Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that the world risks slipping back into massive poverty due to the combined impact of Covid-19, global wars, and the ongoing energy crisis. Addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague during his Europe tour, Modi described the current period as a “decade of disasters” threatening decades of economic progress. He stressed that rising fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions are hurting developing nations the most. Modi also called for stronger international cooperation, energy security, and resilient supply chains to prevent worsening economic instability and protect vulnerable populations from another major poverty crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, surrendered before the Cyberabad Police on Saturday after authorities issued a look-out circular in connection with a POCSO case. The case involves allegations of sexual assault against a minor, with police invoking stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Telangana High Court earlier refused interim protection from arrest, increasing pressure on the accused. Bandi Sanjay stated that “all are equal before law” and said he personally handed over his son to investigators. Police have intensified the probe while legal proceedings in the sensitive case continue. (PC: India Today)

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that his controversial remarks comparing certain people to “cockroaches” and “parasites” were aimed at individuals using fake degrees to enter professions, not unemployed youth. The clarification came after strong criticism from opposition leaders, activists, lawyers, and journalists over comments made during a Supreme Court hearing on a plea related to senior advocate designation. Justice Kant said his observations were “misquoted” and expressed pride in India’s youth, calling them the pillars of a developed nation. The controversy reignited debate over judicial language, unemployment, activism, and freedom of dissent in democracy. (PC: PTI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, demanding the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi accused the government of betraying over 22 lakh medical aspirants whose exam was cancelled after allegations of leaked question papers surfaced. He claimed students’ hard work and sacrifices were destroyed by administrative failure and corruption. The controversy has triggered nationwide protests, opposition criticism, and calls for major reforms in the National Testing Agency’s examination system. (PC: India Today)

Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issued a sharp warning to Pakistan, saying it must decide whether it wants to remain “part of geography or history” if it continues supporting terrorism against India. Speaking at the Sena Samvad event in New Delhi, General Dwivedi referred to the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated that India would respond firmly to future threats and emphasized the country’s readiness against cross-border terrorism. His remarks came amid renewed discussions in Pakistan about reopening diplomatic dialogue between the two neighbouring nations. (PC: PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based senior Botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Mandhare, who was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a subject expert, allegedly had direct access to Botany and Zoology question papers. Investigators claim she conducted secret coaching sessions at her Pune residence and leaked important Biology questions to selected students before the May 3 examination. Several questions reportedly matched the actual paper. The arrest is part of a widening nationwide probe, with nine accused arrested so far, exposing a larger exam leak network. (PC: The Times of India)

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, briefly stopped a press conference in New Delhi after a journalist continued talking on the phone during the event. Lavrov first asked the journalist to leave the room. When the disruption continued, he said, “If you don’t surrender your phone, they will take out the gun.” A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Lavrov was in India to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. During the briefing, he also said Russian crude oil exports to India have continued to rise despite Western sanctions.

State-run oil companies on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre across India. This is the first retail fuel price hike since 2022. In Delhi, petrol now costs ₹97.77 per litre and diesel ₹90.67. Compressed natural gas prices were also raised by ₹2 per kg in and around Delhi. The increase comes as the US-Iran conflict has pushed global crude oil prices above $108 per barrel. Oil companies are still facing heavy losses despite the hike. Opposition parties criticised the move, saying it will increase the burden on common people. (PC: ANI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Pune-based chemistry professor, identified as PV Kulkarni, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Investigators allege that Kulkarni, who was associated with the examination process through the National Testing Agency (NTA), used insider access to leak question papers before the exam. The controversy has impacted nearly 23 lakh students across India and triggered nationwide outrage over exam security failures. The probe has expanded across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and other states, with multiple arrests already made. Following the scandal, the government cancelled the exam and announced a re-test on June 21, along with stricter security reforms. (PC: NDTV)

The Central government revised export duties on petroleum products effective May 16, increasing the levy on petrol exports to ₹3 per litre while reducing duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Diesel export duty was cut to ₹16.5 per litre and ATF levy to ₹16 per litre. The move aims to balance government revenue with domestic fuel availability amid volatile global crude oil prices and ongoing West Asia tensions. Officials clarified that excise duties on petrol and diesel sold within India remain unchanged, ensuring no immediate rise in retail fuel prices for consumers across the country. (PC: PTI)