Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Israel has approved a plan to buy two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15I fighter jets from US firms Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The deal, reportedly worth tens of billions of shekels, is positioned as a major step to bolster Israel’s air power amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Mumbai Indians led by Hardik Pandya were routed by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 on May 2, losing by eight wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Former captain Mahela Jaywardene didn’t mince words, calling it a defeat that reflected MI not playing their best cricket. The loss adds pressure as CSK’s dominance in Chennai continues to stand out.
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Olivia Rodrigo kicked off her Saturday Night Live hosting debut with a fast, funny monologue. Recalling her Disney days on Bizaardvark, she also took a playful jab at former co-star Jake Paul, contrasting her musical ambitions with his boxing career. She added a behind-the-scenes anecdote from her first acting job and teased her upcoming album with a wildly long title.
The Election Commission of India has ordered a complete repoll in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency, declaring the April 29 election seriously vitiated. The decision follows reports of EVM tampering, procedural lapses, and alleged booth interference and voter intimidation. The fresh polling is scheduled for May 21, after irregularities surfaced around the voting machines.
Eight-year-old Tamizh Amudhan from Tamil Nadu pulled off an extraordinary upset in an online blitz tournament, beating World No. 7 grandmaster Vincent Keymer. The moment was lit by a flickering candle after heavy rain caused a power cut in Thiruthangal. Still composed, the Class 3 student stayed focused, turning darkness into a chess highlight.
As Kerala heads toward election result day, political workers are already prepping food for victory celebrations. In Malappuram, Congress and UDF supporters are cooking biryani for thousands, while BJP workers in Kochi are arranging laddoos. With confidence running high, party teams are also claiming hopes of winning multiple seats as they gear up for what comes next.
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Indian public sector banks are accelerating IT spending to protect customer data and core financial systems as newer AI tools raise the cybersecurity stakes. Tools such as Anthropic’s Claude Mythos are being flagged for their potential to enable or amplify attacks. Banks are simultaneously upgrading defenses while a government panel evaluates AI-driven cyber risks to keep the sector secure.
West Bengal is set for a high-stakes verdict on Monday as counting begins across 77 centres to decide 293 Assembly seats. The Trinamool Congress seeks to retain power, while the BJP aims for a historic breakthrough after record turnout. CPI(M) and Congress, battered in 2021, are also hoping to claw back influence under tight security.
Unilever expects stronger sales in India, pointing to global supply chain disruptions and rising packaging costs that are pressuring local competitors. With rivals facing tougher conditions, the company sees room to expand market share while staying on top of pricing and volume. Unilever also credits investment in e-commerce and quick commerce as key drivers of growth.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed opposition criticism over the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Nasrapur, calling it “laughable.” He pointed to earlier “cash for transfer” allegations involving critics, arguing their priorities are misplaced. Opposition leaders including Sanjay Raut questioned the government’s competence amid details that the accused reportedly had prior similar cases.
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GSEB will declare Gujarat Class 10 results on May 4, 2026 and Class 12 results on May 6, 2026. Students can download marksheets from gseb.org or receive updates through SMS and WhatsApp. To pass, candidates must secure at least 33% in each subject and overall. Check the official site for the latest details on result availability.
A massive early-morning fire in a four-story apartment complex in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar killed at least nine people, including an infant, with residents describing how they were caught off guard while asleep. Reports suggest a locked terrace and reliance on a single staircase helped the blaze spread across multiple floors, turning the building into a deadly firetrap.
Brent crude has jumped to $125 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz faces escalating West Asia conflict, with naval tensions and tanker blockades disrupting nearly one fifth of global oil flows. Even with ceasefire talks underway, OPEC fragmentation and uncertainty around UAE supply keep prices volatile. India and China are diversifying, but sustained highs could stoke inflation and recession fears.
Early Sunday, a Sharjah to Chennai Air Arabia flight was disrupted when a passenger opened an emergency exit and jumped onto the taxiway shortly after landing. Airport officials say the main runway was temporarily shut down, causing delays for other flights and at least one diversion as operations resumed.
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UltraTech Cement has won a trademark battle in the Bombay High Court, which barred Shiv Cement Co. from using the “UltraPlus” and “UltraHiTouch” brands. The court ruled the rival’s trademarks were confusingly similar to UltraTech’s well-known products. Shiv Cement Co. has been ordered to pay Rs 50 lakh in compensation plus Rs 16.48 lakh toward legal costs.
In Pune’s case involving the rape and murder of a four-year-old, officials say the 65-year-old accused had a prior criminal history. They point to an alleged molestation case dating to 1998, another accusation of molestation and attempted murder in 2015, and a separate POCSO case involving sexual harassment allegations involving a minor neighbour.
