The Times of India

Iran's Hyderabad Consulate criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Taj Mahal visit, asserting Iranian architects built the monument while the US threatens Iranian civilization. This follows Rubio's India trip and comes after Iran rejected his energy market claims. The consulate's remarks also alluded to past US threats during regional conflicts.

IFFCO honored women achievers from Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat for the first time at its 55th AGM, recognizing their contributions to agriculture and women's empowerment. The cooperative reported a profit of Rs 4,585 crore and announced employee incentives, including a minimum wage of Rs 20,000 for lower-level staff.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre's blocking of the group's social media accounts. The satirical movement, which gained viral traction discussing unemployment and exam leaks, saw its X account suspended on national security grounds. Dipke also alleged hacking of other accounts.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is shaken as three AIADMK MLAs resigned, reportedly joining the ruling TVK party. Both DMK and AIADMK leaders have accused the Vijay-led government of horse-trading and orchestrating defections within the Secretariat. These resignations deepen the AIADMK's internal rifts and necessitate by-elections.

India's economy faces pressure from the US-Iran conflict, impacting fuel prices, fertiliser subsidies, and forex reserves, Finance Minister Sitharaman warned. Meanwhile, West Bengal opened its first holding centre for suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals. In Karnataka, a leadership decision for the Congress is imminent, while Iran demands $12 billion in frozen assets before US talks.

President Droupadi Murmu presented 66 Padma awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Violinist N Rajam received Padma Vibhushan. Actor Dharmendra was honored posthumously with Padma Vibhushan. Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee received Padma Shri. The ceremony recognized distinguished service in various fields. A total of 131 Padma awards were approved for 2026.

West Bengal's BJP government has launched its 'detect, delete and deport' policy, opening a holding center in Malda for illegal foreign nationals. Nine suspected Bangladeshi nationals are currently housed there, awaiting verification and legal procedures. This initiative aims to streamline the deportation process for apprehended individuals, as mandated by a new national law.

A Karnataka leadership change decision is imminent within days following crucial Congress meetings. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with party leaders amid ongoing speculation about a potential shift. Discussions also covered Rajya Sabha and MLC polls, and a minor cabinet reshuffle has already occurred, with portfolios being reassigned.

The Supreme Court has emphasized that girls must not abandon education due to a lack of sanitary napkins and functional, gender-segregated toilets in schools. The Centre has been directed to ensure effective implementation of its previous orders, urging states to provide free sanitary pads and adequate toilet facilities for all students.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, stating they share a similarity in destruction which fuels their mutual praise. This comes after Trump expressed his love for PM Modi and India during a call to the US ambassador in New Delhi.

Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered swift action on sexual crime cases following a horrific incident in Coimbatore. He directed police to expedite investigations, ensure severe punishment for culprits and implement precautionary measures. The directive comes amid rising criticism over the state's law and order situation, with opposition leaders highlighting recent murders and assaults.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that India did not express concerns regarding Pakistan's mediation role in the US-Iran conflict. While India remains focused on terrorist groups operating from Pakistani soil, this specific diplomatic engagement by Islamabad did not arise as a point of discussion.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticized the Modi government for recent fuel price increases, alleging it burdens citizens despite stable international crude oil rates. He pointed to significant hikes in petrol and diesel prices over the past decade, contrasting them with the UPA era.

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.