The Hindu is reporting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to end Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule in West Bengal. It said the party has surged past the majority mark, leading or winning in 176 to 208 seats in the 294-member assembly. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) saw a significant drop in its strength, leading in only 79 seats. The outlet said the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also set to form the government in Assam for a third successive term. In Tamil Nadu, the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor C. Joseph Vijay, is expected to become the single largest party, while Chief Minister MK Stalin lost his seat. The Hindu reported that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set to take power in Kerala, and the NDA is returning to power in Puducherry. The Hindu is also reporting that the Supreme Court of India has expanded the definition of "acid attack victims" to include those forcibly administered acid. It said the court ruled that survivors of acid ingestion are now covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, allowing them to claim disability benefits retrospectively. Regarding international security, The Hindu said Iranian media claimed a U.S. Navy frigate was targeted by two missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. It said the vessel was allegedly targeted after ignoring warnings from the Iranian navy. However, U.S. Central Command stated that no U.S. Navy ships have been struck. It said U.S. forces are currently enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Donald J. Trump previously stated that U.S. forces would begin guiding ships through the strategic waterway. The Hindu also reported that the Supreme Court of India flagged potential risks regarding transgender self-identification. It said the court is hearing petitions against a 2026 law that requires medical board certification for gender recognition, with justices questioning if the lack of certification could lead to individuals masquerading as transgender to obtain government benefits.
