The European Union has officially launched accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, opening the first cluster of chapters for both countries. This marks a significant step in their path towards EU membership, with officials from both nations expressing commitment to the process.
Trinamool MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar attributed the party's loss of five of seven Assembly seats in her constituency to the "cumulative effect" of anti-incumbency and issues with electoral roll revisions, criticizing I-PAC's conduct.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav announced the party has terminated its association with political consultancy I-PAC, attributing the decision to financial constraints rather than electoral performance ahead of the 2027 UP polls.
The Enforcement Directorate has awarded Assistant Directors Vikram Ahlawat and Prashant Chandila with commendation certificates for their involvement in the I-PAC raids.
Additional sessions judge Shefali Barnala Tandon rejected the interim bail plea of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel, stating it did not meet the criteria for “exceptional humanitarian grounds.”
BJP chief Nitin Nabin has commented on the raids targeting the political consultancy firm I-PAC, suggesting that the firm might be involved in activities beyond political work for the Trinamool. He stated that action would follow if malpractice is found.
The Indian Supreme Court has significantly increased accident payouts and established a formula for prosthetic limb costs, while also taking suo motu action to address highway safety after multiple fatal accidents.
A political clash has erupted in West Bengal following an Enforcement Directorate investigation into the political consultancy firm I-PAC, which has escalated to include raids and arrests related to money laundering allegations.
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned I-PAC Director Rishi Raj Singh for questioning on April 20 in Delhi regarding an alleged money laundering case involving hawala transactions and funds from political parties.
The Enforcement Directorate has leveled charges against the consultancy firm I-PAC, alleging the use of fake receipts and a hawala link for receiving payments. The firm reportedly received funds through both banking and non-banking channels.
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at premises reportedly linked to I-PAC as part of an ongoing investigation into a coal smuggling case in Bengal.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the West Bengal government's challenge to the Enforcement Directorate's plea regarding alleged obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a raid. Justices questioned where the ED would seek recourse if not in courts, emphasizing no entity should lack remedies. The court also raised constitutional concerns over the alleged obstruction.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has finalized a deal with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) to strategize for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections, with groundwork set to commence after the Bengal polls.
Ursula von der Leyen announced a new, 21st package of EU sanctions against Russia, which includes an entry ban for Russian individuals involved in the Ukraine conflict and targets Russian banks and cod. This move aims to further increase the cost of the war for Russia, with estimated losses from sanctions already reaching $1.5 trillion.
Hungary has signaled its willingness to drop its opposition, clearing the way for the European Union to prepare sanctions against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. This move comes as the EU considers a new "mini-package" of sanctions.
PoliticsBBCNYTFT+13Al Jazeerahelsingin-sanomatDWSCMPorfpolitikenTimes of Indiahindustan-times+5 more1mo ago16 sources
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic victory in the West Bengal election, leading to the defeat of incumbent Mamata Banerjee and her party. The outcome has prompted discussions on government formation and speculation regarding the next Chief Minister.
Akhilesh Yadav stated that the Samajwadi Party cut ties with I-PAC, founded by Prashant Kishor, due to concerns that the BJP would prevent funds from reaching them.
A Delhi court has granted bail to the I-PAC director after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) stated it had no objection, without prejudice to its rights and contentions during the trial.
During a hearing concerning an I-PAC raid, the Solicitor General and a senior counsel engaged in a heated exchange of barbs. The incident highlights tensions within the legal proceedings.
PoliticsAPNYTwapo+9The GuardianCNNcbcforbesYahooTimes of Indiaindian-expressinquirer+1 more2mo ago12 sources
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a soldier injured in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan can proceed with a lawsuit against the government contractor responsible for his security. This decision revives a veteran's claim for war injuries.
Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls, several controversies have emerged, including allegations of voter deletions, misconduct, and bribery. Enforcement Directorate raids were conducted on various individuals, and a police observer was replaced in Nandigram.
Sources indicate that I-PAC has emailed staff to pause its operations in Bengal, primarily affecting associate-level workers, though Trinamool states it will not impact their campaign.
I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on charges related to illicit money generation, with a court noting reasons to believe an I-PAC director was involved. This legal action took place just days before the West Bengal assembly elections.
The arrest of an I-PAC director prior to voting has been described as alarming, with critics stating it undermines the idea of a level playing field in the election.
PoliticsTimes of Indiaindian-express3mo ago2 sources
The Supreme Court questioned West Bengal's objection to the Enforcement Directorate's plea, which alleged obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a raid, emphasizing the fundamental rights of individual ED officers.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday told the lawyers representing the Bengal government in the I-PAC raid case that they "cannot dictate" to the judiciary when a particular case should be heard.
A Spanish publication highlights more affordable alternatives to Apple AirTags that are certified with Apple's Find My network, offering features like replaceable batteries and multi-packs for luggage.
The Italian Customs Agency is intensifying its controls on mini-packages, a move explicitly stated in its agreement with the Ministry of Economy, which will impact incentives.
Akhilesh Yadav has leveled accusations of 'vote robbery' against the BJP and Election Commission, also stating that his party terminated its contract with I-PAC due to a lack of funds.
Following the Trinamool Congress's defeat in West Bengal, the potential pact between political consultancy firm I-PAC and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections is now uncertain, with Yadav reportedly hesitant to hire I-PAC.
The Supreme Court has questioned a probe agency regarding the argument of a breakdown of constitutional machinery in Bengal, which could lead to President's Rule, in connection with the I-PAC case.
India's Supreme Court has stated that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's actions are putting democracy in jeopardy, in a ruling related to the I-PAC case.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are recalibrating their poll campaign strategies as the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) faces increased scrutiny. Campaign activities on the ground remain steady, but engagement with I-PAC's top leadership has reportedly decreased since recent raids.
PoliticsNPRnzzrzeczpospolita+10vgTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-expressstraits-timesiefimeridandtvkhaleej-times+2 more2mo ago13 sources
India's Women's Reservation Bill has become a central point of political contention, with major parties like BJP, Congress, and TMC engaging in a fierce debate over its intent and implementation. Leaders are trading accusations of opportunism and using the legislation as a political tool ahead of upcoming elections.
A director of I-PAC, Vinesh Chandel, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Bengal coal scam case. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption.
The Enforcement Directorate informed a Delhi court that I-PAC raised "bogus invoices" without providing services, structuring transactions to legitimize illicit funds.
FinanceTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv2mo ago4 sources
Vinesh Chandel, director and co-founder of I-PAC, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate and remanded into 10-day custody in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Bengal coal scam.
PoliticshinduTimes of Indiahindustan-times+1indian-express3mo ago4 sources
West Bengal has argued before the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate cannot claim a 'fundamental right' to probe, flagging a threat to the federal structure in the context of alleged obstruction during I-PAC raids.