The Times of India

Amid global energy disruptions, PM Modi urged Indians to conserve foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported fuel. He advocated for public transport, work-from-home, avoiding overseas trips and non-essential gold purchases for a year. The Prime Minister also encouraged farmers to halve chemical fertilizer use and shift towards natural farming.

India and UAE are finalizing an agreement to facilitate the evacuation of Indian workers via Fujairah port, a move likely to be signed during PM Modi's upcoming stopover. This pact addresses potential disruptions from the West Asia conflict, offering a crucial maritime route for over 4 million Indian workers in the UAE.

'Govt change sans violence best proof'

BJP's strong performance in Kolkata's assembly elections, leading in 102 of 144 KMC wards, has sparked speculation about advancing municipal polls. This surge contrasts with Trinamool's previous dominance, as evidenced by the 2024 Lok Sabha results showing BJP gaining significant ground in the city's wards.

I'll be the only power centre, says Vijay after taking oath as TN CM

Bengal's new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, is considering relocating his Kolkata residence to the underutilized Soujanya complex in Alipore. Police have assessed the security at the palatial building, constructed for VVIPs. Adhikari, who has emphasized accessibility at his ancestral home, may opt for the more centralized Soujanya due to security needs.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph stated that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will soon announce Kerala's next chief minister after interviewing three contenders. Joseph indicated no further state-level discussions are needed, with the Congress leadership holding the final decision. Camps backing K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala remain hopeful, each presenting their case to the high command.

Slams Cong for Kerala & Karnataka power struggles

Staff and teachers at Raksha Anusandhan School (RAV) in Dehradun are opposing its management transfer from DRES to DAV College Trust & Management Society. This change, affecting a school partially funded by DRDO, raises concerns about potential negative changes to employee salary structures. DRDO clarified its financial support did not imply ownership or control.

India's space commercial arm, NSIL, is poised for a significant shift as a private sector leader, reportedly from Boeing, is the front-runner for its CMD post. This marks a departure from its history of being led by Isro insiders. The selection process is in its final stages, aiming to bring external expertise to the burgeoning space PSU.

Bhuri Tori, a forgotten scientific outpost near Sironj, once served as the geodetic heart of undivided India. British surveyors used this ridge for the Great Trigonometrical Survey, fixing coordinates and calculating distances that helped measure Mount Everest. Today, this historically significant site lies neglected, with its structures vandalized and stones stolen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt lifestyle changes to conserve foreign exchange and mitigate the economic impact of global energy crises. Key suggestions include reducing fuel consumption by using public transport, carpooling, and opting for electric vehicles, alongside reviving work-from-home policies and limiting discretionary spending on gold and foreign travel.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized Prime Minister Modi for his remarks on the Kerala CM selection delay, pointing out the BJP's own 50-day wait in Delhi. He emphasized the Congress's democratic process versus the BJP's 'authoritarian' approach. Consultations are ongoing, with a decision expected soon after discussions with leaders and MLAs.

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday expanded its cabinet ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, inducting several new ministers and strengthening its administrative team at Jan Bhavan in Lucknow.

Singapore's cultural festival saw Indian mangoes as the star attraction, with performers receiving boxes of the prized fruit. Organized by the Indian High Commission, the event aimed to boost mango exports and offered a taste of Incredible India. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to promote premium varieties globally, has generated significant enthusiasm and curiosity among residents.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan has objected to the order of songs played at Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's swearing-in ceremony, where 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was placed third after 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem. He stated this violates long-standing convention and demanded a public explanation for the lapse, urging the government to restore the state song's primacy.

A young man caused a stir at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Sunday by allegedly jumping into the 'Badi Deg' cauldron, which contained cash and jewellery. Shrine staff intervened and pulled him out, with preliminary reports suggesting he may be mentally unstable. Authorities are investigating the incident captured on CCTV, with no major injuries reported.

Runa Laila, celebrating 50 years in Hindi films, continues to bridge India and Bangladesh through her music. Her powerful voice, first heard in 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek,' has been a constant amidst political shifts. Receiving the Minar-e-Dilli award, she emphasized music's healing power, a sentiment echoed by fans who find solace in her melodies.

Tamil Nadu's new Chief Minister Vijay claimed the previous government left a Rs 10 lakh crore debt and an empty treasury. However, former CM M.K. Stalin refuted this, stating the state's debt is within limits and urging Vijay not to start his tenure with such claims. Vijay vowed transparency and prioritizing public welfare.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has vehemently denied a fabricated social media quote attributed to him, calling the act vile, brazen and mischievous. The CJI stated that manufacturing and attributing such a quote to the highest judicial office is an act of dishonesty and social incitement.

