Author: Sushmita Jana
Indian consumers faced fresh financial strain on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as state-run oil marketing companies rolled out their third major fuel price revision in less than 10 days. Passing on the severe margin pressure caused by the lingering Strait of Hormuz crisis, refiners raised petrol prices by up to 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise in the national capital, pushing Delhi petrol to ₹99.51—just pennies shy of the ₹100 threshold. In Kolkata, costs spiked to some of the highest levels nationwide, with petrol scaling 正式 to ₹110.64 and diesel climbing to ₹97.02 per liter. Simultaneously, Indraprastha Gas Limited implemented a ₹1 per kg surcharge, sending Delhi CNG to a record ₹81.09. Despite escalating commuter protests, transport union strikes, and strong opposition backlash over inflationary stress, Indian Oil Corporation has moved to quell fuel shortage panics, assuring the public that regional supply lines remain entirely stable.
A satirical online movement called the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) has rapidly become one of India’s biggest viral political trends, drawing millions of young followers across social media platforms. The movement began after controversial remarks allegedly comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches” during a Supreme Court hearing triggered widespread outrage online.
During his diplomatic visit to Rome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with a packet of India’s popular Melody toffees.
Fresh violence and a growing hostage crisis have once again pushed Manipur into turmoil, as shutdowns and economic blockades continue to disrupt normal life across the state. The latest unrest began after the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district, triggering tensions between Kuki and Naga groups.
A 23-year-old Indian-origin councillor, Tushar Kumar, has created history by becoming the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom. He was officially appointed as the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood in Hertfordshire during the council’s annual “Mayor Making” ceremony.
The West Bengal government has reduced the security cover of several leaders of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) following a review of VIP security arrangements across the state. The decision has generated significant political discussion, with both ruling party leaders and opposition groups reacting strongly to the development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday began a major diplomatic tour covering the UAE and several European nations, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The six-day visit is expected to focus on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in areas such as trade, energy security, defence cooperation, artificial intelligence and green technology. The tour comes at a crucial time as global tensions and uncertainty in energy markets continue to affect economies worldwide.
The Indian government has increased the effective import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15%, aiming to curb non-essential imports and protect foreign exchange reserves amid rising global economic pressures and the West Asia crisis. The revised structure includes a 10% Basic Customs Duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).
The issue of voters deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered major political controversy in both West Bengal and Bihar. Recent statements from leaders in the two states suggest that people whose names are removed from voter lists may also face restrictions in receiving government welfare benefits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to reduce fuel consumption and adopt energy-saving habits amid rising global fuel supply concerns linked to tensions in West Asia and disruptions in international oil routes. In his recent address, Modi appealed to citizens to “make every effort to save fuel” and support the nation during the ongoing global energy crisis.