Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) reported a record annual financial performance for FY26, with consolidated profit after tax (PAT) rising 18.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 95,610 crore, driven by strong growth in digital services and retail businesses. Consolidated revenue for the year stood at Rs 11,75,919 crore, up 9.8 per cent YoY, while EBITDA increased 13.4 per cent to Rs 2,07,911 crore, according to the company’s media release.

However, on a quarterly basis, RIL reported a decline in profitability. The company’s PAT for the January–March quarter (Q4 FY26) fell 8.1 per cent YoY to Rs 20,616 crore, compared to Rs 22,434 crore in the year-ago period, reflecting pressure from its energy businesses.

RIL’s consolidated revenue for Q4 FY26 rose 12.9 per cent YoY to Rs 3,25,290 crore, supported by double-digit growth across oil-to-chemicals (O2C), digital services and retail segments.

Despite the robust topline growth, EBITDA for the quarter remained largely flat at ₹48,588 crore, as gains in telecom and retail were offset by weaker performance in energy businesses amid volatile global conditions.

The company’s digital arm, Jio Platforms, continued to be a key growth driver, with Q4 EBITDA rising 17.9 per cent YoY to Rs 20,060 crore. Jio’s subscriber base crossed 524 million, including 268 million 5G users.

Reliance Retail also delivered steady growth, with Q4 EBITDA up 3.1 per cent YoY to Rs 6,921 crore. The business expanded its footprint, crossing 20,000 stores during the quarter.

The O2C business saw mixed performance, with quarterly EBITDA declining 3.7 per cent YoY despite higher revenues, as rising crude premiums, elevated freight costs and geopolitical disruptions weighed on margins.

The oil and gas segment also reported weakness, with Q4 EBITDA falling 18.1 per cent YoY due to lower production and realisations.

RIL’s capital expenditure for FY26 stood at Rs 1,44,271 crore, reflecting continued investments in telecom, retail and new energy businesses. Net debt rose to Rs 1,24,717 crore, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 0.64.

The Kerala Police on Friday registered an FIR after an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) helicopter flew at a very low altitude over the Sannidhanam area of Sabarimala temple, a notified special security zone, without prior permission.

The Pampa Police on Friday registered a case under Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act in connection with threats to public safety.

According to the FIR, the helicopter, bearing registration number CG 821, was flown at a low altitude over the Sannidhanam four times without prior permission, in a manner that could endanger public safety, damage nearby buildings, and create panic among staff and others.

According to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the incident happened around 11 am on Thursday.

Meanwhile, an investigation has been ordered into the incident. ADGP S. Sreejith, who is in charge of Sabarimala security, directed Special Commissioner R Jayakrishnan, appointed by the High Court, to investigate the incident and submit a report.

In this connection, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President K Jayakumar said there does not appear to be a security issue in the Coast Guard helicopter flying over the Sannidhanam area of Sabarimala without prior permission. He added that the Coast Guard had flagged a technical problem at the time of take-off.

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a petition filed by several electoral duty officers whose names were deleted from the electoral rolls in West Bengal following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), even as they remain engaged in conducting the ongoing Assembly elections.

A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi directed the petitioners to pursue their remedy before the Appellate Tribunals set up to examine grievances arising from exclusion from electoral rolls following the SIR process.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate M.R. Shamshad pointed out the anomaly that around 65 officials deployed on election duty were themselves unable to vote, despite possessing EPIC numbers reflected in their duty orders. He argued that the deletions were arbitrary and carried out without issuing any prior notice.

The Bench said that the statutory mechanism of appeal was already in place. The petitioners informed the Court that appeals had been filed earlier this month but were yet to be taken up.

As court disposed of the petition, Justice Bagchi observed that appropriate orders would be passed by the tribunals and that, while the officers may not be able to vote in the present election, their more important right to remain on the electoral rolls would be preserved.

The first phase of polling concluded on Thursday, with the second phase scheduled for April 29. The Court has earlier clarified that only those whose appeals are decided in their favour before the cut-off dates would be eligible to vote.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday said he would submit a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, requesting that former party MPs Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, and Sandeep Pathak be disqualified from their Rajya Sabha membership for joining the BJP.

