An India Today ground report from South 24 Parganas highlights the political contest between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Voters in the region share varying perspectives, with some praising the state government for welfare initiatives, housing, and infrastructure development, while others raise concerns over corruption, cut money, and a lack of adequate compensation for agricultural losses. The report features a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate and actor-turned-politician who criticises the state administration for poor infrastructure, alleged misuse of central funds, and inadequate women's safety. Conversely, a Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament and former Union Minister defends the state government, accusing the central government of misusing investigative agencies and highlighting the state's focus on development and respect for political workers. The interactions reflect a divided electorate weighing local welfare benefits against allegations of systemic corruption as the state prepares for the upcoming electoral battle.
Amid escalating tensions and an unfolding war in West Asia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to make a first official visit to India. The visit is slated to take place from May 23 to May 26.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-nation tour, will be arriving in Italy shortly on the last leg of his tour. The tour, which included visits to the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, signifies a shift in India's foreign policy towards strengthening technology and supply chain security.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway, a joint diplomatic press statement in Oslo saw Norwegian journalist Helle Ling question the Prime Minister on India's human rights record and press freedom.
Twisha Sharma, the 31-year-old Noida woman found hanging at her Bhopal home while two months pregnant, is now at the centre of explosive court claims.
