Two school friends from Howrah, Arnava Chakraborty and Anik Bhattacharya, have built a drone component start-up called DarkMatter. The firm began in a small rented room in Bally Halt in 2022. It now makes flight controllers and electronic speed controllers. The founders say Bengal lacks a strong support system for drone makers. “There is no proper support… funds should be distributed to start-ups solving problems,” Bhattacharya said. The four-member team learnt through trial and error. They have supplied bulk orders to private buyers and Indian military divisions. The company says it is among only a few such firms in India. (PC: X)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after senior official Ali Larijani was killed in a strike blamed on the US and Israel. He said, “criminals will soon pay for his blood.” The killing marks a sharp rise in the ongoing conflict. Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s security and political system. Officials said his death could affect decision-making during the war. He had strong links with both political leaders and the security forces. The conflict has already seen several top leaders killed. Casualties continue to rise across Iran, Israel and the wider region. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has offered extra commercial LPG to states that speed up piped natural gas rollout during the current shortage. It said allocation can rise from 20% to 30% if states support faster PNG expansion. Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said it would be a “smart move” to shift users to PNG. The shortage follows disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key supply route. India depends heavily on LPG imports through this route. The government has prioritised household supply, while commercial users face shortages. States can get extra allocation by clearing approvals and helping gas companies expand networks quickly. (PC: The Indian Express)

A family in Bengaluru tried to send an elderly man as a courier parcel to Mangaluru to protest high travel fares. The incident happened at a courier office where staff asked about the package. The family opened a gunny bag and the man came out alive, shocking workers. Staff refused the request. A woman later said it was a planned social media video to highlight rising ticket prices before Ugadi and Ramzan. Police traced the family and gave a warning. An officer said, “We made them understand that it was wrong.” No case was filed. (PC: The Indian Express)

A devastating fire broke out in a residential building near Palam Metro in Delhi, killing seven people and injuring several others. According to a fire control room official, an emergency call was received around 7 am reporting the blaze at a building in Gali Number-2, Shri Ram Chowk. Firefighters rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations, as multiple residents were feared trapped inside. Some victims reportedly suffered severe burns or injuries while attempting to escape. Authorities have brought the fire under control, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

In a major relief for passengers, the Indian government has directed airlines to keep at least 60% of seats on flights available at regulated or capped fares to prevent sudden price surges. The move aims to protect flyers from exorbitant ticket prices during peak demand, emergencies, or disruptions. Authorities emphasised maintaining affordability and transparency in pricing, ensuring fair access to air travel. Airlines will still be allowed dynamic pricing for the remaining seats. The decision comes amid concerns over rising airfare volatility, and is expected to make flying more accessible and predictable for passengers across the country. (PC: Reuters)

The Centre informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it is taking all measures to prevent LPG shortages amid disruptions caused by the West Asia war. An affidavit by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated the government is monitoring the situation and ensuring smooth distribution. The court disposed of a petition against Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, accused of prioritising exports over domestic supply. Petitioners cited supply constraints due to the Iran war and sought increased domestic allocation. The Centre said strict action would be taken against violations and emphasised prioritising household LPG availability across affected regions nationwide. (PC: X)

Hard Rock International has announced the closure of 10 Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India after ending its agreement with operator JSM Corporation. The affected cities include Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh. The company said India remains an important market and confirmed that the Hard Rock Hotel Goa will continue. JSM Corporation, however, said the outlets are still open. It called the move a “unilateral announcement” and said it is reviewing legal options. Many patrons reacted with shock online. Several said the cafes were key spaces for live music and carried strong memories. (PC: NDTV)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk struck a conciliatory note on Ladakh demands after his release. He signalled openness to a “give and take” approach with the Centre. “Our main issue is Sixth Schedule and statehood. If not both, at least one,” he said. He added the outcome should be a “win-win”. Wangchuk said the government’s move made his “job easy”. He had prepared for a long legal fight. He denied any deal behind his release. He said his protest was for the people of Ladakh. He will return to Ladakh to consult local groups before next steps. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Centre has asked people to use LPG carefully amid shortage concerns. It is also pushing commercial users to shift to PNG. Sujata Sharma from the Petroleum Ministry said LPG supply for homes remains a priority. “It would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG,” she said. Officials said hotels, restaurants and caterers moving to PNG can reduce pressure on LPG. The government has also asked states to speed up approvals for gas pipelines. It wants faster clearances and better coordination. PNG supply is stable in many areas. The Centre said demand management will help avoid disruptions. (PC: India Today)