The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered a second post-mortem examination in the death case of Twisha Sharma, directing that a team of doctors from AIIMS Delhi conduct the procedure in Bhopal. The court accepted a plea filed by Sharma’s father, who alleged inconsistencies and lapses in the initial investigation and autopsy. Twisha, 31, was found dead at her matrimonial home earlier this month, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and torture. The High Court also stressed the need for transparency in the investigation as public attention around the case continues to grow. 

Thailand has ended its 60-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian travellers. Under the new rules, Indians can now visit the country through a Visa on Arrival system. The visa will allow a stay of up to 15 days. Thailand said the changes were made due to concerns over security, illegal work and transnational crime. The new policy will come into effect 15 days after official publication in the Royal Gazette. Thailand had introduced the 60-day visa-free scheme for Indians in 2024 to boost tourism. Officials now say the country wants to focus more on attracting “quality tourists.” (PC: Unsplash)

The Delhi High Court has granted former JNU student leader Umar Khalid a three-day interim bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case under the UAPA. The relief was provided on humanitarian grounds to allow him to be with his mother during her surgery. Khalid had earlier sought 15 days’ interim bail, but a lower court rejected the plea. The bail will remain effective from June 1 to June 3. Khalid has been in judicial custody for several years over allegations linked to the larger conspiracy behind the northeast Delhi riots of 2020. (PC: PTI)

Venezuela has become India’s third-largest crude oil supplier in May, overtaking Saudi Arabia and the United States. Indian refiners increased purchases of Venezuelan crude because it is cheaper than many other global oil grades. According to Kpler data, Venezuela supplied around 417,000 barrels of crude oil per day to India this month. Experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz also affected India’s oil imports. Saudi Arabia’s oil supply to India dropped sharply in May. Analysts said Venezuelan crude is attractive because it suits complex Indian refineries, including Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat.

The parents of Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said they are worried about his growing popularity on social media. His father, Bhagwan Dipke, said he fears his son could face trouble or even arrest because he is now famous. His mother, Anita Dipke, said she does not want him to join politics and wants him to focus on his career instead. The satirical party has gained millions of followers online. Its X account was recently withheld in India after a legal demand. The party was formed after controversial remarks about unemployed youth by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

India has sent 20 tonnes of vaccine materials to Afghanistan to support the country’s child immunisation programme. The shipment includes dry materials for BCG and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccines. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said more consignments will be sent soon. He added that India remains committed to helping the “friendly people” of Afghanistan in the health sector. Earlier in April, India also delivered 13 tonnes of BCG vaccines and medical supplies to Afghanistan. India has regularly provided humanitarian aid to the country, including support for flood and earthquake-affected people.

A jhalmuri vendor in West Bengal’s Jhargram has alleged that he received death threats after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his stall during an election campaign. The vendor, Vikram Sau, said he started receiving threatening calls and messages after the election results were announced. Sau claimed the first call came on May 19. He said the threats left him scared and disturbed. Locals said he has stopped sitting regularly at his stall. West Bengal Police have started an investigation into the matter. Officials are checking the phone number and messages linked to the alleged threats.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has faced criticism after announcing action against stray and “killer” dogs in the state. Mann said the move followed a recent Supreme Court order. However, opposition leaders and animal welfare groups said he “misinterpreted” the ruling. BJP leader Tejinder Pal Singh Bagga said the court only allows action against dangerous or seriously ill dogs after proper checks. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said “dogs are also living beings” and warned against indiscriminate killings. Former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu urged the government to focus on sterilisation and vaccination instead. (PC: X/@BhagwantMann)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a special plan to make FIFA World Cup matches more affordable for residents. The city will offer 1,000 tickets for $50 each along with free round-trip bus rides to MetLife Stadium. The tickets will be given through a lottery system for seven World Cup matches. Mamdani said the aim is to help working-class people enjoy the tournament. Ticket prices for the World Cup have become very expensive, with many costing hundreds of dollars. The programme is a joint effort between the city and the NY/NJ World Cup host committee. (PC: X)

India has successfully tested the Vayu Astra loitering munition developed by private company Nibe Limited. The system completed trials in mountain areas of Joshimath and desert regions of Pokhran. The drone can carry anti-tank and anti-personnel warheads up to 100 km. Unlike normal drones, it can stay in the air and wait for a target before attacking. It is controlled through a two-way communication link. The system can also be used for surveillance and later recovered with a parachute. Officials said the trials are still in the early stages. India also tested long-range rocket systems during the demonstration.