Karnataka Poll: BJP, Cong plan to keep flock together, approach independents on eve of counting day

India's ruling BJP and opposition Congress party are holding strategy meetings ahead of the counting of votes for the Karnataka state assembly on 15 May. Most exit polls predict a tight race between the two parties, with the possibility of a hung assembly. Both parties are expected to reach out to independent candidates who may win, while the Janata Dal (Secular) is also believed to be making efforts to keep its MLAs together to play a role in the formation of the new government. Karnataka recorded its highest-ever voting percentage of 73.19% in the recent election.

State announced schedule for FYJC online admission statewide

Maharashtra State Board announces FYJC online admission starting May 19. Students can register through an official portal, select colleges digitally, and complete admission in four rounds plus a merit-based final round. No manual entries allowed, ensuring a transparent process.

Cop suspended for violating protocol while booking, arresting doctor

Mumbai police suspended senior inspector Ravindra Katkar for registering an FIR and arresting Dr. Atul Wankhede without following protocols, after questioning his actions regarding an alleged forged degree case and procedural violations.

BMC polls will decide Thackeray’s future, bring back power to citizens

Supreme Court ordered Maharashtra local body elections, crucial for Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray's political survival. BMC polls will restore citizen governance, with parties battling for control of Mumbai's richest civic body after three years of administrative rule.

Mock drills planned in 8 districts, largest in Cross Maidan

Maharashtra will conduct extensive civil defense mock drills in eight districts, including Mumbai, preparing citizens for potential war scenarios through sirens, safety guidance, and strategic location exercises at key sites like Cross Maidan.

RWA polls remain elusive in many Noida, Gr Noida sectors

RWA elections remain stalled in many Noida and Greater Noida housing societies, with delays spanning years due to administrative apathy, internal disputes, and lack of accountability despite district administration directives.

Coming soon: Longer trains from CSMT

Central Railway plans to demolish an office building at CSMT to extend platforms 5 and 6, enabling 15-car trains. This will increase train capacity by 25%, with platform extensions to accommodate more services on the Main Line corridor.

“Deva Bhau” tattoo helps Thane rural police identify the victim, crack murder case

Police cracked a murder case using a "Deva Bhau" tattoo to identify victim Ashok Sukhdev. Two contract killers, hired by Sheetal Fodse, were arrested for killing Sukhdev after he pressured her about marriage.

Pune hyacinth menace: After 2 months, environment dept clears only 5 of 43 water bodies

Pune's environmental department has cleared only 5 of 43 water bodies infested with water hyacinth, causing significant mosquito breeding concerns and public health risks in the city's rivers and lakes.

Man who opened bank accounts for cyber frauds arrested

A 35-year-old man was arrested for opening bank accounts for cyber frauds, specifically involving a freelance consultant who was duped of ₹1.62 crore through a fake online trading scheme promising high returns.

State to spend ₹4,820 cr to develop religious sites

Maharashtra will invest ₹4,820 crore to develop religious sites, including Tuljabhavani Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Ashtavinayak Temples. A dedicated authority will oversee the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela, expecting increased devotee participation.

Metro, buses will not be impacted by drill, say officials

Delhi's city-wide mock security drill at 50+ locations on Wednesday will not disrupt metro, bus, or airport services. Transport officials confirm normal operations will continue, with minimal impact on commuters across the city.

3 dead in Gulmohar tree collapse

During heavy Mumbai rains, a Gulmohar tree collapsed on a moving rickshaw in Kalyan, killing the driver and two passengers. Emergency services rescued the victims, who were later pronounced dead at the hospital.

RWAs, traders confused, say they don’t know what the drill entails

A multi-location emergency drill in Delhi's malls, markets, and residential areas will test public response, with officials deliberately keeping details vague. Traders and RWAs are preparing, focusing on minimizing panic and ensuring readiness for potential scenarios.

Ludhiana: PAC, city’s green activists decry proposed carcass plant at Garhi Fazal

Green activists and PAC oppose a proposed carcass processing plant near Garhi Fazal, citing environmental risks to Mattewara Jungles and Sutlej River. They argue the project threatens local ecosystems, public health, and contradicts previous conservation commitments.

Civil defence drill: Hospitals to prepare for patient influx

Delhi hospitals conduct a large-scale civil defence drill to test emergency preparedness, training staff on handling sudden patient influxes, mass casualties, and potential threats through mock scenarios, evacuation plans, and awareness sessions across government and private healthcare facilities.