- Six people, including a pilot and five passengers from Bengaluru, died after a Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter flying from Badrinath to Dehradun crashed near Chai village.
- Rising LNG prices, expensive crude transportation and shrinking Russian oil discounts are increasing India’s energy import costs, leaving oil marketing companies grappling with steep petrol and diesel losses, Jefferies said.
- Opposition leader Yair Lapid declared Netanyahu’s opponents election winners despite falling short of a clear majority, urging patience as the bloc explores ways to form a government.
- Former Bangladesh Air Force officer Tahsif Souri, later found dead in Dhaka, had questioned claims that he recorded and circulated footage of Sheikh Hasina fleeing Bangladesh, demanding proof and dismissing allegations of RAW links as “ridiculous”.
- Ishan Kishan’s return from injury ended with a first-over duck against New Zealand as India dropped 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite his 45-run knock in the previous T20I.
Here are the top 5 stories from the day:
Six killed in chopper crash in Uttarakhand
Six people were killed after a Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter crashed near Chai village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday. The aircraft was flying from Badrinath to Sahastradhara heliport in Dehradun when it lost contact while crossing Joshimath Valley. The victims included pilot Captain Himanshu and five passengers from Bengaluru. The company’s entire helicopter fleet has been grounded as authorities investigate the crash. Read the full story
Global LNG prices jump 6%: Why it matters to India
Global energy supply disruptions are pushing up LNG prices and crude procurement costs, adding to India’s energy import burden, according to Jefferies. Spot LNG prices have risen 6% week-on-week to $32 per mmBtu, while crude freight rates remain nearly eight times above pre-conflict levels. Narrowing discounts on Russian oil have further squeezed Indian oil marketing companies, which face losses of Rs 25 on petrol and Rs 37 on diesel per litre. Read the full story
Israel’s opposition leader claims ‘win is a win’ for anti-Netanyahu bloc
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has claimed victory for the anti-Netanyahu bloc, calling the election a “win on points” despite the alliance lacking a clear path to a parliamentary majority. The bloc secured a combined 67 seats, but disagreements over including Arab-led parties complicate coalition formation. Lapid said talks were underway behind closed doors and urged the public to remain patient as negotiations continue. Read the full story
Ex-Bangladesh officer questioned RAW allegations before mysterious death
Former Bangladesh Air Force officer Tahsif Souri, who was found dead near Dhaka’s Turag River, had questioned allegations linking him to footage of Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country in August 2024. In a podcast interview, he demanded evidence that he had recorded or circulated the video, denied being linked to RAW and called the allegations “a very ridiculous claim”.
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He also spoke of harassment following media reports. Read the full story
Dropped Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, brought back Ishan Kishan: Team India’s call backfires
India’s decision to replace 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with Ishan Kishan backfired in the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland, with Kishan dismissed for a duck on his return from a groin injury. Jacob Duffy removed both Kishan and Sanju Samson in the opening over. Earlier, Glenn Phillips smashed 107 off 49 balls to power New Zealand to 257/7. Read the full story