Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a protocol order directing officials to welcome MPs and MLAs by standing up and offering water immediately when they arrive at government offices. The move follows repeated complaints from legislators that bureaucrats were not giving them proper attention. Officials are now expected to follow the new etiquette rules strictly during visits to maintain respect and coordination.
India’s senior living market is quietly transforming as retirees move from buying homes to renting them. Longer lifespans and shrinking family sizes are pushing seniors toward flexibility, while experts say renting helps preserve savings. Developers are responding with better quality of life and built-in care, marking a new way older Indians plan to live.
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Congress top leadership has put the Kerala chief ministerial candidate race on hold after meetings with senior state leaders. Party officials warned that supporters must stop public demonstrations and lobbying for the CM pick, saying the high command will decide the candidate after consultations with newly elected MLAs. Leaders have urged loyalists to respect the final decision.
This Sunday, Barcelona face Real Madrid in el Clasico as the Catalans chase a second consecutive La Liga title. Barcelona only need a draw to be crowned champions, but a win would keep them on track for a remarkable 100-point season milestone, turning the match into a high-stakes swing between celebration and records.
TVK chief Vijay’s appointment as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister-designate has sparked major reactions, including from his father. After Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar named Vijay, his father said he is “so happy,” adding that everything he’s done was for his son. He urged Vijay to “do everything for Tamilians,” framing the actor’s political rise as a Tamil people’s win.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said his social work reduces the need for election campaigning, speaking at an award ceremony in Pune. He also pointed to rapid growth in India’s electric vehicle market, noting demand is so high that buyers may wait longer for EVs than for conventional cars.
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WHO chief directly reassured residents in Tenerife as a Dutch-flagged MV Hondius carrying over 140 passengers and crew is set to be evacuated after a hantavirus outbreak onboard. Authorities say the vessel is headed to Spain’s Canary Islands and is expected to arrive at Tenerife early Sunday, with the WHO insisting this is “not another COVID.”
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a Crime Branch probe into the mob lynching of a GRP constable. The constable was reportedly attacked after an allegation of attempting to rape a woman. Majhi said he is deeply concerned and directed strict action against those responsible, urging police to prevent such incidents from recurring. Authorities have arrested 11 people.
Suvendu Adhikari’s political arc spans from being a close aide of Mamata Banerjee to a decisive break with the TMC and a BJP shift in 2020. After beating Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021, his career has been marked by repeated wins as MP and MLA, plus a family legacy that continues to shape his influence.
A 17 year old girl in Telangana has alleged she was sexually assaulted by Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay, at a farmhouse in Moinabad on December 31. Bhageerath denied the claim, saying he is being honey trapped, as the incident sparks intense scrutiny and legal action.
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Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shocking third-round exit at the Italian Open, losing to Sorana Cirstea. The upset lands in a tournament already shaken by Novak Djokovic’s early departure, leaving Jannik Sinner well positioned to extend his Masters 1000 momentum. Coco Gauff advanced, while home favorite Jasmine Paolini was knocked out.
Honasa Consumer said Chief Business Officer Yatish Bhargava has resigned and will exit the senior management team on May 15, 2026. Bhargava cited personal circumstances that need immediate attention. The company did not announce a successor for the role, creating an immediate leadership gap as Honasa navigates its next phase.
Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister in Chennai on Sunday. Vijay, appointed by Governor R V Arlekar, submitted support letters from VCK and IUML. He is expected to move for a vote of confidence by May 13, setting up a fast political test for the new government.
Mamata Banerjee’s chamber chair at the West Bengal Assembly has been moved, with it set to be used by the opposition leader. The new Bengal CM, Suvendu Adhikari, will sit elsewhere as the administration reorganises key arrangements after the government change. The former nameplate outside Banerjee’s chamber was removed and a new one installed for Adhikari.
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Jaafar Jackson’s Michael, released worldwide on April 24, is proving to be a record-breaker. After delivering the biggest ever opening for a biopic, the film is now on track to cross ₹50 crore in India in its third weekend. Internationally, it’s also nearing a major worldwide milestone, expected to pass $500 million soon.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s bid to stay on track in the ISL title race hit a roadblock as FC Goa fought back for a 1-1 draw at PJN Stadium in Margao. Jamie MacLaren gave Bagan the lead early in the second half, but a late equaliser by substitute Ronney Willson Kharbudon ensured honours were shared.
Trinamool Congress has announced its West Bengal Legislative Assembly team ahead of the new session. Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay has been appointed Leader of Opposition, with Asima Patra and Nayna Bandyopadhyay named Deputy Leaders. Firhad Hakim will serve as Chief Whip, as the BJP forms the government following the latest assembly elections.
