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President Murmu to launch free pink mobility card for Delhi women

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The Delhi government will launch the pink National Common Transport Card (NCMC) on Monday to provide free bus travel to women in the national capital and seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single smart card.President Drupadi Murmu will officially launch the program at an event titled ‘Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi’ at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, a statement said.At the same event, the President will also formally launch a scheme to provide two LPG cylinders free of charge every year during Holi and Diwali to all ration card-holding households in Delhi.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the benefit will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).An amount equivalent to the prevailing price of a bottle of LPG will be deposited into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the household head who issues the ration card, the statement said.It said the scheme is expected to cover around 1.55 million households holding ration cards to ease the financial burden of cooking fuel expenses and allow families to celebrate the festival with dignity and comfort.Gupta said the pink card will allow women residents of Delhi to travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses for free and can also be used to pay for metro, regional rapid transit system (RRTS) and other public transport services.She said the initiative aims to make public transport more accessible and digital while reducing daily travel costs for women and improving access to education, employment and healthcare.Under the scheme, three types of mobility cards will be issued: pink for eligible female residents, blue for general commuters and orange for monthly pass users, the statement said.In the first phase, pink and blue cards will be launched, followed by orange cards, it added.Delhi Transport Corporation has authorized Hindon Mercantile Limited (MufinPay) and Airtel Payments Bank Limited to issue these cards.The cards will be integrated with the existing automated fare collection system of Delhi’s public transport network, the company said, adding that the Pink Cards will be provided free of charge and the cost will be borne by the Delhi government.According to the statement, around 50 card issuance centers will be set up including the offices of district magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates and selected DTC locations. Minimal documentation is required to ensure the process is simple and transparent.Each pink card will be linked to the beneficiary’s mobile number and Aadhaar to verify age, gender and Delhi residence.The Pink Card will replace the existing paper Pink Ticket, providing contactless travel, digital journey recording and increased transparency in revenue accounting.It added that selected female beneficiaries will be issued pink NCMC cards at the launch event, marking a crucial step towards a more integrated and women-friendly public transport system in the capital.

‘Prachand’ moment: President Murmu flies close to India-Pakistan border in indigenous combat helicopter

Famous photo of Bill Clinton with Epstein and Maxwell during his 2002 trip to Asia: Bill Clinton in a hot tub with a woman

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Epstein photos resurface at oversight hearing, Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing

What happens in a $20,000-a-night suite isn’t always there — especially when there’s a hot tub, a private jet nicknamed the “Lolita Express,” and some very familiar names on the guest list.The infamous photo of Bill Clinton in a hot tub with a mystery woman came from the former president’s 2002 trip to Asia with a pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and ms. Ghislaine Maxwell“New York Post” revealed.

Epstein photos resurface at oversight hearing, Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing

Testifying before the House Oversight Committee on Friday, Clinton was grilled about the pornographic photo, insisting that she “did nothing wrong” and did not have sex with the woman whose face was altered in the photo released as part of the Justice Department’s sexual predator dossier.A Washington Post analysis found that the photo that landed Bubba in trouble was taken in 2002 in the Emperor’s Suite at the Brunei Empire Hotel, a palatial $20,000-a-night suite with a private elevator, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and theater.It was said at the time that Clinton was visiting the oil-rich Southeast Asian country a year after leaving office as part of his work for the Clinton Foundation, an organization he founded after leaving office.He traveled to Brunei on Epstein’s private sex plane, the Lolita Express, in May 2002, according to flight logs released in court proceedings.Flight records show that on May 22, 2002, the Lolita Express carrying Epstein, Maxwell and associate Sarah Karen picked up Clinton at a U.S. Naval Air Base in Japan, along with his chief adviser Doug Band, a man named Mike, and two women listed only as “Janice” and “Jessica.”The gang stayed in Hong Kong for one night and then in Shenzhen, China for two nights before finally arriving in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on May 25.Clinton golfed and dined with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, a pervert accused of hosting sex parties with underage girls and who donated $1 million to $5 million to the Clinton presidential library through the foundation.The same night Clinton soaked in the jacuzzi, he was also seen in the pool with Maxwell and a mystery woman while golfing was played on the big screen.Meanwhile, Epstein was photographed sitting at a piano in sweatpants.The full set of photos, part of one of the Justice Department’s document dumps, shows the hot tub and pool were in the same area.Clinton denied knowing who the woman was when she testified before the House Oversight Committee this week, a source said. The former president has also repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

