Times of India

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat criticized the rise of disputes over religious sites, emphasizing the importance of interfaith harmony in India. He stated that raising issues out of hate is unacceptable, referencing the Ram temple as a matter of faith. Bhagwat urged a return to ancient culture, rejecting extremism and advocating for inclusivity, where everyone can practice their faith freely.

The Supreme Court questioned the Bengal government and its SSC over a teacher recruitment 'scam,' highlighting flaws in the selection process. The court examined various categories of irregularities, including manipulated ranks and marks. While acknowledging the impact on students, the court prioritized addressing the 'scam' confirmed by a commission and the CBI.

India's central government has drafted legislation to combat predatory lending practices by unregulated entities, including digital platforms. The proposed law introduces penalties of up to seven years imprisonment for illegal lenders and up to 10 years for those engaging in harassment and unlawful recovery tactics.

A Navy speedboat collision with a ferry near Mumbai's Gateway of India tragically claimed 14 lives, with one person still missing. The overloaded ferry was en route to Elephanta Island. The speedboat, recently undergoing engine replacement, was being tested. Investigations are underway, focusing on the cause of the crash and the speedboat's operator.

Starting June 1, 2024, tobacco products in India will feature more disturbing images, including the face of a person with end-stage oral cancer and the warning "Tobacco causes painful death." The change aims to combat the high tobacco usage rate, responsible for an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually. The new warnings also include the national tobacco quit line number.

In Varanasi, the Shri Kashi Vidwat Parishad (SKVP) is investigating a decades-closed temple in Madanpura, believed to be the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple. Scholars are meticulously researching ancient scriptures and maps to locate a water body and other temples mentioned in the texts, possibly buried under modern structures.

The Reserve Bank of India expressed concerns over states' rising spending on subsidies like farm loan waivers and freebies, impacting funds for infrastructure and development. State subsidies have surged, with revenue expenditure exceeding capital outlay in several states. While overall fiscal consolidation efforts are positive, RBI emphasizes the need for prioritizing capital expenditure for long-term growth.

NITI Aayog proposes classifying factory worker housing as a separate category to streamline taxes and boost manufacturing. This aims to address housing challenges hindering industrial growth and attract investment. The report suggests zoning changes, affordable utilities, and GST exemptions for eligible units, crucial for achieving India's economic goals and supporting the projected influx of manufacturing jobs.

A pro-Khalistan group claimed responsibility for the fifth grenade attack on a Punjab police post in under a month. The group cited alleged offensive remarks by police as motivation. The attack caused minimal damage, and an autorickshaw believed to be involved was seized. This follows a similar incident at Amritsar's Islamabad police station, raising concerns about deteriorating law and order.

Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security review in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the government's commitment to eliminating terrorism. He lauded the collaborative efforts of security forces, resulting in decreased terrorist incidents and recruitment. Shah directed continued synchronized efforts, employing all available resources to achieve a terror-free J&K.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Congress for its alleged historical disregard for B.R. Ambedkar, citing a 2012 NCERT textbook cartoon depicting Jawaharlal Nehru "whipping" Ambedkar. Pradhan suggested the cartoon reflected Congress's deep-seated contempt for Ambedkar, despite their recent public displays of respect.

Bangladesh's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, urged Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif to resolve outstanding issues from 1971 to improve bilateral relations. While Sharif highlighted the 1974 tripartite agreement, Yunus emphasized the importance of a SAARC summit. Both leaders agreed to strengthen ties through trade, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in areas like sugar industry and dengue management.

Luigi Mangione Thursday waived extradition in Pennsylvania and came to New York where he was charged with murder. But to the surprise of Mangione's lawyers, the federal authorities unsealed new charges against him which now make him eligible for the death penalty. There's no death penalty in New York law but Luigi Mangione become the rare case as he has been charged with federal murder.

Nvidia's stock, despite a recent uptick, remains below its peak, slipping to the third most valuable company. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's comment on ample chip supply suggests an overinvestment during the AI boom, potentially impacting Nvidia's chip demand.

A dispute has arisen between two villages in Karnataka over a temple buffalo, prompting police to conduct a DNA test. Kunibelakere villagers claim the buffalo, dedicated to their deity eight years ago, was stolen. Kulagatte villagers insist the animal is theirs, missing for two months.

Tragedy struck a Nashik family during a Mumbai visit when three members drowned in a ferry accident near Elephanta Caves. Vilas Govind witnessed the heartbreaking scene of identifying the bodies of his daughter, grandson, and son-in-law at the Uran hospital. The family had decided on a spur-of-the-moment ferry trip before their train back home, a decision that turned fatal.

Tensions flared outside Parliament as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs clashed, accusing each other of disrespecting B.R. Ambedkar. Two BJP MPs were injured in the scuffle, leading to an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for alleged assault. The BJP claims Gandhi pushed senior members, while Congress alleges BJP MPs threatened and shoved Mallikarjun Kharge.

The India-Australia Test series hangs in the balance at 1-1, with the final two matches crucial for World Test Championship Final qualification. A 2-2 series draw requires either a Sri Lankan upset over Australia or a Pakistani whitewash of South Africa for India to advance. A 1-1 finish necessitates a 2-0 Pakistan victory or a Sri Lankan win/draw against Australia.