Petrol and diesel prices were increased again across India on Monday, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks. State-run oil marketing companies raised petrol prices by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre, taking the total increase to nearly Rs 7.5 since May 16. Petrol in Delhi now costs Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 95.20. ONGC Director (Exploration) Sushma Rawat said global crude prices remain volatile due to the US-Iran conflict and uncertainty over peace talks. Analysts warned repeated hikes may increase transport costs and push up prices of essential goods. (PC: India Today)

The Indian government has finalised a Letter of Request (LoR) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and is expected to send it to France within weeks. About 90 aircraft will be manufactured in India through a Dassault Aviation partnership with an Indian company, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The procurement follows Defence Acquisition Council approval and will proceed through an inter-governmental route. India aims to secure Interface Control Documents to integrate indigenous weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG. The deal is expected to help address the IAF’s fighter squadron shortfall until indigenous programmes, including LCA Mk2 and AMCA, mature. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump made a surprise phone call to US Ambassador Sergio Gor during celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence Day at the US Embassy in New Delhi, expressing strong support for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking on speakerphone, Trump said he “loves India and Prime Minister Modi,” adding that India could count on him whenever needed. He highlighted America’s strong economy, praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and asked that his greetings be conveyed to Modi. Ambassador Gor said the Trump-Modi relationship continues to drive deeper India-US cooperation, while also hinting that an interim trade deal could be signed in the coming weeks.

The new BJP government in West Bengal has directed district magistrates to establish holding centres for detained foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation, following a Union Home Ministry directive issued last year. The move aligns with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s pledge to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya residents and hand them over to the BSF for deportation. Officials said suspects can be detained for up to 30 days during citizenship verification. Those identified as illegal immigrants will have biometric data uploaded to the MHA portal before deportation. The decision reverses the previous Trinamool government’s refusal to implement the Centre’s directive, citing concerns over migrant harassment. (PC: The Telegraph)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that America’s relations with other countries at a “tactical” level would not come at the expense of its strategic partnership with India. Speaking alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio stressed the importance of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and linked the concept to protecting international waterways globally. He accused Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, holding civilian vessels hostage and supporting proxy terror groups, describing Tehran as the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce amid growing concerns over regional instability and shipping disruptions.

Fuel prices in India have been increased for the fourth time in less than two weeks, with petrol rising by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The latest revision pushed petrol prices in New Delhi above the Rs 100 mark to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel climbed to Rs 95.20 per litre. State-run oil companies are continuing price adjustments to offset losses incurred after holding rates steady despite global crude oil prices crossing $100 per barrel. The hikes are largely linked to disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn sustained increases could raise transportation costs and fuel broader inflation. (PC: India Today)

Delhi is set to endure another spell of intense heat after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the next three days. The weather department has forecast heatwave conditions, strong surface winds and temperatures around 44°C, with severe heatwave conditions likely in some areas between May 25 and May 27. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6°C on Sunday, while Ridge and Ayanagar touched 44.6°C. The IMD warned that heatwave conditions will persist across north and central India through the week, with relief expected only after May 29. East Uttar Pradesh remains under a red alert, while orange alerts are in place across several neighbouring regions. (PC: HT)

Talks between the United States and Iran to end tensions in West Asia remain uncertain. Iran warned that the proposed peace deal could collapse because of disagreements over important clauses. Iranian media claimed the US was blocking parts of the agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made, but added that a nuclear deal could not be completed quickly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said no final decision would be taken without approval from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump said negotiations were still continuing.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said racist remarks against Indians in the United States should be taken seriously. Speaking in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio said “every country has stupid people” who make offensive comments online. He described the US as a welcoming country built by immigrants from around the world. Rubio also said recent changes in America’s immigration system are global and not aimed specifically at India. He added that Indian professionals and companies have made valuable contributions to the US economy over the years. (PC: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar)

An Indian-origin cancer specialist in the United Kingdom has been removed from the medical register after being convicted in a criminal case. Shamir Chandran was sentenced to four years in prison for coercive behaviour and cruelty towards a minor. A UK medical tribunal said allowing him to continue practising would damage public trust in doctors. Chandran denied the allegations and left the UK before sentencing. The tribunal said there was an arrest warrant against him. He earlier worked with the National Health Service in north-west England and studied medicine in Kerala, India.