VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Taliban formally recognises child marriage with news rules, guidelines in Afghanistan May 17, 2026, 11:10 IST CNG prices in Delhi-NCR rise again: Second hike in 48 hours — Check rates in your city Department of Commerce extends consultant recruitment application deadline till May 20 ‘Wait will ultimately benefit the film’ Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and others may have ‘huge problem’ as Americans almost ‘hate’ having datacenters in their city, reasons are … AP file photo Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the recent outcomes of his visit to the Netherlands, saying they reflected the expanding scope of bilateral ties across sectors of long-term strategic and economic importance.In a post on X, PM Modi said the wide-ranging outcomes would impart fresh momentum to India-Netherlands relations and contribute to the growth and prosperity of both nations.India and the Netherlands finalised 17 wide-ranging outcomes during the visit of PM Modi, covering key areas of bilateral cooperation.Addressing reporters after the delegation-level talks, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said both sides acknowledged the growing convergence in bilateral relations and agreed to formally upgrade the partnership.”The two leaders acknowledged increasing convergence and formally elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, which is very significant. They adopted an ambitious roadmap for strategic partnership, guiding cooperation across various sectors,” George said. Highlighting the key outcomes of the visit, George said PM Modi and Rob Jetten witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML to support the semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera. He described it as ASML’s first such partnership with India and a major boost to the country’s semiconductor ambitions.”The leaders then attended the signing of the partnership agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML, supporting the semiconductor fab in Dholera, ASML’s first such partnership with India. This is a significant step in advancing India’s semiconductor ecosystem,” said Sibi George.According to George, PM Modi highlighted the reforms and transformational changes undertaken in India in recent years during his interaction with the Dutch royals. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress in bilateral ties and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation across sectors.George also said PM Modi arrived in Hague late Friday evening and was accorded a warm welcome by members of the Indian diaspora. During the visit, the Prime Minister called on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.Ahead of his official engagements, PM Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its contribution to Dutch society and described the community as a living bridge of friendship between India and the Netherlands.On his arrival in Hague, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India in the Netherlands. Addressing the gathering, he expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic and colourful reception.PM Modi highlighted the growing presence of Indian professionals in the technology sector and the increasing number of Indian students in Dutch universities, particularly in innovation-driven fields, saying these were strengthening the contemporary partnership between the two countries. He also noted that sporting ties, especially in cricket and hockey, were adding new vibrancy to the people-to-people relationship. PM Modi visited the Netherlands on the second leg of his five-nation tour. The Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Sweden on Sunday for the third leg of the tour, at the invitation of Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWB Minister Dilip Ghosh Says Bulldozer Action Against Illegal Constructions Will ContinueUnion Minister Bandi Sanjay’s Son Surrenders In POCSO Case, Remanded Till May 29Five Maoist Functionaries Surrender In Gadchiroli As ‘Operation Antim Prahar’ IntensifiesPM Modi’s Netherlands Visit: India-Dutch Ties Upgraded To Strategic PartnershipUnion Minister Bandi Sanjay Hands Over Son To Police In POCSO Case, Says ‘All Are Equal Before Law’Centre Restricts Silver Bar Imports, Changes Status From ‘Free’ To ‘Restricted’Tamil Nadu Cabinet: CM Vijay Takes Home, Sengottaiyan Gets Finance; Check Full List’Modi Ji…’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Sacking Of Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEET Paper Leak’History Or Geography’: Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Issues Stern Warning To PakistanCBI Seeks 14-Day Custody Of Accused In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case; Pune Botany Teacher Arrested123PhotostoriesArt quote of the day by Vincent Van Gogh: “I dream my painting and I paint my dream”What gardening teaches you about patience, seasons, and slowing down”Not a fan of lassi; I like…” Priyanka Chopra on her