QUICKREADS

Mock drills in 244 districts on May 7: What to expect during the exercise?
Nationwide civil defence mock drills across 244 districts on May 7 will test emergency preparedness, involving local authorities, volunteers, and students. Exercises may include blackouts, signal disruptions, evacuations, and simulated war-like scenarios to enhance civilian readiness.

SC publishes data on collegium recommendation; provides caste, gender break-up
Supreme Court reveals judicial appointment data from November 2022 to May 2025, showing 406 candidates recommended, 221 approved. Only 34 were women, with limited representation from SC, ST, and OBC categories. Detailed process and appointment information made public.

Teacher recruitment exam aspirants protest near Bihar CM's residence; police resort to lathi-charge
Chaos ensued near Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence as police baton-charged protestors demanding the release of supplementary results for a teacher recruitment exam. The demonstrators, who have been protesting for four months, clashed with police after being ordered to vacate the high-security area. Claims of injuries were made, but officials denied them.

India to amend Emigration Act to meet demands of global workplace: S Jaishankar
India plans to update the 1983 Emigration Act to support legal global workforce mobility, promote skill training, and protect workers abroad. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasizes discouraging illegal migration while facilitating opportunities for 34 million Indians working internationally.

Delay in assent to bills: Centre in SC opposes Kerala's stand to withdraw plea against Guv
The Supreme Court heard a case regarding the Kerala government's petition against the Governor's delay in approving state assembly bills. The Centre opposed the withdrawal of the petition, arguing it raised constitutional issues. The court acknowledged the state's right to withdraw and scheduled a follow-up for May 13, while also considering related judgments impacting the case.

Delhi HC stays interim ruling against AR Rahman in copyright infringement suit
Delhi High Court stays an interim ruling against AR Rahman in a copyright case, directing him to deposit ₹2 crore within ten days. The court will review the case on May 23, noting the song's public domain status since 2023.

‘Was Lashkar involved?’: Pakistan asked ‘tough questions’ by UNSC members over Pahalgam attack, say reports
UN Security Council members questioned Pakistan's potential Lashkar-e-Taiba involvement in the Pahalgam attack, calling for restraint and dialogue. The closed meeting broadly condemned the terror incident while highlighting concerns over religious targeting of tourists.

SC rejects convicts’ plea against 2-judge bench hearing Godhra train burning appeals
The Supreme Court rejected arguments from convicts in the 2002 Godhra train burning case that their appeals should be heard by a three-judge bench due to the death penalty implications. The court clarified that a two-judge bench can hear the case since the Gujarat High Court had commuted the death sentences to life imprisonment. Final hearings are set for May 6 and 7.

MP police constitutes SIT to probe cases of 'targeted love trap', forced conversions
In response to the alleged rape of college girls in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh police have formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe cases of "love traps" and coerced religious conversions. The SIT will investigate targeted exploitation of vulnerable women and identify involved parties. Five suspects, including the main accused, have been arrested, and a national inquiry committee has been established.

Supreme Court makes judges’ assets public for the first time
Supreme Court publicly reveals asset details of 21 sitting judges, including CJI Sanjiv Khanna, to enhance transparency. Declarations cover bank balances, properties, and investments, marking a significant shift from previous confidential submissions.

Supreme Court makes judges’ assets public: What CJI Sanjiv Khanna and others own?
Supreme Court releases judges' assets online, enhancing transparency. CJI Sanjiv Khanna disclosed properties in Delhi and Gurugram, with investments around ₹55.75 lakh in fixed deposits, PPF, and bank accounts. 21 out of 33 judges have revealed their financial details.

Bone fragments, caskets: Culture ministry moves to block auction of Buddha relics in Hong Kong
India's Culture Ministry is blocking Sotheby's auction of Buddha relics from Piprahwa Stupa, arguing the artifacts are legally protected cultural heritage. The ministry has issued a legal notice demanding immediate cancellation and repatriation of the sacred items.

ED says cases of bank fraud declined after investigations
ED reports bank fraud cases have declined since 2018-19 due to rigorous investigations. Out of ₹1.54 crore assets attached, ₹80,000 crore are linked to bank fraud. The agency has probed 1,228 money laundering cases, recovering ₹23,258 crore for banks.

Mallikarjun Kharge urges PM Modi to announce a clear timeline for caste census
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge urges PM Modi to announce a clear caste census timeline, suggesting the Telangana survey model, removing the 50% reservation cap, and ensuring comprehensive socio-economic data collection for social justice.

Andhra Pradesh to see heavy rain today; orange and yellow alerts issued for Telangana: Weather updates
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms hit Andhra Pradesh, killing ten people. IMD predicts continued varied weather conditions with orange and yellow alerts for Telangana. Crop damage reported, prompting compensation measures for affected farmers.