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)

Indian Overseas Bank said it never asked for physical proof after a man in Odisha brought his sister’s skeleton to a bank. Jeetu Munda had tried to withdraw Rs 20,000 from his late sister’s account in Keonjhar. Officials said he was earlier told to submit a death certificate and required documents. The bank said, “No such demand was ever made,” and added that proper rules must be followed for claims. Police said the man did not understand the process. Authorities are now helping him get documents so the money can be released after verification. (PC: India Today)

Delhi recorded higher temperatures than Dubai on April 28, highlighting an intense early summer. The city saw nearly 43°C, while Dubai remained around 30°C. The India Meteorological Department said this was Delhi’s third straight heatwave day. It was driven by “dry northwesterly winds, strong glare from the Sun, and clear skies.” Delhi’s landlocked location exposes it to hot desert winds. Dubai, on the Gulf coast, gets cooling sea breezes. Heatwave conditions have spread across north and central India, with temperatures touching 45°C in some areas. Officials expect brief relief from approaching western disturbances before heat conditions return. (PC: India today)

In the Mumbai stabbing case, a video has surfaced showing a man attacking two security guards in Naya Nagar. The footage shows one guard trying to escape and pleading for help as the attacker chases him with a knife.   Police have arrested Zaib Zuber Ansari, 31, within 90 minutes of the attack. The injured guards, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Sen, were admitted to hospital.   Police said the accused asked them to recite the “kalma” before the attack.   A case has been filed, and teams are investigating the motive. Authorities urged people not to spread rumours.