Times of India

Following Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition, NIA is interrogating him about the 26/11 attacks and David Headley's role. Rana's disclosures may lead to NIA seeking further access to Headley, currently jailed in the US. Headley, according to former home secretary G K Pillai, was Rana's key link to the conspiracy, updating him on LeT's plans and reconnaissance.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh stated that India began to embrace its culture and ancient heritage with pride after 2014, attributing this shift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This observation was made during the release of 'Sanskriti ka Panchva Adhyay,' a compilation of Modi's speeches on culture.

In a significant reshuffle, the government appointed new secretaries across key economic ministries, including finance, commerce, labour, and civil aviation. Eighteen new secretaries were named in total. The finance ministry saw appointments in expenditure, economic affairs, revenue, and public enterprises. Rajesh Agrawal was designated commerce secretary.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the conviction of seven villagers for attempting to fraudulently acquire land by forging the will of a World War II soldier who disappeared in 1943. The villagers falsely claimed the soldier lived with one of them and died leaving a will.

The SIT filed a 500-page chargesheet in the alleged murders of Mohd Bilal and Ayan during the Shahi Jama Masjid survey violence in Sambhal. Ghulam Shah and Mulla Afroz, with alleged ties to Dubai-based Shariq Satha, face charges for murder and inciting violence. The investigation suggests Satha orchestrated the unrest and supplied weapons, with recovered bullets indicating potential external links.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reversed compensation for a couple who conceived after a vasectomy failure, citing no medical negligence and a lack of due care. The court referenced a Supreme Court verdict, noting pregnancy post-sterilization can occur naturally, with termination as an option.

Police in Sambhal, UP, have filed charges against 11 individuals from UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand, involved in a massive insurance scam. This "insurance mafia" created fraudulent life insurance policies, targeting the terminally ill and deceased, to defraud companies like ICICI Prudential and SBI Life Insurance.

The Indian armed forces are facing significant operational challenges due to the grounding of approximately 330 'Dhruv' ALH helicopters, exacerbating existing shortages caused by the obsolete Cheetah and Chetak choppers. This disruption has severely impacted military operations, especially sustenance flights to forward areas and reconnaissance missions.

The Army has initiated an inquiry following allegations that an IGNOU professor was assaulted by troops during a vehicle check in Rajouri district. The professor, Liaqat Ali, reportedly sustained head injuries. The Army claims Ali attempted to seize a soldier's weapon, leading to a scuffle, but assures a thorough investigation and appropriate action if misconduct is proven.

Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was once again placed under house arrest, preventing him from leading Friday prayers at Srinagar's Jamia Masjid. This marks the fourth consecutive Friday Mirwaiz has been barred, sparking criticism from the Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid and the National Conference, who decried the restrictions as unjust and a violation of religious freedom.

In a tragic hit-and-run in Denton, Texas, Vangavolu Deepthi, a 23-year-old Indian student, lost her life just before her graduation. Deepthi and her friend were struck by a speeding car; Deepthi succumbed to head injuries despite medical efforts and a crowdfunding campaign. Local police are investigating, while Deepthi's family mourns, recalling her invitation to her upcoming convocation.

Jinnah House, the historic Mumbai residence of Pakistan's founder, is poised for renovation into a diplomatic enclave, pending final approval from the external affairs ministry. The restoration project, overseen by the CPWD with architectural consultation from Sir JJ College, aims to convert the heritage site into office space while preserving its original features and character.

Ladakhi political parties express optimism ahead of the May 20th meeting with the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi, hoping for resolutions on recruitment, reservations, and domicile issues. While anticipating discussions on statehood and sixth schedule status, they warn of potential agitations if the meeting fails to yield positive results.

The search operation for terrorists who escaped after an encounter in Poonch, J&K, has entered its fifth day. IGP Bhim Sen Tuti assessed the operational readiness of troops, emphasizing the resurgence of terrorism in the region over the past two years. Security forces are conducting extensive search operations, including aerial surveillance, to counter the threat and maintain peace.

In a bowler-dominated match, Nehal Wadhera's crucial unbeaten 33 propelled Punjab Kings to victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, inflicting their third home defeat. Tim David's unbeaten fifty helped RCB reach 95/9 in a rain-shortened game, but Wadhera's aggressive hitting against Hazlewood and Sharma turned the tide, securing PBKS's climb to second place in the points table.

In 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, from a Soviet cosmodrome, marking a pivotal moment in its space program. Despite challenges and limited resources, a dedicated team of Indian scientists built the satellite in just 30 months.

In Roorkee, a Class 9 student was allegedly abducted and assaulted by senior students from his school. The attack, stemming from a rivalry, involved physical violence and was filmed and shared on social media. Police have registered a case, but the victim's father alleges inaction due to political pressure, threatening protests if arrests aren't made promptly.