Maharashtra reports over 1,000 Covid cases, 9 deaths in 24 hours; 320 infections in Mumbai

Maharashtra has reported 1,115 new Covid-19 cases, taking the state's total to 5,421 active cases. The spike in cases comes amid a nationwide surge in infections, with India registering 7,830 new cases on Wednesday. The Union health ministry has called for mock drills to test the preparedness of public and private hospitals, while health minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged states and union territories to identify emergency hotspots. Experts have predicted that cases will continue to rise for the next 10-12 days before gradually coming down.

Siddhivinayak temple to ban coconuts, garlands and ‘prasad’ from May 11 for security reasons

Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple will ban coconuts, garlands, and prasad from May 11 due to security concerns, offering complimentary sacred flowers. The move follows a police advisory to prevent potential explosives, affecting daily worship practices.

Himachal governor reviews state’s preparedness amid India-Pakistan conflict

Himachal Pradesh governor reviews state's preparedness amid India-Pakistan tensions, directing heightened border vigilance, ensuring public safety, and maintaining readiness for potential emergencies while commending military actions against terror threats.

Punjab approves funds for anti-drone systems

Punjab approves ₹51.41 crore for nine anti-drone systems along its 532-km Pakistan border to combat drug and weapon smuggling. The systems will enhance border security, detect hostile drones, and protect against potential threats from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Notices will be issued to principals who haven’t admitted a single student under RTE scheme: DM

District administration will issue notices to private school principals who haven't admitted students under RTE scheme. 18,093 children allocated schools, with 11,335 admitted so far. Officials will monitor and ensure admissions for remaining students.

Europe sets the rules, India writes the code

India's tech industry faces a critical shift with the EU AI Act, requiring stricter compliance for AI systems. Indian companies must now develop transparent, explainable AI technologies that meet European standards, potentially transforming global tech development and trust models.

Coast Guard in ‘highest level of readiness’

Indian Coast Guard is at highest readiness amid India-Pakistan tensions, strategically deploying sea platforms near Mumbai. Enhanced maritime security follows 26/11 attacks, with comprehensive surveillance network monitoring coastal waters to prevent potential security threats.

Only 1% U.P. aided schools comply with govt directive on teacher data

Only 812 out of 4,512 government-aided secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh have uploaded required teacher data, with just 49 entries verified. Education director has instructed immediate compliance and data submission on the designated web portal.

Himachal governor reviews state’s preparedness amid India-Pakistan conflict

Himachal Pradesh governor reviews state's preparedness amid India-Pakistan tensions, directing heightened border vigilance, robust security measures, and community awareness while praising military efforts and urging citizens to remain calm and informed.

Khichdi scam: Amol Kirtikar, Suraj Chavan, 6 others charge-sheeted

Eight people, including Shiv Sena leaders Amol Kirtikar and Suraj Chavan, were charge-sheeted for a ₹14.75 crore khichdi distribution scam during Covid-19, involving fraudulent contract allocation, illegal sub-contracting, and misappropriation of funds.

Punjab: Hoshiarpur launches civil defence enrolment drive to tackle emergency

Hoshiarpur launches civil defence enrolment drive amid India-Pakistan tensions, welcoming citizens from all sectors. Officials encourage emergency preparedness, discourage large gatherings, and implement safety measures like firecracker bans and essential commodity restrictions.

Dalai Lama extends wishes to Pope Leo XIV

Dalai Lama congratulated Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope for global peace and compassion. He highlighted his longstanding interfaith dialogue, emphasizing humanity's unity and shared commitment to understanding across religious traditions.

Unrecognised madrasas locked, bulldozers roar, students sent home: U.P’s crackdown in full swing

U.P. government launches crackdown on unrecognized madrasas near Nepal border, sealing and demolishing unauthorized structures. Students sent home, border security heightened. Administration targets land encroachments within 10 km of international boundary.

Punjab: State Control Room monitoring essential services

Punjab establishes State Control Room with nodal officers from each department to monitor essential services like health, food, electricity, and transport. 15 officers will oversee coordination between civil and military administration across districts.

Punjab cancels leaves of all IAS, PCS officers

Punjab government cancels leaves for all IAS and PCS officers due to India-Pakistan tensions. Fire staff placed on full alert, with 24/7 deployment and emergency preparedness measures implemented across sensitive state locations.

Two hotel workers killed in crash with stationary tempo on Western Express Highway

Two hotel workers died after their motorcycle hit a stationary, unmarked tempo on Western Express Highway. The tempo driver, who failed to set up safety measures, fled the scene. Both victims suffered fatal head injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital.