MP Board 5th, 8th Exam Pattern: Beginning in the 2025-26 academic session, Madhya Pradesh will follow a board pattern for Class 5th and 8th examinations, running from February 20th to February 28th, 2026. Students from government, non-government, and madrasa schools statewide will participate
In a sharp ideological critique delivered during the Rajya Sabha session on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi utilised the historical words of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to suggest a fundamental disconnect between the Congress party and the Indian populace
Sensex closed at 83,313.93 points, down 503.76 points, or 0.60 per cent, while Nifty closed at 25,642.80 points, down 133.20 points or 0.52 per cent, respectively. New Delhi: Indian stock indices settled lower on Thursday, with analysts attributing the decline to profit booking following the recent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, alleging that it is compromising the youth of the state by “inviting" illegal immigrants. Without naming her, Modi took a jibe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's petition
Donald Trump again claimed he stopped a war—and a potential nuclear conflict—between India and Pakistan, repeating the assertion twice in one day at the National Prayer Breakfast and on Truth Social. He said U.S. mediation prevented multiple global conflicts
This article was originally published in Rest of World, which covers technology's impact outside the West. The Covid-19-era bubble had not yet burst when the CEO sat down to write an email, hoping to woo Tiger Global. It was early on in the pandemic
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga is still humming loudly as the deadline clock bleeds out — but one contender has officially stepped off the ride: the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Golden State made multiple pushes for the ‘Greek Freak'
The stage is set for a blockbuster finish as the India Under-19 cricket team locks horns with the England Under-19 cricket team in the final of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 on Friday, February 6, at Harare Sports Club, Harare
Keir Starmer Under Pressure: Who Could Succeed Him As Mandelson Scandal Threatens UK PM's Future?
Keir Starmer Under Pressure: Who Could Succeed Him As Mandelson Scandal Threatens UK PM's Future?
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the gravest political crisis of his premiership after a scandal involving the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States triggered anger within his own Labour Party and fresh public backlash.
Starmer on Thursday apologised to victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Mandelson, a longtime associate of Epstein, to the prestigious diplomatic post. The apology came as opposition parties called for his resignation and some Labour lawmakers questioned his judgement.
“I am sorry," Starmer said in London, addressing Epstein's victims. “Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him."
Despite the apology, Starmer insisted he would not step down, saying: “I intend to go on doing that vital work."
Starmer's leadership is under intense pressure both from the opposition and from within his own party.
Labour MPs forced the government to submit all documents related to Mandelson's appointment to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee, rejecting Starmer's initial plan to release only selected material.
“The mood yesterday was the angriest I think I've ever seen Labour MPs in the 16 years that I've been in Parliament," Labour lawmaker Karl Turner told Times Radio. “We can't pretend that this is not a crisis situation."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called Starmer's position “clearly untenable" and urged Labour MPs to support a no-confidence vote, saying it was “a question of when, not if, he goes."
The crisis comes ahead of a crucial by-election this month and local elections in May, where Labour is widely expected to perform poorly.
Political analysts say repeated policy U-turns and internal disputes have already dented Starmer's authority. The Mandelson affair has deepened doubts about his leadership and judgement.
The immediate cause is his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington last year despite Mandelson's long-documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Newly released files last week revealed intimate email exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein, as well as evidence of financial dealings and the sharing of potentially sensitive information.
Starmer admitted he knew Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein even after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, but said he was unaware of the “depth and darkness" of the relationship.
He fired Mandelson in September after only seven months in the post, but the damage to his own credibility has been severe.
Labour MPs have also blamed Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, a close Mandelson ally, for pushing the appointment. Opposition parties are demanding McSweeney's removal, though Starmer has so far defended him.
Despite the anger within Labour ranks, there is no obvious successor to Keir Starmer, according to a report by The Guardian.
The paper said new MPs were openly discussing leadership challenges in the Commons tea room, but admitted no contender appeared “brave enough to trigger Starmer's downfall."
Angela Rayner is seen as a potential frontrunner after her intervention helped avert a parliamentary defeat, but MPs noted she is awaiting an HMRC ruling over unpaid stamp duty, which weakens her position.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is said to have support among some MPs, but his past closeness to Peter Mandelson is now viewed as a liability.
Several MPs have also mentioned Defence Minister Al Carns as a possible alternative, though he has not indicated any interest.
One senior Labour MP told The Guardian: “The biggest thing Keir has going for him right now is that there's not an obvious successor."
Peter Mandelson, a former EU trade commissioner and a key architect of Tony Blair's “New Labour" project, was appointed Britain's ambassador to the United States in February last year.
The decision quickly drew criticism because of Mandelson's friendship with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Last Friday, new documents were released showing warm and extensive correspondence between Mandelson and Epstein, including private photographs and discussions that suggested a close personal bond.
The revelations led to Mandelson resigning from the House of Lords earlier this week. He is also now facing a police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
For Starmer, the core issue is that he appointed Mandelson despite knowing about at least some of these connections.