‘Very disturbing’: Thousands of Indians trapped in Iran, Gulf as Middle East conflict escalates

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Strikes in Iran (AP Photo)

this middle East The joint US-Israeli missile attack on Iran resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a retaliatory attack. The regional situation was generally unstable and the situation fell into turmoil. The clashes disrupted air travel, forced airport closures and prompted India to issue an emergency proclamation urging its citizens in Iran, Israel and Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates to exercise extreme caution.

Indian students in Iran

Around 3,000 Indian students are said to be trapped in Iran, including nearly 2,000 students from Jammu and Kashmir. Approximately 1,100-1,200 people remain in the conflict zone. Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, told ANI that a formal request for immediate evacuation has been sent to Prime Minister Modi. “This morning, we saw a conflict between Iran and Israel, and the Israeli army attacked Iran. Our citizens there, especially Indian students and Indian citizens who have studied and worked there for many years, are very worried...Their families, especially those in the Kashmir Valley, are very scared, anxious and distressed. The highest number of students come from Kashmir Valley. There are around 3000 Indian students out of which around 2000 are Kashmiri students… However, we have 1100-1200 students there… They want us to evacuate them immediately… Today we have written a letter to Prime Minister Modi requesting him to initiate a full scale evacuation operation for immediate evacuation of our stranded citizens. The Indian government should open diplomatic channels and raise this issue with the other party. “

Doha and Dubai face relentless Iranian attacks as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims attacks on US-linked facilities

Until then, MEA advises students to move to safer places and stay indoors.Follow real-time updates on Iran and the Middle East

Students plead to government

Several Indian students stranded in Iran have narrated their ordeal and urged the Indian government to help with their evacuation.Ayesha, an Indian student stranded in Iran, said she was forced to stay to avoid failing her exams. “Our internet is cut off. We hear bombs every 15 minutes. It’s very disturbing here. When our embassy advised us to leave Iran, our university didn’t cooperate.” They say if you leave, you will fail… Universities, hospitals and everything are closed now for 15 days. We are very grateful to the embassy; we are in contact with them...They are also helpless now because the airspace here is prohibited by various countries. We can’t evacuate,” she said.Another Indian student in Tehran requested the Indian government to evacuate immediately. She said: “I am an Indian student currently in Tehran. Things feel very bad and uncertain here. We really don’t know what’s going to happen next. We are very grateful that the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs are discussing our security concerns, but in times like this, speed is of the essence. I couldn’t even speak properly because the air raids were going on and our situation was getting worse. We demand faster and clearer evacuations as soon as possible. Please don’t wait until it gets worse. Just help us. Please get us out of here as soon as possible. “An Indian student in Iran urged India to start evacuations, saying: “We have been under air strikes since morning and we are in a difficult situation.”

Indians stranded in UAE and Gulf countries

The crisis broke out when several travelers from Madhya Pradesh traveled to Dubai and Sharjah for tourism and business. In the UAE, more than 700 people from Madhya Pradesh, including former MLA and BJP leader Sanjay Shukla, were unable to return due to flight cancellations and temporary closure of airports.Shukla shared a video on social media showing smoke from the explosion kilometers away and appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for help, adding that his son was also trapped with him. Former Depalpur MLA Vishal Patel and other travelers are also waiting for the situation to normalize before returning to India.Also read: Oil tanker hit near Oman in Strait of Hormuz; 15 Indians evacuated

Government response and advice

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an urgent advisory to Indians in conflict-affected areas. Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have set up 24×7 helplines and are coordinating with local authorities. The Assam government is in contact with the MEA to trace the state’s residents living or stranded in West Asia and collect information about their conditions.Meanwhile, India in its official position urges restraint, dialogue and protection of civilian lives amid escalating hostilities.