favourite Indian drink to cool down in summerThought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: Why comparison steals peaceYour daily stress may be raising blood pressure silently: Here’s how long work hours, poor sleep, and mental exhaustion are affecting the heart10 baby girl names inspired by flowers and blossomsShakira, Madonna, and BTS to co-headline FIFA halftime show: A look at the top 5 performers of all timeTannaz Irani opens up about marrying an older Muslim man, dealing with mom’s guilt after divorce, and the age gap between her and Bakhtyaar Irani“I can’t be her friend”: Riddhima Kapoor gets real about raising daughter SamaraFrom Will Smith to Emily Blunt: 10 actors who rejected roles that later became iconic123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleTS EAPCET Result 2026 May 17, 2026, 10:19 IST TAT-S prelims answer key released at sebexam.org, SEB opens objection submission till May 25 Josh Duhamel and his wife, Audra Mari, welcome newborn daughter Rocca de Leon 80-year-old kills sleeping wife with axe, then walks to cops in Ghaziabad NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government after CNG prices were increased again in Delhi and the NCR region, marking the second hike within two days.Sharing a post on X, the Congress alleged that the Centre had burdened consumers with repeated fuel price hikes soon after the elections.”(‘महंगाई मैन’ मोदी का चाबुक फिर चला, CNG के दाम आज फिर बढ़े।) ‘Mahngai Man’ Modi whips out his lash again, CNG prices rise once more today,” the party said.Highlighting the back-to-back hikes in CNG rates, the party pointed out that prices were increased by Rs 2 per kg on May 15 and by another Re 1 per kg on May 17, alleging that consumers were being hit with higher fuel costs immediately after the elections.”So far, Modi has made CNG 3 rupees dearer. The moment the elections wrapped up, Modi’s cash collection kicked off,” it added.The remarks came after CNG prices were increased by Re 1 per kg on Sunday. With the latest revision, CNG in Delhi will now cost Rs 80.09 per kg.In Noida and Ghaziabad, CNG prices have risen to Rs 88.70 per kg.CityCNG Price (per kg)Greater NoidaRs 88.70NoidaRs 88.70GhaziabadRs 88.70MuzaffarnagarRs 88.58MeerutRs 88.58ShamliRs 88.58This is the second hike in two days. Earlier on May 15, city gas distributors had raised CNG prices by Rs 2 per kg, pushing rates in Delhi from Rs 77.09 per kg to Rs 79.09 per kg. The back-to-back hikes are expected to increase transportation costs across the NCR region, especially for commuters dependent on CNG-run autos, taxis and private vehicles.The latest CNG revision comes close on the heels of a broader fuel price hike announced by state-run oil marketing companies on Friday, when petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre across the country.Petrol in Delhi now costs Rs 97.77 per litre, up from Rs 94.77, while diesel prices have risen to Rs 90.67 per litre from Rs 87.67. The revised rates came into effect on Friday.Despite the increase, industry sources said the hike accounts for only a fraction of the actual rise required to fully offset the sharp surge in global energy prices since the West Asia conflict began.The price hike comes after global crude oil prices climbed sharply amid tensions involving Iran, Israel and the US, along with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Crude prices, which were around $70 per barrel before the conflict, have surged to nearly $105 per barrel.Centre, however, had earlier repeatedly maintained that there is no shortage of fuel supplies in the country and that there are no plans to ration petrol, diesel or LPG despite concerns over global supply disruptions.Meanwhile, oil industry executives indicated that further fuel price hikes cannot be ruled out, though any future revisions would depend on government approval and the evolving global energy situation.According to Crisil, state-run oil marketing companies are still incurring losses of around Rs 10 per litre on petrol and Rs 13 per litre on diesel despite the latest increase.Fuel prices in India had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre excise duty cut announced by the Centre in March 2024 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.Earlier on Saturday, Congress party workers also staged protests against rising prices of petrol, diesel and milk, with the leaders arriving in bullock carts to highlight the growing burden of inflation on ordinary citizens.