The Trump IRS lawsuit settlement is drawing new scrutiny after the Justice Department announced a $1.776 billion DOJ Anti-Weaponization Fund on Monday, May 18, 2026, as part of an agreement resolving President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over leaked tax return information. The settlement ends Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which was filed after his confidential tax records were leaked. Under the agreement, Trump and other plaintiffs are expected to receive a formal apology but no monetary damages. What the DOJ Anti-Weaponization Fund Means The DOJ Anti-Weaponization Fund is designed to review claims from people who say they were unfairly targeted by politically motivated government investigations or prosecutions. The fund could provide compensation or formal apologies to approved claimants. The proposal has quickly become a major political and legal issue because the money would come through a federal judgment fund, raising questions over taxpayer money, congressional approval and Justice Department oversight. Why the Trump IRS Lawsuit Settlement Faces a Congress Challenge Democrats argue that the Trump IRS lawsuit settlement could allow taxpayer money to benefit political allies of the president. Representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has criticized the plan and argued that Congress did not authorize the fund. The expected Congress challenge to the Trump settlement fund may focus on whether the executive branch can create such a large compensation program through a lawsuit settlement without direct approval from lawmakers. Trump Tax Return Leak Remains at the Center The original case came from the Trump tax return leak, after confidential IRS information was disclosed and later reported by media outlets. A former IRS contractor, Charles Littlejohn, was prosecuted and sentenced to five years in prison for leaking tax records. The legal fight is now moving beyond the tax leak itself. The larger dispute is over whether the Justice Department can use settlement power to create a politically sensitive compensation fund involving claims of government “weaponization.” For US readers, the case matters because it could shape future limits on executive authority, federal settlements and how taxpayer-funded legal claims are handled when a sitting president is personally connected to the dispute.

Oath Date & Time: May 18, 2026, 10:00 AM IST, Thiruvananthapuram. VD Satheesan took oath as Kerala Chief Minister as the Congress-led UDF returned to power after 10 years. A 21-member UDF Cabinet was sworn in at Central Stadium, marking a major political shift in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front returned to power in Kerala on Monday, with VD Satheesan taking oath as the state’s new Chief Minister at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapu

As of May 18, 2026, 10:02 AM IST, the CBI probe into the NEET-UG paper leak case has focused on a 46-year-old Pune beautician, Manisha Waghmare, who allegedly became a common link between students searching for tuition teachers and teachers from reputed schools. Waghmare, who runs a beauty parlour in Pune’s Sukhsagar Nagar, was arrested on May 14 and remanded in CBI custody for 10 days from May 16, along with retired teacher P V Kulkarni. Investigators suspect that her student and teacher c

Salman Khan’s latest statement about never reading a full script has gone viral, drawing fresh attention to his film choices, career approach and upcoming pan-India projects. Salman Khan’s Statement Grabs Attention Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again become a major talking point after his bold statement in a recent interview went viral.This highlighted how Salman surprised many fans by saying

Pawan Kalyan has underlined that the Andhra Pradesh alliance must work with collective responsibility, while also making it clear that Jana Sena’s identity and leadership will remain strong within the coalition. Pawan Kalyan Reaffirms Alliance Commitment Before the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections, Pawan Kalyan clearly stated that the larger purpose of the alliance was more important than the individual interests

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s proposal to offer cash support for third and fourth children has triggered a major debate on population growth, welfare planning, and social infrastructure. Chandrababu Naidu Announces Population Incentive Plan Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has once again raised concern over the declining population index, saying that the state needs a po

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested Manisha Mandhare, a Botany professor and member of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) paper-setting committee for the 2026 NEET-UG exam held on May 3. Mandhare was taken into custody in Delhi after interrogation at the CBI headquarters. According to the CBI, Mandhare was a key source behind the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 Biology questions, acting as a “mastermind” following information obtained from retired Chemistr

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently laid the foundation stone for the Rs 15,000-crore AMCA defence hub in Puttaparthi. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) flight testing and integration complex is a key part of India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter programme, aiming to strengthen the country’s defence aerospace capabilities. Previously, the Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister MK Stalin had prop

TDP’s Mahanadu 2026 Goes Fully Online: Chandrababu Naidu Adopts New Format The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is set to celebrate its annual flagship event Mahanadu in a completely new format this year. Instead of the traditional grand physical gathering, Chandrababu Naidu has decided to hold the event online as part of nationwide fuel-saving measures. Mahanadu Schedule and Background

