The Times of India

For actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, the days following the May 4 Tamil Nadu assembly election results were less about celebration and more about survival arithmetic. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, placing Vijay within striking distance of the chief ministers chair but still 10 short of the majority mark of 118.

Thol Thirumavalavan's VCK party has pledged unconditional support to Vijay's TVK, aiming to ensure Tamil Nadu's political stability and avert President's rule. This move, made independently while remaining in the DMK alliance, bolsters TVK's numbers to a majority. Vijay is now expected to stake his claim to form the government.

Tamil Nadu sees a new government forming as TVK crosses the majority mark with VCK and IUML support. India enhances its defense with a successful Agni missile test featuring MIRV technology. West Bengal witnesses a historic shift with Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister, while Mamata Banerjee updates her social media, acknowledging the change.

Nights are warming faster than days globally, impacting crops, ecosystems, and human health. Cities trap heat due to concrete and lack of green cover, while rising greenhouse gases act like a thicker blanket, preventing heat escape. This 'asymmetric warming' alarms scientists, indicating a fundamental shift in the planet's ability to cool itself.

The BJP has significantly expanded its political footprint across India, achieving its first chief minister in nine states since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. This expansion, marked by recent victories in West Bengal and Odisha, transforms the party from a Hindi-heartland force into a dominant pan-India political machine, reflecting its governance model and increasing public acceptance.

A fire aboard a wooden dhow near the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to four others. Seventeen Indian crew members were rescued by a passing vessel. The incident occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, with recent exchanges between Iran and the United States in the vital shipping lane.

Prime Minister Modi expressed profound gratitude to the people of Bengal, bowing with folded hands after the BJP's historic Assembly election victory. Alongside new chief minister Adhikari, he shared an emotional moment with 98-year-old veteran Makhanlal Sarkar, even touching his feet in a gesture of deep respect. This marks a significant shift in West Bengal's political landscape.

Suvendu Adhikari has been sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP chief minister at a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This historic win, securing 207 seats, ends the Trinamool Congress' 15-year reign. Adhikari's transition from Mamata Banerjee's aide to BJP leader marks a significant political upheaval in the state, mirroring recent changes in Bihar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar at the party's first West Bengal government swearing-in. Sarkar, a key grassroots leader since the BJP's inception, was recognized for his decades of service and association with the nationalist movement. His arrest in Kashmir in 1952 while with Syama Prasad Mukherjee highlights his early commitment.

West Bengal ushers in a new political era as Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister. This historic win, following an overwhelming mandate, marks the saffron party's long-fought ideological battle. Adhikari's dramatic rise, from local councillor to defeating Mamata Banerjee, culminates in this significant power shift.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari paid tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary, Pochishe Boishakh. Modi hailed Tagore as a timeless voice of Indian civilization, while Adhikari described him as an eternal star of Bengali literature. The occasion marks the Nobel laureate's enduring contributions to literature, philosophy, education, and culture.

Tamil Nadu's government formation remains uncertain as TVK emerges as the single largest party but falls short of a majority. Allies are scrambling for numbers, with some extending support while others withdraw, creating a volatile political landscape. Efforts are underway to secure the necessary support to stake a claim to power.

The Supreme Court has ordered the release of a murder convict after 22 years, criticizing the Orissa High Court for dismissing his appeal solely on grounds of delay. The apex court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142, highlighting the convict's satisfactory jail conduct and lack of legal aid.

The Times of India secured top honors at the INMA awards in Berlin, winning first prize for Thirukkural With The Times in Best Use of Print (Regional) and third prize for I am Kolkata, Amar Para in Best Use of Social Media (Regional). The publication also received three honorary mentions for its reader engagement, video content, and revenue diversification strategies.

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.