India

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami has asked party counting agents to remain alert during vote counting on May 4, warning of possible malpractices and urging them to monitor preparations, report issues and stay present till final results are declared

India Meteorological Department issued heatwave advisories as temperatures touched 44.5°C, urging precautions like hydration and avoiding sun exposure. It warned of worsening heat conditions across multiple regions, stressing protection for vulnerable groups and preventive action against heat-related illnesses

Rahul Gandhi criticised RSS, calling it “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh” after Ram Madhav’s remarks in the US on India’s oil imports and tariffs. Madhav later apologised, saying his comments were factually incorrect, as Congress leaders intensified their attack on the Centre

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched NMBA 2.0 and SMILE mobile applications to improve real-time monitoring, data collection and coordination in drug control and beggary rehabilitation programmes, enhancing transparency, accountability and field-level implementation across states and districts

Supreme Court of India directed states and UTs to draft practical ICU implementation plans based on standard guidelines, prioritising essential resources, training, and compliance. It also asked nursing and paramedical bodies to enhance training, with a final blueprint due within three weeks

Ranveer Singh sought to quash an FIR over alleged insult to ‘Chavunda Daiva’ as the Karnataka High Court questioned ambiguity in his apology affidavit. The court indicated it may admonish him while deciding the matter amid objections

Election Commission of India appointed 11 additional police observers for West Bengal’s second-phase polls to strengthen security, prevent violence, and monitor sensitive areas. Five officers were suspended for dereliction of duty, with a senior official warned over supervision lapses

Manoj Mukund Naravane asserted the Indian Army remains apolitical, stressing that following civilian leadership reflects discipline, not politicisation. He warned against dragging the military into politics, saying neutrality is key to India’s stability and progress

Himanta Biswa Sarma said West Bengal polls carry national significance, alleging cross-border infiltration impacting multiple states. He claimed demographic shifts and security risks, criticised TMC over border fencing, and projected strong BJP gains in both Assam and West Bengal elections

CDS Anil Chauhan held key talks with US and UK military leaders, strengthening strategic alignment on Indo-Pacific security, technology cooperation, and global challenges, while signalling plans to expand bilateral and tri-service defence engagements and operational coordination

CJI Surya Kant stressed the vital role of retired judges, comparing them to stepwells preserving wisdom during crises. He urged structured engagement in mediation, education, and mentoring, warning that neglecting their experience wastes a valuable national resource

AIMIM is contesting local body elections in Gujarat across around 400 wards for the first time, with Asaduddin Owaisi leading the campaign. The party is also active in West Bengal, where it is contesting 12 seats in the upcoming polls.

A fire and explosion at a scrap warehouse in Neemrana killed four people, including a child, after flames spread rapidly and blocked escape routes. Authorities suspect inadequate firefighting systems, while fears remain that more workers may have been inside.

Bus services resumed across Telangana after TGSRTC employees called off their three-day strike following an agreement with the government on 11 percent fitment, bringing relief to commuters and restoring normal transport operations statewide.

Delhi Capitals face a tough challenge against unbeaten Punjab Kings in an IPL clash. While Delhi struggle with inconsistency and fielding errors, Punjab enter in strong form, backed by explosive batting and a disciplined bowling attack

Rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key maritime chokepoints expose India’s supply chain vulnerabilities

Rajasthan Royals will look to settle scores when they host Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL clash at Jaipur. RR, in good form this season, aim to avenge their earlier defeat as both teams chase important points

An India-bound container vessel, Epaminondes, was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz. Among the 21 crew members is vice-captain Sanjay Mahar from Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar. His family reported that the crew faced gunfire but remained safe inside the ship.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down 206 to defeat Gujarat Titans by five wickets, powered by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Sai Sudharsan’s century helped Gujarat post 205, but RCB held their nerve to seal a crucial IPL victory

Sreenidi Deccan FC registered a dramatic 2-1 win over Rajasthan United FC in the IFL Championship Stage opener. Late goals from Hadi Idrissou and David Castaneda sealed victory after Isaac Nortey gave the hosts an early lead

The Supreme Court has quashed criminal proceedings against the parents-in-law and sister-in-law of a woman in a dowry harassment and bigamy case, ruling that vague and general allegations without specific acts cannot justify prosecution under Section 498A IPC. T

Despite expanding health insurance coverage, the government’s promise of a financial safety net is eroding due to spiralling medical costs and persistently low public health spending 

Telangana Cheriyal artist Dhanalakota Saikiran was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the ‘Artist-in-Residence’ programme. Representing the State along with NP Gnaneshwar, he received national recognition for his contribution to traditional Cheriyal painting