The Indian government has raised the import duties on gold and silver sharply, setting the new rates at 15% from the previous 6%. This move comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the public to avoid purchasing gold for the next year, in response to the growing economic strain caused by the Iran war and the pressure on India's foreign exchange reserves. The government's decision involves a 10% basic customs duty along with an additional 5% Agriculture Infrastructure

The NEET 2026 paper leak case has taken a dramatic turn with investigators now focusing on the involvement of two brothers from Rajasthan and a doctor in Gurugram. The two brothers, Mangilal and Dinesh Biwal, are alleged to have purchased the NEET UG exam paper from a Gurugram doctor for a whopping Rs 30 lakh on April 26, a week before the examination. The paper was initially passed to one of the brother's sons in Sikar, a city in Rajasthan, who then reportedly sold it to various aspirants.

Trump Defends Pakistan's Role in Iran Talks President Donald Trump reaffirmed his trust in Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing talks with Iran, dismissing concerns raised by Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, calling them “absolutely great” for their efforts in facilitating diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran. His comments came on Ma

Trump Accuses Media of Treason On May 12, President Donald Trump expressed outrage over media reports suggesting that Iran is “doing well” militarily in its ongoing conflict with the United States. In a social media post during his flight to China, Trump accused the media of committing treason by spreading false and misleading information. “When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, Militarily, against us, it’s virtual TRE

Tiger Woods’ DUI case moved into a new phase after a Florida judge approved prosecutors’ request to access the golf star’s prescription medication records linked to a March crash investigation. The ruling, issued in Martin County on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, allows investigators to obtain records from a Palm Beach pharmacy covering prescriptions filled between January and March 2026. Prosecutors said the records could help determine whether medication played a role in the crash i

Eileen Wang resigned as mayor of Arcadia on Monday, May 12, 2026, after the U.S. Department of Justice announced she agreed to plead guilty in a federal foreign agent case tied to China. Federal prosecutors said Wang, 58, acted as a covert agent for the People’s Republic of China while helping distribute propaganda content targeting Chinese American communities in Southern California. Officials said the felony charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. DOJ Says Propaganda Was Shared Through Community News Platforms According to court filings, Chinese officials allegedly used encrypted WeChat messages in June 2021 to send prewritten articles to Wang and others. One article reportedly denied allegations of genocide and forced labor involving ethnic minorities in China’s Xinjiang region. Prosecutors said Wang reposted the content on websites presented as local news platforms and later shared proof of publication with individuals linked to the Chinese government. Federal investigators also alleged that Wang coordinated with John Chen, who previously pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent and conspiracy to bribe a public official. What Happens Next for Arcadia? City officials in Arcadia said the federal allegations did not involve city finances, employees, or municipal operations. Wang was elected to the City Council in November 2022 and later became mayor through the council’s rotating leadership system. The City Council is now expected to discuss appointing a temporary replacement for Wang’s 3rd District seat ahead of the November 2026 election. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg said public officials in the United States must represent American interests only, calling the allegations against Wang “deeply concerning.”

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo a medical and dental examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, May 26, as part of his annual preventive health evaluation, the White House said. The checkup comes as questions surrounding presidential age, fitness and medical transparency continue drawing national attention ahead of the 2026 political season. Trump, who turns 80 next month, remains the oldest person elected president in US history. Medical Exam Comes Before Beijing Summit The White House said the evaluation will take place roughly 10 days after Trump returns from a planned summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Officials described the appointment as a routine annual physical and dental review. Trump has repeatedly said he feels healthy and energetic despite ongoing public discussion about aging presidents in Washington. Speaking during an Oval Office appearance on Monday, Trump said he feels “literally the same” as he did decades ago and joked about exercising “about one minute a day.” Previous Health Reports Drew Public Attention Trump’s last major physical examination was conducted in April 2025, when White House physician Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella stated the president was “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief. The report also noted Trump had lost nearly 20 pounds compared to his 2020 medical evaluation. Later in 2025, White House officials disclosed that Trump underwent testing for mild swelling in his lower legs. Doctors diagnosed chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition affecting blood flow in older adults. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed visible bruising seen on Trump’s hands, saying it was linked to frequent handshaking and aspirin use. Trump reportedly takes aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The president also received a flu shot and COVID-19 booster during a previous medical visit that included preventive heart and abdominal screening tests, according to White House officials.

