Month: April 2026

With the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for April 23 approaching, authorities in Malda district have ramped up surveillance measures, deploying Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and establishing multiple naka check-posts across key locations, particularly in the Old Malda region, to ensure free and fair polling.

The heightened security arrangements come as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) remains in force, with officials focusing on curbing the illegal movement of cash, liquor, arms, and other inducements that could potentially influence voters.

Malda, which comprises 12 Assembly constituencies, is among the districts going to polls in Phase 1– part of a total of 154 constituencies across West Bengal.

To monitor movement effectively, three major naka check-posts have been set up at Disco More, Chechu More, and Chaki More in the Old Malda Community Development Block. These locations have been identified as crucial transit and exit points, especially for vehicles heading towards town areas.

Officials said the check-posts have been operational for nearly 15 days and are functioning round the clock. Each naka is manned by personnel working in three shifts of eight hours each, ensuring uninterrupted vigilance.

The SST teams, comprising officials from the revenue department, customs, police, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), have been strategically deployed at these points. In addition to the static units, Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) and Video Surveillance Teams (VSTs) are actively patrolling various parts of the district to track suspicious movement and enforce election norms.

During a recent inspection drive, officials stationed at the Disco More check-post claimed to have seized Rs 1.25 lakh in cash from vehicles during routine checking, highlighting the effectiveness of the intensified monitoring.

Explaining the restrictions in place, Revenue Inspector Kaustav Chakrabarty from the Block Land and Land Reforms Office (BL&LRO) said, “No one is allowed to travel with more than Rs 50,000 in cash, as it could be used to influence voters.”

He added that the teams are also closely monitoring the transportation of goods that may be used as inducements.

“Anyone without a GST number cannot carry large quantities of clothes or other goods, as these could be distributed to lure voters. To prevent such activities, we have set up check-posts,” Chakrabarty said.

He further stressed that authorities are paying particular attention to the movement of liquor and similar items.

“There is a specific focus on the supply of liquor and many other such items that can be distributed among the public,” he noted.

Officials pointed out that the naka at Old Malda serves as a critical exit point, prompting heightened scrutiny of outgoing vehicles. “We check both entry and exit points, but our focus is more on the exit, as vehicles are heading towards the town,” Chakrabarty said.

At the check-posts, officials meticulously record details such as the driver’s licence, the driver’s name, and the vehicle registration number. This data collection helps in tracking movement and ensuring accountability.

Highlighting the coordinated nature of the operation, Chakrabarty said, “Checking is carried out 24 hours a day, with three teams working in 8-hour shifts. The team includes officials from all departments–police, customs, revenue, and the Central Armed Police Forces.”

Echoing similar views, Raj SK, a Lower Division Clerk associated with the SST at Disco More naka, said the primary objective is to prevent any illegal influence on voters. “The purpose of this check-post is to seize unnecessary cash, liquor, arms, and other such items. It operates 24 hours a day, with police and CAPF personnel deployed,” he said.

He added that the surveillance mechanism extends beyond static points. “There are also Video Surveillance Teams and Flying Squad Teams that patrol different areas in vehicles. If we detect anything suspicious, we inform them, and they arrive to take necessary action and seize the items,” Raj SK said.

Authorities reiterated that such stringent measures will remain in place in the run-up to polling day, as part of efforts to maintain transparency and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the district. (ANI)

The echoes of “Bam Bam Bhole” are set to resonate through the Kashmir Himalayas once again. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), officially announced today that the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, spanning a total of 57 days.

Addressing reporters here, LG Sinha said, “The pilgrimage will begin on July 3rd and conclude on Rakshabandhan on August 28th. Overall, this year’s pilgrimage will be slightly longer. It will span 57 days. The Pratham Puja will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026. Registration will begin on April 15th.”

He added that advance registration facilities will be available both online and offline. “Advance registration is available at 554 bank branches. Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank have various branches across the country where this registration will be conducted. Online registration can also be done through the official website of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board,” LG Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor further stated that devotees must be between 13 and 70 years of age to be eligible for the Yatra. He noted that participation has witnessed a steady rise in recent years, reflecting growing faith and improved infrastructure.

Highlighting arrangements, LG Sinha said several initiatives have been introduced to enhance safety and convenience. RFID cards have been made mandatory for all pilgrims, while group accidental insurance cover has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

He also pointed to significant infrastructure upgrades, including widening of tracks on both Baltal and Nunwan routes, improved bridges, and strengthened disaster management mechanisms with deployment of mountain rescue teams and security forces.

“With better facilities, real-time monitoring, improved sanitation, and enhanced connectivity, the Yatra experience has significantly improved. Devotees are more satisfied with the arrangements compared to previous years,” LG Sinha added.

The Lieutenant Governor said extensive preparations are underway to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for thousands of devotees expected to participate this year. (ANI)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been fined Rs 12 lakhs after his team maintained a slow over-rate in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday in Chennai.

