Oppn moves notice seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal; Trinamool says process initiated as per law

IANS | March 13, 2026 3:37 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Amid reports of a move to initiate proceedings for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy on Friday confirmed that notices have been submitted in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and that these actions have been carried out in compliance with the law.

Govt to keep fiscal deficit within revised estimates, no shortage of fertilisers: FM Sitharaman

IANS | March 13, 2026 3:17 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The government remains committed to keeping the fiscal deficit within the revised estimates for FY26, even as it brings in the second batch of supplementary demands for grants, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.

In poll-bound West Bengal, LPG becoming a political issue

IANS | March 13, 2026 2:47 PM

Kolkata, March 13 (IANS) In poll-bound West Bengal, the alleged supply disruption in LPG caused by the conflict in West Asia, is turning into a major political issue.

BJP, Shiv Sena MPs criticise Oppn; assure India's fuel stocks are adequate

IANS | March 13, 2026 2:06 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) BJP and Shiv Sena leaders on Friday urged citizens to remain calm over concerns about energy supplies, emphasising that speculative behaviour, not actual shortages, were fueling public anxiety.

Insurance companies not giving full compensation to farmers: Cong leader in RS

IANS | March 13, 2026 1:59 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Congress Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Shukla on Friday raised the issue related to the crop insurance scheme for farmers in the House, saying insurance companies were not providing farmers with proper and full compensation.

'Good initiative for India': Oppn leaders on PM Modi-Iranian President talks

IANS | March 13, 2026 1:34 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the escalating tensions in the region. The development drew reactions from leaders across the political spectrum on Friday, with some opposition leaders welcoming the move while also raising concerns over India’s foreign policy and the broader regional situation.

Giriraj Singh accuses LoP Rahul Gandhi of visiting 'Makar Dwar' like a tourist

IANS | March 13, 2026 1:32 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday accused Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, of visiting the Parliament's 'Makar Dwar' like a tourist.

From powerhouse to periphery: The collapse of heavy-industry hub in Bengal

Jayanta Bhattacharya | March 13, 2026 1:01 PM

Asansol, March 13 (IANS) Asansol-Durgapur, in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district, once one of eastern India’s most important heavy industrial belts with steel and engineering works and built on the Raniganj coalfield, has seen large‑scale industrial decline, mine closures, and restructuring since the late 20th century. Today, the region still hosts active coal and steel operations but faces deindustrialisation, job losses, and a gradual shift towards services and smaller industries

Kirti Azad backs Oppn's impeachment bid against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

IANS | March 13, 2026 1:01 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Trinamool Congress MP, Kirti Azad, on Friday backed the move to bring an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the poll body chief had acted in a partisan manner in several elections.