Top 5 news of the day: Kharge claims PM Modi had prior knowledge of Pahalgam attack; India to conduct nationwide drill on May 7; AfD's Merz fails to secure majority; and more

Today’s top stories cover major developments in politics, defence, sports, and international relations.Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Modi of having prior knowledge about the Pahalgam terror attack, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. India will conduct a nationwide civil defence drill on May 7, featuring activities such as air-raid tests, blackout simulations, and civilian training. Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, during her visit to Murshidabad, blamed outsiders for inciting violence and reaffirmed the state's rejection of the Waqf Amendment Act.In international news, Germany's AfD party has demanded fresh elections after Friedrich Merz failed to secure a majority for chancellor, marking a historic first-round loss. Lastly, Virat Kohli opened up about the emotional aftermath of India’s 2019 World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand, describing a "dazed" feeling following their 18-run defeat despite a strong effort from Dhoni and Jadeja.Here are the top five stories of the day:

Kharge claims PM Modi had 'intel' about the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's PahalgamHitting back at Kharge, BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan asked the Congress chief to produce evidence for his claims or tender an unconditional apology. Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also criticised Kharge, saying he had joined the 'brigade' of party leaders who make controversial remarks on issues of national security. Read full story India to hold nationwide civil defence drill on May 7 following Pahalgam terror attackThe drills will include testing air-raid sirens, simulating blackouts, inspecting and cleaning bunkers, conducting evacuation rehearsals, activating communication systems, training civilians in first aid, firefighting, and emergency shelter use, camouflaging critical infrastructure, and testing shadow control rooms. Read full story Mamata Banerjee accuses outsiders of inciting violence in Bengal, rejects Waqf ActThe West Bengal chief minister is on a two-day visit to Murshidabad district, where violent clashes took place in April during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. Three people were killed and many others injured in the violence. On the second day of her visit, Mamata arrived in Samserganj by helicopter and met the families affected by the unrest at the local block development office. Read full storyGermany's far-right AfD demands fresh elections after Merz fails to secure majorityThe result marks the first time in Germany’s post-war history that a chancellor candidate has failed to be elected in the first round. It adds to six months of political deadlock since Scholz’s coalition collapsed, leading to early elections in February. German lawmakers are set to vote again on Tuesday afternoon to choose the next chancellor, just hours after Merz failed to win in the first round. Read full storyVirat Kohli opens up about emotional toll of 2019 World Cup semifinal lossThe semifinal between India and New Zealand was played over two days due to rain. New Zealand resumed their innings on the reserve day and finished with 239/8. India’s chase started poorly, losing their first three wickets for just five runs and then slumping to 92/6. Unfortunately, India’s chances faded when Dhoni was run out in the final stages. India was bowled out for 221 in 49.3 overs, falling short by 18 runs. Read full story