Nandigram By-Polls: BJP Targets Congress Over Arrest Of Candidate Milind Pradhan

The electoral contest in Nandigram witnessed intense political friction following the arrest of a Congress candidate in connection with previous criminal cases shortly after receiving support from the Trinamool Congress. Opposition leaders criticised the timing of the police action, calling it an act of political vendetta and questioning the conduct of the authorities ahead of scrutiny. The Bharatiya Janata Party defended the arrest, maintaining that individuals facing criminal allegations must face legal proceedings and asserting that lawful actions against corruption and criminal conduct would proceed without exception.

The United States has announced an agreement concerning Greenland, aimed at securing long-term defence control and preventing adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in the territory. The pact explicitly bars non-NATO nations from setting up military installations, directly countering potential security and commercial interests from Russia and China. Geographically situated close to Russia, Greenland offers strategic forward-basing advantages for American defence. Additionally, the arrangement permits US companies to invest in the territory and mine critical rare earth minerals, addressing international competition over essential natural resources. The White House and the US State Department outlined that the agreement provides permanent security capabilities in Greenland, ensuring no foreign adversary military presence and protecting regional interests without adding security costs to the United States.

In an interview, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary presented his 150-day governance report card, highlighting achievements in education, industrial land allocation, and public grievance redressal. Choudhary stated that under his government, 700 model schools have been established catering to approximately 3.5 lakh students, supported by the 24/7 Vidyarthi Sathi application. He pointed out the launch of 211 degree colleges in a single day and noted that nearly 1,000 industrial units were provided land. Explaining Bihar's economic progress, he remarked, "यह बदला हुआ बिहार है," highlighting energy subsidies of ₹23,000 crore and 125 units of free electricity for over 1.9 crore families. Choudhary also detailed the Sahyog program, stating that over 8.5 lakh public grievances were received with a 96 percent resolution rate. Addressing the BJP's electoral loss in Bankipur, he acknowledged the public mandate and dismissed claims that it was a referendum on his leadership, maintaining that the NDA alliance holds a stable majority with 122 MLAs in Bihar.

The sale of the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max has commenced across India, witnessing long queues of buyers outside the Apple store in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. Customers waited for hours to purchase the newly launched devices, particularly the Burgundy colour variant. Buyers interviewed outside the store shared their motivations for upgrading, ranging from newly introduced features to personal passion and routine upgrades. Several shoppers addressed the high pricing of the models, explaining how they manage expenses or compromise on travel plans to afford the latest smartphones.