A devastating fire swept through a coaching-cum-gaming zone in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 12 young students. Fourteen fire tenders battled the blaze that erupted around 3 pm. While authorities are investigating the exact origin, the incident has sent shockwaves through the city, with many others reportedly injured in the tragedy.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Iran's deputy defense secretary Ghadir Nezamipour in New Delhi, discussing the Middle East's security landscape, BRICS cooperation, and bilateral ties. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting, which India is hosting. Discussions also touched upon global challenges, terrorism, and the evolving nature of security threats.

A tragic industrial accident at Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility has claimed at least 13 lives, including Indian nationals, and injured 66. The blast at the Barzan gas supply facility, ruled an accident, occurred Sunday night. Despite the incident, Qatar's energy minister assured that domestic needs and LNG exports remain unaffected, though repairs will take time.

Rajasthan ATS apprehended a woman in Jaipur for alleged ties with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and other anti-national elements. Investigations revealed her social media accounts and phone contained objectionable content and links to foreign profiles, including those displaying extremist symbols. She reportedly converted to Islam after guidance from a Pakistan-based Mufti and was allegedly being prepared for travel to Pakistan. Booked under UAPA, she is in ATS custody.

A devastating fire swept through a coaching-cum-gaming zone in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 12 young students. Fourteen fire tenders battled the blaze that erupted around 3 pm. While authorities are investigating the exact origin, the incident has sent shockwaves through the city, with many others reportedly injured in the tragedy.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has accused Delhi Police of obstructing protesters at Jantar Mantar, demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation over the NEET-UG paper leak. Dipke alleged police are using Aadhaar card checks to deter participants and highlighted the lack of basic facilities, including water supply to restrooms, for demonstrators. The protest has entered its third day.

India is set to launch its first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell train on the Jind-Sonipat route, joining an elite group of nations. This 10-coach train, powered by a 1200kW engine, emits only water vapor, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels. A dedicated hydrogen storage and refueling facility is operational in Jind, with maintenance planned in Delhi. This move significantly bolsters India's green mobility and net-zero emission targets.

Protesters at Jantar Mantar, led by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, are demanding the restoration of water supply and better facilities amidst their sit-in over the NEET-UG paper leak. Dipke also criticized police for questioning those donating supplies. The group, seeking compensation and the Education Minister's resignation, vows to continue their protest until their demands are met, highlighting widespread public support for the cause.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has strongly criticized six Lok Sabha MPs who are reportedly shifting allegiance to the Eknath Shinde faction. Thackeray accused them of betraying voters' mandate and selling their loyalty for political gain, calling their actions a 'shocking example of dirty politics.' The move deepens the internal crisis for Uddhav Thackeray's party, with disciplinary action anticipated against the absent MPs.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has strongly criticized the BJP, dubbing the recent defection of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to Eknath Shinde's faction as «Operation Keechad.» He questioned the BJP's motives behind allegedly «stealing» MPs from opposition parties, suggesting it could be an attempt to alter the constitution. This move follows a similar setback for the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, where several MPs also shifted allegiance.

Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are officially joining the Eknath Shinde-led faction today, significantly boosting the ruling party's strength in the Lok Sabha. This move marks a major blow to Uddhav Thackeray's party, with the rebels citing ideological differences and proximity to Congress as reasons for their departure. The split intensifies political turmoil, as the Shinde camp welcomes the MPs, continuing its 'Operation Tiger'.

All IITs Placement Committee has asked students to remove entrance exam credentials like JEE ranks and GATE scores from resumes, following concerns that recruiters may infer general or reserved category of students based on ranks.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination took place without any issues across the country, ensuring tight security measures were in place. There were no reports of paper leaks, boosting officials' confidence in the examination's integrity. With over 2 million students participating, results are expected to be released earlier than initially thought, following the cancellation of the May 3rd exam over leak suspicions.

The CBSE has begun releasing Class 12 verification and re-evaluation results, covering over 87% of applications. This follows student concerns about potential answer sheet mismatches with their handwriting, raising transparency issues. The board assures a robust system and urges students to rely on official communications, with remaining results to be announced soon via DigiLocker.

A tragic incident at a prawn farm in Tiruvallur district has resulted in the loss of seven lives due to an ammonia gas leak, leaving many workers gasping for air. K Annamalai, the former BJP Tamil Nadu president, has demanded a comprehensive investigation and accountability for any negligence. In response, the state government has initiated a three-member committee to examine the circumstances, with updates anticipated shortly.

Latest data reveals a significant gender disparity in marital status, with 3.5% of the population widowed, divorced, or separated in 2024. Women disproportionately represent this group at 5.4% compared to men's 1.6%, highlighting unique challenges. Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, show the highest percentages for both the general population and women in this category.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor faced internal party criticism for his remarks on Kashmir's progress towards normalcy and for praising PM Modi's stance on civilian sailors' safety. Critics questioned his engagement with party members and ground realities in Kashmir, while another party leader sarcastically questioned his interpretation of Modi's statements. Tharoor defended his comments, citing widely published reports and emphasizing concern for Indian lives.

Uddhav Thackeray has declared his faction as the sole Shiv Sena, countering Union home minister Amit Shah's statement. Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle his party and poach its leaders, contrasting this with the Congress, with whom his party fought for decades but was never targeted for destruction. This comes after the Election Commission recognized Eknath Shinde's group as the official Shiv Sena.

On rebel MPs statement they have the requisite twothird numbers — threshold required to be exempt from the law and retain membership of the House — he said that “the merger will be accepted only when two-third of the political party merges with another political party and not just legislative party”.

The investigation into alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple funds has escalated, leading a Special Investigation Team to restrict trust and temple officials from exiting Ayodhya. As discrepancies surface, investigators are meticulously analyzing donation records, which include valuable items. They are also reviewing large transactions from the Maha Kumbh festival, when considerable contributions were made, along with examining land acquisitions and material procurement associated with the temple project.

Nihangs have taken a gurdwara manager hostage in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, demanding the release of four members arrested after a clash in Karnaprayag. The group, armed with traditional weapons, occupied the gurdwara roof, raising slogans. The incident stems from a dispute over parking that escalated into violence, leading to the arrests. Authorities are negotiating for their descent while investigating the initial clash.