West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained injuries to her forehead and nose after a fall at her Kalighat residence. SSKM Hospital director clarified that the mention of a "push from behind" meant a sensation rather than a deliberate act. Banerjee received treatment, including stitches, and was discharged with stable health. She's advised bed rest and routine checks. Police noted no complaints regarding the incident. Speculations about the cause of the fall persist. Banerjee's condition remains stable, with heightened security around her residence.

After months of refurbishment, a retired British Airways Concorde jet has returned to the Intrepid Museum in Manhattan. The restoration included stripping and repainting the aircraft to its original glory. The iconic supersonic plane, known for its record-breaking transatlantic flights, holds the fastest crossing record at 2 hours 52 minutes from London to New York. With a top speed of 1,354mph, the Concorde was a symbol of Anglo-French cooperation and luxury air travel. Its return to the museum celebrates its legacy as the only operational supersonic passenger transport, offering a glimpse into aviation history.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S Yediyurappa faces allegations of sexual assault under POCSO and IPC sections based on a complaint by a minor girl. Yediyurappa claims innocence, stating he assisted the girl previously and reported her distress to the police commissioner. The incident allegedly occurred on February 2, 2024, when the girl sought help regarding a previous assault. The case has sparked controversy amid political implications. Investigations are ongoing as Yediyurappa awaits legal proceedings.

In the Red Sea, a ship was hit by a suspected Houthi rebel attack near Hodeida port, amid Yemen’s conflict. The vessel sustained damage but the crew is safe, per UKMTO. The attack is seen in the context of Houthi retaliation against Israel's Gaza campaign. Houthis have targeted ships since November, aiming to pressure Israel. However, recent targets have had little connection to the conflict. While Houthis haven’t claimed responsibility, they've previously acknowledged similar actions. Despite missile launches toward Israel, most have been intercepted. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will unveil the Lok Sabha election schedule along with Assembly elections for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday afternoon. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, alongside new Commissioners Gyanendra Kumar and Sukbir Singh Sandhu, will make the announcement at 3 pm in New Delhi. Uncertainty looms over the announcement of Assembly polls for Jammu and Kashmir. The current Lok Sabha's term concludes on June 16, necessitating the formation of a new House. In 2019, elections commenced on April 11, following the announcement made by the ECI on March 10, with vote counting on May 23.

Paytm's banking arm, Paytm Payments Bank Ltd, faces restrictions from the Reserve Bank of India due to rule violations. Starting today, customers can't deposit money but can withdraw and transfer funds. Salary credits and government subsidies cease, while refunds and cashbacks continue. Wallet top-ups and FASTag recharges halt. NCMC card recharges and fund transfers via UPI/IMPS are barred. Paytm app remains functional for bill payments, with UPI services linked to other banks. One97 Communications, Paytm's parent company, gains NPCI approval to offer UPI services through partner banks. Paytm assures uninterrupted service for non-PPBL users.

Following a 5.8-magnitude earthquake near Japan's Fukushima region, wastewater release from the Fukushima nuclear plant halted temporarily. The quake struck off the northeastern coast at 00:14 a.m. Friday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The nuclear regulatory authority reported no abnormalities at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini plants post-quake. This event coincided with Japan marking 13 years since the devastating 2011 tsunami. The suspension underscores ongoing concerns regarding the Fukushima plant's environmental impact and safety measures, particularly regarding the disposal of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean.

Indian-American leaders in Silicon Valley met with US Department of Justice, FBI, and local police officials, expressing concern over the use of US soil for terrorist activities against India. They highlighted dissatisfaction with law enforcement's inaction on such issues and discussed the rise in hate crimes against Hindus in California. The meeting, led by Ajai Jain Bhutoria, aimed to address hate crimes targeting Hindu and Jain places of worship. Representatives from various agencies, including FBI and police departments, attended the gathering. The discussion underscored the urgency of tackling terrorism-related activities and protecting religious institutions.

New Zealand's Deputy PM Winston Peters clarified remarks on the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case in India, prompting Canada's objections. John Tulloch, the Deputy PM's spokesperson, reiterated New Zealand's stance: allegations, if proven, would be concerning, but the investigation must conclude first. Peters questioned the lack of conclusive evidence from Canada regarding Indian involvement in Nijjar's murder. He emphasized the need for solid evidence before drawing conclusions. Peters also hinted at receiving intelligence from Five Eyes alliance without full understanding of its value. The case remains unresolved, awaiting concrete findings.

State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) announced a ₹2 per litre reduction in petrol and diesel prices effective from 6am Friday. Petrol prices in Delhi will drop to ₹94.72 per litre, while Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai will see reductions to ₹104.21, ₹103.94, and ₹100.75 per litre respectively. Diesel prices will decrease to ₹87.62, ₹92.15, ₹90.76, and ₹92.34 per litre in the respective cities. The move aims to stimulate consumer spending and lower operating costs for millions of vehicles. This cut precedes the anticipated announcement of general election dates by the Election Commission of India.