Aviation and maritime considerations

Airlines have been instructed to monitor airspace advisories and reroute or cancel flights as necessary. India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also warned Indian seafarers to be extra cautious in and around Iranian waters. Companies and maritime stakeholders are asked to immediately report the status of Indian crew members to the authorities.Meanwhile, air travel continues to be disrupted as tensions escalate in the Middle East, affecting flights to and from the region, prompting the aviation ministry to issue an advisory. “In view of airspace restrictions resulting from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, 350 flights operated by domestic airlines in India have been canceled on March 1, 2026. Passengers are advised to check flight status with the relevant airlines and maintain close coordination with them for any assistance required. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to passengers, in close coordination with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders. “

T20 World Cup: Sikandar Raza restores Zimbabwe pride despite defeat

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T20 World Cup: Sikandar Raza restores Zimbabwe pride despite defeat
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza wears a cap as South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs and George Linde walk off the field after winning the T20 World Cup cricket match between South Africa and Zimbabwe in New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo)

TimesofIndia.com in New Delhi: “Despite the bruises, we will seek to win and earn respect,” the Zimbabwe captain said. Sikandar Raza before taking on India in the T20 World Cup Super Eights. But then they were beaten by West Indies for 254 and a few days later they were beaten by 256. Despite scoring 510 runs in two games, on the eve of the match against South Africa, Zimbabwe bowling consultant Courtney Walsh reiterated that their results against Sri Lanka and Australia in the group stages cannot be ignored. “We wanted to make a statement here and I think the performance showed that,” he said.A day later, Zimbabwe restored their pride and respect by pushing the Proteas over the top. Arun Jaitley On a hot Sunday afternoon, the stadium in New Delhi attracted nearly 20,000 spectators. South Africa maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament after winning five matches. They are now heading into the semi-finals against New Zealand on March 4 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, having won seven games in a row.

India lands in Kolkata and has a life-or-death conflict with the Indian Army. The semi-final spot has been locked

Raza fittingly led Zimbabwe to another upset in the tournament. He scored 73 runs off 43 balls, laden with 8 fours and 4 sixes to take the team to 153/7, before taking 3/29 from his four overs, which included a dismissal of Quinton de Kock’s first delivery, and added to South Africa’s wicket troubles. Aiden Markram and Dewald Breves.Although South Africa lost 4 wickets in the first 10 overs, they remained on top of the scoring curve, reaching 93 runs at half-time. With Breivis going down shortly afterwards, Zimbabwe may have reason to believe. Is another upset coming? Are Zimbabwe about to beat their “big brother”?These faint hopes were dashed by Tristan Stubbs (21 unbeaten in 24 games), George Lind (Unbeaten 30 off 21 balls), 53 runs off 43 balls, maintaining uninterrupted form.Earlier, Raza’s brilliant batting stood out in an otherwise average batting display from Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe skipper Raza smashed 73 off 43 balls while the other batsmen struggled to find the same rhythm at a quality pace.Apart from Raza, the batsmen tried to attack the likes of Quina Mafaka, Anrich Nortje and the in-form Lungi Ngidi, but without success.Brief score:Zimbabwe: 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73; Kwena Maphaka 2/21).South Africa: 154/5 in 17.5 overs (Ryan Rickton 31. Dewald Breves 42. George Linde; Sikandar Raza 3/29)

How did the United States find Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s exact location in Iran?

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Thousands of grieving Iranians gather Tehran On March 1, a mourning event was held in Enkhrab Square after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli and US airstrike.

