CM Vijay-led Cabinet in Tamil Nadu expands to 33; Congress joins government after 59 years

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamil Nadu Cabinet on Thursday (May 21, 2026) expanded from 10 to 33 with the induction of 23 new MLAs, including two from the Congress, making it the State’s first coalition government. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Ministers-designate at Lok Bhavan in Chennai in the presence of Mr. Vijay. With the induction of Congress MLAs into the Cabinet, the party has joined the government after 59 years.

West Bengal government to detect, delete and deport illegal infiltrators, says CM Adhikari

Emphasising that his government will be tough on illegal infiltrators, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) said his government will follow a new policy of “detect, delete and deport” when it comes to illegal infiltrators.

“Those not covered under CAA [Citizenship (Amendment) Act] they are are completely illegal infiltrators. The State police will arrest them and hand them over to BSF. The BSF will hold talks with BDR [Border Guards Bangladesh] and try to deport them. This means a policy of detect, delete and deport,” the Chief Minister said.

India-Africa Forum Summit postponed in wake of Ebola virus outbreak

The Ebola public health emergency in Africa cast its shadow on India’s diplomatic calendar, with the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (May 21, 2026) announcing the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit-IV, scheduled for May 28-31. In an announcement, the MEA hinted at the Ebola crisis and said the decision was taken in view of the “evolving health situation in parts of Africa”.v

Cockroach Janata Party’s X handle withheld, founder starts new account

The Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) X account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand, according to founder Abhijeet Dipke. “Cockroach Janta Party’s account was started on 16th May. Within 4 days, the account got banned because it got more than 200K following,” the founder posted on X. Mr. Dipke also claimed that attempts were made to hack the CJP’s Instagram handle.

Over 74% turnout in Falta repoll till 3 p.m.; voting peaceful

The repolling in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency on Thursday (May 21, 2026) saw more than 74% of the 2.36 lakh electors exercising their franchise till 3 pm, with no untoward incident reported from anywhere, a poll panel official said. A total of 2.36 lakh electors — 1,21,300 men, 1,15,135 women and nine third gender individuals — are eligible to exercise their franchise in the repoll, which started at 7 a.m. and will continue till 6 p.m.

West Bengal government issues orders prohibiting officials to speak to media

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has issued an order prohibiting government officials and police from speaking to the media. The circular titled Dissemination of Information by any member of the All India Service, West Bengal Civil Service, West Bengal Police Service and other employees working under the Government of West Bengal directs a complete prohibition “without any government order, on any direct or indirect communication of any document or information with the press by the members of the services”.

India imported 4.3% less crude oil in April this year, yet the bill still up 50% as prices soar

The volume of India’s imports of crude oil fell 4.3% in April 2026, the second month after the start of the conflict in West Asia, while the value soared about 50% over the comparable period last year, according to provisional government data, an indication of the price pressure on crude oil and natural gas due to the continuing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, the latest data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), the volume of imports of liquified natural gas (LNG) declined nearly 30% in April 2026, even though domestic net production of natural gas fell 4.2% during the month. This was, however, due to lower consumption.

RBI considers rate hike as rupee slumps: reports

The Reserve ​Bank of ‌India (RBI) is considering ​all ⁠its available options to stabilise the rupee, including an ‌interest ‌rate ⁠hike, Bloomberg ⁠News reported on Thursday (May 21, 2026), citing people ​familiar ‌with the matter. Top officials at the ‌RBI, including ​Governor Sanjay Malhotra, have ⁠held a series of ‌internal meetings to discuss the course of action ‌after the plunge ​in the rupee, ⁠the report said.

Thin line between defamation and criticism: Delhi HC on Raghav Chadha’s plea seeking protection of personality rights

The Delhi High Court on Thursday (May 21, 2026) expressed prima facie reservations over Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha’s plea alleging violation of his personality rights through AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos and allegedly defamatory social media content targeting him over his shift from AAP to BJP. The court also reminded that the line between defamation and criticism is “quite thin”.

Supreme Court bats for victim-centric approach, refuses to entertain plea for consolidation of FIRs

The Supreme Court on Thursday (May 21, 2026) observed that there is a pressing need for the criminal justice system to adopt a more victim-centric approach while refusing to entertain a plea seeking the clubbing of FIRs registered across several States by an accused in a chit fund scam.