July 4, 2026

March 2026

For the first time ever, FBI confirms buying data that can be used to track people; Director Kash Patel says: We purchase …

For the first time ever, FBI confirms buying data that can be used to track people; Director Kash Patel says: We purchase …

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is buying commercially available data that can be used to track people’s locations and movement history, Kash Patel, the director of the agency, said at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Wednesday (March 18), marking the first time the agency has openly acknowledged the practice is currently ongoing.“We do…

Read More
World Happiness Report 2026: Finland and Afghanistan maintain top and bottom positions respectively; India improves ranking – check full list | India News

World Happiness Report 2026: Finland and Afghanistan maintain top and bottom positions respectively; India improves ranking – check full list | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

AI image generated for representational purposes. Heavy social media use is driving a sharp decline in well-being among young people, with teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe particularly affected, according to the World Happiness Report 2026 released on Thursday.The annual study, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, also…

Read More
Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee (File photo) NEW DELHI: With both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP announcing their candidate lists, the battle for Bengal has effectively begun. While the TMC has declared candidates for all 294 seats, the saffron party has so far named 144, covering roughly half the Assembly. The contest is largely being seen as a direct duel between Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The BJP is now aiming to challenge Mamata Banerjee’s over-a-decade-long rule. Its rise in the Bengali-speaking state has been striking, from near-zero presence to becoming the principal opposition and a serious contender for power.The Modi-led campaign has consistently kept Mamata at the centre of its political attacks, targeting what remains an elusive prize—the second-largest assembly in the country — West Bengal.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: US pounds Iranian missile sites near key Strait of Hormuz; Iran rains down cluster bombs on Tel AvivUAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain announces official start date of Eid Al Fitr 2026‘Trust completely shattered’: Saudi Arabia warns Iran of military retaliation after wave of Gulf attacks2021: The BJP’s turning pointThe 2021 assembly election marked a turning point. Despite projecting a landslide victory, the BJP secured 77 seats—falling short of power but registering a dramatic surge from just 3 seats earlier, and firmly establishing itself as a formidable opposition.In many ways, the 2021 election told a bigger story than Mamata Banerjee’s victory, it marked the BJP’s rise to prominence in Bengal politics.How Bengal voted in 2021Often called the BJP’s ‘Chanakya’, Amit Shah had confidently declared during the campaign that the party would cross the 200-mark in the 294-member assembly, coining the slogan “abki baar, 200 paar”. The results, however, told a very different story.The BJP fell well short, not just of 200, but even of the halfway mark of 147 seats.The outcome also brought personal setbacks for several of the party’s prominent faces. Union minister Babul Supriyo, former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, and Lok Sabha MP Locket Chatterjee were among those who lost their seats.Voting patterns and missed calculationsMuch of the BJP’s strategy had rested on consolidating Hindu votes and gaining the support of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, while closely watching whether Muslim voters would back the TMC. In the end, the results suggested that Muslim voters largely stood with Mamata Banerjee, while SC votes did not consolidate in the BJP’s favour as expected.From 2019 highs of BJP to 2021 setbackCompared to its strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Assembly