Middle East conflict escalates, pushing crude oil prices above $126 per barrel and straining India's state-run oil companies. Facing mounting losses, these companies seek permission to raise pump prices, but the government hesitates, balancing consumer protection against financial pressures and potential inflation.

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi alleged election security lapses, claiming BJP workers were seen inside strong rooms. He dismissed exit polls as a 'game of TRP' and asserted that support is shifting towards Congress, with individuals distancing themselves from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

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Spirit Airlines, a prominent low-cost carrier, has ceased operations after 34 years, citing an immediate shutdown. The airline's abrupt closure follows failed federal intervention and mounting financial losses exceeding $2.5 billion since 2020. This development impacts approximately 17,000 employees and cost-conscious travelers.

Mobile users in Delhi-NCR may receive test alert messages. The government is trialing a new disaster alert system across India. This system uses advanced technology to send emergency warnings quickly. Users might get repeated messages in different languages. These are only test notifications, and no action is needed. The system is undergoing evaluation before its official launch.

The Supreme Court of India dismissed TMC's plea against deployment of Central staff for West Bengal vote counting, recording the Election Commission of India’s assurance that its April 13 circular will be followed. It said rules were not violated and noted TMC agents would be present. The Calcutta High Court had earlier rejected the plea.

Israel has reportedly sent its advanced 'Iron Beam' laser defence system and surveillance tech to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, marking a significant defence cooperation step. This deployment, alongside US military sales to regional allies, underscores escalating tensions and a bolstered regional security posture amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Hezbollah's deployment of cheap, fibre-optic drones is presenting a significant challenge to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. These low-tech, untraceable devices, unlike GPS-guided ones, are difficult to counter, forcing the Israeli military to adapt its tactics. The group is manufacturing these drones domestically, exploiting perceived weaknesses in Israeli defenses.

Google Cloud is making a strong bid for market share against rivals Microsoft and Amazon. The company has launched new TPU chips, the TPU 8t and TPU 8i. Google Cloud's head, Thomas Kurian, highlighted the company's full-stack approach. This strategy involves building its own chips, data centers, and AI models.

The Pentagon has signed agreements with seven major AI companies, including SpaceX and Google, to deploy their technology on classified military networks. These deals aim to bolster national security by integrating AI into high-tier environments for intelligence and battlefield support. Notably, Anthropic was excluded following a dispute over AI usage limitations.

A small plane carrying five pickleball players from Amarillo crashed into trees near Wimberley late Thursday night, killing all on board. The Cessna 421C was en route to a tournament in New Braunfels when it disappeared from air traffic control scopes. Federal agencies are investigating the incident, with weather conditions noted as mostly cloudy prior to a reported thunderstorm.

Despite a recent fine for vaping, Riyan Parag shone with a brilliant 90, powering Rajasthan Royals to 225/6. However, Delhi Capitals chased down the target convincingly, securing a seven-wicket victory. Parag emphasised team success over individual performance, stating his primary goal is to secure wins for his team.

The Indian 'Clasico' between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians holds little playoff significance, but is crucial for individual players like Suryakumar Yadav. Facing a poor IPL season, Yadav's form is under scrutiny, with his ambition of leading India to the 2028 Olympics potentially at risk. Coach Mahela Jayawardene defended his player, highlighting his talent and past brilliance.

MS Dhoni might return for IPL 2026. He was seen training with Chennai Super Kings. He met Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya sought Dhoni's advice on batting. Both CSK and MI are struggling this season. Dhoni's return could boost CSK's campaign. Rohit Sharma is also recovering from injury. Leadership changes are ongoing for both teams. Consistency remains a challenge.

Initial food adulteration suspicions in the Dokadia family's tragic deaths have been largely dismissed by FDA reports, which found no artificial additives in collected samples. While bacterial contamination and other toxins remain possibilities, forensic tests are now underway to pinpoint the exact cause of the sudden demise of the four family members after a Saturday night feast.

A Bangladeshi MP warns of a potential Muslim refugee influx from India, citing regional conspiracies possibly linked to recent elections in Assam and West Bengal. He drew parallels to Rohingya arrivals and cited remarks about expelling illegal Bangladeshis. Concerns were also raised about ongoing border killings and potential "push-in" situations, suggesting an emerging crisis.

India remains on the US Trade Representative's priority watch list for intellectual property concerns, citing inconsistent progress and long-standing issues with its Patents Act. The report highlights worries over data protection for pharma and agri-chemical products, alongside high customs duties on IP-intensive goods. Weak enforcement of copyrights and trademarks also remain key issues.

