Lionel Messi’s tour organiser, Satadru Dutta, has filed a police complaint against TMC leader and former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas, along with three others, including former DGP and TMC MP Rajeev Kumar, alleging they were responsible for the chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium during the Messi event last December. He claimed he was unfairly made a “scapegoat” for the incident.

The complaint, filed at Bidhannagar South police station, also names Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Juin Biswas and I&CA secretary Shantanu Basu. Dutta, who was arrested after the incident and spent 38 days in jail, alleged security lapses, unauthorized access to restricted areas, and disruption of the event at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025.

He further alleged that he and his family were threatened into silence and that he was pressured into accepting responsibility. Dutta said he would not have filed the complaint without the change in government. His complaint came shortly after newly appointed sports minister Nisith Pramanik announced a fresh probe into the “Messi fiasco.”

The event, part of the “GOAT India Tour – Kolkata Edition,” descended into chaos after Messi’s brief appearance of around 20 minutes, with overcrowding and security issues forcing an early end to planned activities. Fans reportedly damaged stadium property after being disappointed with restricted visibility and the shortened program.

Dutta alleged that Aroop Biswas misused his authority by interfering in ticket distribution, forcing him to hand over thousands of complimentary passes that were allegedly resold, and demanding additional access passes for associates to enter restricted zones near Messi. He also claimed that protocol violations and unauthorized close contact with Messi created security concerns for the footballer and his team, leading to an uncomfortable situation during the event.

Dutta further stated that his earlier public assurance about ticket refunds was made under pressure and coercion, not voluntarily, and that he was wrongly blamed for the incident caused by influential individuals. He added that he plans to file civil suits worth ₹50 crore each against the former minister and others—one for damages and another for defamation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

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.

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.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

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.