“This is equivalent to voluntarily giving up membership of their party under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution,” Singh said on a day the three MPs resigned from AAP and joined the BJP.

Earlier, Chadha said that four other MPs — Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney and Swati Maliwal — were also with them, taking the total number to seven, a two-third strength legally required for a merger. They were, however, not present when Chadha, Pathak and Mittal met BJP president Nitin Nabin at party headquarters

Chadha said more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs had signed a letter submitted to the Chairman. “There are 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, and more than two-thirds are with us. Seven MPs have submitted the required documents,” he added.

Under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (Anti-Defection Law), a merger is legally recognised, and members are not disqualified, if two-thirds or more of the members of a legislative party agree to merge with another party.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday chaired an important review meeting to assess preparedness under the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026, issuing clear and time-bound directions to all departments concerned, asking them to strengthen measures at every level.

With temperatures rising steadily and heatwave conditions intensifying, Gupta said the government is on full alert and has set a clear target of bringing heatwave-related deaths down to zero by 2030.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Rajiv Verma and senior officials from the concerned departments.

The CM has directed all hospitals to ensure adequate bed capacity for heat-related cases and that every ambulance is equipped with essential facilities to handle heat emergencies.

CM Gupta called for a comprehensive citywide awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures, while schools have been instructed to introduce a ‘water bell’ system to prompt students for drinking water at regular intervals and prevent dehydration.

Gupta has further ordered that clean drinking water be made available across hospitals, schools, construction sites, Atal canteens, police stations, post offices and DTC bus stands.

She also stated that ORS must be accessible at all major public locations, emphasising that water tankers, water coolers and water ATMs should function seamlessly across the city.

In addition, Gupta said that adequate arrangements for shade and drinking water for animals and birds must be ensured.

According to the CM, the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 is being implemented through the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which is coordinating efforts across multiple departments in collaboration with more than 17 knowledge partners, including NGOs, to ensure a scientifically robust and well-synchronised response.

Highlighting the urgency, CM Gupta has noted that Delhi has recorded unprecedented temperatures in recent years, with the mercury touching 43.7°C in 2025 and staying above 40°C for nearly 40 days over the past two to three years.

In response, a comprehensive, science-based framework has been put in place. On the health front, more than 339 health centres across Delhi have been equipped with ORS, ice packs and related supplies, while over 30 hospitals now have dedicated ‘cool rooms’ for heatstroke management.

Additionally, 174 medical officers and ASHA workers have been trained to handle heat-related illnesses, and 330 ambulances have been kept on standby for emergency response, Gupta added.

Drinking water points, water coolers, shaded shelters, and cooling points are being set up across the city. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have installed over 11,000 air coolers and more than 1,900 water coolers, while the traffic police are carrying out large-scale distribution of ORS packets, a drive set to be expanded in the coming days.

Placing special emphasis on the safety of construction workers and other vulnerable groups, Gupta directed that working hours be suitably modified, particularly to avoid exposure during peak afternoon heat.

A condemnation motion was passed in the Bihar Assembly on Friday against opposition parties, including the Congress and the RJD, for allegedly obstructing the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament.

Soon after Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary secured a trust vote, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary moved the motion, accusing opposition parties of blocking the legislation due to what he described as an “anti-women mindset.”

The motion triggered sharp protests from opposition members. RJD leader Alok Mehta strongly opposed it, calling the move politically motivated.

The motion was later passed by voice vote after the opposition staged a walkout.

BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi supported and welcomed the passage of the motion, describing it as a historic step. He said those opposing women’s rights deserve to be condemned.

Calling the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill a historic step towards women’s empowerment, he said parties opposing it had shown a negative attitude towards women’s rights.

He said the failure to pass the bill amounted to a betrayal of women and added that it had exposed the opposition’s “anti-women stance.”

Saraogi also noted that after the NDA came to power in Bihar, 50 per cent reservation for women was implemented in panchayats and urban local bodies.

As a result, he said, women now account for over 59 per cent of representatives in panchayati raj institutions and municipal bodies in the state.

While AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday dropped to three from 10, the BJP gained seven new MPs after Raghav Chadha and six others from the Arvind Kejriwal-led party broke away, taking the standalone position of the saffron party closer to the halfway mark in the 245-member House.

