External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at NDTV's Battleground show, expressed confidence that the BJP will surpass its 2019 Lok Sabha election performance. He cited strong pro-incumbency in several states and growing support in traditionally non-BJP areas like Kerala and Telangana. Jaishankar avoided predicting exact numbers, leaving that to experts. He emphasized that the BJP's strategies are well-analyzed and data-driven. With two phases of voting remaining, he believes the party's base is solid and optimistic about increasing seats in states like Bengal, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. Election results will be announced on June 4.

Seven Maoists were killed in a gunfight in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Thursday. The clash started around 11 am in the Abujhmaad forest, involving police and security forces from Narayanpur, Bastar, and Dantewada. Police seized seven weapons from the scene. The operation, targeting Maoist leaders from Platoon 16 of the CPI (Maoist), involved about 1,000 security personnel. The identities of the Maoists are yet to be confirmed. So far this year, 112 Maoists have been killed in the state, a significant increase from the previous year.

Those responsible for blasting New Labour’s 1997 anthem “Things Can Only Get Better” during Rishi Sunak's general election announcement on Wednesday, May 22, have been unmasked. Anti-Brexit activist Steve Bray orchestrated the stunt, playing the song to troll the Conservatives. Bray, known for his protests outside Westminster, selected the anthem due to its association with Tony Blair’s victorious 1997 campaign. The song by Northern Irish band D:Ream, which gained fame as a symbol of hope and change, added a historical twist to Sunak's rainy announcement outside Number 10.      

Families of five Israeli soldiers, captured by Hamas on October 7, released a three-minute video showing the young women being taken from their base. The video, edited from body camera footage, depicts the soldiers—Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniela Gilboa, and Naama Levy—standing helplessly with tied hands, some bloodied. The footage aims to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into negotiating a truce with Hamas for the hostages' release. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized the Israeli government for its failure to prevent the attack and called for urgent action.

The Czech Constitutional Court rejected Indian national Nikhil Gupta's bid to halt his extradition to the US over a conspiracy to murder a Khalistani lawyer. Gupta's plea, claiming political charges, was dismissed, affirming legal protocol adherence. The US indictment alleges Gupta's involvement in targeting Sikh lawyer Hardeep Singh Nijjar, citing instructions from an Indian official. The court's decision, devoid of oral proceedings, awaits final approval from the Czech Justice Minister. Gupta's arrest last year at Prague's airport, based on US prosecutors' request, initiates the legal tug-of-war between nations over extradition.              

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sparked controversy by calling a general election amidst trailing poll numbers, risking a historic defeat for the Conservative Party. With Labour holding a significant lead, Sunak's decision, fueled by economic indicators like a drop in inflation, aims to seize a favorable moment before potential downturns. However, challenges loom, including economic uncertainties and immigration crises, eroding his margin for victory. Sunak's gamble hinges on a dramatic turnaround during the intense six-week campaign, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle.

A tragic incident unfolded at a campaign rally in Mexico as heavy winds caused a stage collapse, resulting in nine fatalities and over 50 injuries. Presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez narrowly escaped harm during the event in San Pedro Garza García. Rescue efforts are underway as some remain trapped under the debris. Governor Samuel García Sepúlveda confirmed the death of a minor among the casualties. Álvarez Máynez described the harrowing moment when the stage crumbled amidst strong gusts. Videos capturing the collapse circulated on social media, revealing the chaos as attendees and performers fled for safety.

As the UK gears up for its upcoming general election on July 4th, key players are stepping into the spotlight. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, seeking his own mandate, faces scrutiny for unmet promises amidst a challenging tenure. Labour leader Keir Starmer emerges as a frontrunner, praised for steering his party towards the center but critiqued for lack of vision. Nigel Farage's potential return to politics adds intrigue, while smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats, SNP, and Green Party vie for influence. With stakes high, the UK braces for a transformative political showdown.

Amid Indian Navy warships' docking in Manila, Philippines, the country shows interest in India's Advanced Light Helicopter, marking a potential defense deal. The visit underscores mutual interests in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific amidst tensions with China. Indian-built helicopters and warships gain traction as Philippines confronts Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The move follows India's vocal stance against Chinese expansionism, strengthening strategic alliances in the region. With escalating maritime tensions, Philippines seeks partnerships with nations like India to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

Delhi pioneers QR-based 'Aadhar cards' for 100 dogs, ensuring their safety and protection. Led by Priya Chopra of Pawfriend.in, the drive tagged dogs at key locations like Delhi T1 Airport and India Gate, providing vital information for reunification in case of loss. Manavi Rai, an animal rights activist, lauds the initiative as a lifeline for furry companions. Pawfriend.in's mission towards a safer, digital Bharat for animals gains momentum as they expand efforts nationwide, distributing over 6350 tags. With heartwarming reunions like Browine's, the initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding stray dogs.