India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: Voting for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry has begun today (9 April 2026). Although RBI has not listed April 9 in its official holiday calendar for Assam and Puducherry, the central bank has particularly mentioned bank holiday in Kerala for the General Election to Kerala Legislative Assembly 2026 on April 9. Meanwhile, as per common parlance, bank branches are usually closed on election days. Hence it is expected that branches will be closed in Assam and Puducherry too. However, banking activities on mobile and internet will remain uninterrupted, though several bank branches will remain closed on account of bank holidays. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled for the General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and Bye-election to 8 (Eight) Assembly Constituencies of Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura. Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura will have bye election today (9 April 2026), for which local bank branch activities are expected to be impacted, though nothing official has been out yet. Customers living in all the above mentioned places where election is taking place today, should check with their respective branches and find out the status of bank holiday. Furthermore, you must note that the banks will NOT be closed for all the days consecutively in all states or regions. This is the total number of days when banks in different parts of the country will remain closed for state-observed holidays. For instance banks will be closed for Thiruvalluvar Day in Kochi, but in other states it will NOT be closed for the same reason. Reserve Bank of India places its Holidays under three brackets --Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act; Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holiday; and Banks' Closing of Accounts. However, it must be noted that the bank holidays vary in various states as well not observed by all the banking companies. Banking holidays also depend on the festivals being observed in specific states or notification of specific occasions in those states.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Easing inflation and favourable monsoon boosted rural demand in India in the April-June period this year, outpacing urban consumption once again, according to a new report. According to the report by global research firm NielsenIQ, rural markets and small manufacturers propelled the packaged consumer goods sector in Q2 2025. Rural markets grew twice as fast as cities, as urban areas showed signs of recovery, particularly in smaller towns. According to the report, e-commerce also rose significantly, led by increased shopper penetration and spending, especia ...Read More >
West Bengal's draft electoral rolls reveal 127 Absent, Shifted, Dead (ASD) voters at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's booth. The Special Intensive Revision process identified over 24 lakh dead voters for deletion. The draft rolls are now available for public scrutiny, with claims and objections to be filed until January 17, 2026. With the draft electoral rolls in Bengal published on Tuesday, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that began on December 4, West Bengal C ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: After four days of relentless downpours, Telangana is expected to have a brief respite on Monday, with no rainfall alerts issued. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the state under a yellow alert for thunderstorms. IMD data showed that Papannapet in Medak district received the heaviest 24-hour rainfall at 10.6 cm, followed by Manoor in Sangareddy with 9.28 cm and Nallabelly in Warangal at 9.15 cm. The statewide average rainfall for the day stood at 7.3 mm, notably higher than the normal 4.3 mm. Warangal's Sangem recorded the day's highest maximum temperature ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], October 1 (ANI): The father of journalist Rajeev Pratap Singh, who went missing and was later found dead under suspicious circumstances, has urged the Uttarakhand government to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into his son's death. Rajeev's father, Murari Lal, said the circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious doubts and cannot be dismissed as a mere accident. "A thorough and impartial investigation should be conducted to determine whether the incident was an accident, a coincidence, or a deliberate act. Initially, I thought it was an ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to finalize their preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in their respective States and Union Territories (UTs). The poll panel issued the directives on the concluding day of the two-day conference of the CEOs at the India International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM) here. The conference was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. During the confe ...Read More >
The voter list of all those states where SIR will be done will be frozen at 12 am tonight. All voters on that list will be given Unique Enumeration Forms by the BLOs. These forms will have all the necessary details from the current voter list, says Kumar. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced to carry out pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list, with 12 states and union territories to be covered in phase one. While addressing a press conference, Chief Ele ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 28 (ANI): Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee reiterated that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was a way to exclude voters from the voting list and deprive them of their voting rights. He said that if the voting rights of genuine voters are snatched in West Bengal then one lakh people will gherao the office of the Election Commission of India in New Delhi. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Abhishek Banerjee said, "Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has announced Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal in the mid ...Read More >
Pune: The final voters' list released by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Monday showed at least seven wards recording a difference of over 4,000 voters compared to the draft list published on Nov 20.The voter data showed that ward no.16, comprising Akurdi gaothan and adjoining areas, emerged as the largest ward with 75,105 voters. Earlier, ward 1, covering Talawade-Rupeenagar, had the highest number (74,340). Ward no.23, which includes Keshavnagar and nearby localities, continues ...Read More >
Bangalore Gold Rate Today: Shattering all hopes of retail jewellery buyers of some relief amid the ongoing Navratri festival, gold rates in Bangalore, and other Indian cities broke another record on Monday, September 29. The price of gold in Bangalore, aka Bengaluru, witnessed a sharp surge bringing 24 karat gold Rs 16,000 above the historic Rs 1 lakh mark. The gold price rally in Karnataka capital mirrored the surge in gold rate in India and across the world. The sharp rally in precious metal is on its path to beat the record-rally of 1979. Multiple factors like US Fed rate cut, trade becau ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Assembly Monday cleared a resolution against the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s move to carry out voters list revision, popularly known as Special Intensive Revision (SIR), in the state. In the Kerala Assembly resolution passed unanimously, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conveyed the concerns of the House about the "hasty move" by the ECI to implement the SIR and suspected "ill-motive" behind its action. "We urge the Election Commission to ensure transparency, uphold fundamental rights, and prevent any hasty actions that may undermine voters' trust", ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India has instructed all the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the states and the Union Territories to finalise their preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in their respective states/UTs at the earliest and report back to it, officials said on Thursday. The instructions were passed on to them during a two-day conference of the CEOs here, which concluded on Thursday, and during the course of discussions, the presentations were given by senior officers of the ECI on the SIR process, as the CEOs raised several queries, which were clarified, ...Read More >
The Election Commission of India on Monday said it will conduct the second phase of the electoral roll revision in 12 states and union territories. In this pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, which will begin from Tuesday (October 28), three states and one UT - Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry - will go to polls next year while three states - Goa, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh - will have elections in 2027. The Election Commission (EC) said the SIR exercise in these ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday reported significant progress in Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 of electoral rolls, with 99.72 per cent of Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 states and Union Territories. According to the Daily Bulletin, the nationwide EF distribution has reached 99.72 per cent, reflecting strong field mobilisation by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and participation from Booth Level Agents (BLAs). During the ongoing enumeration phase, which runs from November 4 to December 11 (Earlier th ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
New Delhi: Protest at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) against a recently announced fee hike, the long-standing suspension of students' union elections and calls for administrative accountability have entered their sixth day, with students boycotting classes and staging sit-ins at the Bab-e-Syed gate (the iconic entrance of the varsity). The fee structure for different courses has witnessed a sharp revision. Students say the hike ranges from 25% to over 60% across various programmes. Many claim they first learned of the revised fees only while trying to pay through the university's online ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 28 (ANI): Congress leader Rashid Alvi, in view of the second phase of Special Intensive Revision in all 12 States and Union Territories, questioned why the Election Commission of India is rushing to conduct the SIR. He stressed that the ECI plans to implement the SIR during the Bihar elections and alleged that the Centre is involved with the ECI in doing so. "The biggest question is, why is the Election Commission in a hurry to conduct the SIR at a time when elections are underway in a big state like Bihar? Can they not start the SIR after 14 November?... They want ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Ravada A Chandrasekhar took charge as the new State Police Chief on Tuesday. He succeeds Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who retired on June 30. His tenure will run until July 1, 2027. A 1991-batch IPS officer currently serving as Special Director with the Intelligence Bureau, Chandrasekhar is on central deputation. He was selected over Nitin Agarwal, who topped the official list of probables. The appointment order, issued by Kerala Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak on behalf of the Governor, was released soon after a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh's Godav ...Read More >
Kargil , Jul 2: Pursuant to putting in place a comprehensive legal framework to ensure fair, inclusive, and transparent recruitment to public services, the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has initiated a large-scale recruitment drive for 359 Gazetted posts through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This marks the first-ever recruitment of Gazetted posts through UPSC since the formation of the Union Territory, officials said. This follows the establishment of a unique and dedicated legal framework specifically designed for Ladakh. The framework ensures maximum local re ...Read More >
New Delhi: Traffic in central Delhi will be affected on Thursday as the traffic police has issued an advisory due to the Janmashtami and Tazia processions.According to police, the traffic movement in Paharganj is likely to be affected from 1.30pm in view of the shobha yatra for Janmashtami and the Tazia procession.The Janmashtami procession will start from Mandir Shri Banke Bihari Ji in Paharganj's Sangatrasan Bazar and pass through Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Chuna Mandi, Main Bazar, Munja Chowk and Arakashan Road. The Tazia procession will start from Ajmeri Gate and proceed through Pul Paharganj ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 27 (ANI): Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Monday questioned the Election Commission of India's (ECI) announcement for the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 12 States and Union Territories, asking for the number of "infiltrators" removed from the electoral roll in the first phase in Bihar. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said, "From the Home Minister to the Prime Minister, they were talking about infiltrators, but did the Election Commission say how many infiltrators they removed (during SIR in Bihar)? Now they could have shared figures on this." Whil ...Read More >
