PM Modi launches mega Rs 4,570 crore development push in Assam before polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually unveiled development projects worth more than Rs 4,570 crore in Assam's Kokrajhar. The announcements were made ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The Prime Minister joined the event through video conferencing from Guwahati after his planned visit to Kokrajhar was cancelled due to heavy rain. Read full story.

Amid Hormuz disruption, India diversifies LPG imports to US, Norway, Russia and others

India has diversified its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports to several alternative suppliers in response to global energy disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Parliament on Thursday. Addressing the Lok Sabha, the minister said India has secured LPG supplies from countries such as the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia, in addition to traditional Gulf suppliers. Read full story.

Sunrisers Leeds under fire online, X account suspended after Abrar Ahmed deal

Sunrisers Leeds’ official X account was suspended shortly after the franchise signed Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed in the men’s player auction of The Hundred on Thursday. The development came amid a wave of criticism on social media following the signing. The Sunrisers secured Ahmed for GBP 190,000 (approximately Rs 2.34 crore) following a bidding contest with Trent Rockets during Thursday’s auction. With this signing, Ahmed became the first Pakistani player to be picked by an Indian-owned franchise in the Hundred. At the auction table, Maran was seen alongside head coach Daniel Vettori during bidding. The signing drew particular attention because of the broader political sensitivities surrounding cricket between India and Pakistan. Click here to read the full story

PM Modi speaks with Iran’s President Pezeshkian on West Asia tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia, stressing the need for peace, stability and the protection of civilians. The conversation marked Modi’s first direct interaction with Pezeshkian since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran and the United States last month. Sharing details of the call on social media, Modi said the leaders discussed the "serious situation in the region".

Sensex today: Index falls over 900 points

Indian equity markets saw sharp losses in early trade on Friday as rising geopolitical tensions and surging crude prices weighed heavily on investor sentiment. The escalation of the Iran–US–Israel conflict, a weakening rupee and oil prices crossing $100 per barrel triggered heavy selling across the market. By around 10:20 am, the BSE Sensex had dropped about 910 points to 75,114.94, while the Nifty 50 fell 315 points to trade near 23,327.5, slipping below the 23,350 mark. The sell-off was also visible in the broader market, with the BSE Midcap Index falling around 2.01% and the BSE Smallcap Index declining roughly 2.05%, indicating widespread pressure across sectors.

Horoscope today

Aries: Business caution is advised today, though job opportunities, health relief and progress in marriage talks are possible.Taurus: Business prospects and IT job opportunities look positive, while financial gains and good news about your child may arrive.Gemini: Workplace challenges and rivalry may increase, though legal matters may move toward resolution and ancestral business profits may rise.Cancer: Career changes or promotions are possible, but concerns about your spouse’s health and injury risks may arise.Leo: Pending payments may arrive, and stalled work may restart, though marital differences and impulsive decisions may cause issues.Virgo: High-paying job opportunities may appear, but property disputes, surgery indications and long-distance travel are possible.Libra: Long-term plans may show results, and savings may grow, though legal issues and delays in expected gains may occur.Scorpio: Health concerns and medical expenses may arise, but unexpected work opportunities and spiritual interests may grow.Sagittarius: Multiple income sources and business gains are possible, though promotion delays and family health concerns may arise.Capricorn: Work pressure and expenses may increase, though support from siblings and positive news about your child may appear.Aquarius: Partnership business challenges and health concerns may trouble you, so avoid legal issues and risky activities.Pisces: Rising expenses and emotional stress may occur, though pending payments and opportunities in higher education may bring relief.