Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, with a strong focus on energy security, trade expansion, investment and emerging technologies amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The visit starts with a stop in the United Arab Emirates, where Modi is scheduled to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions are expected to centre on long-term energy cooperation, crude oil and LNG supplies, strategic petroleum reserves and regional developments.

According to official statements, India and the UAE are also likely to sign agreements related to LPG and strategic petroleum reserves during the visit. The outreach comes at a time when higher global oil prices and disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict are impacting energy-importing nations, including India.

India considers the UAE one of its key energy partners, with the Gulf nation being a major supplier of crude oil and natural gas. Reports suggest India is also looking to strengthen its strategic oil reserve capacity through deeper cooperation with Abu Dhabi.

After the UAE visit, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in areas including green transition, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defence, innovation and resilient supply chains.

During the Sweden leg of the tour, Modi is expected to participate in engagements linked to the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Discussions are expected to include AI, green technologies and industrial cooperation.

The Norway visit will include participation in the India-Nordic Summit, where regional cooperation, trade and innovation partnerships are likely to be discussed.

The multi-country visit comes as India navigates volatile global energy markets and broader geopolitical uncertainty stemming from tensions in West Asia. Analysts say the trip is aimed at securing energy supplies while strengthening India’s strategic and economic partnerships with Europe and the Gulf region.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted on June 21 following the cancellation of the earlier exam amid allegations of a paper leak.

The original NEET UG 2026 examination, held on May 3, was scrapped after investigative agencies flagged concerns regarding the integrity of the exam process. The matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

NTA issues fresh schedule

According to the official announcement, candidates who had registered for the cancelled examination will not be required to submit fresh applications for the re-test. Existing registrations will remain valid for the June 21 examination.

The agency has also advised students and parents to rely only on official NTA communication channels for updates related to admit cards, examination centres and other examination-related notifications.

Paper leak investigation underway

The NEET UG paper leak case has triggered a nationwide probe, with the CBI making multiple arrests in connection with the alleged leak network. Investigators are examining how question papers were allegedly circulated before the examination.

Reports have suggested that handwritten copies of the question paper were allegedly scanned and circulated through messaging networks and intermediaries ahead of the examination.

Students await admit cards and city slips

The NTA is expected to release fresh city intimation slips and admit cards ahead of the June 21 examination date. Candidates have been advised to regularly check the official NEET website for updates regarding examination centres and instructions.

Fuel prices have increased across India following the latest revision in petrol and diesel rates announced on Friday. The fresh hike has pushed petrol prices above Rs 108 per litre in Kolkata, while rates have also risen significantly in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

According to the revised rates issued by oil marketing companies, petrol in Kolkata is now being sold at around Rs 108.74 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol prices have crossed Rs 106 per litre, while Delhi and Chennai also recorded notable increases.

Updated petrol and diesel prices in major cities

• Delhi — Petrol Rs 97.77/litre, Diesel Rs 90.67/litre
• Mumbai — Petrol around Rs 106.68/litre, Diesel around Rs 99.12/litre
• Kolkata — Petrol around Rs 108.74/litre, Diesel around Rs 101.56/litre
• Chennai — Petrol around Rs 103.67/litre, Diesel around Rs 95.24/litre

The revised fuel prices came into effect immediately and follow a rise in international crude oil prices amid continuing tensions in West Asia. India imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements, making domestic fuel prices sensitive to global market fluctuations.

The increase in fuel prices is expected to affect transportation costs and daily household expenses, especially in metropolitan cities where fuel consumption remains high.