On May 1, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the return of sacred relics of Gautama Buddha to Ladakh, India, after a 75-year absence, coinciding with the Buddha Purnima festival. Shah emphasized Ladakh's historical role as a center for Buddhist thought and its significance in spreading Buddhism to regions like China. The relics will be exhibited for 15 days, allowing local villagers to pay their respects. This event is part of broader efforts by the Indian government to promote Buddhism as a tourist destination, with significant investments in infrastructure and tourism projects.

In related news, public sector oil marketing companies have raised the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for international flights by $76.55 per kiloliter, bringing the total to $1,511.86 per kiloliter, while keeping domestic prices stable. This decision aims to shield domestic consumers from rising international fuel prices amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Federation of Indian Airlines has called for a review of the current ATF pricing mechanism to ensure fairness between domestic and international operations.

Additionally, the Komagata Maru incident of 1914, where 376 Indian passengers were denied entry into Canada due to discriminatory immigration laws, has resurfaced in discussions about racial prejudice and its impact on India's freedom movement. The incident highlights the struggles faced by Indian migrants and the broader implications of colonial policies during that era.