National News

Sam Pitroda, the chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, sparked a political uproar with his remarks on inheritance tax, prompting Prime Minister Modi to criticize the Congress for proposing increased taxes and seemingly opposing the passing down of earned income to heirs. The Congress swiftly distanced itself from Pitroda's statements, with party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh highlighting that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had actually eliminated estate duty back in 1985.

Self-proclaimed Sikh preacher and "Waris Punjab De" leader Amritpal Singh, detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and National Security Act in Assam's Dibrugarh jail, will vie for the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat in Punjab as an Independent candidate. Former MP Rajdev Singh Khalsa, his counsel, disclosed this after a meeting on Wednesday.

The Central agency said it had evidence of his involvement, justifying his arrest

During his whirlwind tour of Vidarbha for the second-phase campaign, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari collapsed briefly on the dais while addressing a rally in Pusad, Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency. He attributed the episode to extreme heat, worsened by a malfunctioning air conditioner in the chopper and inadequate ventilation at the rally venue. Nonetheless, he quickly recovered.

On Wednesday, Islamabad and Tehran reached an agreement to promptly conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) and schedule upcoming sessions of business and trade entities, despite US warnings to Pakistan regarding potential sanctions for conducting business with Iran. After Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's three-day visit to Pakistan, the nations released a joint statement affirming their comprehensive review of bilateral relations.

Among the candidates who scored the perfect NTA score of 100, 15 are from Telangana, seven each from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and six from Delhi.

Tashi Gyalson has been fielded by the BJP in Ladakh

In Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha constituency, political dynamics intensified with DK Suresh facing Dr CN Manjunath as BJP challenges Congress stronghold. Suresh's focus on Kannada pride and strategic alliances reflect the high-stakes competition in the region.