Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were dealt a blow when Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck for the second time in a row against Mumbai Indians. Chasing 167, RCB’s innings never truly got going as Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept Mumbai tightly in check earlier, finishing with a 166/7 total. Tilak Varma top-scored for MI with 57.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged a return to work-from-home and asked Indians to delay foreign travel for a year, citing rising fuel and energy supply concerns amid the West Asia conflict. He called for collective steps to cut fuel consumption, conserve foreign exchange, and reduce potential economic fallout as global conditions shift.
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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim about a “wobbling” chair in the state, saying the Chief Minister’s position is stable. Shivakumar also paid tribute to Minister D Sudhakar for his district-focused work and inclusive approach. He further reiterated Congress support for TVK in Tamil Nadu to keep the BJP out of power.
Aston Villa’s bid for Champions League qualification took a hit as they played Burnley to a 2-2 draw, three days after battling in the Europa League semifinals. The result leaves Villa needing more. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, inched nearer to survival, with their relegation worries looking close to over despite failing to win their situation.
TVK leader Seenivasa Sethupathy, who won the Tiruppattur Assembly seat by just one vote over DMK’s KR Periyakaruppan, said his 83,000 votes came “only” due to party chief Vijay. Dismissing the idea that a single decisive vote mattered, he claimed every ballot reflected support for Thalapathy Vijay rather than personal power.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Trinamool Congress, calling it authoritarian and arguing the party failed to break from its Congress roots. He claimed TMC absorbed “negative habits” associated with the Left, citing allegations of violence and grassroots intimidation after the end of 34 years of Marxist rule in West Bengal. The remarks sharpened the BJP versus TMC political clash ahead of elections.
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Chennai Super Kings boosted their IPL 2026 playoff hopes with a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at Chepauk, marking their third straight victory. Sparked by Urvil Patel’s joint-fastest IPL half-century, CSK now face multiple qualification paths depending on remaining results, net run rate, and key clashes with direct rivals.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s swearing-in turned tense over the order of songs played during the ceremony. Opposition DMK and TVK allies protested after Vande Mataram was played before the Tamil anthem, citing an “inappropriate” sequence for Tamil Nadu. TVK responded that the arrangement was the Governor’s call, while TVK MLA Aadhav Arjuna issued a clarification on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the US-Israeli war against Iran cannot be considered over until Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is “taken out.” In an interview, he added that other war aims remain unfulfilled, signalling no immediate resolution despite the ongoing conflict. The comments intensify pressure on the nuclear issue as a key condition for any pause.
A US-brokered ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is under heavy strain after both sides reported weekend attacks. Ukraine described drone strikes and clashes, while Russia’s Defence Ministry said it shot down many Ukrainian drones. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, key sticking points remain unresolved. US envoys are set to visit Moscow soon, aiming to revive talks even as fighting claims continue.
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The Madras High Court held a special sitting after DMK leader and former minister K R Periakaruppan challenged the Tiruppattur Assembly election result, which he lost by a historic margin of one vote. The court asked the Election Commission of India to explain the discrepancy surrounding the narrow count between R Seenivasa Sethupathi of TVK and Periakaruppan.
Venture capital funding into Indian startups fell in the first week of May, driven by fewer deals and the absence of high-value transactions. Total funding came in at $129 million across 19 deals, down from $219 million the prior week. Skyroot Aerospace’s $60 million round stood out, but weekly deal counts stayed around 20 amid macro uncertainty.
A suicide bombing at a police station in Bannu, Pakistan, killed 14 officers, triggering a fierce gun battle, authorities say. The attack was claimed by a rogue faction of the Pakistan Taliban, highlighting a troubling escalation in militant activity in the area and raising fears of further violence.
West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya hit back at claims his party is a “washing machine” for defectors. He likened the BJP to holy Ganga, saying strict entry protocols decide who joins. Bhattacharya also claimed several Trinamool Congress leaders want to switch sides, but said the BJP is not accepting new members right now.
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The DMK Legislature Party meeting in Chennai decided on new leadership roles under party president MK Stalin. Udhayanidhi Stalin was elected as Leader of the Legislature Party, while KN Nehru and EV Velu were appointed Deputy Leader and party whip. The changes were finalized at Kalaignar Arangam in Anna Arivalayam on Thursday, signalling a reshuffle ahead of the legislature’s next phase.
Joseph Vijay kicked off his Tamil Nadu tenure with a nine-member TVK cabinet that blends veteran leadership with first-time faces, professionals, and close aides. The lineup includes figures such as Sengottaiyan and Keerthana, signaling a carefully curated mix of experience and fresh representation as Vijay sets the tone for governance in the state.