Thousands of Iranians have gathered to mourn after U.S. and Israeli air strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Reuters/AP)
Thousands of Iranians have gathered to mourn after U.S. and Israeli air strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Reuters/AP)

Saturday’s attack destroyed Khamenei’s home in central Tehran, ending his 36-year rule.

On Sunday, Israel announced another series of attacks on Iran, while President Donald Trump Warn that any act of retaliation will have consequences.

Also read: “Even if they kill me…” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s final chilling public speech

How did the United States and Israel determine Khamenei’s position?

According to reports, the United States and Israel have determined Khamenei By combining extensive behavioral monitoring with a recent intelligence breakthrough about an important meeting.

The Times of Israel described the operation as a coordinated operation that allegedly used “bunker buster” munitions to target multiple high-security facilities simultaneously, thereby securing the removal of senior leadership in attendance.

5 Key Points to Help the U.S. and Israel Find Khamenei’s Exact Location

According to reports from the New York Times and other media, the operation was based on a variety of inputs.

1. long term monitoring: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been observing Khamenei’s movements and security patterns for months. This gave intelligence agencies a “high-fidelity” picture of his habits and possible locations, according to the New York Times.

2. critical moment: Intelligence officials discovered that an unusual high-level meeting was scheduled for Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, between Khamenei and senior political and military leaders.

Also read: Is a Saudi prince privately urging Trump to strike Iran? Bombshell report says MBS called Trump multiple times

3. Advanced tracking technology: trump card It said a “highly sophisticated tracking system” was used to track Khamenei’s location to ensure that once the target was identified, he could not escape detection.

4. intelligence collaboration: The CIA provided this “high-fidelity” intelligence to Israel. Therefore, the two countries decided to move the planned attack from nighttime to daytime (around 9:40 a.m. Tehran time) to take advantage of the specific time when all targets would assemble at the leadership compound in central Tehran, the New York Times reported.

5. target recognition: Intelligence officials identified three simultaneous meetings held in the offices of Iran’s president, supreme leader and national security council.

Trump praises Khamenei’s killing

trump card Khamenei’s death was announced in a statement released on Saturday night, calling the Islamist dictator “one of the most evil men in history.” The Iranian government and Jerusalem also confirmed his death.

“This is justice not only for the people of Iran, but for all the great Americans and people from so many countries around the world who were killed or maimed by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs,” the president wrote in an interview with Truth Society magazine.

“He was unable to evade our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems, and working closely with Israel, there was nothing he or the other leaders who were killed with him could do,” Trump added.

The US president said members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other military, police and security personnel will now have immunity. However, he warned that they would “only face death!” in the future.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed: ‘Cynical violation of law’: Russia and China condemn killing of Khamenei in US-Israeli attack; calls for halt to military action

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Iran retaliates against Khamenei; 'Decisive, regrettable punishment is coming' | WATCH

Russia and China condemned Khamenei’s killing in the US-Israeli attack (Image: AP)

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack sparked a strong reaction from Russia and China, with leaders in Moscow and Beijing harshly criticizing the move and urging an immediate halt to military operations.Khamenei, 86, was killed in a major airstrike on Iranian military and government sites.

Iran retaliates against Khamenei; ‘Decisive, regrettable punishment is coming’ | WATCH

His death plunged the region into new instability, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the Gulf.

Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?

Putin calls killings ‘cynical violation’ of law

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the assassination as “a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law,” according to AFP.In a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his “deepest condolences on the assassination of Khamenei.” He said that the Iranian leader “will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made great personal contributions to the development of friendly relations between Russia and Iran.”Putin also asked Pezeshkian to “convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the relatives and loved ones of the Supreme Leader, to the Iranian government and all people.”Russia earlier condemned the US and Israeli attack as a “dangerous adventure” that could trigger a “catastrophe” in the region. Moscow had previously called for restraint ahead of the attack.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Saturday. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the conversation was held “at the initiative of Iran.”Russia and Iran have strengthened ties in recent years, especially in the wake of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine. In 2025, the two countries signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at deepening cooperation, including in the military field.

China calls killings ‘unacceptable’

China also strongly condemns this. Beijing called the killing a “serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and trampled on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and basic norms governing international relations,” according to AFP.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this” and called for an “immediate cessation of military operations.”According to Chinese state media, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Sergey Lavrov on the phone during a conference call initiated by Russia.Wang Yi said in the conversation that it was “unacceptable” for the United States and Israel to “blatantly kill sovereign leaders and incite regime change,” according to China’s Xinhua News Agency.He added that China was “highly concerned” that the Middle East could be pushed into a “dangerous abyss.” Wang also warned that attacking sovereign states without authorization from the United Nations Security Council would undermine the global order established after World War II.“The international community must send a clear, unambiguous message against the world’s retreat into the law of the jungle,” he said.

Evacuation tips for Chinese citizens

Beijing has urged citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible” amid rising tensions. The foreign ministry reiterated the call on Sunday, saying Chinese passport holders could leave Iran via visa-free overland routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Türkiye.The warning reflects growing concerns that the conflict could escalate after Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel, U.S. military installations and Gulf states, the Associated Press reported.

wider global attention

The killings sparked panic outside Moscow and Beijing. Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the “cycle of violence” and urged all parties to act with “moral responsibility” before the situation becomes an “irrepairable divide”.“Stability and peace are not to be established through mutual threats or weapons, which cause destruction, suffering and death, but only through reasoned, sincere and responsible dialogue,” the pope said during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.The United States, meanwhile, defended the operation. President Donald Trump said the attack gave the Iranians the “best chance” of “taking back” the country and warned Tehran not to escalate the attack further.

Epic Fury Operation

Strong language from Moscow and Beijing paints a picture of a widening geopolitical divide. Russia and China both have close ties with Iran and have often criticized U.S. and Israeli actions in the region.With Russia and Iran bound by a recent strategic treaty and China warning against “regime change,” the reactions show that Khamenei’s killing is not just a regional issue but has global diplomatic consequences.

Act alone or silently understand? Congress and the Left in Bangladesh

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this congress The Left and Left parties will contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections independently after the Congress party ended its partnership earlier this month. The move has sparked fresh speculation in the state, where politics is dominated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress party and its main challenger, the Bharatiya Janata Party.ALSO READ | Congress’s Bengal dilemma: Who should the old party target in 2026 polls – BJP or Mamata Banerjee?The decision marks another turning point for the two once-dominant forces, which now find themselves struggling for influence in Bangladesh’s increasingly bipolar political landscape. What prompted the Congress to go it alone? What does this split mean for the party and its now former allies?

Congress’ calculations

The Congress’s decision to go it alone has raised eyebrows given the party’s shrinking influence in West Bengal. Explaining his rationale, the West Bengal unit leader said the central leadership believes the party has nothing to lose by contesting as an independent.

The Central Committee believes that the party has nothing to lose, so we should fight this battle ourselves

Senior Congress leader in West Bengal

At the same time, the leader admitted that the contest will now be dominated by the TMC and the BJP.“The breakdown in our understanding with the Left has effectively left no room for the third pole in Bengali politics,” the leader told the Press Trust of India news agency on condition of anonymity.

This election is now almost entirely about the TMC-BJP axis

leader of west bengal congress party

With the alliance no longer in existence, Congress plans to focus on consolidating its own vote share rather than relying on alliance arithmetic.

The arc of Congress party’s decline in Bengal

The arc of Congress party’s decline in Bengal

Political observers also noted the contrast between the party’s current national leadership and its previous leadership. They say the relatively conciliatory approach of current leader Subhankar Sarkar has made it easier for the central leadership to end the Left alliance. Former chairperson Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a former Lok Sabha MP and a prominent critic of Mamata Banerjee, put aside her differences with the Left to try to oust their common opponent.

