India plans to expand its strategic petroleum reserves with a second phase, adding 6.5 million tonnes of crude oil storage at new facilities in Odisha and Karnataka. The Rs 14,527 crore project will use a public-private partnership model to enhance national energy security and reduce supply risks.
The Bank of Korea is reportedly planning to launch the second phase of its wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot, Project Hangang, as early as September. This phase will expand participation to nine banks, introduce new payment features, and test government subsidy disbursements using tokenized bank deposits.
Even before the November midterms, some states are exploring redistricting for the 2028 elections. This second phase of redistricting spans ten states, impacting two in five residents. A recent Supreme Court decision has emboldened Southern Republicans to redraw minority districts.
The Ministry of Science and ICT launched the second phase of the Physical AI Alliance, shifting from a discussion-oriented to an action-oriented body. The goal is to build a 'K-Physical AI Full Stack' by connecting domestic AI semiconductors, robots, and AI models, moving beyond generative AI to applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and defense.
The Ministry of Science and ICT launched the second phase of the Physical AI Alliance, shifting from a discussion-oriented to an action-oriented body. The goal is to build a 'K-Physical AI Full Stack' by connecting domestic AI semiconductors, robots, and AI models, reducing reliance on foreign solutions and expanding applications across manufacturing, healthcare, defense, and other industries.
A luxury five-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong, featuring 3.5-meter floor-to-ceiling heights, has been sold. The sale occurs amidst geopolitical uncertainties, including the US-Israel war on Iran, prompting investors to diversify assets. This transaction underscores strong demand in Hong Kong's super-luxury residential market.
Kaohsiung City Government opens applications for its second phase of the "Building Vertical Greening and Green Roof Subsidy Program." The program, running until June 22, offers up to NT$800,000 per project to encourage green renovations and net-zero facilities, aiming to combat urban heat and achieve carbon reduction goals.
Telangana's Indiramma scheme phase II will build 2.5 lakh houses starting June 1, aiming to eliminate kutcha houses. The scheme offers land and financial aid up to Rs 5 lakh for eligible residents, with a budget of Rs 22,000 crore.
SK hynix to begin second phase of fabrication plant construction in Yongin, South Korea, in August, amid global memory chip shortage driven by AI demand.
The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, following reports of irregularities during the second phase of Bengal polls. Eleven booths in Magrahat West and four in Diamond Harbour will see repolling on Saturday after allegations that CCTV cameras were switched off and EVMs were tampered with using tape to cover party symbols. Special observer Subrata Gupta recommended the repolling after scrutiny revealed disturbing findings, including network disruptions preventing real-time monitoring.
West Bengal witnessed a record voter turnout exceeding 91% in the second phase of assembly elections, contributing to an overall 92.47% across two phases, the highest since Independence. Despite high participation, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from various locations, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports and ensure fair polling.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the high voter turnout in West Bengal's second phase of assembly elections, noting a 'fearless atmosphere.' He also expressed confidence in a BJP victory across five states, linking the upcoming results to India's development goals.
The second phase of West Bengal's assembly elections saw clashes between BJP and TMC workers in Khanakul and Nadia. Despite reports of violence, intimidation, and injuries to a BJP agent, voting continued across the 142 constituencies with an 18.39 percent turnout by 9 am.
Phase 2 of high-stakes West Bengal assembly elections witnessed violence and allegations of voter intimidation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed BJP observers were interfering in voting and party flags were removed. A BJP polling agent was assaulted in Chapra, a BJP camp office was vandalised in Shantipur, and an ISF agent was prevented from entering a polling booth in Bhangar. Voting was delayed at a booth in Nimta. The Chief Electoral Officer has sought reports from officials.
Second phase of West Bengal assembly elections witnessed violence and vandalism with allegations of voter intimidation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused BJP observers of interfering in polling in her Bhabanipur constituency, where she faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. A BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted in Chapra, a BJP camp office was vandalised in Shantipur, and voting was delayed in Nimtala. Police issued warnings to Mamata's brother Kartik Banerjee and TMC workers for gathering near a polling booth.
West Bengal heads to the second and final phase of assembly polls on Wednesday with 142 constituencies across eight districts going to vote. Over 32 million voters are expected to participate in this phase covering Kolkata North, Kolkata South, North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Nadia and Howrah. Outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and outgoing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari are among the high-profile candidates in the fray. Around 2,500 companies of central police forces and motorbike quick response teams have been deployed for security.
Supreme Court-mandated appellate tribunals restored voting rights of 1,468 people before Wednesday's second phase of polls in West Bengal, bringing total reinstatements to 1,607 across two rounds. The tribunals deleted only 6 voters in phase 2, making cumulative deletions 14. The 115:1 restoration-to-deletion ratio has intensified scrutiny of the Special Intervention Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which reduced Bengal's electorate from 7.6 crore to 6.82 crore, disenfranchising 27 lakh people under the logical discrepancy clause.
Electoral analysts estimate that Matua voters influence outcomes in 60 to 65 assembly seats. In the second phase alone, they are a key factor in 21 constituencies. In tightly contested elections, this scale of influence gives the community leverage that political parties cannot ignore. This is evident in recent electoral trends.
TMC supporters in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas protested against Election Commission-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, accusing him of intimidating party workers ahead of the second phase of polling. The UP-cadre IPS officer, known as 'Singham' for his tough policing, had warned TMC candidate Jahangir Khan's family about strict action for alleged voter intimidation. Khan responded by invoking film character 'Pushpa', stating 'This is Bengal; if he is Singham, I am Pushpa'. The protest occurred in Falta, which falls under Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency represented by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee.
TMC supporters in West Bengal's Falta constituency protested against police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, alleging intimidation. The officer, known for his tough reputation, warned the family of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan regarding voter interference allegations.
Trinamool Congress alleged that BJP supporters attacked MP Mitali Bag's car in Arambag constituency on the final day of campaigning for West Bengal Assembly polls phase 2. TMC claims her car was vandalized, windshield smashed, and glass pierced her body. The party accused Amit Shah of issuing threats that were "acted upon" and called it an attempt on an elected MP's life. Four individuals were arrested earlier in connection with violent clashes between TMC and BJP supporters in Jagatdal. Polling is scheduled for April 29 with vote counting on May 4.
Voters in West Bengal are rushing home ahead of Wednesday's second phase of polling, causing airfares to surge 2-3 times normal rates. Flight tickets from Delhi to Kolkata now cost Rs 13,000-20,000 (normally Rs 6,000-7,500), while Mumbai-Kolkata routes have climbed to Rs 14,000-22,000. Train fares have also spiked with AC 3-tier tickets from Delhi reaching Rs 1,700-3,200. Voters cite fear of their names disappearing from electoral rolls as the driving factor, with many making expensive one-day return trips just to vote.
