QUICKREADS

India can guide developing nations craft maternal, child healthcare strategy: PMNCH's Rajat Khosla
India can guide developing nations in improving health programs by sharing its successful strategies in reducing maternal mortality rates and implementing health initiatives. Rajat Khosla highlighted India's progress in health outcomes and emphasized the importance of sharing best practices to address global health challenges. The Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Banks prepped to protect against Pak cyber attacks: Officials tell Sitharaman
Indian banks and insurance firms assured Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman they are prepared against potential Pakistani cyber attacks. They have conducted security drills, reinforced cybersecurity measures, and remain vigilant to protect financial services and infrastructure.

Govt prepares 36 flagship programmes to build 'Vikasit Odisha' by 2036: CM
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced 36 flagship programs aimed at transforming the state into a prosperous economy by 2036, targeting a $500 billion economy. At a Vision Odisha 2036 workshop, he emphasized a comprehensive approach across key sectors, with public input driving the initiative. The final vision document will incorporate over 3.2 lakh citizen suggestions, utilizing AI for data analysis.

Dham row: SJTA issues another show cause notice to Puri servitor for attending Digha temple event
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration issued a show cause notice to senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra for participating in the consecration of a Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal. His involvement has raised concerns about tradition and religious sentiments among devotees. The SJTA demanded an explanation within two days, warning of potential action under the Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.

PIB debunks fake video claiming Indian Muslims are committing arson in Delhi
PIB debunks viral video falsely claiming Indian Muslims started arson in Delhi, revealing it's actually footage of a fire at Delhi Haat market. The video is part of a propaganda campaign aimed at spreading misinformation and disrupting communal harmony.

India counters Pak’s ‘deranged fantasy’, rebuts claims on ‘cowardly’ attacks
India rejects Pakistan's claims of drone attacks on gurdwaras, calling them a disinformation campaign. Foreign Secretary Misri condemned Pakistani shelling of religious sites, emphasizing India's proportionate response to provocations and commitment to countering terrorism.
24 airports to remain closed till May 15 amid India-Pakistan tensions | Full list
India closed 24 airports due to Pakistan drone and missile attacks across multiple states. Air defence systems intercepted threats, causing blackouts and flight cancellations. The action follows India's retaliatory 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist infrastructure after a previous terror attack.

Hizbul chief’s 2 sons in Tihar jail approach HC, say let us phone our family
Hizbul Mujahideen chief's sons in Tihar Jail petition Delhi High Court to restore phone call facility, claiming they've been unable to contact family for a year due to jail authorities' restrictions on high-risk inmates.

SC frees 6 murder accused 'with heavy heart' as 71 of 87 witnesses turn hostile
The Supreme Court acquitted six murder accused due to a lack of evidence, as 71 out of 87 witnesses, including the victim's son, turned hostile. The court criticized the prosecution's reliance on police testimonies and noted the trial court's original findings were more credible. The case highlighted issues with witness reliability and investigative practices.

On Tagore's birth anniversary, Mamata lauds armed forces protecting India
Kolkata Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the Indian armed forces on Rabindranath Tagore's 164th birth anniversary, emphasizing prayers for soldiers and the nation. She honored Tagore's contributions to literature and nationalism, urging preservation of language and culture. Celebrations included cultural performances, recitations, and gatherings at Tagore's ancestral home, highlighting his enduring influence and ideals of universal brotherhood.

Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana remanded to Tihar Jail till June 6
A Delhi court has remanded 26/11 Mumbai attack suspect Tahawwur Hussain Rana to Tihar Jail until June 6. His judicial custody follows a request from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which aims to interrogate him about potential future terror plots. Rana, linked to main conspirator David Coleman Headley, was extradited from the US after his legal appeals were denied.

Gujarat cancels leave for all state employees amid India-Pakistan tensions
In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Gujarat government has canceled all leave for state officers and employees, effective immediately. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized preparedness in border districts, directing officials to ensure emergency services remain operational and to activate evacuation plans. He urged vigilance and coordination among security forces and stressed the importance of public safety measures and communication tools.

Rakesh Sharma says boundaries blur in space, astronauts see Earth as one entity
India's first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, emphasized the unifying perspective astronauts gain in space, viewing Earth as a single entity devoid of national boundaries. During the Global Space Exploration Conference, he noted environmental degradation's global impact, citing pollution's disregard for borders. Astronaut-designate Angad Pratap shared insights on training for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, highlighting the importance of global knowledge sharing in space exploration.

Scattered light rain, gusty winds tonight: IMD sounds yellow alert for Delhi
IMD issues yellow alert for Delhi, predicting scattered light rain and gusty winds up to 50 km/hr tonight. Western disturbance to continue till Saturday, with isolated rainfall and temperatures between 36-39°C expected.

CJI Khanna stresses on crisper petitions, says huge effort needed to master 'art of drafting'
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the importance of concise petitions in judicial proceedings, advocating for the "less is more" approach for clarity and efficiency. Speaking at his farewell, he encouraged young advocates to argue cases directly and highlighted the significance of factual knowledge. He also noted the growing role of mediation in the legal system.

Deep-rooted, systemic corruption network in key Tamil Nadu govt departments: ED
The Enforcement Directorate has uncovered a widespread corruption network involving consultants in Tamil Nadu government departments, seizing Rs 4.73 crore in unaccounted cash. Raids conducted in Chennai and Vellore revealed that consultants acted as middlemen, facilitating kickbacks for illegal approvals. Key individuals were identified, and evidence was destroyed by a consultant's employee. Further action will be pursued against those involved.