Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, an astrologer and spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as his Personal Secretary. The appointment has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the need for an astrologer in such a role.
The CBI has arrested a doctor and a physics teacher in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 13. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
The Madras High Court acknowledged the existence of corruption within the judiciary while dismissing a PIL seeking a ban on the Tamil film 'Karuppu'. The court emphasised the need for introspection and improvement within the judicial system, stating that judges are not exempt from criticism.
Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide campaign to crack down on drug syndicates, focusing on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions, and improving police functioning across the state.
The Telangana Prisons Department is set to launch a Jail Museum in Hyderabad, offering visitors a unique 'life in prison' experience and insights into the history and functioning of prisons.
Indian benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, driven by a sharp correction in crude oil prices below USD 100 per barrel and a rally in global markets, fuelled by improving sentiment surrounding US-Iran negotiations.
A 23-year-old security guard was allegedly hacked to death at an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Police are investigating the incident and have identified a suspect with a criminal background.
A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.
Researchers at IIT Kanpur are studying alpha waves in the brain to understand how stress affects cognitive functions. The study aims to build automated models of stress dimensions using EEG and correlating them with factors like loss of control, helplessness, and anxiety.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently conducted an AFC Fitness Course (Level 1A) at the Inspire Institute of Sport, aiming to strengthen coach education and fitness training standards within the Indian football ecosystem.
Delhi University has instructed St Stephen's College to halt the appointment of a new principal, citing that the selection committee was not formed in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018.
A mess employee at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, allegedly committed suicide on campus, marking the fifth such incident in the past three months and raising concerns about the well-being of individuals at the institution.
Vinesh Phogat, despite losing in the Asian Games selection trials, asserts her return to wrestling after motherhood as a victory, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while criticising the wrestling administration for alleged discrimination and harassment.
A one-year-old boy, abducted from a temple complex in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, was rescued by police after an encounter. The accused, who planned to sell the child, sustained bullet injuries during the operation.
The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has arrested nine individuals linked to coaching institutes in connection with an alleged Rs 37.20-crore scam involving a Delhi government scheme.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed marginally higher after a volatile trading session, driven by value buying in IT and select blue-chip counters, despite global crude price hikes and a weak rupee.
From online abuse targeting cricketers' families to paid hate campaigns and bot-driven fan wars, cricket's social media ecosystem has spiraled into a toxic industry driven by outrage, algorithms and commercial interests.
The staff association of Dyal Singh Evening College is protesting the proposed renaming of the college to Banda Singh Bahadur, following a decision made in December 2025. They met with the Governing Body chairman to voice their concerns and request a staff council meeting to discuss the matter.
The West Bengal government's second cabinet meeting is scheduled for May 18, where key decisions on Dearness Allowance (DA), implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, and other administrative issues are expected to be addressed.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring weak global trends, as escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear facility, pushed crude oil prices higher. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 18, 2026.
A man has been arrested in Kolkata for allegedly sending an email threatening a suicide bomb attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has launched a strong attack on Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora, accusing him of lowering the standards of political discourse by resorting to personal attacks against his family instead of answering questions on governance.
A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.
If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.
The global artificial intelligence (AI) boom has significantly reshaped equity markets, with Taiwan surpassing India to become the world's fifth-largest stock market. India has seen its market capitalisation decline by 7% year-to-date, while AI-linked economies like Taiwan and South Korea have surged.
Kanpur police have exposed a large-scale fake degree racket, arresting two individuals allegedly involved in supplying forged educational documents across multiple states. The operation uncovered fake marksheets, migration certificates, and degrees from various universities, raising concerns about the integrity of academic credentials and potential implications for employment and admissions.
The Bihar Education Department has directed all private and government-aided schools to adhere to NCERT guidelines, ensuring school bag weight does not exceed 10 per cent of a child's body weight. Schools must install weighing scales and monitor bag weights regularly, with violations leading to action.
Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by the Shah Rukh Khan family and Mehta Group, emerged as the most valuable franchise.
Bhopal police have stated they have no objection to a second post-mortem of Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her home last week, following allegations of dowry harassment. A local court is reviewing the case diary after the family requested the second autopsy be conducted at AIIMS Delhi, citing lapses in the initial investigation.
Analysts predict that the ongoing US-Iran conflict, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and foreign institutional investor (FII) flows will be the primary factors influencing Dalal Street this week, with inflation concerns adding to investor anxiety.
Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd anticipates annual revenue of approximately Rs 2,000 crore from its new bio-plastic plant in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for commissioning in the December quarter. The company is investing over Rs 3,000 crore in the Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) plant with a capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum.
The Delhi High Court has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the upcoming Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy for lacking discretion regarding iconic players returning from maternity leave.
The Delhi High Court has approved wrestler Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary selection policy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.
Indian stock markets rallied in early trade after US President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned military strikes on Iran, citing requests from Gulf leaders and ongoing "very big discussions" that could lead to a deal. This de-escalation, coupled with foreign fund inflows and gains in IT and Adani group stocks, contributed to the positive market sentiment. Track Sensex and Nifty on May 19, 2026.
A team of doctors from AIIMS Delhi has started a second autopsy of former model and actor Twisha Sharma in Bhopal, following a request from her family who allege inadequacies in the initial post-mortem.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained a retired faculty member in Latur, Maharashtra, as part of its investigation into the alleged NEET (UG) paper leak. The NEET (UG) 2024 exam was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities.
A postgraduate medical student in Indore allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the sixth floor of his hostel. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Trinamool Congress has launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over rising fuel prices, economic concerns, and exam irregularities, accusing the Centre of betraying citizens.
NIT Rourkela has announced the launch of four new academic programmes for the 2026-27 session, focusing on emerging technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
