National News: Latest India Updates

TN CM Vijay skips Congress leader Satheesan‘s swearing in, raises questions of alliance optics

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:56 PM

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) Chief Minister, Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay’s, absence from the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala Chief Minister, V.D. Satheesan, has triggered political discussion, with attention focussing on the fact that Satheesan is a senior Congress leader and the party is an ally supporting the actor-politician's government in Tamil Nadu.

High-voltage drama in Jharkhand: Youth climbs 200-foot tower to press for marriage with girlfriend

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:35 PM

Giridih (Jharkhand), May 18 (IANS) Mobile towers in Jharkhand are increasingly becoming the stage for dramatic displays of love, defiance and emotional outbursts. In yet another incident resembling the iconic 'Veeru' scene from the blockbuster film Sholay, a youth in Giridih district climbed a nearly 200-foot-high mobile tower on Monday, demanding that his family arrange his marriage with his girlfriend, triggering panic and drawing huge crowds to the spot.

Tourist footfall rises in Kashmir year after Pahalgam terror attack; visitors enjoy Anantnag’s apple valleys

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:30 PM

Anantnag, May 18 (IANS) Despite last year's terror attack in Pahalgam, tourist footfall in Kashmir is once again witnessing a strong revival, with visitors flocking to the Valley to enjoy its pleasant weather, scenic beauty, and renowned hospitality. Tourists were seen relishing fresh apple juice in the lush apple orchards of Anantnag while exploring the picturesque landscapes of the region.

After taking oath, CM Satheesan holds first Cabinet meeting

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:22 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, May 18 (IANS) Heavy rain failed to dampen the spirit of thousands of jubilant supporters as the new government led by V.D. Satheesan formally stepped into office on Monday, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in Kerala after a gap of 10 years.

Rajbhar targets Akhilesh Yadav over UPPSC appointments, alleges favouritism

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:21 PM

Lucknow, May 18 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Monday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of favouring members of the Yadav community during the SP government’s tenure in Uttar Pradesh.

Edappadi fears losing grip over his party leadership: DMK’s Elangovan on AIADMK rift

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:12 PM

Chennai, May 18 (IANS) DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan on Monday claimed that the ongoing rift within the AIADMK is rooted in Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s fear that his leadership position could weaken if senior leaders from the party’s past are brought back into the fold.

India’s drug war pushes cartels underground, sparks rise of local narco labs

Vicky Nanjappa | May 18, 2026 1:02 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) With several international cartels being busted by the Indian security agencies, the shift to produce narcotics locally has begun. Smuggling drugs into the country is not as easy as it used to be, courtesy the drug-free initiative that has been initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.

UP Cabinet clears metro expansion, approves OBC commission

IANS | May 18, 2026 12:30 PM

Lucknow, May 18 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday approved several key proposals related to infrastructure, healthcare, energy, urban transport and panchayat reservation in the state. The decisions are seen as significant for boosting development and investment in the state.

Indian agencies watch closely as Al-Qaeda affiliate tests Indian waters

Vicky Nanjappa | May 18, 2026 12:28 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) The Indian Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the resurgence of an Al-Qaeda affiliate, the Ansar al-Islam (AAI). This outfit was founded in 2021 in Iraq, and it primarily fought against the secular Kurdish factions and the US-led coalition.

'Congratulations, best wishes to new govt’: BJP's Chandrasekhar as V.D. Satheesan takes oath as Kerala CM

IANS | May 18, 2026 12:26 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Kerala BJP State President, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, extended congratulations and best wishes to the new government as V.D. Satheesan took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday at a grand ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram.

National

TN CM Vijay skips Congress leader Satheesan‘s swearing in, raises questions of alliance optics

High-voltage drama in Jharkhand: Youth climbs 200-foot tower to press for marriage with girlfriend

Tourist footfall rises in Kashmir year after Pahalgam terror attack; visitors enjoy Anantnag’s apple valleys

After taking oath, CM Satheesan holds first Cabinet meeting

Rajbhar targets Akhilesh Yadav over UPPSC appointments, alleges favouritism

Edappadi fears losing grip over his party leadership: DMK’s Elangovan on AIADMK rift

India’s drug war pushes cartels underground, sparks rise of local narco labs

UP Cabinet clears metro expansion, approves OBC commission

Indian agencies watch closely as Al-Qaeda affiliate tests Indian waters

'Congratulations, best wishes to new govt’: BJP's Chandrasekhar as V.D. Satheesan takes oath as Kerala CM

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