The Pentagon is withdrawing approximately 5,000 US troops from Germany, a move signaling heightened tensions with European allies over the Iran conflict. This decision follows sharp criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding Iran negotiations. The drawdown aims to return US troop levels in Europe to pre-Ukraine war figures, reflecting broader US frustration with NATO allies' perceived lack of support.

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Air India is slashing nearly 100 flights through July due to soaring jet fuel costs and airspace restrictions, making international routes unprofitable. This move deepens the crisis for the airline, which already faces significant losses. The situation is exacerbated by global oil price shocks impacting India's oil marketing companies, with fuel prices surging dramatically.

Mumbai Indians are struggling in IPL 2026 with six defeats in eight matches, continuing last season's poor form. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav are experiencing slumps, while the absence of Rohit Sharma has disrupted team stability and opening partnerships. The middle order has consistently failed to fire, leading to significant batting collapses.

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West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has voiced strong concerns regarding the deployment of contractual workers for vote counting in two constituencies, deeming it a threat to democratic integrity.

Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced concerns over Ravindra Jadeja's cautious batting against spin in T20s, noting a persistent struggle to accelerate. Jadeja's strike rate against spin has been low since 2020, leading to a more passive role, even when promoted ahead of others. Ashwin suggests Jadeja's mindset mirrors MS Dhoni's, preferring to take the game deep and target pacers.

Iran is reportedly considering using mine-carrying dolphins against US warships in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions and an economic blockade. This unusual tactic, reflecting a push for new weapons, follows Iran's past acquisition of military-trained dolphins. The move comes as hardliners view the blockade as an act of war, potentially leading to renewed conflict.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Mumbai-Pune Expressway's 'missing link,' a significant infrastructure upgrade costing Rs 7,000 crore. He drove a G-Wagen during the event, which he hailed as an 'economic multiplier.' While the project promises enhanced connectivity, the inauguration on Maharashtra Day led to considerable traffic congestion, for which Fadnavis later apologized.

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A four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered by a 65-year-old man in Pune district, Maharashtra. The accused lured the child with food and took her to a shed. CCTV footage helped police identify the suspect. Villagers protested, demanding swift justice. Pune Rural Police assured a chargesheet within 15 days.

Chennai Super Kings is undergoing a significant transition, investing in young talent like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, who were bought for ₹14.2 crore each. Despite early struggles, the franchise is committed to blooding these youngsters, aiming for long-term dividends.

A minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by three unidentified men in a Panna district forest after being intercepted and robbed. The accused reportedly took the girl and her companions captive, separating the girl and assaulting her. Police have registered a case under BNS and Pocso Act and launched a manhunt.

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel is impressed by AI's rapid advancement, noting tools like Anthropic's Claude are transforming software development. He predicts companies will reallocate resources from engineering to distribution as AI automates coding, with over two-thirds of new code at Snap now written by AI systems.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' continues its steady box office run, grossing over Rs 1785 crore globally after 44 days. Despite facing new competition, including Riteish Deshmukh's 'Raja Shivaji' which took the lead on Friday, 'Dhurandhar 2' added Rs 1.05 crore on its 7th Friday, bringing its India net collection to Rs 1,136.14 crore.

A heated moment between Kyle Jamieson and young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi marked an IPL 2026 match. Jamieson's aggressive send-off after dismissing the 15-year-old drew reactions. Rajasthan Royals posted 225, led by Riyan Parag's 90. Delhi Capitals chased it down with KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka starring. This win was Delhi's highest IPL chase.

KL Rahul downplayed his personal milestone of surpassing MS Dhoni on the IPL all-time run-scorers list, emphasizing team success and trophies as his ultimate goal. Despite individual achievements, Rahul stated his primary focus remains on winning the IPL, aiming to match Dhoni's five championship titles.

Air India is exploring unbundling meals and lounge access on domestic and short international flights to combat rising costs. Passengers could see ticket prices reduced by opting out of these services. This move aims to address the financial strain from increasing fuel prices and a depreciating rupee, while acknowledging India's price-sensitive market.

A 26-year-old Indian student in Chicago, Chandu Iraganaboyina, tragically took his own life due to joblessness and severe financial stress. Friends and community members are now working to repatriate his body to India, highlighting the immense pressure faced by some international students. Efforts are underway to understand how he obtained a firearm.

