Mid Day

Australia has unveiled draft laws proposing a levy on Meta, Google and TikTok unless they voluntarily strike payment deals with local news publishers, in a move aimed at supporting journalism and ensuring digital platforms pay for news content

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said direct talks with Israel sought to end the Israel-Hezbollah war and that those who dragged Lebanon into it were the ones committing treason -- a jab at the Iran-backed group, which claimed several attacks on Israeli targets in south Lebanon on Monday

Archaeologists in Nieuwpoort have uncovered around 500 medieval cannonballs during construction work, dating from 1350 to 1600 AD. The discovery highlights the towns historic military significance, with evidence also appearing in a 1641 map by Antonius Sanderus showing artillery near the excavation site

This marked three such incident in the state.Two school teachers in Odisha died of heatstroke while carrying out Census duties in high temperatures exceeding 37 degC in Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh districts. The incidents, part of a series of heat-related deaths in the state

A Russian drone strike on Odesa injured 14 people, including two children, after hitting residential areas and civilian infrastructure. The attack underscores continued escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Kyiv also reporting a retaliatory strike in the Russian-occupied Kherson region that killed two people

Researchers have developed a sustainable bone repair material using keratin derived from wool, which has shown the ability to guide new bone growth in animal models. The breakthrough highlights a promising, eco-friendly approach to advancing regenerative medicine and improving bone healing

The National Investigation Agency has registered a case to investigate the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal ahead of elections. The move follows directions from the Election Commission of India to intensify action against illegal bomb manufacturing in the state

A 289-million-year-old reptile fossil discovered near Richards Spur has provided the earliest known evidence of a breathing system in amniotes. The find offers crucial insight into the evolution of respiration in reptiles, birds, and mammals, helping scientists better understand how modern breathing mechanisms developed

India and New Zealand have signed a Free Trade Agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. The pact grants duty-free access to all Indian exports to New Zealand, while India will liberalise tariffs on over 70 percent of tariff lines

Kolkatas citizens had created an open-air art gallery of Satyajit Rays works on the road where his residence stands. Mumbai has a long way to go as far as creating permanent tributes for its cultural icons

We hope this brings an overall holistic look at the entire travel experience from buses, to waiting and ticketing facilities

According to officials, the incident took place late on April 26 near Jagdal Police Station, where BJP MLA Arjun Singh and his son, Pawan Singh - both classified as Y category protectees - were confronted by a group of unidentified individuals

The proposal, conveyed to Washington via Pakistan, suggests that discussions on Irans nuclear programme could be deferred to a later phase

According to police, the incident stemmed from an argument over an objectionable photo on a mobile phone, which escalated into a violent altercation

According to the NIA, the accused is linked to an Islamic State-inspired module based in Shivamogga. He allegedly carried out trial blasts and painted anti-national graffiti in public places

The new services, Banaras to Hadapsar (Pune) and Ayodhya to Mumbais Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, are designed to benefit pilgrims, migrant workers, and daily passengers by providing direct, low-cost travel options

Tumarkothi, located in the Hedri subdivision, has long faced challenges due to its difficult terrain, limited connectivity, and security concerns linked to its location in a Maoist-affected zone

PM Modi urged voters in West Bengal to support the BJP in the final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections. He called for a record voter turnout and highlighted the need for a Viksit Bengal with better safety, security and opportunities

In a post on X, the LG confirmed the approval of the notification for the new districts. The newly created administrative units are Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass. With this, Ladakh will now have seven districts in total

As part of the offer, Iran is also seeking an end to what it describes as a US blockade on the country. The proposal notably avoids addressing Irans nuclear activities, which remain a central concern for Washington and its allies

According to investigators, the latest case involves a married woman who had approached Kharat seeking solutions to family-related problems

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has rejected any direct negotiations with Israel and reaffirmed the groups armed resistance stance. At the same time, Israel has carried out air and ground operations in southern Lebanon, saying it targeted militants and infrastructure linked to Hezbollah

Speaking at a public event, Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar suggested that such violent incidents are often the result of growing public anger against governments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address over 50,000 women in Varanasi under the Nari Shakti Vandan programme. Tight security, including anti-drone systems and 700 women personnel, has been deployed. He is also likely to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

AIIMS Delhi has assigned senior endocrinologist Dr Nikhil Tandon, who is also Dean (Academic), to temporarily handle the duties of director after Dr M Srinivas moved to NITI Aayog as a full-time member

The threatening email claimed that five Silicon 100-base RDX bombs had been planted inside the assembly complex and would explode at 12 pm. The message warned authorities not to take the threat lightly and demanded the immediate evacuation of all VIPs

