Iran and Oman are reportedly coordinating efforts to manage ship movements through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Gulf continue to disrupt global energy trade. Iranian officials are pushing for a new system requiring vessels to coordinate with Tehran and potentially pay transit-related fees, a move criticized by Western diplomats as unlawful under international maritime law. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20% of global oil shipments, making the situation critical for international markets. Several countries, including the UAE and China, are exploring alternative shipping arrangements while global powers urge de-escalation to avoid further economic and energy instability. (PC: Reuters)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Pune-based chemistry professor, identified as PV Kulkarni, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Investigators allege that Kulkarni, who was associated with the examination process through the National Testing Agency (NTA), used insider access to leak question papers before the exam. The controversy has impacted nearly 23 lakh students across India and triggered nationwide outrage over exam security failures. The probe has expanded across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and other states, with multiple arrests already made. Following the scandal, the government cancelled the exam and announced a re-test on June 21, along with stricter security reforms. (PC: NDTV)

The Central government revised export duties on petroleum products effective May 16, increasing the levy on petrol exports to ₹3 per litre while reducing duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Diesel export duty was cut to ₹16.5 per litre and ATF levy to ₹16 per litre. The move aims to balance government revenue with domestic fuel availability amid volatile global crude oil prices and ongoing West Asia tensions. Officials clarified that excise duties on petrol and diesel sold within India remain unchanged, ensuring no immediate rise in retail fuel prices for consumers across the country. (PC: PTI)

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). In its 242-page judgment, the court relied on principles from the Supreme Court’s 2019 Ayodhya verdict, including evaluation of historical records, ASI surveys, and evidence of continuous worship. The bench quashed a 2003 ASI order allowing shared religious use and directed the state to consider separate land for a mosque for Muslims. The court also dismissed a Jain claim over the site, calling available archaeological evidence insufficient to prove it was originally a Jain temple. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly denied reports claiming the Central government was considering a new tax, cess, or surcharge on foreign travel. Responding to media speculation linked to rising crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia crisis, Modi called the claims “totally false” and said there was “not an iota of truth” in them. He clarified that the government has no plans to restrict overseas travel and reaffirmed its commitment to improving “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.” The reports had suggested a temporary levy was being discussed to manage fiscal pressure caused by global geopolitical tensions and higher import costs. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi during the first leg of his five-nation tour, securing a landmark defence framework, major energy agreements, and $5 billion in UAE investments into India. The UAE pledged investments through Emirates NBD, ADIA, and International Holding Company across banking, infrastructure, and finance sectors. India and the UAE also strengthened cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply, gas storage, defence technology, maritime security, cyber defence, AI supercomputing, and shipbuilding. Modi reaffirmed support for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it critical for regional stability, energy security, and global trade amid ongoing West Asia tensions. (PC: X)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Pakistan is currently helping facilitate communication between the United States and Iran amid escalating West Asia tensions, but suggested India could emerge as a stronger long-term mediator. Speaking in Delhi during the BRICS Summit, Lavrov said Pakistan was assisting in establishing dialogue channels between Washington and Tehran to address “urgent problems.” However, he noted that India’s extensive diplomatic experience makes it better suited for a sustained mediation role if both sides seek long-term engagement. Lavrov’s remarks come amid growing geopolitical uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations, maritime security concerns, and wider regional instability across West Asia.

CBI arrested Professor PV Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer at Latur’s Dayanand Medical College, identifying him as the alleged “kingpin” behind the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that forced cancellation of the May 3 examination. Investigators said Kulkarni was part of the committee responsible for setting this year’s medical entrance paper, marking a major shift from the 2024 probe, when the NTA was largely cleared of insider involvement. Arrested in Pune, Kulkarni allegedly used authorised access to question papers during April 2026 to coordinate a sophisticated leak operation. The CBI claimed he mobilised select students with assistance from accomplice Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on May 14 during investigations into the expanding conspiracy. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief 2.5-hour visit to the United Arab Emirates delivered major strategic and economic gains for India amid escalating West Asia tensions. India and the UAE signed key agreements covering defence cooperation, energy security, maritime connectivity and infrastructure development, while Abu Dhabi announced USD 5 billion in fresh investments. The discussions focused heavily on safeguarding regional stability and ensuring uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of wider conflict disruptions. Both countries also stressed economic resilience, trade expansion and long-term connectivity. Modi’s meeting with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reinforced India-UAE ties during a volatile geopolitical moment.

US President Donald Trump concluded his China visit after high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to produce a concrete agreement on ending the Iran conflict. Both leaders reportedly agreed that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons and stressed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade. However, no detailed peace framework or joint action plan was announced. The summit also focused on trade, Taiwan, and global security issues, with Trump claiming progress on economic deals involving Boeing aircraft, oil, and soybeans. Analysts described the meeting as symbolically important but diplomatically inconclusive amid rising tensions in the Middle East. (PC: AFP)