K V Rabiya, a social worker and literacy champion from Kerala, has died at 59. Despite battling polio, she launched a literacy campaign in 1992. Rabiya empowered many through education. She received the Padma Shri in 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her death. Her organisation, Chalanam, focused on education and rehabilitation.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Prime Minister Modi, after briefings from the Air and Navy Chiefs. Modi granted the armed forces complete operational freedom to respond, vowing a crushing blow to terrorism. Evidence of cross-border links was presented during a Cabinet Committee on Security briefing.

The Border Security Force is set to bolster its operational capabilities with 16 new battalions, adding approximately 17,000 personnel. This expansion follows initial approval and includes establishing forward headquarters for western and eastern commands, overseeing the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. The move addresses heightened security concerns, particularly after political shifts in Bangladesh and recent terror attacks.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited riot-affected Murshidabad, accusing the BJP-led Centre of instigating communal tensions. She alleged the BSF's actions escalated the violence and accused the BJP of forcibly relocating victims to prevent them from meeting her. Banerjee also criticized the NHRC's swift response to Murshidabad, questioning their absence in Manipur and Uttar Pradesh, suggesting a pre-planned conspiracy.

President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, assuring Russia's support in combating terrorism and emphasizing the need for justice. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Russia partnership.

The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition questioning Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship. A BJP worker from Karnataka, S Vignesh Shishir, filed the petition. He alleged Gandhi possessed dual citizenship, making him ineligible to contest elections. The court had previously granted the Home Ministry time to verify information from the UK.

The Supreme Court reprimanded a petitioner for filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking tourist safety in hilly areas from terrorist attacks, deeming it a publicity stunt without genuine public concern. The court questioned the petitioner's motives and cautioned against demoralizing security forces with frivolous PILs, highlighting the judiciary's lack of expertise in terror investigation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani, expressing gratitude for Japan's support following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nakatani condemned terrorism and affirmed Japan's commitment to combating it with India. He highlighted the frequent meetings between the defence ministers, underscoring the strengthened India-Japan defence relations and their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai defended his oy Rafale jibe, clarifying it was to urge action against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack. Rai criticized the Defence Minister's symbolic gestures during the Rafale acquisition, demanding concrete action. BJP leaders strongly condemned Rai's remarks, accusing him of undermining military morale and aiding Pakistan, sparking a political controversy.

Sanjay Raut praised Rahul Gandhi's response regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, calling him a clean-hearted politician who accepts mistakes. Raut highlighted the significance of Gandhi taking responsibility, even for events before his political involvement.

The Supreme Court dismissed Sultana Begum's plea to reclaim the Red Fort, deeming her claim as the widow of Bahadur Shah Zafar IIs great-grandson misconceived and meritless. The court questioned why only the Red Fort was being claimed and not other historical sites. Begum argued her family was wrongfully deprived of the fort after the 1857 war of independence.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Arshad Madani questioned the practicality of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, highlighting the river's age-old flow. This follows the government's decision after the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan's strong condemnation, with some officials even terming it an act of war. Pakistan vows to retaliate against any construction on the Indus River.

BJP leaders have strongly criticized Congress, accusing them of demoralizing the Indian armed forces after Ajay Rai's oy Rafale jet comment was amplified by Pakistani media. The BJP alleges a conspiracy to undermine the army's morale, with Shehzad Poonawalla calling it a deliberate act of cooperation with Pakistan.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district discovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from a destroyed terrorist hideout, including IEDs and wireless sets. This discovery follows a recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting heightened security measures across the state with increased checkpoints and deployments.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, acknowledging BJP's role in his initial rise to power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has pledged his unwavering commitment to the NDA alliance. He attributed his past departures to party colleagues, specifically pointing to Lallan Singh's influence.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has completed only 21.3% of its drain desilting work by April 25, falling short of its May 31 deadline. Out of 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of silt targeted for removal, only 27,000 MT has been cleared from major drains. Residents report no desilting in their areas, leading to concerns about potential waterlogging during the monsoon season, further exposed by recent downpours.

