Amendments to RTE Act introduce exams for class 5 and 8 students

India's state school education department has made amendments to the Right to Education Act, requiring annual examinations for students in grades 5 and 8. Previously, the act ensured that students from grades 1 to 8 did not fail, but the new provisions require exams and stipulate that, if a student fails either grade, they will be retained in the same grade, even if given another opportunity. The State Council of Educational Research and Training has outlined procedures for the exams, and children will be enrolled based on their age until grade 5, after which they must pass the annual examination designated for grade 5 for admission to grades 6 to 8.

Pune railway division earns ₹62 crore in revenue from ticket cancellations

The Pune division of Central Railway reported a revenue of ?62.7 crore from ticket cancellations in the financial year 2024-25, a 24% increase from ?50.48 crore in 2023-24. The rise is attributed to last-minute cancellations, with policies criticized for excessive fees. Passengers are urged to reconsider booking practices amid concerns over fairness in ticketing and refund policies.

Kartarpur Corridor shut from India’s side indefinitely, Pak keeps doors open

India has indefinitely closed the Kartarpur Corridor, halting Sikh pilgrimages to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, following heightened tensions after a recent terror attack. While India has ceased pilgrimages, Pakistan maintains the corridor is open, emphasizing its role as a symbol of peace. This corridor, inaugurated in 2019, allows visa-free access for Indian devotees.

BSF suspends Beating Retreat ceremony indefinitely

The Border Security Force (BSF) has suspended Beating Retreat ceremonies at Punjab's border checkposts with Pakistan due to safety concerns amid rising tensions. The daily flag-lowering will continue, but public access is restricted. This decision follows previous reductions in ceremonial displays after recent security incidents. The BSF aims to ensure the safety and security of visitors.

Pune: Summer rush throws train schedules off track; 48 services affected in April

In Pune, 48 trains faced delays or rescheduling in April due to summer holiday traffic, affecting thousands of travelers. Services like Jhelum Express and Azad Hind Express were notably impacted, with some trains arriving over two hours late. Railway officials cited increased congestion and limited track capacity as reasons for the disruptions, acknowledging the challenges during peak travel seasons.

Friends lost, families destroyed: Pak shelling tears through Poonch

Intense cross-border shelling by the Pakistani army in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in 13 deaths, including four children, and numerous injuries. The violence escalated following Indian airstrikes on terror infrastructures in Pakistan. Most residents have fled the area, leaving the town deserted. Local leaders are demanding compensation for victims' families and support for the injured.

Himachal govt hikes fare of long distance buses, BJP lashes out

Himachal Pradesh's government has increased long-distance bus fares, effective immediately, citing rising operational costs. The fare hikes range from 14% to nearly 59% depending on the service type and region. The BJP criticized the Congress-led administration for burdening commuters, calling the increases unjust and reflective of poor governance. The government defends the decision due to escalating fuel and maintenance costs.

Pak continues artillery fire in 4 J&K sectors

Tensions remain high in villages near the Line of Control as Pakistani forces continue shelling, injuring 15 civilians and damaging property in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Uri. In response, the Indian Army has engaged proportionately. Many locals are evacuating to safer areas, with Baramulla authorities preparing shelters for displaced individuals. Schools in vulnerable areas will close as a precaution.

PCL case: ED attaches assets worth ₹54 crore in Thailand, USA, UAE

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached 30 overseas assets worth ?54.32 crore linked to an investment fraud case involving Pan Card Limited (PCL). The assets, located in Thailand, UAE, and the USA, are connected to alleged money laundering and investor fraud affecting over 5.1 million investors. The investigation follows a chargesheet filed against PCL and related companies.

Live events business set to get buzzier

Shoven Shah, CEO of TribeVibe Entertainment, emphasizes that India's live events business is thriving across all age groups, not just GenZ. Post-COVID, attendance and spending on live events have surged, with a 15% industry growth noted. The rise of music tourism and increased interest in regional artists contribute to this trend, highlighting a transformative cultural economy in India.

22 eSewa kendras inaugurated at district courts in Himachal

22 eSewa Kendras launched in Himachal Pradesh district courts, enabling digital access to judicial services. Aims to bridge digital divide, provide transparent case information, online filing, and easy court-related assistance for citizens.

MSEDCL & Mahatransco intensify pre-monsoon maintenance work across Pune region

MSEDCL and Mahatransco are intensifying pre-monsoon maintenance work across Pune's substations and transmission lines to ensure uninterrupted power supply, completing scheduled checks and repairs by month-end.

Gautam Budh Nagar police rescues 668 children from child labour

Gautam Budh Nagar police rescued 668 children from child labour between January 2023 and April 2025, reuniting them with families. Police collaborated with organizations to provide rehabilitation, education, and legal support to prevent future child labour incidents.

Operation Sindoor: World witnessed India’s strength, will continue to see it says Yogi

India showcased its strength through Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the new India will decisively respond to threats, while highlighting educational reforms and transparent teacher recruitment.

Delhi: 90+ flights cancelled, 200+ delayed at IGIA

Flight operations at Delhi's IGI Airport severely disrupted, with 90+ flights cancelled and 200+ delayed due to airspace restrictions amid India-Pakistan tensions. Airports in north India remain closed until May 10, impacting domestic and international travel.

To snuff out toxic garbage fires, Nuh bans open waste burning in Aravalli

Nuh district bans open waste burning in Aravallis using legal provisions, targeting toxic garbage fires near Khori Khurd village. Authorities will seize equipment, file FIRs, and patrol areas to prevent environmental damage from industrial waste disposal and illegal land clearing.