Shankaracharya ‘excommunicates’ Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism for insulting Manusmriti

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati declared that Rahul Gandhi has been "excommunicated" from Hinduism for insulting the Manusmriti during Lok Sabha proceedings. The religious leader stated that Gandhi received a notice to apologize but did not respond, leading to his formal excommunication. Gandhi had criticized the BJP's adherence to the Manusmriti over the Constitution, prompting the Shankaracharya's remarks.

India’s first crewed spaceflight, Gaganyaan, to lift off in early 2027: ISRO chief

India's first crewed spaceflight Gaganyaan will launch in early 2027, sending two to three astronauts to a 400 km orbit. Preceded by uncrewed missions, the program aims to establish India as a self-reliant space power with future lunar and station ambitions.

Kerala human rights panel directs setting up medical team to probe rabies deaths

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a medical investigation into recent rabies deaths, including cases involving vaccinated individuals. The team will assess vaccine effectiveness, adherence to protocols, and storage conditions, and report within a month. The commission also urged the health department to evaluate vaccine quality standards and recommend preventive measures following tragic incidents.

Adopt well-coordinated plan to handle stampede-like situation at stations: Railway Ministry to zones

The Indian Railways has directed all divisions to create action plans to prevent stampede-like situations at stations, following a deadly incident in February 2025. The Ministry emphasized assessing crowd sizes during local events and coordinating with various departments to ensure safety, including deploying extra security and managing ticketing effectively. Close monitoring and proactive measures are crucial for smooth operations.

Chhattisgarh: Woman Maoist killed in anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur

In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur, a woman Maoist was killed during a large-scale anti-Naxal operation near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The ongoing mission involves 24,000 personnel, targeting Maoist strongholds and senior cadres, with multiple encounters and weapons seizures.

14 dead in rain-related incidents in Gujarat; more thunder, dust storms expected

Severe thunderstorms and strong winds in Gujarat resulted in at least 14 fatalities, with incidents including lightning strikes, tree collapses, and electrocutions. The India Meteorological Department warns of continued storms and high winds, affecting 168 out of 253 talukas. Unseasonal rains have led to significant property damage and a drop in daytime temperatures across the state.

Mock drills across India on May 7: Will there be power cuts? Will banks remain closed? FAQs answered

Nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7 across 50 districts tests emergency preparedness amid India-Pakistan tensions. Involves schools, banks, and institutions, with potential brief blackouts. Participants include volunteers, guards, and students, focusing on air raid and evacuation readiness.

Odisha needs to explore mineral resources to become future-ready, say experts

Experts emphasize the need for strategic development of Odisha's natural resources to foster inclusive prosperity. A white paper highlights the state's significant mineral reserves and calls for urgent reforms to maximize their potential. Recommendations include regulatory changes, investment in infrastructure, and transitioning to value creation, which could generate millions of jobs and attract substantial investments.

Kerala raises Plus One seats across key districts to ensure admissions for all

The Kerala government will increase Plus One seats by 30% in government schools and 20% in aided schools across seven districts, while three districts will see no increase. This move aims to accommodate more students eligible for higher education, adding 64,040 new seats for the 2025-26 academic year. Applications open on May 14, with classes starting June 18.

Amid heightened tensions with India, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif visits ISI headquarters

Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif visited ISI headquarters amid rising tensions with India, reviewing national security threats and emphasizing vigilance. The government approved an 18% defense budget increase, reflecting heightened regional concerns after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Four killed, 44 injured as bus plunges into gorge in J&K’s Poonch

A tragic bus accident in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in four fatalities, including a soldier, and injured 44 others. The bus skidded into a gorge while en route from Ghani village to Mendhar. Officials, including Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressed condolences and mobilized relief efforts, with critical cases being referred for specialized treatment.

No insurgency in Tripura now, visit tourist spots: CM to people

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the cessation of insurgency in the state and encouraged tourism after laying the foundation for Rs 67 crore worth of tourism facilities. With an increase in tourist arrivals, he emphasized the potential of tourism to enhance the socio-economic conditions of rural areas and mentioned government efforts to ensure tourist safety.

Dehradun man stabbed in scuffle with live-in partner months before their wedding, dies

A 27-year-old man died from a stab wound during a scuffle with his live-in partner in Dehradun. The couple, set to marry in October, argued over a personal matter, leading to a fatal knife injury. Police registered a case against the woman.

Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto, who issued ‘blood in river’ threat, now seeks peace with India

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, expressed a willingness for peace with India after previously threatening conflict over the Indus Waters Treaty. In a National Assembly address, he urged India to approach negotiations openly. His comments follow rising tensions after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 dead, prompting India to suspend the treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties.

Wartime ‘crash blackouts’ in May 7 mock drills: What can happen?

India will conduct nationwide civil defence drills on May 7, simulating wartime blackouts to test emergency response and infrastructure protection. The exercise aims to reduce visibility during potential air raids, with controlled lighting restrictions across 244 districts.