With around 113 members, the BJP is just 10 seats short of a standalone majority, making it the most dominant single party in decades in the Upper House.

An increase in the standalone strength will help the government negotiate difficult official business in a better way and also boost the standing of the BJP in the NDA alliance.

With the combined strength of around 148, the NDA is already way past the halfway mark in the House with a majority mark of123. The current functioning strength of the House is 245 members, with 233 elected and 12 nominated.

The Uttarakhand Police has filed three FIRs against social media handles for posting videos denouncing the Chardham pilgrimage to Kedarnath that started on April 22. According to the police, the videos in question were spreading misleading information about the police and the pilgrimage.

The FIRs were filed by the Rudraprayag Police after the videos went viral alleging that pilgrims returned without darshan at the Kedarnath temple, devotees were forced to wait for more than 15 hours and the police management was utterly poor on the pilgrimage route.

The police said the contents of the videos carried misleading and offensive information about state police and difficulties faced by the pilgrims.

The FIRs read that several videos and reels were identified for making false and unfounded claims about the arrangements at the Kedarnath pilgrimage during social media monitoring by the police. “These posts spread misinformation alleging that devotees were being sent back without darshan, they were unable to visit the deity despite standing in queues for 15 hours, pilgrims were manhandled by the police and there was utter lack of police management amidst public chaos.”

It stated that the ground reality is contrary to what the video contents claimed. “The administration has ensured that devotees can perform darshan systematically in phases in a properly regulated manner. These misleading videos were an attempt to confuse the general public, tarnish the image of the Chardham Pilgrimage and create an atmosphere of fear and distrust in the masses,” claimed the FIR by the social media monitoring head and sub inspector Ravindra Singh Rawat.

According to the police, investigation is on and efforts are being made to trace the video makers named in the FIR.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed the officials for early, strict, and effective legal action against the people trying to spread misinformation, rumours, or propaganda as to the pilgrimage. He has ordered continuous monitoring of social media platforms to identify such elements and bring them to justice.

Meanwhile, the Rudraprayag Police stated that legal action against the operators of erring social media handles is in progress even as other suspicious videos and digital contents are being probed. More social media handles likely to be booked by the police shortly.

Formula 1 on Friday announced the return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the calendar from 2027, with Istanbul Park confirmed to host the race through 2031 following a new agreement with Türkiye’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will act as Formula 1’s delivery partner for future editions of the event.

The race last featured on the calendar in 2020 and 2021, a period highlighted by Lewis Hamilton securing his seventh world title at the circuit in 2020, equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.

First added in 2005, Istanbul Park quickly became a fan favourite for its technical demands, particularly the high-speed, multi-apex Turn 8, which remains one of the most challenging corners on the F1 calendar due to its long, sustained cornering load and precision requirements.

The most recent winner at the venue was Valtteri Bottas in 2021 for Mercedes. Only Bottas and Hamilton remain among current drivers to have previously won the Turkish Grand Prix.

Türkiye has hosted nine Grands Prix, with the circuit widely praised for producing competitive racing across the field. Felipe Massa holds the record for most wins at Istanbul Park, taking three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008 with Ferrari, while Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button have also won there.

F1’s fanbase in Türkiye continues to grow strongly, with over 19 million fans and 7.5 million social media followers. Instagram engagement has grown by 25% year-on-year, while YouTube views have risen by 107%.

What the stakeholders said

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye:

“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.

“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups – especially among our youth – with a truly passionate fan base.

“The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media.

“We have hosted Formula 1 a total of 9 times: 7 races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021. Istanbul Park – particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts – will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031.

“I regard Türkiye’s return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country – in our robust organisational capacity; in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation. As Türkiye, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul. I hope that Türkiye’s partnership with Formula 1 – as a country of motorsport – will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead,” he said.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1:

“We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1. As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sport, business, and entertainment.

“I want to thank His Excellency President Mr. Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return. Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, allowing fans to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President:

“Formula 1’s return to Türkiye is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am delighted to see the Turkish Grand Prix rejoin the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.

“My thanks to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED). Through this strong collaboration, we are not only securing the long-term future of Formula 1 in Türkiye, but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”

In a scathing political broadside following the defection of Raghav Chadha and other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party on Friday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of ignoring its internal failures and lashed out at its leadership.

