US Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the 'Desis Decide' summit on May 15, encouraging more Indian-Americans to participate in the electoral process. Despite growing numbers, Indian-American representation in politics is still limited, with only five members in Congress. Harris acknowledged the work of the Indian-American Impact organization, a Democratic think-tank, but emphasized the need for more Indian-Americans to run for office. She noted that increased participation will lead to more diverse representation and prevent individuals from being the only one with their life experience in rooms where decisions are made.

The death toll in the Mumbai hoarding collapse incident has risen to 16 after two more bodies were retrieved from a trapped car under the billboard. The search and rescue operations continued for over 55 hours after the massive illegal hoarding collapsed on a petrol pump, leaving dozens trapped under the debris. A total of 89 persons have been pulled out, with 16 declared dead and 75 injured. The rescue teams had to be extra cautious to avoid fire incidents due to the proximity to the petrol pump. So far, 32 injured have been discharged from hospitals, while 42 are still undergoing treatment.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala by May 31, marking the beginning of the crucial four-month rainfall period. This timing aligns closely with the normal onset date of June 1. The IMD had earlier predicted above-normal rainfall for the June to September Southwest Monsoon season. Two key factors contributing to the likelihood of abundant rainfall are a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and diminished snow cover in the northern hemisphere and Eurasia. The monsoon's timely arrival is significant for India's agricultural economy, particularly for the sowing of kharif crops in June and July.

Six family members, including four women, were killed in a tragic accident on Wednesday evening in Odisha's Keonjhar district. The incident occurred on National Highway 520 in the Champua area. Police reported that their car, traveling behind a truck, crashed into it when the truck suddenly braked. A second truck, following too closely, then collided with the car from behind, resulting in the fatalities. All six occupants of the car died at the scene. Their bodies have been sent for autopsy.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in critical condition after being shot in a small town north-east of Bratislava. The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon as Fico greeted people outside a cultural community centre. A man fired five shots at the prime minister before being subdued by bodyguards. Fico underwent surgery for over three hours, and his condition is described as "bad". The defence minister called the shooting an "attack on democracy". The assailant has been detained but not yet identified. The incident has sparked shock and concern among Slovak politicians, including the president.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will launch his campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with a roadshow in Amritsar on May 16. Kejriwal will support Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and visit the Golden Temple and Durgiana Mandir. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that AAP aims to be the largest partner in the central government post-June 4, predicting victories for AAP candidates in Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Assam, and Kurukshetra. The roadshow will begin at 6 p.m., marking Kejriwal's first visit to Punjab since his release from Tihar Jail.

Syed Mustafa Kamal, a Pakistani lawmaker, drew attention to the stark contrast between India's space achievements and Karachi's pressing issues. He noted that while India successfully landed on the moon with Chandrayaan-3, Karachi is grappling with open gutters that have claimed children's lives. Kamal emphasized the need to address Karachi's infrastructure and social welfare, citing the city's water scarcity and the large number of children out of school - 70 lakh in Karachi and 2.6 crore in Pakistan. He stressed that Karachi, as Pakistan's revenue engine and gateway to Central Asia and Afghanistan, deserves better infrastructure and social services.

A massive dust storm in Mumbai caused a 250-tonne hoarding to collapse, killing 16 people, including a retired Air Traffic Control manager and his wife. The couple, Manoj and Anita Chansoria, were among 100 others trapped under the debris after the hoarding fell on a petrol pump. They were in Mumbai for visa formalities and had stopped to refill petrol when the storm hit. Their son, living in the US, reported them missing, leading to a search and rescue operation. In total, 41 people were injured, 34 survived, and 16 lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Senior BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's aide, V K Pandian, announced that Patnaik will take oath for a sixth term on June 9, with a promise of free power supply for 90% of Odisha's population. In a video from their Deogarh visit, Pandian highlighted this initiative and the extension of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna to all, including government servants. Patnaik reinforced the pledge. This announcement follows BJP leader Samir Mohanty's call for clarification on BJD's free power promise, accusing the party of misleading the public. The BJD manifesto promises free electricity for households consuming less than 100 units monthly.

Yemen's Houthis claim to have targeted a US warship and a vessel named "Destiny" in the Red Sea, aligning with their campaign of attacks to support Palestinians in Gaza. Houthis' military spokesman Yahya Sarea stated they aimed at the American destroyer "Maysun" with naval missiles, while targeting "Destiny" en route to the Israeli port of Eilat. Dates of the attacks were unspecified, and Reuters couldn't independently verify the claims. Continuous Houthi assaults in the Red Sea disrupt global shipping, prompting US and UK strikes on Houthi targets. Fears mount over wider Middle East destabilization amidst ongoing conflicts.