Vladimir Putin stated that any effort to pressure India through sanctions would backfire quickly under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin emphasised that India operates as a sovereign nation and makes decisions based solely on its national interests.

Recalling his long-standing relationship with Modi, Putin referred to the period when the Indian leader was barred from entering the United States, saying Modi would not forget that experience. He noted that relations between India and the US have since improved significantly. Responding to questions about possible US sanctions if India purchases Russian defence equipment such as the Sukhoi Su-57 or the S-500, Putin said India has every right to choose military systems that best meet its needs in terms of technology and cost. He stressed that India consistently acts according to its own strategic priorities.

Putin further said Russia’s partnership with India is built on mutual trust and is not influenced by political circumstances. He highlighted the two countries’ cooperation in defence research and development, particularly the joint work on the BrahMos missile programme. Discussing the Su-57 fighter jet, Putin revealed that Russia had earlier proposed a joint development project with India, but eventually continued the programme independently when the collaboration did not materialise. Calling the aircraft one of the most advanced fighters in the world, he said Russia remains ready to supply it to India.

Russia has historically been India’s largest defence supplier, although delays and supply disruptions linked to the Ukraine conflict have encouraged New Delhi to diversify its defence purchases. At the same time, India is pushing ahead with its indigenous Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which is expected to enter service after 2035. Until then, India is reportedly considering acquiring around 36 Su-57 fighter jets, subject to meeting operational requirements.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday criticized the Centre over its handling of examination paper leaks, alleging that repeated irregularities in recruitment and competitive exams continue to impact students across India. In a post on X, Singh described paper leaks as a serious issue affecting millions of students and accused the government of avoiding meaningful discussions on the matter. He claimed that many young people have been pushed to extreme distress, while the BJP-led government has failed to acknowledge their concerns.

Singh also highlighted a recent discussion programme held in Prayagraj, where students participated in conversations about paper leaks. He said the campaign would continue in the coming days. The remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over alleged irregularities in various competitive and recruitment examinations across the country.

On Monday, Singh alleged that Uttar Pradesh Police and government officials attempted to disrupt his interaction with students in Prayagraj, calling it an example of growing authoritarianism. Sharing a video of the incident on social media, he claimed that authorities were trying to prevent discussions about an issue that affects millions of students.

In the video, Singh questioned officials about why a discussion held inside a conference room was being interrupted. He argued that talking about paper leaks in a democratic setup should not be treated as an offence, especially when the issue impacts countless students and job aspirants. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal also criticized the BJP government, saying that while paper leaks themselves do not seem to concern the ruling party, discussions surrounding the issue appear to be unwelcome.

The controversy unfolds amid ongoing concerns surrounding the examination process, including the rescheduled NEET-UG 2026 exam and allegations of administrative lapses and paper leaks. Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation are underway, with multiple arrests reported, while student protests have intensified in several regions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday criticized the Centre's reported move to deploy Air Force vehicles for transporting NEET examination papers, arguing that the measure would not address the root cause of paper leaks. Calling it a mere "show," he alleged that the country's education system has come under the influence of an examination mafia.

In a post on X, Kejriwal questioned the effectiveness of the decision, saying that using Air Force vehicles would not prevent leaks and accusing the government of lacking the intent to tackle the problem. He claimed that meaningful reform would require collective action rather than symbolic measures.

In a video message, Kejriwal argued that examinations around the world are conducted without such extraordinary transportation arrangements and accused the government of focusing on optics instead of systemic solutions. According to him, paper leaks would continue unless deeper issues within the examination system were addressed.

The former Delhi chief minister also referred to the case of Vedant, a Class 12 student who had raised concerns on X regarding alleged discrepancies in his physics examination paper. Kejriwal claimed that the student was targeted online and alleged that such reactions were aimed at protecting those responsible for irregularities in the education sector.

Kejriwal criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over reported disruptions during the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026. His remarks followed reports of technical glitches at several examination centres on Friday, which led to delays and sparked concerns among students and parents. Responding to a post by AAP leader Atishi about difficulties faced by candidates at a test centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal wrote on X that the country needs an educated prime minister.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@ArvindKejriwal.

The Bihar government has instructed all state employees to take mandatory family trips to tourist destinations within the state once every three months and submit feedback reports to help boost tourism, officials said on Tuesday. According to a May 20 letter issued by Additional Chief Secretary (General Administration) B Rajender to departmental heads, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police, employees must spend two days and two nights visiting tourist, eco-tourism or rural tourism sites located outside their home districts.

The trips are to be planned over Fridays and Saturdays, during which employees are expected to visit at least three tourist spots and stay overnight. The directive noted that Bihar possesses rich cultural traditions, environmental heritage and historically important destinations with the potential to become major tourism centres nationally and internationally. It added that encouraging officials to explore these locations and provide suggestions would support tourism growth and infrastructure development.

Employees have also been told not to hold review meetings or conduct official inspections during these visits. After completing the tour, employees must submit a report with photographs, details of the places visited and their experiences to their respective departments or district magistrates.

Nodal officers in district magistrate offices, divisional commissioner offices and state departments will collect the reports and forward them to departments including Tourism, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Art and Culture. The government said the initiative is likely to boost local economic activity while giving visitors opportunities to experience local culture, cuisine and hospitality. The travel period will be treated as official duty.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

A second batch of more than 1,000 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has been made public. The files were expected to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson’s connections to Epstein and the vetting process behind his approval. Instead, they exposed internal government tensions and early concerns over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Lucy Hough talks with the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey respond to reader questions on whether Andy Burnham could outperform Keir Starmer, whether Makerfield matters more for Reform UK than for Labour, and whether the UK could realistically rejoin the EU.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

A 31-year-old man has been accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump following a foiled plot linked to Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Soon after the incident, false claims began circulating online suggesting the attempt was staged. This week, Jonathan Freedland discusses the rise of such conspiracy theories surrounding the US president with journalist Rachel Leingang.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has been sworn in as president, marking a continuation of his authority from a civilian position five years after seizing power in a military coup. The ceremony, held in the capital Naypyidaw, was presented as a celebratory parliamentary event, where the 69-year-old took the presidential oath, pledging to uphold the enduring values of justice, liberty, and equality. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss potential policy shifts and international reactions to his reappointment with CNA’s ASEAN Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.