A couple were killed Friday as a rice-laden truck overturned on their motorcycle after losing balance while navigating potholes on a road Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district.

The truck driver was also severely injured in the accident.

As per police, the accident took place around 5 pm near Jevnara village on the Seoni-Balaghat road under Barghat police station limits.

Barghat Police Station House Officer Mohnish Singh Bains said the deceased have been identified as Deep Singh Chauhan (50) and his wife Durga Bai Chauhan (45), both locals.

He said the couple was returning home on a motorcycle after attending a wedding when the truck, carrying rice, lost control ostensibly due to potholes on the road and overturned on them on a bridge over the Hirri river.

Both died on the spot, while the truck driver sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, locals alleged that the poor condition of the Seoni-Balaghat state highway has led to several accidents in the past. They said the road is riddled with potholes and lacks proper shoulders, posing risk to commuters.

Residents had earlier staged protests demanding repair and upgradation of the road, which has been approved for four-laning, but work is yet to begin.

Dr Mohan Yadav-led BJP state government has not yet announced any compensation for the family of the deceased.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted pan-India searches into alleged illegal fund flows through foreign debit cards, with parts of Jharkhand’s Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected belt emerging as a key concern due to unusual cash withdrawals.

Searches were carried out on April 18 and 19 across six locations in multiple states under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The probe relates to suspected withdrawal and use of funds through foreign bank-issued debit cards, bypassing regulatory channels.

The ED said debit cards linked to overseas banks, including a US-based institution, were brought into India and used repeatedly at ATMs to withdraw cash. The transactions followed a “planned pattern,” indicating possible involvement of an organised network.

Officials noted that similar withdrawal patterns have been observed in LWE-affected regions, including parts of Jharkhand. The agency flagged concerns over the emergence of a parallel cash-based system in sensitive areas, with potential implications for financial integrity and internal security.

The investigation is linked to a movement identified as “The Timothy Initiative (TTI)” and individuals associated with it in India. According to the ED, TTI India is not registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), yet funds withdrawn through these cards were allegedly used to meet its operational expenses.

The probe also flagged significant withdrawals in other LWE zones, particularly in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, where around Rs 6.5 crore is estimated to have been withdrawn in recent years using similar methods.

In a key development, 24 foreign debit cards were recovered from an individual intercepted by immigration authorities at Bengaluru airport, indicating a coordinated operation.

Investigators have also identified an online billing and accounting platform, allegedly operated from outside India, used to track ATM withdrawals and fund utilisation.

The ED estimates that approximately Rs 95 crore was channelled into India between November 2025 and April 2026 through such mechanisms.

Search operations resulted in the seizure of 25 foreign debit cards, cash worth Rs 40 lakh, and digital devices and documents.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday announced a three-nation tour as tensions continue to simmer in West Asia. He is scheduled to visit Russia, Oman and Pakistan for consultations on regional developments and bilateral relations.

In a message posted on X, Araghchi said the visit was aimed at strengthening coordination with key partners. “Embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbours are our priority,” he said.

Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.

Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.

Our neighbors are our priority.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 24, 2026

Even as diplomatic channels remain active, sources indicate there will be no direct interaction between Tehran and Washington during this visit to Islamabad. Reports citing American and Iranian officials said the Iranian delegation is not expected to speak with US representatives.

According to Iranian state media, the visit is intended to facilitate discussions on the evolving security situation, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The outreach comes at a time when diplomatic activity has intensified amid concerns over further escalation in the region.

Pre-visit call with Pakistan Dy PM

Ahead of his visit, Araghchi held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar earlier in the day. The discussion centred on the evolving regional situation and the status of the ceasefire, signalling Islamabad’s importance in Tehran’s current diplomatic outreach.

Efforts to hold negotiation talks between the US and Iran faced a setback in Islamabad earlier this month. The first round of US-Iran talks, held in Islamabad on April 11-12 with the aim of ending the conflict in West Asia, collapsed after 21 hours of negotiations. A second round of talks did not take place after Iran declined to commit to further participation.

Uncertainty on conflict resolution

The development comes as US President Donald Trump signalled uncertainty over the path forward. Speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, he declined to provide a timeline for resolving the conflict, saying, “Don’t rush me.”

He also pointed to a lack of clarity in Iran’s leadership as a factor slowing negotiations, adding that Washington remains unsure about who is leading decision-making in Tehran.

Earlier this week, Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, citing the need to give Tehran additional time to arrive at a unified negotiating position. The decision followed concerns over internal divisions within Iran’s leadership and appeals from international stakeholders seeking to avoid further escalation.

