Traffic on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune was hit after hundreds of people blocked the road to protest the rape and murder of a 3.5-year-old girl. The protest took place near Navale Bridge, where family members placed the child’s body and demanded strict punishment. Police said a 65-year-old man has been arrested and has confessed to the crime. The protest began as a sit-in but later led to heavy traffic jams. Authorities issued advisories and later cleared the road. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he would seek capital punishment for the accused. (PC: HT)

A video from inside a residential building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar shows burnt rooms and the remains of victims after a deadly fire. The blaze killed at least nine people, including a toddler and four women. Police said five bodies were found on the second floor, while three were recovered from the staircase. The fire broke out early in the morning and spread across multiple floors. The cause is not confirmed yet, but an AC blast is suspected. Officials said the second, third and fourth floors were badly damaged. An investigation is underway to find the exact reason behind the fire. 

The United States has announced a plan to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, marking a significant shift in its NATO force posture and straining transatlantic relations. The decision, ordered amid rising tensions between Washington and Berlin over the ongoing Iran conflict, will be implemented over the next 6–12 months. Germany hosts the largest U.S. military presence in Europe, making the move strategically important for NATO defense planning. NATO has sought clarity on the decision, while European leaders say it underscores the need for increased defense spending. Analysts warn it could weaken deterrence against Russia and reshape Europe’s security balance. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump has said he is reviewing a new Iranian proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, but expressed strong skepticism about its acceptability. The proposal, reportedly a multi-point plan delivered through mediators, comes as a fragile ceasefire of about three weeks continues to hold. Trump indicated that Iran’s terms may be unacceptable, stressing that any agreement must ensure Tehran never develops nuclear weapons. He also warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. The conflict, which began after US-Israel strikes earlier in 2026, has disrupted global oil supplies and heightened regional tensions, making diplomatic resolution increasingly urgent. (PC: The Hindu)

At least eight people were killed and four others injured after a massive fire broke out in a residential building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar area, reportedly triggered by an air-conditioner blast. The blaze spread rapidly through the structure, trapping occupants inside. Fire services rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical fault or AC explosion as the likely cause, though investigations are ongoing. The incident highlights recurring concerns over fire safety and faulty electrical appliances in densely populated urban areas. 

A Delhi judicial officer, Aman Kumar Sharma, was found dead by suicide at his Safdarjung residence, with police suspecting death by hanging. The 30–35-year-old judge, posted as Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority at Karkardooma Court, had joined the judicial service in 2021. According to reports, Sharma had made a distress call to his father shortly before the incident, expressing emotional turmoil. Family members have alleged ongoing marital discord and mental stress as possible contributing factors. Police received a PCR call, broke open the door, and initiated an inquest. The body has been sent for post-mortem as investigations continue.

The Election Commission of India has ordered fresh polling in all 285 polling stations of West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency, citing “severe electoral offences” and a “subversion of the democratic process.” The decision follows widespread irregularities reported during voting on April 29, including alleged EVM tampering and disruptions. Repolling is scheduled for May 21 from 7 am to 6 pm, with counting set for May 24. Due to this move, results for the remaining 293 constituencies will be declared earlier. The unprecedented step aims to restore electoral integrity and ensure a free and fair voting process. (PC: NDTV)

India delivered an impressive performance in beach kabaddi at the Asian Beach Games 2026 in Sanya, China, securing both gold and silver medals. The Indian women’s team clinched the gold medal after defeating Sri Lanka convincingly in the final, extending their dominance with a sixth straight title. Meanwhile, the men’s team secured silver after losing the final to Iran, despite a strong campaign that included a notable semifinal victory over Pakistan. These were India’s first medals at the Games, reinforcing the country’s continued strength and consistency in international kabaddi competitions.

Seven-year-old Ishank Singh has created history by becoming the youngest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait, completing a 29-kilometre open-water swim in 9 hours and 50 minutes. The challenging route from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu is known for strong currents and unpredictable conditions. Ishank Singh battled rough seas to achieve the feat on April 30, earning recognition from the Universal Records Forum. His accomplishment has drawn nationwide praise, highlighting exceptional endurance, discipline, and determination at a remarkably young age.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands has set a new Guinness World Record by unfurling the world’s largest underwater national flag at Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). The massive Indian Tricolour, measuring around 60 by 40 metres, was deployed beneath the sea in a highly coordinated operation involving over 200 trained divers and multiple agencies. Officials said the complex effort required precise planning and strict safety protocols, with participation from the Navy, Coast Guard, police, and diving teams. The achievement marks a significant milestone, showcasing India’s capability in large-scale underwater operations while boosting the region’s global tourism appeal.