The Times of India

Nepal has officially objected to India resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, a territory it claims based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India dismissed these claims as unjustified and historically unfounded, stating Lipulekh has been a long-standing yatra route. This dispute marks a potential test for bilateral ties as both nations prepare for diplomatic discussions.

Senior advocate Tushar Mehta's upcoming book criticizes some judges for exhibiting 'judicial bullying' due to excessive courtroom reverence. He argues that while judges face immense pressure, this cannot justify incivility, as the public expects high standards from an institution they cannot easily remove. Mehta highlights the power imbalance lawyers face when confronting arrogant judges.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat revealed she is one of six accusers of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Her return to competition in his stronghold, Gonda, raises concerns about fairness and potential bias in officiating. Phogat, now a legislator, demands transparency, holding the government accountable for any incidents. The WFI president assures safety and denies bias.

Bengaluru-based GalaxEye launched Drishti, India's largest privately developed Earth observation satellite and the world's first OptoSAR satellite. This innovative spacecraft combines optical and radar imaging, enabling it to 'see' through clouds and darkness, offering crucial capabilities for national security and disaster response.

After the counting begins and trends trickle in, these seats offer early clues to momentum, alliance cohesion and voter sentiment that can ripple across regions. From prestige contests involving chief ministers to urban battlegrounds testing new entrants, the outcomes in these constituencies will help explain whether incumbency holds or fractures. They also reflect how local issues such as welfare delivery, identity, urban infrastructure and leadership credibility interact with wider political n

Following serious accusations of election fraud in West Bengal's Falta area, Trinamool Congress heavyweight Kunal Ghosh is demanding that the controversial IPS officer, Ajay Pal Sharma, popularly known as 'Singham', be suspended. Ghosh believes Sharma's actions are directly linked to the alleged rigging that has cast a shadow over the election results.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is making inroads in Kerala, challenging the state's traditional two-front political system. Recent elections show the BJP gaining ground in specific constituencies, turning contests into triangular battles. This shift is evident in Lok Sabha and local body polls, indicating a gradual disruption of the established LDF-UDF dominance. The party focuses on select seats for strategic growth.

A victory for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK)-led front would be read primarily as an endorsement of the ruling partys leadership. Chief minister MK Stalin remains the central figure in the states political battle, and governance credit is expected to accrue largely to his party. For Congress, which continues as a junior partner in the alliance, such an outcome would ensure representation and continuity, but not necessarily greater political ownership.

As vote counting looms for five key states, the 2026 assembly elections represent a critical juncture for national parties and regional strongholds. The BJP seeks geographic expansion, while the Congress fights for relevance. Regional forces face mounting pressure, making the outcome a test of India's political trajectory.

Puducherry's vote counting begins Monday for its 30 constituencies, a high-stakes election with record 89.83% turnout. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC, faces a strong challenge from the Congress-led SPA and emerging player TVK. Key constituencies like Thattanchavady and Mannadipet are closely watched.

Heavy landslides have blocked key routes in Jammu and Kashmir. The Baramulla-Uri highway faced disruption near Lagama, with traffic diverted. The Doda-Kishtwar road also saw a major blockage near Gatsoo. Meanwhile, a bridge collapse in Jammu's Bantalab area tragically claimed the lives of three labourers. Authorities are working to clear debris and ensure safety.

Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak stated he has not received information about FIRs filed against him, suspecting political misuse. Punjab Police registered two non-bailable FIRs against Pathak after he switched from AAP to BJP. BJP and SAD leaders condemned the actions as political vendetta.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is set for a decisive turn as vote counting commences. The election features high-stakes contests, including Chief Minister MK Stalin defending his seat and actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay making his electoral debut. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palanisami is also fighting to regain relevance, with new entrants and alliance dynamics shaping the traditional voting patterns.

The Supreme Court is reviewing brain death certification protocols in India, considering expert opinions on additional tests like EEG and angiogram. While a petition alleges malpractices, experts maintain existing procedures, governed by strict guidelines and a panel of four doctors, offer adequate safeguards. This comes amid a significant gap in organ donation rates.

National Sample Survey Office data reveals a significant increase in hospitalisation rates for Indians aged 45 and above, particularly the elderly. This trend highlights a growing burden of chronic diseases and underscores the urgent need for enhanced preventive healthcare and early detection strategies across the nation.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee challenged the BJP and Election Commission to contest from Falta after a repoll was announced due to severe electoral offences. The Election Commission cited widespread tampering of EVMs and compromised integrity of recorded votes at multiple booths, leading to the decision for a fresh poll on May 21.

