AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court & Elections: SC dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s plea against rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination, saying the remedy lies with the Election Commission and leaving her to file an election petition. Foreign Policy: EAM Jaishankar defended India’s Russian oil purchases at Finland’s Kultaranta talks, saying choices are driven by cost and availability and calling out US/Europe “double standards.” Maritime Security: India summoned the US diplomat again over US military strikes on tankers in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian mariners; India says seafarers’ safety must stop. Defence & Strategy: Great Nicobar’s air-sea base push is framed as a way to monitor activity near the Strait of Malacca and respond to China-linked supply risks. Energy & Economy: Govt removed excise duty on higher ethanol blends, aiming to boost E22/E25 adoption as ethanol capacity outpaces demand. Tech & Governance: MNIT Jaipur gets an advanced quantum computing and quantum communications lab; India also moves to speed up radar-based safety tech and self-driving features. Road Safety & Diplomacy: India-Bangladesh border talks stressed coordinated patrols and intelligence sharing amid migration-linked tensions. Politics & Society: A “people’s tribunal” hearing in Delhi highlighted alleged systemic anti-Christian violence, with testimonies from multiple states. Aviation Tragedy: On the Air India AI-171 first anniversary, families renewed calls for answers and closure as probe timelines remain in question.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump cancelled planned Iran strikes after “high-level diplomatic breakthrough,” even as the US kept a naval blockade and the region stayed on edge. Maritime Safety & Diplomacy: India lodged a strong protest after US Navy strikes killed three Indian seafarers and left others missing in the Gulf of Oman; New Delhi summoned a US diplomat and demanded attacks stop. Economic Outlook: BMI (Fitch group) cut India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% from 7.7% in FY26, citing weaker investment/consumption and West Asia trade shocks; World Bank also nudged FY27 growth to 6.6%. Viksit Bharat Governance: PM Modi chaired NITI Aayog’s 11th Governing Council, urging states to convert the demographic dividend into a development dividend via education and skilling. Foreign Policy Moves: Modi heads to France and Slovakia for tech and innovation partnerships; MEA named Rudra Gaurav Shresth as next Ambassador to Türkiye; India and Finland reviewed digitalisation and sustainability progress. Urban & Civic Issues (Delhi/Mumbai): Delhi plans tighter norms for coaching centres after the Old Rajender Nagar tragedy; Mumbai election authorities ordered action against absentee BLOs during SIR. Infrastructure/Climate: Delhi-NCR saw IMD red alerts for severe thunderstorms and winds; Mumbai BMC launched a well revival drive amid shrinking lake reserves. Industry & Policy: Textiles minister said India’s textile sector is on track for $350 bn by 2030; govt withdrew the Cotton Bales QCO, ending a long-stalled BIS compliance rule. Aviation Tragedy: Air India AI-171 final report may be delayed as engine analysis continues, while families and pilots’ body renewed calls for transparency and a judicial probe.

Oman Crisis: India confirmed three Indian seafarers died after a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman; 21 were rescued. New Delhi summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest, while reiterating calls for de-escalation and protection of commercial shipping amid Iran-linked tensions. Diplomacy in the Middle East: At the UN Security Council, India backed a negotiated two-state solution for Israel-Palestine, urged a sustained Gaza ceasefire, and said it will soon hand over $2.5 million to UNRWA. Modi Milestone: PM Narendra Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days and became India’s longest-serving elected PM, surpassing Nehru; President Murmu and global leaders sent congratulations, while the government and NDA pitched the achievement as 12 years of governance and reforms. NITI Aayog: Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council meeting, focusing on an Inclusive Human Development framework for Viksit Bharat @2047. State Politics & Governance: West Bengal decided to drop “Dham” from the Digha Jagannath temple complex name after Odisha objections. In Karnataka, BJP alleges a Rs 36,000-crore garbage scam and seeks a CBI probe. Economy & Industry: Cabinet cleared a Rs 1,299 crore central office complex in Amaravati; government approved 22 new firms under Textile PLI Round 3. Energy & Climate: Floating solar potential assessed at 102 GWp, with a dedicated scheme planned; Oil India and Canada’s PTRC signed a framework on CCUS, geothermal and clean-tech cooperation. Security Alerts: Mumbai’s BMC received bomb-threat emails targeting the CMO, mayor’s office and BSE; police launched a probe. Social Policy: UP Governor ordered Religious Conversion Prevention Cells in medical and dental colleges; Uttarakhand announced free bus travel for NEET-UG re-exam candidates.