Decades of groundwork by the RSS and its expanding social and organizational networks in West Bengal have reshaped the state's political landscape, culminating in the BJP's electoral breakthrough. This patient, years-long outreach, rooted in identity and community, gradually converted scattered support into a cohesive political force, leading to a decisive electoral victory.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief C Joseph Vijay assumed office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, promising a new era of secular and social justice governance. He highlighted the inherited financial strain, pledging transparency, strict action against corruption and drug abuse, and prioritizing education, roads, and water facilities for the people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering in Bengaluru, inaugurating and laying the foundation for projects worth Rs 9,500 crore. He highlighted recent electoral victories in Puducherry, Assam, and Bengal, alongside Gujarat's local election success, as historic milestones. The visit also includes dedicating Sindhu Hospital to the nation.

C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a significant political shift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and assured continued central government support for the state's welfare. Vijay's party, TVK, secured victory in the 2026 elections, ending the dominance of Dravidian parties.

C Joseph Vijay has become the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He took the oath of office along with his cabinet members. This marks the formal assumption of power by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party. The party achieved a significant electoral victory on May 4. This win ended the long-standing dominance of traditional Dravidian parties.

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after his party, TVK, emerged as the single largest in the assembly. Vijay secured the required majority with support from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League, unseating traditional Dravidian parties. He will seek a vote of confidence by May 13.

Congress is deliberating on its Kerala chief minister choice, with V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K.C. Venugopal as top contenders. Meetings with the high command are ongoing, with a decision expected imminently. The party is also addressing internal indiscipline following public demonstrations supporting individual leaders.

Kashmir's adventure tourism sector faces a significant downturn. Trekking routes across the Valley are closed, halting a once-thriving industry. This has impacted local entrepreneurs and staff who relied on adventure activities. While some have relocated, many face an uncertain future. The reopening of key routes like the Great Lakes Trek is crucial for the industry's survival.

Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of political vendetta after repeated ED actions in Punjab, including the arrest of AAP MP Ashok Tanwar. The agency's probe targets alleged financial irregularities, with searches extending to real estate firms. Punjab's CM condemned the ED's use as a political tool, while the opposition highlighted corruption concerns.

Crime rates in Indian cities are set to show a decline in 2027 due to a mathematical glitch in National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) calculations. NCRB uses outdated Census population figures as denominators, causing crime rates to appear inflated until the next Census updates these numbers, leading to dramatic drops.

The BJP's first government in West Bengal was sworn in with a display of potent symbolism, including PM Modi's gestures of respect and the inclusion of diverse community representatives. The event acknowledged the party's historical struggle and its growing support base across various social and regional groups in the state.

Bengal witnesses a historic shift as Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister, alongside five cabinet ministers. Prime Minister Modi graced the occasion at Brigade Parade Ground, marking a significant political turn. The new government's formation emphasizes regional balance and organizational strength, with a cabinet expansion anticipated soon.

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi for alleged lack of gratitude after the party left the DMK-led alliance. The editorial highlighted DMK chief M K Stalin's role in forming the INDIA bloc and supporting Congress's inclusion, despite opposition from other leaders. Murasoli also accused Congress members close to Gandhi of targeting the DMK government.

The Vijay-led TVK party's tally surged to 120 after securing support from VCK and IUML, following earlier backing from Congress, CPI, and CPM. IUML cited the public's expectation for a democratic government and the need to prevent political instability and President's Rule in Tamil Nadu.

Questions arise if Congress could have achieved greater success in Tamil Nadu had actor Vijay's past interaction with Rahul Gandhi materialized into a political alliance. Now, 17 years later, a partnership is forming as Rahul Gandhi is set to attend Vijay's oath-taking ceremony, marking a significant political shift.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan has pledged unconditional support to actor-politician Vijay's government, aiming to ensure political stability and prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu. This move, communicated to DMK chief MK Stalin, allows TVK to navigate the state's new coalition landscape. VCK will remain in the DMK-led alliance but will not join the cabinet, prioritizing political credibility over ministerial berths.

The Delhi High Court granted interim relief to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, ordering the removal of AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media across digital platforms. The court recognized Tharoor's enforceable personality and publicity rights, barring the misappropriation of his name, image, voice, and speaking style for any commercial, political, or malicious purpose.

Seeks urgent evacuation steps by govt