Addressing the media, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a swipe at the party, saying, “AAP kept making the same mistake — the dust was on its face, but it kept cleaning the mirror,” suggesting that the party leadership failed to acknowledge its own shortcomings.

#WATCH | Delhi: On 2/3 of the AAP Rajya Sabha MPs merging with and joining BJP, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, “Lifelong AAP made the same mistake, “dhool chehre pe thi, AAP aayenaa saaf karti rahi.” It is time for self-introspection. But instead of that, they… pic.twitter.com/2loE89557M

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

Poonawalla questioned AAP’s claims that leaders leaving the party amounted to a betrayal of Punjab, arguing instead that the “real betrayal” lay in unfulfilled promises such as a “nasha mukt” state, alleged collusion with mafia elements, and failure to bring in a Jan Lokpal while corruption rose.

He further alleged that the party had now turned into “Arvind Akele ki Party,” pointing to a string of past exits by senior leaders including Yogendra Yadav, Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan, Ashutosh, Alka Lamba and Rajendra Pal Gautam, many of whom later joined different political parties.

Recalling AAP’s origins as an anti-corruption movement, Poonawalla said the party was founded to challenge the Congress and fight corruption, but lost its way over time. “Those who once walked with Anna are now walking with Lalu,” he said, accusing Arvind Kejriwal of deflecting blame instead of addressing the reasons behind the exodus.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) marked a strong presence at IFAT Delhi 2026, a leading trade fair for water, sewage, solid waste, and recycling, showcasing its progressive initiatives and scalable waste management models aligned with India’s sustainability goals.

“A delegation of over 30 officials and partner organisations actively participated in the event, engaging in discussions, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of emerging technologies and collaborative opportunities with national and international stakeholders,” the MCD said on Friday.

At the exhibition, the MCD presented a comprehensive portfolio of its key waste management infrastructure and community-driven initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to scientific processing, the circular economy, and reducing landfill dependency.

The showcased models and initiatives included Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Processing Plants, which promote the recycling of construction debris into reusable materials; Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plants that convert non-recyclable waste into energy; and biogas plants that enable decentralized processing of organic waste into clean energy and compost.

The Corporation also highlighted horticulture waste-to-pelleting plants that convert green waste into pellets, as well as zero waste-to-landfill colonies and hospitals that demonstrate community-led models for complete waste diversion.

Further, initiatives such as the Swachh Vaahini programme were showcased for strengthening door-to-door collection of recyclables and enhancing citizen engagement, while Project Vikalp focuses on reducing single-use plastics through sustainable alternatives.

The MCD also presented its Waste to Wonder Parks, which creatively reuse scrap materials into public art installations, along with large-scale awareness drives aimed at fostering behavioural change and promoting responsible waste practices.

These initiatives reflect MCD’s integrated approach to sustainable waste management, combining infrastructure, innovation, and community participation to create long-term environmental impact.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged past Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets with 7 balls to spare in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, chasing down a stiff target of 206 in a tense finish.

GT posted a strong 205/3 in 20 overs, powered by a stunning century from Sai Sudharsan, but RCB responded with a clinical chase to move up the points table.

Sudharsan’s masterclass powers GT to 205

Sai Sudharsan was the standout performer for Gujarat Titans, smashing 100 off 58 balls to anchor the innings. He overcame early movement from the new ball to settle into rhythm and dominate the RCB attack.

Shubman Gill contributed 32, while Jos Buttler added a brief burst before falling for 17. Jason Holder provided a late flourish, ensuring GT crossed the 200-mark.

Sudharsan’s knock also saw him become the fastest batter to reach 2,000 IPL runs in just 47 innings, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Chris Gayle.

For RCB, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Suyash Sharma picked up a wicket each, but struggled to contain Sudharsan’s dominance.

Kohli-Padikkal partnership powers RCB chase

RCB’s reply got early momentum through Devdutt Padikkal, who blasted 55 off 27 balls, including a rapid half-century that set the tone for the chase.

Virat Kohli then anchored the innings with a composed 81 off 44 balls, combining with Padikkal for a crucial 115-run stand for the second wicket.

