A week in the life of India: Insect Politics

On May 15, CJI Surya Kant, at a court hearing, reportedly compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites”, later clarifying he was misquoted. By May 16, Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist studying at Boston University, had launched the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical riff on the existing system, with the tagline “Voice of the Lazy and Unemployed”. Within 78 hours, it had three million Instagram followers, which crossed 20 million in five days. The government’s response was swift: the X account was blocked on May 22. Later, its Instagram account was hacked and its website taken down. By then the party had 350,000 registered members.

Death of an Actor

Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model and actor from Noida was found dead in her marital home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills recently. Her family alleged sustained dowry harassment and foul play, and refused to cremate her until a second autopsy, which was subsequently conducted. Twisha’s husband, Samarth Singh, a lawyer, went on the run but was later arrested on May 22. Samarth’s mother, a retired judge, Giribala Singh, obtained anticipatory bail from a local court, a move that drew immediate political heat. A CBI probe has also been recommended.

Fuel On Fire

Fuel prices were raised four times in less than two weeks. The first hike, on May 15, was `3 per litre, the first revision in nearly four years. It was followed by 90 paise on May 19, then 87-91 paise on May 23, and a further `2.61-2.71 per litre on May 25. In Delhi, petrol now costs `102.12 per litre; diesel `95.20. State-run oil companies held prices for 76 days as global crude surged past $113 a barrel following the Iran War, absorbing losses until they could absorb no more. There is no indication that the hikes are done.

Rebuke Recalled

Two months after barring three academics from working on government projects, the Supreme Court recalled its order, modifying the “harsh” observations. The court observed that there was no malice on the part of the academics, Michel Danino, Alok Prasanna Kumar and Suparna Diwakar. The case concerned a chapter in NCERT’s Class 10 social science book which talked about “corruption in various levels of the judiciary”.

Sizzling North

North India was baking again with temperatures across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Punjab, and Haryana touching 45-47°C. UP’s Banda district hit 48°C on May 20, the highest recorded anywhere in the country this season. IMD has issued a red alert for several states and warned that severe heatwave conditions will persist through May 29. Delhi crossed 45°C on multiple days. Doctors are warning of heatstroke, neurological stress and eye damage, particularly for children and the elderly. The monsoon was advancing up the southern coast but offered no immediate relief to the north.

Kerala’s Choice

After days of suspense and intense discussions among the Congress leadership, VD Satheesan was chosen as Kerala’s new chief minister, edging out senior leaders like KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. His selection followed UDF’s return to power after 10 years in opposition. Satheesan, who took office on May 18, has kept the finance portfolio, indicating he wants direct control over key economic decisions. Supporters see him as energetic and accessible while everybody is watching how he handles pressures from within Congress. His 20-member cabinet includes Chennithala and K Muraleedharan from Congress as well as IUML’s PK Kunhalikutty and PK Basheer.

Adani Vindicated

The US Department of Justice dismissed all charges of fraud against industrialist Gautam Adani, clearing his name and bringing the high-profile case to an end. The justice department had alleged that Adani and his executives paid bribes to Indian officials to secure renewable energy projects and misled US investors. The Adani Group had denied the allegations. Adani and the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets have also separately agreed to settle a case alleging the conglomerate violated sanctions during the Iran War.

Bail Rules

Following a week of ups and downs for Umar Khalid, the activist was granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court for three days. Khalid, arrested in 2020 under the UAPA for his alleged role in the Delhi riots case, had sought relief to accompany his mother for a surgery. Before he was granted relief, the Supreme Court had observed that “bail is the rule” even under UAPA cases. However, an additional sessions court had refused the plea, observing that bail could not be granted every time it was sought.

Lightning Fast

At the Federation Cup in Ranchi on May 23, Gurindervir Singh ran 10.09 seconds in the 100m final to become the first Indian sprinter to break the 10.10-second barrier. The 25-year-old Indian Navy petty officer from Punjab did it in dramatic fashion: the national record changed hands three times in under 24 hours, with rival Animesh Kujur briefly seizing it in the semifinals before Gurindervir settled the matter in the final. His time is also the second fastest in Asia this season and clears the Commonwealth Games qualifying standard. India’s wait for a genuine world-class sprinter may be over.

Quote Worthy

“I can proudly say that India has become free of Naxalism. All the credit goes to our security forces. This was a dream for which thousands of jawans made the ultimate sacrifice.” ~ AMIT SHAH Union Home Minister