The government of India has clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation and reduced discretionary spending should not be viewed as “austerity.” Officials said the initiative is aimed at “spending wisely” amid rising crude oil prices, pressure on the rupee and ongoing tensions in West Asia. Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel use, embrace work-from-home practices where possible, use public transport, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and limit non-essential imports such as gold. The Centre stressed there would be no cuts to welfare schemes, subsidies or infrastructure spending. Several BJP-ruled states have already adopted fuel-saving measures, including smaller convoys and increased virtual meetings. (PC: X)

Air India has announced major reductions and temporary suspensions on several international routes between June and August due to escalating tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict, rising jet fuel prices and restricted airspace access. Flights connecting India to destinations in the US, Europe, Singapore, Dhaka and Maldives have been affected. Routes such as Delhi–Chicago, Mumbai–New York and Delhi–Shanghai will remain suspended temporarily, while services to Paris, Milan and Rome will operate with reduced frequency. The airline said operational costs have surged because of longer flight paths and fuel expenses. Air India clarified that international operations continue despite online rumours claiming a complete shutdown. (PC: Reuters)

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, passed away in Lucknow at the age of 38 on Wednesday. He was reportedly brought dead to the Civil Hospital after his health suddenly deteriorated. Prateek, husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav and half-brother of Akhilesh Yadav, had been suffering from lung-related issues and was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs. A post-mortem examination has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Political leaders across party lines expressed grief over his sudden demise. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a Union Cabinet meeting to review India’s economic preparedness amid the escalating West Asia crisis and rising global oil prices. The government is considering stricter austerity measures to protect foreign exchange reserves and control fuel import costs.   In recent speeches, Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel, postpone gold purchases and prefer Indian-made products. The Centre has already raised gold import duties and cut official convoy usage. Reports suggest the government may expand work-from-home practices, restrict non-essential spending and review fuel pricing as Brent crude crosses $105 per barrel amid tensions involving Iran, Israel and the US. (PC: X)

The NEET UG 2026 paper leak probe has reached Maharashtra’s Nashik, where the CBI detained a 30-year-old BAMS student accused of buying and selling the leaked question paper for profit. Investigators alleged that Shubham Khairnar purchased the paper from a Pune-based suspect for Rs 10 lakh and later sold it in Haryana for Rs 15 lakh through encrypted messaging platforms.   Officials said he changed his appearance by cutting his hair to avoid arrest, but was tracked using surveillance inputs and old photographs. The leak allegedly spread across multiple states through Telegram groups, scanners and shadow servers, forcing the cancellation of the NEET UG exam for over 22 lakh students. (PC: X)

National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh defended the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, calling it a “short-term pain for long-term reform” after evidence suggested the exam’s integrity had been compromised. Singh said questions from a circulated “guess paper” matched the May 3 exam paper, prompting the NTA to cancel the test under its “zero-error, zero-tolerance” policy. He confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe the alleged leak and warned strict action against anyone found guilty. Singh also said the NTA plans to replace contractual staff with permanent personnel within six to nine months. (PC: HT)

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday attacked the BJP-led Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, alleging that most exam paper leaks since 2014 occurred under BJP governments. Referring to the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 after an alleged leak, Kejriwal claimed around six crore youths had been affected by such incidents nationwide. He also questioned the credibility of the CBI probe and urged India’s Gen-Z to protest against those responsible for exam scams. Over 22 lakh aspirants are awaiting fresh exam dates as the investigation into the leak continues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to reduce the size of his convoy by at least 50% as part of austerity measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Officials said the reduction was implemented without compromising security protocols, while the PMO is also exploring the use of electric vehicles in the Prime Minister’s fleet. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reportedly reduced his convoy size. The move follows PM Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to save fuel, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and limit gold purchases. (PC: India Today)

India’s economic concerns deepened after the rupee weakened to a record low of 95.6 against the US dollar, making it Asia’s worst-performing currency. The decline followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent austerity appeal and rising tensions in West Asia. The rupee had already closed at a fresh low of 95.31, while the Sensex dropped more than 2,000 points in two trading sessions after the government’s announcements. Analysts warned that the currency may weaken further, with fears of the rupee eventually touching the 100-per-dollar mark. Rising crude oil prices are adding pressure on India’s import bill, inflation, and current account deficit. Experts also noted that increased gold imports indirectly contribute to rupee depreciation. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced the size of his official convoy as part of a national fuel conservation push amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The move was implemented during his recent visits to Gujarat and Assam after he urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, work from home when possible, and avoid unnecessary foreign travel. Sources said all SPG security protocols remain unchanged, with only accompanying vehicles being rationalised. During the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the PMO circulated an action plan encouraging states to adopt EVs, virtual meetings and energy-saving measures. Several chief ministers have reportedly begun implementing similar austerity steps in their states. (PC: X)