Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Monday questioned the Election Commission over the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, criticizing what he called disproportionate focus on alleged infiltration while official workers were reportedly dying under pressure.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sibal wrote: “SIR. Yet another suicide by a Bengal BLO. Total pan-India – 33. If one alleged ‘ghuspetia’ (infiltrator) is found, that’s not OK. If 33 BLOs die, is that OK?” His comments come amid mounting political tension in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has previously accused the BJP-led central government of using the SIR process to destabilize states ruled by the opposition. Banerjee has claimed that at least 40 people have died due to stress linked to the exercise and announced that the state would provide an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those hospitalized.

On Sunday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that another BLO appointed by the Election Commission had died by suicide, citing "inhuman pressure" during the SIR process. Banerjee identified the deceased as Haradhan Mondal from the 249 Ranibandh Assembly Constituency, Part No. 206, and claimed his suicide note blamed the nature of the task assigned to him.

Earlier, a five-member TMC delegation met the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, urging strict adherence to statutory procedures and protection of citizens from wrongful exclusion. The party said such tactics damage public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process, emphasizing that no force, conspiracy, or central machinery should silence the people’s vote in Bengal. The Election Commission has completed the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in preparation for the next West Bengal Assembly elections, expected in March-April 2026.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Atal Canteen in Pitampura, marking a significant step in the Delhi government’s initiative to provide affordable and nutritious meals to the city’s residents. The Atal Canteen scheme, announced by the government on Thursday, aims to offer a wholesome meal for just Rs 5, making nutritious food accessible to people from all walks of life. In its first phase, the scheme has established 45 Atal Canteens across various locations in Delhi.

Following the inauguration, residents eagerly began availing themselves of the meals. In a gesture of solidarity and engagement, CM Rekha Gupta shared a meal with the people and even personally fed some of the attendees. This act was warmly received by the public, who expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts to make nutritious food affordable and accessible.

Visitors to the Atal Canteen expressed their delight, stating that they never imagined that a meal as wholesome and flavorful as the one provided—comprising dal, rice, vegetables, roti, and pickle—could be available at such a minimal cost. During the launch of the scheme, CM Rekha Gupta emphasized that although each meal costs the government approximately Rs 30 to prepare, it is being offered to the public for only Rs 5. She highlighted that through these canteens, lakhs of people would benefit from affordable and nutritious meals, with the overarching goal of ensuring that no one in Delhi goes hungry.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood added that while the initial rollout includes 45 locations, the government plans to expand the Atal Canteen network significantly. Over the coming months, more than 100 canteens are expected to open across the city. He reiterated that addressing hunger and ensuring food security for all residents remains a top priority for the Delhi government.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Saturday criticized the previous AAP government for slow adoption of electric vehicles in the city. He highlighted that over one lakh electric vehicles have been registered since the BJP government took office and announced that a new EV policy will be introduced soon to promote clean mobility and reduce pollution. Singh said the previous government’s lack of subsidies had slowed electric mobility in Delhi. He added that after BJP took charge, over one lakh EVs were registered and noted that providing subsidies now could encourage further adoption.

The minister also outlined the expansion of electric public transport. Since the BJP came to power, 3518 electric buses have started operating, with plans to increase the number to over 5000 by March 2026 and over 7000 by November 2026. He emphasized that BJP leaders are working continuously to improve the environment and follow long-term planning rather than shortcuts.

On pollution control, Singh said public response to compliance efforts has been strong, with over one lakh people registering for Pollution Under Control certificates within three days. He mentioned strict enforcement at city borders, allowing only vehicles that meet BS6 standards, and reported that hundreds of vehicles have been fined for violations in recent days.

Singh also stressed the government’s commitment to pollution control and public convenience, noting that over one lakh EV registrations have already taken place this year compared to 80,000 last year, and promised the launch of a new EV scheme soon. He reassured that advisory measures are in place to ensure hospitals are not affected.

Delhi woke up to thick smog on Saturday, reducing visibility and affecting residents. The overall Air Quality Index stood at 380, classified as very poor, with some areas recording severe pollution. CPCB data showed Sarai Kale Khan at 428, Akshardham 420, Rao Tularam Marg 403, Barapullah flyover 380, Anand Vihar 428, Ashok Vihar 407, and ITO area 429, indicating severe pollution across large parts of the city.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday criticised the government over its decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, questioning the motive behind dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme. She said Gandhi remains one of the most respected leaders not only in India but across the world, and removing his name raises serious concerns about the government’s intent.

The criticism comes as the government prepares to introduce a new bill in the Lok Sabha to repeal MGNREGA and replace it with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Bill 2025. The proposed legislation aims to establish a new rural employment framework while formally withdrawing the 2005 Act.

Reacting to the move, Priyanka Gandhi pointed out that changing the name of a major scheme involves significant administrative costs, including updates to offices and official materials. She questioned the practical benefit of such a change and asked why public money should be spent on renaming instead of addressing real public concerns. She added that the focus of parliamentary discussions has shifted away from people’s issues, leading to a waste of both time and resources.

The new bill seeks to align rural development efforts with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by guaranteeing 125 days of wage employment each financial year to rural households willing to undertake unskilled manual work. It has been listed in the supplementary business agenda of the Lok Sabha.

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that MGNREGA has supported rural families through guaranteed employment for the past two decades. However, he said further reforms are needed due to major socio economic changes in rural areas and the expanded reach of social security and government welfare schemes.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Polls have begun in Myanmar for its first nationwide election since the military overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in the 2021 coup. The vote is being conducted under strict limitations and is only taking place in roughly one-third of the country’s 330 townships, as ongoing civil conflict between the military and various resistance groups has made many regions inaccessible. To discuss the situation, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman spoke with CNA Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit and Christopher Lamb, former president of the Australia Myanmar Institute, former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar from 1986 to 1989, and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

A new law in Texas now permits residents to sue abortion pill providers in other states. Supporters argue it helps enforce Texas’ abortion restrictions, while critics are concerned about how plaintiffs might gather evidence. In this special episode, Carter Sherman, the Guardian US reporter on reproductive health and justice, talks with individuals who provide, use, or protect abortion pills, as well as those opposing them in Texas.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Erika Kirk, widow of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has expressed openness to backing JD Vance if he runs for president in 2028. Meanwhile, Katie Miller, wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, hosts senior Republicans on her podcast to engage with conservative women. The Trump administration is also crafting policies aimed at baby boomers to attract female voters ahead of the midterms. Jonathan Freedland discusses this Republican effort to appeal to women with Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In a surprising reversal, Donald Trump this week signed a bill instructing the Justice Department to release additional files from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes amid a major clash with his former staunch ally, Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been pushing for the documents’ release. Could this signal a MAGA unraveling? And how will the escalating conflict between the two unfold? Jonathan Freedland talks with Rolling Stone reporter Nikki McCann Ramirez about the fallout between the former allies and what the next steps might be regarding the Epstein files.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian