West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya sarcastically invited TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee to campaign in Falta ahead of the May 21 repoll, claiming the TMC has been 'sent into exile' by the state's people. Bhattacharya alleged the TMC leadership has disappeared following electoral setbacks and expressed confidence in BJP's victory, urging TMC workers to campaign freely.

The Art of Living's Bengaluru center celebrated its 45th anniversary, honoring founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Dignitaries, including Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and Union Minister Sanjay Seth, attended a special satsang and meditation program. The event highlighted the organization's humanitarian work and Gurudev's efforts to make wellness practices accessible.

A Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region resulted in the death of one Indian worker and injuries to three others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the attack was justified retaliation for Russia's continued assaults on Ukraine. Russia reported intercepting hundreds of drones in one of the largest offensives of the war.

Kerala chief minister-designate V. D. Satheesan has announced his new cabinet, set to be sworn in on Monday. Prominent leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph will be part of the ministry. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been named Speaker, with Shanimol Usman as Deputy Speaker.

Rahul Gandhi fiercely criticized the Modi government, accusing it of failing students across age groups due to the NEET paper leak, CBSE evaluation issues, and a new language policy. He highlighted the uncertainty faced by lakhs of students and demanded accountability from Prime Minister Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling the ministry a 'department of disasters'.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor humorously defended the South Indian dish idli after a viral post compared it to rasgulla dipped in sugar syrup. Tharoor explained the distinct culinary and biological differences, calling idli a «culinary engineering marvel» and a «savoury monolith of South Indian culinary genius.»

Prime Minister Modi warned that global challenges like pandemics, wars, and energy crises could push a large population back into poverty, potentially undoing decades of progress. He highlighted India's «unprecedented» transformation under his leadership, urging the diaspora to join the nation's journey towards becoming a developed country.

Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district is under a massive security sweep following a foiled infiltration bid. Forces are conducting extensive searches across multiple locations after an intruder was neutralized near the Line of Control. Heightened security measures, including stringent vehicle checks, are in place amid unconfirmed reports of a high-profile foreign terrorist presence.

Tragedy struck Rajouri's Mohra village as a 60-year-old man succumbed to suspected food poisoning after consuming a wild vegetable. Seven others, including two young children, were hospitalized following the incident affecting two families. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the severe illness that led to the fatality and hospitalizations.

The CBI has secured 10 days custody of accused Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Both are alleged to be part of a larger conspiracy to obtain and distribute leaked exam papers. Investigators claim a senior teacher leaked Biology questions, while a retired professor was involved in the question paper setting panel.

Amidst the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, the government has appointed four new officials to key positions within the National Testing Agency (NTA). The CBI continues its investigation, recently arresting a senior teacher from Pune identified as a key source of leaked Biology questions. Protests and legal challenges are escalating, with demands for accountability and the NTA's dissolution.

India has once again rejected the Court of Arbitration formed under the Indus Waters Treaty. The External Affairs Ministry stated that India never recognized the court's establishment. Any proceedings or awards from this court are considered null and void. India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains unchanged.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his attack on the Centre regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. He is demanding the immediate removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The National Testing Agency cancelled the examination due to evidence of question paper circulation. The Central Bureau of Investigation is investigating the matter. The exam will be re-conducted on June 21.

Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan and senior leader KC Venugopal dismissed reports of internal feuds, asserting that all organizational and cabinet decisions are made jointly through consultations. The oath-taking ceremony for the new Congress-led UDF government is scheduled for May 18, with cabinet formation discussions underway.