MEA secretary snaps at Norway reporter over India questions
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George sharply criticised sections of the foreign media during a tense exchange with a Norwegian journalist over press freedom and human rights in India.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Sibi said many outsiders misunderstand India by relying on reports from “ignorant NGOs”. He highlighted India’s vast media landscape, pointing to hundreds of television channels operating across multiple languages.
He also defended India’s democratic framework, saying the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, equality and voting rights for women since 1947. Mr Sibi stressed that the right to vote and change governments remains India’s strongest example of human rights.
US Secretary of State to visit India from May 23
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23 to 26 to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, energy and security.
According to the US State Department, Mr Rubio will travel to Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi during the four-day visit.
He is expected to meet senior Indian officials for talks on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Mr Rubio will arrive in India after attending the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Sweden on May 22.
The visit comes amid growing strategic ties between India and the United States.
Fuel prices rise again as Iran crisis pushes up crude costs
Petrol and diesel prices in India rose again on May 19 as global crude oil prices surged amid tensions involving Iran.
State-run fuel retailers increased petrol and diesel prices by around 90 paise (11 cents) per litre, marking the second hike within a week.
In New Delhi, petrol now costs Rs98.64 (S$1.30) per litre while diesel is priced at Rs91.58. Analysts said rising global crude prices linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict triggered the increases.
Opposition parties accused the government of delaying fuel hikes until after state elections. Experts warn more increases may follow if global oil prices remain elevated.
Officials to monitor Boeing fuel switch tests after Air India scare
Indian aviation officials will travel to Seattle, United States, next month to monitor Boeing tests on a fuel-control switch linked to an Air India Dreamliner scare earlier this year.
The switch panel was removed after pilots reported a possible defect during a February London-Bengaluru flight. Although Boeing and India’s DGCA later declared the component serviceable, authorities now want to examine whether external pressure could move the switch while locked.
The issue has gained renewed attention following investigations into last year’s deadly Air India crash in Gujarat. The final accident report is expected next month.
IMD issues heatwave warning amid El Nino fears
The weather agency has warned of severe heatwave conditions across northwest and central India, with fears that El Nino could worsen temperatures in coming months.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heatwaves are becoming “longer, stronger and more frequent”, urging people to stay hydrated and avoid excessive exposure to heat. The agency issued preparedness advisories as temperatures soared across several regions.
While the IMD stopped short of directly linking the current heat to El Nino, it cited earlier studies showing the weather phenomenon intensifies heatwaves and increases their duration and spread across India.
Congress joins Tamil Nadu cabinet after 59 years
The Congress party will return to power in Tamil Nadu after nearly six decades as two of its MLAs join Chief Minister Vijay’s cabinet.
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal described the development as a “historic occasion”. Congress legislators Rajesh Kumar and P. Vishwanathan will take oath as ministers.
Though the Congress has allied with the Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam for years, it was never included in the state government due to the dominance of Dravidian parties. The move signals a major political shift under Vijay’s administration.
Supreme Court allows euthanasia for rabid stray dogs
The Supreme Court has allowed authorities to euthanise rabid and aggressive stray dogs while refusing to recall earlier orders on removing stray dogs from public spaces.
The court said authorities could take legally permissible measures, including euthanasia, in cases involving rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous dogs. The judges cited growing concern over dog attacks involving children, elderly people and even tourists.
The ruling came while dismissing applications seeking changes to earlier directions issued last year regarding stray dog management and shelter placement.
Adani company to pay US$275 million settlement over Iran sanctions
One of billionaire Gautam Adani’s companies will pay US$275 million (S$352 million) to settle an United States investigation into alleged violations of sanctions on Iran.
The US Treasury said Adani Enterprises agreed to settle potential civil liability linked to purchases of liquefied petroleum gas between 2023 and 2025. The company reportedly cooperated with investigators and agreed to strengthen compliance measures.
The settlement comes days after another Adani-linked firm agreed to a US$18 million settlement in a separate corruption-related case in the United States.
Microsoft’s biggest India data centre set for 2026 launch
Microsoft plans to open its biggest India data centre in Hyderabad by mid-2026 as the company expands its artificial intelligence and cloud operations.
Microsoft India and South Asia president Puneet Chandok said there is “massive demand” for Azure cloud services and the Copilot AI assistant in India.
The company has pledged investments worth US$17.5 billion in India, its biggest commitment in Asia. Microsoft sees India’s vast internet user base and strong technology talent pool as crucial for its AI growth ambitions.
Delhi High Court asks Central government to examine Dhurandhar 2 complaint
The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government and the Central Board of Film Certification to examine allegations that the film Dhurandhar 2 reveals sensitive operational details of India’s armed forces.
The petition was filed by a Central Armed Police Forces head constable who claimed the movie could threaten national security and violate the Official Secrets Act.
The court noted that, while films may be fictional, concerns raised by a security personnel could not be ignored. Authorities have been directed to investigate the claims against the Ranveer Singh-starrer.
Court rejects second autopsy plea in Bhopal woman death case
A court in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has rejected a plea seeking a second autopsy for a Noida woman found dead at her marital home, though it ordered preservation of her body.
The Uttar Pradesh woman’s family alleged foul play and claimed there were discrepancies in CCTV footage and suspicious behaviour by her in-laws.
The police told the court the body had begun decomposing and required advanced storage facilities unavailable locally.
The family’s lawyer said they would move the High Court seeking further investigation into the death of the 33-year-old woman.
Chennai may host Big Bash League opener for first time
The 2026-27 Big Bash League season opener could be played in Chennai, marking the first time the Australian T20 cricket competition begins in India.
A Cricket Australia delegation has reportedly inspected the MA Chidambaram Stadium this week. Officials said discussions are underway to deepen India-Australia sporting ties through the proposal.
Brisbane Heat chief executive Terry Svenson publicly backed the move. The Chennai venue is best known as the home ground of Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings.