–

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday underscored the transformative potential of India’s maritime sector in driving economic growth, as two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged at the Delhi School of Economics.

The MoU between the University of Delhi and the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) aims to strengthen maritime education, research and capacity building in alignment with India’s long-term maritime vision.

Addressing a seminar on “Blue Economy: Its Imperatives for a Viksit Bharat,” Sonowal said, “As we move towards Viksit Bharat, the maritime sector will play an even more transformative role in driving India’s economic growth, trade competitiveness and sustainable development.”

“By strengthening the maritime talent pipeline—the core objective of this MoU—we are building a robust ecosystem to meet the growing demand for world-class maritime professionals, both in quality and scale, positioning India as a global leader in the sector. Under PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision, India is aligning education, policy & innovation to emerge as a global maritime leader,” he said.

Highlighting India’s strategic maritime advantages, the minister noted that with a coastline of over 11,000 kilometres and 111 national waterways (NWs), strengthening the maritime ecosystem is a national imperative.

Sonowal emphasised that the government’s maritime vision, guided by the SAGAR and MAHASAGAR doctrines, reflects a commitment to regional cooperation, maritime security and shared prosperity.

The MoU seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and policy institutions, with a focus on skill development, capacity building and research in emerging maritime domains. Key areas of cooperation include development of academic frameworks for maritime courses, joint research projects, training programs, knowledge dissemination and professional counselling for students.

Sonowal described the collaboration as a “forward-looking step” that bridges academia and industry, creating opportunities for youth to engage with India’s expanding maritime sector.

The Shipping Minister stressed that human capital will be central to India’s maritime ambitions, noting that the country’s seafaring workforce has nearly tripled in the past 12 years and now contributes about 12 per cent of the global maritime workforce, with a target to reach 20 per cent by 2030.

“MoU between University of Delhi and CMEC to boost maritime education, research and skill development,” Sonowal said.

The Union Minister also highlighted that India’s maritime transformation is being driven by an integrated approach encompassing port-modernisation, multi-modal connectivity, sustainability initiatives and digitalisation.

He pointed to flagship programmes such as Sagarmala and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 as key enablers of this growth trajectory.

The collaboration is expected to open new avenues for students and researchers in fields such as maritime logistics, green shipping, supply chain management and maritime policy, contributing to the broader vision of a sustainable and globally competitive Blue Economy.

During the event, an additional MoU was also exchanged between RIS and the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) to promote joint programmes in public policy research and training.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, academic leaders, faculty members and students, marking a significant step towards integrating education, research and policy in India’s maritime sector.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd reported a strong financial performance for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, with its net profit rising to Rs 28,173 crore, up from Rs 24,795 crore in the previous year, driven by steady growth in revenue and operating efficiencies.

For the March quarter (Q4 FY26), the telecom major posted a net profit of Rs 7,317 crore, marking a nearly 10% increase compared with Rs 6,642 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Sequentially, profit also saw a marginal uptick from Rs 7,173 crore in the December quarter.

Revenue from operations during Q4 FY26 stood at Rs 33,381 crore, up from Rs 30,018 crore in the year-ago period, reflecting continued subscriber additions and data consumption growth. On a full-year basis, revenue rose to Rs 1,28,871 crore compared to Rs 1,14,141 crore in FY25.

Total income for the quarter came in at Rs 34,039 crore, while annual total income stood at Rs 1,31,403 crore, indicating consistent topline expansion.

The company reported a profit before tax of Rs 9,827 crore for the March quarter and Rs 37,842 crore for the full year. Operating margins remained robust, with operating margin at around 29% and net profit margin at 18.6% for FY26, broadly stable compared to the previous year.

Total expenses for the quarter rose to Rs 24,212 crore, led by higher network operating costs, finance costs, and depreciation expenses. Finance costs nearly doubled on a yearly basis to Rs 8,559 crore in FY26, indicating increased leverage and investments in network expansion.

Depreciation and amortisation expenses also increased to Rs 25,953 crore for the year, reflecting ongoing investments in spectrum and infrastructure.

As per the balance sheet, the company’s total assets rose to Rs 5,49,176 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 5,24,082 crore a year ago, driven by higher investments in spectrum and infrastructure.

Net worth increased to Rs 2,84,426 crore, while the debt-equity ratio improved to 0.24, indicating a relatively stable leverage position.

Operational cash flows remained strong at Rs 75,088 crore for FY26, supporting the company’s aggressive capital expenditure and investment plans. However, investing activities saw an outflow of Rs 40,986 crore, largely due to capital expenditure and investments.

