India

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

Seven of India’s top-10 most valued companies lost over Rs 2 lakh crore in market value last week amid weak market sentiment. Reliance Industries and TCS led the decline, while select firms like SBI and Hindustan Unilever posted gains

Suriya praised Dhee’s latest single “Vari Vari” as a “timeless song” after meeting her in Colombo. The track, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, explores nostalgia and the search for one’s lost inner child

A parliamentary panel flagged serious lapses by the National Medical Commission for issuing key regulations without vetting by the Ministry of Law and Justice, warning of legal risks and urging strict adherence to mandatory scrutiny procedures

Raghu Rai, Indi’s iconic photojournalist, died at 83 after battling cancer. Known for capturing India’s soul through powerful images of historic events and everyday life, his work shaped visual journalism and remains an enduring record of the nation.

Rahul Gandhi condemned the alleged killing of Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee in Asansol, blaming All India Trinamool Congress for post-poll violence, demanding arrests, justice, and protection for the victim’s family while asserting commitment to non-violence and democratic values

The Russian Embassy in New Delhi organised a cleanliness drive under its “We Stand for Cleanness” campaign, aligning with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Diplomats and staff participated to promote environmental awareness, civic responsibility, and India-Russia cooperation on sustainability and public cleanliness initiatives

The Union Home Ministry sanctioned over Rs 947 crore for relief and rehabilitation of nearly 59,000 people displaced by Manipur’s ethnic violence since May 2023. With 217 deaths and widespread damage, efforts now focus on resettlement, housing, and restoring normalcy

A Rs 7.31 crore fraud was exposed at Canara Bank’s Jalna branch involving stolen gold loan ornaments replaced with fake jewellery. Two arrests were made, with staff and a gold appraiser accused of fraud, negligence, and conspiracy under investigation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Beating Retreat ceremony in Mann Ki Baat, highlighting its cultural transformation, digital preservation, and growing Indian musical influence. noted enhanced Armed Forces performances, indigenous themes, OTT availability, and immersive archives celebrating Republic Day traditions

Blackbuck have returned to Chhattisgarh’s plains after local extinction, thanks to a five-year revival program in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary using translocation and habitat management. PM Modi praised wildlife conservation successes including Great Indian Bustard breeding and community-led human-elephant conflict mitigation

Grok AI’s viral response to a hypothetical political preference question on X sparked debate, appearing to favour data-led governance under PM Narendra Modi over Congress’ dynastic politics, highlighting development metrics like infrastructure, Digital India, UPI growth, and economic rise, igniting the “data over dynasties” discussion 

Narendra Modi hailed the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam achieving criticality as a historic milestone. The indigenously built reactor boosts India’s nuclear programme and long-term energy security through advanced fuel generation technology