An India-linked supertanker carrying about 45,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a key cooking fuel, has attempted a rare exit through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict in West Asia. The vessel, identified as Sarv Shakti, was tracked moving past Iranian islands into the Gulf of Oman, highlighting a cautious breakthrough in disrupted shipping routes. The move reflects India’s urgent efforts to ease a severe domestic cooking gas shortage caused by the Hormuz blockade and geopolitical tensions. Despite some successful transits, the route remains highly volatile, posing continued risks to energy security and supply stability. 

India and Bangladesh have started steps to restore full visa services after months of strain. Bangladesh has resumed visas for Indian citizens in all categories. India plans a gradual restart of its visa services in the coming weeks. Riaz Hamidullah said operations that were paused last year were restored in February. Officials said visa services for Bangladesh citizens are now running at limited capacity, with priority for medical and family cases. The two sides are also working on improving political ties. High-level meetings and closer cooperation in trade and energy may follow soon. (PC: The Indian Express)

Zohran Mamdani faced criticism after saying he would urge King Charles III to return the Kohinoor diamond before meeting him at the 9/11 Memorial. Critics described the remark as “rude” and said it focused too much on colonial issues during a sensitive visit. Mamdani made the comment before the brief interaction, though officials shared no details about what was discussed. The Kohinoor has long been a subject of dispute between India and the UK. The exchange drew political reactions, with some questioning Mamdani’s approach. (PC: X)

An Indian worker in the US on an H-1B visa could not reach India before his mother died of cancer due to visa delays. He tried for weeks to get an appointment for visa stamping but failed to secure a slot. Travelling without it risked his job and legal status in the United States. He stayed back and could only speak to his mother on video calls. She died before he could return. He later said, “I will carry that pain forever.” The case has drawn attention to visa issues faced by many Indian professionals working abroad. (PC: AI)

An Indian wedding procession on Fifth Avenue has gone viral online. The video shows bride Pankti Doshi and groom Avish Jain leading a lively baraat with music and dance. The couple sang Bollywood songs live from an open vehicle. Guests in traditional clothes danced on the street. The clip was shared by Amrish Patel with the caption, “When the bride & groom shut down 5th Avenue and live-sing their way into their Baraat.” Such events in New York need permits and police coordination. Reactions online were mixed, with some praising the celebration and others questioning the disruption.

Iraganaboyina Chandu, a 26-year-old from Kurnool, died by suicide in the United States. He had completed his master’s degree in Chicago. He could not find a job for weeks. Family members said he felt stressed and worried. He was concerned about his father’s debt. His father works as a security guard. The Indian community has raised over $76,500 to support his family. The money will help bring his body back to India. Authorities are trying to speed up the process. (PC: gofundme.com)

Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, used the name “Hamza” while living in Turkey, reports said. Officials said the fake identity was linked to a Bulgarian passport. Its validity is under investigation. Dola was deported to India on April 28 and is in custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau till May 8. He was detained by Turkish agencies after an Interpol Red Notice. Officials said, “Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate.” He is linked to multiple drug cases and had been absconding for years. (PC: HT)

A lawsuit filed in New York accuses JPMorgan executive Lorna Hajdini of sexual abuse and harassment of a junior male colleague. The man, identified as “John Doe”, said the abuse began in 2024. He alleged she used racial slurs like “Brown boy Indian” and threatened his career. The lawsuit says she forced him into sex and told him, “I f**king own you”. It also claims she used drugs during some encounters. Hajdini denied the claims. She said she “never engaged in any inappropriate conduct”. JPMorgan said its internal review found no evidence supporting the allegations. (PC: NDTV)

A senior Greek foreign ministry official, Alexis Konstantopoulos, has said 2030 could mark a major milestone for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, with groundwork expected to accelerate soon. The corridor aims to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through integrated transport, energy, and digital networks. He noted that geopolitical tensions, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, have reinforced the project’s importance for securing supply chains. Greece is positioning itself as a key European gateway. While conflicts in West Asia have delayed progress, ongoing diplomatic efforts and infrastructure planning could enable gradual implementation within the next few years. (PC: X)

India has sharply increased the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹993, with the new rate reaching ₹3,071.5 in Delhi, according to Indian Oil Corporation. Domestic LPG cylinder prices, along with petrol and diesel rates, remain unchanged despite rising global energy costs linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. The move shifts the burden primarily onto businesses such as restaurants and hotels, while protecting household consumers from inflationary pressure. Oil marketing companies are currently absorbing higher crude costs, leading to financial strain. If global prices remain elevated, the government may face difficult choices between subsidy expansion, price hikes, or fiscal adjustments. (PC: X)