A major fire erupted in a six-story leather factory in Kanpur's Chaman Ganj on Sunday, trapping five family members. Firefighters are battling the blaze as thick smoke billows from the building, causing widespread panic. Chief Fire Officer Deepak Sharma confirmed the incident, and Mayor Pramila Pandey stated that rescue efforts are underway to save those trapped.

In Delhi's Dabri area, an e-rickshaw driver, Rajendra, was arrested after he slashed a cab driver, Gagandeep Singh, in a road rage incident. Singh was attacked with a blade after a minor collision and is currently recovering. Police are investigating Rajendra's background for prior violent behavior. This incident follows another deadly road rage case in Ranhola where a motorcyclist was murdered after a dispute with an SUV driver.

Over 14 lakh candidates await the release of the subject-wise schedule for CUET-UG 2025, which is scheduled from May 8 to June 1. The NTA is yet to announce the exam dates and centre details, causing anxiety among aspirants. City intimation slips and admit cards are expected to be released soon on the official website.

In Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, police rescued sixteen mentally challenged and destitute men from modern-day slavery, some held for as long as two decades. They were trapped in a brutal exploitation system called 'Rahua,' forced to work long hours for mere food and shelter, often alongside cattle.

Despite Congress's claim that PM Modi reversed his stance on caste enumeration due to their pressure, the party highlighted the government's 2021 decision against a caste census and its plea to the Supreme Court to avoid ordering one. Congress is now questioning Modi's apparent U-turn and directing state units to rally for caste census implementation and the removal of reservation barriers.

Odisha government plans to request West Bengal to stop referring to the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, sparking political disputes. Allegations of using Puri temple wood for Digha idols are under investigation, while craftsmen dismiss the claims. Opposition parties criticize the BJP for its handling of the sensitive issue, emphasizing the emotional connection of Odias to Jagannath culture.

In a tragic incident at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur, a third-floor balcony collapsed, resulting in the death of three patients and injuries to two others. Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident, and the state government has announced compensation for the victims' families and the injured. Rescue teams safely evacuated ten patients from the affected medicine ward.

The Supreme Court has affirmed that in gangrape cases, proving each accused committed the complete act of rape isn't necessary for conviction. The court emphasized that if one member of a group commits rape with shared intent, all involved are equally responsible and punishable under Section 376(2)(g) of IPC, highlighting the principle of joint liability based on common intention.

In Andhra Pradesh's Guntur, a group of determined female engineering students are working as janitors and performing other chores at their college to afford hostel fees. Coming from financially challenged backgrounds, these students willingly clean toilets, water plants, and assist in the kitchen to ease the burden on their families and continue their education.

NEET-UG 2025 witnessed a decline in attendance, recording 91.4% with 20.8 lakh candidates appearing out of 22.7 lakh registered, attributed to NTA's stringent checks to eliminate ogus candidates. Enhanced security measures, including mobile jammers and biometric authentication, were implemented across 5,453 exam centers. A centralized control room and coordinated efforts with various ministries ensured real-time monitoring and action against false information on social media.

Amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's envoy in Moscow has requested Russia's diplomatic intervention to de-escalate the situation with India. Ambassador Mohammad Khalid Jamali cited Russia's historical role, referencing the Tashkent Declaration, and its strong ties with both nations as qualifications for mediation.

BJP has praised a Sikh student for questioning Rahul Gandhi about the 1984 Sikh massacre during an interaction at Brown University. The student challenged Gandhi on reconciliation efforts with the Sikh community, citing past Congress actions and impunity for leaders like Sajjan Kumar. BJP criticized Gandhi's response and also attacked him for referring to Lord Ram as a mythological figure during the same event.

Amid escalating tensions, the IAF chief briefed PM Modi on operational readiness, including long-range fighter sorties and heightened air defense. This meeting, following a similar briefing from the Navy chief, underscores India's preparedness for potential punitive strikes against Pakistan. The IAF is conducting regular combat air patrols and increasing operational readiness platforms, with Rafales equipped for swift action.

