At least seven people, including a child, were killed and several others injured after a compound wall at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru collapsed during heavy rains and thunderstorms. Most victims were street vendors who had taken shelter near the wall when it gave way. Siddaramaiah visited the site, announced ₹5 lakh compensation for victims’ families, and ordered an investigation into possible negligence. The incident has sparked concerns over infrastructure safety and maintenance amid extreme weather conditions in the city. (PC: DH)

The Supreme Court of India has sharply criticised the Centre over its stance in a case involving termination of a minor’s pregnancy, stressing that a citizen’s reproductive choice must be respected. During the hearing, the court questioned arguments opposing the procedure, highlighting the physical, emotional, and long-term impact on the teenager. It reiterated that forcing a minor to continue an unwanted pregnancy could violate fundamental rights, including dignity and personal liberty. The case has intensified the legal and ethical debate around abortion laws, especially concerning late-term pregnancies and minors’ autonomy in India. (PC: NDTV)

An African student at Aligarh Muslim University impressed the audience with a Hindi speech inspired by the film 3 Idiots. Ayyubi, a second-year B.Tech student, performed at a cultural event at Nadeem Tareen Hall. His act followed the style of Chatur Ramalingam, played by Omi Vaidya. He spoke about hostel life and summer heat. “Aajkal bohat garmi hai… main sabko AC dunga,” he said, drawing laughter. The speech was prepared with help from friends. The video of the performance has since gone viral online and received wide praise.

A tigress and her four cubs have died within nine days at Kanha Tiger Reserve, officials said. The deaths began on April 21 when one cub was found dead. Two more cubs were found on April 24 and April 25. All were around one year old. Forest staff first suspected starvation. Later, they said a lung infection was likely the cause. The tigress, known as T-141, and her last cub were found sick. Both were moved to a quarantine centre for treatment. Officials said they died due to “severe respiratory distress.” Further checks are underway. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's aggressive ethanol blending programme, marketed as a clean energy solution, is silently deepening the nation's water crisis. Producing just one litre of ethanol from rice demands approximately 10,790 litres of water, making it one of the most water-intensive fuel sources imaginable. The government allocated 52 lakh tonnes of rice for ethanol in 2024–25, targeting 90 lakh tonnes in 2025–26. India's total ethanol production capacity stands at 1,822 crore litres, heavily concentrated in already water-stressed states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. NITI Aayog warns groundwater in 21 major cities could hit zero by 2030. Critics note a glaring double standard as farmers are blamed for water depletion, while industries consuming far more escape scrutiny entirely. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh’s longest highway, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj. The six-lane (expandable to eight) access-controlled corridor is designed to cut travel time from 10–12 hours to about six hours, with a speed limit of up to 120 kmph. Built at an estimated cost of around ₹36,000 crore, the expressway passes through 12 districts, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. It includes modern features like an emergency airstrip, smart infrastructure, and improved logistics support. The project is expected to enhance trade, reduce congestion, and transform transportation across Uttar Pradesh. (PC: X)

Voting in Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 recorded 89.99% turnout till 5 pm, higher than 80.4% in 2021 for the same seats. Polling will continue till 6 pm. Officials expect the final figure to rise further. The high turnout comes amid complaints from parties over EVM issues and disruptions in some areas. The Election Commission of India called the complaints “serious” and ordered checks. It said a repoll will be held if tampering is confirmed. Despite tensions, voting continued in most booths with security in place. (PC: India Today)

Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre’s Great Nicobar project, calling it a “crime against nature” and tribal communities. Visiting the island, he said, “What I have seen is not a project.” He added that “millions of trees” would be cut and “160 sq km of rainforest” destroyed. He also said local communities were being ignored and displaced. The project aims to build a major port and infrastructure hub. It has received approval from the National Green Tribunal. Supporters say it will boost trade and security, while critics warn of damage to biodiversity and tribal life. (PC: India Today)

A pro-Khalistan terror module was busted in Patiala hours after a rail track blast on the Delhi-Amritsar freight corridor, with four accused arrested from Tarn Taran. Police said the group was part of an ISI-backed network and seized a grenade, pistols, ammunition, and communication devices. One suspect died while attempting the explosion and was identified as Jagroop Singh Panjwar. Officials said the module’s kingpin had links to handlers in Malaysia and Pakistan and was involved in radicalising youth and sending them abroad for training. Investigations suggest the group planned further attacks on public infrastructure, with multiple charges invoked under anti-terror laws.

AG Perarivalan, a convict in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has begun practising as a lawyer at the Madras High Court.   He was released in 2022 after spending 31 years in prison. He enrolled as an advocate this week.   “I will focus on providing legal aid to prisoners who often lack access to effective representation,” he said.   Perarivalan plans to handle cases of wrongful detention and delays in justice. After his release, he studied law and cleared the All-India Bar Examination in 2025. (PC: India Today)