The Indian squad for the World Athletics U20 Championships, scheduled from August 5 to 9 in Eugene, USA, will be selected on the basis of performances across three domestic competitions, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced on Friday.

Revealing the selection criteria, the AFI confirmed that the Indian Athletics Series 9 in Ludhiana (June 13) and the 10th leg in Thiruvananthapuram (June 14) will serve as key qualification events.

In Ludhiana, athletes will compete in middle and long-distance track events along with throws, including 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 3000m steeplechase, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, and javelin throw.

The Thiruvananthapuram leg will feature sprint and field events such as 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump, and triple jump.

Meanwhile, the ongoing 24th National Junior Federation Championships in Tumkur will primarily serve as a selection platform for decathlon, heptathlon, and race walking events.

The AFI clarified that only one athlete per event will be automatically considered for selection based on performance, except in relays. The second entry, if any, will be at the discretion of the selection committee.

Performances at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong (May 28–31) may also be considered, provided athletes compete in the final trials and maintain form.

To ensure global competitiveness, the AFI has set qualification standards across events for both men and women.

In the men’s category, standards include 10.51 seconds in 100m, 21.51 in 200m, 47.11 in 400m, 1:50.55 in 800m, 3:44.54 in 1500m, 13:56.95 in 5000m, 13.56.95 in 110m hurdles, 51.61 in 400m hurdles, 8:39.79 in 3000m steeplechase, 2.08m in high jump, 5.05m in pole vault, 7.56m in long jump, 15.60m in triple jump, 19.17m in shot put, 59.72m in discus throw, 68.73m in hammer throw, and 68.98m in javelin throw. Combined event and relay standards have also been defined.

For women, the benchmarks include 11.64 seconds in 100m, 23.40 in 200m, 53.09 in 400m, 2:09.36 in 800m, 4:21.05 in 1500m, 9:06.92 in 3000m, 16:14.34 in 5000m, 13.53 in 100m hurdles, 59.23 in 400m hurdles, 9:52.84 in 3000m steeplechase, 1.80m in high jump, 4.05m in pole vault, 6.09m in long jump, 13.11m in triple jump, 14.95m in shot put, 51.43m in discus throw, 62.51m in hammer throw, and 49.61m in javelin throw, along with standards for combined events and relays.

The AFI stated that the selection process aims to ensure consistency, competitiveness, and readiness ahead of the global championship in Eugene.

In a significant move aimed at regulating land use in the capital, the Supreme Court (SC) has directed a comprehensive inquiry across Delhi to identify residential properties being used for commercial purposes. Acting on the order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has instructed officials to begin a time-bound exercise covering all zones.

According to an official communication issued by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar, the apex court has made all municipal corporations of capital cities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, party respondents and asked them to conduct a detailed inquiry within their jurisdictions.

The MCD has directed Zonal Deputy Commissioners to carry out extensive field surveys to identify violations in areas designated strictly for residential use. The exercise will include all residential colonies, whether authorised, unauthorised or regularised, as well as group housing societies and plotted developments.

The order also extends to pockets or “islands” that may fall outside formal administrative limits but are geographically located within or surrounded by MCD areas.

The exercise shall mandatorily include:

• All residential colonies, including unauthorised/regularised approved colonies
• Group housing societies and plotted developments
• All areas falling within the jurisdiction of MCD, including such ‘islands’ or pockets which, though they may technically fall outside administrative limits, are geographically situated within or surrounded by MCD areas

Detailed Verification and Zone-Wise Reporting Mandated

Officials have been asked to conduct on-ground verification and compile a comprehensive, zone-wise list of properties where residential premises are being used for non-residential activities. The civic body has stressed that the data must be accurate and supported by records, as it will form the basis of an affidavit to be submitted before the Supreme Court.

Authorities have also been instructed to fix accountability for any lapses, including omissions or incorrect reporting during the survey process.

Seven-Day Deadline for Report Submission

The MCD has set a strict deadline of seven days for submission of the compiled reports to the Additional Commissioner (Engineering). The final affidavit, based on the collected data, will be filed before the Supreme Court and personally affirmed by the Commissioner.

The exercise is expected to have wide-ranging implications for commercial establishments operating out of residential premises across the national capital.

Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated his team’s massive 103-run win over Mumbai Indians to left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary, who returned to play despite the passing of his mother on Tuesday.

Speaking after Thursday’s match, Gaikwad acknowledged the emotional challenge Mukesh had gone through and praised his commitment to the team. “Pretty tough on him (Choudhary). I would dedicate this win to him,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation.

