THE HEADLINES::
- Suvendu Adhikari to take oath as first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal this morning; Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
- Uncertainty continues over government formation in Tamil Nadu.
- Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani appointed new Chief of Defence Staff.
- IMD forecasts heavy rainfall over Keralam, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during next two days.
- In Football, India scripts history by qualifying for AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
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Suvendu Adhikari will take oath as first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal this morning. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. We have more details on this from our Correspondent:
“Within few hours from now, Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who was elected leader of the BJP legislature party, is set to take oath as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. The state is set to witness the historical moment of swearing-in of its new government at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. For the first time in the state’s political history, a Bharatiya Janata Party-led government will formally assume office after securing a decisive mandate in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and is expected to draw lakhs of party supporters, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, will attend the event.
Governor RN Ravi will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister and members of the new cabinet. Newly elected parliamentary party leader Suvendu Adhikari announced that a commission led by a retired judge will investigate institutional corruption in the state. He added that inquiries will also be launched into incidents at RG Kar Hospital and Sandeshkhali. Adhikari vowed that all pledges in the party’s manifesto will be fulfilled on time, dedicating the victory to the collective efforts of BJP workers.
The ceremony coincides with the 25th of Boishakh, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, giving the event added cultural and symbolic significance. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across central Kolkata, with thousands of police personnel deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the programme. Traffic restrictions and diversions have also been announced in and around the Brigade area.
Political observers say the swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bengal’s political landscape, ending over a decade of Trinamool Congress rule and ushering in a new administrative era in the state. SANDIPON DASGUPTA, RNU KOLKATA.”
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the BJP government in West Bengal will secure India’s borders and plug biggest hole in national security. In his address to newly elected West Bengal BJP MLAs in Kolkata yesterday, Mr Shah said, the BJP’s victory is not about the expansion of our organisation or validation of ideology, it is about fixing the biggest hole in the country’s national security. He said that with BJP Governments in Assam, Tripura, and now West Bengal, we will turn the border into an impregnable fortress.
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In Tamil Nadu, the uncertainty over formation of government under TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay continues. The new twist came as IUML has rejected the reports of its support to TVK to form the government. In another development, reports are also coming that the swearing-in ceremony which was to take place today, will not be held.
IUML headed by Prof. Khader Mohideen has said that his party has not given a letter of support to TVK.
In another surprise move, AMMK Party leader TTV Dhinakaran approached the Governor and submitted a letter of support from S. Kamaraj, the lone MLA elected from Mannarkdui to make AIADMK General Secretray Edappadi Palanisamy as the Chief Minister. More from our Correspondent:
“Tamil Nadu which had the highest mandate of more than 85 per cent, is yet to see a New Government and a Chief Minister. The formation of a new Government has been delayed further with the single largest Party TVK still struggling to reach the magic number of 118. With only one more letter of support from VCK, the next move is likely to be calculated and definite since the Party has two MLAs by which it will be 118. Till then it is a day of wait and watch. JOY, AKASHVANI NEWS, CHENNAI.”
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The Government has appointed Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Ministry of Defence said that Lt Gen Subramani will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders. He will assume office after General Anil Chauhan completes his tenure on the 30th of May.
Lt. Gen. Subramani is a highly decorated officer with over four decades of distinguished service. He is currently serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025. He earlier served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, besides commanding key operational formations along the Western and Northern fronts.
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The Government has also appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. Ministry of Defence said that Vice Admiral Swaminathan is currently serving as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. The Admiral brings nearly four decades of distinguished service, with extensive operational, strategic and personnel management experience across key appointments in the Indian Navy. He will succeed Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi who retires on 31st of May.
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National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) will organise the second National Lok Adalat of 2026 across the country today. Talking to Akashvani News, Member Secretary, NALSA Sanjeev Pandey said that the initiative aims to provide amicable settlement of disputes and reduce the burden on courts through participatory and people-centric mechanisms. He said that a wide range of disputes are taken up during the Lok Adalat, including criminal compoundable cases, cheque dishonour matters, and bank recovery disputes.
