QUICKREADS

Karnataka polls: Communities seek plum portfolios for leaders
As the Congress struggles to agree on who should take the chief minister's post in Karnataka, community leaders are already demanding cabinet berths. The Muslim community has asked for the deputy chief minister post and five key portfolios, while the Lingayat community, which helped the Congress win 38 of the 51 seats it contested, is also calling for appointments. The Congress is likely to offer senior Lingayat leaders important portfolios to retain the community's support.

Mock drill will check readiness of security systems in Bengal: Official
The West Bengal government will conduct a seven-day mock drill to test security systems in response to rising tensions with Pakistan. The drills will involve activating over 90 sirens in Kolkata and training security personnel, civic volunteers, and local organizations. The initiative aims to enhance preparedness for emergencies and ensure public safety amidst potential threats.

BJP targets migrant voters; to send team to 150 districts to woo them
BJP plans to reach out to three crore migrant Bihar voters across 150 districts, mobilizing 150 leaders to motivate them to return and vote in upcoming assembly elections, as part of their 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' strategy.

Bihar to conduct civil defence mock drills in 7 cities including Patna
Bihar will conduct a civil defence mock drill in seven cities, simulating a blackout during an air raid scenario. Power will be suspended for 10 minutes, with sirens alerting citizens. The exercise aims to enhance emergency preparedness and public awareness.

State Cabinet decision: Adani Power to set up 1600 mw thermal plant in U.P.
Adani Power will set up a 1,600 MW thermal power plant in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, under a 25-year agreement. The state cabinet approved purchasing 1,500 MW of electricity at Rs 5.383 per unit, addressing future power demand by 2030.

Mayawati meets ECI officials in Delhi to discuss electoral reforms
BSP leader Mayawati met Election Commission officials in Delhi to discuss electoral reforms, part of the ECI's initiative to engage with political parties and gather suggestions for strengthening the electoral process.

U.P. govt gears up for launch of Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan
U.P. government expands Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan statewide after successful pilot in eight districts, improving child and maternal nutrition. 65% of severely malnourished children recovered, with enhanced health monitoring and targeted nutritional interventions.

U.P. Cabinet approves transfer policy for 2025-26
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approves 2025-26 transfer policy, mandating transfers by June 15, focusing on filling vacancies in aspirational districts. Employees with three years in one district will be shifted, with maximum transfer limits for different staff groups. Transfers after June 15 require ministerial approval.

IAS Kaushal Raj Sharma goes to inter-cadre deputation to Delhi
IAS officer Kaushal Raj Sharma transfers from UP to Delhi's AGMUT cadre for three years, following his long stint in Varanasi and proximity to PM Modi's office, with potential high-level Delhi government posting anticipated.

Indian pacer Mohd Shami receives death threat; ₹1 cr ransom demanded
Indian cricketer Mohd Shami received a death threat email demanding Rs 1 crore from sender Rajput Sindhar. His brother filed a police complaint, and authorities are investigating the cyber threat through the crime branch.

Use cow dung paint in all buildings of livestock department: Minister
Uttar Pradesh's livestock minister mandates cow dung-based paint for all department buildings, following CM's directive. The move aims to promote cow-based products, improve shelter conditions, and support stray cattle management initiatives.

Fighting breast cancer: CDRI mechanism set to increase treatment efficacy
CSIR-CDRI researchers developed magnetic nanoparticles that enhance anti-cancer drug effectiveness, target cancer cells specifically, reduce toxicity, and supplement iron while stimulating immune response for breast cancer treatment.

Man forges papers in a bid to beat Thai ban, nabbed at Lko’s CCSIA
A 39-year-old man was arrested at Lucknow airport for forging identity documents to bypass a Thai travel ban. He created a new passport and Aadhar card to re-enter Thailand after being previously barred for illegal work.

Case against Kangana Ranaut dismissed by Agra court
Agra court dismissed a case against BJP MP Kangana Ranaut filed by a lawyer over farmers' agitation comments. The court found no evidence of crime and noted procedural lapses in the complaint under Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita.

Tripura CPM slams edu dept over seminars on cows in schools, calls it RSS ploy
Tripura's Education Department faced criticism from CPI(M) for a letter allowing cow-related seminars in schools, alleging RSS indoctrination. The department emphasized school management's discretion in hosting workshops about cow benefits, with no financial support.

First Dudhwa Fest in Nov: DTR to be stage for global audience, renowned artistes in line-up
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve hosts first festival in November, featuring renowned artists like Shubha Mudgal and Kailash Kher. Event showcases cultural heritage, wildlife, and Tharu traditions, offering camping, homestays, and safaris to over 2,000 expected visitors.