No gold for a year, fuel use cuts: Is PM readying India for a West Asia war flare-up?

The new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has initiated an outreach to opposition leaders on his first day in office, ahead of a floor test in the state assembly. The Chief Minister visited the residences of the former Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other political rivals to exchange greetings. This gesture marks a departure from the traditional political rivalries in the state. Meanwhile, the assembly session witnessed a split within the AIADMK, with two separate factions arriving independently for the oath-taking ceremony. A majority of the party's legislators are reportedly backing a new legislative party head, demanding the current general secretary step down. In other news, the Prime Minister has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid purchasing gold for a year to save foreign exchange amid the escalating war in West Asia. Additionally, suspense continues over the selection of the new Chief Minister in neighbouring Kerala.

The Prime Minister has issued an urgent austerity appeal, advising citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid gold purchases, and limit foreign travel due to rising crude oil prices and global economic pressures. This announcement triggered a sharp domestic stock market sell-off and drew criticism from opposition parties. Tensions escalated after a Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh used objectionable language against the Prime Minister, leading to demands for accountability. Simultaneously, a global health alert was issued following a deadly Hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship off the coast of Spain. The vessel reported multiple fatalities linked to the Andes strain, with two Indian crew members currently under quarantine. While health agencies have activated emergency containment protocols, medical experts clarify that the virus primarily spreads through rodents and human-to-human transmission remains limited. Meanwhile, diplomatic friction persists as Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed mistrust regarding international negotiation proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing West Asia crisis and threats to the Strait of Hormuz.

Seen clapping behind Vijay during the oath ceremony, content creator Rajmohan aka ‘Put Chutney’ is now part of Tamil Nadu’s new cabinet.

Why does India celebrate National Technology Day? Every year on May 11, India marks National Technology Day to commemorate a defining moment in its history: the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. Led by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and a team of brilliant scientists, these underground tests were so secretive they famously exposed a massive intelligence failure by the CIA. The same day saw the successful test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft and the Trishul missile. In 2026, we explore how this "explosion of self-esteem" paved the way for India to become a global leader in AI, space exploration, and semiconductors. Plus: The New King of Camera Phones? We’re putting the Vivo X300 Ultra to the test. Is it a phone with a great camera, or a professional camera that happens to make calls? With its massive triple-camera setup featuring dual 200MP sensors and ZEISS optics, this device is redefining mobile photography. Watch the full episode to know if it is worth buying!