The Times of India

Indian Haj pilgrims are questioning a mandatory Rs 7,000 GPS smartwatch, part of a Rs 10,000 airfare hike. Many devices, procured by the Haj Committee and supplied by Sekyo Innovations, reportedly fail to turn on or track pilgrims, causing distress, especially for the elderly. This initiative, aimed at safety, faces criticism over cost and execution.

Families and researchers are advocating for Huntington's disease to be recognized as a rare disease in India to establish a much-needed registry. This recognition is crucial for quantifying patient numbers, improving treatment accessibility, and securing coverage under national health policies, offering hope for affected individuals and families.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection against AI-generated deepfake videos depicting him praising Pakistan and discussing sensitive political matters. He argued that such content could harm India's international standing and be exploited by foreign entities.

The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah's controversial remarks, questioning the state government's decision on prosecuting him. Despite the Solicitor General suggesting the minister intended praise, the bench noted a lack of repentance and the statement's unfortunate impact. The court also directed the SIT to investigate other instances of the minister's objectionable statements.

Kolkata's iconic Writers' Buildings and other government offices will glow orange on Saturday evening, marking the first day of the new BJP government. Illumination trials were conducted Friday. The historic Writers' facade, along with Assembly House and Kolkata Collectorate, will be lit up. Inside, preparations are underway for the new Chief Minister's symbolic visit.

Preparations are in full swing at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground to ensure Saturday's oath-taking ceremony for Bengal's first BJP government proceeds smoothly despite heavy rains. A massive waterproof hangar tent has been erected, and seating capacity has been significantly increased. Authorities are working round-the-clock to restore the grounds, with an indoor stadium on standby as a backup.

Congress leadership intervened as supporters of opposition leader V D Satheesan held demonstrations across Kerala, demanding his appointment as the next chief minister. Some activists allegedly tore down posters of AICC leader K C Venugopal, also a contender for the post, prompting the KPCC to direct workers to refrain from such actions.

Bengal CM-designate Suvendu Adhikari's aide Chandranath Rath's murder probe now includes contract killers from UP and Odisha. Sleuths are focusing on Montu Mondal, who was in the SUV during the attack and escaped. A car used in the crime was traced to a Matigara owner who'd advertised it for sale online.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP's West Bengal victory a national security triumph, promising to identify and remove infiltrators. He criticized the TMC for political violence and criminalization, vowing a new era of fearless governance and dismantling the 'syndicate raj'.

Supreme Court rulings consistently state governors must invite the largest party or alliance to form government post-election, without questioning how support was gained. The apex court has warned against dismissing governments or dissolving assemblies based on 'fanciful assumptions' of horse-trading, emphasizing that majority must be proven on the floor of the House.

Following TVK's electoral success, AIADMK factions engaged in backroom dealings to form a government, with one group attempting to ally with TVK while the party's general secretary sought a tie-up with DMK. These maneuvers ultimately failed as Left parties opted to support TVK, thwarting the Dravidian majors' plans.

The Supreme Court refused to consolidate multiple FIRs against Sameer Agrawal, accused of defrauding thousands of investors of Rs 10,000 crore and fleeing to Dubai. The court emphasized a victim-centric approach, stating that each instance of cheating warrants an independent FIR. It suggested considering consolidation only if duped investors collectively petitioned, and if Agrawal deposits the full refund amount.

For the first time, the National Crime Records Bureau has tracked animal cruelty cases, registering 9,039 incidents and arresting over 10,000 individuals in 2024. Maharashtra led with the highest number of cases. The data reveals a high conviction rate for concluded cases but significant delays in judicial disposal.

The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals accused of murder or abetting murder cannot inherit property from their victims. This disqualification applies to both wills and intestate succession, even if a trial is ongoing. The court emphasized that no one should profit from their own wrongdoing, citing principles of justice and public policy.

An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Patna made an emergency landing in Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in Patna. The aircraft, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, was diverted after being unable to receive landing clearance. The flight later departed for Patna once the weather improved.

A charge-sheet has been filed by the SIT against Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, for the attempted assassination of former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah. Jamwal allegedly fired at Abdullah during a wedding ceremony in Jammu, driven by resentment over Kashmiri migrant issues. The SIT's investigation indicates a pre-meditated intent to target the politician.

Highway authorities will now install advanced sensors on old major bridges across National Highways for continuous health monitoring. This initiative aims to detect abnormal behavior early, enabling prompt corrective actions and preventing potential mishaps. The system will be operational for at least 10 years after installation.

For the first time, the NCRB has compiled data on animal cruelty, registering 9,039 cases and arresting over 10,000 individuals nationwide in 2024. Maharashtra leads with the highest number of reported incidents. This comprehensive data offers a crucial statistical overview of how animal cruelty offenses are managed within India's legal framework.

West Bengal's election saw a political earthquake, with BJP's massive win overshadowing concerns about Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Analysis reveals voter deletions exceeded winning margins in numerous seats, particularly in areas with significant supplementary deletions. While some seats showed clear BJP gains, others indicated TMC erosion without a direct BJP benefit, highlighting complex local dynamics.

Suvendu Adhikari emerged as the BJP's choice for West Bengal Chief Minister after years of being the party's strongest anti-Mamata Banerjee face. His victories, including defeating Banerjee in her stronghold, solidified his position. Adhikari's insider knowledge of the TMC and ability to consolidate Hindu votes made him the natural leader for the BJP's first government in the state.

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has been formally elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal. This development paves the way for him to become the state's first BJP chief minister. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized Donald Trump's congratulations to PM Modi on the West Bengal election results, calling them premature and misplaced. Raut asserted that state elections are an internal matter and alleged the polls were conducted amid fear and systemic pressure, questioning the Election Commission's impartiality.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape shifted dramatically as Vijay's TVK emerged as the largest party, winning 108 seats but falling short of a majority. Intense negotiations followed, with Congress backing TVK, causing friction with the DMK. Accusations of gubernatorial pressure surfaced, while both TVK and AIADMK reportedly engaged in resort politics amid a complex government formation battle.

Pakistan's ISI allegedly plotted terror attacks in Delhi and Haryana, targeting a historic temple, a popular highway dhaba, and a military camp. Operatives linked to the Shahzad Bhatti module conducted reconnaissance, sharing photos and videos with handlers. The plan aimed to cause panic, disruption, and mass casualties, with police stations in Uttar Pradesh also on the radar.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is in flux as Vijay's TVK emerged as the largest party but fell short of a majority. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has sought proof of support, sparking criticism from TVK allies who demand a floor test. Meanwhile, DMK and AIADMK are reportedly exploring an alliance to counter TVK's surge.

India has launched JANANI, a digital platform revolutionizing maternal and child healthcare. This system tracks pregnancies and newborn care nationwide, featuring QR-based digital health cards for instant medical record access, crucial for migrant families. JANANI ensures timely check-ups and vaccinations, flagging high-risk pregnancies for early intervention and integrating with other health programs for seamless care delivery.