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has had a remarkable political journey — from holding a local ZPTC position to becoming the chief minister of Telangana. Yet, his ambitions appear to extend beyond the state. At a recent media conclave, Revanth Reddy candidly shared his aspirations for national politics.   “I wish to be the chief minister of Telangana till 2034, and then I have the aspirations of moving to national politics. My journe

Raul Castro, born in 1931, is the younger brother of Fidel Castro and one of the most influential figures in modern Cuban history. As a key participant in the 1959 Cuban Revolution, he helped overthrow the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista, establishing a communist state. Today, at 94, Raul continues to shape Cuba’s politics, impacting government decisions, Communist Party direction, and economic responses amid ongoing challenges. His decades-long leadership spans military strategy, gove

NRIs, OCI holders, PIOs and foreign citizens can be nominated for the Padma Awards 2027, including Padma Bhushan, if their work shows distinguished service, public impact or exceptional achievement. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said nominations for the Padma Awards 2027 opened on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and will close on Friday, July 31, 2026. The awards are expected to be

Dubai, May 15, 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Dubai, marking the start of a critical diplomatic and economic mission ahead of his Europe tour. The visit focused on strengthening India UAE diplomacy, with major agreements signed in energy, defence, and investment, signaling deeper bilateral cooperation. Key Agreements Strengthen India-UAE Ties

The NEET UG 2026 exam was canceled after a confirmed paper leak, and a re-examination is scheduled for June 21 with admit cards available from June 14. Students can choose their exam city to reduce travel and ensure a fair testing process.   NEET 2026 Paper Leak Confirmed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 exam conducted on May 3 was compromised due to a leak facilitated through circulating guess papers. Complaints received by May 7 prompted the National Testing Agency to coordinate with central and state authorities for an immediate investigation. By May 12, officials confirmed that the original question paper had indeed been leaked. Pradhan acknowledged a “breach in the chain of command” and stated that the government is taking full responsibility for the lapse. To protect honest candidates from the effects of an organized network of fraudsters, referred to as the “education mafia,” the May 3 exam was canceled. Re-Examination Scheduled and Exam City Choice The NEET UG 2026 re-examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026. Students will be allowed to select their preferred exam city to reduce travel burdens and ensure smoother logistics for lakhs of candidates. Admit cards will be released on June 14, and candidates can download them using their existing application credentials. Officials clarified that no fresh registration or additional fee is required, and all previous application data and exam center selections remain valid. The decision ensures fairness while maintaining the integrity of the national testing system. Transition to Computer-Based Testing From next year, NEET will shift to a computer-based test (CBT) format. This move aims to enhance exam security, reduce the risk of paper leaks, and align the test with other major competitive examinations. Students will need to adapt to digital testing methods, which will affect MBBS, BDS, and allied medical course aspirants. Investigation and Future Measures The government has ordered a CBI probe into the paper leak. Investigators are examining possible breaches at the printing and distribution stages, as well as circulation through WhatsApp and other channels. Over 22 lakh students had appeared for the original NEET UG 2026 exam. The Education Ministry emphasized that the re-exam and future digital testing reforms are designed to restore confidence in the competitive examination system and protect the interests of students nationwide. Candidates and parents are advised to monitor official NTA notifications for updates on exam schedules and guidelines.

The petrol, diesel, and CNG price hike in India took effect on Friday, May 15, 2026. This was the first retail fuel price increase in four years, following the surge in global crude oil prices due to the Iran war.   Fuel Price Hike Overview in Major Cities The government raised petrol, diesel, and CNG prices following a surge in global crude oil prices triggered by the Iran war. This is the first retail fuel price hike in four years. The increase is expected to affect transportation costs, household spending, and overall inflation. City Petrol Price (Rs/Litre) Petrol Hike (Rs) Diesel Price (Rs/Litre) Diesel Hike (Rs) CNG Price (Rs/Kg) CNG Hike (Rs) Delhi 97.77 3.00 90.67 3.00 79.09 2.00 Kolkata 108.74 3.29 95.13 3.11 — — Mumbai 106.68 3.14 93.14 3.11 84.00 2.00 Chennai 103.67 2.83 95.25 2.86 — — Hyderabad 104.50 3.10 94.20 3.05 80.50 2.00 Economic Implications and Expert Insights India’s state-run oil companies, IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, were absorbing high crude costs for months, incurring daily losses of around Rs 1,600 crore. Imported crude prices jumped from $69 per barrel in February to $113-114 per barrel after the Iran war began on February 28. Economists, including Finance Commission Chair Dr Arvind Panagariya, recommended that retail prices be adjusted to prevent further losses and sustain OMC operations. Prime Minister Modi has appealed to citizens to conserve fuel and encouraged work-from-home practices to reduce foreign outflows. The Delhi government initiated a 90-day campaign promoting fuel-saving habits and limited office days. The fuel price increase is expected to push up transportation and logistics costs, which may drive inflation in essential commodities like milk and vegetables. Household savings could shrink, and discretionary spending may reduce, potentially slowing consumption, production, and GDP growth. While consumers will feel the immediate impact, this step was unavoidable given the international crude price surge.

