Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A newly installed phone charging station for tourists in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, turned into a dumping ground within hours, with viral footage showing plastic and disposable waste strewn around the facility. The incident has reignited a wider debate online about civic sense and responsibility, as users question why basic public infrastructure is being misused so quickly.
Police in Sydney allege a shocking triple murder after the bodies of parents Charles Feng and Ruvena Lam and their youngest son Justin were found at a Rosemeadow home. Their eldest son, Jacky Feng, has been charged with the murders and the attempted murder of another brother as investigators work to piece together what led to the deaths.
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A four-year-old girl’s rape and murder in Pune has ignited renewed calls for the Shakti Act. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar said the current system is failing, pointing to the accused’s prior arrests and bail. The victim’s father urged politicians to avoid visits until justice is delivered and the accused faces capital punishment.
Authorities in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, have imposed a two-month ban on unauthorised assemblies involving five or more people. The administration says the move is intended to prevent public disturbance and maintain law and order in specific areas. The restriction comes as officials anticipate large gatherings linked to events by recently released AAP MLA Mehraj Malik.
The BCCI has announced squads for India A women’s England tour featuring T20s and ODIs, with Anushka Sharma captaining the T20 side and Harleen Deol leading the ODI team. The board also unveiled India’s T20 World Cup squad, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, along with a separate squad for a one-off Test against England.
Gas prices across the US have climbed faster than expected. The national average rose by 27 cents in a single week to $4.446 on May 3, the highest level in four years. Oil prices pushed above $100 per barrel, and states including California and Texas are seeing especially sharp increases at the pump.
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New research suggests great white sharks aren’t always the ocean’s top predators. Killer whales, or orcas, are increasingly recorded encountering sharks worldwide, and sharks are often seen adjusting their behavior to avoid them. Scientists say this isn’t panic—it’s a calculated survival strategy. The result: a shifting predator-prey relationship that’s more complex than expected.
The Press Information Bureau has dismissed viral claims that coal shortages will trigger a nationwide power crisis and grid failures. In its clarification, PIB said India’s power supply remains robust, capable of meeting national demand. It noted that on May 2, 2026, peak demand reached 229 GW and was fully met without any shortage, calling the posts “misleading.”
Miners in Alberta uncovered a remarkably complete fossil of Borealopelta markmitchelli, preserved with skin and armor. Scientists say the fossil’s posture and fine details, including a clear countershading pattern, point to camouflage as a key survival tactic. The discovery is reshaping how researchers understand prehistoric appearance and the layered defense strategies of armored dinosaurs.
Amid intensifying Iran tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to buy advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35 and F-15IA jets. The move is paired with a major investment push to strengthen Israel’s domestic defence industry, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Netanyahu also referenced next-generation “blue and white” aircraft built using homegrown Israeli technology.
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Rain, strong winds, and dust storms battered Chandigarh and parts of Punjab and Haryana on Sunday, sharply lowering temperatures. The disruptions triggered power outages, uprooted trees, and injured a local industrialist in Hoshiarpur. While the morning conditions brought chaos, skies cleared in the afternoon, bringing some relief from the heat.
In 1909, Smithsonian secretary Charles Doolittle Walcott, riding through Canada’s Yoho National Park, discovered the Burgess Shale after encountering strange black shale. The find exposed extraordinarily preserved soft-bodied organisms, transforming understanding of the Cambrian period and early life’s evolution. Even today, the site remains a key fossil window for researchers studying how complex organisms first appeared.
Srinagar is undergoing major repairs and beautification ahead of the return of the Darbar Move, a long-running government tradition. Roads and walkways are being repainted and restored, and the Civil Secretariat is set to reopen on Monday. The shift moves administration between Jammu and Srinagar, dating back to 1872 before being paused and now revived.
Once a Bollywood actress who debuted alongside Salman Khan, Pooja Dadwal now runs a small tiffin service from a Mumbai chawl. After a severe tuberculosis diagnosis and serious financial strain, Khan reportedly helped fund her medical treatment. A brief return to acting didn’t last, but she continues building a steady life beyond the spotlight.
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India’s women’s cricket team has been thrown a curveball ahead of the T20 World Cup in England after Amanjot Kaur picked up an injury. Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the team is still on the right track, training in Bengaluru and building on strong past shows against England. Jemimah Rodrigues added that the squad is determined to add more World Cup titles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti after its OptoSAR satellite entered orbit, combining electro-optical imaging with radar in a world-first design. The data is expected to support defense, agriculture, and disaster management. GalaxEye also plans to build a constellation of 10 satellites by 2030 to boost India’s earth observation capabilities.
