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)

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). In its 242-page judgment, the court relied on principles from the Supreme Court’s 2019 Ayodhya verdict, including evaluation of historical records, ASI surveys, and evidence of continuous worship. The bench quashed a 2003 ASI order allowing shared religious use and directed the state to consider separate land for a mosque for Muslims. The court also dismissed a Jain claim over the site, calling available archaeological evidence insufficient to prove it was originally a Jain temple. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly denied reports claiming the Central government was considering a new tax, cess, or surcharge on foreign travel. Responding to media speculation linked to rising crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia crisis, Modi called the claims “totally false” and said there was “not an iota of truth” in them. He clarified that the government has no plans to restrict overseas travel and reaffirmed its commitment to improving “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.” The reports had suggested a temporary levy was being discussed to manage fiscal pressure caused by global geopolitical tensions and higher import costs. (PC: ANI)

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)

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)

The Supreme Court of India on Friday announced several steps to reduce fuel use. The measures include virtual hearings on selected days, two days of work from home for up to 50 per cent of registry staff, and carpooling for judges. The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid the West Asia crisis. Hearings on Mondays, Fridays and other miscellaneous days will be held through video conferencing. The court said the new system will help save fuel and improve the use of resources while ensuring that judicial work continues without disruption.

A family from Rajasthan at the centre of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case had allegedly obtained the NEET 2025 question paper as well, according to police sources. Investigators said all five children of the Biwal family received the paper before last year’s exam. Mangilal and Dinesh Biwal are accused of buying and selling leaked papers through a wider network. Vikas Biwal, an MBBS student and Mangilal’s son, allegedly helped distribute the 2026 paper after Rs 65 lakh was paid. The CBI is now investigating the case. Officials believe the leak was part of a long-running organised racket linked to coaching centres.

The Indian rupee hit a fresh all-time low on Friday, breaching the 96 mark against the US dollar for the first time amid rising crude oil prices and continued tensions in West Asia. The currency weakened to 96.05 per dollar, surpassing its previous record low touched a day earlier. Analysts said soaring oil prices, foreign fund outflows and global uncertainty have increased pressure on the rupee. India, which imports more than 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, faces higher import costs as Brent crude stays near 110 dollars per barrel. The weaker rupee may also push up inflation and fuel prices. (PC: Ai)