A new satirical movement called the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) has rapidly gained traction among Indian youth frustrated by unemployment and political discontent. The initiative began after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared jobless youth to cockroaches, prompting Abhijit Deepke, a U.S.-educated Indian graduate, to post a viral response on social media on May 16 asking, “What if all cockroaches unite?” Within hours, he and friends used artificial intelligence to create a website for CJP, which now claims over one million registered members.

Analysts say the movement reflects deep frustration among India’s young population, who face high joblessness despite the country’s fast-growing economy. The 2025 Periodic Labour Force Survey reported a 10 percent unemployment rate among 15–29-year-olds, far higher than the national average. Competition for jobs remains intense, with millions applying for limited government posts. The recent cancellation of India’s medical college entrance exam results, affecting about two million students, has further fueled anger.

Authorities reportedly ordered CJP’s social media account suspended on national security grounds, but Abhijit reopened it under a new name and urged peaceful protest. The group’s first campaign demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities.

The Indian government is offering major subsidies and incentives to foreign technology firms expanding artificial intelligence-based data centers, while local communities express growing concern over water shortages, farmland loss, and environmental strain. In Andhra Pradesh’s coastal city of Visakhapatnam, Google launched a large AI data center project last year, receiving billions of dollars in incentives from the state government.

According to The Wall Street Journal, such AI data centers consume vast amounts of water to cool servers, raising alarm in a country where groundwater levels are rapidly declining. Many farmers in Visakhapatnam have reportedly been forced to give up their land, with families facing displacement despite compensation. The $15 billion project includes a 10-year 25% discount on water use, land concessions, and subsidies for electricity and infrastructure.

Analysts cited in the report warn that weak infrastructure and water scarcity could make the long-term impact of such projects more severe in developing countries. Google stated it aims to replenish more water than it consumes globally by 2030 through restoration and agricultural technology initiatives.

In a detailed report, analysts say Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing effort to isolate Pakistan has largely failed. Despite Modi’s 2016 declaration that India would ensure Pakistan’s global isolation, Islamabad has instead strengthened its international standing. Pakistan has deepened ties with China, reemerged as a trusted U.S. partner under President Donald Trump, and played a key mediating role in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which Pakistan publicly credited him for, even nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Experts cited in the report argue that Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence reflects both its strategic adaptability and missteps by the Modi administration. India’s aggressive stance, trade tensions with Washington, and alignment with Israel have strained relations with Muslim-majority nations and regional partners. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s outreach to Gulf states and its repositioning as a credible security actor have enhanced its global image.

Recent signs suggest India may be reassessing its approach, as former generals and diplomats from both countries have held informal talks, and some Indian leaders have voiced support for renewed dialogue with Pakistan.

Eid al-Adha prayers in Kolkata were held at the Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue on Thursday, under heightened police security. The change followed new measures by West Bengal’s BJP government, which included strict enforcement of the 1950 Livestock Act and a ban on religious gatherings that block public roads. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed outside mosques across the state to maintain order, with large turnouts reported despite visible caution among worshippers.

The relocation of the main Eid congregation marked a departure from past years when former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended Red Road prayers and delivered political messages. This year’s event was notably apolitical, with no ministers present. Organizers from the Calcutta Khilafat Committee said attendance was lower than usual, as some people were uncertain about the new arrangements or concerned about livestock restrictions.

Residents expressed mixed feelings—some welcomed the spacious new venue and smoother traffic, while others missed the tradition of Red Road prayers. The government’s new policies and visible security presence reflected a broader shift in the state’s approach to public religious events following the political transition.

Eid al-Adha in West Bengal was observed under markedly different circumstances this year following the formation of the new BJP government. The administration introduced major changes to animal slaughter and festival observance rules, leading to subdued celebrations. The traditional Eid congregation at Kolkata’s Red Road was canceled, with prayers held instead at Brigade Maidan under tight security, amid unease within the Muslim community.

The government strictly enforced the 1950 animal slaughter law, banning cattle killing without prior approval and prohibiting public or open-air slaughter. The Supreme Court supported the stance, declaring cow sacrifice not an essential religious practice. As a result, cattle markets were nearly empty and sales sharply declined. In a symbolic shift, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari did not issue Eid greetings and spent the day performing cow service at ISKCON Mayapur, sharing videos on social media.

