The Times of India

Indian Air Force helicopters are battling a major forest fire in Himachal Pradesh's Kasauli. Mi-17 and Chinook choppers are dousing flames in inaccessible areas, even ferrying water from Sukhna Lake. Thick smoke billowed from the scenic town's forests, including orchards and oak trees, as authorities continue efforts to control the blaze.

The Minister said that the proposed CBDC-based model will gradually be operationalised at ration shops and integrated with banking systems, including private banks in the future.

A traveler returning from Uganda has been isolated in Bengaluru with mild body ache, prompting heightened surveillance by Indian authorities. While no confirmed Ebola case has been detected in India, the individual is undergoing testing as a precautionary measure amid ongoing outbreaks in Africa.

The anticipated National School Mental Health Policy in India marks a pivotal moment in aligning student wellness with educational success. By fostering nurturing atmospheres, this initiative seeks to empower 40 million learners, promoting empathy and resilience. To realize this vision, effective teacher training and adaptable strategies will be key, heralding a hopeful era for the youth of the nation.

INS Kolkata thwarted a potential pirate attack on merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1 in the Western Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy warship, on anti-piracy patrol, swiftly deployed its helicopter for surveillance and conducted boarding operations, ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew. This intervention highlights the Navy's commitment to protecting vital shipping lanes.

India strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN Security Council, accusing it of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and violating sovereignty through decades of aggression. India's envoy stated Pakistan's actions, including its doctrine of bleeding India by a thousand cuts, expose its hollow rhetoric on the UN Charter.

A traveler from Uganda with mild body ache has been isolated in Bengaluru for observation amid Ebola outbreaks in Africa. The Union Health Ministry confirmed no Ebola cases in India but is maintaining heightened surveillance and public health protocols. Citizens are urged to rely on official sources for updates.

To Recommend Framework To Tackle Illegals

AIADMK faces internal turmoil as Hosur MLA P Balakrishna Reddy backs Edappadi K Palaniswami, signaling a potential truce. This follows multiple rebel MLAs submitting apology letters to avoid disqualification after voting against party lines. The party's strength in the Assembly has dwindled due to recent resignations, intensifying a 'horse-trading' row.

An IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Chennai experienced a smoke scare while taxiing, prompting an emergency evacuation of passengers via slides. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, which marks the second such evacuation for IndiGo this month. All passengers and crew were reported safe.

A comparative test of leading AI models on actual UPSC Prelims papers reveal how closely modern systems can mirror human-level preparation, handling history and polity well but struggling with precise current affairs and technical distinctions that often decide exam outcomes.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged authorities to expedite the deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi nationals gathered at the Hakimpur checkpoint. He emphasized the state's 'detect, delete and deport' policy, aiming to remove infiltrators and protect Indian citizens.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani urged Muslims to avoid sacrificing prohibited animals and advised caution during Eid-ul-Azha. He suggested consulting authorities if buffalo sacrifice faces obstruction and to avoid social media displays of slaughtered animals. Former VP Hamid Ansari echoed Madani's call to not slaughter cows and proposed declaring the cow the national animal.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to block Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project, citing a Supreme Court violation. Stalin emphasized safeguarding state rights and farmers' welfare, following Karnataka's deputy chief minister's announcement of submitting the Detailed Project Report soon. This dispute over Cauvery river water is a long-standing issue.

The government has formed a high-level committee to investigate demographic shifts in India, driven by illegal immigration and other unnatural causes. Chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naoleker, the panel will assess population changes, analyze abnormal shifts across communities, and propose solutions. This initiative follows Prime Minister Modi's concerns about demographic changes impacting national security and social structures.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced the successful evacuation of 300 tourists stranded in Gulmarg's cable car after a technical glitch halted the Gondola service. A joint operation involving the Indian Army, police, and disaster response teams efficiently rescued everyone. The incident occurred on Monday, suspending both phases of the popular tourist attraction.

Foreign medical graduates and states facing internship seat shortages have received a significant reprieve. The National Medical Commission has extended permission for internships in recognised non-teaching hospitals until May 2028, addressing concerns over limited capacity and delays. This move aims to ease the crisis for thousands of graduates awaiting crucial training and registration opportunities across various states.

As the five-year tenure of Uttar Pradesh's gram panchayats wraps up on Tuesday, the state government steps in by designating outgoing gram pradhans as interim administrators. This adjustment, effective May 27, paves the way for uninterrupted village leadership until new elections rollout in 2026.