As India’s AI and cloud sectors surge, water management is emerging as a new pressure point. Researchers say these fast-growing technologies could drive large annual water demand, intensifying local resource stress. The Centre, however, insists industry is deploying advanced cooling systems to cut both water use and energy consumption, aiming to balance growth with sustainability.
The Health Ministry has released a guidance document for childhood diabetes, creating India’s first standardized national framework covering screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. The move integrates childhood diabetes care into the public health system and places India among a limited set of countries that have already built such structured pathways for better outcomes and continuity of care.
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Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has warned India’s government to take responsibility for her safety at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. She fears biased officiating, alleging it may be influenced by former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat, preparing for a comeback, is calling for a genuinely fair environment and accountability if anything goes wrong.
Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn says its second-generation low-Earth orbit satellites have been launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from California. The move marks Foxconn’s newest attempt to break beyond hardware manufacturing and into space technology, signaling deeper investment in satellite systems and next-stage deployment plans for its LEO constellation ambitions.
Congress has demanded the withdrawal of a circular that raises Haj airfare by Rs 10,000 for pilgrims. The party alleges the Modi government has made the pilgrimage unaffordable for average Indian families. The Haj Committee of India attributed the one-time revision to rising global fuel prices, but Congress is urging immediate rollback and longer-term structural changes.
Delhi plans to roll out a fully digital, time-bound system for traffic challans. E-challans will be issued within three days, while citizens will get 45 days to pay or challenge online. Delays could trigger vehicle service restrictions, and habitual offenders facing multiple violations may see licence suspension.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a 1 pm to 4 pm work break for labourers and outdoor workers during the ongoing heatwave. The government will also set up hospital cooling zones and distribute free ORS to high risk groups. Officials say the measures aim to reduce heat-related illness as temperatures remain dangerously high.
During NASA’s historic Artemis II lunar flyby, Commander Reid Wiseman’s crew made an unexpected choice: naming a moon crater after his late wife, Carroll Taylor. Wiseman said it wasn’t the plan, but the gesture felt right. His daughters watched the moment from Mission Control, as the mission also shattered distance records and grabbed mainstream attention.
Olympian Vinesh Phogat has made a major disclosure in the sexual harassment case against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying she is among the six complainants who filed a complaint. The wrestler’s revelation adds weight to the allegations and keeps focus on what victims reported and when, as the case continues to draw national attention.
India has set a Guinness World Record by unfurling the largest national flag underwater at Radhanagar Beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The feat involved 223 divers working in perfect coordination to handle the massive flag beneath the surface, with organizers calling it proof that India can redefine milestones and push limits even underwater.
Spacetech startup GalaxEye has successfully launched its first Earth observation satellite, Mission Drishti, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. Built over five years, the 190 kg spacecraft pairs electro-optical and SAR sensors to capture high quality imagery in all weather, day or night. The company says it will sell satellite data to clients worldwide.
Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK has alleged that the BJP is planning to orchestrate disruptions on May 4, including at vote counting centres and other sensitive locations. The party has urged election authorities to introduce preventive measures to protect public order and ensure the counting process remains fair and secure across the state.
West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged a “grave violation” of election protocols, claiming officers are disclosing their counting-day duties to associations. BJP MP Saumitra Khan raised similar concerns, warning it could enable undue influence or intimidation. Ahead of May 4 vote counting, security has been intensified outside strongrooms in Kolkata.
Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye Space Solutions has launched Mission Drishti on a SpaceX Falcon, aiming to deliver advanced optoSAR imaging. The mission is being billed as a world first, leveraging a hybrid approach that pairs optical imaging with radar capability. That mix could improve Earth observation by working through cloud cover and varying weather conditions.
Lodha Developers says it aims to nearly 2.5x its annual net profit to over Rs 8,500 crore by FY31, driven by sustained demand for homes and commercial spaces. The company points to a strong development pipeline and market position, banking on the Indian housing market’s long-term expansion.
The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, has entered its third month with no arrests. Investigators say Nancy was taken against her will from her Tucson home. Now, retired FBI profilers are floating a “stalker” theory—suggesting the abduction could be connected to Savannah, with the attacker using Nancy as an entry point.
Diljit Dosanjh opened up at his Calgary stop on the Aura World Tour about faith, detachment, and why death doesn’t worry him. He spoke of completing his duties and focusing on love and forgiveness, saying he holds no animosity toward anyone. Fans are reacting online as his next film Main Vaapas Aaunga gears up for a June 12 release.
