The Election Commission (EC) has been reluctant to hold press conferences following the completion of voting in three phases across the nation, point out various journalist bodies, saying the absence of such conferences deprives the citizens of India, one of the largest democracies globally, of essential information regarding voting day proceedings.

In the ongoing election, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has escalated its use of anti-Muslim rhetoric, allegedly violating the Election Commission of India’s Model Code of Conduct, especially after the initial phase on April 19. This tactic aims to shift voters’ focus from the government’s performance to their religious identities when casting their ballots. Clearly, the BJP recognises that securing a victory is challenging. However, this tactic not only evidently undermines democracy but also reflects these politicians’ profound disregard for our dignity, intelligence and agency.

The European Union has issued a warning about the safety of over 400 Indian food products following an extensive review from 2019 to 2024, according to media reports. These Indian products, earmarked for export, have been found to contain dangerous levels of contaminants, including carcinogens and toxins that pose serious health risks.

Peace worker Harsh Mander, a former civil servant, finds himself embroiled in legal conflicts after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) levelled accusations against him in a report, which were subsequently refuted by other statutory bodies and the Delhi government's Department of Women and Child Development, according to Article 14.

Global perceptions of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are starkly different from the triumphant narrative promoted by Indian officials and media, according to a new comprehensive study. Synthesising recent research and polling from international organisations like Pew, Carnegie, GlobeScan and YouGov, the study unveils a critical view of India’s democratic and human rights record, which is influencing its international reputation negatively.

The Central government has told the Supreme Court it will promptly withdraw a letter from the Ministry of Ayush that directed state and union territory licensing authorities not to take any action against advertisements for Ayurvedic and Ayush products under Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945, which prohibits advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drugs without licensing approval.

Historian Ramachandra Guha has criticised the Indian government’s approach to science, claiming significant ideological interference in scientific institutions. In an op-ed published by The Telegraph, Guha asserts that the current political leadership shows a distinct disinterest in genuine scientific progress, favouring technological developments only when they serve political ends.

The United States disclosed to Britain during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in millions of deaths and widespread suffering due to lockdown measures worldwide, evidence indicating a “high likelihood” of the virus originating from a laboratory in China, The Telegraph (U.K.) reported on May 5.

The Washington Post has identified an officer from India’s external intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), Vikram Yadav, as a key figure in the alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on U.S. soil. The revelation comes amid heightened demands from Washington for accountability and clarity from the Indian government regarding the investigation.

Several accusations of sexual abuse have been levelled against Prajwal Revanna, a prominent member of the Janata Dal (Secular) and grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, in Karnataka. Reports from various sources describe a troubling pattern of alleged rape, voyeurism and privacy breaches, suggesting systemic patriarchal misconduct within political circles.

On this World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024, Newsreel Asia celebrates its third anniversary. Established by a group of journalists determined to enhance editorial content through new technologies, Newsreel Asia has grown into a platform that puts the well-being of ordinary citizens at the forefront of public discourse.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shown significant financial expenditures on infrastructure and election campaigns over recent years. A report by The Wire delves into the BJP’s expenditures, highlighting the scale and implications of its financial operations.

The Supreme Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to clarify several legal ambiguities in the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22. The case, which has significant political implications, especially with its timing ahead of the general elections, sees Kejriwal currently detained at Delhi’s Tihar Jail.