Oman Shipping Row: India summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest after US forces fired on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello off Oman, leaving three Indian sailors missing; 21 were rescued, and New Delhi urged de-escalation and an end to attacks on commercial shipping. Medicines Price Control: The Centre approved price increases for at least four essential medicines, including chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, after NPPA sought alignment with raw-material costs to ease treatment disruptions. Maharashtra Urban Governance: Mumbai’s guardian minister Ashish Shelar ordered coordinated removal of encroachments on Children’s Aid Society, PWD and Tata Power lands in Mankhurd, with boundary demarcation and unified notices. Property Valuation Reform: Maharashtra will introduce separate Ready Reckoner rates for high-rises and slum settlements, backed by a Mumbai micro-zoning survey. Farm Relief: Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane directed fast-track damage surveys and panchnamas within 10 days for fruit crops hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorms. Healthcare Investment: Maharashtra signed an MoU for Navi Mumbai’s Navi Mumbai International MediCity with Cleveland Clinic and Brookfield, aiming to build a global healthcare hub. India-Nepal Digital Payments: Nepal-India cross-border UPI/UPI-like transfers went live, enabling real-time remittances via mobile numbers, VPAs or UPI IDs. Infrastructure & Security: India completed the final blast of the Zojila Tunnel linking Kashmir to Ladakh, targeting full operation by 2028 for year-round access near the China border. Diplomacy: India and China pushed think-tank exchanges to revive intellectual and people-to-people ties. Global Milestone: World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected PM (4,399 days).

Modi Milestone Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi completed 4,399 days as India’s longest continuously serving elected PM, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru, drawing global greetings from leaders including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, Kenya’s William Ruto and others, while India’s Cabinet marked the moment with a standing ovation. Political Heat: Congress hit back at the Election Commission after the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination, calling it a “dubiously invented milestone” and “2+2=7” kind of legal error, as BJP and allies defended the process. US-India Talks Ahead of G7: Modi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the G7 sidelines, with trade, visas (including H-1B) and energy cooperation on the agenda amid tariff tensions. Education & NEP 2020: UGC cleared three foreign universities to start campuses—Bristol and York in Mumbai, UNSW in Bengaluru—opening admissions for the first batches. Cross-border Payments: Nepal’s NCHL linked with India’s UPI for real-time remittances via VPAs, with launch limits set for both directions. Energy & Economy: India launched E85 ethanol fuel and is also pushing energy security themes, while markets watched oil and bond moves. Security/Regional: Israel announced plans for a Shivaji Maharaj statue in a major city to deepen ties with India.

Disinvestment & Subsidies: The Centre has raised about Rs 20,000 crore via disinvestment and asset sales, aiming to plug gaps as the West Asia-linked subsidy bill swells, while officials say no monsoon spending review is planned. Delhi Courts: The Delhi High Court rejected attempts to extend timelines in the IBM “Tivoli” trademark evidence process, stressing statutory deadlines and rejecting “negligent counsel” excuses. Opposition vs Govt: AIMWPLB president Shaista Amber urged opposition parties to recognise the public trust behind PM Modi’s 12-year record, as INDIA bloc politics continues to face internal strain. UN & PoK: India told the UN Security Council Pakistan runs an “organised factory of hate” and urged accountability after reports of over 20 deaths in PoK police action. China Border Infra: India completed the final rock breakthrough in the Zojila tunnel, pushing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. Nuclear Update: SIPRI says India has expanded its nuclear warhead stockpile to around 190. ED Crackdown (Punjab): ED searched six premises linked to arrested Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora and associates in a PMLA probe. Starlink Freeze: India has put Starlink commercial approvals on hold over security concerns tied to West Asia conflict use. Mumbai Water: Mumbai tanker operators called off an indefinite strike after CM Devendra Fadnavis intervened and notices were set to be withdrawn. Mamata vs CID: West Bengal politics flared after CID searched Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata home, with TMC calling it vendetta.

