The Times of India

The Allahabad High Court has made a significant ruling. Public land cannot be exclusively used for religious activities. Such practices, including offering Namaz, must respect public order and the rights of all citizens. The court dismissed a petition seeking exclusive use of land for Namaz.

Experts warn that higher screen exposure in one-year-olds is linked to an increased likelihood of developing autism or autism-like traits by age three. Studies indicate earlier and longer screen durations correlate with these outcomes, though autism is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors. Direct interaction and play are crucial for early brain development.

Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin highlighted legal hurdles in money laundering probes, questioning if trials should halt pending predicate offence conclusions. This debate, amplified by the junior finance minister's remarks defending the agency against political vendetta accusations, underscores the ED's push for independent money laundering investigations, despite Supreme Court rulings. The agency aims to maintain its high conviction rate.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu action, highlighting severe infrastructure and vacancy issues plaguing the National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT). These deficiencies are causing significant delays in crucial insolvency and bankruptcy cases, potentially undermining the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code's objectives. The court emphasized the urgent need for immediate remedial measures to prevent further frustration of the IBC's purpose.

Repolling has been ordered in 15 South 24 Parganas booths for Saturday, May 2, following irregularities during Bengal's second phase polls. Concerns included disabled CCTV cameras and tampered EVMs. Special observers recommended repolling in several constituencies due to disturbing findings, with some booths in Falta reportedly seeing 100% turnout.

The Union home ministry has streamlined the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card process, enabling online applications for both new registrations and renunciations. Minors can now be included, provided they don't hold foreign passports concurrently with an Indian one. This digital shift eliminates the need for duplicate certificates, offering a more efficient system for applicants.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera in a defamation case filed by Assam CM Himanta Sarma's wife. Following this, a heated exchange erupted between Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Sarma. Singhvi urged Sarma to reflect on his deeply inappropriate language, while Sarma defended his stance, emphasizing the defamation of a woman using forged documents.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Rs 993 hike in commercial LPG prices as an election bill, warning of impending petrol and diesel price increases. He asserted that the burden on businesses like dhabas and hotels will inevitably affect consumers' plates. Congress leaders criticized the government, stating their concern for public suffering is election-bound and accusing them of driving unemployment and inflation.

The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Trinamool Congress has moved the Supreme Court, challenging a directive mandating central government employees as counting supervisors or assistants for Bengal's assembly election vote count. The party argues this is arbitrary, discriminatory, and creates bias, especially with the BJP at the Centre. They claim it unfairly alters the counting table composition, undermining a level playing field and free elections.

Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Trinamool Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding alleged CCTV blackouts and unauthorized access to EVM strongrooms. BJP dismissed these claims as tactics by a party anticipating defeat. TMC representatives reported seeing individuals inside sealed rooms without party agents present, fueling suspicion ahead of counting day.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district have successfully dismantled a terrorist hideout. Acting on crucial intelligence, a joint operation in the Chatroo region led to the discovery of a significant cache of weapons, including a grenade launcher, carbine, pistol, and substantial explosives. This major seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Leh leaders, including Sonam Wangchuk, focusing on spiritual matters during his visit. Shah assured that Ladakh-specific issues would be discussed in a sub-committee meeting on May 22, urging an open mind for dialogue. This meeting follows previous inconclusive talks and past protests demanding statehood and safeguards.

Tragedy struck on the outskirts of Jammu as an under-construction bridge collapsed, claiming the lives of two workers. A massive rescue effort involving Army, NDRF, and SDRF is underway. One injured worker was rescued, while at least one person remains feared trapped. The sudden cave-in offered no warning to the laborers.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah refuted claims of removing Urdu from revenue jobs, stating a proposal is under consideration for public feedback, not a final decision. He challenged the PDP to produce an order, accusing them of misrepresenting the process.

West Bengal's political landscape, historically dominated by single parties for extended periods, is now witnessing an intense battle for the 2026 assembly elections. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's 15-year rule faces a formidable challenge from the aggressively expanding BJP, which aims to end the TMC's reign. This election marks a critical juncture for the state's political legacy.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, setting aside the Gauhati High Court's order. The apex court emphasized balancing individual liberty with the state's interest in investigation, noting the allegations appeared politically motivated. Khera must cooperate with the probe and appear when summoned.

India is experiencing extreme heatwaves, with temperatures soaring and heatwaves arriving earlier and with greater intensity. This is exacerbated by the El Nio phenomenon, which is expected to strengthen. The heat poses significant health risks and economic challenges, impacting daily life and livelihoods across the nation. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial for navigating this growing crisis.

The Allahabad high court has dismissed a plea demanding an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly calling the Indian State an opponent. A petitioner claimed Gandhi's remark during an AICC office inauguration in 2025 was seditious and anti-national, hurting public sentiment. Justice Vikram D Chauhan rejected the challenge to a lower court's decision.

Bangladesh summoned India's acting High Commissioner to protest remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, stressing the need to avoid comments that could harm bilateral ties. Dhaka conveyed its displeasure, describing the statements as disparaging to Bangladesh-India relations and highlighting the counterproductive nature of statements straining ties.

Exit polls offer contrasting visions for West Bengal, with Today's Chanakya predicting a significant BJP victory and News18 foreseeing a close contest. In Tamil Nadu, DMK alliances appear poised for a majority, while actor Vijay's TVK could impact the AIADMK-BJP's standing. Pollsters also project BJP wins in Assam and an edge for UDF in Kerala.

The Election Commission is implementing a new QR code-based system for counting hall access on May 4, the day of poll results. This three-tier security measure, involving manual ID checks and QR code scanning for the innermost cordon, will be standard for all future Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea. Khera is facing a criminal case filed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife over allegations of possessing multiple passports and offshore properties.

The Supreme Court has urged public figures and constitutional post holders to exercise restraint in public discourse, stating that hate speech undermines fraternity, plurality, and multiculturalism. The court emphasized that such speech corrodes democratic values and is antithetical to the constitutional value of fraternity.

India witnesses a significant shift as girls now lead in education, outperforming boys in school enrolment and higher education pass-outs. While the overall literacy gap persists, younger generations show near parity. Women dominate fields like MPhil and arts, though men still lead in STEM, indicating ongoing gendered career paths.