News

India in 2 minutes for the Week of May 29

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Bite-sized snippets from across the Indian subcontinent.
Photo: tabla!
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Screening Tightened After Suspected Ebola Cases Surface

Health authorities have intensified airport screening and quarantine protocols after two suspected Ebola cases were reported in Bengaluru and Gujarat, the Times of India reported.

A Ugandan woman isolated in Bengaluru tested negative, while test results of a Gujarat patient are awaited. Officials said travellers from affected African nations are under close monitoring, with even mild symptoms prompting isolation.

Authorities stressed no Ebola case has been confirmed in India.

US Team To Visit India For Trade Deal Talks

A delegation of United States officials will visit India from June 1 to 4 to finalise details of an interim trade agreement between the two countries.

India’s Trade Ministry said discussions would also advance negotiations on a broader bilateral trade agreement.

The framework, agreed upon earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, reduced proposed tariffs and expanded trade commitments.

Modi Urges Precautions Amid Severe Heat Wave

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to stay hydrated and remain alert as extreme temperatures grip large parts of the country.

In posts on X, Mr Modi advised people to watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness and fatigue, and help vulnerable individuals move to cooler places.

He stressed that children, the elderly and outdoor workers face greater risks during the heat wave.

Forest Fires Spread Across Himachal Pradesh

The Indian Air Force deployed helicopters on May 27 to battle forest fires raging in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli region amid intense heat and dry winds.

Thick smoke engulfed scenic Himalayan forests as firefighters, army personnel and forest officials worked to control the blaze and rescue residents.

Authorities said soaring temperatures and changing climate conditions are increasing wildfire incidents in India.

IndiGo And Air India To Cut Domestic Flights

India’s two largest airlines, IndiGo and Air India, will temporarily reduce domestic operations from June 1 for about three months.

A Reuters report said Air India plans to cut up to 15 per cent of capacity, while IndiGo may reduce services by 5-7 per cent.

Rising aviation fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict and weaker seasonal demand were cited as key reasons.

Supreme Court Upholds Electoral Roll Revision Exercise

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound states, calling it constitutional and necessary for free and fair elections.

The court said accurate electoral rolls are fundamental to democracy and accepted the Commission’s argument that four decades had passed since the last comprehensive revision exercise.

India Secures Release Of Sailors Detained In Iran

India has secured the release of 10 merchant navy sailors detained in Iran for nearly a year, the Times of India reported.

The crew members of oil tanker MV Harbour Phoenix had been held after the vessel was intercepted near Jask Port in July 2025.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping said sustained diplomatic efforts helped ensure the safe release and return of the seafarers.

Delhi Gymkhana Club Faces Eviction Battle

The prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club has entered a legal battle with the Central government after being asked to vacate land it has occupied for over a century.

Authorities cited security and infrastructure needs for reclaiming the property near the Prime Minister’s residence. Club members and employees have moved the Delhi High Court seeking protection against eviction.

AI Expected To Boost Innovation At India Tech Hubs

Executives from major global firms say artificial intelligence will accelerate patent creation and innovation at India’s technology centres.

Speaking at a Reuters summit, leaders from Daimler Truck, Epsilon and Kimberly-Clark said AI is helping employees move beyond routine tasks towards advanced research and intellectual property development, reinforcing India’s growing role as a global innovation hub.

India’s Billionaire Population Set To Surge By 2031

India’s billionaire population is projected to rise 51 per cent by 2031, according to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026.

The number of billionaires is expected to grow from 207 to 313 within five years.

The report also noted a sharp increase in ultra-high-net-worth individuals, reflecting India’s rapid wealth expansion and growing economic influence.

Family Decides To Leave Mountaineer’s Body On Everest

The family of Hyderabad mountaineer Arun Kumar Tiwari, who died descending Mount Everest, has decided not to retrieve his body.

Relatives said Everest was considered the abode of Lord Shiva and pointed to the extreme risks involved in high-altitude recovery missions.

Mr Tiwari, an experienced climber, died near the Hillary Step while returning from the summit.

Sikkim Declared Fully Literate State

Sikkim has been declared a fully literate state under the ULLAS adult education initiative, becoming the fifth state in India to achieve the milestone.

The announcement was made during Sikkim University’s convocation ceremony in Gangtok, attended by President Droupadi Murmu.

Officials said the achievement reflects sustained efforts to promote lifelong learning and adult literacy.

300 Booked After Attack On ED Officials In Kerala

Kerala Police have booked around 300 people after an alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate officials and security personnel in Thiruvananthapuram, the Hindustan Times reported.

The violence reportedly erupted after raids linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Cases including rioting, assault on public servants and attempt to murder have been registered, while investigations continue using video evidence and witness accounts.

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