India’s LPG supply crunch is now impacting fuel prices in California, highlighting how the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict is disrupting global energy markets. With the Strait of Hormuz facing severe disruptions, India has moved to maximise domestic LPG production to secure cooking gas supplies. However refiners reduced production of alkylates, critical clean-fuel blending components widely used in gasoline markets, especially California’s environmentally regulated fuel system. Analysts say the reduced alkylate exports have tightened already stressed American fuel supply chains, contributing to petrol prices in California crossing $6 per gallon. Energy experts warn the situation could worsen during the summer driving season if shipping disruptions and geopolitical tensions continue across West Asia. (PC: AFP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his Oslo visit that his planned Norway trip last year was postponed following the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing officials alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Modi thanked Norway for standing firmly with India during the difficult period and supporting the fight against terrorism. The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over four decades. Delegation-level talks covered bilateral cooperation and support for a rules-based global order. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Norway was represented by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and other senior ministers.

India strongly rejected reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights, calling them a “lack of understanding” of India’s democracy, history and diversity. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Netherlands visit, MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India as a 5,000-year-old civilisation rooted in pluralism and religious coexistence. Responding to questions from Dutch journalists, George highlighted India’s democratic elections, religious diversity and growing minority population, asserting that persecuted communities historically found refuge in India. He said Christianity and Islam flourished in India for centuries and noted that minorities now form over 20 per cent of the population. The remarks followed reports that Jetten privately raised concerns over media freedom and minority rights.

The CBI conducted an eight-hour raid at the Nanded residence of Bhaurao Kadam in Maharashtra as part of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation. Officials alleged that Kadam paid Rs 5 lakh to obtain the leaked question paper for his daughter before the May 3 exam. During the search, investigators examined documents, questioned family members and traced the source of the leaked paper and payment details. The probe is focusing on a wider Maharashtra-based network linked to Pune, Latur and Nanded. NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled after allegations of a leak, and the re-exam is scheduled for June 21. (PC: India Today)

Tushar Kumar, a 23-year-old councillor, has become the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the history of the United Kingdom after being appointed Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood. His appointment was confirmed during the Mayor Making Ceremony held at Fairway Hall on May 13. Kumar, who studied Political Science at King’s College London, previously served as Deputy Mayor and has been active in community initiatives in Borehamwood. Calling the achievement “an incredible honour”, Kumar said he wants to focus on community engagement, support local organisations and encourage more young people to participate in public service and civic life. (PC: India Today)

An Adelaide court in Australia sentenced Indian-origin massage therapist Sumit Satish Rastogi to 13 years and 10 months in prison for sexually abusing 61 women over nine months at a massage parlour. Rastogi pleaded guilty to 97 offences, including aggravated indecent assault and indecent filming, committed between 2021 and 2022. Judge Carmen Matteo described his conduct as “out of control” and “exploitative”, saying victims were “trusting, unsuspecting and entitled to safety”. Several women told the court the abuse caused lasting trauma and destroyed their trust in healthcare professionals. Rastogi is likely to be deported after serving his sentence. (PC: India Today)

India on Monday strongly condemned the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, calling the strike “unacceptable” and a “dangerous escalation” amid rising tensions in West Asia.   In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation.” New Delhi urged all sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue and diplomacy.   Reports said the strike caused a fire near the plant’s perimeter, though no injuries or radiological leaks were reported. The UAE has accused Iran of carrying out multiple drone and missile attacks in recent days. (PC: The Week)

India on Sunday rejected reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. Responding to questions raised by a Dutch journalist over the absence of a joint press interaction, MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India’s democratic record. “Such observations stem from a lack of understanding about India’s democratic and civilisational character,” he said. George added that India remains a “vibrant and pluralistic society” where all communities continue to flourish under strong constitutional and democratic institutions. (PC: India Today)

India and the Netherlands have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to The Hague. Modi held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The two countries signed agreements in trade, defence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, health and agriculture. They also discussed water management, climate change and education. Both leaders supported a stronger India-European Union partnership and welcomed progress on a free trade agreement. They also called for diplomacy to address conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, on Sunday. It is one of Sweden’s highest honours for foreign leaders. This is Modi’s 31st international award. He arrived in Sweden for a two-day visit and was welcomed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at Gothenburg Airport. The two leaders held talks on trade, technology, defence and other areas of cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. Modi had earlier visited Sweden in 2018 for the first India-Nordic Summit.