class 12th examinations this year, which is 5.94 per cent more than the boys. The CBSE issued a press release and informed about the development.

The CBSE class 10th and 12th examinations commenced successfully from February 15 to April 4, whereas the class 10th exams concluded on March 18.

More than 16 lakh students appeared for the CBSE class 12th examinations, out of which more than 14 lakh passed the exam

Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada achieved the highest passing percentage in the region, with 99.60 per cent of the students who appeared passing the examination. Prayagraj stood at the bottom in which around 80 per cent students passed the examination.

Meanwhile, the exams were conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM across 7,842 centres in India and 26 locations abroad. CBSE has issued strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of the exams. Regular students were asked to school uniforms, while private candidates should opt for light-coloured clothing. Students were supposed to arrive at the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time and carefully read the question paper instructions before answering.

The board has also listed items prohibited inside the exam hall, including mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, cameras, unauthorized study materials, wallets, handbags, goggles, and pouches. Food and drinks were not allowed, except for diabetic students with prior approval.

Given the increased student commute on examination days, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had announced special facilitation measures in partnership with CISF. Students were given priority during frisking and ticketing at metro stations, with additional staff deployed to assist them during peak hours. (ANI)