The Times of India

Uttar Pradesh is the second-highest power consumer in India. Rising summer temperatures are straining the electricity grid. Several thermal power plants are shut down, causing significant power cuts, especially in rural areas. The state is facing a substantial shortfall in power generation. Efforts are underway to secure additional electricity from other states and through power exchanges to meet the demand.

Nearly 1.5 lakh tribal people from across India gathered at the Red Fort, demanding the removal of converted Muslims and Christians from the Scheduled Tribe category. Organized by the Janajati Suraksha Manch, the event aimed to build support for a constitutional amendment under Article 342 to de-list converted tribals.

BJP's Debangshu Panda secured a decisive victory in the Falta repoll, winning by over a lakh votes. The Election Commission ordered the repoll due to severe electoral offences during the initial April 29 polling. This high-stakes seat for TMC saw their candidate finish a distant fourth after withdrawing from campaigning but remaining on the ballot.

A school principal, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, was arrested by the CBI in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. She allegedly shared exam questions with students for money, conspiring with another lecturer. Havaldar admitted to sharing Physics questions and receiving payments, later deleting chats and burning notes.

A Supreme Court plea seeks a CBI probe into the Cockroach Janta Party and alleged fake advocates, amidst a political storm over the viral digital campaign. The group, which gained traction discussing unemployment and exam leaks, saw its website taken down. Founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of suppression and claimed to have received death threats.

IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur professors will now help CBSE fix its post-result services portal. This comes after students and parents reported widespread technical glitches and confusion regarding re-evaluation fees. The move aims to ensure a smooth, reliable, and transparent system for students seeking to review their exam papers.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk acknowledged a positive step in talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre, but warned trust-building remains incomplete. He cited unresolved protest cases and institutional issues, fearing Ladakh could become another Manipur due to growing unrest. Wangchuk stressed that government intent will be judged by actions on these outstanding matters.

Following a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, an AIIMS medical team has arrived in Bhopal to conduct a second post-mortem on Twisha Sharma. Her father, buoyed by the rule of law, is optimistic that the investigation will yield justice and curb the public shaming of his daughter even after her death.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke refutes BJP claims of Pakistani followers. He presented audience analytics showing over 94% Indian users. Union minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar had alleged significant Pakistani engagement. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar called it a cross-border influence operation. The party gained traction online discussing unemployment and policy issues.

India's defense capabilities are being bolstered with the US approval of a USD 198.2 million deal for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter support. This acquisition complements the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand', designed for high-altitude operations. Both helicopters serve distinct strategic roles, enhancing India's defense against evolving regional threats and modernizing its air force.

CPRG was also the only Indian non-governmental organisation to host an official side event at the Paris AI Action Summit 2025, and its work has been recognised at the Belgrade GPAI Summit 2024.

Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Rahul Gandhi, stating the Congress will continue to decline under his leadership. Prasad accused Gandhi of making shameful remarks against India abroad and questioned his understanding of issues. These comments were made at a BJP training camp in Patna, which also featured discussions on party history and government coordination.

Future conflicts will span multiple domains including land, sea, air, cyberspace, and cognitive warfare, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan stated at the inauguration of a defence manufacturing complex in Shirdi. He emphasized that technological advancements like AI and drones are reshaping battlefields, which will extend beyond geographical limits into digital realms.

Sonam Wangchuk, calling himself an honorary cockroach, lauded the satirical Cockroach Janata Party movement, urging the government to heed youth concerns instead of suppressing digital dissent. He likened the campaign's creative, non-violent approach to political cartoons, advocating for engagement over censorship to prevent frustration from escalating.

Social media's pervasive influence is reshaping childhood, impacting attention spans, emotional regulation, and self-esteem among Indian youth. Experts and parents highlight concerns over digital addiction, cyberbullying, and the erosion of real-world interactions. While acknowledging its benefits, the article stresses the need for balanced, mindful usage and open communication to navigate this digital landscape.

The West Bengal government has rescheduled the Id-Ud-Zoha (Bakrid) public holiday to May 28, 2026, cancelling previous dates. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court upheld the state's notification restricting the slaughter of certain animals ahead of the festival, citing Supreme Court rulings.

India and Cyprus elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, aiming to boost bilateral investments in sectors like defense and tourism. This move strengthens Cyprus's defense capabilities and positions it as a key European entry point for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, countering regional geopolitical challenges.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the viral Cockroach Janta Party, announced their website was taken down, accusing the BJP-led Centre of dictatorial behavior. Dipke claimed nearly 10 lakh people had joined the satirical platform, with 6 lakh signing a petition for the Education Minister's resignation over the NEET-UG controversy.

Actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan clarified a viral home-from-work slip-up, explaining he meant work from home while discussing PM Modi's appeal amid rising fuel costs. He expressed bewilderment at his statements becoming internet sensations, stating he's just a human who makes mistakes like anyone else.

Following Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's Delhi visit, the Centre has approved Rs 39,000 crore for West Bengal's water resources ministry schemes. Prime Minister Modi pledged support for central projects and economic development, aiming to boost welfare initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and rural employment. Discussions also covered border security with Home Minister Amit Shah.