Kohli also created history, becoming the first player to hit 800 fours and 300 sixes for a single IPL franchise.

RCB briefly stumbled after losing quick wickets in the middle overs, slipping from 141/1 to 173/5, bringing GT back into the contest.

With the game tightening, Krunal Pandya held his nerve at the death, scoring an unbeaten 23 off 12 balls. He struck key boundaries in the 18th and 19th overs to ease the pressure before finishing the chase with a clean stroke, sealing victory for RCB at 206/5 in 18.5 overs.

With this win, RCB climbed to second place with 10 points from 7 matches, while GT slipped to sixth with 6 points.

RCB now lead the head-to-head record 4–3 across seven meetings between the sides.

The two teams will meet again in the return fixture on 30 April 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Playing XIs

Gujarat Titans:
Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam

Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, opposed the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, saying it went against the NDA’s poll promise. He said that during the Assembly elections, the BJP repeatedly invoked Nitish Kumar with the slogan “25 se 30, phir se Nitish,” but has now “finished” him.

The RJD leader launched a sharp attack, alleging that the BJP had already decided on its Chief Minister and systematically removed Nitish Kumar from the post. He said that had this decision been announced earlier, there would have been no need to convene a special session of the Assembly.

Tejashwi alleged that Nitish Kumar was forced out through internal pressure, harassment and humiliation. He added that if Nitish Kumar had to step down, he could have said so during the elections.

“But he never said this during the campaign. Rather, we were the ones saying that the BJP would not allow him to remain Chief Minister. We knew the BJP would not let Nitish Kumar continue as Chief Minister for long,” he said.

In a sarcastic comment, he remarked that leaders in the current government come from different political backgrounds and none of them come from the “BJP’s school.”

He said, “Samrat Choudhary comes from Lalu Yadav’s school, Vijay Choudhary from Congress, and Bijendra Yadav from Janata Dal. None of them comes from the BJP’s school.”

Taking a dig at Samrat Choudhary, Tejashwi also said that there is a nationwide discussion about the Bihar Chief Minister’s real age and educational qualifications.

He also said the state has become an “odd state,” with five governments in five years, and accused the NDA of failing to provide stability despite being in power for two decades, which, he said, has impacted the state’s growth.

Expressing concern over the state’s financial condition, Tejashwi Yadav said that, according to NITI Aayog, Bihar is among the most backward states. He alleged that the government took loans exceeding Rs 40,000 crore before the elections and an additional Rs 12,000 crore afterwards.

“Today, Bihar has a debt of around Rs 4 lakh crore. If the treasury is empty, how will development work take place?” he asked.

Tejashwi said the RJD is ready to support the government in efforts to lift Bihar out of poverty and bring it among the top states. He suggested that the opposition should also be consulted on decisions related to development.

On the issue of women’s reservation, he demanded a separate reservation for OBC women and said the cap on reservations should also be reconsidered.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday stated that in view of the rising temperatures, all schools in the national capital have been directed to submit a compliance report on the India Meteorological Department’s Heat Wave Action guidelines to the Directorate of Education by 2 May.

Rekha Gupta, taking to social media platform X, shared, “Every school is being asked to ensure safe drinking water, designate nodal officers and all necessary preventive measures for students.”

She said parents have also been requested to send their wards to schools in light cotton outfits, remain connected with class WhatsApp groups, and immediately report to the school administration if they have any concerns. “For us, every child is precious and every student’s well-being is paramount,” Gupta stated, adding that any school-related concern may also be sent to her directly.

Earlier, the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education had issued a circular to the schools asking them to comply with all the guidelines for the precautionary measures to be followed in the wake of the heatwave conditions in the national capital. The circular mentioned several practical and useful methods, like the ‘buddy system’ wherein each student shall be paired with another during school hours to monitor and take care of each other’s wellbeing.

Schools have also been asked to avoid outdoor physical activities for students. Instructions have also been issued to display the Information, Education and Communication material issued by the Health Department on heat-wave precautions.
The CM, while reviewing the preparedness, has also said that, if required, the ORS packets must also be distributed in the schools.

The Ministry of Rural Development has finalised the calendar of SARAS Aajeevika Melas at the national level for the financial year 2026–27, aimed at promoting rural livelihoods, women’s entrepreneurship, and traditional crafts across the country.

