QUICKREADS

NCP crisis: Ajit taunts 83-year-old Sharad Pawar; says 'enough, I want to be CM'
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has called on Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar to pass on the leadership to the younger generation, citing the retirement age of government servants and BJP leaders. Ajit Pawar also expressed his desire to become the Maharashtra Chief Minister. The factional fight within the NCP has reached the Election Commission, with both sides filing affidavits and the Election Commission likely to process the applications in the coming days.

India steps up efforts to include Lashkar-e-Taiba front TRF in UNSC terror list
India is pushing the UN Security Council to list The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba front, as a terrorist organization following the Pahalgam attack. The efforts aim to increase pressure on Pakistan by highlighting the group's terrorist connections.

Closure of 24 airports extended till May 15 amid border conflict
Government extends closure of 24 airports near Pakistan border until May 15 due to heightened tensions. Airlines cancel flights to affected regions, implement stricter security measures, and offer ticket flexibility for passengers during this period.

Pahalgam satellite images demand increased at US firm weeks before terror attack: Report
A US tech firm saw unusual demand for Pahalgam satellite images before the terror attack, with 12 requests from February 2-22, 2025. The orders coincide with a partnership involving a Pakistan-linked company with a controversial history of illegal exports.

India opposes IMF $2.3 billion bailout package to Pakistan, abstains from voting
India abstained from IMF's $2.3 billion bailout package to Pakistan, citing concerns over potential misuse of funds for terrorism and questioning the effectiveness of previous IMF programs due to Pakistan's poor implementation record.

Horses with luggage sent to Kedarnath on trial basis, ban continues due to virus outbreak
Two healthy horses were tested on a trial basis for transporting luggage to Kedarnath, despite a ban on horse and mule use due to a recent infection outbreak that killed 14 animals. Officials hope positive results will lift the ban. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of supplies for pilgrims, and traders urge devotees to continue their journey.

‘Crowd mismanagement’: Report on Goa temple stampede that killed 6 submitted
A fact-finding report blamed crowd mismanagement, devotee rush, and a scuffle for the Goa temple stampede that killed six and injured 70. The committee recommended improved crowd monitoring, coordination, and evacuation routes.
Pakistani drone attack on Srinagar airport, Awantipora air base foiled
India's air defence system intercepted Pakistani drone attacks targeting Srinagar airport and Awantipora air base amid rising tensions between the two nations. On Friday, drones were spotted at 26 locations, including military sites, prompting security measures and blackouts in several regions. The situation escalated following a recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians.
India-Pakistan tensions escalate; multiple locations plunged into blackout | Full list
India and Pakistan tensions escalate, with blackouts enforced in multiple regions. Drones shot down in Rajasthan, shelling resumed in border districts. Punjab drone strike injured a family. Authorities urge residents to stay home and remain calm.

Man found dead in Jharkhand police station after being summoned for questioning
A 50-year-old man, Anil Mahato, was found dead by suicide at a police station in Jharkhand after being summoned for questioning related to allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor. Despite preliminary investigations revealing concerning evidence, Mahato hanged himself using a blanket while an officer was away. The case is under further investigation by local authorities.

Proceedings under PDPP Act not maintainable against illegal encroachment: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad High Court ruled that proceedings under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, are not applicable for illegal encroachments on gram sabha land, which should be addressed under the Revenue Code, 2006. The court quashed the case against Brahmdutt Yadav, emphasizing that such matters should be resolved by revenue courts, not criminal proceedings.

Army Jawan from Andhra Pradesh killed in action along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir
An Indian Army jawan, Mudhavath Murali Naik, was killed during Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh soldier died at 2 am, leaving behind grieving parents and receiving state honors.

Gurugram bans drones, gliders, fireworks amid India-Pakistan rising tensions
Gurugram bans drones, gliders, fireworks, and other flying objects from May 9 to July 7, 2025, due to rising India-Pakistan tensions and recent terror attacks. Violators face legal action under new security laws.

Punjab extends farishtey scheme for victims of war, terrorism
Punjab's 'farishtey' scheme will now provide free medical treatment to victims of war and terrorism, expanding its original focus on accident victims. The cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also approved initiatives for crop diversification, cultural preservation through bullock cart races, and the creation of a 'Rangla Punjab Fund' for NRIs to support state development.

Allahabad HC grants bail to three youths allegedly involved in Sambhal violence
The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to three youths involved in the November 24 violence in Sambhal, which resulted in four deaths. Justice Dr. Gautam Chaudhary ruled in favor of Faizan, Shane Alam, and Mohammad Rihan, citing the lack of specific allegations against them and their willingness to cooperate with the legal process.

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.