results were a setback. Back then, the BJP had won 18 out of 42 seats and led in 121 assembly segments with a vote share of 40.2%. In 2021, it secured 77 seats—44 fewer than the segments it had led in earlier and its vote share dipped slightly to 38.13%.BJP: A decade of rapid riseYet, beneath the disappointment lies a remarkable story of growth. Just a decade ago, in the 2011 Assembly elections, the BJP had failed to win a single seat and managed only 4% of the vote. In 2014, it won two Lok Sabha seats with an 18% vote share. In 2016, it secured three Assembly seats with around 10% votes. From there to 77 seats and over 38% vote share in 2021 marks a dramatic rise.In the process, the BJP has replaced the Left and the Congress, who had dominated Bengal politics for decades, as the principal opposition force. While both the Left parties and the Congress drew a blank in an unprecedented outcome, smaller players like the Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party and an independent candidate managed to win a seat each.The BJP has not just gained seats; it has built an organisational base, a cadre, and a leadership structure in the state. That machinery, now firmly in place, is likely to shape its strategy for future battles, both in the Lok Sabha elections and the next assembly contest.The Nandigram battleAnother key takeaway for the BJP was the victory of its “giant killer” Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram by a narrow margin of 1,956 votes after a fiercely contested battle.The contest had turned into a prestige fight after Mamata herself chose to challenge Adhikari on his home turf. He had gone a step further, declaring he would quit politics if he failed to defeat her by 50,000 votes. While he fell short of that ambitious claim, his eventual win, even by a slender margin proved politically significant.The defeat dealt a symbolic blow to the TMC’s larger victory and meant Mamata Banerjee would have to seek re-election to the Assembly within six months to continue as chief minister.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWar, Oil & Economy: Big Risks Ahead for India Explained’India Doing The Right Thing’: Congress Backs Modi Govt On Iran War, Tewari Says ‘Not Our War’Karti Chidambaram on TN Polls: ‘Stalin Way Ahead, Vijay’s Star Power Not Enough, BJP Has No Ground’Jaishankar Dials UAE FM As Iran Strikes Escalate And India Pushes To Stabilise West Asia Amid WarRajya Sabha Erupts In Laughter As Athawale’s Hilarious Speech Targets CongressFighter, Filmmaker Or Facilitator Of Conflict? Why Matthew VanDyke Has Raised Many Eyebrows In IndiaIndia May Face Rising Gas Prices And Energy Supply Risks After Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Hub StrikeIndia Sends More Warships To Escort Ships Through Battle-Hit Strait Of Hormuz“Israel Of The Region” Ex Afghan Minister Slams Pakistan, Urges India To Take Stronger Action’Pak Missiles Could Hit US’: Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard Flags Nuclear Threat, India Left Off List123PhotostoriesDivyanka Tripathi on conceiving naturally at 40; Vivek Dahiya recalls a mild panic attack as the couple shares their pregnancy journeyCelebrate Eid 2026 with these 15 delicious Biryani varietiesFeeling burned out? 5 proven ways to take back control of your life7 healthy foods that boost your child’s brain development naturallyChennai plans 3.2-km pedestrian corridor between Velachery, Taramani MRTS stationsChennai Metro expansion hits roadblock: Rs 9,335-crore Airport–Kilambakkam corridor awaits green lightIndia’s most beautiful and iconic train routes perfect for slow travellers‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’: Reasons why the Ranveer Singh starrer is worth watching in theatersKidney health and hydration: Why ‘just drink more fluid’ isn’t the full storyTimes ‘Dhurandhar’ star Ranveer Singh spoke straight from the heart about his daughter, Dua123Hot PicksChina oil tankersMPsfarewellIran war newsGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite chapter 7eid al fitr 2026Green Card HoldersPeter ThielQatar missile fireNSA Doval US envoy talksDeve GowdaRajya Sabha MP farewellChina oil tankersCM Devendra Fadnavis

Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee (File photo) NEW DELHI: With both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP announcing their candidate lists, the battle for Bengal has effectively begun. While the TMC has declared candidates for all 294 seats, the saffron party has so far named 144, covering roughly half the Assembly. The contest is largely being seen as a direct duel between Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The BJP is now aiming to challenge Mamata Banerjee’s over-a-decade-long rule. Its rise in the Bengali-speaking state has been striking, from near-zero presence to becoming the principal opposition and a serious contender for power.The Modi-led campaign has consistently kept Mamata at the centre of its political attacks, targeting what remains an elusive prize—the second-largest assembly in the country — West Bengal.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: US pounds Iranian missile sites near key Strait of Hormuz; Iran rains down cluster bombs on Tel AvivUAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain announces official start date of Eid Al Fitr 2026‘Trust completely shattered’: Saudi Arabia warns Iran of military retaliation after wave of Gulf attacks2021: The BJP’s turning pointThe 2021 assembly election marked a turning point. Despite projecting a landslide victory, the BJP secured 77 seats—falling short of power but registering a dramatic surge from just 3 seats earlier, and firmly establishing itself as a formidable opposition.In many ways, the 2021 election told a bigger story than Mamata Banerjee’s victory, it marked the BJP’s rise to prominence in Bengal politics.How Bengal voted in 2021Often called the BJP’s ‘Chanakya’, Amit Shah had confidently declared during the campaign that the party would cross the 200-mark in the 294-member assembly, coining the slogan “abki baar, 200 paar”. The results, however, told a very different story.The BJP fell well short, not just of 200, but even of the halfway mark of 147 seats.The outcome also brought personal setbacks for several of the party’s prominent faces. Union minister Babul Supriyo, former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, and Lok Sabha MP Locket Chatterjee were among those who lost their seats.Voting patterns and missed calculationsMuch of the BJP’s strategy had rested on consolidating Hindu votes and gaining the support of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, while closely watching whether Muslim voters would back the TMC. In the end, the results suggested that Muslim voters largely stood with Mamata Banerjee, while SC votes did not consolidate in the BJP’s favour as expected.From 2019 highs of BJP to 2021 setbackCompared to its strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Assembly results were a setback. Back then, the BJP had won 18 out of 42 seats and led in 121 assembly segments with a vote share of 40.2%. In 2021, it secured 77 seats—44 fewer than the segments it had led in earlier and its vote share dipped slightly to 38.13%.BJP: A decade of rapid riseYet, beneath the disappointment lies a remarkable story of growth. Just a decade ago, in the 2011 Assembly elections, the BJP had failed to win a single seat and managed only 4% of the vote. In 2014, it won two Lok Sabha seats with an 18% vote share. In 2016, it secured three Assembly seats with around 10% votes. From there to 77 seats and over 38% vote share in 2021 marks a dramatic rise.In the process, the BJP has replaced the Left and the Congress, who had dominated Bengal politics for decades, as the principal opposition force. While both the Left parties and the Congress drew a blank in an unprecedented outcome, smaller players like the Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party and an independent candidate managed to win a seat each.The BJP has not just gained seats; it has built an organisational base, a cadre, and a leadership structure in the state. That machinery, now firmly in place, is likely to shape its strategy for future battles, both in the Lok Sabha elections and the next assembly contest.The Nandigram battleAnother key takeaway for the BJP was the victory of its “giant killer” Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram by a narrow margin of 1,956 votes after a fiercely contested battle.The contest had turned into a prestige fight after Mamata herself chose to challenge Adhikari on his home turf. He had gone a step further, declaring he would quit politics if he failed to defeat her by 50,000 votes. While he fell short of that ambitious claim, his eventual win, even by a slender margin proved politically significant.The defeat dealt a symbolic blow to the TMC’s larger victory and meant Mamata Banerjee would have to seek re-election to the Assembly within six months to continue as chief minister.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWar, Oil & Economy: Big Risks Ahead for India Explained’India Doing The Right Thing’: Congress Backs Modi Govt On Iran War, Tewari Says ‘Not Our War’Karti Chidambaram on TN Polls: ‘Stalin Way Ahead, Vijay’s Star Power Not Enough, BJP Has No Ground’Jaishankar Dials UAE FM As Iran Strikes Escalate And India Pushes To Stabilise West Asia Amid WarRajya Sabha Erupts In Laughter As Athawale’s Hilarious Speech Targets CongressFighter, Filmmaker Or Facilitator Of Conflict? Why Matthew VanDyke Has Raised Many Eyebrows In IndiaIndia May Face Rising Gas Prices And Energy Supply Risks After Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Hub StrikeIndia Sends More Warships To Escort Ships Through Battle-Hit Strait Of Hormuz“Israel Of The Region” Ex Afghan Minister Slams Pakistan, Urges India To Take Stronger Action’Pak Missiles Could Hit US’: Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard Flags Nuclear Threat, India Left Off List123PhotostoriesDivyanka Tripathi on conceiving naturally at 40; Vivek Dahiya recalls a mild panic attack as the couple shares their pregnancy journeyCelebrate Eid 2026 with these 15 delicious Biryani varietiesFeeling burned out? 5 proven ways to take back control of your life7 healthy foods that boost your child’s brain development naturallyChennai plans 3.2-km pedestrian corridor between Velachery, Taramani MRTS stationsChennai Metro expansion hits roadblock: Rs 9,335-crore Airport–Kilambakkam corridor awaits green lightIndia’s most beautiful and iconic train routes perfect for slow travellers‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’: Reasons why the Ranveer Singh starrer is worth watching in theatersKidney health and hydration: Why ‘just drink more fluid’ isn’t the full storyTimes ‘Dhurandhar’ star Ranveer Singh spoke straight from the heart about his daughter, Dua123Hot PicksChina oil tankersMPsfarewellIran war newsGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite chapter 7eid al fitr 2026Green Card HoldersPeter ThielQatar missile fireNSA Doval US envoy talksDeve GowdaRajya Sabha MP farewellChina oil tankersCM Devendra Fadnavis