Source: News18
Related Posts: Over 7.5 lakh manuscripts digitised under Gyan Bharatam iPhone Air now under ₹95 10 gaming laptops under ₹80 India-US trade deal under final stages of detailing How to get affordable LED bulbs under the PM Ujala scheme and reduce your electricity bill Bringing iPhones And Gadgets From Abroad May Cost Less Under New Customs Rules 2026 WADA under scrutiny after Chinese swimmers doping clearance Lingayat & SC/ST MLAs hold meetings to exert pressure on AICC to consider them for leadership ICC Under-19 India vs England World Cup 2026 Final UK' Starmer didn't know Jeffrey Epstein
UP BEd JEE 2026 is conducted for admissions to the two-year B.Ed. courses across 22 universities and 2300 affiliated colleges in the state. It will be held from April 20 to 25. Bundelkhand University is set to start the online application process for the Uttar Pradesh Joint B.Ed
Just now
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Namchi, Sikkim at 3:11 am on Friday, at a shallow depth of 5 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. Residents reported feeling tremors and seeing objects move, though no damage was reported. A magnitude 4
Just now
The price of gold has risen to over $5,000 an ounce for the first time ever, after doubling in value over the course of a very strong 2025 for the precious metal. The usual explanation for such strong rises is that gold is considered a safe bet for investors when other options look a little shaky
Just now
The origin of Mumbai is tied to a powerful legend that blends faith, fear, and history. A storyteller narrates how the city did not simply grow on its own but was shaped by a divine intervention. She describes a time when the coastline was dangerous, ruled by unpredictable waters and a feared force
Just now
Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a plan to bolster Canada's car industry and support its electric vehicle transition, as the sector buckles under the weight of US tariffs. The new initiatives, announced on Thursday, mark Canada's latest effort to reduce its reliance on the US
Just now
The West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, has announced a 4% dearness allowance hike for employees. The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has announced a 4% hike in dearness allowance (DA) for its employees as part of the interim budget, PTI reported.The West Bengal government
Just now
The Indian internet remains a gift that keeps on giving. A man was reportedly found being towed along with his scooter after parking his vehicle illegally. Leaving the bystanders in absolute shock and disbelief, this Indian man refused to leave his scooty even as a towing crane lifted it upon
Just now
Lakshay's comments on Digvijay's English skills have sparked tension and heated discussions among contestants in The 50. The 50: India's newest reality show, The 50, currently streaming on JioHotstar and airing on Colors, is fast emerging as a major talking point across social media and the
Just now
A large scar ran from the middle of his stomach to the middle of his back, across his left. Walking past the bare-chested elderly man, I instantly recognised the scar as one left after a kidney transplant operation. I had seen similar marks on others the previous day
Just now
Srinagar Police arrested a father, son and daughter from Khaniyar and recovered heroin worth crores after intercepting their vehicle. Police say the trio were actively involved in drug peddling and are probing their supply network and illegal assets. In a major crackdown against drug trafficking
Just now
As per CPCB data, most areas of the national capital are currently reporting ‘poor' air quality, while a few locations remain in the ‘moderate' range. Delhi AQI update: Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 226, placing it in the ‘Poor' category at 6:05 am on Friday
Just now
A 92-year-old driver caused a deadly crash in Westwood, Los Angeles, killing three and injuring six others on Thursday. After hitting a bicyclist, the woman lost control of her Toyota Prius and plowed into the bakery section of a 99 Ranch Market, trapping people under the vehicle
Just now
The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks on the president's address without Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving his customary reply as the Opposition continued its protest. This was the first time since 2004 that the prime minister has been unable to reply to the motion in the Lok Sabha
Just now
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus challenges common assumptions about cannabis and the aging brain, finding that older adults who use cannabis showed larger brain volumes and better cognitive function compared to non-users. The research
Just now
US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he personally prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, even as he pushed for a new global arms control treaty following the expiry of the last major nuclear agreement between Washington and Moscow
Just now
Winter brings a sense of calm, but it also brings a rise in skin concerns, especially due to the combination of dry air, harsh winds, and increased pollution levels. This mix can leave the skin looking dull, tired, and uneven. Many people also notice pigmentation becoming more visible during this
Just now
Vadh 2 Review: The much-awaited sequel has finally arrived in theatres today, 6 February 2026. Starring Neena Gupta, Sanjay Mishra, Amitt K Singh, and others in key roles, the crime-thriller is now on the big screen. But does it live up to expectations? Read on to find out
Just now
The Union government, Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation on Thursday signed a tripartite agreement to form the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority. The agreement signed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Eastern Nagaland People's
Just now
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense scrutiny over his 2024 decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington despite Mandelson's ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released documents revealed Mandelson maintained a closer relationship with Epstein
Just now
WPL finals: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second Women's Premier League title. They defeated Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final match. Jemimah Rodrigues scored a half-century for Delhi Capitals. Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee also contributed with quick runs
Just now
A woman has resigned from her job after her manager allegedly asked her to “increase her pain tolerance" when she took sick leave for severe menstrual cramps. The incident, shared on Reddit's r/IndianWorkplace forum, has sparked widespread criticism over workplace insensitivity and toxic
Just now
Standing at the podium after the six-wicket loss in Vadodara, Jemimah Rodrigues refused to let the result overshadow her team's journey. For the fourth time in as many seasons, the Delhi Capitals have fallen at the final hurdle of the Women's Premier League (WPL)
Just now
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the BJP-led NDA government has freed banks from the illness that had crept into the system during the Congress-led UPA government and restored their health. He said the government brought about bold reforms and transparency into the banking system
Just now
Lakshmir Bhandar scheme: In a massive step ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections, West Bengal government has hiked monthly entitlement under Lakshmir Bhandar scheme by Rs 500 per month per person. As per the recent announcement, the number of beneficiaries of the scheme stands at 2
Just now
Hyundai i20 Price Cut: Hyundai Motor India has made the i20 more affordable by cutting prices for several variants. Now the premium hatchback is more accessible to buyers with a starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai i20 Price Cut Details: Hyundai Motor India has made the i20 more
Just now
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) confirmed on 4 February 2026 that the average time for film certification has been slashed to 18 working days for feature films. New Delhi : The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L Murugan
Just now
India's space agency ISRO is developing reusable launch vehicle technology for cost-effective space access. The Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is targeted for 2027 with uncrewed flights preceding it. Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 missions are approved for around 2028
Just now
