PM Modi’s gold, fuel remark sparks political row; DK Shivakumar questions high petrol, diesel prices

PM Modi’s appeal to reduce consumption of petrol and diesel and not buy gold for a year has sparked political row as the Opposition has been angered. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has questioned the rising petrol, diesel and gold prices.
After PM Modi’s appeal, petrol and diesel prices may soon be increased: How much could be the hike?

On Sunday, while speaking at an event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to cut down on fuel consumption. He urged people to use public transport and carpool, and to take up work-from-home wherever possible.
High-speed bullet trains to overtake airlines on busy short-haul routes, says Ashwani Vaishnaw

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday issued an open warning to airline investors, lauding India’s upcoming high speed rail network and claiming that it will completely dominate various busy short-haul routes, with no scope of competition for airlines.
PM Modi suggests citizens to ditch destination wedding, instead hold them at Statue of Unity, other magnificent venues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged citizens to abandon the growing trend of destination weddings abroad to reduce the expenditure of foreign currency amid economic pressure from the West Asia conflict. He proposed a unique alternative, suggesting that citizens should look toward the Statue
Who is Sujit Bose? ED arrests former West Bengal minister in municipal recruitment scam case

Sujit Bose was reportedly questioned by the ED for more than seven hours. This marks the first arrest of a high-profile TMC leader since its rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal after the recently-concluded election.
After PM Modi’s appeals, I&B Ministry clarifies reason behind his message, emphasises on ‘collective participation’

After PM Modi’s appeals to the nation, urging citizens to become partners in strengthening the country amid the West Asia crisis, a senior official of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Monday emphasised that they were aimed at “collective participation to navigate challenges”.
Suvendu govt appoints Bengal’s top election officer as chief secretary; TMC calls move ‘outrageous’

The move comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed its first-ever government in Bengal following an election marred by controversies. Agarwal’s appointment has drawn sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the party that was in power in the state for the last 15 years.
Himanta Biswa Sarma set for second consecutive term as Assam CM, oath ceremony today

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 11:40 AM on May 12 at Veterinary College Field, Khanapara in Guwahati.
Vande Mataram vs Tamil Anthem row deepens, TVK opposes national song first, details here

On Sunday, TVK drew criticism from its allies after Vande Mataram was played before the Tamil Anthem and the National Anthem during Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony.
Vijay begins CM term by closing 717 liquor shops near religious places, schools in Tamil Nadu

After assuming the office of CM, Vijay ordered a survey of TASMAC liquor shops to identify the ones operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands.