India has sharply increased the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹993, with the new rate reaching ₹3,071.5 in Delhi, according to Indian Oil Corporation. Domestic LPG cylinder prices, along with petrol and diesel rates, remain unchanged despite rising global energy costs linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. The move shifts the burden primarily onto businesses such as restaurants and hotels, while protecting household consumers from inflationary pressure. Oil marketing companies are currently absorbing higher crude costs, leading to financial strain. If global prices remain elevated, the government may face difficult choices between subsidy expansion, price hikes, or fiscal adjustments. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC from May 2026 is reshaping global energy dynamics and offering strategic benefits to India. Freed from production quotas, the UAE can increase oil output and export more crude through the Habshan–Fujairah pipeline, which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz—a key chokepoint disrupted by regional conflict. This alternative route ensures more stable and potentially cheaper oil supplies for India, a major importer. The move also weakens OPEC’s control over global oil markets, increasing supply flexibility. Overall, the development strengthens India’s energy security amid geopolitical volatility in the Gulf region. (PC: Reuters)

India has slipped six places to rank 157 out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), down from 151 in 2025. Pakistan, meanwhile, improved five positions to 153. The report highlights a global decline in press freedom, citing rising political pressure, restrictive laws, and weakening media environments. India remains in the “very serious” category, with concerns over legal intimidation and challenges to independent journalism. Norway continues to top the index, while Eritrea ranks last. 

Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Guido Crosetto in New Delhi, urging Italy to avoid sharing sensitive defence technologies with Pakistan. India highlighted security concerns and emphasised the need for safeguarding strategic interests amid evolving regional dynamics. According to defence ministry sources, the Italian side assured that certain advanced technologies offered to India would remain exclusive and not be transferred to other nations. The discussions also focused on strengthening India-Italy defence cooperation, with an emphasis on trust, technology sharing frameworks, and long-term collaboration. The meeting underscores India’s efforts to secure strategic advantages while limiting potential risks from adversarial partnerships.

Rini Sampath, originally from Tamil Nadu, has become the first South Asian to qualify for the Washington, DC mayoral ballot, marking a historic milestone. Born in Theni, she moved to the United States at age seven and has lived in Washington, DC for over a decade. The 31-year-old government contractor secured ballot access after gathering over 4,500 signatures. Her campaign focuses on improving basic civic services, reducing living costs, and reforming governance. Sampath says her candidacy reflects growing South Asian representation and aims to inspire broader political participation. (PC: NDTV)

Rajnath Singh said India stopped Operation Sindoor on its own terms and was ready for a long war if needed. He spoke at a security summit while recalling the operation after the Pahalgam terror attack. He said, “We stopped it voluntarily… we were fully prepared for a long war.” He also said India did not fall for the “bluff” of a nuclear threat. Singh called Pakistan the “epicentre of international terrorism”. He said terrorism must be tackled at operational, ideological, and political levels. Operation Sindoor in 2025 targeted terror bases in Pakistan and PoJK. A ceasefire was agreed after four days of conflict. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has returned 657 stolen artefacts worth about $14 million to India after a long probe into smuggling networks. The handover was announced by Alvin L Bragg Jr in New York. He said, “The scale of the trafficking networks… is massive.” The items were linked to networks run by Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener. The artefacts were stolen from temples and sites, then sold abroad using fake records. Key items include a bronze Avalokiteshvara and a sandstone Buddha statue. Officials said more efforts are ongoing to recover and return stolen cultural objects. (PC: NDTV)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he may raise the issue of the Koh-i-Noor diamond with King Charles III during his visit to the city.   Speaking before a 9/11 memorial event, Mamdani said, “If I were to speak to the king separately… I’d probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond.”   The diamond, kept in the Tower of London, has long been disputed. India has sought its return, citing colonial history. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates can increase oil exports to India after leaving OPEC. From May 1, it is no longer bound by output limits. Officials called it a “policy-driven evolution aligned with long-term market fundamentals”. The move allows higher production and more shipments through the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline. This route bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, a key global chokepoint. The pipeline can carry up to 1.5 million barrels per day. India, which imports most of its oil, may benefit from stable and quicker supplies. The UAE already provides about 9–10% of India’s crude needs. (PC: India Today)

Anant Ambani has offered to relocate hippos linked to Pablo Escobar to India. The animals are descendants of hippos Escobar kept in Colombia. After his death in 1993, they spread in the wild and multiplied. Reports say about 80 hippos could be moved to a private zoo run by the Ambani family. The proposal aims to help control the growing population. Authorities in Colombia have been exploring ways to manage the animals. The offer has brought attention to the unusual issue of Escobar’s hippos.