Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday renewed his appeal for austerity measures amid rising economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Addressing an event in Vadodara, Gujarat, Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport, adopt work-from-home practices and prioritise virtual meetings. He also asked people to postpone gold purchases and avoid unnecessary foreign travel and overseas weddings to reduce foreign exchange outflows. Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains and rising import costs, Modi called for stronger support to the “Vocal for Local” campaign and encouraged citizens to choose Indian-made products. (PC: India Today)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Sujit Bose in connection with the alleged municipality recruitment scam. The agency claimed Bose illegally recommended nearly 150 candidates for jobs in South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for money. ED officials questioned the 63-year-old leader at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake before taking him into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators also alleged they traced flats and bank deposits linked to the proceeds of crime. Bose, a former Bidhannagar MLA, will be produced before a special court on Tuesday. (PC: News18)

US health officials are monitoring 18 Americans evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius after possible exposure to the Andes strain of hantavirus. Sixteen passengers were taken to a federal quarantine unit in Omaha, while two others, including one showing mild symptoms, were sent to Atlanta. Officials said the public risk remains “very, very low” as the virus does not spread easily between people. One American passenger tested positive, though asymptomatic. The outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship has already claimed three lives, while health agencies continue monitoring passengers for symptoms during quarantine. (PC: BBC)

A dramatic wildlife encounter unfolded near Chitwan National Park after two one-horned rhinos were seen engaged in a fierce fight close to a public road in Sauraha, Nepal. Videos of the clash quickly went viral, showing the rhinos charging and pushing each other as shocked tourists watched from a safe distance. Wildlife officials later urged visitors not to crowd or disturb wild animals during such incidents. Experts said the confrontation was likely linked to a territorial or dominance dispute. Chitwan is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including endangered greater one-horned rhinos near tourist and settlement areas.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026, claiming there were “89 paper leaks and 48 re-exams” in the last 10 years. Calling NEET an “auction”, Gandhi alleged exam questions were circulated on WhatsApp before the test, putting the future of over 22 lakh students at risk. The Rajasthan SOG is probing a “guess paper” allegedly containing questions similar to the actual exam. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency said NEET-UG 2026 was conducted under full security protocols, including biometric verification, AI-based CCTV monitoring and GPS-tracked transportation of question papers. (PC: X)

West Bengal’s new BJP government, led by Suvendu Adhikari, will introduce major welfare measures from June 1, including implementation of Ayushman Bharat, free travel for women in government buses and rollout of the proposed “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme. Under Annapurna Bhandar, eligible women are expected to receive ₹3,000 through direct benefit transfer, doubling support offered under the previous “Laxmir Bhandar” programme. The government said all existing welfare schemes would continue through a more transparent system and asserted that illegal infiltrators or non-citizens would not receive benefits. The administration also reaffirmed support for border security, promising land allocation for BSF infrastructure and expansion activities. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal urging Indians to avoid foreign travel and overseas weddings for at least a year comes even as official data shows spending by Indian tourists abroad has already been declining for the past two years. According to Reserve Bank of India data, the major increase in outward foreign exchange spending is now driven largely by high-net-worth individuals investing in foreign movable and immovable assets, including overseas property, debt and equity investments. The analysis suggests leisure travel and destination weddings are no longer the primary contributors to outbound dollar outflows. The findings add a new dimension to the debate around capital outflow, foreign spending patterns and economic nationalism amid global economic uncertainty.

Two Bengaluru-based IT professionals, Danish Abdi and Vrushali Prasade, created history by becoming the first couple to complete a side-by-side open-water swim from Sri Lanka to India via the historic Ram Setu route. The duo swam nearly 32 kilometres across the Palk Strait from Talaimannar to Dhanushkodi in 10 hours and 45 minutes on May 7. Battling rough waves, shifting winds and powerful ocean currents, the couple completed the demanding expedition under strict safety supervision from support boats, paramedics and the Indian Coast Guard. Their achievement has drawn widespread praise online and is being hailed as a landmark moment for Indian open-water swimming.

Sports organiser Satadru Dutta alleged that VIP interference and security failures caused the chaos during Lionel Messi’s controversial Kolkata tour event. In an exclusive interview, Dutta claimed members of Messi’s entourage blamed West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas for the breakdown after nearly 100 people allegedly crowded Messi for selfies inside restricted areas. Dutta said Messi became visibly uncomfortable in the claustrophobic environment, especially after being touched by attendees during photographs. The organiser, who spent 38 days in custody after the incident, described the Kolkata event as his “biggest regret” and claimed he ended the programme early to protect the remaining India tour events from cancellation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his appeal for fuel conservation amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising global energy concerns, urging citizens to adopt work-from-home practices, online classes and reduced non-essential consumption. A day after first calling for lower fuel usage, Modi again advised people to avoid unnecessary gold purchases and support “vocal for local” initiatives to reduce economic pressure and conserve foreign exchange reserves. His remarks come as fears grow over potential fuel price hikes and global supply disruptions linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Prime Minister’s renewed appeal highlights the government’s push for energy conservation, economic resilience and reduced import dependence during the evolving international crisis.