The Left’s Response—and its Options

After days of silence, the Left responded to the Congress through senior CPI(M) leader Mabebi.ALSO READ | ‘Congress will suffer’: CPM’s Ma Baby on old party’s decision to contest Bengal polls alone“The Congress party is adopting a sectarian approach in West Bengal. We can work with them only if they realize the importance of joining hands with secular, democratic and progressive forces,” Babi said in Kolkata on February 13.

MA baby in Congress

MA baby in Congress

He added that in the fight against “communal forces”, especially the BJP, the Left preferred to ally with like-minded parties, including the Congress, where feasible.Some left-wing leaders say the EU now intends to formalize all political arrangements – whether official or tacit. They added that this would give the group time to review candidate selections with allies before finalizing the list.Can Congress also have this understanding?

Will Congress’ exit affect the Left Bloc?

The absence of any future left-led alliance in Congress is likely to limit, if not significantly weaken, the group’s electoral influence. Political analysts say this is because a split could lead to vote dispersion, which would mainly benefit the TMC. Therefore, some form of underlying understanding between them cannot be ruled out.Meanwhile, the Left and Congress are direct rivals in Kerala, which is scheduled to go to polls around the same time as West Bengal. In 2021, the Left won a second consecutive term in Kerala, breaking the long-term pattern of alternation of power between the Left and the Congress every five years. There may be anti-incumbents in Congress after a decade of left-wing rule, so they think they have a realistic chance of taking back power.In this case, campaigning separately in West Bengal would allow both parties to avoid uncomfortable questions about Kerala. However, Bangladesh’s tacit understanding also shows that despite sharp political attacks on each other, there are no irreparable tensions in the two countries’ broader political relationship.

Congress and the Left: How archrivals became political allies

There is an old adage that politics makes strange bedfellows, often uniting opposing forces against a common enemy that is too difficult to deal with alone. For the Congress and the Left in West Bengal, that opponent is Mamata Banerjee.The rise of Banerjee and the TMC has pushed these two once dominant political forces to the fringes of Bengali politics. Since ousting the Left in 2011, the Trinamool has not only retained power but also expanded its dominance, crossing the 200-seat mark in successive parliamentary elections.

TMC vs Bengal left wing

TMC vs Bengal left wing

That means the Congress and the Left have no choice but to join forces but will soon face a relatively new but rapidly expanding challenger in the Bharatiya Janata Party.In 2019, as the Modi wave swept the country for the second consecutive general election, the BJP’s seats increased from two seats in 2014 to 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, while the TMC’s seats decreased from 34 to 22. The BJP won 77 seats in the 294-member state in the 2021 assembly polls, cementing its position as Banerjee’s main rival. The number of members on the committee increased significantly in 2016 from just three, although several of the lawmakers later defected to the ruling camp.

BJP surges in seats in Bengal

BJP surges in seats in Bengal

With the two major players entrenched, the Congress and the Left have been reduced to marginal players in a once-dominant contest.

Congress-Left Alliance: What the numbers say

The current breakdown in the Congress-Left alliance in West Bengal is not the first time. They parted ways in March 2019, on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections. They had come together again in December 2020, just months before the state went to assembly polls in March-April 2021, and now parted ways again.The Congress party last contested the West Bengal Assembly elections independently in 2006, winning 21 seats. In 2011, when it fought in alliance with the TMC, its numbers doubled to 42.The 2016 Assembly polls marked the first time that the Congress and the Left came together as official alliance partners. The Congress Party once again performed well, winning 44 seats, while its Left allies accounted for the remaining 33 seats won by the group.In 2021, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) secured the lone seat from the Left Front. The Congress party subsequently won the by-election, increasing the alliance seats to two.Taken together, these numbers suggest that the Congress-Left alliance has struggled to translate cooperation into meaningful electoral gains, except in 2016.

A double-edged sword?