Gaikwad became the third captain to be fined for a similar offence in IPL 2026, following Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans and Shreyas Iyer of Punjab Kings. Notably, Iyer has been fined twice this season for slow over-rate offences against both GT and CSK.

“Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 18 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gaikwad was fined INR 12 lakhs,” as per a statement from IPL.

A sensational century from Sanju Samson and a four-wicket haul from Jamie Overton handed over CSK their first victory of IPL 2026 as they defeated DC by 23 runs at Chepauk Stadium on Saturday.

CSK got their first win of the season, breaking their six-match losing streak at home. Put to bat first by DC, Samson (115* in 56 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Ayush Mhatre (59 in 36 balls, with three fours and four sixes) took CSK to 212/2 in 20 overs.

In chase, Pathum Nissanka (41 in 24 balls, with five fours and two sixes) put on a 62-run stand with KL Rahul, and Tristan Stubbs scored a valiant 30-ball 60, but that was pretty much it from DC as a batting team, as Overton (4/18) and Kamboj (3/35) took wickets regularly. CSK is at the ninth spot, with a win and three losses. DC is in fourth spot, with two wins and two losses.

Meanwhile, DC batter Nitish Rana has been fined and handed a demerit point for using audible obscene language during his side’s IPL 2026 clash against CSK.

Rana, who was dropped from Delhi Capitals’ playing XI after scores of 15, 0, and 5 in his first three matches, was in the dugout when Tristan Stubbs, batting in the middle, signalled for a change of gloves. Rana was fined 25% of his match fee after admitting to the offence. (ANI)

A sharp surge in the prices of essential medicines, including insulin, has sparked serious concern among patients and healthcare professionals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The steep increases are expected to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations already grappling with rising living costs, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the most troubling hike involves insulin, a life-saving medication for diabetes management. The cost of an insulin injection device has more than doubled, rising from Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 2,200 to PKR 4,720. This dramatic escalation is likely to place immense financial strain on thousands of diabetic patients who depend on regular doses to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Other commonly used medicines have also seen notable increases. A pack used for indigestion and acidity has climbed from PKR 530 to PKR 620, while vitamins and nutritional supplements now cost PKR 510, up from PKR 480. Similarly, the cost of medication for Vitamin B deficiency has increased from PKR 500 to PKR 600. In one of the most drastic revisions, a thyroid drug has surged from PKR 85 to PKR 290, marking an increase of over 240 per cent.

Medicines for typhoid treatment have also become more expensive, with prices rising from PKR 805 to PKR 930. Sources indicate that these revised rates have been approved by regulatory authorities and are already in effect across pharmacies in Peshawar. Additional increases in other critical drugs are also suspected, though details remain unclear. Healthcare professionals warn that such steep price hikes may lead to poor treatment adherence, as patients could skip doses or resort to cheaper, potentially unsafe alternatives, as cited by The Express Tribune.

Pharmacists have echoed similar concerns, highlighting the growing burden on low-income families and elderly patients. Experts are urging the government to reconsider these price adjustments and introduce subsidies or financial relief measures. They also stress the need for strict quality control to prevent the circulation of substandard medicines amid rising demand for affordable options, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.

Baqaei, who heads the Center for Public Diplomacy of Iran, noted in his interview to local media that on a number of issues, both parties reached understandings some key issues, however, their positions remained apart and ultimately they didn’t reach an agreement.

“I believe this round of negotiations was indeed the longest we’ve had this past year. Twenty-four or twenty-five hours–starting yesterday morning when indirect talks began with messages exchanged between the two sides through the Pakistani mediator. It continued non-stop until now,” he said.

Baqaei also noted that diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests.

“Diplomacy never ends. Diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests and diplomats must fulfill their duties in any conditions, whether in wartime or peacetime. Well, there are several points we need to keep in mind. This round of talks came after forty-some days–forty days of imposed war, then a few days after the ceasefire. In an atmosphere filled with mistrust, suspicion and doubt,” he said.

Baghaei said that Iran should not have expected from the start that they could reach an agreement in a single session.

“In any case, the American side, along with the Zionist regime, committed military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in nine months. So naturally, we shouldn’t have expected from the start that we could reach an agreement in a single session. I don’t think anyone had such expectations, despite what I mentioned, this was the longest meeting we’ve had this past year. Another point to consider was the complexity of the issues and the complexity of the circumstances,” he said.

Baghaei said that new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region.

“Some new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region. Well, these have their own conditions, features and specifics. But I think that in any case, we must always pursue our national interests as diplomats and as a diplomatic apparatus. Use our various tools to protect rights and interests of the Iranian nation,” he said.