Amid the escalating West Asia crisis and a worsening global energy outlook, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to curb petroleum use and prioritize smarter daily choices. He also asked people to reduce gold and edible oil purchases and to lean on work from home, online meetings, and video conferences, arguing these shifts serve national interest while stabilizing demand.
The AICC is postponing the announcement of Kerala’s next Chief Minister, even as internal support hardens. The contest is between KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan, with allies leaning toward Satheesan, while Venugopal reportedly holds stronger MLA backing. Satheesan, however, is said to have deeper cadre support. A final decision is expected after consulting party factions.
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Microsoft’s planned data center in Kenya is reportedly facing delays after disagreements with the government over guaranteed payment terms. The project, backed by a partnership with G42 for a $1 billion investment, still needs further structuring due to the facility’s scale and additional discussions on power requirements. Talks are ongoing, but timelines remain unclear.
The Reserve Bank of India and the European Central Bank have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in central banking. The pact revises an earlier 2015 agreement, enabling smoother information exchange and policy dialogue. Both banks will work together on shared priorities, deepening coordination on banking practices and supporting broader financial sector growth.
A Bengaluru autorickshaw driver’s movie-inspired posters featuring Tamil stars Vijay and Trisha Krishnan have taken social media by storm. The poster pairs celebrity visuals with a witty, romance-themed line that netizens instantly turned into relatable jokes and life-lesson talk. The viral buzz comes as Vijay rises politically and Trisha recently appeared at a swearing-in event, adding extra attention to the moment.
Donald Trump said in an interview that Iran is “militarily defeated” and that the US could strike every single target in just two weeks. He questioned NATO, calling it a “paper tiger” for not supporting the campaign against Tehran, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28.
Security sources say Israeli forces operated from a covert base in Iraq’s Najaf desert during the Iran war, using an abandoned airstrip to support aerial missions. Despite the secrecy, the location reportedly failed to prevent deadly clashes with Iraqi troops, triggering intense conflict and casualties.
Lionsgate Play plans a major India pivot, aiming to build intellectual property worth Rs 1,000 crore. The company is moving from distribution toward a full-stack entertainment model, betting on premium originals, AI-led production, and multiple ways to earn revenue. The strategy is designed to speed growth and create durable franchises that can be monetised across platforms.
In his first meeting after taking CM oath, Vijay reviewed the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu with senior administration and police leadership. Chief Secretary M Saikumar, the Home Prohibition and Excise Additional Chief Secretary K Manivasan, DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore, and key CM secretariat officials attended. The closed-door discussion focused on on-ground policing and coordination as the new term begins.
China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet US officials for trade consultations in South Korea next week, Chinese state media reported. The talks are set for Tuesday and Wednesday and aim to address “mutual trade issues.” The announcement follows expectations of a separate summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, heightening focus on the next round of negotiations.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that the Congress party is facing a leadership struggle in the state. Shivakumar said all positions are stable and questioned why the Prime Minister made such an assertion. The exchange raises fresh questions about political narratives ahead of Karnataka’s key developments.
After actor-politician Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, the DMK shifted to the opposition in the Assembly. At a DMK Legislature Party meeting in Chennai led by MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin was elected leader of the DMK Legislature Party. With DMK emerging as the second-largest party, his role sets the tone for Opposition strategy going forward.
Barn owls can naturally cut pests, but simply installing a nest box won’t attract them reliably. Wildlife experts say success depends on abundant prey, open hunting areas, and a genuinely safe yard. Even when owls arrive, they’re gradual residents—homeowners must keep maintaining conditions, including avoiding rodenticides, to support long-term nesting and hunting.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged Jammu and Kashmir to stay on her father’s path of peace, claiming that despite a tough public approach, secret talks with Pakistan continue. She linked the region’s instability to despair and unemployment, arguing that cross-border engagement and reconciliation are essential for long-term stability. Mufti also alleged a plan to erode Kashmir’s cultural fabric.
Urvil Patel lit up CSK’s chase against Lucknow Super Giants with a blistering 13-ball fifty, one of the fastest in IPL history. He blasted 65 off 23 balls, hitting eight sixes, to seriously swing momentum in Chennai’s favor while chasing 204. Despite his dismissal, Patel’s innings proved the game’s turning point.
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh accused Vinesh Phogat of politicising wrestling, saying her actions reflect a shift from sports. He further alleged that Phogat is backed by the Indian National Congress to pursue political ambitions, escalating a public fight between wrestling leadership and the athlete.
A slim line of dirt on walls or fences may actually be mud tubes made by subterranean termites. These tunnels help termites move from soil to wood while staying protected from predators and from drying out. Since termites need both moisture from soil and food from wood, their presence can signal likely damage to wooden structures—so it should be checked quickly.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar guided TVK chief C Joseph Vijay at his oath-taking ceremony, but Vijay initially deviated from the script with a forceful speech and gestures. Arlekar then prompted him to read the official oath. After the ceremony, Vijay unveiled three welfare initiatives—electricity support, women’s safety, and a drug eradication push.
