Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Sri Ravi Shankar at the The Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru for the organisation’s 45th anniversary celebrations and Gurudev’s 70th birthday. The month-long event has brought together participants from 182 countries, including diplomats, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, farmers and prison inmates rehabilitated through Art of Living programs. PM Modi inaugurated the Dhyan Mandir, a new international meditation and healing centre envisioned as a permanent space for collective well-being. Referring to the newly launched facility, Modi said, “Dhyan Mandir will become a centre of peace and solace for thousands of people in the coming generations.” Addressing the gathering, Modi linked mental well-being with national progress, stating, “The realisation of a developed future will be possible through youth who are mentally calm, socially responsible and sensitive toward society.” He further emphasised the role of collective participation, saying, “Society is more powerful than politics and governments.” Welcoming the Prime Minister, Gurudev Ravi Shankar praised India’s transformation and growing global influence. “Today, Mother India and the people of India walk with pride because you have taken India to a new level,” he said. The celebrations will culminate on May 13 with a Global Meditation for World Peace led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, reinforcing the organisation’s broader message of mental wellness, social harmony and community-driven transformation. (PC: X/Narendramodi)

Dutch travel creator Meike Hijman went viral after sharing how three strangers helped her during a solo motorcycle journey across India when her bike suffered a flat tyre on a highway. In an Instagram video, Hijman said she panicked after being stranded alone without knowing how to repair the puncture or find assistance. The clip shows local men stopping to inspect the tyre, attempting a temporary repair and guiding her to a nearby mechanic. The video drew widespread praise online, with many users calling it a reminder of everyday kindness in India and highlighting how travellers often remember such unexpected acts of generosity.

India issued a strong response after reports claimed Chinese personnel provided technical support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Responding to the revelations, Randhir Jaiswal said responsible nations should reflect on whether backing attempts to shield terrorist infrastructure harms their global reputation. India reiterated that Operation Sindoor was a “precise, targeted and calibrated” strike aimed at terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Reports cited Chinese engineer Zhang Heng admitting his team offered on-site support to Pakistan’s military operations involving Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets. Indian officials had earlier alleged China assisted Pakistan through intelligence, cyber activity and information warfare during the conflict.

Filmmaker Mira Nair has unveiled the first look of actor Anjali Sivaraman as celebrated painter Amrita Sher-Gil in her upcoming biopic Amri. The film traces Sher-Gil’s journey across Hungary, France and India, exploring how the pioneering artist shaped a modern Indian visual identity despite her European artistic training.   The film also stars Emily Watson, Jaideep Ahlawat, Jim Sarbh, Anjana Vasan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Nair said Sher-Gil’s art has inspired her cinema for decades. The makers confirmed that filming has wrapped across India and Europe, while global exhibitions of Sher-Gil’s artworks are planned for 2027. (PC: The Telegraph India)

Russia launched more than 200 drones across Ukraine overnight after a three-day ceasefire linked to World War II Victory Day celebrations ended, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday. Ukraine claimed Moscow rejected Kyiv’s proposal to extend the truce and instead targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, including a kindergarten and residential buildings. At least one person was killed and several others injured in the attacks across multiple regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia “chose to end the partial silence”, while officials reported blackouts and damage to transport and energy facilities following the large-scale overnight drone assault. (PC: India Today)

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak matter after the Centre cancelled the medical entrance exam over irregularities. National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh said the schedule for the re-examination will be announced within seven to 10 days. He added that candidates will not have to pay fresh fees or register again for the re-test. The exam, conducted on May 3 for nearly 22.79 lakh students across India and abroad, was scrapped after leaked PDFs of question papers surfaced online, triggering protests and political attacks over exam integrity. (PC: X)

At least 269 people were killed after Pakistani airstrikes hit the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Kabul on March 16, according to a UN report. Families of victims say recovering addicts and staff members were among the dead, rejecting Pakistan’s claim that only militant targets were struck. Many bodies were burned or torn apart, forcing relatives to identify loved ones through clothes or birthmarks. The rehabilitation centre, operating since 2016, was widely known in Kabul. Human Rights Watch called the strike a possible war crime, while grieving families questioned why civilians seeking treatment were targeted in the deadly attack. (PC: BBC)

Anand Kumar has called for strict action against coaching centres after the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 over alleged irregularities. He said repeated exam controversies lower students’ morale and damage trust in the system. Kumar urged the government to adopt tougher rules similar to China, where authorities closely regulate coaching institutes and use strong anti-cheating measures. The National Testing Agency cancelled the exam held on May 3 and ordered a re-test. The Central Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the alleged paper leak. (PC: ITG)

Iran has warned that it may enrich uranium to 90 per cent purity if attacked again by the United States or Israel. Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei said this option would be considered by parliament. Uranium enriched to 90 per cent is considered weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran already has 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity. The warning comes as nuclear talks remain stalled and tensions continue in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

K. C. Venugopal has emerged as the leading contender for the post of Chief Minister of Kerala. During a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, seven out of ten senior Congress leaders reportedly supported Venugopal. V. D. Satheesan received support from two leaders, while one remained neutral. The Congress-led UDF won 102 of 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly election. The party high command is expected to announce its final decision soon. (PC: PTI)