Social media posts reflected widespread disappointment and emotional distress among Muslims, with some describing the situation as “majoritarian fascism” and expressing hope for the return of traditional Eid practices in the future.

A Bangladeshi currently in India for medical treatment shared his distress on social media after being unable to find beef or mutton during Eid-ul-Azha. While his family in Bangladesh celebrated the festival, he spent the day alone and unable to prepare a special meal for his young child. Despite visiting several markets from the previous afternoon until after Eid prayers, he could not buy even one or two kilograms of meat.

According to his account, he traveled nearly 40 kilometers but failed to find beef or even a kilogram of mutton. In his search, he also forgot to buy chicken. He expressed deep sadness that for the first time in his life, Eid and Qurbani passed without celebration or sacrifice.

The report notes that many expatriates living abroad for treatment or work experience similar loneliness during Eid, but his inability to bring joy to his child made this festival especially painful.

Indian Muslims are facing growing anxiety ahead of Eid al-Adha after police issued warnings against cow sacrifice. In Mumbai, an incident occurred where Muslims carrying a goat for sacrifice were attacked with chants of a religious slogan, and pigs were brought in to humiliate them. A video shared on social media showed a West Bengal police officer cautioning that anyone secretly sacrificing cows would face consequences, and even goat sacrifices should not be done publicly.

The video was released by police a day before Eid and later shared by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Eid day. These actions have created pressure and fear among Muslims across the state. However, BJP representatives claimed that Muslims were celebrating peacefully and that no restrictions were imposed on those observing their faith lawfully.

This year, Kolkata’s traditional Eid scene changed significantly. The historic Eid prayer at Red Road was not permitted by the BJP-led state government, and the congregation took place instead at Brigade Ground with a much smaller turnout. Reports described a subdued atmosphere and minimal animal sacrifices across West Bengal.

The West Bengal government moved Kolkata’s main Eid congregation from the city’s historic Red Road to the Brigade Parade Ground, ending a 48-year tradition. The prayer gathering took place under tight security with drone surveillance, watchtowers, and a large police presence. The Eid prayers began at 8:32 a.m. and concluded at 8:44 a.m., with thousands of worshippers attending.

Authorities stated that the decision was part of a policy to avoid closing major city roads for religious events, aiming to reduce public inconvenience. Historically, the Kolkata Khilafat Committee had organized Eid prayers at the Shaheed Minar area until 1976, before shifting to Red Road in 1977 due to flooding. Since then, Red Road had hosted both major Eid congregations every year until 2025.

Many attendees said they faced no difficulty praying at the new venue, though some expressed concern that heavy rain before future Eids could complicate arrangements. The event also featured the hoisting of the national flag as a key symbol of the celebration.

Shantanu Sen, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress and former Rajya Sabha member, has resigned from his position as the party’s national spokesperson. According to reports, he sent his resignation letter to party chief Mamata Banerjee on May 28, 2026, explaining his reasons for stepping down.

In his letter, Sen stated that despite facing difficult circumstances and internal differences, he had long represented the party’s stance in the media and defended it on several controversial issues, earning public appreciation. However, he now believes that a section of the state’s population is rejecting the party due to allegations of corruption and unethical activities. Referring to incidents such as the RG Kar case and job recruitment scandals, he said it was no longer possible for him to continue as the party’s spokesperson.

Sen requested that his resignation be accepted as a mark of respect for the people’s verdict, signaling his withdrawal from the party’s national communication role.

Eid al-Adha in West Bengal took on an unusually subdued tone this year as the traditional congregational prayers on Kolkata’s Red Road did not take place. The event, historically central to the city’s Eid celebrations, was not permitted by the state’s BJP government under Chief Minister Suvendu. Instead, the main Eid prayers were held at the Brigade Parade Ground at 8:30 a.m., led by Imam Qari Fazlur Rahman. Attendance was significantly lower than usual, with only a few thousand participants compared to the typical one to two lakh worshippers. The festive enthusiasm was notably absent, and animal sacrifices across the state were largely suspended.