“Coming in from that sad situation, it takes a lot of effort mentally. He came back for the team, he knew we needed him. All glory to him. Even we spoke before… we wanted to win the game and glad everyone chipped in and wanted to be there for him,” he added.

Mukesh, who was playing only his second game of the season, delivered a solid performance with the ball. He bowled four overs in a single spell and finished with figures of 1/31, helping CSK bowl Mumbai Indians out for 104 while defending a total of 208. He made an early impact by dismissing Quinton de Kock for 7 with just his fifth delivery.

Earlier in the match, CSK had posted 207 for 6 after being put in to bat, with Sanju Samson leading the way with an unbeaten 101. However, Gaikwad said the pitch was not as easy to bat on as the score suggested.

“Me and Sanju felt it was not coming on nicely,” he said. “Anyway 200-210 was going to be a good score. Akeal [Hosein] coming in for bowling helps a lot, everyone just chipped in really well. Those 20s from Kartik [Sharma, 18] and [Dewald] Brewis [21] helped a lot, it kept the momentum going and Sanju played a magnificent knock, taking us home again. Really thanks to him, he’s been fantastic.”

Gaikwad also praised the contribution of his spin bowlers, Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein, who played a key role in dismantling Mumbai’s batting lineup. The duo combined to take six wickets while conceding just 41 runs in their eight overs, with Hosein finishing with figures of 4 for 17 to earn the Player of the Match award.

“We’re kind of heading in a direction where we’re trying to cover all bases,” Gaikwad explained.

“Khaleel [Ahmed] wasn’t available, but Mukesh to start that first over, especially to Quinton, that really set the momentum. To bowl three overs in the powerplay to the likes of Surya[kumar Yadav] and Tilak [Varma], he started really well. Anshul [Kamboj] is always foxing [batters] well, Jamie [Overton] whenever the wicket has pace and bounce, he and Gurjapneet [Singh] can take wickets in the middle [overs] for us.

“We always have Noor and it’s always a blessing to have Akeal, if we have an opportunity. Overall, everyone is getting into their roles, settling and I feel everyone’s calm and composed, they know what to do. But I feel we [should] start [the next game] from zero, assessing the pitch, we’ve got a day game as well. Make sure we enjoy this win, keep it aside and ensure we’re ready for the next one,” Gaikwad added.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have received a big boost ahead of their weekend contest against Rajasthan Royals, as their regular captain Pat Cummins is set to play his first game of IPL 2026 on Saturday.

Cummins had arrived in India before the season began but did not feature in any matches. The 32-year-old later returned to Australia after SRH’s win over Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 to undergo scans on his back.

After clearing his fitness test on Friday, Cummins confirmed that he is ready to return to action and will take the field against Rajasthan Royals.

“Been a long time coming, stinging to get back into it tomorrow,” Cummins shared in a social media post on Instagram, indicating his comeback.

Cummins has not played any competitive cricket since the Ashes series against England at home. He also missed the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia were knocked out in the group stage.

During his absence, SRH tried different combinations in their pace attack and found success with debutants Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain. Both bowlers impressed with four-wicket hauls against Rajasthan Royals earlier this week at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

With Cummins returning, he is expected to take back the captaincy from stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan. Under Kishan’s leadership, SRH have done well, winning four out of seven matches and currently sitting fourth on the points table with eight points and a healthy net run rate.

Cummins is likely to replace Dilshan Madhushanka in the playing XI. Madhushanka has played only one match this season and conceded 36 runs while picking up one wicket in his four overs. Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Eshan Malinga are expected to be the other overseas players in the SRH lineup.

Inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals will look to make the most of home conditions and settle scores when they take on a resurgent Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second match of the weekend double-header on Saturday.

Both teams are in the race for crucial points. Rajasthan Royals are currently placed second on the table and have been in good form, while Sunrisers sit in fourth place after a mixed run this season. SRH know they will face a strong challenge at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, especially with RR coming in with confidence.

There is also a sense of revenge for Rajasthan. In their earlier meeting on April 13, SRH had outplayed them, handing RR a heavy 57-run defeat to halt their four-match winning streak. That loss exposed weaknesses in Rajasthan’s game, as they struggled in all phases. Thus, Saturday’s match gives them a chance to correct those mistakes and respond strongly.

Since that defeat, RR have bounced back well. They recently secured a convincing 40-run win over Lucknow Super Giants away from home and have built good momentum, winning five of their first seven matches. Playing at home now, they will be keen to continue that run.

Sunrisers, meanwhile, will rely on their aggressive batting approach, which worked well for them in the previous encounter. Players like Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen made key contributions with the bat in that game, and the team will expect similar performances again.

