The Centre clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary gold purchases and limit foreign travel is not an austerity drive but a call for “wise spending” during global uncertainty caused by the Iran conflict. Government sources said there will be no cuts in welfare schemes, subsidies or public expenditure. Modi urged citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, work from home when possible and reduce imports that pressure India’s foreign exchange reserves. The government also stressed that there is no immediate fuel crisis, though rising crude oil prices remain a concern amid tensions in West Asia. (PC: India Today)

The post-mortem report of Prateek Yadav, son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, revealed that a blood clot in the lungs caused cardiorespiratory collapse leading to his death at age 38. Doctors also found six antemortem injuries on his chest, arms and wrist, with some injuries reportedly several days old. Authorities said no immediate signs of foul play were detected, though viscera samples have been preserved for further investigation. Prateek, husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav, had reportedly been suffering from long-term lung-related complications and was undergoing treatment in Lucknow. (PC: NDTV)

Investigators probing the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak found that an MBBS student studying in Kerala allegedly forwarded a “guess paper” to friends in Rajasthan before the examination. Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group discovered that over 100 questions closely matched the actual NEET paper, raising suspicion of a larger leak network. Authorities believe the material spread through coaching and student groups across multiple states. The case has now been handed over to the CBI, while the National Testing Agency cancelled the May 3 examination and announced a re-test to ensure fairness and transparency for lakhs of medical aspirants. (PC: PTI)

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay renewed long-standing demand to abolish NEET admissions on Tuesday after the 2026 paper leak controversy triggered nationwide outrage. In a statement posted on X, Vijay urged the Centre to allow states to admit MBBS, BDS and AYUSH students based on Class 12 marks instead of the national entrance examination. He said repeated paper leak incidents exposed “structural flaws” in NEET and highlighted that the exam disadvantages rural, government school, Tamil-medium and economically weaker students. Vijay recalled that a 2024 leak had already led to FIRs and a reform panel headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan before another cancellation emerged this year. (PC: X)

The government of India has clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation and reduced discretionary spending should not be viewed as “austerity.” Officials said the initiative is aimed at “spending wisely” amid rising crude oil prices, pressure on the rupee and ongoing tensions in West Asia. Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel use, embrace work-from-home practices where possible, use public transport, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and limit non-essential imports such as gold. The Centre stressed there would be no cuts to welfare schemes, subsidies or infrastructure spending. Several BJP-ruled states have already adopted fuel-saving measures, including smaller convoys and increased virtual meetings. (PC: X)

Air India has announced major reductions and temporary suspensions on several international routes between June and August due to escalating tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict, rising jet fuel prices and restricted airspace access. Flights connecting India to destinations in the US, Europe, Singapore, Dhaka and Maldives have been affected. Routes such as Delhi–Chicago, Mumbai–New York and Delhi–Shanghai will remain suspended temporarily, while services to Paris, Milan and Rome will operate with reduced frequency. The airline said operational costs have surged because of longer flight paths and fuel expenses. Air India clarified that international operations continue despite online rumours claiming a complete shutdown. (PC: Reuters)

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, passed away in Lucknow at the age of 38 on Wednesday. He was reportedly brought dead to the Civil Hospital after his health suddenly deteriorated. Prateek, husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav and half-brother of Akhilesh Yadav, had been suffering from lung-related issues and was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs. A post-mortem examination has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Political leaders across party lines expressed grief over his sudden demise. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a Union Cabinet meeting to review India’s economic preparedness amid the escalating West Asia crisis and rising global oil prices. The government is considering stricter austerity measures to protect foreign exchange reserves and control fuel import costs.   In recent speeches, Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel, postpone gold purchases and prefer Indian-made products. The Centre has already raised gold import duties and cut official convoy usage. Reports suggest the government may expand work-from-home practices, restrict non-essential spending and review fuel pricing as Brent crude crosses $105 per barrel amid tensions involving Iran, Israel and the US. (PC: X)

The NEET UG 2026 paper leak probe has reached Maharashtra’s Nashik, where the CBI detained a 30-year-old BAMS student accused of buying and selling the leaked question paper for profit. Investigators alleged that Shubham Khairnar purchased the paper from a Pune-based suspect for Rs 10 lakh and later sold it in Haryana for Rs 15 lakh through encrypted messaging platforms.   Officials said he changed his appearance by cutting his hair to avoid arrest, but was tracked using surveillance inputs and old photographs. The leak allegedly spread across multiple states through Telegram groups, scanners and shadow servers, forcing the cancellation of the NEET UG exam for over 22 lakh students. (PC: X)

National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh defended the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, calling it a “short-term pain for long-term reform” after evidence suggested the exam’s integrity had been compromised. Singh said questions from a circulated “guess paper” matched the May 3 exam paper, prompting the NTA to cancel the test under its “zero-error, zero-tolerance” policy. He confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe the alleged leak and warned strict action against anyone found guilty. Singh also said the NTA plans to replace contractual staff with permanent personnel within six to nine months. (PC: HT)