Ceigall India’s joint venture CIL-SAM India has won a Rs 918.04-crore contract for Phase-II expansion from Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation. The project includes designing and building a 10.8 km elevated viaduct and ten metro stations, to be completed in about 34 months. The order also marks the company’s push into urban mobility infrastructure.
Trinamool Congress says voters across Bengal backed development and the party’s “Joraphool” symbol in decisive fashion, while urging that its democratic mandate be protected. The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in Falta constituency on May 21, with votes to be counted on May 24, intensifying attention on what the final tally will reflect.
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A Delhi judicial officer, Aman Kumar Sharma, was found dead in Safdarjung, with police treating it as a suicide case while investigating all angles. Sharma’s family alleges harassment linked to his wife and her IAS sister, citing ongoing domestic disputes. His father received a distress call before discovering his son. Sharma joined Delhi Judicial Services in 2021.
Ahead of repolling in Falta Assembly constituency, BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar welcomed the Election Commission’s decision but alleged voter intimidation under Trinamool Congress rule. He said residents were allegedly pressured to vote in a particular manner. Repolling is scheduled for May 21, while counting will take place on May 23.
The Supreme Court will hear a PIL on May 4 seeking tighter Aadhaar issuance norms. The plea requests that new Aadhaar cards be issued only to children up to six years old, while demanding stricter safeguards for adolescents and adults. The petition argues that tighter verification is needed to stop infiltrators from obtaining Aadhaar by posing as Indian citizens.
Indian aviation is bracing for margin squeeze as aviation turbine fuel costs stay elevated. Analysts warn airlines may respond by cutting discounts and raising fares, while some routes could be reviewed. If crude and ATF prices surge further, demand may soften. With connectivity at risk, the government may need to step in with support to keep key routes viable.
France swept India 3-0 in the Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals in Horsens, Denmark, ending India’s hopes of reclaiming the crown they last won in 2022. With the loss, India couldn’t reach the final and instead secured bronze for the 2026 edition, following their disappointing semifinal exit.
As Yamuna pollution worsens in Mathura, the issue is quickly turning into a major election flashpoint ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. Opposition parties are accusing the ruling BJP of failing to control alarming turbidity and bacterial contamination, saying the water is unsafe for drinking and even bathing despite claims of ongoing clean-up efforts.
India’s auto industry is bracing for a bruising FY26, with forecasts projecting a Rs 25,000 crore profit hit. The pressure comes from stricter end-of-life vehicle environmental rules, reportedly applied retroactively to earlier vehicle sales. Automakers and suppliers now expect higher compliance costs and margin erosion, reshaping fiscal planning across the sector.
Northeast Frontier Railway has signed an MoU with IIT Guwahati to deploy an advanced camera system for continuous track monitoring. The setup uses specialized sensors alongside GPS for high accuracy, enabling real-time detection of track issues. Railway officials say it will help prevent safety risks while improving operational efficiency and strengthening passenger protection across the network.
Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 is finding steady traction in India after its May 1 release. While other films struggled to maintain momentum over the weekend, it reportedly posted notable growth on Saturday, positioning itself as the only May release showing upward business trends.
SIS Ltd, the security and facility management company, is aiming for Rs 20,000 crore revenue by FY27, driven by network expansion and the impact of new labour codes. The firm says it is leaning into AI to improve customer service and operational efficiency while planning a major workforce expansion, targeting 5 lakh employees by 2030.
The Iran war’s hit to energy prices is reshaping central bank thinking and delaying expected easing. Robeco expects the Fed to cut rates twice, but warns the ECB may need to hike in June and September if Brent crude stays near $80. In Asia, Japan’s hot growth and inflation risks could keep tightening pressure on policymakers.
Forty years after Chernobyl, women recruited from the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant to cook for cleanup crews still carry the fallout. They reported radiation exposure, health problems, and troubling handling of worker food—often wasted, sometimes contaminated, and occasionally smuggled out. Decades later, these cooks are still battling for promised pensions, highlighting the disaster’s long afterlife.
The Union Cabinet is expected to soon clear a Rs 37,500 crore incentive scheme aimed at scaling coal gasification projects. The plan is designed to accelerate cleaner energy output while reducing India’s reliance on imported LNG and urea, and to better monetize domestic coal. If approved, it could reshape how gas and related fuels are produced.
Ahead of West Bengal assembly election results, security has been heightened across several strongrooms in Kolkata, with heavy forces deployed around key storage facilities including a government girls school in Bhabanipur. Police protection was also increased outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office and the Falta assembly constituency, where locals protested alleged threats and beatings by TMC leaders.
Shahdara BJP MLA Sanjay Goyal said a short circuit is believed to be the main cause of the Vivek Vihar fire that erupted in Block B of a building. Delhi Fire Service officials reported a STOP message received at about 8:00 AM after the fire was brought under control, and said domestic items in at least six flats were involved.