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWB Minister Dilip Ghosh Says Bulldozer Action Against Illegal Constructions Will ContinueUnion Minister Bandi Sanjay’s Son Surrenders In POCSO Case, Remanded Till May 29Five Maoist Functionaries Surrender In Gadchiroli As ‘Operation Antim Prahar’ IntensifiesPM Modi’s Netherlands Visit: India-Dutch Ties Upgraded To Strategic PartnershipUnion Minister Bandi Sanjay Hands Over Son To Police In POCSO Case, Says ‘All Are Equal Before Law’Centre Restricts Silver Bar Imports, Changes Status From ‘Free’ To ‘Restricted’Tamil Nadu Cabinet: CM Vijay Takes Home, Sengottaiyan Gets Finance; Check Full List’Modi Ji…’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Sacking Of Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEET Paper Leak’History Or Geography’: Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Issues Stern Warning To PakistanCBI Seeks 14-Day Custody Of Accused In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case; Pune Botany Teacher Arrested123PhotostoriesArt quote of the day by Vincent Van Gogh: “I dream my painting and I paint my dream”What gardening teaches you about patience, seasons, and slowing down”Not a fan of lassi; I like…” Priyanka Chopra on her favourite Indian drink to cool down in summerThought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: Why comparison steals peaceYour daily stress may be raising blood pressure silently: Here’s how long work hours, poor sleep, and mental exhaustion are affecting the heart10 baby girl names inspired by flowers and blossomsShakira, Madonna, and BTS to co-headline FIFA halftime show: A look at the top 5 performers of all timeTannaz Irani opens up about marrying an older Muslim man, dealing with mom’s guilt after divorce, and the age gap between her and Bakhtyaar Irani“I can’t be her friend”: Riddhima Kapoor gets real about raising daughter SamaraFrom Will Smith to Emily Blunt: 10 actors who rejected roles that later became iconic123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleTS EAPCET Result 2026 Centre tightens rules on white metal — all you need to know Registration underway for 11,127 posts; check direct link to apply here Shefali Shah on parenting sons in the age of alpha male culture: ‘Our daughters will be safe if our sons are raised right’ Maduro’s ‘bag man’ sent to US as Venezuela deports Alex Saab in dramatic U-turn Uttarakhand BSc Nursing exam 2026 registration begins at hnbumu.ac.in: Check direct link to apply and key details ‘Top Gun’ turns 40: Inside Tom Cruise’s fighter jet ride, Blue Angels loops, sickness story and life-changing phone call Kerala braces for more heavy rainfall as IMD issues yellow alert across several districts; what travellers need to know Woman abducted, tied to tree, ‘assaulted’ after rejecting marriage proposal in UP . NEW DELHI: Captagon, widely known as the ‘jihadi drug’ for its rampant use by extremist networks active in the conflict zones across the Middle East/West Asia, enables its users to remain awake for extended periods, suppress fear and exhaustion, increase aggression and risk-taking behaviour, thus sustaining prolonged combat-like activity under stressful conditions.According to sources in the security establishment, Captagon’s stimulant and euphoric effects have led the international media and security agencies to frequently refer to it as the ‘jihadi drug’ due to allegations and intelligence inputs over the years, linking its abuse and trafficking with extremist and conflict-zone networks operating in parts of West Asia.The update on the 228-kg seizures of Captagon, valued at around Rs 182 crore, came a day after home minister Amit Shah had, while delivering the annual R N Kao memorial lecture at RAW headquarters here, declared that India would be drugs-free by 2047 and not allow a single gram of narcotics to enter or transit through its borders. He had also appealed for a unified, global fight against narcotics and narco-terror, while pushing for a uniform legal framework, similar penalties and synergised action against drug kingpins and syndicates.Congratulating “the brave and vigilant warriors of NCB” for the Captagon seizure, home minister Amit Shah on Thursday posted on X: “Glad to share that through ‘Operation RAGEPILL’, our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called ‘jihadi drug’, worth Rs 182 crore. The busting of the drug consignment destined for the Middle East and the arrest of a foreign national stand out as shining examples of our commitment to zero tolerance against drugs.””I repeat we will clamp down on every gram of drugs entering India or leaving the country using our territory as the transit route,” he added.Senior officials on Saturday disclosed that Captagon is the common street name historically associated with Fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant drug originally developed in the 1960s for medical treatment of attention disorders and narcolepsy. Owing to its addictive properties and abuse potential, the original pharmaceutical formulation was eventually prohibited internationally.Today, most illicit Captagon tablets circulating in illegal drug markets are clandestinely manufactured and typically contain combinations of amphetamine, caffeine, methamphetamine, and other synthetic stimulants.Sources told TOI that various international investigations and conflict-zone recoveries over the past decade had indicated that Captagon tablets were found in use by armed groups and trafficking syndicates operating in war-affected regions. The enormous profits generated from Captagon