New Delhi (India), December 16 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shahshank Mani on Tuesday said that the process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is progressing steadily and is being presented to the citizens of India in a transparent manner. Speaking to ANI, Mani added that the publication of the electoral roll will strengthen the backbone of the Constitution and contribute to the nation's overall development. "The process of SIR is progressing, and it is presented to the citizens of India in a transparent manner. I believe that the backbone of the Constitution will be stronger ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], December 16 (ANI): The Election Commission published the draft rolls on Tuesday following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal, with 58,20,899 electors, accounting for 7.59 per cent, deleted due to death, being untraceable, or permanent migration. According to a press release by the Election Commission, out of a total 7,66,37,529 voters, 7,08,16,630 electors have submitted their enumeration forms as of December 11. The poll body stated that genuine electors can still be added back in the electoral rolls during the Claims and Object ...Read More >
Pune: Hospitals in Pune have started reporting an increase in dengue cases among children following recent heavy rainfall and intermittent showers. Conditions are now ripe for mosquito breeding, experts said, as they warned citizens to ensure there's no waterlogging or stagnant pools near homes and offices. "Dengue is typically seen first in children as they often play outside," said Dr Sagar Lad, a senior neonatologist and pediatric intensivist at Jehangir Hospital and Sahyadri Hospital, Shastrinagar. Dr Lad said he's seen at least three children admitted for dengue this week, with all of the ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday warned educational institutions that cases would be booked against them if drugs were found in their premises. The CM announced that the state's Anti-Narcotics Bureau would henceforth be known as Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and was tasked with curbing the menace of narcotics in the state. Speaking at an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 at Shilpakala Vedika here, Reddy placed an onus on educational institutions to ensure their campuses were free of drugs. "It is the ...Read More >
Srinagar, July 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Jammu & Kashmir's tourism sector is witnessing a strong revival, with a steady rise in the number of tourists visiting the Union Territory each day.Abdullah, while addressing reporters in West Bengal ahead of the Kolkata Tourism Fair, said, "Tourists are coming back to Kashmir in good numbers. The ongoingAmarnathYatra is proceeding smoothly with heavy footfall on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, he said."I spoke to several pilgrims, and they are all happy and satisfied with the arrangements. I have come to Kolkata to ta ...Read More >
Amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in 12 states, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh filled his enumeration form in Lucknow. The ECI reports high distribution rates, with the final list to be published on February 7, 2026. Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in 12 States and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Defence Minister and three-time Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh filled the enumeration form on Sunday and handed it over to SDM ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said his party is ready to come together with anyone who will work to protect the interests of Maharashtra and Marathi manoos, his statement coming amid the rapprochement buzz between the Uddhav Thackeray-led party and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Talking to reporters here, Thackeray accused the BJP of "swallowing" Mumbai and Maharashtra. He said injustice is being meted out to Maharashtra by the BJP. "We have been saying this consistently. We are ready to work with anyone, any party that is ready to ...Read More >
Digvijaya Singh, a senior Congress leader, has threatened legal action by the INDIA bloc if the Election Commission of India (ECI) doesn't address their concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Singh alleges the NDA government is attempting to disenfranchise marginalized voters ahead of the state elections through this drive.Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday said all constituents of INDIA bloc may knock the door of judiciary against the o ...Read More >
Pune: Passengers on board a Goa to Pune SpiceJet flight (SG-1080) had a scare on Tuesday evening when a window panel was found dislodged while the plane was mid-air.The airline played down the incident, saying the window part that had come off was "a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade".But a person on board the plane -- a Bombardier Q400 -- told TOI the incident triggered anxiety among the passengers. "Two to three layers of the window panel just came off," said Aatish Mishra, the passenger."There was no depressurization, but this shouldn't have happ ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 8 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday ordered that the Aadhaar card must be treated as the 12th document for the purpose of identity for inclusion of voters in the revised voters list of Bihar in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, however, said it is clarified that authorities shall be entitled to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card itself. Aadhaar card shall not be accepted as proof of citizenship, clarified the bench. It also asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to i ...Read More >