The Finance Ministry has declared the West Asia conflict a "war," enabling government entities to invoke 'force majeure' for public contracts impacted by disruptions. This allows for penalty-free extensions of two to four months for affected companies, offering significant relief to sectors like defence and drone manufacturing facing supply chain issues.

Canada's intelligence agency has identified Khalistani elements as a national security threat, citing their promotion of a violent extremist agenda and connections to Canadian citizens. The report highlights the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, a deadly attack linked to such groups.

A 28-year-old man, Yatendra Pal Singh, was murdered by poisoning with aluminium phosphide at his in-laws' residence. Police confirmed the cause of death after a viscera examination report, leading to the arrest of his wife and father-in-law. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive and the involvement of other family members.

Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections are poised for a significant youth impact, with over 1.22 crore voters aged 18-29 forming a crucial bloc. First-time voters cite empowerment and safety as key drivers. The emergence of actor Vijay's party, TVK, adds a new dynamic, potentially influencing results in closely contested seats and reshaping the state's political future.

President Trump described US naval actions enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports as "like pirates," highlighting the profitable seizure of ships and cargo. He also cited military action against Iran's nuclear program to protect the region and noted internal divisions within Iran's leadership complicating negotiations.

Two First Information Reports have been lodged against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab, following his recent switch from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP. While official details of the charges remain undisclosed, the registrations occurred shortly after his defection, amidst escalating political realignments in the state. Further information is anticipated.

Delhi Capitals bowler Kyle Jamieson received a demerit point and an official warning for a Level 1 IPL Code of Conduct breach. The incident occurred after dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with Jamieson's aggressive send-off deemed provocative. This occurred during Delhi's successful seven-wicket chase against Rajasthan Royals.

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A 27-year-old groom, Azad Bind, was shot dead by a bride's relative, Pradeep Bind, and an associate while en route to his wedding in Jaunpur. The accused, reportedly unhappy with the marriage, intercepted the wedding procession and opened fire. The groom succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed his morning habits. He wakes early, reads news, and enjoys a vegetarian breakfast. Pichai is particular about his tea, describing it as very English. He exercises later in the day. Pichai also shared his favorite Indian dishes from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. He enjoys Dosa, Chola Bhatura, and Pav Bhaji respectively.

Six individuals tragically lost their lives in Rajanna Sircilla, Telangana, after their speeding car collided with a stationary lorry on Saturday. The severe impact mangled the car, trapping the occupants. Authorities are investigating potential causes like poor visibility or driver fatigue, with a detailed probe underway.

Search teams recovered the eighth and ninth bodies from Bargi Dam, including a mother, Marina Massey, and her four-year-old son, Trishaan, still embracing each other. Despite wearing life jackets, they were likely trapped in the lower cabin as the boat capsized. Officials believe Marina instinctively tried to protect her son in their final moments.

US President Trump presented a stark choice on Iran: negotiate a settlement or face military escalation, though he personally prefers avoiding conflict. He expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's deal proposals, citing internal leadership disarray. Trump also labelled domestic criticism of the war effort as 'treasonous' and defended past US actions against Iran's nuclear program, vowing not to withdraw prematurely.

A truck, granted special permission for waste collection despite multiple challans, fatally struck two cousins on Ashoka Road. The permit's validity until 2026 is now under review for cancellation. Police are conducting raids in Bihar to apprehend the driver, while the victims' family expresses distress over the lack of updates and arrests.

Repolling has been ordered in 15 South 24 Parganas booths for Saturday, May 2, following irregularities during Bengal's second phase polls. Concerns included disabled CCTV cameras and tampered EVMs. Special observers recommended repolling in several constituencies due to disturbing findings, with some booths in Falta reportedly seeing 100% turnout.

MS Dhoni's return to IPL 2026 is imminent as he makes steady progress from a calf injury, according to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey. Dhoni is focusing on regaining full running fitness, with the final decision on his availability resting with him. He has deliberately stayed away from the dugout to avoid distracting the team.

The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Trinamool Congress has moved the Supreme Court, challenging a directive mandating central government employees as counting supervisors or assistants for Bengal's assembly election vote count. The party argues this is arbitrary, discriminatory, and creates bias, especially with the BJP at the Centre. They claim it unfairly alters the counting table composition, undermining a level playing field and free elections.

A sudden storm capsized a cruise boat on Bargi Dam, trapping 70-year-old Riyaz Hussain Sayyed underwater for three harrowing hours. He survived by finding a small air pocket within the submerged vessel. Tragically, his wife and daughter, who were on the lower deck, did not survive the ordeal. Rescuers eventually located and freed Riyaz.