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.

In a move that has reignited a fierce political and cultural debate, the West Bengal government has issued an official directive making the singing of the national song, “Vande Mataram,” mandatory during morning assemblies across all state-affiliated madrasas. Issued by the Directorate of Madrasah Education, the order extends to all government-aided, model, and recognized unaided madrasas under the Minority Affairs Department. This follows a broader standardizing mandate implemented by the Suvendu Adhikari-led government across all state-run schools. State Minister Dilip Ghosh strongly defended the decision, asserting that institutions utilizing public funds must adhere to state-mandated practices of national integration. Meanwhile, opposition parties and minority organizations have sharply criticized the mandate, labeling it an infringement on minority rights and warning of widespread legal challenges and street protests.

22nd May | West Bengal More than two months after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)…

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the administrative corridors of Kolkata, the newly sworn-in Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government has issued a sweeping “gag order,” effectively severing direct and indirect communication between state officials and the press. The directive, issued on May 19, 2026, by Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, mandates a “complete prohibition” on any unauthorized interaction with media outlets.

The historic Beltala Kali Temple located on Binoy Sarkar Road in the city witnessed a huge gathering of devotees during the celebration of the 56th Falharini Kali Puja.

In a major anti-narcotics operation, police of Kaliachak Police Station seized 14,070 bottles of banned cough syrup from the Bakharpur area under Kaliachak police station limits and arrested two persons in connection with the case.