AGP Executive Report

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.

Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire: Delhi announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for families of the 21 victims and Rs 5 lakh for seriously injured survivors, as CM Rekha Gupta visited Max Hospital and ordered support; Delhi also moved to scrap its B&B policy and review all licensed properties after allegations that Flourish Stays ran far beyond its approved capacity and lacked key fire clearances, with the owner Lavkesh Bajaj arrested and foreign victims’ identities being processed for repatriation. Legal & Governance: Kerala High Court told advocates to stop making reels/videos featuring court premises, citing violations of the Advocates Act and Bar Council rules. Energy Policy: Consumer Affairs plans “machine-readable” SMART standards using AI to cut compliance burden, while power market reformists push for market coupling to expand competitive short-term trading beyond today’s small share. Transport & Climate: Nitin Gadkari backed Maruti’s first flex-fuel WagonR (E20-E100) as part of a broader biofuel push; meanwhile, tougher grid rules for renewables are rattling investors. Defence & Tech: India is set for its biggest-ever domestic military drone procurement, and India-South Africa agreed to scale AI/digital infrastructure cooperation. Entertainment-Industry: FWICE withdrew its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh after his “Don 3” dispute, while a separate film controversy around “Kala Hiran” escalated with alleged threats.

Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire: Delhi’s Malviya Nagar blaze killed at least 21 people, including 11 foreign nationals, with over 40 rescued; police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and are probing alleged safety lapses, including a property reportedly licensed for 6 rooms but operating 25. Fire Safety Crackdown: After the tragedy, the Delhi L-G ordered a month-long drive from June 4 to check fire compliance across hotels, nursing homes, coaching institutes and restaurants, while a Delhi HC order on fire safety had reportedly remained unimplemented earlier. Competition Watch: CCI ordered a probe into “Mrs India Inc” over alleged unfair, restrictive terms imposed on married women participants and winners. India-Venezuela Energy Push: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez arrived for a five-day visit aimed at deepening ties, with energy security and oil trade high on the agenda. India-UK Diplomacy: UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper began a maiden visit to discuss the FTA, defence cooperation and the UK-India Vision 2035. US Trade Pressure: US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the US-India trade deal is near completion, even as the US pushes forced-labour-related tariff threats under Section 301. Cross-Border Payments: Cambodia and India launched cross-border QR connectivity (UPI to KHQR) to help Indian travellers pay at millions of merchant locations. Transport & Economy: Kuwait airspace closure disrupted Indian flights; meanwhile, ministers carpooled to Cabinet to cut fuel use, and Hero launched India’s first flex-fuel motorcycles compatible with E20-E85 ethanol blends.

India-US Trade Talks: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says the first phase of a bilateral trade deal is “99% complete” after a fresh US delegation arrived in New Delhi, even as the US pushes tariff action under Section 301. Forced Labour Tariff Threat: The US Trade Representative has proposed 12.5% duties on India (and 10% on Pakistan) for alleged failure to enforce forced-labour import bans, with India saying the measures are not final and talks continue. Delhi Fire Tragedy: A deadly blaze at a Malviya Nagar hotel-cum-restaurant (Flourish Stay B&B) killed at least 21 people, including foreign nationals, with over 40 rescued; Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood ordered immediate sealing of BnBs violating rules. Karnataka Government Formation: DK Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as Karnataka CM with G Parameshwara as deputy, and a 14-minister list has emerged. CBSE Exam Row: Authorities transferred CBSE chairman Rahul Singh and secretary Himanshu Gupta after controversy over digital marking failures affecting nearly two million students. Opposition INDIA Bloc: Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee will attend the June 8 INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi. Sports: India begins red-ball preparations for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan in New Chandigarh with Shubman Gill leading.

Rupee & Reserves: A Bloomberg Economics report says the RBI likely sold $12 billion in gold reserves and bought $7.5 billion in foreign currency assets in two weeks to support the rupee amid capital outflows and oil-price pressure. Immigration & Border Governance: India tightened rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days, requiring registration before the 180-day mark, and also welcomed Germany’s visa-free transit for Indian travellers through German airports from June 3. Delhi Governance: Delhi’s rooftop solar push crossed 23,000 installations generating 420 MW, powering about two lakh households, while the Delhi government is set to table an ease-of-doing-business bill for faster project clearances. Maharashtra Politics & Administration: The state acquired Mumbai’s iconic Air India building for Rs 1,601 crore, while Maharashtra also granted “Market of National Importance” status to the Mumbai APMC at Vashi and dissolved its existing board. Legal & Security: A Mumbai PMLA court issued summons to former Religare chairperson Rashmi Saluja and four others in a Rs 179.54 crore money-laundering case; police also registered an FIR over alleged abetment of suicide in the Sarita Oswal death case. International & Defence: India-US trade talks inched forward toward a first phase deal as tariff terms hinge on Section 301 relief, and India welcomed Germany’s move on transit visas. Sports & Public Life: BCCI appointed Sairaj Bahutule as India’s spin bowling coach; in Mumbai, Mayor Ritu Tawde was elected vice-president of the All India Mayors’ Council.