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee (File photo) NEW DELHI: With both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP announcing their candidate lists, the battle for Bengal has effectively begun. While the TMC has declared candidates for all 294 seats, the saffron party has so far named 144, covering roughly half the Assembly. The contest is…

Read More
58% of employers now demand immediate joiners: Here’s how your notice period can trap you

58% of employers now demand immediate joiners: Here’s how your notice period can trap you

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

The image shows a corporate employee standing between two contrasting scenes—on one side, recruiters racing against deadlines with “urgent hiring” signs, and on the other, a ticking clock representing a lengthy notice period—capturing the tension between opportunity and delay. “What is your notice period?” is the question that often makes most of us fumble. Your…

Read More
Summons issued against Sanjay Dutt, Nora Fatehi, Badshah for ‘Sarke Chunar’, ‘Tateeree’ songs by NCW for ‘sexually suggestive, objectionable’ content

Summons issued against Sanjay Dutt, Nora Fatehi, Badshah for ‘Sarke Chunar’, ‘Tateeree’ songs by NCW for ‘sexually suggestive, objectionable’ content

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued summons to the makers of the songs ‘Tateeree’, ‘Sarke Chunar’ after reports alleging “obscenity and vulgarity” appeared in the media. The official X handle of NCW on Thursday morning said that the commission has observed “that the content prima facie appears to be objectionable and violative of…

Read More
How to use Trichoderma to protect home plants from root diseases and promote better growth |

How to use Trichoderma to protect home plants from root diseases and promote better growth |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

PC: The University Of Adelaide Transforming your indoor garden into a resilient ecosystem starts with understanding ‘The Green Guard.’ The efficient use of Trichoderma will serve as a biological shield against the destructive soil-borne pathogens in home plants. The research conducted by the University of Connecticut (UConn) has shown that Trichoderma, particularly Trichoderma harzianum, colonise…

Read More
Energy markets explode: Crude hits 4, gas jumps 35% after Iran targets Gulf fuel sites

Energy markets explode: Crude hits $114, gas jumps 35% after Iran targets Gulf fuel sites

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Global oil and natural gas prices surged sharply on Thursday after Iran launched fresh strikes on key energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including Qatar’s main liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, raising concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed close to $114 per barrel, up from below $73 on the eve of the…

Read More
Uae Tax Credit: UAE News: Up to 50% tax credit announced for businesses under new Tax Incentive Rules 2026 | World News

Uae Tax Credit: UAE News: Up to 50% tax credit announced for businesses under new Tax Incentive Rules 2026 | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

50% tax credit rolled out for firms investing in innovation in 2026 in UAE / Image file The UAE Ministry of Finance launched a major tax incentive allowing businesses to claim up to 50% tax credit on research and development (R&D) spending, marking one of the most significant policy moves since the introduction of corporate…

Read More
Mar 19, 2026, 15:19 IST

Mar 19, 2026, 15:19 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Iran’s players pose for a team photo at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran (left) and US President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo) Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said Iran will take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup but…

Read More
Mukesh Chhabra calls Aditya Dhar the ‘real hero’ for ‘Dhurandhar’: ‘The way you respect people around you..’

Mukesh Chhabra calls Aditya Dhar the ‘real hero’ for ‘Dhurandhar’: ‘The way you respect people around you..’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Aditya Dhar is currently basking in widespread praise for his latest release ‘Dhurandhar 2’. Just three months after the first installment hit screens, the director returned with its sequel on March 19, following paid previews on March 18. Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film has opened to a roaring response at the box office, with…

Read More
Khandala trip turns fatal: 3 IIT-Bombay students die as SUV overturns on Mumbai-Pune Expressway

Khandala trip turns fatal: 3 IIT-Bombay students die as SUV overturns on Mumbai-Pune Expressway

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NAVI MUMBAI: Three students of Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) were killed after the SUV in which they were travelling along the Mumbai-Pune expressway while returning from Khandala after watching sunrise to reach IIT-B campus at Powai overturned after losing control reportedly while overtaking a truck ahead near Panvel exit on Thursday around 9.30 am….

Read More
Mar 19, 2026, 14:44 IST

Mar 19, 2026, 14:44 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

File pic: Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag (R) with Sanju Samson. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has addressed the biggest talking point ahead of IPL 2026 — the absence of long-time leader and star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson — with a striking comparison that underlines the scale of the void left behind.Go Beyond…

Read More
‘RR lost their face’: Du Plesis warns of added pressure on Jaiswal after Samson departure

‘RR lost their face’: Du Plesis warns of added pressure on Jaiswal after Samson departure

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson (PTI Photo) Sanju Samson (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson (PTI Photo) Sanju Samson (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson (PTI Photo) Former South Africa cricketer Faf du Plessis has weighed in on Rajasthan Royals’ decision to part ways with their long-time star and face of…

Read More
From college dropout to India’s youngest billionaire: How Alakh Pandey built PhysicsWallah

From college dropout to India’s youngest billionaire: How Alakh Pandey built PhysicsWallah

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Success stories in India’s edtech sector tends to follow a familiar script: rapid growth, aggressive funding, and, often, an equally sharp correction. But every once in a while, a different kind of story emerges. One that does not begin with capital, but with a classroom. Alakh Pandey’s journey with PhysicsWallah sits somewhere in that space,…

Read More