Ahead of RCB’s IPL 2026 showdown with Mumbai Indians in Raipur, batter Jacob Bethell said the team is focused on the next ball, not past results. He discussed RCB’s dressing-room confidence, his own form, and what it’s like batting alongside Virat Kohli, emphasizing how mental clarity can swing a high-pressure game.
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The Trinamool Congress has suspended three spokespersons for six years after allegations of anti-party remarks following TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Party leaders said the remarks violated party discipline, while show-cause notices were also issued to others for comments critical of leadership and electoral strategy. The move signals tighter control of internal debate post-defeat.
Kerala Congress leaders have asked party supporters to pause public campaigning for the chief minister’s post and immediately remove flex boards backing individual contenders. The move follows discussions with the Congress high command in New Delhi. Party workers across Kerala have started taking down posters and cancelling planned rallies, signaling tighter control of candidate promotion ahead of elections.
ByteDance plans a 25 percent jump in AI infrastructure spending this year, reaching 200 billion yuan, as it expands its AI push. Higher memory chip costs and a focus on domestic AI chips—aligned with Beijing’s pushback against US tech limits—are key drivers. The investment is meant to power its Doubao chatbot, which has drawn significant downloads.
A BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide was murdered in Madhyamgram, and the SIT now believes the attackers had prior knowledge of Chandranath Rath’s seating inside the car. Three people have been detained, and gunmen from outside West Bengal are suspected. Investigators say the assault was swift and professionally planned, and they are examining vehicles used in the escape.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule met with an accident on the Mumbai Pune Expressway after a car reportedly rammed into hers from the side. Sule said everyone was safe and urged commuters to wear seat belts, stay alert, and drive responsibly. She warned that overspeeding and negligence can endanger countless lives, calling highways safer for all a collective duty.
Hezbollah says it carried out a targeted drone attack on Israeli soldiers near Misgav Am in northern Israel, after repeated Israeli strikes hit Lebanon. Both sides reported exchanges of fire, while Israeli forces carried out extensive strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanese authorities also reported casualties from the attacks as tensions continue to escalate.
LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun has backed pace duo Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan to earn a place in India’s team. Arun praised their IPL 2026 performances for Lucknow Super Giants, highlighting how both pacers’ form has stood out in the ongoing season. The endorsement adds fresh momentum to their India ambitions as IPL action continues.
BJD leaders accused the BJP government of turning Odisha into a “disturbed” state, citing recent murders and violence that they say have left common people feeling unsafe. They alleged police inaction and claimed criminals operate with political protection. The BJP counters that culprits are arrested promptly and conviction rates have risen, rejecting the “disturbed state” charge.
Congress says both BJP and AAP rely on intimidation for political advantage, arguing they pressure opponents using state and central enforcement channels. The party claims the BJP allegedly uses agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, while AAP operates through state vigilance bureaus, claiming the two parties are effectively “two sides of the same coin.”
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule’s car was hit by another vehicle on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway while she was travelling from Pune to Mumbai. Sule said she was safe because she was wearing a seatbelt, and used the incident to stress road safety. She pointed to a reckless driver as the cause of the collision.
India Basketball League has announced eight foundation cities for the country’s first professional basketball league. Six of these will compete in the inaugural season planned for early 2027, and fans will help select the final lineup. The league’s mission is to fast-track homegrown talent for major international events including the FIBA Asia Cup and the Olympics.
The Allahabad High Court has overturned a prior single-judge order that sought changes to the CLAT UG 2026 merit list. A two-judge bench restored the Consortium’s final answer key, warning that courts cannot function as appellate authorities over decisions made by academic experts. The ruling is set to influence the counselling process and subsequent admissions timeline for CLAT UG 2026.
National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi alleged that the BJP is pushing India toward a China-style one nation one party system. He said democratic institutions, elections, and federal principles are being reworked to serve partisan interests, raising fears over how opposition voices will be treated. His comments come amid ongoing political speculation within the party and broader national debate.
Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, says the hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship can be contained. She notes the virus needs prolonged close contact to spread, unlike COVID-19, and has a long incubation period of six to eight weeks. That makes isolating passengers early and testing symptomatic cases a key strategy to halt further transmission.
In Mumbai, a couple earning about Rs 40 lakh annually still can’t afford a modest two-bedroom home. The reason is a widening mismatch between rising home prices and take-home pay after high living costs and taxes. With savings squeezed, buyers often face decades-long financial stress to reach homeownership, even with strong incomes.
Two-time Asian Games gold medallist Tajinderpal Singh Toor produced a commanding display at the fifth leg of the Indian Athletics Series in Sangrur, Punjab. He topped the men’s shot put with his best throw of 19.97 metres, turning in a dominant performance on Saturday and reaffirming his form as the series moves forward.
