BJP hat-trick in Assam with 88-100 seats, predicts Axis My India exit poll

A ground report from Malda district in West Bengal reveals severe inundation caused by swelling waters in the River Ganga and Mahananda. Excess water flowing downstream from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has completely submerged villages along the riverbanks, including Ratanpur in the Ratua gram panchayat, for over ten days. While National Disaster Response Force teams, civil defence units, and Malda police carry out rescue operations using boats, several families and livestock remain stranded amid severe bank erosion. At the Mahananda Tola Swastha Kendra primary health centre, floodwaters have risen over five feet, leaving outdoor facilities submerged and the power supply completely disconnected. Despite pitch darkness and the threat of venomous snakes entering the building at night, medical officer Dr Arijit Sutradhar and health staff remain stationed round the clock to run emergency services, attending to patients who arrive on local country boats.

In an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed accusations regarding military, strategic, and technological assistance from Russia and China, stating, "Russia and China are friends," while expressing a desire to deepen relations with India. He asserted that Iran's resilience against foreign powers stems not from external technology, but from internal unity and consistency among its people. Addressing speculation regarding the health and security of Iran's supreme leader, Pezeshkian confirmed that the leader is alive and performing his duties. He accused the United States and Israel of committing state terror, remarking, "They are the real terrorists in the world," and condemned their military strikes and assassinations across the region. When questioned about the transition of authority and governance in Iran, Pezeshkian confirmed that the supreme leader retains the final say. Pezeshkian concluded by emphasizing that Iran will stand firm and resist attempts by totalitarian powers to isolate the country.

In an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of attempting to sow discord within Iran and across the Middle East. Pezeshkian stated, "their intention is to pit Arab countries against Iran, uh, so that we would be in quarrel and fight against each other, and then they will exploit our oil." Addressing outreach to neighboring Muslim countries, he explained that while Tehran engages in dialogue, problems arise because regional nations host American military bases used to target Iran, leaving the country with no choice but to defend itself.

In an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed potential direct talks with the United States and diplomatic relations in the Middle East. Responding to whether Iran is open to unconditional dialogue with Donald Trump, Pezeshkian said, "They have martyred our leader," emphasizing that trust must be restored before any decision can be made. Addressing relations with regional neighbors, he stated, "We are not in war with Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis have their own problems." Pezeshkian called on regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, to negotiate within a shared security framework, maintain trade, and pursue human unity rather than conflict.