The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested alleged Hizb-ul-Mujahideen-linked narco-terror operative Iqbal Singh after securing his extradition from Portugal through coordinated diplomatic and legal efforts. According to the NIA, Singh was a key conspirator and handler of an India-based narco-terror module involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan to finance terror activities. The extradition was facilitated by the Central Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Union Home Ministry. Singh, who had fled India in 2020, was brought to New Delhi and taken into NIA custody in connection with a major Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror-financing case.

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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a six-day, five-nation diplomatic tour from May 15, covering the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, with energy security, defence cooperation and emerging technologies dominating the agenda. During the UAE visit, India and the UAE are expected to sign major MoUs on LPG and Strategic Petroleum Reserves. Talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will also focus on regional stability. In Europe, discussions will centre on semiconductors, AI, green transition, defence co-production, maritime security and counter-terrorism, while the Norway visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades.

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)

The AIADMK leadership removed senior leaders C.V. Shanmugam, S.P. Velumani and C. Vijayabaskar from key party posts after internal divisions deepened over support to Chief Minister Vijay during the Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote. The action was taken by party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami amid a growing rebellion within the party. A breakaway AIADMK faction had backed Vijay’s TVK government during the floor test, helping it secure a comfortable majority in the Assembly. The move has intensified the political crisis inside AIADMK, with reports suggesting sharp disagreements over leadership, alliances and the party’s future direction in Tamil Nadu politics. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a crucial summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on trade disputes, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the ongoing Iran conflict. The visit marks the first US presidential trip to China in nearly nine years and includes meetings with top Chinese officials and business leaders. Trump is reportedly seeking greater market access for American companies and stability in economic ties. China, meanwhile, is expected to push back against US tariffs and arms sales to Taiwan. Analysts say the summit aims more at managing rivalry and avoiding escalation than achieving a major diplomatic breakthrough. (PC: AP)

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)

At least nine people were killed and 28 injured in fresh Russian drone attacks across Ukraine after a three-day US-brokered ceasefire expired. Ukrainian officials said the worst-hit area was the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where eight people died, including residents in Kryvyi Rih and Synelnykove district. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 100 Russian drones were in Ukrainian airspace on Wednesday, warning of continued strikes. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 139 drones in 24 hours. Russia, meanwhile, claimed Ukrainian drones damaged industrial facilities and a gas processing plant inside Russian territory. (PC: BBC)

The Congress on Wednesday accused the Rajasthan BJP government of delaying the investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak because a leader linked to the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) was allegedly involved. According to the Congress, the Jaipur Dehat BJYM leader and his brother bought the leaked NEET question paper from Gurgaon for lakhs of rupees and sold it to students in Sikar for profit. Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully questioned why the state government allegedly waited nine days to register an FIR. The allegations come amid widening investigations into the NEET-UG leak across multiple states. (PC: The Indian Express)

Air India has suspended and reduced several international flights from June as rising jet fuel prices and Pakistani airspace restrictions sharply increase operating costs. The Tata-owned airline has reportedly suspended services from Delhi to Chicago, Newark, Singapore and Shanghai, while reducing frequencies to San Francisco, Paris and Toronto.   The airline is facing mounting pressure after global jet fuel prices surged amid the West Asia conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Longer flight routes due to Pakistani airspace closure have also increased fuel use, crew expenses and travel time. Air India has warned that more international routes could be cut if costs remain elevated and profitability continues to decline. (PC: India Today)