Baghaei added, “The talks continued throughout the night regarding a range of topics that were raised both in our ten-point proposal and points the other side had. On a number of issues, we reached understandings on two or three key issues, however, our positions remained apart and ultimately we didn’t reach an agreement. These talks–this is the latest status I can report.”

Baghaei further said, “I really want to take this opportunity to thank the government and people of Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Asim Munir, the army chief, Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister made tremendous efforts. Pakistan’s gracious hospitality in recent weeks and especially these past two or three days deserves appreciation. We thank them for their excellent hospitality.”

Baghaei said that diplomacy always stands alongside other components of government.

“We are confident that contacts and consultations between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan and other friends in the region will continue. Diplomacy stands ready alongside other components of government, alongside our good people, alongside the defenders of the homeland for all kinds of cooperation and sacrifice to protect the interests and national security of the country,” he said.

The comments come as US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in context of Iran as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear capacities. (ANI)

Asha Bhosle, one of the most iconic and versatile voices in Indian music history, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema and music for over eight decades. She was 92.

Dr Pratit Samdani at Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the demise of the legendary singer.

“Asha Bhosale breathed her last today in Breach Candy Hospital. She passed away due to multi-organ failure,” Dr Samdani said.

She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening following extreme exhaustion and a chest infection.

The veteran singer’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, had earlier confirmed her hospitalisation through a social media statement, requesting privacy for the family. “My grandmother, Asha Bhosle, due to extreme exhaustion and suffering a chest infection, has been admitted to hospital… Treatment is ongoing and hopefully everything will be well,” she had said.

Born in 1933, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age, rising to prominence in the 1950s and eventually becoming one of the most celebrated playback singers in the world. Her voice- playful, emotive, and endlessly adaptable- defined generations of music lovers across India and beyond.

Over the course of her extraordinary career, Bhosle recorded thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages, lending her voice to a wide range of genres from classical and ghazals to cabaret, pop, and folk.

Her collaborations with leading composers and filmmakers produced some of the most memorable songs in Hindi cinema, making her an enduring cultural icon.

Her achievements were recognised with numerous honours, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

In 2011, she was acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the most-recorded artist in music history.

Even in her later years, Bhosle remained connected to music, performing occasionally and inspiring younger generations of artists. Her influence extended far beyond playback singing, shaping trends and redefining the role of a female voice in Indian music.

Asha Bhosle’s versatility is legendary, spanning soulful ghazals like Dil Cheez Kya Hai to sultry hits like Piya Tu Ab To Aaja. Her mastery shines in the haunting Mera Kuchh Saaman and the playful Chura Liya Hai Tumne. From folk-inspired melodies to pop, her voice remains India’s ultimate musical kaleidoscope.

News of her demise has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with fans, artists, and public figures expressing their condolences and remembering her unparalleled contribution to Indian music. (ANI)

The assembly of the second tunnel boring machine has commenced at Sawli (near Ghansoli) in Mumbai at a depth of 39 meters below ground as part of the work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, officials said. This TBM (tunnel boring machine) will begin its journey from Sawli towards Vikhroli.

The gantry, weighing 190 metric tons, having a length of 18 meters, 10 meters in width and 9 meters in height was lowered on Saturday.

There are four gantries in both the TBMs, which will be attached to the main shield assembly and utterhead.

The gantries will travel the complete excavated length while supporting the critical operations such as excavation, waterproofing, tunnel lining segment installation, officials said.

Due to the space restrictions in the Sawli shaft, assembly of the TBM at 39 meters below ground has been meticulously planned.

TBMs initial drive is expected to commence in July 2026.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from Japan government. The Project is passing through the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Entire land (1389.5 Ha.) for the MAHSR project has been acquired. All Statutory Clearances have been obtained. All 1651 utilities have been shifted.

Officials said that delay in land acquisition in the State of Maharashtra has impacted the project till 2021. The land acquisition picked up in 2022 in Maharashtra, they said. (ANI)

After hours of negotiations in Pakistan between US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is a “bad news for Iran” than it is for the United States.

Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said that during the negotiations that took place for 21 hours, several substantial discussions were held however, no conclusions were reached.

“We’ve had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America.”

“We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement”, Vance said.

He underlined that while the US made it clear what its red lines were and the issues it was willing to accommodate, Iran, however, “chose not to accept our terms”.

Responding to the media, Vance reiterated that Washington had sought an affirmative commitment from Tehran not to seek nuclear weapons and the tools to achieve it.

He added, “We just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept opur terms.”

He said that while the US had been very “flexible and accommodating”, the talks could not make a headway.

“We leave here with a very simple proposal- a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

During the presser, Vance noted that he spoke with President Donald Trump “consistently”, along with several other top US officials throughout the negotiations, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command.

“We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith,” Vance said.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that the marathon talks covered issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program, as per Iran’s foreign ministry.

The key announcement by the US Vice-President comes after marathon discussions took place in Islamabad. (ANI)