Abhishek Sharma, fresh off a brilliant hundred against Delhi Capitals, will look to carry that form forward. His opening partner Travis Head will also be aiming to provide quick runs at the top. SRH have one of the most explosive batting line-ups this season, with their top order scoring at a very high rate.

However, their bowling remains a concern. While Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain impressed with four wickets each on debut against RR, the bowling unit is still relatively inexperienced. The absence of captain Pat Cummins has also affected their balance, although they have shown some improvement in recent matches.

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have looked more settled as a team. Their Indian batting core has been strong, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Dhruv Jurel making important contributions. Captain Riyan Parag, though, has struggled for runs and will be hoping to step up in this game.

RR have focused on playing an attacking brand of cricket, and their batting depth has often put opposition teams under pressure. Sooryavanshi, just 15 years old, has been a standout performer, scoring 254 runs at an impressive strike rate and already hitting two rapid fifties. Jaiswal has also been consistent at the top, scoring 245 runs and providing a mix of stability and aggression.

With the ball, Jofra Archer has led the attack well, picking up 11 wickets in seven matches. Ravindra Jadeja also made a big impact in the last game against LSG, contributing with both bat and ball, and will head into this match with confidence.

Overall, Rajasthan Royals appear to have the edge in terms of form and balance, but Sunrisers Hyderabad have the firepower to challenge them. With both teams aiming for key points, this contest could turn out to be a closely fought one.

Squads:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Abhishek Sharma, Amit Kumar, Salil Arora, Brydon Carse, Harsh Dubey, Krains Fuletra, Travis Head, Praful Hinge, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshal Patel, David Payne, Sakib Hussain, Shivam Mavi, Shivang Kumar, Ravichandran Smaran, Onkar Tarmale, Jaydev Unadkat, Aniket Verma, Zeeshan Ansari.

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Sen, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma.

Capitals will need something special to get their campaign back on track when they take on a confident Punjab Kings side at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the first of the weekend’s double header on Saturday.

It won’t be easy. Delhi are coming off a heavy 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad and have struggled to find any real consistency this season. With three wins and three losses from six matches, they sit in the bottom half of the table in sixth place.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have been one of the standout teams so far. They are the only unbeaten side in the tournament, sitting at the top with 11 points from six matches. The only points they dropped came from a washed-out game against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Delhi’s biggest issue has been their batting. While players like KL Rahul, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi have all chipped in at different times, the batting unit hasn’t clicked together as a whole. Opener Pathum Nissanka has managed to get starts but hasn’t converted them into big scores, which has put extra pressure on the middle order.

Captain Axar Patel will also be looking to contribute more with the bat. His captaincy decisions have come under scrutiny as well, especially in the last game. Against an in-form Abhishek Sharma, Axar continued with part-time spinner Nitish Rana, who struggled, while frontline bowlers like himself and Kuldeep Yadav weren’t used enough. It showed a lack of a backup plan when things started going wrong.

Fielding hasn’t helped their cause either. Missed stumpings, dropped catches and failed run-out chances have cost them at key moments. While the bowling has been slightly better than the batting, it still lacks the aggression needed to put strong teams under pressure. Against a powerful Punjab batting line-up, Delhi’s bowlers will need to be far sharper.

Punjab Kings, in contrast, have looked like a well-balanced and confident side. They recently posted 254 for 7 against Lucknow Super Giants, the highest total of the season, which shows the kind of form their batters are in.

Prabhsimran Singh has been outstanding at the top, scoring 211 runs and giving the team quick starts. Captain Shreyas Iyer has also been in great touch with 208 runs at a strong strike rate. They’ve had solid support from Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly, which has added depth and firepower to the batting.

Their bowling unit has also done well as a group. Even without a single standout wicket-taker, bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak and Xavier Bartlett have delivered consistently and kept things tight.

Going into the match, Punjab clearly have the momentum and will start as favourites. Delhi, meanwhile, will need a near-perfect performance in all departments if they want to stop Punjab’s run and turn their own season around.

Looking at the head-to-head record, there’s not much to separate the two teams. They have won 17 matches each out of the 34 games they’ve played against one another. However, based on current form, Punjab seem to have the upper hand.

As for conditions, the pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to be good for batting, with average scores around the 210 mark. Fast bowlers could still get some help, especially early on. The team that wins the toss is likely to bat first and try to put up a big total.

Squads:

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (c), K.L. Rahul, Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Dar, Nitish Rana, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera, Lungisani Ngidi, Kyle Jamieson, Kuldeep Yadav.

