No school bags for pre-primary students in Kashmir

The education department in Kashmir has banned the use of school bags for pre-primary classes in the region due to parents' concerns over the weight of children's bags. The director of education, Kashmir, has issued guidelines to institutions specifying maximum weights of bags, ranging from 1.5 kg for classes 1 and 2 to 5.5 kg for class 10. Students in pre-primary classes will only be allowed to use light carriers for lunch boxes, and no formal books will be prescribed. The government has warned schools that do not adhere to the guidelines could lose their affiliation and recognition.

Bihar NDA connects to youths via sports route

Bihar NDA is targeting youth voters through sports initiatives, increasing sports budget to ₹568 crore, building infrastructure, creating a dedicated sports department, and offering job opportunities and scholarships to attract first-time voters.

Sack Punjab minister for holding BBMB chairman hostage: Hooda

Congress leader Hooda demands Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains be sacked for holding BBMB chairman hostage at Nangal dam, calling the act illegal and unconstitutional, and urging central government intervention in the water distribution dispute.

Rajasthan: 5 killed, 25 injured as tractor-trolley overturns in Bundi

A tractor-trolley carrying wedding guests overturned in Rajasthan's Bundi, killing 5 people, including a child, and injuring 25. The accident occurred while avoiding a motorcycle on State Highway 27, with victims rushed to hospitals and critically injured referred to Kota.

Gurdaspur first Punjab district under complete blackout from tonight

Gurdaspur district in Punjab implements first-ever complete night-time blackout amid India-Pakistan tensions, mandating no external lighting from 9pm to 5am. Hospitals and central jail exempted, with strict orders to close windows and prevent light leakage.

WB teacher recruitment scam case: SC gives state 2 weeks to decide on sanction

Supreme Court orders West Bengal to decide on CBI's sanction against accused in teacher recruitment scam within two weeks, directing state to facilitate trial after allegations of delaying prosecution of Partha Chatterjee and other officials.

Punjab minister locks BBMB chairman at Nangal dam, CM backs brazen act

Punjab AAP minister Harjot Singh Bains locked BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi at Nangal dam, defying a high court directive. CM Bhagwant Mann supported the act, vowing to prevent water release to Haryana amid ongoing water dispute tensions.

Drone found near India-Bangladesh border in Assam: Police

A Chinese-made drone was discovered near the India-Bangladesh border in Assam's Sribhumi district. Police are investigating its origin, noting it was found 400 meters from the border fence during a civil defence drill, with no memory card present.

Caste-census may be raised in Karnataka Cabinet meeting tomorrow, says Home Minister Parameshwara

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced that the cabinet might discuss the caste census in its May 9 meeting. The state has initiated a caste census from May 5 to 17 to gather data on Scheduled Castes for equitable reservation distribution. Additionally, Parameshwara expressed Congress's support for the government's military actions against terrorism following the Pahalgam attack.

Pakistani intruder shot dead along border in Punjab’s Ferozepur

A Pakistani intruder was shot dead by BSF in Punjab's Ferozepur after ignoring warnings near the border. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions following recent terror attacks, with authorities investigating the infiltrator's potential motives.

Punjab: After explosions heard at night, missile debris found in Amritsar villages

Explosions and missile debris discovered in Amritsar village amid India-Pakistan tensions. Residents panicked after night-time blasts and sky lights. Local authorities on high alert following recent military operations near the border.

Passenger offloaded from Bengaluru–Delhi Air India flight amid heightened airport security

A passenger was deboarded from an Air India flight in Bengaluru amid heightened security following 'Operation Sindhoor'. The incident reflects increased tensions after Indian airstrikes in Pakistan, with airports nationwide on high alert and potential flight disruptions.

Flights from Pune to Amritsar, Chandigarh, Kishangarh, Rajkot, Jodhpur affected

Flight cancellations impacted routes from Pune to five northern destinations due to Operation Sindoor. Airlines offered refunds and alternate arrangements. Passengers experienced disruptions, with airport authorities advising travelers to check for real-time updates.

Pawar hails Operation Sindoor, says message has gone out in world

India launched precise missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, sending a strong message against terrorism. Sharad Pawar praised the operation, emphasizing the need for a firm, measured response while maintaining national unity.

Elderly woman robbed of gold bangle in Zirakpur

In Zirakpur, two women in a Maruti Swift targeted a 67-year-old retired superintendent, hugging and robbing her of gold bangles worth ₹2.75 lakh. They fled after pushing her and running over her foot. Police are investigating via CCTV footage.

Chandigarh: Former MP Bansal flays BJP’s ‘slum-free’ initiative

Former MP Bansal criticizes BJP's slum-free initiative, highlighting UPA's successful Small Flats Scheme that constructed 12,224 flats for slum dwellers by 2014, which was later discontinued under NDA government, resulting in minimal new housing.