India will host a major summit on May 31 to deepen partnerships with African nations, with discussions spanning economy, trade, health, and technology. Leaders are expected to agree on a fresh roadmap for shared growth, aligning India’s development vision with Africa’s Agenda 2063. The talks aim to translate cooperation into concrete next steps across key sectors.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti condemned “bulldozer justice” in Jammu and Kashmir, saying administration actions in drug trafficking cases punish entire families for crimes committed by individuals. She argued that only those involved should be jailed, while raising concerns about demolition of homes and alleged collective punishment. Mufti also questioned the administration’s conduct, citing broader corruption in recruitment.
As Vijay nears his Tamil Nadu CM oath on May 10, a Lok Bhavan meeting with the Governor has triggered fresh cronyism allegations. Critics claim filmmaker K Venkata Narayana and businessman Vishnu Reddy’s proximity to Vijay could translate into “undue advantage” once he takes power. The controversy adds heat amid ongoing political uncertainty and speculation over government formation.
Punjab Kings are set to discuss Arshdeep Singh’s Instagram reels after alleged protocol breaches during IPL 2026. The move follows new BCCI rules meant to tighten player conduct, with reports suggesting the pacer’s social media activity violated league and board guidelines. Expect a tough internal review as the franchise weighs disciplinary action.
Assam Rifles rescued Olina Ningshen from militants in Manipur’s Kamjong district after a cross border attack. The rescue used multiple teams and included humanitarian help for affected civilians. Security forces apprehended one militant and restored stability, underscoring persistent cross border threats and the urgent need to strengthen border security.
Liverpool were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield, doing little more than edging toward Champions League qualification. The hosts faced boos as the visitors snapped a six-game Premier League losing streak. Enzo Fernandez’s bouncing free kick levelled the match in the 36th minute, turning the momentum after a tense first half.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Governor Anandiben Patel in Lucknow, triggering intense speculation about a possible cabinet expansion. Political circles say the BJP’s recent assembly election momentum has set the stage for reshuffling soon. With the meeting fueling fresh expectations among parties and MLAs, the next move could reshape state governance.
Assam’s new NDA government is scheduled to take oath on May 12, with BJP emerging as the biggest party after winning 82 seats. Sewli Mohilary, wife of BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary, is said to be a contender for a ministerial role. The likely distribution includes one ministerial berth each for BPF and AGP.
Congress says it will launch “yatras” across all 117 Assembly segments in Punjab ahead of next year’s elections. The party claims the campaign will let it directly engage voters, understand local grievances and expectations, and build support. Congress also plans to release a chargesheet targeting the AAP government as the political campaign intensifies.
A viral video from Budgam district in central Kashmir shows a mob in Magam Beerwah repeatedly beating a stray dog with heavy stones and wooden sticks until it dies. The footage triggered widespread outrage online, with animal rights advocates demanding swift action. Police have registered an FIR under the Animal Cruelty Act, signaling possible legal consequences for those involved.
Delhi has been placed on high alert after intelligence flagged a possible terror threat. Security agencies have intensified vigil across sensitive sites, including the BJP headquarters and key government establishments. Alerts point to potential attacks using suicide bombings, vehicle-borne IEDs, shootings, and coordinated strikes. Anti-sabotage checks are underway as preparations tighten.
Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 is set to release on May 21, with strong overseas pre-sales already underway. But at the trailer launch, Mohanlal, along with Jeethu Joseph and the team, dropped a surprising tease that has fans rethinking the franchise’s ending. Many expected Drishyam 3 to be final, yet the “five parts” idea is now in the air.
Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan has steered the chipmaker toward customer-first partnerships, drawing interest from Apple and Tesla and striking a surprising deal involving Elon Musk. The strategy has already pushed Intel’s stock to a record high, raising hopes of a turnaround. But with industry competition intensifying, Tan now faces the bigger test: a real breakthrough in chips manufacturing and performance.
VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan has clarified that the party remains part of the DMK-led alliance. He said VCK’s support for TVK was limited to ensuring government formation in Tamil Nadu, with no further commitments. The statement is aimed at dispelling confusion over VCK’s political alignment as alliance dynamics continue to shift ahead of state events.
Swiggy says food delivery defied LPG crisis fears, with adjusted revenue up 23% year-on-year to ₹2,304 crore and sequential loss shrinking 24.9%. Profitability improved as margins edged higher and incentives were used more selectively. But quick commerce cooled: Instamart’s average order value fell to ₹700, with quarterly gross order value dropping—while Swiggy avoids chasing growth via aggressive pricing.
Punjab Kings will brief players after practice on BCCI’s updated IPL guidelines. The team will collect written compliance signatures, and video posts will be limited to official team social media. The move follows BCCI concerns over hotel guests and players’ online interactions, with new requirements for guests to have written authorization.
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