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Harnoor Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Vishnu Vinod (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Cooper Connolly, Marco Jansen, Musheer Khan, Mitchell Owen, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Praveen Dubey, Ben Dwarshuis, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, Vishal Nishad, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur.

Amid widespread speculation on social media about an alleged crash of an Indian Air Force jet in the Padder area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, the force has termed the reports as false.

Several social media handles had shared videos showing plumes of smoke rising from the mountains, claiming they were from a crashed IAF aircraft.
In a statement issued here, the IAF spokesperson said, “There are certain media outlets and SM handles claiming an IAF aircraft has crashed near Kishtwar. This report is false. All media outlets are requested to verify information from official sources before publishing or transmitting.”

In January, an Indian Air Force microlight aircraft made a precautionary forced landing in a pond during a routine sortie from Air Force Station Bamrauli in Prayagraj after developing a technical snag, with both pilots reported safe.
The IAF said the aircraft experienced a malfunction shortly after take-off at around 1215 hrs on January 21, 2026, and was brought down in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civilian life or property.

Last year, the IAF suffered a number of losses pertaining to both the machine and the pilots following a number of crashes during the training routine and aerial display. On November 21, an indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, lost his life in the accident.

Earlier, on November 14, a Pilatus PC-7 Mk2 basic trainer aircraft crashed near Tambaram in Chennai while undertaking a routine training sortie. The pilot managed to eject safely and escaped without serious injuries.

The aircraft was part of the IAF’s basic flight training fleet. On July 9, a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed in the Churu district of Rajasthan during a training mission. Both pilots on board sustained fatal injuries, making it one of the deadliest accidents of the year for the IAF.

Another accident involving a Dassault Rafale fighter jet was reported on May 7. Earlier, on April 3, a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed near Jamnagar in Gujarat during a routine training mission. One pilot ejected safely, while the other was killed.

West Bengal’s unprecedented 92.88 per cent turnout in the first phase of polling seems less a straightforward indicator of political enthusiasm than the outcome of a confluence of structural and behavioural factors, despite claims by both TMC and BJP that the high voting figure meant people were rallying towards them.

While the BJP has gone on record claiming it was a vote “to oust the Mamata Banerjee government”, the TMC Supremo tweeted on Friday “I saw people turn out with clear intent, determined, united and ready to defend Bengal.”

However, analysis of the numbers seems to indicate the story may have other extraneous factors.

First, the headline number is partly a statistical artefact. The deletion of roughly 9.4 per cent of registered voters, owing to duplication, migration and a substantial pool of nearly 3.4 million individuals under adjudication, has effectively compressed the electoral base. A smaller denominator inevitably inflates turnout percentages, making participation appear more robust than it might otherwise have been.

Second, there is evidence of what might be termed a “revenge vote.” In constituencies where families found members excluded from electoral rolls, voting became an act of assertion, an attempt to reclaim agency within a system perceived as exclusionary.

“The two narratives – TMC’s that this is a vote for Bengali pride and BJP’s that it’s a vote against the ruling government doesn’t cut much ice,” former Rajya sabha MP Jawhar Sircar told UNI.

Pointing out that some 9.1 million people’s names were struck off by the Election Commission of India, the former Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, said, “From my experience of conducting elections, I would tend to believe that half of those numbers were absent, migrated or dead. While the remaining are live, genuine voters.”

Sircar, who was earlier a West Bengal cadre IAS, also pointed out that some 3.4 million have “appealed against their exclusion and have submitted documents proving they are genuine resident Indians and not Bangladeshis who have fled across the border. Another 1.5 million would be poor, hapless migratory workers who aren’t even aware their names have been struck off.”

Taken together, these dynamics complicate any singular political reading of the turnout. The high participation rate cannot be cleanly interpreted as a wave in favour of, or against, any one party. Rather, it reflects a layered electoral moment shaped as much by administrative recalibration as by voter emotion and political intent.

Some 57 per cent of the 9.1 million names removed from the Bengal voter list after the Special Intensive Revision drive are from 10 districts bordering Bangladesh – six of which went to the polls on Thursday. All these districts recorded high voter turnout. Cooch Behar recorded the highest at 96.04 per cent, North Dinajpur recorded 94.16 per cent turnout and South Dinajpur 95.44 per cent.

The two big districts with maximum voter deletions, Malda and Murshidabad, witnessed 94.46 and 93.61 per cent polling respectively.

“We know that migrant workers have come back in larger than usual numbers to vote this time round and these districts account for a significant seasonal out-migration. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these voters appear spooked by the SIR and fear that if they do not vote this time round, their names may be struck off next time,” Ranabir Samaddar, former head of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, told UNI.

