Today’s top stories cover major developments in politics, defence, sports, and international relations.
The government cleared the inclusion of caste enumeration in the next census, a move hailed as historic by some and controversial by others. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to skip Russia’s Victory Day Parade amid tensions back home after the Pahalgam terror attack.
In neighbouring Bangladesh, a court granted bail to Hindu minority leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case that drew national attention. Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump lashed out at Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar for filing impeachment articles against him.
Here are the top five stories of the day:
The government decides to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the importance of transparency and consistency in conducting the caste survey. The minister also attacked the Congress party for “opposing” the caste census, claiming that late Dr Manmohan Singh had said in 2010 that “the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet”. Read full story
PM Modi skips Moscow’s Victory Day Parade invitation amid tensions over Pahalgam terror attack
Russia invited PM Modi to attend the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, marking 80 years since the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India instead. PM Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, his first trip there in nearly five years. Several other international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to come. Read full story
Bangladesh court grants bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das in sedition case
Das was arrested after a sedition case was filed against him and 18 others in Chittagong on October 30 last year. The charges were related to raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s official flag during a rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram on October 25. The arrest had triggered widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release. Read full story
Donald Trump blasts Congressman Shri Thanedar over impeachment articles filed against him
Trump called Thanedara “lunatic” during a public appearance in Michigan. Thanedar’s impeachment move cited issues like unlawful deportations and defying court orders. Trump mocked the move, claiming the Democrats had “lost their confidence.” Thanedar, in a video, argued that Trump was unfit to serve, violated the constitution, and posed a threat to American democracy. Read full story
Olympic medalist Mary Kom confirms her divorce from husband Karung Onkholer
Responding to rumours linking her to Hitesh Choudhary and another man, Mary Kom issued a legal notice calling the claims false. She said the divorce was peaceful and asked the media to respect her privacy. The notice warned of legal action if false reports continued. She also shared that the past two years had been emotionally difficult and requested space from the public. Read full story