The sinking of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major near Spain has triggered new questions over whether the vessel was carrying sensitive nuclear reactor components possibly linked to North Korea. The ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea on Monday, December 23, 2024, after explosions struck the vessel near its engine room. Fourteen crew members were rescued, while two died or were reported missing, according to official accounts. Why Spain Is Investiga

An Indian-origin donor cleared final-year student loans for 176 North Carolina State University graduates, turning a Raleigh commencement ceremony into a major student debt relief story watched beyond North Carolina, including by Indian American and NY families. The surprise announcement came at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday, May 9, 2026, during the Wilson College of Textiles commencement ceremony. Anil Kochhar Honors His Father’s India

The controversy surrounding Sanatan Dharma was reignited in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin advocating once again for the ‘eradication of Sanatan’ on the floor of the house. His remarks, made on the first day of the assembly session post the 2026 state elections, mirrored his earlier controversial comments, where he likened Sanatan Dharma to diseases like dengue and malaria. These statements sparked widespread outrage, particularly from the BJP, which has conti

In a major development, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 exam following allegations of a paper leak the night before the May 3 examination. The NTA, with approval from the Government of India, confirmed that the exam, which serves as the qualifying test for undergraduate medical courses across India, would now be re-conducted on fresh dates, which will be announced in the coming days. The decision to cancel the exam came after law enforcement agencies shared investigative findings, confirming that the exam process could not stand. In the wake of the cancellation, the NTA assured that no fresh registration would be required for the re-examination and that the previously paid fees would be refunded. The agency also stated that it would cooperate fully with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been tasked with further investigating the matter. The announcement triggered widespread protests from student organizations across the country, particularly in Delhi. One such protest, organized by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), took place near Shastri Bhawan, the headquarters of the Union Education Ministry. The protesting students demanded clarity and accountability regarding the leak and the subsequent cancellation. In its statement, the NTA acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the students and their families but emphasized that the decision was made to preserve the integrity of the examination process. It further confirmed that candidates' registration details, examination centers, and other information would remain intact for the re-conducted exam. Candidates were advised to only rely on official communications from NTA for updates regarding the revised exam schedule. The NTA’s move is seen as an effort to restore public trust in the examination system, which has been rocked by the allegations of a paper leak. The re-examination is expected to be conducted using NTA's internal resources, with no additional charges for candidates.

The Trump administration has moved to restore the use of controversial M-44 cyanide traps on public lands across the United States, reviving a predator control method that had previously faced restrictions due to environmental and public safety concerns. The decision follows a memorandum signed in April between the Bureau of Land Management and the Agriculture Department’s Wildlife Services program, allowing the agencies to coordinate the possible deployment of restricted pesticides, includ

President Donald Trump is backing a temporary federal gas tax suspension as US drivers face sharply higher fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. The proposal could cut up to 18.4 cents per gallon from gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon from diesel, but it cannot take effect without approval from Congress. How Much Could Drivers Save? Trump said on Monday, May 11, 2026, that he wants to remove the federal gas tax “for a period of time” and restore it once prices ease. The White House has not confirmed whether formal legislation has already been sent to lawmakers. The relief would be limited compared with the wider rise in pump prices. US gasoline prices have climbed sharply since the Iran conflict intensified, leaving many households paying more for commuting, deliveries and daily transportation. Congress Holds The Key The federal gas tax helps fund highways, bridges and public transit through the Highway Trust Fund. Any suspension could give drivers short-term relief but may raise concerns over road funding. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration supports steps to lower fuel costs. Some lawmakers have also backed a temporary gas tax holiday, while critics argue the savings may not fully reach consumers. For American families already dealing with inflation, even a small reduction at the pump could matter. But the plan’s real impact depends on Congress, fuel markets and whether gas stations pass the full tax cut to drivers.

FIFA is racing to finalize 2026 FIFA World Cup TV rights in China and India, with broadcast deals still unresolved less than a month before the tournament begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The delay matters because China and India represent two of the world’s largest sports audiences. Without final agreements, millions of football fans could face uncertainty over where to watch the tournament. China CCTV Talks Move Forward Senior FIFA offici

A cinematic political reel comparing Vijay and Pawan Kalyan is rapidly becoming one of India’s most discussed viral political videos, triggering huge engagement across Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, and X. The viral political reel, centered around leadership, public mandate, governance, and p

