Stage set for high-stakes Bengal Phase 2 polls; UAE to exit OPEC, OPEC+; and more

Actors Dia Mirza, Shriya Saran, Nikki Galrani Pinisetty, and Aadhi Pinisetty attended the launch of Ray, an experiential jewellery community and centre in Bengaluru. Speaking about the initiative, Dia Mirza highlighted how the space amalgamates fine jewellery, art, and culinary experiences while reflecting on how jewellery represents financial independence, heritage, and emotional legacy. Shriya Saran described jewellery as an emotional purchase that connects generations, noting the value of exploring bespoke pieces in an immersive setting. Founder Shikha Dada and co-founder Saad Salman detailed the vision behind Ray, describing it as India's first jewellery community where patrons can spend leisure time exploring gemstone collections, rose-cut diamond jewellery, and art. Marketing head Ritesh explained the mansion-style layout, featuring an art gallery alongside luxury collections, while Nikki Galrani Pinisetty emphasised the venue's exclusive, appointment-only model.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption is conducting raids across thirty locations in Tamil Nadu, including Dindigul and Tiruchirappalli, targeting prominent businessmen over alleged involvement in an illegal sand mining scam. The action follows a complaint by anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam and prior intervention by the Enforcement Directorate into the multi-crore sand mining mafia.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has mounted a sharp offensive against the actor-turned-politician Vijay-led administration in Tamil Nadu, labelling it a 'reel government' focused on optics rather than governance. Highlighting widespread public dissatisfaction, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi shared video interactions with local women who raised deep concerns regarding deteriorating law and order, safety issues, rising crimes against women and children, and surging living costs. The confrontation also comes amid political friction, with investigations into allegations of horse-trading involving state politicians ahead of an assembly no-confidence motion. The DMK criticised the administration for failing to protect the women voters who supported it, contrasting government claims with grassroots realities in the state.

A political crisis has surfaced within the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, with 17 MLAs mounting a rebellion and demanding the removal of cabinet ministers. The dissident legislators, consisting of 16 National Conference MLAs and one independent MLA from Thanamandi, held a meeting with party patriarch Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at their Gupkar residence in Srinagar. The disgruntled MLAs have demanded a complete restructuring of the cabinet, the removal of ministers who have completed two years in office including the Deputy Chief Minister, and the ouster of advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani. Citing governance deficits, poor ministerial performance, and repeated humiliation of senior party legislators following the recent cabinet expansion, the dissident leaders have called for transparent consultations with the legislature party. The meeting follows four separate huddles by the aggrieved MLAs, coming amid internal resentment within the National Conference following the recent resignation of Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.