India

India has extended its ban on Pakistan-operated aircraft from using Indian airspace until May 24, continuing a restriction in place for over a year since the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The move forces rerouting of flights and prolongs bilateral aviation restrictions

Vijay Sethupathi and several Tamil film celebrities cast their votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Prominent actors and directors participated across Chennai, joining voters in the democratic process as polling continues in the 234-member Assembly election

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has stalled after Iran seized vessels, disrupting a key global energy route. Rising geopolitical tensions pushed oil prices above $103 per barrel, while India faces supply concerns but maintains normal fuel operations and diversifies imports

Indian stock markets fell for a second straight session as escalating West Asia tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions triggered risk-off sentiment. Sensex and Nifty dropped around 1%, with broad-based selling across sectors, while rising crude and rupee weakness added pressure

The Calcutta High Court strongly criticised the Election Commission’s restrictions on bike movement before Bengal polls, calling them excessive and potentially abusive of power. The court questioned the justification and asked for evidence, while EC will file an affidavit explaining its decision

Voter turnout reached 78.77% in West Bengal and 70% in Tamil Nadu as of 3 p.m. during ongoing Assembly elections, with strong public participation, long queues at booths, and hundreds of complaints filed with the Election Commission amid multi-phase polling

PM Narendra Modi, campaigning in West Bengal, announced a “10-point guarantee” for women, promising financial aid, safety measures, education support, and welfare schemes if BJP wins. He also attacked TMC over women’s safety, corruption, and accused opposition of blocking the Women’s Reservation Bill

The Supreme Court, under CJI Surya Kant, will launch “Samadhan Samaroh” to promote mediation-based settlement of pending cases. The initiative aims to reduce backlog by resolving over 45,000 identified cases through amicable dispute resolution mechanisms like mediation and Lok Adalats

West Bengal recorded 62.18 per cent voter turnout in the first six hours of the first phase of Assembly polls. While polling remained strong, incidents of violence and a heatstroke death were reported, with leaders expressing optimism over high participation

Indian oil companies are tapping commercial crude stocks as Strait of Hormuz disruptions tighten global supply due to West Asia tensions. Rising freight and insurance costs, strong domestic demand, and falling import volumes are reshaping India’s fuel import and pricing dynamics

Rohit Pawar said no one in Baramati wants a “Pawar vs Pawar” contest in 2029, alleging some political groups are pushing it to weaken the family’s legacy. He commented amid ongoing bypolls and internal NCP factional tensions in Maharashtra

Tamil Nadu recorded 56.81 per cent voter turnout till 1 pm in the single-phase Assembly election. Polling remained steady across constituencies, with Tiruppur leading turnout. Political leaders and film personalities cast their votes as authorities ensured strict monitoring of the process

The Congress accused PM Modi of “moral cowardice” for remaining silent on Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, alleging India’s government has shown undue support for Israel while abandoning traditional pro-Palestinian positions and broader human values in foreign policy

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Modi government for failing to ensure fuel and fertiliser security, alleging declining production, import mismanagement, and farmer distress. He accused the BJP of diversion tactics and cited Murli Manohar Joshi’s remarks on the “Vishwaguru” narrative

A three-generation family of 14 in Chennai voted together at Stella Maris College during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, continuing a family tradition to promote civic participation. They described voting as a shared celebration of democracy and responsibility across generations

A 37-year-old man from Kannur, Kerala, died of suspected heatstroke after collapsing during outdoor work. Amid an ongoing heatwave, authorities have urged people to avoid midday exposure and take precautions. This is believed to be the state’s first heatstroke death this year

India’s ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage market is set to double to $40 billion by 2030, driven by quick commerce and shifting consumption habits. Low per capita intake, rising demand for healthier drinks, and convenience-led purchases are fueling sustained long-term growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Election Commission for largely peaceful first-phase polling in West Bengal, highlighting high voter turnout and enthusiasm. He criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging misgovernance and corruption, while expressing confidence in BJP’s victory in the ongoing Assembly elections

A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam worker was arrested in Tirupattur for secretly recording a vote inside a polling booth and sharing it online. Election officials acted on CCTV evidence, citing violation of voting secrecy rules during Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

India-Africa partnership will signal stability and reliability in a turbulent world, said S. Jaishankar. He highlighted deeper cooperation, capacity building, and shared global vision ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit-IV and expanding strategic engagement

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections saw newlywed couples voting in wedding attire, symbolising civic participation. Polling across 234 constituencies recorded steady turnout as voters chose between major alliances including DMK and AIADMK, alongside emerging parties in a closely contested electoral battle

The Central Board of Secondary Education announced Class 10 second board exams from May 15 to 21, covering core subjects like maths, science, languages, and social science. The optional cycle allows students to improve scores or clear failed subjects

An Andhra Pradesh family tragedy in Tirupati district saw a man allegedly kill his wife and mother before dying by suicide on railway tracks, where his two children also died attempting to save him. Police have launched investigations ongoing inquiry

Delhi Police arrested Rahul Meena for rape and murder of 22-year-old IRS officer’s daughter in Amar Colony. Investigation using stolen phone, hotel Wi-Fi, Instagram chats and CCTV tracked him to Dwarka hotel. Victim was strangled; accused also committed robbery case