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.
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.
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.
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.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated that the central government's agreement to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census is due to pressure, highlighting Rahul Gandhi's advocacy on the issue. Jairam Ramesh criticized PM Modi for a «U-turn» on the caste census, noting the government's prior opposition.
Recent tensions escalate as Pakistan Army initiates unprovoked firing across the LoC, and with Pakistan demanding UNSC consultations. The Supreme Court is set to decide on the Waqf Amendment Act. Meanwhile, US President Trump imposes a 100% tariff on foreign films, citing threats to Hollywood. In sports, Rishabh Pant attributes LSG's defeat to misjudging conditions and costly errors.
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.
The Supreme Court dismissed Sultana Begum's plea to reclaim the Red Fort, deeming her claim as the widow of Bahadur Shah Zafar II’s 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.
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.
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.
Pakistan has requested an emergency meeting with the UN Security Council to address escalating tensions with India, citing concerns over alleged aggressive actions and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The UNSC, under Greece's presidency, scheduled closed consultations for May 5 to discuss the matter.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following a recent student suicide, the third in five months, BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is implementing several measures to support student well-being. These include curriculum revisions, offering exam flexibility for distressed students, and developing a 'Student Wellbeing Dashboard' for personalized support. The institution is also introducing new courses on mental and physical wellness and stress management.
Parameswaran Iyer has been appointed as India's temporary nominee to the International Monetary Fund board, preceding a crucial meeting regarding a $1.3 billion support package for Pakistan. India opposes this funding due to concerns about Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism, particularly after the Pahalgam attack. This appointment follows the dismissal of Krishnamurthy Subramanian.
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.
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.
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.
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, Ferozepur Cantonment conducted a 30-minute blackout rehearsal to assess security readiness. The power outage, accompanied by hooters, was a routine drill, according to Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, who assured residents there was no cause for alarm. Security measures were heightened, with police monitoring anti-social elements and the BSF increasing border patrols.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has submitted a report to the Home Ministry regarding the Murshidabad riots, triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The report warns of radicalisation and militancy in border districts, highlighting administrative failures and a lack of coordination during the violence that resulted in casualties.
Following a missile strike near Tel Aviv, Air India diverted its Delhi-Tel Aviv flight to Abu Dhabi, later suspending the route. Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh met with PM Modi. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi faced questions from a Sikh student in the US regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD chief, has criticized Haryana's demand for more Nangal dam water as a «brazen loot» of Punjab's resources, urging PM Modi's intervention. Badal asserts Haryana unfairly benefits from Punjab's river waters, violating the Riparian principle. He cautions against repeating past injustices and seeks fairness, as Punjab refuses to release more water, citing overuse.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra affirmed Congress's complete support for any governmental action responding to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. The Congress Working Committee has passed a resolution reflecting this united stance. She expressed hope that the Union government would act decisively to avenge the killings of innocent civilians and firmly address Pakistan's support of terrorism.