Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi during the first leg of his five-nation tour, securing a landmark defence framework, major energy agreements, and $5 billion in UAE investments into India. The UAE pledged investments through Emirates NBD, ADIA, and International Holding Company across banking, infrastructure, and finance sectors. India and the UAE also strengthened cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply, gas storage, defence technology, maritime security, cyber defence, AI supercomputing, and shipbuilding. Modi reaffirmed support for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it critical for regional stability, energy security, and global trade amid ongoing West Asia tensions. (PC: X)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Pakistan is currently helping facilitate communication between the United States and Iran amid escalating West Asia tensions, but suggested India could emerge as a stronger long-term mediator. Speaking in Delhi during the BRICS Summit, Lavrov said Pakistan was assisting in establishing dialogue channels between Washington and Tehran to address “urgent problems.” However, he noted that India’s extensive diplomatic experience makes it better suited for a sustained mediation role if both sides seek long-term engagement. Lavrov’s remarks come amid growing geopolitical uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations, maritime security concerns, and wider regional instability across West Asia.

CBI arrested Professor PV Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer at Latur’s Dayanand Medical College, identifying him as the alleged “kingpin” behind the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that forced cancellation of the May 3 examination. Investigators said Kulkarni was part of the committee responsible for setting this year’s medical entrance paper, marking a major shift from the 2024 probe, when the NTA was largely cleared of insider involvement. Arrested in Pune, Kulkarni allegedly used authorised access to question papers during April 2026 to coordinate a sophisticated leak operation. The CBI claimed he mobilised select students with assistance from accomplice Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on May 14 during investigations into the expanding conspiracy. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief 2.5-hour visit to the United Arab Emirates delivered major strategic and economic gains for India amid escalating West Asia tensions. India and the UAE signed key agreements covering defence cooperation, energy security, maritime connectivity and infrastructure development, while Abu Dhabi announced USD 5 billion in fresh investments. The discussions focused heavily on safeguarding regional stability and ensuring uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of wider conflict disruptions. Both countries also stressed economic resilience, trade expansion and long-term connectivity. Modi’s meeting with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reinforced India-UAE ties during a volatile geopolitical moment.

US President Donald Trump concluded his China visit after high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to produce a concrete agreement on ending the Iran conflict. Both leaders reportedly agreed that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons and stressed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade. However, no detailed peace framework or joint action plan was announced. The summit also focused on trade, Taiwan, and global security issues, with Trump claiming progress on economic deals involving Boeing aircraft, oil, and soybeans. Analysts described the meeting as symbolically important but diplomatically inconclusive amid rising tensions in the Middle East. (PC: AFP)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested chemistry professor P.V. Kulkarni from Maharashtra’s Latur in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Investigators allege Kulkarni, who reportedly worked with the National Testing Agency (NTA), played a key role in leaking the medical entrance exam paper before the test. The probe has uncovered a wider interstate network involving coaching institutes, middlemen, and candidates. Multiple arrests and raids have been conducted across Maharashtra and Rajasthan as the investigation expands. The Centre has already cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam, while the CBI continues to investigate possible insider involvement and larger examination fraud. (PC: ANI)

A shocking family tragedy unfolded in Maharashtra’s Dhule district, where a man allegedly murdered his parents with a pestle after they reportedly insulted him in front of his wife. The incident took place in Shirpur’s Mahavir Society after the elderly couple returned from their daughter’s wedding and scolded their son over family matters. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly attacked both parents on the head, killing them on the spot. Neighbours caught the accused while he was trying to flee and informed police. Authorities have arrested him and launched an investigation into the brutal double murder. (PC: NDTV)

The West Bengal government suspended three senior IPS officers, including former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, over alleged lapses in handling the 2024 RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the officers were accused of mishandling the investigation, delaying FIR procedures and allegedly offering money to the victim’s family. Departmental inquiries have also been initiated against the officers. The RG Kar case had sparked nationwide outrage and massive protests demanding justice for the victim. The Central Bureau of Investigation continues to probe the case while political scrutiny over police conduct remains intense. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United Arab Emirates and secured key agreements on defence, energy security, maritime infrastructure and investment. India and the UAE signed a Strategic Defence Partnership framework, along with deals on strategic petroleum reserves and long-term LPG supplies to strengthen India’s energy security amid global tensions. The UAE also announced nearly USD 5 billion in investments for Indian infrastructure, banking and housing finance projects. An MoU was signed to develop a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. Both nations stressed regional stability, secure trade routes and expanding bilateral trade beyond USD 100 billion. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday suspended three senior IPS officers over alleged mishandling of the 2024 RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. The officers are Vineet Goyal, Indira Mukherjee and Abhishek Gupta. Adhikari said a departmental inquiry will examine delays in filing the FIR and allegations that money was offered to the victim’s family. He said phone records and WhatsApp chats will be checked to find out whether any minister gave instructions. The Central Bureau of Investigation is separately investigating the main crime. (PC: PTI)