A teacher and two others were arrested in Godhra, Gujarat, for helping six students cheat in the NEET-UG exam. The teacher, Tushar Bhatt, was in charge of the exam center. The accused planned to fill in answers after the exam. Police found a list of 16 students on Bhatt's phone and Rs 7 lakh in cash in his car. The arrests were made after a tip-off led to an investigation. The three have been booked for exam malpractice. The incident highlights the need for strict vigilance to prevent such frauds in competitive exams.

Tensions flared in Bagalkote, Karnataka, as pro-Hindu groups clashed with police over an interfaith couple seeking protection. The groups demanded that the newly-wed Hindu man and Muslim woman be handed over to them after the woman's family filed a missing complaint. When police refused, the groups resorted to stone-pelting, prompting a lathi-charge to disperse them. The couple had approached the police station seeking security after their marriage. The incident highlights the challenges faced by interfaith couples and the potential for communal tensions over such unions.

India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index 2024, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has improved marginally to 159th position From 161 last year out of 180 countries. However, the country still lags behind neighbors like Turkey, , and Sri Lanka while Pakistan ranks at 152nd. The index highlights challenges faced by journalists, assessing factors like media independence, self-censorship, and transparency. Norway topped the list for press freedom, while Eritrea ranked last. India's modest improvement underscores the need for continued efforts to safeguard journalistic rights and promote an environment conducive to free and responsible reporting.

Air India Express cabin crew have ended their strike after the airline agreed to reinstate those terminated for calling in sick. The strike caused flight cancellations and disruptions since Tuesday night. Following a conciliation meeting, the airline decided to withdraw termination letters issued to 25 cabin crew members. Passengers faced hardships as flights were cancelled, prompting the airline to curtail operations until May 13. The resolution comes after negotiations between the airline and the cabin crew, aiming to restore normal flight operations and minimize passenger inconvenience.          

Air India Express has terminated the services of around 25 employees who called in sick at the last minute, causing widespread disruptions to its flight operations. The employees' sudden absence led to the cancellation of over 90 flights. In a termination letter, the airline stated that the employees' actions amounted to a concerted effort to disrupt services, violating company rules and applicable laws. The letter noted that a large number of cabin crew members reported sick around the same time, indicating a pre-meditated abstention from work without a justifiable reason.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took action against forest personnel for neglecting forest fires in Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts. He stressed reviving local fire management traditions and involving the public in maintaining fire lines. Dhami prioritized water conservation in forest projects and directed the creation of ponds to increase moisture levels. He commended the work of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization and proposed engaging self-help groups to collect pine needles, aiming to prevent future fires.

In a major breakthrough, security forces killed a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and National Investigation Agency's (NIA) most wanted terrorist, Basit Ahmed Dar, in an encounter in Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday night. Two other LeT terrorists, Momin Gulzar and Fahim Ahmed Baba, were also killed in the operation. Dar, who led the LeT offshoot group The Resistant Front (TRF), was involved in 18 killings, including those of security personnel, civilians, and minorities. The Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, hailed the operation as a significant achievement.

Amidst a wave of sick leave by senior crew members, Air India Express cancelled 80 flights, sparking chaos at airports nationwide. Passengers voiced frustration and anger as they faced flight cancellations without prior notice, seeking alternatives amidst medical emergencies and urgent travel needs. Videos emerged showcasing chaotic scenes at Delhi and Calicut airports, with passengers left stranded and seeking answers from airline staff. DPAP chief Ghulam Nabi Azad criticized the airline's handling, calling for accountability and criticizing Air India's operational culture. The cancellations left passengers scrambling for solutions, amplifying the turmoil at affected airports.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's determination to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) during an address at Gargi College. Emphasizing the significance of revoking Article 370, he highlighted the altered ground reality. Jaishankar referenced parliamentary resolution and bipartisan support for PoK's return to India, noting increased awareness post-370 abrogation. His remarks echo Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's sentiments on PoK's integration with India driven by regional development. Jaishankar's stance underscores India's steadfast resolve towards territorial integrity.

An Indian Air Force convoy was attacked in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, resulting in the death of IAF Corporal Vikky Pahade and injuries to four others. Three terrorists have been identified as Illiyas, Abu Hamza, and Hadoon, linked to the People's Anti-Fascist Front, an affiliate of Jaish-e-Mohammed. A search operation is ongoing in Rajouri and Poonch forests to apprehend the attackers. This incident marks another deadly assault in the region by the militant group.