The Red Road Eid congregation has a long history dating back to the British era, when the Khilafat Committee initiated prayers there. Despite changes in governance, the tradition continued after India’s independence. The report also recalls the historical roots of Kolkata’s waqf properties, many of which are now encroached upon, and references the Sachar Committee’s unimplemented recommendations to use such assets for Muslim education and welfare.

The article reflects on Kolkata’s past interfaith harmony, contrasting it with the current atmosphere of melancholy and diminished communal spirit.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his four-day visit to India, but his trip continues to draw attention online. A photo of Rubio and his wife in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra triggered criticism from Iran’s consulate in Hyderabad, which posted on social media that Rubio would not have posed there if he knew the monument’s history or architecture. The consulate reminded that the Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal emperor for his Iranian-born wife, Mumtaz, and designed by Persian architects.

The Iranian statement linked the image to broader political tensions, accusing Washington of trying to erase Iranian civilization while its officials praise Persian heritage abroad. The post went viral, prompting mixed reactions on social media. Some users supported Iran’s criticism, arguing Rubio ignored historical context, while others viewed the exchange as a symbolic reflection of ongoing U.S.-Iran hostility.

The controversy added a diplomatic layer to Rubio’s India tour, which also drew attention for the absence of senior Indian officials during his departure from Jaipur, sparking debate about protocol and political messaging.

The holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated across India with devotion and religious solemnity. For the first time, Kolkata hosted the main Eid congregation at the historic Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue. From early morning, worshippers gathered at major mosques including Nakhoda Mosque, Tipu Sultan Mosque, and Park Circus Maidan to perform Eid prayers.

Alongside West Bengal, the festival was observed with due respect in Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bihar. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on social media, wishing happiness, good health, and harmony for the people. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed Eid greetings to the residents of the state.

The change of venue in Kolkata marked a significant shift in the city’s Eid tradition, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the celebration across India.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the demolition of illegal structures located within 15 kilometers of the Pakistan border. The directive, announced on May 28, 2026, also includes instructions to strengthen measures against various forms of cross-border crimes. According to an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized strict enforcement of a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward unauthorized construction in the designated border zone.

The statement further noted that the initiative aims to curb infiltration, drug trafficking, illegal occupation, terror financing, and other cross-border criminal activities. The move, however, has raised concerns about renewed tensions between India and Pakistan, which share a 3,300-kilometer-long border, including the disputed Kashmir region.

Authorities indicated that the demolition and enforcement actions are part of broader efforts to enhance border security and prevent illegal activities in sensitive frontier areas.

Authorities in West Bengal have decided to remove a 70-foot statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata due to safety risks. Engineers from the state’s Public Works Department inspected the fiberglass and iron structure after local residents raised complaints and declared it unsafe. The statue, installed last December to mark Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour, was found to be structurally unstable and swaying in the wind.

State legislator Sharadwut Mukherjee confirmed that the statue was unsafe and noted the difficulty of removing it because of its location near a busy road and subway. To prevent accidents, officials have tied the statue with heavy nylon ropes and set up barricades to restrict traffic and public access. Local authorities are now searching for an alternative site for relocation.

According to reports, a 45-member team had worked continuously for 27 days to construct the massive statue, which Messi inaugurated virtually via remote control. The unveiling event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was also marked by some incidents of unrest.

On May 6, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal for the first time, prompting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to order strict enforcement of a 1950 law regulating cattle slaughter. The directive requires official certification and restricts slaughter to designated facilities for animals over 14 years old. As Eid al-Adha approaches, the Dhulagorh cattle market near Kolkata stands nearly deserted, with traders reporting heavy losses and fear of administrative action.

The crackdown has severely affected the state’s beef trade. Muslim butchers, restaurant owners, and street vendors have shut down operations, while beef prices have fallen sharply. Kolkata’s “The Burger Shop” suspended its popular beef burger after suppliers were forced to close. Longtime meat sellers report collapsing demand and early shop closures. Traders who borrowed heavily for the festival now face financial ruin.

BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar defended the move as lawful enforcement, while legal expert Jaysingh Nugggehalli said such bans are tied more to identity and livelihood politics than animal welfare. Activist Harsh Mander described the developments as part of a broader ideological project marginalizing Muslims in India.