Defence veterans, including former IAF chief R K S Bhadauria, strongly back the Greater Nicobar project, deeming it vital for India's national security and military presence. They argue it enhances surveillance of the Malacca Strait, crucial for checking China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The project is seen as a strategic and economic win.

Indian Railways has rolled out its 100th Vande Bharat train from the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli. This milestone marks significant progress since the first two trains were introduced in 2018. The new 16-coach trainset will undergo trials before entering passenger service, showcasing enhanced reliability and safety features.

Veteran actor and producer Sudesh Kumar, known for his roles in 'Saranga' and 'Chhoti Bahen', passed away at 95 in Mumbai. Kumar, who also produced thrillers like 'Uljhan', began his career in theatre before making a mark in films. His wife confirmed his passing after a brief illness. He was born in Peshawar and later moved to Bombay.

Two FIRs, reportedly under non-bailable charges, have been filed against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab, shortly after he switched from AAP to BJP. Political leaders from BJP and SAD have decried the move as political vendetta and an attempt to intimidate party members. Security was heightened at Pathak's Delhi residence.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a record 85.1% voter turnout in the recent assembly elections, with 4.88 crore citizens casting their ballots. Women voters significantly outnumbered men, continuing a trend from previous years. The Election Commission faced delays in releasing data but assured robust security and transparency for the upcoming vote counting on May 4.

Ahead of Bengal's vote counting, Trinamool and BJP traded accusations over EVM strongroom security. TMC alleged CCTV blackouts in North 24 Parganas, while BJP pointed to alleged unauthorized access and attempted breaches in Salt Lake and Burdwan. Both parties raised concerns about the integrity of the storage facilities.

Tragedy struck at Bargi Dam as a cruise, reportedly launched despite severe wind warnings, claimed 11 lives, including children. Officials revealed forecasts predicted winds far exceeding safety limits for water sports. While other water activities in the state were suspended due to similar alerts, this operation proceeded, sparking criticism and allegations of neglect within the tourism department.

Bengal's electoral landscape has shifted as the Election Commission cancelled polling in Falta constituency due to widespread EVM tampering. A repoll is set for May 21, making it a unique post-result election. Allegations of threats against villagers and the arrest of a candidate's aides have heightened tensions, focusing attention on the remaining seats to decide the state's next government.

Millions are at stake on Polymarket, a prediction platform, as Indian assembly election results loom. Over $20 million is tied to Tamil Nadu's outcome alone, with significant bets also placed on West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Despite Indian law prohibiting such markets, users leverage crypto and VPNs to participate, showcasing a growing trend in crowd-sourced forecasting.

The Supreme Court dismissed a Trinamool Congress plea challenging the Election Commission's deployment of counting staff. The EC assured the court that both central and state government employees would be assigned to counting tables to ensure balance, refuting claims of bias. The court accepted the EC's assurance and dismissed the petition.

Tragedy struck in Jammu's Thuther area as a collapsed bridge during repair work claimed three lives. Rescue operations recovered the bodies after a section of the structure gave way. Authorities have launched a probe, suspending two engineers and forming a committee to investigate the incident and prevent future mishaps. One worker and a rescuer were also injured.

Gulmarg's ski season faces an uncertain future due to shrinking winters and erratic snowfall. Authorities are fast-tracking plans for artificial snow-making systems and synthetic slopes to ensure the resort's viability. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on natural snow and extend skiing into a four-season activity, safeguarding its legacy.

The Election Commission ordered a repoll in Falta constituency on May 21 due to alleged subversion of the democratic process, following BJP claims of EVM tampering. This decision comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbour region. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court declined a TMC plea challenging the deployment of central government staff for vote counting.

Veteran Congress leader PJ Kurien stated that only three names are under serious consideration for the Chief Minister post if the UDF wins in Kerala. He emphasized that the party high command will make the final decision after consulting state leadership and MLAs, ensuring unanimous acceptance.

Karnataka Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni has been disqualified from the state legislative assembly following his conviction in the murder case of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. The disqualification, effective from his conviction date of April 15, 2026, will last for six years after his release from life imprisonment.

Kerala's upcoming election sees the LDF government banking on its development model and welfare gains for a third consecutive term, a feat rarely achieved due to anti-incumbency. Despite high SDG rankings, the state faces challenges in gender equality and economic growth, while migration and wage gaps emerge as key voter concerns.