National News

Veteran actor and producer Sudesh Kumar, known for his roles in 'Saranga' and 'Chhoti Bahen', passed away at 95 in Mumbai. Kumar, who also produced thrillers like 'Uljhan', began his career in theatre before making a mark in films. His wife confirmed his passing after a brief illness. He was born in Peshawar and later moved to Bombay.

The accused is now likely to appeal against the decision in the Bombay High Court. Four others arrested in the case have been remanded to police custody till May 5

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit poll predictions, asserting Trinamool's victory with over 200 seats and accusing the BJP of manipulating markets. She urged counting agents to remain vigilant and not panic over initial postal ballot results. Meanwhile, opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari called for peace and acceptance of the mandate, warning against post-poll violence.

Mr. Gandhi says the controversy exposes the BJP’s anti-women and Manuwadi mindset and questions the party’s commitment to empowering women

Prasoon Joshi, a renowned lyricist and communications expert, has been appointed as the new chairman of Prasar Bharati, filling a crucial leadership gap. His extensive experience in advertising, cinema, and public communication is expected to bring fresh energy and a creative voice to the public broadcaster as it embraces digital transformation and evolving audience tastes.

The ED opposed the bail, citing the gravity of allegations and the ongoing probe

Desperate parents in Gujarat are hiring bouncers to manage teenagers battling severe phone, gaming, and drug addictions. These security personnel, costing up to Rs 65,000 monthly, are deployed 24/7 to prevent violence, substance abuse, and risky behavior, highlighting a growing trend of extreme de-addiction measures.

Two FIRs, reportedly under non-bailable charges, have been filed against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab, shortly after he switched from AAP to BJP. Political leaders from BJP and SAD have decried the move as "political vendetta" and an attempt to intimidate party members. Security was heightened at Pathak's Delhi residence.

A 22-year-old groom was shot dead by three men on a motorcycle during his wedding procession in Jaunpur. The prime accused, Pradeep Bind, allegedly had a rivalry with the victim, Azad Bind, and had threatened him over the marriage. Police have registered a murder case and launched a search for the accused.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a record 85.1% voter turnout in the recent assembly elections, with 4.88 crore citizens casting their ballots. Women voters significantly outnumbered men, continuing a trend from previous years. The Election Commission faced delays in releasing data but assured robust security and transparency for the upcoming vote counting on May 4.

Ahead of Bengal's vote counting, Trinamool and BJP traded accusations over EVM strongroom security. TMC alleged CCTV blackouts in North 24 Parganas, while BJP pointed to alleged unauthorized access and attempted breaches in Salt Lake and Burdwan. Both parties raised concerns about the integrity of the storage facilities.

India has eased foreign investment rules, allowing up to 100% FDI in insurance and relaxing norms for investments from neighbouring countries. Companies with up to 10% Chinese holding can now invest via the automatic route, though entities registered in China itself are excluded. These changes aim to boost capital inflows amidst a weakening rupee.

Tragedy struck at Bargi Dam as a cruise, reportedly launched despite severe wind warnings, claimed 11 lives, including children. Officials revealed forecasts predicted winds far exceeding safety limits for water sports. While other water activities in the state were suspended due to similar alerts, this operation proceeded, sparking criticism and allegations of neglect within the tourism department.

A PhD scholar at IIT-Ropar has accused her supervisor of physical assault and sexual harassment, alleging he punched her after she refused inappropriate demands and threatened her academic future. She claims surveillance was used against her. IIT-Ropar stated action was taken, including forced leave for the faculty member and police referral, while the student awaits an ICC report.

India has successfully tested its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM), boasting a strike range exceeding 1,500 km and speeds of Mach 10. This advanced weapon, capable of evading modern defenses and engaging large targets, significantly enhances India's maritime capabilities. The successful flight test marks a major stride in indigenous defense innovation, bolstering national security and self-reliance.

Bengal's electoral landscape has shifted as the Election Commission cancelled polling in Falta constituency due to widespread EVM tampering. A repoll is set for May 21, making it a unique post-result election. Allegations of threats against villagers and the arrest of a candidate's aides have heightened tensions, focusing attention on the remaining seats to decide the state's next government.

The spike follows a crackdown triggered by a raid at a star hotel at Kadavanthra in March, where eight professionals were arrested with suspected narcotic substances

Hard work can beat any innate talent, says Laxman Nimbargi