Tamil Nadu CM renews calls to scrap NEET after exam cancellation due to alleged paper leak, citing disadvantages for rural and disadvantaged students. The CBI has arrested five individuals, with investigations pointing to a leak originating in Nashik and spreading through coaching networks. Protests intensify nationwide demanding accountability.

A devastating storm swept through five districts of Uttar Pradesh, claiming at least 33 lives and causing widespread destruction. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered immediate relief and compensation for affected families, with district authorities tasked to expedite assistance. Surveys are underway to assess damage to crops, livestock, and homes, as rescue efforts faced disruptions due to the severe weather.

The CBI has arrested five individuals and launched nationwide searches in connection with alleged irregularities and a paper leak for the NEET UG-2026 examination. The investigation follows a complaint from the Union education ministry, with charges including criminal conspiracy and cheating. The NTA had previously cancelled the exam, affecting nearly 23 lakh candidates, due to suspected circulation of leaked questions.

AIADMK's internal conflict escalated as party chief Palaniswami expelled the rebel leaders. These leaders had backed Tamil Nadu CM Vijay during a crucial trust vote on the assembly floor. The move follows accusations of weakening the party's anti-DMK stance and exploring alliances. This leadership struggle intensifies ahead of future elections.

Uttarakhand's chief minister announced fuel and energy conservation measures, including reducing official vehicle fleets by 50% and observing a weekly 'No Vehicle Day'. The state will also promote electric vehicles, restrict foreign travel, and encourage domestic tourism and reduced oil consumption through public awareness campaigns.

Former Army chief General (retired) Manoj Mukund Naravane has endorsed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's call for increased people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan. Naravane believes stronger citizen ties can improve bilateral relations between the two countries, stating common people share similar concerns and have no stake in politics. Hosabale is the RSS number two after Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat.

AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam criticized party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, alleging continuous electoral setbacks since he assumed leadership after Jayalalithaa's death. Shanmugam highlighted that while the party faced defeats before, Jayalalithaa had the capability to bring it back to power, a feat he claims EPS has failed to achieve, leading to worsening electoral performance.

Prime Minister Modi's austerity drive to cut fuel consumption has prompted a wave of similar measures across the government. Union ministers, chief ministers, and governors are significantly reducing convoy sizes and encouraging public transport. This initiative aims to curb unnecessary travel and promote economical fuel usage nationwide.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's government won a trust vote with 144 MLAs supporting it. Following the victory, Vijay penned an open letter to the public, criticizing the opposition DMK for attempting to undermine his administration. He highlighted his party's electoral performance and commitment to secular values, while accusing the DMK of hypocrisy in coalition politics.

After a decade-long legal battle, the Delhi High Court has ordered the National Medical Commission to provide information on former MCI president Dr. Ketan Desai, sought via an RTI application. The court rejected the NMC's plea to reapply, emphasizing transparency and fairness in disclosing details of a corruption complaint and registration status.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has chosen to keep the Bhabanipur seat and will vacate Nandigram, despite winning both in the recent assembly elections. Adhikari, who previously defeated Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, had challenged her again by contesting from Bhabanipur. He stated his inability to hold MLA positions from two constituencies and has taken his oath from Bhabanipur.

Stanford MBA graduate Sithara Rasheed received the 2026 Stanford Impact Leader Prize for her decade of work in climate finance and innovation. Her efforts at the Rockefeller Foundation, including designing the DART program and leading the eGUIDE initiative, have significantly impacted renewable energy deployment and AI planning in Africa and Asia.

National Investigation Agency has arrested Iqbal Singh alias Shera. He is a wanted narco-terrorist. His extradition from Portugal followed diplomatic and legal efforts. Shera is considered the mastermind in a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror financing case. His arrest is a significant breakthrough in tackling Pakistan-backed narco-terror networks.

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) successfully passed a crucial floor test, securing the support of several parties including a rebel AIADMK faction. This marks the first coalition government led by a new entrant, breaking the decades-long Dravidian political dominance. Vijay's victory solidifies his position as the state's first non-DMK, non-AIADMK chief minister since 1967.

India has successfully extradited fugitive Prabhdeep Singh from Azerbaijan, a key figure in a major international drug investigation. Singh, wanted under an Interpol Red Notice, was brought back by a Delhi Police team. This repatriation, a result of multi-agency efforts, marks a significant win against organized crime and adds to India's growing success in bringing wanted criminals back home.

West Bengal's new BJP government has launched a swift crackdown on illegal toll and drop gates across the state. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal issued the directive, ordering immediate closure of all unauthorized collection points. District administrations are tasked with identifying and removing these illegal operations, with a report due by May 15.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has revoked the appointment of his astrologer, Radhan Pandit, as Officer on Special Duty (Political) following opposition criticism. The decision came a day after the appointment, which had drawn objections that personal beliefs should not influence governance. Pandit, a close aide and party spokesperson, was to assist in political coordination and advisory functions.