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Weekly News Platter |
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23 May, 2026, 05:34PM IST, PTI |
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Hello Reader,
In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
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 India's job engine strains as Iran war hits remittances and trade |
| The Middle East conflict is impacting India's economy by forcing migrant workers home and reducing demand for manufactured exports. This double blow is leading to unemployment and potential social unrest, as returning workers struggle to find comparable wages in India. The situation is particularly visible in industrial hubs like Kanpur, affecting sectors like leather exports. Read more |
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 Parle Melody: The ₹1 soft power twist Modi served to Meloni and the world |
| Prime Minister Modi's gift of a Parle Melody toffee to Italy's Giorgia Meloni symbolised India's evolving soft power. Beyond traditional exports, this gesture highlights India's growing confidence in its mass-market culture and everyday consumer identity, signaling a shift towards showcasing its vibrant domestic economy on the global stage. Read more |
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 Rubio on a rescue mission in India? Here are the high stakes |
| US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits India to strengthen ties. The visit addresses trade friction and strategic concerns. The US seeks to re-anchor the partnership. Energy security and the Quad dialogue are key discussion points. India balances cooperation with its strategic autonomy. Read more |
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 Want a green card? You may have to leave the US first |
| Foreign nationals temporarily in the U.S. must now apply for green cards from their home countries, according to a new USCIS policy. This change requires individuals seeking permanent residency to complete the process abroad, a move criticized by immigrant aid groups as potentially endangering vulnerable migrants. Read more |
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 Venezuela third largest supplier of crude to India in May |
| India's crude oil imports see a significant shift this May. Venezuela has become the third-largest supplier, surpassing Saudi Arabia and the US. This surge is due to Indian refiners, like Reliance Industries, buying more of Venezuela's cost-effective, heavy crude. Overall imports are up, though still below pre-Iran war levels. Supplies from Saudi Arabia have decreased. Read more |
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 SBI staff threatens to go on two-day nationwide strike from May 25 |
| SBI staff, under the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation, are threatening a two-day nationwide strike from May 25 over demands including adequate employee recruitment and stopping outsourcing of permanent jobs. The strike, potentially impacting operations for five days due to weekends and an Eid holiday, will be preceded by a conciliation meeting on May 23. Read more |
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 Iran has destroyed roughly $1 billion worth of US Reaper drones |
| Iran has destroyed at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the US since the war began, with total losses possibly reaching 30, according to a person familiar with the matter. The losses, worth nearly $1 billion, account for about 20% of the Pentagon’s prewar inventory of the drones. Read more |
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 Raghav Chadha appointed chairman of Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions |
| Raghav Chadha has been appointed the new chairman of the Committee on Petitions in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha chairman reconstituted the committee and nominated ten members. This appointment takes effect from May 20, 2026. Dr. Menaka Guruswamy has also been nominated to the Joint Committee on the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Read more |
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 India successfully tests Agni-1 Ballistic Missile |
| India successfully test-launched the Short Range Ballistic Missile Agni-1. The test occurred at Chandipur, Odisha. The Strategic Forces Command oversaw the launch. All operational and technical parameters were validated. This launch reaffirms India's strategic deterrence capability. The event took place on May 22, 2026. Read more |
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 Xi plays a masterful hand amid Trump’s chaos and Putin’s decline |
| Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in China, projecting unity against US dominance. They signed agreements and criticized US defense policies. However, Russia's economic dependence on China is evident, while China carefully manages its global interests. This summit highlights China's strategic balancing act between the US and Russia. Read more |
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 Twisha Sharma case update: Government proposes to transfer the case to CBI |
| The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed transferring the Twisha Sharma dowry death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Twisha Sharma, a model and actor, was found dead at her marital home. Her family alleges dowry harassment led to her death. Her in-laws claim drug addiction. Police have registered an FIR and are seeking the arrest of her husband. Read more |
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 Pakistan's water mismanagement pushes Rawalpindi, Islamabad towards crisis |
| Rawalpindi and Islamabad face a severe water crisis. Daily demand exceeds supply by over 60 million gallons. Residents struggle for basic water access. Long-delayed infrastructure projects offer hope but may not keep pace with population growth. The situation is particularly dire in cantonment areas. Officials are working to address the growing deficit. Read more |
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 Is FIFA World Cup 2026 finally coming to Indian screens? Big update expected next week |
| Indian football fans can finally stream the FIFA World Cup 2026. Broadcast rights negotiations have concluded. An official announcement is anticipated next week. This brings an end to months of uncertainty. Fans can now look forward to watching the tournament. The World Cup is set to begin soon. Read more |
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