trafficking have also reportedly become a significant source of illicit financing for organised criminal and extremist-linked networks in certain regions.Due to its comparatively low production cost and extremely high illicit demand, Captagon is also referred to in some regions as the “Poor Man’s Cocaine”.It is not only ISIS fighters who want Captagon, the drug is highly popular across the Middle East, where alcohol is banned by Sharia law. It has also been used as a sex stimulant among the younger population in the Near and Middle East since early 1980s.A Time magazine report revealed that Saudi Arabia alone accounts for more than one-third of global amphetamine seizures a year. “Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have reported similar spikes in multimillion-tablet seizures of the drug in the past two years,” as per the report.International agencies have identified Captagon trade as one of the most significant emerging synthetic drug threats in the Middle East, involving clandestine laboratories, precursor chemical diversion, hawala financing, forged trade documentation, maritime trafficking routes, courier networks, and sophisticated concealment mechanisms.” said a source.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnion Minister Bandi Sanjay’s Son Surrenders In POCSO Case, Remanded Till May 29Five Maoist Functionaries Surrender In Gadchiroli As ‘Operation Antim Prahar’ IntensifiesPM Modi’s Netherlands Visit: India-Dutch Ties Upgraded To Strategic PartnershipUnion Minister Bandi Sanjay Hands Over Son To Police In POCSO Case, Says ‘All Are Equal Before Law’Centre Restricts Silver Bar Imports, Changes Status From ‘Free’ To ‘Restricted’Tamil Nadu Cabinet: CM Vijay Takes Home, Sengottaiyan Gets Finance; Check Full List’Modi Ji…’: Rahul Gandhi Demands Sacking Of Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEET Paper Leak’History Or Geography’: Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Issues Stern Warning To PakistanCBI Seeks 14-Day Custody Of Accused In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case; Pune Botany Teacher Arrested’Misquoted’: CJI Surya Kant Clarifies ‘Cockroach’ Remarks On Unemployed Youth123PhotostoriesArt quote of the day by Vincent Van Gogh: “I dream my painting and I paint my dream”What gardening teaches you about patience, seasons, and slowing down”Not a fan of lassi; I like…” Priyanka Chopra on her favourite Indian drink to cool down in summerThought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: Why comparison steals peaceYour daily stress may be raising blood pressure silently: Here’s how long work hours, poor sleep, and mental exhaustion are affecting the heart10 baby girl names inspired by flowers and blossomsShakira, Madonna, and BTS to co-headline FIFA halftime show: A look at the top 5 performers of all timeTannaz Irani opens up about marrying an older Muslim man, dealing with mom’s guilt after divorce, and the age gap between her and Bakhtyaar Irani“I can’t be her friend”: Riddhima Kapoor gets real about raising daughter SamaraFrom Will Smith to Emily Blunt: 10 actors who rejected roles that later became iconic123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeCBSE 2 Language RuleTS EAPCET Result 2026 IPL 2026 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not a special project for Rajasthan Royals, but a special player: Kumar Sangakkara All eyes on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload ahead of Afghanistan series NEET UG 2026 re-exam FAQs: NTA explains extra time, complaints process, fees and exam centre allotment ‘Peddi’ director Buchi Babu Sana reveals he rejected three AR Rahman tunes for Ram Charan starrer 20,000-tonne LPG carrier Symi arrives in Gujarat after crossing Strait of Hormuz Pakistan 23/1 in 9.5 Overs | BAN vs PAK, 2nd Test, Day 2 Live Score: Tasin Ahmed removes Abdullah Fazal early EMRS Tier 2 result 2026 expected soon: Check how to download scorecards, once released Top 5 musical performances in the FIFA World Cup “I dream my painting and I paint my dream” Fire breaks out on Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express near Ratlam, passengers evacuated R Ashwin backs Virat Kohli over ‘prove yourself’ remarks ahead of 2027 World Cup talks JEECUP 2026 registration ends today at jeecup.admissions.nic.in; direct link to apply here When Megan Fox revealed her ‘super strict diet’ and said, ‘I cut out all bread’ CNG prices hiked again in NCR; 2nd increase in 2 days pushes Delhi rate past Rs 80/kg Candace Owens challenges Charlie Kirk succession story surrounding Erika Kirk and TPUSA future R Ashwin backs Virat Kohli over ‘prove yourself’ remarks ahead of 2027 World Cup talks CBSE admits possibility of ‘evaluation errors’; answer sheet access window opens from May 19 Bulgaria’s Dara wins 70th Eurovision Song Contest: Here’s what the winner took home Love Horoscope Today, May 17, 2026: What the stars say about your love life Did Candace Owens’ producer and manager quit? 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