Centre forms expert panel to protect litchi crop in Bihar

IANS | May 8, 2026 3:25 PM

New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has set up a special expert task force to look into the damage caused to the litchi crop in Bihar and come up with a report on the remedial measures to help farmers within a week, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

Don't believe DMK-AIADMK will form govt in TN, crisis likely to end soon, says Kumaraswamy

IANS | May 8, 2026 3:02 PM

Hassan (Karnataka), May 8 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday said the political crisis that has emerged in Tamil Nadu may be resolved within the next two or three days. However, he stated that he does not believe the DMK and AIADMK, who have fought as political rivals for decades, would come together to form a government.

PM Modi's visit to Somnath will inspire citizens: Hindu seer

IANS | May 8, 2026 2:31 PM

Somnath, May 8 (IANS) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Somnath to attend a ceremony marking 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple, Joint Secretary of Bharat Seva Ashram Sangh, Swami Ambarishanand ji Maharaj on Friday praised the Prime Minister for being "cultural enthusiast" and said his visit will inspire people across the country.

Col Sofiya Qureshi remarks row: SC pulls up MP govt over delay in sanction to prosecute Vijay Shah

IANS | May 8, 2026 2:09 PM

New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday expressed displeasure over the delay by the Madhya Pradesh government in deciding on the grant of sanction to prosecute Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah in connection with his controversial remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media during last year’s Operation Sindoor.

BJP leaders hail Governor’s move dissolving West Bengal Assembly

IANS | May 8, 2026 2:03 PM

Kolkata, May 8 (IANS) Political leaders from the BJP and its allies on Friday backed West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi’s decision to dissolve the Legislative Assembly, asserting that the move was in line with constitutional provisions after the expiry of the Assembly’s term and the electoral defeat of the Trinamool Congress government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata; new CM name to be finalised today

IANS | May 8, 2026 12:53 PM

Kolkata, May 8 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday to choose the new leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Legislative Party in the West Bengal Assembly, who will assume the role of the new Chief Minister of the state following the BJP’s resounding victory in the recently held elections, the results of which were announced on May 4.