The Congress party’s decision to contest in West Bengal alone is a bold but risky strategy. While even a second-place finish seems highly unlikely, the party is likely to aim to establish itself as the third-largest political force in the state. This may not translate into many seats, but it can be reflected in its overall vote share. On the other hand, there is a real risk of being pushed further to the edge.Polls are coming to decide the future of Congress and Left Front in West Bengal. These formerly dominant parties face a crucial test of their relevance, their voter base and their ability to reclaim a fraction of their past influence. The coming weeks will tell whether they can revive or continue to slide toward the fringes of state politics.

Is a Saudi prince privately urging Trump to strike Iran? Bombshell report says MBS called Trump multiple times

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBSThe Washington Post said in its explosive report that he had several private phone conversations with US President Donald Trump last month in which he advocated military strikes against Iran despite publicly supporting a diplomatic solution.

Saudi Crown Prince MBS has privately urged President Trump to take military action against Iran, contradicting his public support for diplomacy.
Saudi Crown Prince MBS has privately urged President Trump to take military action against Iran, contradicting his public support for diplomacy.

Back in January, Saudi Crown Prince Said he would not allow the use of his country’s airspace or territory to attack Iran. He stressed that Saudi Arabia would respect Iran’s sovereignty and encouraged both sides to washington and Tehran to resolve differences through dialogue.

Trump announced the launch of “major combat operations” against Iran on Saturday, leading to the explosion in Tehran. Israel It also launched a “pre-emptive” strike against Iran.

The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes against Iranian military and government facilities following a deadlock in nuclear talks and accusations that Iran has resumed nuclear activities.

“Not long ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our goal is to defend the American people by neutralizing the imminent threat from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a video message on his “Truth Society” account.

Also read: Who is Morticia Adams? Woman lights cigarette with burning photo of Khamenei to celebrate his ‘pathetic’ death

Israel, US, Iran conflict: Report reveals what Mohammed bin Salman told US officials

The Washington Post reported that Mohammed bin Salman warned in discussions with U.S. officials that Iran would become more powerful and dangerous if Washington could not deploy the massive military power it has assembled in the Middle East.

The Washington Post further noted that Khalid bin Salman, the brother of the Saudi crown prince, conveyed a similar message in private discussions during a visit to Washington in January. it added trump card Despite his long-term policies and the fact that Iran did not pose any direct threat to U.S. soil, it ultimately chose to continue the attacks.

Mohammed bin Salman’s dual strategy may signal a desire to prevent Iran from retaliating against Saudi oil infrastructure, The Washington Post reported. People close to him acknowledge that he considers Tehran to be Riyadh’s main regional rival. Sunni-led Saudi Arabia has historically been in competition with Shia-led Iran.

Also read: “Even if they kill me…” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s final chilling public speech

Iran declares 40 days of national mourning

Iran is currently in a 40-day state of national mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with reports of widespread grief and protests across the country.

Before his assassination, Khamenei worked to create a unified Muslim state for all countries under the banner of Islam.

Drake and Kai Senat feud: Streamer demands rapper ‘drop album’ after Vivett joke

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Drake and Kai Senat feud: Streamer demands rapper 'drop album' after Vivett joke
Kai Cenat set the internet abuzz after he joked that he was the “Vivet designer” for Cenat’s new fashion line, then told Drake to “drop the album.” The fun exchange quickly turned into new pressure for fans awaiting Drake’s rumored ICEMAN project. Meanwhile, Cenat continues to focus on self-growth and creativity, building his Vivet brand and expanding his influence beyond streaming.

kaisenat and Drake Maybe it was a joke online, but fans took their latest exchange as a sign that the wait for new music has been long enough. After Drake jokingly integrated himself into Cenat’s new fashion venture, the popular streamer found himself at the center of another viral moment. The blunt response that followed quickly spread across social media and reignited anticipation for Drake’s next project.The interaction started when Drake joked that he was working behind the scenes of Cenat’s newly announced fashion brand, Vivet. Rather than go along quietly, Senat hit back at a message that many music fans have been echoing for months. His reply broke through the humor, turning a funny post into a shout-out for new music from one of hip-hop’s biggest stars.

