Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said humanity is facing “many major challenges” and warned that the current decade risks becoming a “decade of disasters” due to pandemics, wars and the global energy crisis. Addressing the Indian community in The Hague during his Netherlands visit, Modi said prolonged conflicts and rising fuel prices could push millions back into poverty if conditions do not change quickly. He highlighted India’s growing global role and stressed cooperation with the Netherlands to build resilient and transparent supply chains. His remarks come amid rising global tensions and a recent fuel price hike in India after four years. (PC: HT)

The BJP-led West Bengal government has started removing the “Biswa Bangla” logo, introduced during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, from official websites, public infrastructure, school materials, and government communications. The administration is replacing it with the national Ashoka emblem, calling it a move to restore official state identity under national symbols. The logo, closely associated with the Trinamool Congress era, had earlier sparked controversy over ownership claims linked to Abhishek Banerjee. Officials said the rebranding drive may also extend to welfare schemes and state projects. The move has triggered political debate over Bengal’s cultural identity and administrative symbolism. (PC: India Today)

A fire broke out in the B-1 AC coach of the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express near Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh early Sunday morning, triggering panic among passengers. The incident occurred between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations under the West Central Railway’s Kota Division around 5:15 am. Railway staff, RPF personnel, and emergency teams quickly evacuated passengers from the affected coach and adjoining compartments. Officials confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported. Preliminary reports suggest a possible short circuit, though the exact cause is under investigation. Train services on the route were temporarily disrupted during rescue operations. 

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in Delhi-NCR have increased again, crossing ₹80 per kilogram after Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) announced another ₹1 hike. This marks the second increase within 48 hours, following an earlier ₹2 rise linked to surging global energy prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The revised Delhi CNG rate now stands above ₹80/kg, while Mumbai’s rate remains around ₹84/kg. The fuel price surge comes after recent petrol and diesel hikes, increasing transportation costs for commuters, taxi drivers, and public transport operators. Auto unions in several cities are also demanding fare revisions. (PC: X)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a new population policy offering financial incentives for larger families. Under the scheme, families will receive ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child. The government said the move aims to tackle the state’s declining birth rate and ageing population concerns. Naidu stated that further details of the policy will be revealed within a month. The announcement was made during a public meeting in Srikakulam district and follows an earlier proposal to provide ₹25,000 for a second child. (PC: PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based senior Botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Officials claim she was part of the National Testing Agency’s expert panel and had access to Biology question papers. According to investigators, she allegedly conducted secret coaching sessions at her Pune residence, where students were taught leaked Botany and Zoology questions before the May 3 examination. The CBI says several questions matched the actual paper. Her arrest follows the detention of another Pune professor, as investigators continue uncovering a wider network involving middlemen and illegal payments. (PC: India Today)

The Indian government has imposed new restrictions on silver imports, moving key categories of silver from the “free” to the “restricted” import list. The decision, issued through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), aims to reduce pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves, control the rising import bill, and support the rupee amid global economic uncertainty. Silver bars with 99.9% purity and several semi-manufactured silver products will now require government approval before import. India, the world’s largest silver consumer, has witnessed a sharp surge in silver imports due to rising investment demand and increased industrial use in electronics and solar sectors. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that the world risks slipping back into massive poverty due to the combined impact of Covid-19, global wars, and the ongoing energy crisis. Addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague during his Europe tour, Modi described the current period as a “decade of disasters” threatening decades of economic progress. He stressed that rising fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions are hurting developing nations the most. Modi also called for stronger international cooperation, energy security, and resilient supply chains to prevent worsening economic instability and protect vulnerable populations from another major poverty crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, surrendered before the Cyberabad Police on Saturday after authorities issued a look-out circular in connection with a POCSO case. The case involves allegations of sexual assault against a minor, with police invoking stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Telangana High Court earlier refused interim protection from arrest, increasing pressure on the accused. Bandi Sanjay stated that “all are equal before law” and said he personally handed over his son to investigators. Police have intensified the probe while legal proceedings in the sensitive case continue. (PC: India Today)

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that his controversial remarks comparing certain people to “cockroaches” and “parasites” were aimed at individuals using fake degrees to enter professions, not unemployed youth. The clarification came after strong criticism from opposition leaders, activists, lawyers, and journalists over comments made during a Supreme Court hearing on a plea related to senior advocate designation. Justice Kant said his observations were “misquoted” and expressed pride in India’s youth, calling them the pillars of a developed nation. The controversy reignited debate over judicial language, unemployment, activism, and freedom of dissent in democracy. (PC: PTI)