Political compulsions behind July 21 Martyrs' Day ownership race among Bengal Oppn blocs, larger challenge for Mamata

Jayanta Bhattacharya | July 17, 2026 12:47 AM

New Delhi, July 17 (IANS) Trinamool Congress factions are racing to own "July 21 Martyrs' Day" for a symbolic claim on political legitimacy and a live test of organisational strength, while Congress party's invitation to Mamata Banerjee to join its event -- on condition that she admits that leaving the party was a "mistake" -- is a tactical bid to reclaim the day's history while exposing the former Chief Minister's weakened position.

J&K: Centre's women empowerment drive reaches border villages

IANS | July 16, 2026 10:44 PM

Jammu, July 16 (IANS) The Central government’s women empowerment drive, via a skill training programme, is yielding remarkable results in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. In the Rajouri district, many women have benefited from free skill training and are becoming self-reliant.

Gujarat CM monitors Rath Yatra through real-time dashboard

IANS | July 16, 2026 10:27 PM

Gandhinagar, July 16 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday reviewed the progress of Ahmedabad's 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra in real time via the Chief Minister's Dashboard, overseeing the procession's movement and security arrangements after flagging off the annual yatra earlier in the day.