Nationwide, over 12.4 lakh chemists are set to strike on May 20, protesting online medicine sales and deep discounts. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists highlights patient safety concerns, citing unregulated sales and potential misuse of prescriptions. They demand the withdrawal of specific government relaxations, fearing the impact on local pharmacies and healthcare access.

Congress leadership is nearing a decision to end Kerala's week-long Chief Minister deadlock after internal party discussions. Senior leaders, including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, are expected to finalize the successor to the Left Front's decade-long rule. The prolonged uncertainty has somewhat dulled the UDF's election victory, with three prominent figures vying for the top post.

Rahul Gandhi registered a strong dissent against the CBI director selection process, calling it a «biased exercise» and a «mere formality.» He alleged the government denied him crucial information, including candidate appraisal reports, preventing a meaningful role. Gandhi stated he would not be a «rubber stamp» and boycotted the meeting.

Responding to Pakistan's warning, Indian Navy chief-designate Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan stated that India is prepared to counter any «misadventure» from across the border, emphasizing that such actions originate from there. He highlighted India's stance against terrorism, particularly from foreign soil, and underscored the Indian Navy's role as the guardian of the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime domain.

RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale stated that every Hindu voter became a Hindu worker in West Bengal, viewing the assembly polls as a civilisational question. He emphasized that the organization faced hurdles and attacks due to its work for Hindus. Hosabale also advocated for people-to-people contact to improve India-Pakistan ties and dismissed calls to eradicate Sanatan Dharma.

Exam nixed for 1st time since NTA took over in 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced his motorcade size, aiming to inspire austerity across the government. The Special Protection Group is implementing this directive, cutting convoy vehicles by half while maintaining security standards. This move, coupled with the PM's call for reduced fuel and gold consumption, signals a broader push for cost-saving measures within ministries and departments.

Public sector oil companies are facing daily losses of Rs 1,000 crore, potentially forcing fuel price hikes soon. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted significant under-recoveries, warning that companies cannot sustain these losses indefinitely. While elections are not the reason for the freeze, a drop in crude prices or reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could offer relief.

The 21st Livestock Census report's release has been postponed to after June due to technical issues in data compilation and validation. This quinquennial exercise, which concluded its data collection in February last year, aims to provide crucial updated figures on livestock and poultry populations for policy decisions.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Enforcement Directorate's plea to cancel the bail of alleged coal smuggling kingpin Anup Majee. While issuing a notice, the court noted the ED's prolonged investigation. Majee, accused in a Rs 2,700 crore scam, claims cooperation, but the ED highlights his accountant's absconding status and alleged payoffs.

Constitutional courts should be extremely reluctant to alter religious practices, a nine-judge Supreme Court bench cautioned. Only the will of the people, expressed through elected representatives in Parliament and assemblies, can bring about reforms in religious customs. The court emphasized that it's impossible to scrutinize every religious practice.

The India Meteorological Department has launched an AI-enabled monsoon forecasting system offering localized weather information up to four weeks in advance for farmers. A pilot service for Uttar Pradesh provides high-resolution rainfall forecasts at 1km resolution for up to 10 days, utilizing advanced AI and observational data.

A protracted property dispute between Sunjay Kapur's mother and wife has prompted the Supreme Court to appoint former CJI D Y Chandrachud as mediator. The apex court noted the legal battle's intensity, comparing it to the Mahabharat. A fresh plea alleges circumvention of a previous order, with the court set to hear the matter further.

Army troops foiled an infiltration attempt in Poonch's Krishna Ghati sector on Tuesday, neutralizing one terrorist approximately 300 meters inside the Indian side of the Line of Control. This incident follows several other thwarted infiltration bids in the Jammu region in recent months, highlighting ongoing vigilance along the LoC.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah weighed in on a liquor ban debate in Jammu and Kashmir, citing his father's 1977 stance that revenue generation was key. He argued that prohibition wouldn't stop consumption, as people would source alcohol from outside. Abdullah also questioned critics' silence when liquor shops previously opened across the region.

Five people have been sent to judicial custody for 25 days. The group includes two Pakistani nationals. This development is part of an NIA case concerning terror activities. Earlier, a grenade and bullets were seized from a suspect in Srinagar. His interrogation led to the arrest of the other four individuals.

Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, claims the National Conference, in league with the BJP, suspended her X account. She alleges this follows her criticism of the NC and the proposed removal of Urdu as a mandatory language. Her Facebook page was also recently deactivated, impacting her political outreach.

India's MEA urged China to consider the reputational damage of backing Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure, following reports of Chinese tech assistance during last year's Operation Sindoor. The ministry stated these reports corroborated existing knowledge, emphasizing that supporting such infrastructure impacts a nation's standing.

The Supreme Court has set aside lower courts' regressive findings, stating a qualified woman's pursuit of her profession and child's welfare cannot be deemed cruelty or desertion. The apex court emphasised that marriage doesn't erase a woman's individuality or subordinate her identity, upholding divorce solely on irretrievable breakdown.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari questioned the effectiveness of Delhi's Environment Compensation Cess (ECC) in tackling air pollution, highlighting that its collection on national highways hinders seamless travel and damages the reputation of road infrastructure projects. He suggested alternative funding mechanisms for municipal bodies, urging the Delhi government to address the issue to alleviate commuter woes.

The India Meteorological Department has launched an AI-enabled monsoon forecasting system and a high-resolution rainfall forecast for Uttar Pradesh. These services will provide precise, location-specific weather information up to four weeks in advance to support farmers and various sectors. The initiative marks a shift towards impact-based forecasting.

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala is struggling to name its chief ministerial candidate over a week after winning the elections. Senior leaders are in Delhi for discussions, with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge expected to make the final decision. Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and K C Venugopal are the frontrunners amidst internal tussle and external criticism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight as West Bengal's new government, led by CM Suvendu Adhikari, began implementing central welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat. This move fulfills a pre-election promise, aiming to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare and seamless execution of key national projects for the state's residents.

An FIR is filed against Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders, including CM Yogi Adityanath, have strongly condemned the comments, calling them an insult to democratic values and demanding action from SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

The CBI has taken over the murder investigation of Chandranath Rath, an aide to Suvendu Adhikari, following a recommendation from the Bengal Police. Rath was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in North 24 Parganas. Three suspects, including an alleged sharpshooter, have been arrested by the CID in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Addressing widespread anemia and malnutrition, Indian agricultural scientists have developed 203 biofortified crop varieties. These nutrient-rich staples, including iron-rich rice and protein-rich wheat, aim to combat deficiencies like «hidden hunger» without altering dietary habits. This initiative, supported by the SEHAT mission, offers a sustainable, low-cost approach to improving public health through everyday food.

The Trinamool Congress has criticized the appointment of former Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal as West Bengal's Chief Secretary by the new BJP government. The party labeled the move «shameless,» questioning the neutrality of the election process after Agarwal oversaw the recent Assembly elections.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured citizens that India is prepared for global supply chain disruptions, with ample petroleum products and robust foreign exchange reserves. He urged fuel conservation to ease the nation's financial burden amid high international crude prices. The government is implementing measures for fuel efficiency and responsible consumption.