Abhishek meets Birla, wants 20 TMC rebels disqualified

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor faced internal party criticism for his remarks on Kashmir's progress towards normalcy and for praising PM Modi's stance on civilian sailors' safety. Critics questioned his engagement with party members and ground realities in Kashmir, while another party leader sarcastically questioned his interpretation of Modi's statements. Tharoor defended his comments, citing widely published reports and emphasizing concern for Indian lives.

A tragic incident at a prawn farm in Tiruvallur district has resulted in the loss of seven lives due to an ammonia gas leak, leaving many workers gasping for air. K Annamalai, the former BJP Tamil Nadu president, has demanded a comprehensive investigation and accountability for any negligence. In response, the state government has initiated a three-member committee to examine the circumstances, with updates anticipated shortly.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination took place without any issues across the country, ensuring tight security measures were in place. There were no reports of paper leaks, boosting officials' confidence in the examination's integrity. With over 2 million students participating, results are expected to be released earlier than initially thought, following the cancellation of the May 3rd exam over leak suspicions.

Uddhav Thackeray has declared his faction as the sole Shiv Sena, countering Union home minister Amit Shah's statement. Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle his party and poach its leaders, contrasting this with the Congress, with whom his party fought for decades but was never targeted for destruction. This comes after the Election Commission recognized Eknath Shinde's group as the official Shiv Sena.

Nihangs have taken a gurdwara manager hostage in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, demanding the release of four members arrested after a clash in Karnaprayag. The group, armed with traditional weapons, occupied the gurdwara roof, raising slogans. The incident stems from a dispute over parking that escalated into violence, leading to the arrests. Authorities are negotiating for their descent while investigating the initial clash.

The investigation into alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple funds has escalated, leading a Special Investigation Team to restrict trust and temple officials from exiting Ayodhya. As discrepancies surface, investigators are meticulously analyzing donation records, which include valuable items. They are also reviewing large transactions from the Maha Kumbh festival, when considerable contributions were made, along with examining land acquisitions and material procurement associated with the temple p

Millions of medical aspirants reappeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam nationwide after the original test was cancelled due to paper leak allegations. Unprecedented security measures, including biometrics and CCTV, were implemented. While students reported a moderate-to-tough paper, particularly Physics, the day also saw emotional moments and entry disputes. The focus now shifts to answer keys, results, and the ongoing CBI investigation.

A Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, has switched to the Eknath Shinde faction, citing a need for development funds for his constituency. He stated that the limited MPLADS fund was insufficient to address public expectations. Ashtikar also alluded to "certain remarks" made by a senior Sena (UBT) leader as a catalyst for his decision, suggesting a lack of respect within the party.

Karnataka BJP is investigating alleged cross-voting by its MLAs in the recent Legislative Council polls, which saw the ruling Congress secure a significant victory. Party president B Y Vijayendra announced a legislature party meeting at Dharmasthala, where MLAs might take an oath before Lord Manjunatha to reveal the truth. He termed the alleged betrayal a serious matter that will be pursued to its conclusion, aiming to restore party worker confidence.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan spoke with the parents of Shrishti Dubey, a Kolkata NEET-UG aspirant who, despite a severe road accident and surgery, was able to take the re-exam. Special medical arrangements, including a separate room and ambulance, were made following government intervention. Shrishti's parents expressed immense gratitude, crediting the minister for enabling their daughter's participation. Pradhan conveyed his best wishes for her success and future as a doctor.

Across India and its waters, armed forces personnel marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with widespread sessions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a large gathering in Shillong, emphasizing yoga's role in holistic well-being and a disciplined life. From high-altitude posts to parade grounds, soldiers, sailors, and air warriors embraced the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing,' showcasing India's ancient traditions as a global movement for humanity's health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenous naval platforms—INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray—in Kolkata, marking a significant stride in India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing. These advanced vessels bolster the nation's maritime security and operational capabilities. The event underscores India's growing prowess in shipbuilding and its commitment to becoming a major global defence producer, with over 40 indigenously built warships inducted recently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delayed his departure from Delhi airport on Sunday to prevent traffic disruptions for students appearing for the NEET-UG re-exam. Arriving at 1:15 pm, he waited to ensure smooth passage to examination centres across 551 cities and 14 international locations. The exam, held at 5,440 centres, featured extensive CCTV surveillance and jammers to prevent malpractice, with heightened security and strict checks in Delhi.

A NEET-UG 2026 candidate from Nagpur, initially assigned an exam center in Abu Dhabi, successfully appeared for the re-test in his hometown after the NTA revised the location. The issue gained national attention, prompting swift action from the agency. While the NTA stated the city change was made via the candidate's login, the family maintained their preference for local centers. This incident occurred amidst the ongoing NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed yoga as a unifying force during International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata. He emphasized its role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all ages, particularly highlighting 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' The Prime Minister urged making yoga a way of life, not just an annual event, and thanked Kolkata for its hospitality and cleanliness efforts.

Protesters at Jantar Mantar, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over examination controversies, face water supply issues in restrooms. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) highlighted the lack of basic facilities for demonstrators, contrasting it with the minister's situation. Meanwhile, the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is underway nationwide, with CJP inviting aspirants to join their protest post-exam.