Upper-floor residents in Dharavi are now eligible for new 300 sq ft homes under a new government framework, but the criteria is linked to ground-floor occupants. Beneficiaries can opt for hire-purchase or early ownership, with eligibility based on residency proved through documents before a fixed cut-off date. Officials call it a first-of-its-kind approach to inclusive redevelopment.
Vote counting begins Monday for Assam’s 126 assembly seats, with the BJP-led NDA chasing a historic third term. Congress is banking on a comeback as the final outcome hinges on a crowded field of more than 722 candidates across parties. All eyes are on whether voters stick with the BJP or deliver a dramatic reversal in state politics.
Air India has cut international flights until July, blaming a sharp jump in jet fuel prices and airspace restrictions. The airline’s CEO said rising costs are driving the changes, with domestic services also impacted though less severely. Air India has responded by raising fares and introducing fuel surcharges to offset expenses, drawing criticism from Congress over “gross mismanagement.”
The week kicked off on a bright note as easing geopolitical tensions and steady Q4 earnings improved investor sentiment. But the upward momentum couldn’t last: crude oil prices climbed, Asian markets offered weaker cues, and persistent FII outflows dampened sentiment. Despite the drag, Reliance emerged as the biggest winner among the top firms.
Mercedes bounced back at the Miami Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli stormed to pole shortly after a disappointing Saturday sprint. The result puts Antonelli on top of qualifying again, marking a third consecutive pole for the reigning title leader. He also delivered a key moment in the session by preventing Max Verstappen from taking control, setting up a high-stakes race start.
Vote counting for Kerala’s Assembly elections held on April 9 begins this Monday, May 4. The ruling LDF, opposition UDF, and the BJP-led NDA are all waiting on results that could determine who gets to lead the next government. With a high-stakes triangular contest and millions of voters involved, the final seat tally may reshape Kerala’s political balance.
Rep. Eric Burlison is pushing the FBI for clarity over the suspicious deaths and disappearances of at least 13 American scientists connected to nuclear and military research since 2022. His focus includes former Air Force intelligence officer Matthew Sullivan, slated to testify before Congress, raising fresh questions about what the FBI knew and when.
The Indian Army has started the procurement process for 159 bullet-proof troop carriers for operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The vehicles are meant to improve mobility and protection for Rashtriya Rifles personnel in difficult terrain, including high altitudes up to 5,000 meters. The move also aligns with the Make in India initiative to boost domestic manufacturing.
An Air Arabia flight from Sharjah was grounded at Chennai International Airport after a passenger opened an emergency exit while the aircraft was taxiing. The pilot stopped the plane and alerted authorities. CISF personnel rushed in and arrested the passenger, who is now being questioned. Officials are also assessing his mental state as investigations continue.
HPBOSE will announce Class 12 results for Science, Commerce, and Arts on May 4, 2026 at 11 AM. Students can view their scores and download the mark sheets from the official site, hpbose.org, using their roll number. The board’s update confirms the exact date and time for checking results online.
Radisson Hotel Group is accelerating its India expansion, aiming to operate 157 to 160 hotels and close to 19,500 keys by end-2026. The push supports its bigger target of 500 hotels by 2030, with developments planned not only in major cities but also in smaller towns—signaling a deep pipeline for the next few years.
Petrol prices in India change every day based on global crude oil costs, the rupee’s movement against the dollar, and local supply-demand conditions. Refining expenses, taxes, and dealer commissions also shape what consumers pay per litre. Check the latest city-wise rates for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru on 3 May 2026.
Two children in Uttar Pradesh were stranded overnight atop a damaged water tank after the ladder broke on Saturday night, officials said. In the early hours of Sunday, an Indian Air Force helicopter carried out a rescue operation, bringing both kids to safety. The swift response prevented a prolonged ordeal for the trapped children.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren called the Chandil–Tata railway section’s “unacceptable” condition, saying passenger trains have routinely faced hours-long delays for the past two years. He urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to prioritize passenger services and speed up infrastructure work, questioning whether freight timelines are being put ahead of commuters’ time.
A commission report says Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams procured over 70 lakh kg of ghee while bypassing mandatory quality checks. The lapse allegedly enabled suppliers to sell adulterated ghee, with officials reportedly ignoring safety tests and suppressing lab findings that indicated vegetable fats. The report points to governance failures by senior officials and board members.
Dalal Street is set to watch crude oil closely after Iran hinted at resuming negotiations with the U.S. Oil fell sharply from four-year highs, but weekly gains remain possible. Traders also factor in Iran’s continued obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. restrictions on Iranian crude exports, which could keep market volatility high next week.
Pakistan’s economy is under fresh pressure as conflict in the Middle East drives oil prices higher, feeding double-digit inflation and straining public and private finances. Analysts warn growth could slow sharply, while the already weak stock market underlines investor stress. With imports a key risk, Pakistan’s current account deficit could widen and foreign reserves may be depleted faster than expected.
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