National Affairs & Political Updates
PM Modi Refutes Foreign Travel Tax Speculation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly rejected reports suggesting the Centre was considering a levy on overseas travel to cushion the impact of volatile crude oil prices. Calling the claims baseless, he clarified that no such proposal is under discussion within the government.
India-UAE Deepen Energy Partnership:
India and the United Arab Emirates signed a strategic agreement on petroleum reserves during high-level discussions in Abu Dhabi. The arrangement will enable the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to store crude oil in India’s underground facilities, strengthening India’s long-term energy preparedness and supply resilience.
Government Raises Fuel Export Duties:
The Ministry of Finance has revised Special Additional Excise Duties on fuel exports amid concerns over global supply uncertainty. The increased duties on petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel are intended to prioritize domestic energy availability and stabilize internal markets.
CBI Intensifies NEET-UG Leak Probe:
The Central Bureau of Investigation has reportedly arrested a key suspect linked to the NEET-UG Chemistry paper leak investigation. Authorities are simultaneously preparing for the scheduled re-examination as scrutiny over examination security mechanisms continues.
Hostages Freed in Manipur:
In a significant development for peace efforts in Manipur, dozens of individuals belonging to Kuki and Naga communities were released after negotiations involving local authorities and security agencies. Officials described the release as a positive step toward easing tensions in the region.
Sikkim Marks Statehood Day:
Sikkim is celebrating its Statehood Day today, commemorating its formal merger with the Indian Union in 1975. Various cultural and official events are being held across the Himalayan state to mark the occasion.
Political Sparring Over Rahul Gandhi’s Foreign Visits:
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned the transparency surrounding foreign visits undertaken by Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, triggering fresh political exchanges between the ruling alliance and the Congress party.
Supreme Court Maintains Curbs on Aravalli Mining:
The Supreme Court of India declined to relax restrictions on mining activity in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region, emphasizing the need to preserve fragile environmental zones.
Political Tensions Continue in West Bengal:
Fresh political controversy erupted in West Bengal after legal complaints were filed against TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee over remarks targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The ruling party has meanwhile reiterated allegations regarding post-election violence and electoral irregularities.
AAP Strengthens Position in Punjab:
The Aam Aadmi Party received a political boost in Punjab after senior leader Surjit Singh Rakhra joined the party in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ahead of upcoming local body elections.
🌍 International Affairs & Global Economy
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Gets Extension:
Following diplomatic mediation led by the United States, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to prolong their ceasefire arrangement by another 45 days, reducing immediate fears of renewed border conflict.
Hormuz Region Remains Tense:
Developments around the Strait of Hormuz continue to attract global attention after Iranian sailors detained during a maritime operation were released. Reports of possible behind-the-scenes diplomatic outreach between Washington and Tehran have also surfaced amid broader regional instability.
Trump-Xi Talks End Without Major Breakthrough:
Meetings between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded without any