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The ‘Somnath Amritparv-2026’ has officially commenced yesterday, marking the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction. The five-day celebration has transformed the temple precincts into a hub of Vedic chants and divine energy, attracting devotees from across the nation. We have a report from our Correspondent:
“The sacred shores of Somnath are resonating with devotion as the Somnath Amritparv kicks off with the Pathatmak Atirudra. The three-day Homatmak Maharudra Yagya will also begin today. During this ritual, nearly 1.25 lakh oblations will be offered into the holy fire, seeking global peace and the well-being of humanity amidst current international conflicts. The festivities will culminate on May 11th with a grand ‘Kumbhabhishek’ at the temple spire using water from 11 sacred shrines. Currently, the temple is adorned with magnificent decorations, and a steady stream of pilgrims from various states is arriving to seek the blessings of Lord Somnath during this historic milestone. APARNA KHUNT, AKASHVANI NEWS, AHMEDABAD.”
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As part of our series ‘People’s Padma on Akashvani’, in our upcoming episode we speak to Dr. Ramamurthy Sreedher, a pioneer in radio broadcasting in India. He will be honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri.
To listen to the conversation, tune in to 100.1 Akashvani Gold this morning at 9:10 AM. You can also listen to it on NEWSONAIR App and NEWSONAIROFFICIAL Youtube channel.
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The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz has intensified after Iran rejected a US-backed draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling it flawed and politically motivated. Tehran argued that the proposal will legitimise unlawful actions rather than help resolve the conflict.
Iran said the only path towards stability is ending the war, lifting the US maritime blockade on Iranian ports and restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also appealed to UN member states not to support the proposed resolution.
The draft resolution, backed by the United States along with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, seeks to protect freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Washington has accused Iran of threatening commercial shipping and destabilising maritime traffic.
Now we go over to our West Asia Correspondent for updates on escalating maritime conflict in the region:
“Adding to the human cost of the escalating maritime conflict, India’s mission in Dubai expressed grief over the death of an Indian crew member aboard a vessel, describing it as an unfortunate incident at the sea. Separately, Iran seized a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, while Washington said it had disabled two vessels on the same day. The developments highlight the growing volatility of the maritime front in the conflict, with commercial shipping, energy supplies and the safety of international crews increasingly caught in the crossfire between the two sides, even as diplomatic efforts continue for a negotiated pause in tensions. VINOD KUMAR FOR AKASHVANI NEWES FROM DUBAI.”
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The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal for the next two days. According to IMD, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand and Vidarbha are likely to experience thundersquall with wind speeds reaching beyond 50 kmph today.
Meanwhile, heat wave conditions are expected to prevail over Gujarat and West Rajasthan till Thursday.
IMD has further predicted gradual rise in maximum temperature by two to five degree Celsius over Western and Northwestern parts of the country till tomorrow.
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In Football, India scripted history by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time with a commanding 4-nil victory over Lebanon in their final Group B fixture at Suzhou in China yesterday. For India, Pritika Barman, Alva Devi Senjam, and Joya scored goals. Reaching the semifinals of this tournament would guarantee India a spot in the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
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In IPL Cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi last night.
Today, Rajasthan Royals will face Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The match will begin at 7:30 PM.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,
- All of the Newspapers cover the Nation’s political fervour, “Dada to replace Didi in West Bengal; Vijay meets Guv again, Left on hold”, is a headline in Hindustan Times, while the Times of India writes, “Bengal’s Adhikari: Suvendu to be state’s first BJP CM”. “Uncertainty continues in Tamil Nadu over government formation”, cites The Hindu.
- The Indian Express quotes Rajnath Singh describing Operation Sindoor as short duration deep penetration and high impact operation under the headline, “Operation Sindoor showcased our capabilities, ethos”. “China admits backing Pakistan during conflict with India”, writes The Pioneer.
- SC raps Punjab police for letting off drug sharks cites The Tribune.
- US awaits Iran response to peace proposal as Gulf fighting flares up reports The Indian Express.
- The Asian Age in an exclusive titled, “For both US and Iran peace the only choice,” writes that the reality of the war is that the two major combatants need peace and it is up to th US to rein in Israel and its action in Lebanon the only hope is negotiations will begin in earnest during another thirty day ceasefire as envisaged in the latest peace plan.
- Finally, Google explores major AI infra investments in India notes Financial Express elaborating tech giant Google is exploring investment opportunities in India across AI as well as of servers and drones.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Suvendu Adhikari to take oath as first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal this morning; Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
- Uncertainty continues over government formation in Tamil Nadu.
- Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani appointed new Chief of Defence Staff.
- IMD forecasts heavy rainfall over Keralam, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during next two days.
- In Football, India scripts history by qualifying for AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
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