Ferozepur Cantonment, near the India-Pakistan border, experienced a 30-minute blackout drill reminiscent of the 1971 War. Residents were informed beforehand about the exercise, which involved switching off all lights, including generators. Checkpoints were active, and hooters sounded, creating an atmosphere of emergency. The Cantonment Board stated the drill was a routine safety measure, thanking residents for their cooperation.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai criticized the central government's inaction against the Pahalgam terror attack perpetrators,mocking the Rafale fighter jets as unused and adorned with imbu mirchi. BJP leader CR Kesavan condemned Rai's actions as demoralizing to the armed forces, accusing Congress of disloyalty and attempting to undermine the military's resolve.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured India that a efitting reply will be given to those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre, indicating potential military action against Pakistan. He emphasized PM Modi's leadership and determination to fulfill the people's desires for retribution. This statement follows discussions with the US Secretary of Defence, where Singh highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism.

In 2015, Pramod Kumar of Bulandshahr was sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment by a fast-track court for burning his four-month-pregnant wife, Jaya Devi, to death over dowry demands. Jaya, who was 32 years old, succumbed to her injuries at a Delhi hospital after suffering 85% burns. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 17,000 on the convict, emphasizing the societal implications of the crime.

Punjab's assembly will convene a special session due to a water-sharing dispute with Haryana, triggered by the Centre's directive for Punjab to release additional water. Punjab is resisting, claiming it lacks surplus water, leading to escalated tensions ahead of annual water allocation. Political solidarity is seen in Punjab, while Haryana defends its demand, intensifying the conflict.

Telangana's draft bill on gig workers revives the debate once led by Rajasthan, where a pioneering 2023 law remains stalled. Gig workers in Rajasthan struggle with low earnings and lack of social security, as the promised welfare measures face bureaucratic delays. Amidst this, a cooperative framework and union efforts offer a glimmer of hope for a more equitable future.

Landowners in Pune's Purandar taluka clashed with police during a drone survey for a proposed international airport, resulting in the death of an elderly woman and injuries to many, including police officers. The survey has been indefinitely postponed due to the violence and escalating political controversy. The administration is considering dialogues with landowners to resolve the issue.

Farooq Yasin Mansoor, a key suspect in the 1993 Bombay blasts, has been convicted and sentenced to five years for using a forged passport to enter India from Dubai in 2018. Although he has already served the time as an undertrial, Mansoor will remain in custody due to his ongoing trial in connection to the blasts case.

The Supreme Court will decide on Monday regarding interim orders on petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, concerning its impact on traditional Islamic ties and religious freedom. The Centre defends the Act as secular, countering claims of religious interference and emphasizing the need to prevent misuse of the 2013 amendment, which allegedly led to encroachment on properties.

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose's report to Amit Shah on Murshidabad communal strife suggests President's rule if the situation worsens. The report recommends a judicial inquiry and central intervention. Trinamool Congress criticizes the report as politically motivated. BJP supports intervention due to law-and-order concerns. Congress focuses on ensuring fair elections. The governor visited affected areas after mob violence and suggested CAPF camps in sensitive zones.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized Europe, stating India seeks partners, not hypocritical preachers. He emphasized the need for mutual understanding and sensitivity in international partnerships, particularly regarding differing perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with Pakistan. Jaishankar also advocated for realism in engaging with both Russia and the United States, focusing on shared interests.

The Election Commission of India is set to launch ECINET, a unified platform consolidating over 40 existing election-related apps and portals. This single-point app aims to simplify the user experience for nearly 100 crore electors and 26 lakh other stakeholders by providing easy access to electoral data and services.

CRPF constable Munir Ahmad was dismissed for allegedly concealing his marriage to a Pakistani woman, despite claiming he informed the department and his wife's long-term visa was pending. He appealed to PM Modi and Amit Shah, stating he followed procedures and the High Court acknowledged his wife's stay. Ahmad maintains his wife wasn't overstaying as her LTV application was under consideration.

For ten consecutive days, Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), initiating unprovoked small arms fire at Indian posts across eight sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. The violations occurred despite a recent warning from India and mark a concerning escalation after a period of relative calm following the renewed ceasefire agreement in February 2021.

Following the death of Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, detained during a counter-terrorism operation after the Pahalgam attack, the J&K government is facing calls for a judicial inquiry. Magray's body was found in a river, with police claiming he drowned while attempting to escape. Political figures express concern over alleged custodial deaths and the potential for collective punishment in the region.