Analysts, however, also believe some voting enthusiasm may be because of a degree of anti-incumbency or pro-incumbency sentiments. “The party narratives would appear to have mobilised sections of the electorate. For some voters, the ballot was less about affirmation and more about signalling dissatisfaction with perceived assaults on local pride or dissatisfaction with governance,” admitted Prof Samaddar.

For many voters, especially from among the Bengali middle class, TMC’s stress of “Bangaliana” and Bengali pride as against dominance by outsiders taps into a deeper unease, that their language, culture and demographic dominance could erode amid migration and external political influence.

Many others, straw polls show, feel that the lack of industrialisation and Bengal’s case study as a net exporter of labour, are affecting growth and a change in the power structure could bring benefits and central largesse to the state.

The death toll in the Mundathikode fireworks manufacturing unit explosion has risen to 15 after the licensed contractor, Mundathikode Satheesh, succumbed to his injuries on Friday.
Satheesh, who had been overseeing the fireworks contract for Thrissur Pooram for 14 years, died at Thrissur Medical College Hospital on Friday afternoon over 80 per cent burns he sustained in the April 21 incident.

The licensed fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, near Thrissur, working under Satheesh, was preparing pyrotechnics for the Thiruvambadi Devaswom as part of the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival.

Satheesh entered the fireworks industry following in the footsteps of his father Manipappan. Manipappan was a licensee of the Thiruvambadi sect for many years. Satheesh took over the management of fireworks after his father’s death.

Five fireworks manufacturing sheds were demolished in the massive explosion, damaging nearby structures and blasting windows at the Kerala Institute for Local Administration (KILA). The explosion sound was heard several kilometers away, triggering panic.

A small painful spot inside the mouth can turn into a big daily nuisance. Eating spicy food feels like a challenge, talking hurts, and even swallowing can become uncomfortable. Now, a simple home remedy shared by Acharya Balkrishna on social media is drawing attention again for those struggling with mouth ulcers.

He recently wrote that tulsi (holy basil) can help in easing mouth ulcers in a very natural way. His suggestion is simple: extract juice from tulsi leaves and apply it directly on the ulcers two to three times a day. After applying, the saliva that gathers in the mouth can be gently spit out. According to him, this regular use may help the sores heal faster.

While the claim is rooted in traditional home care, modern medical advice also offers several ways to deal with mouth ulcers.

Tulsi juice trick goes viral for mouth sores relief

In Acharya Balkrishna’s shared remedy, tulsi leaf juice is used as a direct application on the affected area. The idea is based on the plant’s natural antibacterial and soothing properties, which have been used in traditional home remedies for generations.

The method is very simple. Fresh tulsi leaves are crushed to extract juice, and this liquid is gently applied on the ulcer. Doing this two to three times a day is suggested. After application, excess saliva is spit out to keep the area clean.

Also Read: Pyria home remedy shared by Acharya Balkrishna: Clove oil, warm water gargle tip gains attention amid gum disease awareness

Supporters of such remedies believe that natural ingredients like tulsi may help reduce irritation and support healing. However, medical experts usually see such methods as supportive care rather than a replacement for treatment.

What doctors commonly recommend for mouth ulcers

From a medical point of view, most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 10 to 14 days. In many cases, no strong medication is needed. But when pain becomes disturbing, doctors may suggest topical gels or ointments such as antiseptic gels, which numb the area and reduce discomfort.

In more persistent or severe cases, steroid ointments like triamcinolone may be prescribed. Rarely, if ulcers are linked to immune system issues, immunosuppressant medicines may be considered under supervision.

These treatments mainly focus on pain relief and faster recovery while the body naturally heals the ulcer.

Simple home care tips and when to be careful

Apart from medicines and traditional remedies, everyday habits play a big role in healing mouth ulcers. Drinking enough water keeps the mouth hydrated. Maintaining oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently helps prevent infection. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water a few times daily is also commonly recommended.

Some people also use a mild mix of hydrogen peroxide and water for rinsing, while over-the-counter numbing gels can help reduce pain during eating or talking. At the same time, avoiding spicy, very hot, or acidic food is important until the sore heals.

Prevention is equally simple but often ignored. Regular brushing with a soft toothbrush, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and visiting a dentist for routine checkups can reduce the chances of ulcers coming back.

A war of words broke out between the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya, with both sides trading sharp claims over voter turnout ahead of the next phase of polling.

In a sharp attack, the BJP leader said, “Come 5th May, you will find yourself out of a job,” and predicted that the April 29 phase would bring a “saffron tsunami.”

