West Asia conflict has grounded thousands of flights across the Middle East, stranding passengers and forcing airlines to reroute or cancel services. Major carriers like Air France, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific have suspended routes. While some Gulf airlines are resuming limited operations, Indian carriers are adding flights to manage demand and repatriation efforts.
A Ukrainian drone attack on Oleshky, a Moscow-occupied town in southern Ukraine, killed two civilians and injured at least 12. The strike reportedly targeted people near a grocery store. In a separate incident in Sevastopol, a downed Ukrainian drone injured nine people, including three children, and caused damage to an apartment building.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations in Mumbai and Hyderabad linked to Reliance Power as part of a bank fraud and money laundering probe. The investigation also involves suspected financial irregularities under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, with Anil Ambani having been questioned twice previously.
Hyderabadis abroad are facing significantly higher airfares for flights returning home due to disruptions from the US-Iran conflict. Direct flights from London to Hyderabad have reached nearly Rs 2.5 lakh, while fares from Gulf countries have surged by almost 200%. Reduced flight capacity and high demand are contributing to these unprecedented price hikes.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei apologized for an internal memo following the US Department of War designating the AI firm a "national security risk." The designation stemmed from a public dispute over military AI use, a presidential social media post, and a swift defense agreement with competitor OpenAI. Anthropic plans to legally challenge the supply chain risk label.
Pakistan is implementing major measures to ensure fuel stability amid trade slowdown due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Proposals include weekly price revisions, compensation for increased oil company costs, and fuel conservation. The country is exploring alternative import routes and has substantial existing fuel stocks.
Stock market today: After a relief rally on Thursday, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened in red on Friday on weak global cues amid escalating Middle East tensions. While Nifty50 went below 24,650, BSE Sensex was down over 500 points.
Two pilots were killed after an Sukhoi‑30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed during a training mission in Karbi Anglong, Assam. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station and lost radar contact at 7.42pm on Thursday. Wreckage was located around 1am on Friday after an overnight search through the hilly terrain.
A 21-year-old state-level hockey player was fatally stabbed by her relatives in Chandigarh over a property dispute. The victim, Taniya, was allegedly attacked by her cousin Krishna and others during an argument. Critically injured, she was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
An Iranian elementary school in Minab was reportedly hit by precision strikes during Operation Epic Fury, killing at least 165 people. US and Israeli forces are suggested as perpetrators, with reports indicating simultaneous attacks on an adjacent IRGC naval base.
Fuel stations in Kolkata and Howrah experienced unusually long queues as motorists rushed to fill their tanks amid rumours of an impending petrol shortage or price hike. Despite assurances from oil companies about adequate supply, sporadic panic buying occurred during evening peak hours, driven by unverified social media messages.