Health Advisory: India reported no Ebola cases as of June 2, but the Health Ministry urged travellers from Ebola-affected countries to watch for symptoms for 21 days and seek help early. State Governance: Delhi’s Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reviewed long-pending infrastructure issues at Udyog Nagar, promising action on waterlogging, drainage and internal roads to improve ease of doing business. Economy & Industry: India’s May manufacturing PMI rose to 55, the strongest improvement in three months, while NITMA welcomed a temporary cotton duty waiver as a strategic export push. Politics (Karnataka): Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are in Delhi to finalise Karnataka’s cabinet ahead of Shivakumar’s swearing-in, with 10-12 ministers expected. Party Politics (Tamil Nadu): Former BJP TN chief K Annamalai met BJP leadership amid reports he wants to chart an independent course and may exit. Foreign Policy: PM Modi met Myanmar’s president Min Aung Hlaing as India said engagement, not isolation, is key. Trade Talks: India-US talks begin on a first-phase bilateral trade agreement, with Section 301 relief a key sticking point. Tech & Investment: AirTrunk plans a $21b data centre investment in Maharashtra, signalling continued push for data infrastructure. Cybersecurity: Government is working on a unified system to report and respond to cyberattacks across India’s financial sector.

Defence & Diplomacy: PM Modi met Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi, flagging cross-border armed group activity and refugee concerns while pushing connectivity and trade via Rupee-Kyat. Border Security: Bangladesh’s foreign minister Shama Obaed warned Dhaka will resist any “push-ins,” with BSF-BGB DG talks scheduled in Delhi from June 8-11. Major Procurement: India finalised a Letter of Request to France for 114 Rafale jets worth ~₹3.25 lakh crore; Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is in France as negotiations begin. Urban Governance: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta approved ₹75,000 per hectare relief for rain/waterlogging-hit farmers; Delhi also transferred 40+ staff in its health procurement agency. State Politics: West Bengal cabinet expanded with 35 new ministers under CM Suvendu Adhikari. Law & Order: Delhi police arrested two over a New Usmanpur firing that injured a 12-year-old; Delhi HC refused to stay formal framing of charges in Sukesh extortion case. Economy & Energy: OMCs cut ATF for international flights by 27% while commercial LPG prices rose; sugar prices climbed on weak-monsoon fears. Industry & Tech: AirTrunk plans a $21bn, 3GW data centre near Mumbai; NLCIL and Reliance will assess underground lignite gasification in Gujarat. Public Mobilisation: Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke will return June 6 to protest NEET/education failures; Brahma Kumaris launched anti-addiction drives at Mumbai’s Western Railway stations.

India-Myanmar Ties: President Min Aung Hlaing’s first India visit since taking office signals New Delhi’s pragmatic engagement with the Myanmar military amid China’s growing pull. Defence Diplomacy: India and Australia reviewed defence cooperation at the India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, with talks also touching interoperability and Indo-Pacific security. Karnataka Politics: DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah head to Delhi to finalise cabinet berths with Congress high command, with loyalist induction expected to be a key friction point. Legal & Rights: The Delhi High Court backed the “right to be forgotten,” saying online records can’t cause endless reputational harm. Education Row: Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke says he’ll return on June 6 to protest and demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over exam-related lapses. Trade & Economy: India-Oman CEPA kicks in today, offering duty-free access on 98% of Oman’s tariff lines; separately, India exempts cotton import duties/cess from June 1 to Oct 31 to ease textile costs. Energy & Industry: Rooftop solar rules from June 1 require Indian-made cells under net metering/open access, while flex-fuel vehicles are set to debut this week. Mumbai Civic Watch: BMC says monsoon drain-cleaning is over 80% complete; a constable’s quick rescue saved a woman after she jumped into the sea near Marine Drive. Markets: 10-year bond yield rose to 7.02% on oil and geopolitical worries.

Delhi Building Collapse: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Saidulajab/Saket-area collapse, with a crackdown on unauthorised constructions and a survey of dilapidated buildings; AAP alleges MCD misled the High Court and demands stronger accountability as the death toll rose to six. Water Crisis & Urban Governance: Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi government faced fresh pressure as Yamuna-linked supply disruptions left parts of the city with severe water cuts, while the government began demolition of 143 illegal structures in Shalimar Bagh to improve access and emergency movement. Defence Leadership Change: General NS Raja Subramani took charge as India’s new CDS, pushing tri-services integration and faster induction of indigenous weapons; Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed office as Navy chief. India–Nepal Border Row: Nepal PM Balendra Shah sparked controversy by saying Nepal has also “encroached” on India’s territory, while both sides continue talks on Lipulekh/Limpiyadhura via diplomatic dialogue. Trade & Economy: India-Oman CEPA takes effect from June 1 with duty concessions; India also scrapped cotton import duty for five months to support textile exporters. Security & Crime: Delhi Police and agencies reported major terror and money-linked actions, including an ISI-Dawood-linked module probe; Mumbai customs arrested an Ahmedabad man for smuggling hydroponic cannabis worth ₹7.43 crore from Vietnam. Energy & Prices: Commercial LPG cylinder prices rose from June 1 (19 kg in Delhi up by Rs 42), while domestic cylinder rates were unchanged.