Indian airlines have warned the sector is close to stopping operations due to rising fuel costs. The Federation of Indian Airlines, which includes Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, has written to the government seeking urgent help. It said high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices could lead to “grounding of aircraft” and flight cancellations. ATF forms about 40% of airline costs. The group asked for uniform pricing and relief on 11% excise duty. It warned, “Any irrational increase… will result in insurmountable losses.” The issue is linked to rising oil prices amid tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: NDTV)

A luxury superyacht linked to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov sailed through the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing blockade. The vessel, Nord, travelled from Dubai to Muscat over the weekend. It is among the few private boats to pass through the route in recent months. The waterway is key for global oil and gas supply. Tensions remain high after the United States imposed restrictions and Iran limited shipping access. Maritime traffic has dropped sharply. It is not clear if Mordashov was on board during the journey. (PC: BBC)

With Phase 2 of the West Bengal polls a day away, more than 12 lakh voter appeals remain pending before tribunals set up on orders of the Supreme Court of India. Out of around 12.9 lakh cases, only 1,468 have been cleared and six rejected. Lakhs remain unsure of their voting status. Long queues were seen at the Joka tribunal centre in Kolkata as people rushed to file claims. Officials said the process is moving slowly. Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, “Perhaps they can’t vote, but their right to remain on the rolls shall be preserved.” The court had allowed voting only if appeals were cleared before deadlines. (PC: India Today)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Mira Road knife attack appears to be a case of self-radicalisation. A 31-year-old man, Jaib Ansari, was arrested after injuring two security guards. Fadnavis said, “He was radicalised and had a desire to attack members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad.” The case is being probed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency. Officials said the accused acted alone, but links to any wider network are being examined. Police arrested him within hours. The injured guards are under treatment. (PC: HT)

A jawan of the Central Industrial Security Force has been arrested in West Bengal’s Asansol for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a 10-year-old girl. Police said the accused, Ramakant Vishwakarma, lured two girls with mangoes and took them to a nearby quarter. The younger child was left outside while the older girl was taken inside. She raised an alarm, and the accused fled. Locals protested and blocked a road, demanding action. Police detained him within hours. A case has been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Officials said he was not on election duty. (PC: India Today)

Forest fires are rising across hill states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the Nilgiris. Officials said both the number and intensity of fires have increased this year. Long dry spells and unseasonal heat have made forests more flammable. Data shows fires rose over 80 per cent in early 2026 compared to past years. In many areas, steep terrain is making firefighting difficult. Helicopters are being used in southern regions. Authorities said tourism has also been affected, with fewer visitors in some hill areas. Experts link the rise in fires to climate change and human activity.

Donald Trump is facing a key deadline as he continues US military action in Iran. Under the War Powers Resolution, he must act by May 1 or risk violating the law without approval from Congress. Officials say Trump has three options. He can reach a peace deal with Iran. He can seek approval from Congress to continue action. Or he can ignore the deadline and face legal challenges. The conflict has raised pressure on the administration. The coming days are seen as critical for both policy and legal decisions. (PC: NDTV)

King Charles III will tell the US Congress that the UK and US have “always found ways to come together”, despite differences. The speech comes during his state visit with Queen Camilla. He is expected to express sympathy after the recent Washington DC shooting. The King will call for “reconciliation and renewal” of ties and stress shared values like liberty and tolerance. He will also urge support for NATO and Ukraine. The visit began with a welcome by Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House under tight security. (PC: BBC)

Two Indian crew members were injured after their vessel was hit by shrapnel near the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. The ship, MT Chiron 7, was not directly targeted. Ankit Kumar and Sagar Chand suffered minor injuries along with Egyptian national Zeyad Taha. The Directorate General of Shipping said there were no deaths and all crew members are safe. The vessel had 17 Indians among 24 crew. It is now heading towards Sharjah, tracking data showed. Officials said shipping in the region has been affected due to ongoing tensions and repeated incidents involving vessels passing through the strait. (PC: HT)

Jaib Ansari, a 31-year-old US returnee, has been arrested for stabbing two security guards in Mira Road near Mumbai. Police said he first asked the guards their religion and if they could recite the Kalima. When they said no, he attacked them with a knife. Investigators said Ansari had been watching ISIS-related videos online, which is now a key focus of the probe. He had earlier worked at a coaching centre, where he taught Mathematics and Chemistry until a few months ago. Officials are checking his online activity for possible extremist influence. (PC: India Today)