QUICKREADS

TMC accuses EC officials, BJP of conspiring to include names of outsiders in Bengal's voters' list
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Election Commission officials of colluding with the BJP to add unauthorized names to West Bengal's voter list, alleging a lack of proper verification in border areas. TMC's Kunal Ghosh urged the central government to address infiltration issues, while BJP officials claimed TMC's attempts to introduce fake voters had been exposed. Tensions rise ahead of upcoming assembly polls.

Whisky tariffs halved: What's in the 'historic' India-UK free trade deal?
India and UK finalize historic free trade deal, cutting whisky tariffs and boosting bilateral trade by £25.5 billion. The agreement reduces duties on various products, eases professional mobility, and is expected to increase GDP and wages significantly.

Govt launches cashless scheme for road crash victims
The government launched a cashless medical scheme for road accident victims, offering free treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh within seven days. The National Health Authority will manage the program, aiming to reduce fatalities by providing immediate medical care across India.

Overcame many hurdles to put TN on development path: CM Stalin
Chennai Chief Minister M K Stalin outlined his government's achievements over the past four years, overcoming challenges from the previous AIADMK administration and central government. As he approaches his fifth year in office, he emphasized the focus on development and social welfare, urging media support to highlight Tamil Nadu's progress while welcoming constructive criticism.

Missing Delhi girl rescued from MP, now 2 months pregnant, accused arrested
A 15-year-old girl missing from Delhi since September 2024 was rescued in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, where she had been isolated by her abductor, Anees Khan. The girl is two months pregnant and had no contact with her family. Khan has been arrested following a police investigation that traced him through social media and mobile records.
IAF's high-intensity border drill, including Rafales and Sukhois from May 7-8; NOTAM issued
IAF will conduct a high-intensity two-day aerial exercise along the Western border, featuring Rafales and Sukhois. The drill aims to assess combat readiness amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, with NOTAM issued for the operation.

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.

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.

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.