The Times of India

On May 11, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Rath's murder had arrested three people before widening its probe across multiple states. The cops suspected that hired sharpshooters were brought in from outside West Bengal to carry out the killing with military-style precision. A key breakthrough came after investigators traced a UPI payment made at the Nivedita Setu toll plaza on May 6.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan may have to face privilege proceedings in Rajya Sabha. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh submitted a notice, accusing Pradhan of lowering Parliament's dignity with remarks about a parliamentary committee post the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Ramesh stated the minister's comments showed contempt for Parliament and its committees.

In March, the Enforcement Directorate moved a special PMLA court under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEO) seeking to permanently confiscate 15 assets worth around Rs 700 crore belonging to late drug smuggler Iqbal Memon, also known as Iqbal Mirchi, and his family in Mumbai and Dubai. The plea includes Worli properties, comprising Rabia Mansion, Marium Lodge, and Sea View properties, and around 15 properties in Dubai, including Hotel Midwest Apartment in Bur Dubai.

The BJP government has also done away with the exisiting state OBC list in accordance with the Calcutta high court judgement and would set up a panel to decide quota eligibility. Last year on July 28, however, the CJI-led bench of the Supreme Court had vacated high court's stay on implementation of the new OBC list that had a total of 140 sub-groups under OBC-A and OBC-B categories, including 80 belonging to the Muslim community.

A fierce political faceoff had ensued three years back during the Left regime when Congress workers were thrashed for waving black flags at Vijayan's motorcade, leading to an intense war of words between two rival factions in the coastal state. Calling Vijayan Kerala's most cruel home minister, senior Congress leader MM Hassan had alleged that Youth Congress protesters were beaten up for waving black flags at the CM's motorcade.

Chilling details emerge from the Air India AI-171 crash mortuary, with a witness describing horrific scenes. The captain's body was found seated, still clutching the controls, suggesting a desperate attempt to save the aircraft. Investigations into pilot error versus technical failure continue, with conflicting timelines and CCTV footage raising new questions.

Prime Minister Modi wrapped up his tour in Sweden with a monumental advancement in India-Sweden relations, officially turning it into a Strategic Partnership. Highlights of this collaboration include a detailed action plan for the upcoming years (2026-2030) and a groundbreaking partnership on AI and quantum computing.

Indian health experts assure no need for panic as WHO declares Ebola a global health emergency. Unlike COVID-19, Ebola requires close contact for transmission. India's vigilance, robust lab capacity, and lessons from past outbreaks, including a 2014 case, ensure preparedness. Early detection and screening remain vital.

El Nio's shadow looms over India's monsoon. Past El Nio years saw key kharif crops like paddy and maize suffer over 10% output reduction in numerous districts. This study highlights vulnerable areas and stresses the need for district-level climate-resilient planning. Policymakers are urged to strengthen contingency plans for drought-tolerant varieties and efficient water management to protect farmers.

India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.

West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya sarcastically invited TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee to campaign in Falta ahead of the May 21 repoll, claiming the TMC has been 'sent into exile' by the state's people. Bhattacharya alleged the TMC leadership has disappeared following electoral setbacks and expressed confidence in BJP's victory, urging TMC workers to campaign freely.

Kerala chief minister-designate V. D. Satheesan has announced his new cabinet, set to be sworn in on Monday. Prominent leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph will be part of the ministry. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been named Speaker, with Shanimol Usman as Deputy Speaker.

Teenagers' emotions are often dismissed as drama or phases, but they can signify real stress, loneliness, or anxiety. A significant gap exists between how teens and adults communicate and experience pressure, especially with the rise of social media and intense academic competition. Understanding and listening without judgment are crucial for bridging this disconnect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Afsluitdijk dam in the Netherlands highlighted Dutch expertise in water management, relevant to India's ambitious Kalpasar Project. This mega-project aims to create a freshwater reservoir in Gujarat, addressing water scarcity and flood protection, mirroring the multi-functional Dutch approach to climate resilience.

A fire erupted in the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. All 68 passengers were safely evacuated. The blaze disrupted rail traffic on the busy Mumbai-Delhi route. In a separate incident, a van carrying repair equipment overturned, injuring five railway staff members. Restoration efforts are underway.

The BJP has responded to Rahul Gandhi's demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Party leaders stated that while the opposition has the right to suggest, the government is committed to dismantling the leak network and ensuring accountability. Investigations are ongoing, with arrests made.

A fire erupted in a Rajdhani Express coach in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh early Sunday morning. All 68 passengers were safely evacuated from the B-1 coach within 15 minutes. The blaze also damaged the luggage van. The affected coach was detached. Five railway staff were injured in a separate accident during rescue operations. Train traffic on the Mumbai-Delhi route was affected.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, questioning the inaction of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi drew parallels to the 2024 leak, highlighting repeated paper leaks and the government's response. The NEET-UG 2026 exam was cancelled due to paper leaks, affecting 23 lakh aspirants, with the CBI investigating the matter.

US forecasts a significant drop in Indian visitors by over 4% in 2026, making it the second largest overseas source market after the UK. This decline is attributed to visa issues, reduced flight connectivity, high airfares, and a depreciating rupee. Japan and Brazil are expected to surpass India in visitor numbers.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to reconsider the Great Nicobar Island Project, deeming it an ecological disaster. He argued that while strengthening defence is crucial, the project's commercial aspects outweigh security needs and could harm the region's ecology and tribal rights. Ramesh proposed alternative infrastructure expansions with lower environmental impacts.

Prime Minister Modi's Netherlands visit concluded with a strategic partnership upgrade, marked by 17 key outcomes. A significant development includes Tata Electronics' pact with ASML for a semiconductor facility in Dholera, boosting India's ambitions. Modi also lauded the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties.