The Times of India

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav announced the party has ended its association with political consultancy I-PAC, citing financial constraints rather than electoral performance. Yadav clarified that the decision was due to limited resources, not recent election outcomes, and that the party had engaged I-PAC for early preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

US and Iran are reportedly nearing a one-page memo to de-escalate conflict, focusing on nuclear talks and sanctions. In Tamil Nadu, TVK's Vijay claims government formation after electoral win, with Congress offering conditional support. Meanwhile, a tragic suicide of a rape victim in UP and twin blasts in Punjab, claimed by a Khalistan group, are under investigation.

Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary who led the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and founded the Soviet Union, becoming one of the most influential communist leaders, having overwhelming influence in West Bengal politics under the CPM regime, which was uprooted by the TMC's Mamata Banerjee after three decades in 2011. The party said it registered a police complaint, leading to arrest of five and vowed to rebuild the statue on May 8.

Australia's Inland Taipan, dubbed the 'fierce snake,' boasts a slender two-meter frame and a small, inconspicuous head. Its coloration shifts seasonally, from dark brown in winter to olive-tan in summer. Despite its potent neurotoxic venom, this shy reptile prefers to flee, inhabiting arid Australian regions. Accurate identification relies on scale patterns and its restricted habitat.

Suvendu Adhikari's name is gaining traction for the Chief Minister's post in West Bengal. The Bharatiya Janata Party has achieved a significant electoral victory, surpassing the Trinamool Congress. Adhikari, a key BJP leader, has demonstrated his electoral prowess by defeating Mamata Banerjee. The BJP's strong performance has reshaped the state's political landscape, raising questions about Adhikari's future role.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK is poised to form the government in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single-largest party but needing allies. The Congress has reportedly pledged support for a secular government, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the DMK. Meanwhile, a faction within the AIADMK is reportedly considering backing Vijay.

Cracks have emerged within the INDIA bloc following the Tamil Nadu election results, with the DMK accusing its ally, the Congress, of ackstabbing for supporting actor-politician Vijay's TVK party. The DMK criticized the Congress' decision as foolhardy and driven by ego, questioning its trustworthiness and potential impact on other alliance partners.

Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of winning seats through vote theft, claiming every sixth MP from the party secured victory unfairly. He alleged that institutions are manipulated to tamper with the electoral process, suggesting the BJP fears fair elections.

The PM Modi-chaired Cabinet meeting approved the proposal for introducing The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for increasing the number. The Constitution leaves the size of the Supreme Court open-ended. Article 124(1) provides for a Chief Justice of India and permits Parliament to determine the number of other judges through legislation.

Hollywood star Keanu Reeves, known for 'John Wick' and 'The Matrix', embodies quiet humility despite immense personal tragedy. His resilience shines through, as evidenced by his belief that kindness is not a weakness. Reeves' profound experiences, including loss and his sister's illness, have shaped his iconic roles, particularly his portrayal of grief in 'John Wick'.