Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and the Netherlands have upgraded their relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” during delegation-level talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in The Hague. The two nations agreed to expand cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, water management, maritime security, and innovation. PM Modi highlighted the Netherlands as one of India’s key European partners and stressed combining India’s “speed and skill” with Dutch technological expertise. The visit also witnessed agreements aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and resilient supply chains between the two countries. (PC: PTI)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a new population policy offering financial incentives for larger families. Under the scheme, families will receive ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child. The government said the move aims to tackle the state’s declining birth rate and ageing population concerns. Naidu stated that further details of the policy will be revealed within a month. The announcement was made during a public meeting in Srikakulam district and follows an earlier proposal to provide ₹25,000 for a second child. (PC: PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based senior Botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Officials claim she was part of the National Testing Agency’s expert panel and had access to Biology question papers. According to investigators, she allegedly conducted secret coaching sessions at her Pune residence, where students were taught leaked Botany and Zoology questions before the May 3 examination. The CBI says several questions matched the actual paper. Her arrest follows the detention of another Pune professor, as investigators continue uncovering a wider network involving middlemen and illegal payments. (PC: India Today)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from July 1, 2026, students in Classes 9 and 10 must study three languages under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework. At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages, while foreign languages can only be chosen as the third or fourth language. CBSE clarified that there will be no Class 10 board exam for the third language (R3), and assessments will remain school-based. Schools must update language options by June 30. The board also introduced relaxations for foreign students and children with special needs. (PC: NDTV)

Palestinian families in Jerusalem’s al-Bustan neighborhood are being forced to demolish their own homes to avoid heavy municipal demolition fees as Israeli authorities push ahead with plans for the biblical-themed “King’s Garden” park near the Old City. More than 57 homes have already been destroyed in the Silwan area, with several more facing demolition soon. Residents and rights groups accuse Israel of erasing Palestinian identity and expanding settler-backed tourism projects under a religious narrative linked to King Solomon. Israeli authorities claim the homes were illegally built, while Palestinians argue building permits are nearly impossible to obtain in East Jerusalem. (PC: The Guardian)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route blocked during the ongoing Iran conflict. Trump made the remarks after high-level talks in Beijing, while warning Tehran to reach a nuclear deal soon. However, China avoided confirming any direct pressure on Iran and instead stated the war “should never have started.” The closure of the strait has disrupted global oil supplies, pushed crude prices above $100 per barrel, and intensified fears of a wider economic crisis. Diplomatic mediation efforts involving Pakistan are continuing. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian government has imposed new restrictions on silver imports, moving key categories of silver from the “free” to the “restricted” import list. The decision, issued through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), aims to reduce pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves, control the rising import bill, and support the rupee amid global economic uncertainty. Silver bars with 99.9% purity and several semi-manufactured silver products will now require government approval before import. India, the world’s largest silver consumer, has witnessed a sharp surge in silver imports due to rising investment demand and increased industrial use in electronics and solar sectors. (PC: Reuters)

The Netherlands has formally returned the historic 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. Known as the “Leiden Plates,” the artefacts are among the most valuable surviving records of the Chola Empire and had remained in Dutch custody for centuries. The collection includes 21 copper plates inscribed in Sanskrit and Tamil, documenting grants made during the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. India had sought their return since 2012 through diplomatic efforts. PM Modi called the repatriation a “joyous moment for every Indian,” highlighting India’s commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage abroad. (PC: Instagram)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that the world risks slipping back into massive poverty due to the combined impact of Covid-19, global wars, and the ongoing energy crisis. Addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague during his Europe tour, Modi described the current period as a “decade of disasters” threatening decades of economic progress. He stressed that rising fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions are hurting developing nations the most. Modi also called for stronger international cooperation, energy security, and resilient supply chains to prevent worsening economic instability and protect vulnerable populations from another major poverty crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, surrendered before the Cyberabad Police on Saturday after authorities issued a look-out circular in connection with a POCSO case. The case involves allegations of sexual assault against a minor, with police invoking stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Telangana High Court earlier refused interim protection from arrest, increasing pressure on the accused. Bandi Sanjay stated that “all are equal before law” and said he personally handed over his son to investigators. Police have intensified the probe while legal proceedings in the sensitive case continue. (PC: India Today)