The exchange began after Derek accused the BJP of spreading “fake narratives” around Phase 1 polling data. In a post on X, he cited figures comparing the 2021 elections and the current cycle, arguing that while the turnout percentage in 2026 was higher, the total number of votes cast had marginally declined.

According to Derek, the total electorate in 2021 stood at 3.67 crore, with 84% turnout translating to 3.10 crore votes. In 2026, following a revision exercise, the electorate reduced to 3.33 crore, with a turnout of 92.7%, resulting in 3.09 crore votes cast. He said this meant that despite higher turnout, the total votes had decreased by 83,674, calling the difference “negligible” and attributing the higher percentage turnout to a reduced voter base.

Amit,
It’s so easy to EXPOSE you. And your attempt to create fake narratives.
Here is hard data to bust BJP propaganda on Phase 1: total votes cast in 2026 have decreased compared to 2021

👉 First, let us look at data from 2021 elections:
* Total electors: 3.67 crores
*…

— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) April 24, 2026

Responding sharply, Malviya rejected the claims and said the total number of electors in Phase 1 was 3.6 crore, not 3.33 crore. He argued that 92.7% turnout of 3.6 crore amounts to 3.33 crore votes, which, according to him, reflects an increase of 20-25 lakh votes compared to 2021.

Derek,

Come 5th May, you will find yourself out of a job. Perhaps the time away will help you learn to listen, not just speak.

The total number of electors in Phase 1 was 3.6 crore, not 3.33 crore. In fact, 92.7% of 3.6 crore is 3.33 crore. What we’re actually seeing is a… https://t.co/ZrlJmjnSCg

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 24, 2026

Malviya credited the surge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of “Bhoy Out, Bhorsa In,” claiming voters came out fearlessly, particularly in areas previously affected by intimidation from TMC strongmen. He also highlighted increased polling in constituencies such as Cooch Behar, Maldah Uttar, Asansol and Birbhum.

As the political rhetoric intensifies, both parties are now looking to the second phase of polling on April 29, with Malviya asserting that it would pave the way for a decisive outcome on May 4.

Workers of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly pelted stones at Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam who reached Dahisar on Friday, to support Hindi-speaking auto rickshaw drivers who are opposed to a recent government resolution (GR) passed by the Fadnavis government, making it compulsory for them to speak in Marathi while interacting with passengers.

The police have detained MNS workers for allegedly pelting stones.

Nirupam interacted with auto drivers in Ganpat Patil Nagar in Dahisar suburb regarding the strict enforcement of Marathi language. In the meantime, MNS leaders Nayan Kadam and Kunal Mainkar reached here along with their workers after which they raised slogans in support of the government’s pro-Marathi language policy.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered strict implementation of the GR from May 1. Sarnaik has warned that the licenses of rickshaw or taxi drivers who cannot read and write Marathi will be cancelled from May 1.

Sanjay Nirupam allegedly stated that if anybody tries to impose Marathi, “they will be taught a lesson”. Speaking in Dahisar, Sanjay Nirupam said, “Our party and Eknath Shinde’s stance from the beginning is that people living in Maharashtra should speak Marathi. Nobody has any objection to the fact that Marathi should be respected in Maharashtra. However, forcing, bullying, forcing and threatening someone in the name of enforcing Marathi language is wrong and we are against it”.

“The GR passed by the Maharashtra government has been in existence from 2019. It is not wrong to have such a demand, but for this we have to give some time to the auto and taxi drivers. They have to be given an opportunity to learn Marathi. There are many drivers who speak Marathi, but many of them cannot speak Marathi,” Nirupam said.

“However, the GR says that rickshaw drivers will be given tests in Marathi language after May 1. If they fail in this test, their permits will be cancelled. Due to this, many people’s businesses may have to shut down. Therefore, this decision should be reconsidered,” Nirupam said.

Meanwhile, MNS Thane-Palghar district president Avinash Jadhav has issued a warning to Hindi-speaking rickshaw drivers who are planning to go on a strike on May 4.

“According to the official information obtained from the RTO, there are 4 lakh, 10 thousand auto rickshaws in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Some 65% of these auto rickshaw drivers are Marathi. Except for some parts of Mumbai and Thane, auto drivers are Marathi everywhere. If they (Hindi-speaking auto rickshaw drivers) are the sons of their fathers, then he should come to Mira-Bhayander on May 4 and prove it. We assure that nobody in Maharashtra will be disturbed on May 4. When the time comes, we will take out our vehicles and take passengers home. But after that, if anyone creates any trouble, we will send them directly to UP,” MNS Thane-Palghar district president Avinash Jadhav warned.