Ahead of UP assembly elections, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet was expanded in Lucknow. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath at Gandhi Auditorium, Jan Bhavan. Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary and Manoj Kumar Pandey were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers, while Krishna Paswan, Surendra Diler, Hansraj Vishwakarma and Kailash Singh Rajput took oath as Ministers of State.
Bihar’s NDA government has carried out a major administrative reshuffle, transferring 11 IAS and 16 IPS officers. HR Sriniwas has been appointed Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, while Santosh Kumar Mall becomes Principal Secretary of Disaster Management. Sudhanshu Kumar is named Additional Director General of Law and Order, signaling a sharp shift in key governance functions.
Former President Donald Trump resurfaced on Truth Social with more than a dozen AI-generated images showing US and Iran maritime warfare, mixed with golf event snapshots. Shared after a stretch of silence, the visuals were aimed at political rivals and to bolster his earlier claims about military success against Tehran—despite being fabricated.
Iran has sent its response to a US proposal to end the ongoing war, with Pakistan serving as mediator. Tehran’s plan centers on halting hostilities in the region and reaching a temporary understanding. The reported aim is to pause the conflict long enough to allow traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.
Doctors in Delhi performed a rare toe-to-finger transplant on an 18-year-old college student, reconstructing a deformed middle finger and restoring substantial hand function. The team carried out an eight-hour microsurgery that transplanted her second toe and used existing skin for coverage, followed by a promising recovery trajectory.
A new women-led cafe has opened near the Baba Harbhajan Singh Shrine in East Sikkim at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Supported by Trishakti Corps, the initiative is designed to create local employment while drawing tourists to border areas. Beyond food, it spotlights regional heritage and strategic geography, showing how military and civilian efforts can deliver inclusive, community-led growth.
Netflix has confirmed it’s expanding the Money Heist universe, reviving excitement for La Casa de Papel fans worldwide. The teaser drop brings back the unmistakable red jumpsuits, Dalí masks, and the haunting anthem Bella Ciao, signaling a fresh wave of chaos and emotion. The biggest question now: whether the Professor is set to reappear and reshape the next story.
Passengers and crew are being evacuated from a cruise ship following a hantavirus outbreak. Global health officials are supervising the operation as travelers are transported to airports for repatriation. Authorities advise a 42-day quarantine for everyone who was on board. The ship departed Cape Verde after the outbreak was detected, and investigators report no rodents were found onboard.
Suspended TMC leader Riju Dutta launched a harsh attack on Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, alleging an “outsider organisation” called I-PAC captured the party’s internal mechanisms. He accused the leadership of handling ED raid fallout by quickly securing sensitive party data, while BJP dismissed it as “no vacancy” for outsiders. The dispute adds fresh pressure inside TMC ahead of elections.
Global tech giants are reportedly flooding SK Hynix with unprecedented offers to secure vital memory chip supplies. The proposals include funding new production lines and covering expensive equipment purchases amid surging AI-driven demand. SK Hynix is not rushing into agreements, instead weighing multiple options to lock in long-term supply commitments while managing risk.
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is reportedly likely to visit India next week for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. The agenda includes the escalating West Asia situation, with his participation dependent on regional stability. India is pushing for consensus on a joint statement, while discussions also turn to economic and energy concerns.
Ahead of the monsoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged stronger water conservation and more prudent management, pressing farmers to shift to better irrigation practices. He also promoted the government’s Mission LiFE for environmentally responsible living. Modi further credited India’s youth for leadership in digital payments, infrastructure and startups, adding that broad social participation is essential to meet national goals.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced plans to develop Odisha’s Bhima Mandali caves near Sambalpur as a global heritage destination. The site, believed to be between 15,000 and 20,000 years old, will reportedly get world-class facilities to protect its ecological and archaeological value. The initiative also highlights the caves’ historical and mythological significance for international visitors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a sharp political pitch to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, saying he could offer the same level of central support Gujarat received in the past decade. In a jovial aside urging Reddy to “ally” with him, Modi framed the offer as a practical path to faster benefits for Telangana—drawing attention to federal politics ahead.
South Korea’s foreign ministry says an HMM-operated bulk carrier’s stern was struck by two unidentified objects on May 4 while the ship was stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul previously reported an earlier blast and fire on the same vessel and is now probing whether the incidents are linked and what caused the impacts.
South Korea says two unidentified aircraft struck the HMM Namu cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, causing flames and smoke. Seoul’s foreign ministry made the claim on Sunday, after the fire-damaged vessel reached Dubai. The ministry says the aircraft hit the port-side ballast tank’s outer plate at roughly one-minute intervals, escalating concerns over maritime security.
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