A visually driven political reel comparing actor-turned-political figures Vijay and Pawan Kalyan is drawing strong engagement across social media platforms. The video, designed in a cinematic format with dramatic color contrasts and symbolic imagery, presents two different leadership journeys while focusing on themes such as public mandate, political alliances, governance, and accountability. The reel uses side-by-side visuals, slogans, and emotionally charged design elements to highlight differences in political perception and public expectations surrounding both leaders. The content gained traction largely because of its presentation style rather than direct political criticism. Supporters from both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been actively sharing the reel, discussing leadership qualities, ideological consistency, and the role of public trust in politics. Several visuals emphasize the importance of principles, voter respect, and long-term governance, while also reflecting on how political alliances influence public opinion during elections. The reel avoids direct personal attacks and concludes with a message encouraging viewers to respect different political journeys. That ending appears to have helped the content resonate with a broader audience, especially among younger social media users who engage heavily with political edits, cinematic storytelling, and leadership-focused discussions online. The combination of dramatic visuals, emotionally balanced narration, and a neutral closing statement has contributed to its growing reach. Vijay, who recently increased his political visibility in Tamil Nadu, and Pawan Kalyan, who remains a significant political figure in Andhra Pradesh, continue to attract large online communities. Their supporters often use digital content, speeches, and edited reels to amplify narratives around leadership and governance. Political content creators are increasingly using short-form video formats to influence public conversations, especially among audiences consuming politics through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and similar platforms. The viral reel also reflects a wider trend in Indian political communication where cinematic presentation and emotional storytelling are becoming central tools for online engagement. Rather than relying only on speeches or campaign footage, creators are blending film-style editing with political messaging to increase audience retention and social sharing.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of the toughest moments of his political career after Labour suffered major defeats in local elections across England and Wales. In a major speech aimed at calming angry Labour MPs, Starmer admitted the election results were “tough” and accepted responsibility for the setback. At the same time, he promised to rebuild trust, strengthen the UK economy, improve ties with Europe, and protect Britain from being pulled into a war with Ira

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s conflict with Israel is still ongoing and warned that Tehran’s nuclear program continues to remain a major concern. Netanyahu also claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and believed to be hiding in a secret bunker after taking power following the reported death of Ali Khamenei during a US-Israeli airstrike. Netanyahu said Iran still possesses enriched uranium and nuclear facilities that must be dismantled befor

Reverse migration concerns are growing rapidly in Kerala as countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European nations tighten immigration and student visa policies. Education experts and overseas consultancy agencies estimate that nearly 30,000 Malayali students could return home over the coming years due to stricter migration rules, reduced work opportunities, and changing settlement regulations abroad. The issue is creating anxiety among students and families who once viewed overseas education as a stable path toward global careers and permanent residency. For many years, Kerala witnessed a sharp rise in students moving abroad for higher education, attracted by better salaries, international exposure, and long-term settlement opportunities. However, recent policy changes in foreign nations are creating uncertainty for thousands of students who invested heavily through education loans and family savings. Many students now fear limited job opportunities and uncertain residency prospects after completing their courses. Countries such as the UK have introduced tighter dependent visa restrictions and stricter financial eligibility rules for international students. Canada has announced caps on student permits, while Australia has increased scrutiny in visa approvals and raised language and financial requirements for applicants. These changes are making it harder for students to secure employment and permanent residency after graduation, forcing many to reconsider their future plans abroad. The possibility of large-scale reverse migration is raising concerns about Kerala’s economy and employment sector. Returning graduates may struggle to find jobs that match their international qualifications and work experience. Education consultants in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and other cities report that students are becoming more cautious while selecting foreign destinations, increasingly preferring countries with stable immigration pathways. Experts believe Kerala may eventually need stronger employment programs, startup incentives, and skill-based opportunities to support returning graduates and prevent rising unemployment.

UP Minister Sparks Debate Over Popular English Nursery Rhymes Yogendra Upadhyay, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Higher Education and Science and Technology, has sparked a debate after criticising popular English nursery rhymes such as “Johnny Johnny Yes Papa” and “Rain Rain Go Away”. Speaking at educational events in Agra and Lucknow, the minister said the rhymes were not aligned with Indian culture and values. According to him, some nursery rhymes promote ideas such as dishonesty and selfishness among children at an early age. Upadhyay said educational content for young students should reflect Indian traditions, ethics, and cultural values. His remarks have triggered discussions on social media and among educators regarding the role of traditional and foreign nursery rhymes in early childhood education. The comments have also reignited conversations around incorporating more Indian-themed learning material and culturally rooted content into school education systems across the country.