India

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised India as a “huge power” and said the country shows “crazy love for Israel” despite global criticism of the Jewish state. He highlighted strong India-Israel ties, expanding diplomatic partnerships and his close rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The new Kerala government led by V. D. Satheesan announced women and child-friendly initiatives including three days of menstrual leave for schoolgirls, mandatory daycare facilities at workplaces, maternity benefits for unorganised workers and plans to make Kerala an “orphan-free” state

Discussions were also held on Meghalaya’s flagship grassroots football initiatives under the Chief Minister’s Football Mission, which draws inspiration from successful South American football development models

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters blocking NH-202 in Ukhrul district amid tensions over alleged hostage-taking by Naga groups. At least five women suffered minor injuries as shutdowns and protests intensified over abducted community members in Manipur’s hill districts

The RBI’s balance sheet expanded 20.6 per cent to Rs 91.97 lakh crore in FY26, driven by strong growth in domestic investments, gold holdings and foreign investments. The central bank also declared a record dividend of around Rs 2.87 lakh crore to the Centre

India will next face hosts Japan on May 31 as they look to continue their winning start to the tournament

The National Testing Agency told the Supreme Court its decision to cancel NEET-UG 2026 and order a re-test was aimed at protecting examination integrity and student trust. The agency highlighted enhanced security measures, CBI investigation and proposed transition to CBT mode from next year

Tesla has launched the Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive in India at a starting price of Rs 50.89 lakh. The electric SUV offers upgraded interiors, 500 km range, advanced safety features and financing options, strengthening Tesla’s expansion plans in the Indian market

Global air passenger demand declined 3.4 per cent in April 2026 due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, IATA said. Middle Eastern carriers saw the sharpest fall in traffic, while rising jet fuel prices and weak demand forced airlines to cut planned services

The Delhi High Court declined immediate restoration of satirical group Cockroach Janta Party’s X account, directing an IT Rules review committee to reconsider the blocking before July 7. The court allowed virtual representation while examining whether the entire account or specific posts warranted action

Political developments in Karnataka have delayed Telangana’s cabinet expansion, leaving aspirants for ministerial berths in suspense. With the Congress high command prioritising Karnataka, the Telangana leadership is expected to take up cabinet-related discussions only after the situation stabilises.

West Bengal’s crackdown on illegal immigrants has triggered large gatherings along the India-Bangladesh border, with intelligence agencies warning of possible ISI-backed radicalisation efforts. Officials say heightened border surveillance and monitoring are underway amid concerns over security, deportations, and regional tensions

The Supreme Court directed high courts to pronounce judgments within three months of reserving orders, stressing that delays harm litigants. It mandated speedy decisions in bail matters, timely uploading of verdicts, and prompt communication to jail authorities for immediate release orders

India’s data centre capacity is projected to exceed 3 GW by 2028, driven by hyperscalers, AI workloads, and strong digital growth, according to CBRE. India’s low development bottlenecks and rising investments have positioned it among APAC’s top-tier data centre markets

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumed charge as the 48th Vice Chief of the Indian Navy after leading operational readiness during Operation Sindoor. Formerly ANC Commander-in-Chief, he brings 37 years of frontline, strategic, and tri-services experience, succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan

An India-bound oil tanker, Nissos Keros, has cleared the Strait of Hormuz amid a geopolitical maritime crisis. Iran's IRGC allowed the transit following formal coordination, though ongoing tensions and proposed transit fees continue to disrupt global energy traffic 

The resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, following directives from the Congress High Command, has ignited a fierce political showdown. While the BJP claimed the move signals internal collapse, Congress leaders defended the transition, ending weeks of leadership speculation in the state

The Supreme Court refused to interfere with an Allahabad High Court order granting anticipatory bail to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a POCSO case involving alleged sexual exploitation of young disciples. The top court dismissed the complainant's plea against the bail.

The India Meteorological Department forecast Southwest monsoon rainfall at 90% of the long period average, slightly lower than April’s 92% prediction. Northeast India may see normal rains, while other regions face below-normal rainfall, raising concerns over agriculture and water availability

Rajasthan Cooperative Minister Gautam Dak was booked after an alleged confrontation with police in Chittorgarh. A viral audio clip of abusive language sparked debate, though Dak denied involvement, claiming technological manipulation. Police allege intimidation, threats, and indecent behavior during the incident

Indian equities rose modestly Friday, with Sensex and Nifty higher amid easing crude prices and strong earnings. IT stocks led gains, while FMCG remained flat. Asian markets surged, Wall Street closed positive, and Brent crude slipped below $92 per barrel

Paralympic champion Sumit Antil stole the spotlight at the Indian Open Para Athletics 2026 in Bengaluru with a 74.82m javelin throw. Other standout winners included Nishad Kumar in high jump and Deepthi Jeevanji in 400m, showcasing India’s para sports strength

The real challenge today is not whether Muslim women can succeed while wearing hijab, but whether society is willing to respect a woman’s right to define dignity on her own terms