Kerala SSLC Result 2026 Declared Today: How Students Can Check Scores Without Website Crashes The Kerala SSLC Result 2026 has been announced today, May 15, with the official press conference held at 3 PM and scorecards becoming available online from 4 PM onwards. Lakhs of Class 10 students across Kerala are attempting to access their marks simultaneously, leading to concerns over server slowdowns and website crashes.

A shocking incident occurred in Outer Delhi on May 11, 2026, when a woman was allegedly gang-raped inside a moving sleeper bus. The victim boarded the bus at Saraswati Vihar bus stand around midnight. CCTV cameras along the 7-kilometer route captured the bus journey, including passages near Deepali Chowk Metro, Mangolpuri flyover, Peeragarhi, and Udyog Nagar Metro, before stopping near Nangloi railway road. The private bus was seized and brought to Rani Bagh Police Station, with the news of t

Bay Area gas prices eased slightly during the week ending Thursday, May 14, 2026, but drivers across Northern California were still paying some of the highest fuel costs in the United States. AAA data showed California’s average regular gasoline price at $6.147 per gallon on Thursday, compared with the national average of $4.534. California remained the most expensive state for regular gasoline in AAA’s state price data.

On May 11, 2026, a woman was gang-raped inside a stationary sleeper bus in Delhi, leading to the arrest of the driver and conductor. The incident has sparked political outrage and heightened concerns over women’s safety in the capital. In a shocking incident, a woman was allegedly gang-raped inside a stationary sleeper bus in Delhi on May 11. The bus driver and conductor have been arrested. According to the victim's complaint, she approached a man standing near the bus door to ask for the time, after which she was forcibly pulled inside the vehicle. The accused then drove the bus towards Nangloi, where the assault allegedly occurred. After the incident, the woman was thrown out of the bus. The victim, a 30-year-old married woman with three children, works at a factory in Mangolpuri. Following her medical examination, an FIR was registered, and the two men were arrested. Delhi Police have seized the bus and are investigating all possible angles, including whether the bus was operational at the time of the assault and if any other passengers were present. The incident has drawn strong political reactions, particularly from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has condemned the BJP-led government over safety concerns in the national capital. AAP leaders, including former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, have compared the incident to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, citing the continued danger to women in Delhi’s public transport system. The case remains under investigation, and authorities are expected to gather further details, including forensic and medical reports. The arrest of the accused men brings some measure of accountability, but concerns about women’s safety in Delhi remain high.

After 10 days of deliberations, Congress has appointed VD Satheesan as Kerala's next Chief Minister, choosing the popular MLA over KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, following a landslide UDF victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. In a move that concludes 10 days of intense deliberations, the Congress party has named VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala following the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Satheesan’s appointment ends the speculation that had centered on senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. Despite Venugopal’s strong support among the newly elected MLAs, Satheesan’s massive popularity among the masses, coupled with his strategic role in the party’s victory, made him the choice for the top post. The Congress leadership in Kerala had earlier hinted at appointing Satheesan as the CM due to his leadership in revitalizing the party after its heavy defeat in the 2021 elections. As Leader of the Opposition, Satheesan has been widely credited with uniting the Opposition and presenting a strong challenge to the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. His aggressive campaigning and alliance-building efforts played a crucial role in the UDF’s landslide victory, securing 102 seats. Venugopal, despite his backing among the majority of newly elected MLAs, accepted the high command’s decision graciously, emphasizing the party’s supremacy and reiterating his support for Satheesan. This smooth transition is seen as an attempt to quell factionalism within the Congress and present a united front ahead of the state’s political challenges. Satheesan’s journey in Kerala politics began with student activism, and he has been an integral part of the Congress for decades. As a six-time MLA from Paravur, Satheesan’s political career has been marked by his unwavering loyalty to the Congress and his ability to rally support even in challenging times. His rise within the party has positioned him as one of Kerala's most influential leaders, poised to steer the Congress-led UDF into a new era. The announcement of his appointment as CM comes after a wave of political tensions in the state, marked by the paper leak controversy in the NEET-UG 2026 exam and various issues surrounding the Left government. With Satheesan at the helm, Congress hopes to build on its recent success and make significant strides in addressing key governance concerns in Kerala.