As per the approved schedule, three major SARAS events will be organised in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026 will be held at Leisure Valley Park, Gurugram, from October 22 to November 6, 2026 (17 days). This will be followed by the SARAS Food Festival 2026 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, from November 21 to December 8, 2026 (18 days).

The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2027 will be organised at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, from February 1 to February 28, 2027 (28 days).

SARAS Aajeevika Melas are flagship events under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), providing a national platform to rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and artisans, the Ministry said on Friday.

These Melas bring together SHG members from across the country and enable rural women to directly connect with urban consumers, thereby enhancing their income and visibility.

The events are expected to witness participation from a large number of women entrepreneurs representing states and Union Territories, showcasing diverse regional products, including handlooms, handicrafts, natural and organic goods, and regional cuisines.

The initiative aims to strengthen the rural economy by providing direct market access, promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat, and supporting capacity building in packaging, branding, and marketing.

Beyond commerce, the Melas will also showcase India’s cultural diversity through traditional art forms, food, and performances, while contributing to inclusive growth and the preservation of indigenous crafts.

The 2026–27 calendar reflects the government’s continued commitment to expanding market-led livelihood opportunities for rural communities and empowering women-led enterprises.

The Delhi Police launched a week-long anti-drug awareness campaign, ‘Nasha – Not Cool’, across the national capital on Friday, with a pledge-taking drive involving around one lakh students across over 550 schools in the city.

As part of the campaign, pledge-taking events were organised in schools across the national capital to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote a drug-free lifestyle.

Students, teachers, and staff members collectively took a pledge, reaffirming their commitment to abstain from drugs, spread awareness, and motivate others to do the same.

According to the police, the youth play an important role in spreading awareness and took part in the launch of the campaign with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

As part of the campaign launch, police personnel reached out to schools within their respective district jurisdictions and interacted with students, highlighting the real-life consequences of drug abuse and encouraging them to remain informed and vigilant.

The drive, conducted on Friday across schools, was carried out with the active support of the Directorate of Education, Delhi Government, under the leadership of Director Veditha Reddy.

On Thursday, the theme song for the campaign in the form of a rap, focusing on the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraging youth to stay away from narcotics, was launched by Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha at the Delhi Police Headquarters.

Notably, the campaign song and information are also being played in cinema halls across Delhi, along with informative jingles on radio platforms.

The Delhi Police have urged residents to actively participate in and support the initiative, contributing to the collective goal of building a drug-free society.

Indian stock market on Friday came under significant selling pressure, extending losses for a third consecutive session. Nifty slipped below the 23,900 mark amid weakness across sectors led by IT stocks.

At close, the Sensex was down 982.71 points or 1.27 per cent at 76,681.29, and the Nifty was down 275.10 points or 1.14 per cent at 23,897.95. For the week, Sensex and Nifty down 2 per cent each, snapping two-week gaining streak.

Among the sectors, IT stocks were among the worst performers with IT index fell 5%, hitting lowest level since June 2023. Nifty Metal, Nifty Pharma, Nifty Media, Nifty Auto and Nifty Private Bank were also the key losers.

On Nifty, the key losers were Infosys, HCL Tech, TCS, Tech Mahindra and Sun Pharma, while gainers included Hindalco, Coal India, Nestle, SBI, Trent.

More than 100 stocks touched their 52-week high on the BSE. These included Himadri Speciality, ABSL AMC, Nestle, AU Small Finance Bank, Glenmark Pharma, Adani Ports, Hitachi Energy, Torrent Power, CG Power, among others.

Shares of LTIMindtree fell 6 per cent after the company’s March quarter earnings missed analysts’ estimates. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, declined about 3 percent

Global markets traded mixed with the US futures showed a muted trend after Wall Street retreated from record highs, with S&P 500 futures inching up 0.1% while Dow futures slipped 0.2%. In Europe, Germany’s DAX declined 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 fell 1%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 dropped 0.6%, reflecting cautious sentiment.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1%, supported by strong buying in technology stocks after hitting a record intraday high above 60,000 earlier. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.2%, while China’s Shanghai Composite slipped 0.1%.