Defence & Security: SIPRI says India is the world’s 5th biggest military spender and has about 190 nuclear warheads, with its 2025 modernisation focused on long-range delivery systems and rivalry with Pakistan. UN Diplomacy: India hit back at Pakistan at the UN over “Fitna al Hindustan” terminology, calling it state-sponsored misinformation, while also condemning Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan and backing UNAMA calls for investigations. Energy Transition: MoD approved a 250 MW solar project with battery storage on 850 acres of defence land in Sitapur, aiming to cut reliance on conventional grid power for defence units. Transport Infrastructure: DPR for the Hyderabad–Mumbai bullet train corridor (761 km) is reported finalised, targeting ~3-hour travel time and possible construction from 2027-28. Urban Governance: Delhi Metro invited bids for detailed design of stations on the Kalindi Kunj–Tughlakabad corridor; in Mumbai, PoP idol recycling pilots face pushback as Ganeshotsav bodies demand reuse-focused policy. Politics & Parties: TMC rebel MPs claim majority support and plan a separate Lok Sabha group, while Shivakumar’s Karnataka portfolio row reportedly sent ministers to Delhi. Crime & Law: Kolkata’s former Bidhannagar mayor Sabyasachi Dutta was arrested for alleged extortion; a Newsweek report flags transnational gangs using asylum and student visas to run networks from US/Canada. Economy & Industry: India launched the BHAVYA portal to operationalise 100 industrial parks; government also moved to set up Coal Exchanges under new rules.

SEBI vs Rajesh Exports: SEBI’s interim order alleged inflated revenues and misrepresented accounts at Rajesh Exports via Valcambi, triggering a sharp market hit with shares slumping 5% and LIC’s stake-linked policyholder wealth taking a hit. Opposition INDIA bloc: In Delhi, the INDIA bloc pressed for a CJI letter on electoral roll revisions and demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET leak, while DMK’s absence highlighted widening cracks. Immigration enforcement: India deported nearly 5,000 Bangladeshis after West Bengal’s BJP win, with holding centres set up across districts. Delhi HC on education fairness: The court sought Centre and CBSE replies on NSUI’s plea for an independent inquiry into CBSE’s on-screen marking system. Drugs at IGI: Customs seized hydroponic cannabis—15.38 kg worth about Rs 5.38 crore hidden in geysers—and also booked a Bangkok passenger with 4.045 kg valued at Rs 1.42 crore. Governance & civic health (Mumbai): Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar asked BMC to modernise public healthcare with upgraded OPDs and hospital facilities. Foreign policy & trade: Piyush Goyal said there’s “absolutely no chance” of joining RCEP, while India assured adequate fertiliser stocks for Kharif despite global disruptions.

INDIA Bloc Unity Drive: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge opened the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi urging stronger opposition unity, while leaders stressed protecting democratic values and tackling livelihood issues; the meet also comes amid visible strains as DMK and AAP stay away and other partners question Congress’s role. Iran Crisis Advisory: India issued fresh warnings telling citizens to avoid travel to Iran and leave immediately as Israel-Iran strikes escalated, with Tehran airspace disruptions and thousands of Indians affected. Nuclear & Defence Signals: SIPRI flagged India’s nuclear modernisation moving toward longer-range systems and MIRV capability, while warning dual-capable arsenals raise miscalculation risks. Market & Governance: SEBI’s interim order against Rajesh Exports alleged major financial misrepresentation, triggering a sharp market hit and renewed scrutiny of corporate governance. Delhi Airport Storm Fallout: Strong winds damaged three Air India aircraft at IGI T2, prompting an investigation into ground handling failures. Education Oversight: Delhi High Court issued notice to Centre/CBSE on NSUI’s plea over Class 12 on-screen marking concerns and re-evaluation access. Auto Sales Surge: FADA reported record May auto retail sales, led by passenger vehicles, despite heat and fuel pressures.

