Times of India

India's unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in April, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey's first monthly bulletin. Rural areas recorded 4.5% joblessness, while urban centers saw 6.5%. Among those aged 15 and above, the unemployment rate was 5.2% for males and 5% for females. The Labour Force Participation Rate was 55.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited Galgam village, celebrating the success of Operation Karegutta Hills, which eliminated 31 Maoists and seized a large cache of arms. Sai commended the CRPF jawans' courage and emphasized the government's commitment to transforming security camps into facilitation centers. He reiterated the goal of making Chhattisgarh Maoist-free by March 2026.

Home Minister Amit Shah visited AIIMS Trauma Centre to check on CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police personnel injured during the 21-day anti-Naxal operation ‘Blackforest’. The operation in the Karreguttalu Hills resulted in injuries, some serious, from IED blasts. Shah assured the injured personnel of the nation's support and pride, directing top-notch care and rehabilitation.

In a tragic incident during an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, CRPF K9 Rolo, a Belgian Malinois, succumbed to a massive bee sting attack. The brave dog, part of the 228th battalion, was instrumental in detecting explosives and assisting infantry patrols. Despite immediate medical evacuation and treatment, Rolo could not survive the ordeal.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar emphasized that a mutually beneficial trade deal with the US is expected, where both countries gain. Negotiations are intricate, and no decision is final until all aspects are agreed upon. Discussions are progressing well, with officials slated to conduct further talks, aiming for an early deal covering a limited set of products.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Amir Khan Muttaqi spoke. They discussed the Pahalgam attack condemnation. India appreciated Afghanistan's stance against Pakistan's claims. Both nations aim to boost cooperation. They addressed visa issues for Afghan citizens. They also discussed the release of Afghan prisoners in India. Focus was on trade and Chabahar port development. India considers resuming projects in Afghanistan.

Michael Rubin, a US military strategist, criticized the Trump administration for allowing a $1 billion IMF bailout to Pakistan, which he views as a state sponsor of terrorism and a Chinese satellite. Rubin asserted that India won the conflict with Pakistan, dismissing Islamabad's claims and highlighting its defeat. He condemned the IMF's decision, especially after terrorist attacks in India.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has urged Indian universities to sever ties with institutions in Pakistan, Turkiye, and Bangladesh, citing national security concerns and alleged support for anti-India narratives. Several universities, including JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia, have already suspended or terminated collaborations with Turkish institutions. The AIU frames this as a patriotic duty to protect India's sovereignty.

The Indian government, citing national security concerns, has revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground service provider Celebi, impacting its operations at nine Indian airports. This decision follows Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan, particularly after the use of Turkish-origin drones against India. The government is working to ensure minimal disruption and retain Celebi's employees while airports are assuring smooth operations.

IndiGo defends its partnership with Turkish Airlines, highlighting benefits for Indian travelers and the economy amid political tensions. The airline emphasizes that the codeshare agreement enhances connectivity to Europe and the USA, provides affordable fares, and increases tax contributions. IndiGo's long-haul expansion plans are supported by this collaboration, paving the way for self-sufficiency with new aircraft orders.

Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav sparked controversy. He mentioned castes of IAF officers Vyomika Singh and A K Bharti. He attacked BJP, accusing them of politicizing Operation Sindoor. BJP leaders criticized Yadav's remarks. They condemned his statement as divisive and disrespectful to the armed forces. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also slammed Yadav's casteist remarks.

India and Pakistan have decided to continue confidence-building measures to de-escalate military tensions along the Line of Control and the international boundary. This decision follows an understanding reached on May 10 to cease cross-border hostilities, with both sides aiming to prevent aggressive actions. While Pakistan claims an extension of the ceasefire, India maintains full operational readiness.

A 24-year-old Sudanese student was fatally stabbed, and another was injured in Phagwara, Punjab, during an early morning attack. The victims, along with female companions, were on their way to morning prayers when a group of students and ex-students from Lovely Professional University (LPU) accosted them, leading to a violent confrontation in which knives were used.

In Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand, farmers in Jalaun have successfully revived the 81km-long Noon river, which had dried up due to encroachments and poor rainfall. This community-led effort, praised by PM Modi, involved voluntary labor to restore the river's drainage basin. The revival is expected to benefit over 15,350 farmers by providing a crucial irrigation source.

In a remarkable feat of community effort, the Noon river in Bundelkhand's Jalaun district is being revived after years of desiccation. Local residents restored 14 km of the drainage basin, creating a funnel for water to flow back into the 81-km river. Prime Minister Modi lauded the initiative as 'sabka prayas,' highlighting the collective will of villagers