Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez on strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in oil and gas, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. India, which has recently increased crude oil imports from Venezuela, views the South American nation as a key partner in diversifying energy supplies amid global market uncertainties. Both sides emphasized deeper engagement in upstream and downstream energy projects and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and economic cooperation. (PC: X)

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has made explosive claims that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his syndicate attempted to gain influence over the Indian Premier League during its early years. Modi alleged that he was offered hundreds of millions of dollars to ignore corruption and help facilitate control of an IPL franchise. He said he refused the proposal, leading to threats, intimidation, and pressure from the alleged betting network linked to Dawood's “Satta Bazaar.” Modi further claimed these threats were a major reason behind his decision to step away from cricket administration and remain outside India. The allegations have reignited debate over betting, corruption, and security concerns surrounding cricket. (PC: India Today)

The devastating fire at Flourish Stay BnB in Delhi's Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, including 12 foreign nationals. Amid the tragedy, rescuers discovered heartbreaking scenes that highlighted the human cost of the disaster. One couple was found dead in a locked washroom, embracing each other while trying to escape the thick smoke. Another couple was discovered sitting on a bed, unable to survive the flames. A wheelchair-bound victim was also among those who lost their lives. Local residents played a heroic role, using mattresses, ropes, and ladders to rescue trapped guests. Authorities suspect a short circuit caused the blaze, and investigations are underway. (PC: X)

More than 1,600 people from nearly a dozen countries attended India Week London 2026, the UK's largest independently organised UK-India forum.   Held from May 26 to 30, the event featured nine sold-out programmes across London, bringing together leaders from business, public policy, media, film and culture.   One of the biggest attractions was a journalism summit organised by Talk Journalism. Leading Indian journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Smita Prakash, Suhasini Haider, Saurabh Dwivedi and Kamlesh Singh discussed the changing media landscape in India before packed audiences.   The flagship Ideas for India conference focused on India's place in a changing world, entrepreneurship and UK-India cooperation. New initiatives were also launched to strengthen business ties and support Indian exporters looking to expand in the UK market.   The week concluded with a black-tie awards dinner attended by more than 250 guests. Manish Tiwari, Founder and Chairman of Here&Now 365, was honoured with the Achievement in Business award for his contribution to entrepreneurship and media.   London Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Karim Fatehi said India Week is "the leading platform for UK-India trade and investment."   India Week curator Pratik Dattani said, "In a difficult geopolitical reality, the role of India on the global stage is changing." He added that India Week aims to "bring India to the world" through conversations on business, policy, journalism, literature and film.

Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms swept across Delhi-NCR on Thursday, bringing relief from intense heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its weather warning from yellow to red alert as dark clouds, gusty winds and heavy showers affected several parts of the region.   An orange alert has been issued for Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad. Wind speeds of up to 60 kmph were recorded in some areas. The IMD has forecast more light rain, thunderstorms and lightning during the night and on Friday. The weather change comes as the southwest monsoon officially entered Kerala on Thursday, marking the start of India's rainy season. (PC: HT)

As the Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a major internal rebellion following its election defeat in West Bengal, some BJP leaders are reportedly wary of the party's complete collapse. Their concern is that a weakened or fractured TMC could create political space for a revival of the CPI(M)-led Left Front and a possible Left-Congress alliance.   The TMC is battling its biggest organisational crisis since its formation, with 60 MLAs rebelling against the party leadership. Political observers say sections of the BJP fear the Left could regain lost ground by attracting former TMC supporters, similar to how the BJP benefited from Left voter support in previous elections. The development has added a new dimension to Bengal's rapidly changing political landscape.  (PC: India Today)

An Indian national was killed and 63 others were injured after drones struck a passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, causing significant damage and briefly disrupting operations. The airport had only recently reopened after a month-long closure linked to the ongoing Iran-US conflict.   Kuwaiti authorities released CCTV footage showing the moment the drones hit the terminal from multiple directions. Several passengers and airport workers were among the injured, with some reported to be in serious condition.   The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the death of the Indian citizen. While Kuwaiti officials blamed the attack on Iranian drones, Tehran denied responsibility for the strike. The incident has renewed concerns over regional security amid a fragile ceasefire.  

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war, marking a political setback for President Donald Trump. The measure was approved by a 215-208 vote, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in support.   The resolution, which now moves to the Senate, is largely symbolic as Trump can veto it if it reaches his desk. Democrats argue that the president launched military action against Iran without congressional approval, violating constitutional war powers. The Trump administration rejects the claim and insists the conflict is effectively over. The vote reflects growing debate in Washington over the US role in the conflict and presidential war powers.  

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing one of its biggest organisational crises after losing power in West Bengal. The crisis deepened after Speaker Rathindra Nath Bose recognised 58 rebel TMC MLAs, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, as the principal opposition bloc in the Assembly. The party is also dealing with uncertainty over senior civic leaders. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim's reported resignation remains unclear, while Bidhannagar Mayor Krishna Chakraborty has stepped down, citing personal reasons.   The rebel legislators have criticised the party's leadership style and questioned the role of Abhishek Banerjee, while continuing to seek guidance from Mamata Banerjee. Amid the turmoil, TMC has dissolved all organisational committees in West Bengal and announced a major review and restructuring exercise to rebuild the party. (PC: HT)  

Several local residents emerged as heroes during the deadly fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar that killed 21 people on Wednesday. Mohammad Afzal and other residents rushed to the spot before emergency teams arrived and spread mattresses on the street to help trapped guests jump to safety. Bedsheets from a nearby shop were also used to carry injured victims.   Waseem Raja, a Max Hospital employee, used his medical training to perform CPR and assist unconscious survivors suffering from smoke inhalation. Other trained residents joined rescue efforts alongside firefighters. A father-son duo, Riyazuddin Mansoori and Arman Mansoori, emptied their mattress shop to support the rescue operation. Their quick thinking and courage helped save several lives during one of Delhi's deadliest fire tragedies in recent years. (PC: India Today)