Leaders in Assam and West Bengal are urging voters to be cautious about exit poll predictions after RJD’s Manoj Jha questioned the methodology and sample size behind the surveys. With some polls projecting a BJP win and others labeled commercialized, voters are being told to wait for the official results on May 4.
OPEC+ is reportedly set to approve its third oil supply increase since disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz. With U.S.-Iran tensions threatening key Gulf routes, the move could be largely symbolic as exports face severe constraints. Oil prices have already jumped, and analysts warn of potential jet fuel shortages and further global inflation pressure.
Formula One is moving toward V8 engines, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem saying the sport expects the change by 2031 and maybe as early as 2030. The plan comes after today’s V6 hybrid era, aiming to cut complexity while making the cars sound louder. The timeline could accelerate if manufacturers sign off.
A high court-appointed panel has flagged two cement companies in Meghalaya for allegedly transporting over 2.93 lakh metric tonnes of coal without mandatory approvals. The committee says the coal movement lacked essential documents and weekly returns, suggesting a serious breach of state norms. It recommends tougher enforcement and improved tracking to prevent illegal coal movement across Meghalaya.
Tamil Nadu is set for election results on May 4, with a record 443 women contesting Assembly seats. While female representation in the state has seen both peaks and setbacks over the years, gender parity in politics remains uneven. The outcome will reveal whether this surge translates into more women lawmakers and a more representative government.
The Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla are set to acquire a controlling 75% stake in the Rajasthan Royals in a deal valuing the IPL franchise at about $1.65 billion. The transaction also brings ownership of associated teams in South Africa and the Caribbean, and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
Manali’s tourist season is picking up fast, with hotel occupancy reported at up to 80%. Visitors are being drawn by pleasant weather alongside lingering snow, while operators have ramped up preparations for the rush. The surge is also boosting local businesses, as tourists take in the mountains and sign up for adventure activities, fueling optimism for a record run.
Viral posts claimed Deepika Padukone attended a pre-MET Gala 2026 dinner in New York as she reportedly heads toward her second pregnancy. But the circulating pictures have been identified as AI-generated, not real photographs of the actress. The rumours tied to MET Gala May 4 festivities were amplified online despite no verified confirmation.
Global mobile money transactions crossed $2 trillion in 2025, doubling over four years as activity climbed and usage shifted toward everyday merchant payments, which rose 42%. Providers are also rolling out savings and insurance products to improve profitability, even as regulators tighten rules and fraud risks remain a persistent challenge.
The Kerala State Lotteries Department has released the Samrudhi SM-53 lottery results for 03-05-2026. Ticket holders can now match their numbers to prize tiers that include a top prize of ₹1 crore, along with smaller winnings. The department also reiterates transparent steps for checking results and claiming prizes.
Election day tensions spiked in Bhabanipur as TMC workers alleged that a BJP car entered the EVM strongroom, following Mamata Banerjee’s complaint about security. The Election Commission rejected the charge, saying surveillance stayed continuous. With both parties intensifying scrutiny over EVM safeguards, accusations of tampering and malpractice continue to circulate.
A deadly fire broke out early Sunday in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, gutting parts of the stairwell and trapping residents. Nine people died, including a one-year-old child, while 15 others were rescued by the Delhi Fire Services. Authorities are investigating how the blaze started and why it spread so quickly.
Ramkrishna Forgings will begin operations at its Chennai facility in June, launching a foray into forged wheel production. The company aims to build what could become Asia’s second-largest wheel manufacturing unit, backed by an order book of ₹9,635 crore. With FY27 in focus, the move signals a major expansion and growth push for the manufacturer.
Seven year old Ishank Singh has made waves by completing a historic 29km swim across the Palk Strait, becoming one of the youngest ever to do so. Actor R Madhavan praised the achievement and stressed that facing hard challenges early helps build character and inner strength, highlighting the intense training behind the feat.
Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta and opener Priyansh Arya reached out to 62-year-old spectator Krishan Chand, who was injured during PBKS vs LSG on April 19, 2026, in New Chandigarh. The duo extended an invitation for him to attend the team’s Dharamshala match, turning a difficult moment into a hopeful comeback story for a fan.
BJP candidate P C George is confident of winning the Poonjar Assembly seat and says his son Shone George will win in Pala. In a striking claim, he has bet Rs 1 crore on the outcome and expects Kerala to end in a hung Assembly, with the UDF leading. He projects the NDA winning around 11 seats, with results due Monday.
As India’s heatwaves intensify, major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms are stepping up protections for delivery workers. Companies are issuing cooling jackets and gear, setting up shaded or air-conditioned rest hubs, and adding health check-ups and medical support. The move targets the frontline workforce that keeps orders moving during the harsh summer months.
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