The Times of India

Commercial vehicle drivers in Delhi-NCR are striking May 21-23, demanding an immediate taxi and auto fare hike. Unions cite 15 years of stagnant fares despite soaring fuel and operational costs, and allege exploitation by app-based aggregators. A protest is planned for May 23, with threats of further escalation if demands aren't met.

Fuel prices have seen their second hike in less than a week, with petrol and diesel increasing by approximately 90 paise per litre. This follows a nearly four-year freeze by state-run oil companies, with prices now reaching their highest levels since May 2022. Opposition parties allege the freeze was timed to end after state elections.

Indian mountaineer Shradha Gupta is currently on her Mount Everest expedition, marking another major milestone in her rapidly rising climbing journey after successfully summiting Mount Manaslu (8,163 metres) -- the world's eighth-highest mountain.

In a notable escalation, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has received a summons to report to Guwahati on May 23 as part of the Assam crime branch's investigation into a controversial passport matter involving Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas wife. This comes after Pawan Khera faced scrutiny related to her passport and citizenship claims.

West Bengal authorities have approved the prosecution of former R G Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh over alleged financial irregularities. This development follows a high-profile case involving a trainee doctor's rape and murder at the institution.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed solidarity with the global Tamil diaspora on Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, pledging continued support for their rights. Observed annually on May 18, the day marks the bloody conclusion of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, a period that saw immense civilian suffering and wartime atrocities.

A chilling CCTV video shows Twisha Sharma ascending to her terrace shortly before her death in Bhopal. Her husband, Samarth Singh, is absconding, with a reward offered. The case has taken a turn as the mother-in-law, a retired judge, claims Twisha had psychiatric issues and substance abuse problems, contradicting dowry harassment allegations.

Noida woman Twisha Sharma was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal, with her mother-in-law alleging psychiatric issues and drug use. Twisha's family claims dowry harassment and murder, refusing the body and demanding a second post-mortem. Police are investigating and have announced a reward for her absconding husband.

On May 11, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Rath's murder had arrested three people before widening its probe across multiple states. The cops suspected that hired sharpshooters were brought in from outside West Bengal to carry out the killing with military-style precision. A key breakthrough came after investigators traced a UPI payment made at the Nivedita Setu toll plaza on May 6.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan may have to face privilege proceedings in Rajya Sabha. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh submitted a notice, accusing Pradhan of lowering Parliament's dignity with remarks about a parliamentary committee post the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Ramesh stated the minister's comments showed contempt for Parliament and its committees.

In March, the Enforcement Directorate moved a special PMLA court under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEO) seeking to permanently confiscate 15 assets worth around Rs 700 crore belonging to late drug smuggler Iqbal Memon, also known as Iqbal Mirchi, and his family in Mumbai and Dubai. The plea includes Worli properties, comprising Rabia Mansion, Marium Lodge, and Sea View properties, and around 15 properties in Dubai, including Hotel Midwest Apartment in Bur Dubai.

The BJP government has also done away with the exisiting state OBC list in accordance with the Calcutta high court judgement and would set up a panel to decide quota eligibility. Last year on July 28, however, the CJI-led bench of the Supreme Court had vacated high court's stay on implementation of the new OBC list that had a total of 140 sub-groups under OBC-A and OBC-B categories, including 80 belonging to the Muslim community.

A fierce political faceoff had ensued three years back during the Left regime when Congress workers were thrashed for waving black flags at Vijayan's motorcade, leading to an intense war of words between two rival factions in the coastal state. Calling Vijayan Kerala's most cruel home minister, senior Congress leader MM Hassan had alleged that Youth Congress protesters were beaten up for waving black flags at the CM's motorcade.