Long queues and panic buying were reported at petrol pumps across several Indian cities after rumours of a sharp petrol and diesel price hike spread amid rising global crude oil prices linked to the West Asia crisis. Many fuel stations witnessed heavy rushes, with some temporarily running out of stock due to sudden demand. Reports suggested state-run oil companies are facing major losses while keeping fuel prices unchanged, increasing speculation about an imminent hike. However, government officials urged citizens not to panic, assuring that fuel supplies remain adequate and distribution systems are functioning normally despite temporary delays caused by hoarding and increased demand. (PC: India Today)

A shocking video from Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly showed a man being lifted nearly 50 feet into the air while clutching a tin shed during powerful storm winds. The incident occurred as intense dust storms and heavy rainfall lashed several parts of North India, disrupting normal life and damaging property. Eyewitnesses captured the terrifying moment as locals rushed to help after the man fell. Officials said he suffered minor injuries and is now safe. Weather authorities have warned of continued strong winds, thunderstorms and rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh and nearby states over the next few days.

The Delhi government has announced two mandatory work-from-home days every week for government employees as part of a major fuel conservation drive following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity and reduced fuel consumption. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the new rules will take effect immediately and also include reduced official vehicle usage, promotion of public transport and virtual meetings. Schools and universities may shift some classes online to cut daily travel. The initiative is part of the “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan” campaign aimed at saving fuel, reducing pollution and encouraging sustainable practices amid global economic uncertainties. (PC: X)

Nearly 14 years after the 2012 Nirbhaya case shocked the nation, an alleged gang rape inside a moving bus in Delhi has once again raised serious concerns over women’s safety in the capital. Police said a 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a bus driver and conductor inside a Bihar-registered sleeper bus on Monday night. Investigators said the woman was pulled inside the vehicle near Saraswati Vihar after asking for the time. The bus reportedly kept moving towards Nangloi during the assault. The accused, identified as Umesh and Ramendra, have been arrested under gang rape charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (PC: HT)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a two-day work-from-home policy for government employees each week as part of fuel-saving measures. The Delhi government will also promote online meetings, reduce the use of official vehicles and discourage foreign travel by officials. Private companies have been advised to adopt similar work-from-home arrangements, with the labour department monitoring compliance. The measures follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce petroleum consumption as tensions in the Middle East disrupt oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over a possible energy and fuel crisis. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission of India on Thursday announced Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 16 states and three Union Territories, including Delhi and Maharashtra. The exercise will cover nearly 36.73 crore voters, with over 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door verification between May 30 and October 14. The EC said the revision aims to remove duplicate, bogus and ineligible entries from voter lists. After Phase 3, the entire country will be covered under SIR except Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. (PC: HT)

The West Bengal government has issued fresh rules making fitness certificates mandatory before the slaughter of cows, bulls, buffaloes and related animals. Authorities said slaughter will only be allowed if the animal is over 14 years old or permanently unfit due to injury, disease or age. The order also bans slaughter in public places and directs that certified animals be taken only to authorised slaughterhouses ahead of Bakrid later this month. Officials have been empowered to inspect premises without obstruction. Violators can face up to six months in jail, a fine of ₹1,000, or both under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. (PC: X)

The BJP-led governments in Bihar and West Bengal have begun linking welfare benefits with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, aiming to remove duplicate, deceased and ineligible beneficiaries. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said people deleted from voter lists would lose access to ration and welfare schemes, while West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced stricter verification for social benefits. The move has triggered political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning whether deletion from electoral rolls should determine access to government welfare schemes and citizenship-linked entitlements. (PC: India Today)

A 30-year-old factory worker was allegedly abducted and gang-raped inside a moving sleeper bus in northwest Delhi’s Rani Bagh area, police said on Thursday. According to investigators, the woman was returning home on May 11 when a sleeper bus stopped near Saraswati Vihar. She alleged that after asking a man near the bus for the time, she was pulled inside and sexually assaulted by two men as the bus travelled towards Nangloi. Police later rescued the woman near Nangloi Metro station. The Bihar-registered bus has been seized, CCTV footage is being examined, and the accused driver Umesh and conductor Ramendra have been arrested. (PC: HT)

A 30-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped inside a stationary sleeper bus in Delhi’s Rani Bagh area, with police arresting the driver and conductor in the case. The survivor, who works at a factory in Mangolpuri, was returning home on the night of May 11 when the bus stopped near Saraswati Vihar. According to police, she approached a man near the bus door to ask the time before being allegedly forced inside. The accused then allegedly drove the bus towards Nangloi, where the assault took place. Police have seized the bus, registered an FIR and launched further investigation. The incident has triggered political outrage, with AAP leaders comparing it to the 2012 Nirbhaya case. (PC: NDTV)