Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the “Metro Monday” initiative in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. To inaugurate the campaign, she travelled from Kashmere Gate Metro Station to ITO by metro and then used an electric feeder bus to reach the Delhi Secretariat. She was joined by Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Verma and Ravindra Indraj during the journey.

The initiative, launched under the broader "Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan" programme, is aimed at encouraging the use of public transport and promoting fuel conservation. On its first day, the campaign saw strong participation, with several ministers and senior officials also opting for metro and other public transport modes for commuting.

During the launch, the Chief Minister urged citizens to rely more on public transport, saying it would help save fuel for the country and also reduce pollution in Delhi. She noted that government representatives, including ministers and officials, had also adopted public transport that day, and expressed appreciation for public support.

She announced a set of administrative measures including two days of work-from-home, “Metro Monday,” a one-year ban on official foreign trips, and a proposal for a weekly "No Vehicle Day." These steps follow Prime Minister Modi’s call for reduced fuel use and greater sustainability in response to global uncertainties linked to the West Asia situation. She also suggested that Delhi government offices will operate from 10:30 AM to 7 PM, while MCD offices will function from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and encouraged citizens to voluntarily observe a weekly “No Vehicle Day” by avoiding private vehicles and using public transport instead.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from DelhiCMO.

Kedarnath, the high-altitude shrine, is witnessing an extraordinary rise in pilgrim footfall this season, creating major logistical strain while authorities strongly reaffirm equality in darshan arrangements. As of May 15, 2026, about 5.2 lakh devotees have visited the temple, prompting officials to tighten crowd-management systems.

Large queues for darshan have led to dissatisfaction among pilgrims, with some alleging that VIP access is causing longer waiting times for ordinary visitors. However, the Rudraprayag district administration has dismissed such claims and insisted that no preferential treatment is being provided. District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated that all devotees are being served equally and that a token-based system has been introduced to regulate the flow of visitors. He added that while the spiritual experience continues smoothly, no VIP darshan privileges are being granted and pilgrims should cooperate with the system.

He further confirmed that over 5.2 lakh devotees have completed darshan so far and emphasized that the token system is designed to streamline access. Authorities have urged pilgrims to focus on the spiritual journey without expecting special treatment. The Health Department remains on high alert due to the heavy influx of pilgrims. Around 52,000 devotees have undergone health screenings at primary health centres and medical units, while over 62,000 patients have received treatment through OPD services.

Medical teams deployed along the route and in the shrine area are providing continuous care. According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ram Prakash, around 5 lakh pilgrims have arrived overall, with extensive medical support systems in place, including ambulance services for about 150 patients and air evacuation for 26 critically ill cases via helicopter from difficult terrain.

He also noted that ECG-based screenings have been introduced this year to detect potential cardiac issues among pilgrims undertaking the high-altitude journey. The Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most important pilgrimages, began on April 19, with the Kedarnath Temple opening following the ceremonial arrival of Lord Kedarnath’s Panchmukhi palanquin from its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Manoj Sinha inaugurated the “Shaurya Gatha” Complex at SM Hill in Tangdhar, Karnah (Kupwara district), marking an important step toward promoting battlefield tourism, preserving heritage, and supporting border-area development. During the event, he praised the Indian Army formations including Northern Command and Chinar Corps, along with engineers, officials, and local residents for completing the project in a short time. He emphasized that India’s soldiers, through their courage and sacrifice, must remain a lasting source of pride and inspiration for citizens.

He said the complex is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers and will help generate new opportunities in tourism, homestays, local handicrafts, and youth entrepreneurship in the border region. He also pointed out the contrast between development in Jammu and Kashmir and conditions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir continues to progress with peace and prosperity and reaffirming its integral status within India.

Sinha highlighted that the region is advancing on multiple fronts, with growing confidence and improved living conditions. He noted that initiatives under the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan programme, along with inclusion of seven villages under the Vibrant Village Programme, will improve infrastructure, livelihoods, and overall quality of life in Tangdhar-Karnah.

He further stressed the importance of the Sadhna Tunnel in boosting connectivity, trade, healthcare, education, and disaster response through all-weather access. Senior military and civil officials, including representatives from Northern Command, Chinar Corps, the state administration, police, and security forces, attended the inauguration ceremony.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Employees Union staged gate meetings and protests in Shimla, demanding the immediate payment of delayed salaries and wages, and warning of a possible work boycott if monthly payments are not made on time. Union State President Mansingh Thakur claimed that despite repeated assurances from the management, salary disbursement had not been completed in most HRTC units. He said employees in around 28 depots across Himachal Pradesh were still awaiting their wages, with only a few depots having received payments.

Thakur highlighted that drivers, conductors, and mechanics posted in remote regions were under severe financial stress due to the delay. He added that employees had earlier requested salary release by Tuesday evening, as many were struggling to manage basic daily needs while on duty. Issuing a fresh warning, he said the union has demanded that salaries be credited by the 1st or 2nd of every month. He cautioned that if payments are not made on time, employees—including drivers, conductors, and mechanics—would stop work after the 2nd of each month until dues are cleared.

He also urged workers to stay united and not be misled by what he called divisive leadership. According to him, nearly 12,000 employees and 7,000 to 8,000 pensioners depend on HRTC, impacting about 20,000 families across the state. Thakur noted that while the state faces financial constraints, other government departments are receiving timely salaries, whereas HRTC staff continue to face delays. He added that since its formation in 1974, the corporation has depended heavily on government support and struggles with revenue shortfalls due to subsidised and free travel schemes.

He further said employees are unfairly held responsible for the corporation’s financial difficulties despite working under tough conditions, stressing that timely payment of salaries is their rightful entitlement. The union warned that if the situation is not resolved soon, protests and work stoppages may intensify further in the coming months.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

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Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.