India

Gold and silver prices surged up to 3% on Friday in domestic and global markets, driven by easing West Asia tensions and safe-haven demand. Despite gains, analysts warn of weekly declines amid inflation concerns, strong dollar, and uncertain interest rate outlook

President Droupadi Murmu visited Mathura and Vrindavan, offering prayers at प्रमुख temples, meeting saints, and attending rituals. She will inaugurate a hospital oncology block and continue spiritual engagements, including Govardhan Parikrama, during her three-day Uttar Pradesh visit

In Assam, Congress and Raijor Dal sealed a seat-sharing pact allocating 11 constituencies to the regional party ahead of Assembly polls. The move aims to unite opposition forces, strengthen anti-BJP strategy, and reshape electoral dynamics across key constituencies 

At the United Nations, India rejected a minority issues report criticizing the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, calling it inaccurate and biased. India defended the law as progressive, promoting transparency, gender equality, and inclusion while reaffirming its commitment to minority rights

Mumbai markets rebounded sharply on Friday as Sensex and Nifty surged following a previous steep fall, aided by easing crude oil prices amid hopes of Middle East de-escalation, while most stocks gained, despite continued foreign investor selling pressure in markets today

The Builders Association of India has urged the Telangana government to clear pending contractor payments, warning that prolonged delays have caused severe financial distress, with some contractors reportedly facing extreme consequences amid worsening economic conditions.

A 22-year-old woman in Mumbai was cheated of Rs 15.93 lakh by fraudsters posing as spiritual healers using social media, exploiting superstition and emotional vulnerability over two years before police launched an investigation.

India told the UN that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends support for terrorism, while highlighting its water initiatives and stressing the need for cooperation on global water security goals.

Surging crude oil prices amid the Iran conflict are driving up fuel, transport and energy costs globally, with potential spillover into food prices and inflation, raising concerns over reduced consumer spending and broader economic slowdown

The Centre launched a Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme to support exporters hit by West Asia conflict disruptions, offering logistical support, extended export obligations and financial relief to offset rising freight, insurance costs and operational uncertainties in key Gulf trade routes

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has reportedly sought an extension until the 2027 ODI World Cup, with BCCI considering the request amid his successful tenure that saw multiple ICC titles, despite mixed results in Test cricket

Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals, with Barcelona scoring seven, Liverpool overturning a deficit and Bayern cruising, setting up high-profile clashes including Bayern versus Real Madrid

Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal during Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the elite club, though his team was knocked out after a draw on away goals

India ranked 116th in the World Happiness Report 2026, improving by two places from last year but remaining behind neighbours Nepal and Pakistan, while Finland continued to top the rankings for the ninth consecutive year

US strategy to involve Kurds in a ground offensive against Iran may set the entire West Asia on fire

India termed the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals a legal matter under investigation, while considering Kyiv’s consular access request. The Ukrainians, charged under UAPA, remain in custody as Ukraine denies terror links and seeks transparency

Pakistan’s deadly airstrikes on Kabul have exposed deep flaws in its Afghan strategy, highlighting strategic miscalculations, rising internal threats, and widening regional consequences

Ukraine has sought a transparent probe into the detention of six of its nationals in Mizoram, denied any terror links, and offered cooperation to India, even as New Delhi said investigations are underway and a request for consular access is under consideration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with leaders of France, Oman and Malaysia, emphasising de-escalation in West Asia, diplomatic resolution of the crisis, and ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions

Chhattisgarh has tabled a stringent anti-conversion Bill proposing life imprisonment for mass conversions, mandatory declarations and strict penalties for violations, while exempting reconversion to ancestral religion and introducing tighter monitoring of religious conversions across the State.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced a population management policy encouraging larger families and joint family values. He also highlighted welfare schemes, job creation, irrigation plans and infrastructure projects during Ugadi celebrations in Vijayawada

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a job calendar for over 10,000 posts across departments. Notifications will be released between May and October, with recruitment exams to follow a fixed schedule, offering major employment opportunities for aspirants

Mamata Banerjee criticised the Election Commission over the transfer and removal of over 50 officials ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls, calling it political interference and alleging institutional bias, while questioning the Centre’s role in the developments.

The NIA has arrested seven foreign nationals, including a US security analyst, over alleged illegal entry via the Mizoram border and suspected links to training armed groups in Myanmar, raising concerns over security vulnerabilities and triggering diplomatic reactions.