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.

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi needs to improve his fielding before playing for India, says Kaif

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:33 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stressed that young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to sharpen his fielding skills before he steps up to play for the senior national men’s team.

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.

Bharat Singh Chauhan re-elected as chairman of Commonwealth Chess Association

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:20 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Bharat Singh Chauhan will continue to lead the Commonwealth Chess Association after being unanimously re-elected as Chairman for the 2026–2030 term during the Association’s Annual General Body Meeting in Wasakaduwa, Sri Lanka.

Women spend nearly 50 pc more time than men on digital platforms: Report

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:15 PM

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Women users are the strongest drivers of digital engagement in urban India, spending more time than men across categories such as entertainment, messaging and e-commerce or quick commerce, a report said on Monday.

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.

MPL 2026 to begin from June 3 in Indore, Gwalior Cheetahs to face Ujjain Falcons in opener

IANS | May 18, 2026 1:08 PM

Indore, May 18 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) 2026 is all set to begin from June 3 with an expanded and action-packed season featuring 10 men’s teams and five women’s franchises competing across multiple venues in Indore.

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.