Congress MPs' support to MDR is on record: House panel chief

The Election Commission has designated new names and symbols for both Mamata Banerjee's faction and its competitor. This decision mirrors previous disputes seen in Maharashtra with Shiv Sena and NCP. The commission is now tasked with determining the rightful claim to the original TMC name and symbol, influenced heavily by recent Supreme Court decisions that prioritise organisational support in addition to electoral backing.

Sachin Pilot has successfully brought together key leaders of the Punjab Congress, such as Channi and Warring, as they gear up for the 2027 assembly elections. With Rahul Gandhi positioned as the prominent figure of their campaign, this strategic move is designed to counter formidable opponents like the Aam Aadmi Party. However, Pilot now faces the crucial task of maintaining this unity through to the elections.

Mamata Banerjee declared the internal dispute a "black day" in India's democratic history. Her camp's Nandigram candidate withdrew nomination after the Election Commission froze the party name. The Election Commission assigned new names and symbols to rival Trinamool Congress factions. Banerjee's faction received "Mamata All India Trinamool Congress" and the "Football Player" symbol. Her camp will now support the Congress party in Nandigram and Assam.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman warmly wished Narendra Modi on his birthday, showcasing Dhaka’s intent to improve its fraught relationship with India. The occasion was marked by messages from various world leaders and leaders from India’s opposition as well. To commemorate, the Bharatiya Janata Party kicked off a series of service activities throughout the month, with well-known figures from the film industry also sharing their best wishes.

The Union health ministry has directed states to act against unauthorized stem cell therapy.It reiterated that such treatments are only for approved disease conditions.Stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorder must remain restricted to clinical trials.Non-compliance with these directions can attract professional misconduct and penalties.Authorities must ensure unproven stem cell interventions are not offered outside the regulatory framework.

Pakistan's PNS Hunain sustained significant damage after colliding with India's INS Kolkata. The Pakistani vessel had to return to harbor for repairs following the incident. Indian sources stated that the INS Kolkata suffered no damage during the encounter. Pakistan summoned India's Charge d'Affaires to lodge a strong protest over the collision. Indian defense sources reported the Pakistani ship maneuvered unprofessionally, leading to the contact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly announced the commencement of the second phase in India's semiconductor saga, marking the shift from capability development to actual commercial chip production. This milestone underscores the increasing global confidence in India's semiconductor landscape. The event also emphasizes nurturing young talent poised to thrive in this advanced sector, alongside the crucial expansion of infrastructure supporting this burgeoning manufacturing ecosystem.

On Prime Minister Modi's birthday, President Murmu and CM Adityanath expressed heartfelt wishes, commending his governance milestones that have significantly advanced the nation. Additionally, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar lauded Modi's impactful leadership, citing World Bank figures on poverty alleviation and GDP growth. In recognition of this special day, the BJP is initiating a campaign focused on community service to honor the Prime Minister.

President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Modi's efforts to curb opium poppy cultivation in India.Washington designated India among 23 countries as major drug transit or producing nations.This designation does not reflect a failure to tackle the drug trade by India.The US seeks continued cooperation with India under the Drug Policy Framework.Trump also urged China to strengthen action against precursor chemical flows.