India

A delegation of 32 international observers from 16 countries and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance praised India’s election process in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, calling it a “festival of democracy” and commending the Election Commission of India for efficient and inclusive polling management

Amit Shah praised Narendra Modi’s anti-terror policies at a West Bengal rally, alleging past governments were soft on terror. He also promised action against “infiltrators,” cow smuggling, and claimed early electoral gains for BJP

Anna Hazare called for a strict law to prevent elected leaders from switching parties and urged voters to think carefully before voting. He criticised political defections, calling them driven by selfish interests and harmful to society and governance

Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan cast his vote in Vadodara during Gujarat’s local body elections, remarking that the BJP is likely to remain in power in the state for the next 40–50 years due to strong public support and governance.

The Supreme Court has ruled that courts can reject anticipatory bail but cannot direct an accused to surrender. It said such directions are beyond jurisdiction while hearing a case involving cheating and forgery linked to a land dispute

India advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to partially open airspace, while assisting evacuation of 2,445 Indians via land routes. Gulf carriers continue limited flights to India as regional aviation gradually stabilises under safety restrictions

The Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled a sub-committee meeting on May 22 to resume political dialogue with Ladakh groups. The talks aim to address demands including statehood and Sixth Schedule status amid continued engagement with LAB and KDA

Sporadic clashes were reported in Howrah and Haroa ahead of the second phase of West Bengal assembly polls. TMC, BJP and ISF supporters were involved in incidents, with one police officer injured while trying to control the situation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP will end goonda raj and syndicate raj in West Bengal if voted to power. He claimed strong gains in the first phase and assured voters of safety and action against infiltrators

The Bombay High Court ruled that parrots are wild animals under the Wild Life Act and directed the Maharashtra government to compensate a farmer for crop damage, stating that losses caused by protected species must be reimbursed

Authorities in Sant Kabir Nagar began demolishing an allegedly illegal madrassa linked to UK-based cleric Shamshul Huda Khan after court appeals were dismissed. The action follows investigations by multiple agencies over alleged illegal funding and suspected extremist links

Authorities have set up health screening camps and OPDs along the Char Dham Yatra route, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, to monitor pilgrims’ health, especially older travellers, and ensure safe passage through the high-altitude journey

The Election Commission of India announced a strict security plan for West Bengal’s second-phase polls, deploying central forces, motorcycles, CCTV, and vulnerability mapping to prevent booth capture and intimidation, ensuring voters can cast ballots safely across 142 constituencies

Shraddha Kapoor praised her rumoured partner Rahul Mody and actress Aneet Padda on Instagram, sparking renewed attention to their relationship. The duo, often spotted together since 2024, continues to draw public interest amid Shraddha’s upcoming film projects

A restored 4K print of the 1981 classic Umrao Jaan starring Rekha will have its European premiere at the UK Asian Film Festival in London. The event celebrates South Asian cinema, with director Muzaffar Ali reflecting on the film

Sanjay Singh has sought disqualification of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who allegedly left Aam Aadmi Party and merged with BJP, citing anti-defection law violations under the Constitution’s 10th Schedule, while promising legal action if required

The Election Commission of India warned Kolkata Police and South 24 Parganas authorities of strict action for negligence in preventing voter intimidation and explosives use ahead of West Bengal’s April 29 polls, ordering accountability of police officers and disciplinary measures

A Nashik court sent self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to judicial custody till May 9 in a sixth sexual exploitation case. Facing multiple charges of abuse and fraud, he is under investigation by an SIT probing over a dozen cases

India’s peak power demand touched a record 256.11 GW amid rising temperatures and increased use of cooling devices. Experts warn demand may rise further as heatwaves intensify, with the power ministry projecting a peak of 270 GW this summer

A week-long exhibition titled ‘Shwet Shyam’ will showcase India’s textile traditions at the National Crafts Museum. Featuring over 100 handcrafted pieces, the initiative aims to revive heritage crafts while promoting sustainable livelihoods and cultural awareness

The Central Information Commission upheld denial of RTI data on India’s oil imports from Russia, citing commercial confidentiality and strategic interests, while directing Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell to improve transparency and disclosures on its website

The Odisha government will issue fewer cordon passes during Rath Yatra to prevent overcrowding near chariots. Authorities reviewed security, infrastructure and health arrangements, while ongoing projects and facilities are being prepared to manage the large influx of devotees in Puri

Narendra Modi said nominating the R.G. Kar victim’s mother as a BJP candidate reflects commitment to women’s safety in West Bengal, while targeting Trinamool Congress and promising empowerment schemes ahead of Assembly elections

A national body representing gig workers has urged the government to introduce enforceable heatwave protections under the social security law. It has proposed cooling breaks, safety measures, and accountability norms to protect workers from extreme heat conditions