Morning digest | PM Modi to visit Germany, Denmark and France in May first week; Bilawal Bhutto takes oath as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, and more
The Hindu
A select list of stories to read before you start your day
PM to undertake three-nation tour in the first week of May
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation tour covering Germany, Denmark and France during May 2-4, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced. The tour is the first overseas travel by the Indian leader which has additional significance as it will take place in the backdrop of the unfolding war in Ukraine.
Birth, death reporting to be automated
The Central government is planning to revamp the Civil Registration System (CRS) to enable the registration of birth and death in real-time with minimum human interface that will be independent of location, according to the 2020-21 annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Opposition irked by PM Modi’s VAT remark
Opposition leaders on Wednesday reacted sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments that States ruled by them had not reduced value added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel despite the Centre slashing excise duty and they should do so at the earliest in order to benefit the consumers.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari takes oath as Pakistan’s foreign minister
Perundurai's industrial growth faces challenges of pollution, water scarcity, and healthcare, impacting residents ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Travancore Devaswom Board asserts that courts should respect community beliefs in its Supreme Court submission on Sabarimala's entry issue.
Karnataka cancels Deendayal Upadhyay event at KSOU due to protocol violations, citing inconsistency with university objectives.
Illegal pickle unit busted in Hyderabad, one arrested; unhygienic stock worth ₹3 lakh seized
Karnataka has entered a state of demographic transition where a large working-age population will no longer be enough to drive economic growth, and future gains will depend on how productively people are employed, the ‘State of Working India 2026’ report said.
Key demands in Sulur Assembly constituency include reviving the powerloom sector, addressing farmers' needs, and protecting River Noyyal.
Kodihalli urges Karnataka CM to allocate ₹10,000 crore revolving fund for seamless procurement of farm products under MSP scheme.
Kerala's political parties continue to marginalize women candidates, highlighting a troubling disconnect between gender demographics and representation.
The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday ordered the issue of a notice to the State government on a PIL petition, which had complained about disturbances caused to people residing in the localities around the National Public School situated in Rajajinagar 5th block due to use of loudspeakers with high volume in the school and parking of school buses in residential areas.
China is extensively mapping ocean floors to enhance submarine warfare capabilities against the U.S. and allies across key oceans.
AIADMK's 2026 manifesto promises free rations, women's benefits, education reforms, and economic growth initiatives for Tamil Nadu.
The vehicle towing drive will soon resume in the city to ease traffic congestion. The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), in coordination with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), is set to relaunch the vehicle towing drive across the city shortly to tackle traffic congestion and illegal parking.
Panic buying, not shortage, is leading to long queues at Hyderabad petrol pumps.