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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced criticism after urging Indians to save fuel, avoid foreign travel and delay gold purchases amid rising West Asia tensions and high crude oil prices. Hours after the appeal, videos of Modi holding roadshows with large convoys in Gujarat went viral, triggering social media mockery. “We have to save foreign exchange by any means,” Modi said during a BJP rally in Hyderabad. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the remarks “proofs of failure”. The controversy also unsettled markets, with the Sensex plunging over 1,300 points on Monday. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced six major decisions after chairing his first Cabinet meeting at Nabanna following the BJP’s historic election victory. Adhikari said his government would transfer 600 acres to the BSF for Bangladesh border fencing within 45 days, begin pending census operations, implement Ayushman Bharat and enforce the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the state. He also announced age relaxation for job aspirants and restored inter-state training for IAS and IPS officers. “We will work for all,” Adhikari said, adding that the government’s priority would be “safety, peace and transparent governance” in West Bengal. (PC: X)

Amid a global oil shock caused by the Middle East conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to conserve fuel, revive work-from-home practices, avoid foreign travel and pause gold purchases for weddings for one year to save foreign exchange. He also appealed for reduced edible oil use and lower dependence on imported chemical fertilisers through natural farming. Crude prices have surged from nearly USD 70 to USD 126 per barrel, raising fears of fuel price hikes in India before May 15. Oil companies reportedly face monthly losses of Rs 30,000 crore while India increases LPG production and diversifies crude imports amid mounting economic pressure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to conserve fuel, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and reduce imports amid rising global energy prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Speaking in Hyderabad, Modi advised people to use petrol, diesel, and cooking gas “with great restraint” and encouraged greater use of public transport, carpooling, electric vehicles, and work-from-home practices. He also appealed to citizens to postpone overseas vacations and reduce non-essential gold purchases to help protect India’s foreign exchange reserves. Modi said collective public participation and responsible consumption are crucial to reducing the economic impact of global instability on India’s economy. (PC: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid buying gold for weddings for one year as India faces pressure from the global oil crisis triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict. Speaking in Secunderabad, Modi suggested reviving work-from-home practices, online meetings and virtual conferences to save petrol and diesel. He said excessive gold imports also strain India’s foreign exchange reserves during economic uncertainty. The Prime Minister described fuel conservation as a national responsibility and warned that global supply disruptions and rising crude prices could impact India’s economy if the crisis continues. (PC: India Today)

Several Naga civil society organisations in Manipur have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for direct intervention against alleged armed Kuki groups, accusing them of aiding “external aggression” and destabilising hill districts. The bodies claimed militant activities near the India-Myanmar border were threatening indigenous Naga communities and worsening ethnic tensions in the conflict-hit state. They demanded stricter enforcement against armed groups, better border security, and protection for civilians. The appeal also raised concerns over alleged bias and operational gaps in security measures. The developments highlight continuing unrest in Manipur, where ethnic violence and political instability have persisted since 2023. (PC: ANI)

India successfully tested the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology from Odisha on Friday. The missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads and hit different targets with a single launch. It has a range of more than 5,000 kilometres. The Defence Ministry said all mission objectives were achieved. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the test strengthens India's defence preparedness. The Agni-5 was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). India first tested this technology in 2024 under Mission Divyastra. The successful trial places India among a small group of countries with advanced MIRV missile capability and strengthens its strategic deterrence.

Delhi has been placed under a high-security alert after intelligence agencies warned of possible terror attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at key locations across the capital. Security has been intensified at sensitive sites, including government buildings, crowded public areas, and BJP offices, with additional police deployment, barricading, and anti-sabotage checks underway. The alert follows recent arrests linked to Pakistan-backed terror modules allegedly planning attacks in Delhi and nearby regions. Authorities suspect reconnaissance was conducted at important religious and strategic sites. Bomb disposal squads, surveillance teams, and quick response units have also been activated as agencies work to prevent any possible attack. (PC: PTI)

India successfully conducted a flight trial of an advanced Agni-V missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the missile carried multiple payloads capable of striking different targets across a wide geographical area in the Indian Ocean Region. The successful test marks a major boost to India’s strategic defence and deterrence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Indian Army, and industry partners for the achievement. The trial also demonstrated India’s growing expertise in advanced missile systems and placed the country among a select group possessing MIRV technology. (PC: X)