INDIA Bloc Strategy: Congress says 23 opposition parties will meet Monday in New Delhi for the “INDIA janbandhan” plan, even as visible rifts persist—DMK is set to skip and others have signalled attendance limits. Nepal Reset with India: Nepal’s FM Shisir Khanal says border disputes will be handled bilaterally, not via third-party mediation, while Jaishankar handed over 72 health facilities and 12 heritage projects and launched UPI–NPI cross-border remittances. Punjab Law & Order: BJP state chief Kewal Singh Dhillon met Amit Shah, flagging drug menace, smuggling and AAP-era security failures. Fuel Politics: Govt defends the latest Rs 29 LPG hike as global-driven and still among the world’s cheapest; Opposition calls it a direct hit on household budgets. Border Security Talks: India-Bangladesh BGB-BSF talks in Delhi will focus on “push-ins” and border killings. Defence Industry: Rajnath Singh touts rising defence self-reliance; PM Modi’s L&T visit highlighted “Project 76” submarine ambitions. Urban Governance: Thane’s Bhiwandi desilting inspection turns dramatic as an activist jumps into a drain over monsoon preparedness gaps. Mumbai Enforcement: DRI busts a gold smuggling syndicate at Mumbai airport, seizing 3.2 kg gold worth about Rs 5 crore.

India–Nepal Diplomacy: Nepal’s FM Shishir Khanal, in New Delhi, reiterated that border issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing Lipulek-Limpiyadhura-Kalapani as Nepali territory and urging use of dormant bilateral mechanisms. Opposition Politics: The INDIA bloc faces fresh friction as CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby skips the June 8 meet, sending John Brittas instead, seeking Congress clarity on Kerala “Left-BJP nexus” claims. Youth & Education Row: Cockroach Janta Party protests at Jantar Mantar demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam irregularities; organisers gave a seven-day ultimatum and Delhi Police denied FIR rumours. Exams Under Scrutiny: With trust in entrance tests under strain, the Centre is reportedly considering tighter NEET-UG re-exam security, including secure Budget Press printing and IAF transport. Health Data Push: NFHS-6 fact sheets were released, highlighting health gains while supporting government data harmonisation. Energy & Economy: World Bank’s India growth outlook stays resilient despite oil-shock fears; Rosneft’s CEO said India will drive about half of global oil demand growth. International Trade: India and the US say they’re on track to execute the first tranche of a trade pact by mid-July, with some tariff and Section 301 issues still pending.

Exam Politics in the Spotlight: Hundreds of students in New Delhi joined the first street protest by the satirical “Cockroach People’s Party,” demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam leaks, glitches and cancellations; police kept a tight but restrained watch at Jantar Mantar. State vs Capital Policing: The same day, Haryana’s Youth Congress protest in Kurukshetra was met with water cannons, highlighting a sharper crackdown outside Delhi. BJP Pushback on Youth “Negative Politics”: BJP chief Nitin Nabin warned against forces trying to steer young people into anti-establishment politics, while the INDIA bloc is set to meet Monday to coordinate on issues including the NEET row and CBSE concerns. India–Nepal Diplomatic Boost: EAM Jaishankar and Nepal FM Shisir Khanal reviewed ties, launched UPI–NPI cross-border payments, and handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects. Economy Watch: India’s GDP grew 7.8% in Jan–Mar 2026 and 7.7% for FY26, even as West Asia conflict clouds the outlook.

Protest & Policing: Delhi tightened security for the first street outing of the satirical “Cockroach Janta Party” at Jantar Mantar, with police detaining six people and deploying 1,000+ personnel as founder Abhijeet Dipke demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam irregularities. Cricket & Youth: India named 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the senior T20 squad for Ireland and England, with Shreyas Iyer as captain; Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 Orange Cap run (776 runs) earned him a record-breaking call-up. Economy Watch: PM Modi met the PM-Economic Advisory Council to discuss growth amid global turmoil, while India’s FY25-26 GDP growth was highlighted at 7.7% (7.8% in Q4). Security & Borders: India reiterated it will deport illegal Bangladeshis through bilateral mechanisms and said Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan election plans are rejected; Amit Shah also flagged a “smart border” surveillance push along the India-Bangladesh line. Legal & National Security: A special NIA court framed charges against Popular Front of India leaders under UAPA and conspiracy-related offences. Urban Governance: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced 60 new-generation trains for Kolkata Metro in 4-5 years.