The US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing three people. The operation is part of an ongoing anti-narcotics campaign that has drawn criticism over lack of evidence and legal concerns

Data from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur shows that Amravati followed closely at 46.8 degrees Celsius. Wardha registered 46.4 degrees Celsius, while Yavatmal touched 46 degrees Celsius. Nagpur recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius and Chandrapur reached 45 degrees Celsius

Kim Jong Un reaffirmed North Koreas support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, pledging continued military backing and expressing confidence in Moscows victory

Raghav Chadha has exited the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging a toxic work environment and lack of internal democracy. Now with the BJP, he claimed multiple MPs shared similar concerns, triggering a major political shift in the Rajya Sabha

US forces have turned back 38 ships as part of an ongoing maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports, escalating pressure amid stalled negotiations. The move comes as Iran ramps up diplomatic efforts with Russia, even as back-channel communications with Washington continue over the Strait of Hormuz crisis

According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Department, Mondays maximum temperature was likely to reach a sweltering 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain around 27 degrees Celsius. The entire day was expected to remain under the grip of severe heatwave conditions

Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Monday accepted the merger of seven AAP MPs led by Raghav Chadha with the BJP. This comes after the MPs quit AAP citing deviation from party principles. The development significantly strengthens BJP in Rajya Sabha

We do believe, based on a very preliminary understanding of what happened, that he was targeting members of the administration, Attorney General Todd Blanche said, adding that investigators were still working to determine the motive and whether the suspect acted alone

The US President has signalled that the Iran war could end soon, stating that Tehran is in really bad shape after losing its navy, air force, and facing an effective blockade. Meanwhile, Iran`s Abbas Araghchi has launched a fresh diplomatic offensive, holding talks with Putin, Omani FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg for talks with President Vladimir Putin as part of a broader diplomatic effort to ease regional tensions. The visit follows engagements in Pakistan and Oman, with discussions expected on ceasefire prospects, the Strait of Hormuz, and Irans proposal to de-escalate conflict

US President Donald Trump rejected allegations made in a manifesto by the suspect in the White House Correspondents Dinner shooting, calling him a sick person. He denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein and said he was totally exonerated as investigations continue

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in western Tamil Nadu, including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Erode, with widespread showers expected across the state till May 2. Strong winds up to 40 kmph and localised disruptions are likely, prompting caution in vulnerable areas

The NIA has taken over the investigation into the recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengals Bhangar area. Acting on Union Home Ministry orders, the agency is probing the case ahead of the second phase of assembly elections scheduled on April 29

US President Donald Trump described the tense moments after gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents dinner venue in Washington. He said he wanted to see what was happening, briefly slowing evacuation, and later urged organisers to reschedule the event

Investigators say the suspect was armed and allegedly tried to breach security at the Washington hotel hosting the annual gala attended by top US officials, lawmakers, and media figures. Formal charges are expected in court today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sikkim for its 50th statehood anniversary celebrations and launch projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore. The visit includes inaugurations of hospitals, universities, bridges, and key infrastructure initiatives across sectors

NASA has introduced a specially modified Boeing 777 as its largest airborne research laboratory, replacing the retired DC-8. The aircraft, capable of carrying up to 75,000 pounds, will support advanced Earth science missions by collecting crucial environmental data

BJP National President Nitin Nabin will visit Rajasthan to strengthen the party organisation and review strategies. He will inaugurate multiple BJP district offices in Tonk, address party workers, and hold key meetings in Jaipur, including a core committee discussion

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Trinamool Congress, alleging a reign of terror after party worker Debdeep Chatterjee was killed in Asansol following the polls. He condemned the incident and said the Congress would not bow to violence that undermines Indias non-violent traditions

Scientists have directly detected argon-42, one of the rarest isotopes in Earths atmosphere, found at just one part in 10. Previously observed only indirectly, the isotope has now been identified atom by atom, marking a major advancement beyond traditional accelerator mass spectrometry methods.

China successfully launched Pakistans PRSC-EO3 satellite from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre using a Long March-6 rocket. The mission marks the fourth satellite launch for Pakistan by China since last year, highlighting expanding cooperation in the space sector

A remote village in Chhattisgarhs Abujhmad region has received electricity for the first time, benefiting around 10 families. The development marks a significant step in bringing basic infrastructure to a once Maoist-affected area

Sanjay Singh has petitioned Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan seeking disqualification of seven MPs who quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing anti-defection rules

Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai, celebrated for capturing Indias diverse realities through his lens, passed away at 83. He had been battling cancer-related complications and age-related health issues