The Supreme Court on Tuesday reaffirmed its November 2025 order directing authorities to remove stray dogs from public institutions, transport hubs and other crowded public spaces. The court said stray dogs should be relocated to shelters and, if necessary, euthanised in cases involving rabid, incurably ill or dangerously aggressive animals.   A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath said the government cannot remain a “passive spectator” as dog bite incidents rise across the country. The court highlighted attacks on children, senior citizens and tourists, stressing that public safety is the state’s responsibility. It also ordered stronger vaccination drives, better shelters and improved veterinary infrastructure. (PC: India Today)

The United States has approved a proposed $428 million defence support package for India covering sustainment services for AH-64E Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzer artillery systems. The package includes logistics support, engineering assistance, technical services, spare parts, training and long-term maintenance under the Foreign Military Sales programme. The US State Department said the deal strengthens the strategic India-US partnership and enhances India’s ability to address future security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Major contractors involved include Boeing, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. Washington also stated the package would not alter the regional military balance. (PC: X)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has tightened citizenship application rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act framework by requiring applicants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to provide complete passport details and formally surrender those documents after receiving Indian citizenship approval. Under the amended Citizenship Rules, 2009, applicants must now declare whether they possess valid or expired passports from their native countries and submit issuance-related information where applicable. The new rules also mandate an undertaking to surrender such passports within 15 days of citizenship approval. The move signals stricter documentation scrutiny as the Centre strengthens procedural compliance under India’s citizenship framework. (PC: X)

India has raised petrol and diesel prices for the second time within days as global crude oil markets remain volatile amid escalating West Asia tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Petrol prices in Delhi increased by 87 paise per litre while diesel rose by 91 paise, with Kolkata recording the sharpest jump among metro cities. Brent crude prices crossing the $100-per-barrel mark have intensified pressure on domestic fuel costs. The latest hike follows an earlier ₹3-per-litre increase last week and also comes alongside rising CNG prices in Delhi-NCR. The government says India has contained fuel inflation better than many countries facing severe energy disruptions. (PC: PTI)

The United States has extended a temporary sanctions waiver allowing Russian seaborne oil already in transit to reach buyers until June 17, offering relief to major importers such as India amid continued global energy uncertainty. The move comes as India’s imports of discounted Russian crude remain near record highs following disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict and instability around the Strait of Hormuz. While the waiver does not remove sanctions on Russian energy exports, it allows ongoing shipments to continue without immediate legal complications. Indian refiners are expected to maintain current procurement levels, helping stabilise domestic fuel supplies while balancing geopolitical pressure from Western sanctions frameworks and volatile global oil markets.

Lahore is witnessing a major cultural shift as authorities restore historic Hindu, Sikh and British-era place names nearly 79 years after Partition. Under a heritage revival initiative backed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, several localities including Krishan Nagar, Jain Mandir Chowk and Dharampura are officially reclaiming identities erased during decades of Islamisation. The restoration forms part of the multibillion-rupee Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival project aimed at conserving historic architecture, colonial districts and the city’s cultural memory. Officials say the initiative seeks to reconnect Lahore with its layered pre-Partition heritage while modernising urban infrastructure and preserving historic landmarks for future generations. (PC: Republic World)

The death of 33-year-old former model and actor Twisha Sharma in Bhopal has taken a dramatic turn after her mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, alleged that Twisha consumed marijuana during pregnancy and underwent psychiatric treatment. Twisha was found hanging at her matrimonial home on May 12, prompting police to register dowry harassment and murder charges against husband Samarth Singh and his mother. While Giribala Singh accused Twisha’s parents of exploiting and abandoning her, Twisha’s father alleged sustained mental harassment, indirect dowry pressure and emotional abuse after marriage. Investigators are examining WhatsApp chats, medical claims and family allegations as the politically sensitive case intensifies amid demands for deeper investigation and accountability.

India is bracing for intensified summer conditions as the India Meteorological Department warned temperatures could touch 45–46°C across several states this week, with severe heatwave alerts issued from May 18 to 24. Temperatures have already crossed 46°C in parts of Uttar Pradesh, while Delhi may also witness prolonged heatwave conditions. Officials cautioned that rising daytime and nighttime temperatures could sharply increase risks of heat-related illnesses, especially among children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The weather agency also warned that a developing El Niño event could weaken India’s upcoming monsoon season after July, potentially resulting in below-normal rainfall despite an early Kerala monsoon onset forecast for May 26. (PC: X)

A tense exchange erupted during an Indian diplomatic press briefing in Oslo after a Norwegian journalist repeatedly questioned India’s record on press freedom, minority rights and democratic values. Sibi George strongly defended India’s democratic framework, accusing foreign critics of relying on selective narratives circulated by “ignorant NGOs” without understanding India’s diversity and institutional complexity. The confrontation intensified when the journalist asked why India should be trusted on human rights concerns, briefly walking out before returning to the briefing. The incident comes amid growing international scrutiny during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s European outreach tour, particularly after reported remarks from Dutch leaders regarding minority rights and media freedoms in India.

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran remain deadlocked despite fresh mediation efforts by Pakistan. A senior US official described Tehran’s revised peace proposal as “insufficient”, while reports said US President Donald Trump will meet his national security team to discuss possible military options.   Iran is seeking sanctions relief, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a permanent end to hostilities. Regional tensions have intensified following drone attacks near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant and renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. (PC: HT)