Kai Cenat breaks silence on mental health in 24th birthday speech

Kai Cenat news reflects growing demand for Drake’s next release

In an Instagram Story shared on Friday, the Toronto rapper joked that he was a “Vivet designer” providing “conceptual design” for Cenat’s new brand. The light-hearted reference refers to the fashion business Senat started after a trip to Italy and saw it as a creative step in his career.Senat quickly responded to Drake’s DM with a half-joking, half-need message. “N***a drop this album,” Cenat wrote to Drake, who co-owns fashion label October’s Very Own (OVO).The moment resonated because it reflected the broader sentiment among fans, who have been waiting for Drake to confirm details about his rumored project ICEMAN. Drake has been in the news a lot lately for features, business deals, and viral posts, but still doesn’t have an official release date.Meanwhile, Senat begins the new year focusing on personal growth and creative reinvention. He takes the time to read and discuss self-reflection with viewers during his live broadcast, emphasizing the desire to exceed expectations. When announcing Vivet, he explained that he wanted to “push the envelope” and discover what he could truly create.“I feel like sometimes, people need to be self-reflective and take a step back and look at their lives from a broad perspective,” Senat said. “I believe there is something greater than myself in the world. I have this energy and passion inside me to do more and create. That’s why I’m quitting my job.”For now, Drake’s playful fashion cameos and Senat’s blunt responses have done what the internet does best. They turned a joke into motivation. For fans who want ICEMAN to arrive soon, the pressure to deliver becomes even greater.

“Even if they kill me…” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s final chilling public speech

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Some in Iran and around the world have expressed condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneia video of his last public speech attracted widespread attention. He was killed in a joint Israeli-American military operation.

As the world mourns Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a video of his final speech has drawn attention. (HT photo by waseem Andrabi)
As the world mourns Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a video of his final speech has drawn attention. (HT photo by waseem Andrabi)

Khamenei’s last public appearance occurred on February 17, more than ten days before the US-backed attack. Israelaccording to his official website.

Also read: Elon Musk reacts as X usage hits record high in US and Israeli air strikes on Iran; details here

Khamenei slams Trump in final public speech

Speaking at a rally in East Azerbaijan province to mark the anniversary of the 1978 Tabriz uprising, Khamenei lashed out at the United States, claiming “the empire is collapsing.” He also pointed the finger at US President Trump, saying that more than half of the American people disapproved of him.

“I also want to talk about the United States. It’s a system that’s really in decline. It’s an empire that’s collapsing,” Khamenei pointed out.

“As for the crumbling American empire, it is indeed crumbling; there is a problem with their economy, there is a problem with their policies, and there is a problem with their society. More than 50 percent of Americans disapprove of their current president,” he continued.

“We must have deterrent weapons. If a country does not have deterrent weapons, it will be crushed at the feet of its enemies.” American Interfering in this matter for no reason… “You may have this and that missile. You may have this range and that’s it.” What does that have to do with you? This concerns the Iranian nation,” Khamenei said.

He further claimed that tensions between Tehran and Washington stem from what he described as U.S. desires toward Iran. “The problem we have with the United States is that they want to annex Iran and the Iranian nation is stopping them. The Islamic Republic is blocking their way,” he said.

‘Even if they kill me…’: Khamenei’s message to his supporters

In an emotional speech on June 19, Khamenei urged his followers to ignore any threats to his life, saying: “My body has little value, my life has no meaning. Even if they kill me, do not consider it our loss as long as you adhere to the principles of Imam Hussein.”

Khamenei killed in epic outrage operation

Khamenei was killed in a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operation and his official residence in Tehran was hit by a precision airstrike. This operation is called “Epic Fury Operation”, highlighting the significant collaboration between the CIA and Israeli intelligence services.

In addition to the 86-year-old supreme leader, several members of his family, including his daughter and grandson, were reportedly killed, as well as approximately 30 to 40 other senior Iranian officials.