India on high alert to thwart Pakistan’s bid to access markets

Following a ban on Pakistani imports, India's customs department is intensifying efforts to prevent Pakistani goods from entering through third countries like the UAE and Singapore. Despite negligible direct imports, an estimated $500 million worth of Pakistani products, including fruits and textiles, are reportedly being repackaged for access to the Indian market, prompting strict government vigilance.

Supreme Court directs SCBA to hold polls, reserve secretary post for women

Supreme Court mandates SCBA elections on May 20, reserving secretary post and three executive committee seats for women. Voting includes members eligible by February 28, 2025, with results declared May 21.

Will mock drills be held in your city on May 7? Check list here

The Ministry of Home Affairs will conduct nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7 across 259 districts, testing emergency preparedness and civilian readiness amid heightened tensions following recent terrorist attacks. Districts are categorized by priority levels.

Proving assistance to Indians on death row in Indonesia: Centre to Delhi HC

The Indian government informed the Delhi High Court that the embassy in Indonesia is providing legal aid to three Indians on death row for drug smuggling. The court is reviewing a petition from their spouses and has scheduled a follow-up hearing for August 4. The embassy has initiated an appeal against the convictions and is coordinating with local authorities.

Draft Dengue Action Plan proposes higher penalties, appointing nodal officers

The draft Dengue Action Plan 2025 for New Delhi proposes increased penalties for mosquito breeding, enhanced surveillance, and improved inter-departmental coordination to combat mosquito-borne diseases. It includes measures like appointing nodal officers in offices, raising awareness in schools, and ensuring water management to prevent stagnation. The plan aims to reduce dengue cases, with 11 reported deaths in 2024.

BJP blames Mamata Banerjee for Murshidabad riots: ‘Met with Imams who were involved…’

BJP criticizes Mamata Banerjee for delayed Murshidabad riots response, alleging she met with Imams involved in violence. Party leaders accuse her of political motivations, "anti-Hindu" stance, and playing appeasement politics during her district visit.

Shashi Tharoor shares insider view of UNSC meet: ‘China will veto any resolution against Pakistan…’

Shashi Tharoor expects no significant outcome from the closed-door UNSC meeting on India-Pakistan tensions. He believes China will veto any resolution against Pakistan, while other countries would block actions against India. The meeting focused on condemning terrorism and encouraging dialogue.

Chhattisgarh: Youths in Maoist-hit Dantewada secure tech jobs through ‘NavGurukul’

In Dantewada, 50 underprivileged youths from Maoist-affected areas secured tech jobs through NavGurukul's digital skilling program, learning coding and receiving placements in companies and government schools, transforming their career prospects.

SC warns contempt action if NCR states fail to implement complete curb on crackers

The Supreme Court directed Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana to enforce a strict ban on firecrackers in the NCR region, warning of contempt for non-compliance. The court emphasized the need for comprehensive implementation and public awareness of the ban, citing ongoing air pollution concerns, particularly during Diwali. States must file compliance affidavits to demonstrate adherence to the order.

Several organisations oppose proposal of changing Mount Abu's name

Protests against renaming Mount Abu and banning non-vegetarian food and alcohol in Rajasthan are intensifying, with local organizations arguing it will harm the economy. The proposed name change to 'Aburaj Teerth' has raised concerns about tourism decline, as Mount Abu is a popular destination known worldwide. Stakeholders emphasize the negative impact on livelihoods and local businesses.

Nationwide civil defence mock drill tomorrow: Will daily services run as usual?

Nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7 across 250 districts will not disrupt daily services. Schools, banks, transport, and essential services will operate normally. Drills will test emergency preparedness through simulated warnings and evacuation protocols.

Rahul Gandhi meets family of Navy officer killed in Pahalgam attack

Rahul Gandhi met the family of Lt. Vinay Narwal, a Navy officer killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Haryana CM Nayab Saini announced a Rs 50 lakh compensation and a job for the family. The emotional farewell included Narwal's widow remembering his courage. The attack on April 22 claimed 26 lives, prompting national mourning.

Supreme Court allows Maharashtra to hold local body polls, with a rider

Supreme Court allows Maharashtra to conduct local body polls within four months, with OBC reservation subject to final court decision. Elections can proceed, addressing democracy concerns while preserving potential legal challenges to reservation criteria.

SC wants to know if FIRs filed over suicides of IIT student, NEET aspirant

The Supreme Court of India is investigating whether FIRs were filed following the suicides of an IIT Kharagpur student and a NEET aspirant in Kota. Noting a troubling trend in student suicides, the court has previously established a national task force to address mental health issues in educational institutions and is seeking reports from the respective locations.

Extortion case: Court gives benefit of doubt to gangster Suresh Pujari and 11 others, acquits them

A MCOCA court in Thane has acquitted gangster Suresh Pujari and 11 others in a 2016 extortion case, citing insufficient evidence and a lack of thorough investigation by authorities. The court stated that the prosecution failed to prove charges, including attempted murder and extortion, beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the benefit of acquittal for all accused.

Security beefed up in Delhi ahead of mock drills

Security in New Delhi has been intensified ahead of scheduled mock drills, following rising tensions with Pakistan after a recent terror attack. The police are increasing patrolling, especially in tourist areas, and conducting vehicle inspections at key entry points. Enhanced measures include foot patrols, motorcycle units, and anti-sabotage checks in busy locations to ensure public safety and deter potential threats.