Delhi Fire Safety Crackdown: After the Malviya Nagar hotel blaze that killed 21, including foreign nationals, Delhi has ordered a citywide crackdown on fire-safety violations; police have arrested the owner and widened the probe into alleged rule-breaching operations, including unauthorised room expansion and a key absconding associate. Mumbai Fire Checks: In response, BMC has launched a June 6-20 joint inspection drive with the fire brigade across hotels, restaurants and venues, with action already taken against multiple Andheri establishments. CBSE Portal Cyberattack: CBSE has complained to Delhi Police’s IFSO unit over coordinated cyberattacks on the Class XII post-result services portal; officials say there was no data breach, but the aim was disruption. Protest Permission Row: Delhi Police says the Cockroach Janta Party’s June 6 Jantar Mantar protest over NEET irregularities has not sought permission; Delhi High Court also declined an urgent hearing. Border Security Tech: Amit Shah says India will soon pilot “smart borders” using drones, sensors and smart fencing at select locations. Digital Infra Push: PM Modi welcomed AirTrunk’s ~$30b plan to build 5GW data-centre capacity by 2030. Economy & RBI: RBI held rates at 5.25% amid West Asia risks; fiscal deficit hit 4.4% of GDP in FY26. Energy Policy: Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced E85 rollout with a ₹20/litre discount to speed ethanol adoption. India-Nepal Politics: Rabi Lamichhane returned from a five-day India visit and proposed a joint border chemical fertilizer factory.

Delhi-NCR Air Quality Push: The Union Cabinet cleared a ₹9,585 crore, two-year scheme to replace BS-IV and older trucks and buses with BS-VI or EVs, with interest subvention, fuel vouchers and state tax waivers aimed at cutting pollution. Courts & Democracy: The Madras High Court warned that election petitions must be decided on time, citing a 6-year Supreme Court delay in a 2016 Tamil Nadu dispute and warning of “autocracy” if timelines keep slipping. Foreign Capital Boost: India moved to attract overseas money by exempting FPIs from interest and capital gains tax on government securities (retrospective from April 1, 2026) and expanding RBI’s long-tenor bond access. India–Nepal Diplomacy: Nepal FM Shishir Khanal will visit India June 5-7 for talks with Jaishankar on trade, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties. India–Russia Signals: Putin called India a “reliable partner,” said Moscow won’t interfere in India-China ties, and defended New Delhi against Western pressure. Energy & Geopolitics: With the Hormuz crisis reshaping supply risks, India’s energy outreach to neighbours like Venezuela is framed as diversification and resilience. Security/Legal: NIA told a Delhi court PFI is a “sinister organisation” whose actions could have led to civil war, as arguments on charges continue. Delhi Fire Fallout: The Malviya Nagar/Hauz Rani blaze probe keeps spotlighting fire-safety failures and regulatory lapses. Protest & Order: Delhi High Court refused an urgent plea to restrict the Cockroach Janta Party’s June 6 protest. Industry & Jobs: DPIIT’s BHAVYA plan pitches “investment-ready” industrial parks to pull manufacturing and employment at scale.

Delhi Hotel Fire Aftermath: A blaze in Malviya Nagar killed at least 21 people, including foreign nationals, with 40 rescued; Delhi’s government ordered citywide fire-safety audits and compensation for victims as probes focus on blocked exits, heaters and licensing lapses. Security & Communal Tension: A bomb threat email to the Delhi Mayor’s office triggered alerts across Delhi-Haryana; separately, a Hindutva leader’s inflammatory video targeting Delhi Muslims drew concern over communal flare-ups. India-UK Diplomacy: PM Modi met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, praising “Vision 2035” and trade/tech cooperation; Cooper also pushed for a swift resolution in the case of jailed Briton Jagtar Singh Johal. India-Venezuela Energy Push: Modi met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez as both sides deepened cooperation in oil, critical minerals, trade and healthcare amid Strait of Hormuz-linked supply worries. Aviation & Trade: IndiGo temporarily suspended international flights to seven destinations citing weak demand and rising costs; APEDA backed India’s first sea shipment of value-added millet foods to New Zealand. Politics & Opposition Rift: DMK said it will boycott the June 8 INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi over Congress participation, underscoring strain within the opposition alliance.