Pioneer in short
Rahul Gandhi attacks KErala CM, BJP links
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday intensified his attack on the LDF during campaign rallies across central Kerala, alleging a nexus between the ruling front and right-wing forces amid rising concerns over minority safety. Addressing meetings in Alappuzha, Idukki and Ernakulam districts ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls, Gandhi claimed minorities faced increasing attacks nationwide, citing incidents in Manipur and Chhattisgarh. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with forces responsible, and alleged a tacit understanding between the BJP and LDF to counter the Congress-led UDF.
IPL: Rizvi powers Delhi to victory
Sameer Rizvi’s blazing knock powered Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in their first home game of the 2026 IPL season on Saturday. Chasing 163, the 22-year-old struck a superb 90 off 51 balls, laced with seven fours and seven sixes, anchoring the innings after an early wobble. Delhi recovered through a 66-run stand between Rizvi and Pathum Nissanka (44), before Rizvi added 78 runs with David Miller to seal the chase with 11 balls remaining. Rizvi accelerated after Nissanka’s dismissal, dominating the middle overs with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, though he fell short of a maiden IPL century. Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted 162 for six, built around Suryakumar Yadav’s 51 and Rohit Sharma’s 35. However, Delhi’s disciplined bowling kept the total in check. Captain Axar Patel led the effort with an economical spell and key wicket, while Mukesh Kumar struck twice early to dent Mumbai’s top order. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
West Asia Crisis: IRAN downs two US Jets
Iran shot down two US military aircraft on Friday, marking a major escalation in the conflict, with one service member rescued and at least one still missing. The incidents came nearly five weeks into the war and just two days after President Donald Trump claimed the US had “completely decimated Iran.” Officials said a US F-15E Strike Eagle was downed over Iranian territory. One crew member was rescued, while the second remains unaccounted for, prompting a US search-and-rescue operation. Separately, Iranian State media reported a US A-10 attack plane crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck, though the details and crew status remain unclear. The Pentagon notified Congress that the missing service member’s status is unknown. Social media footage showed US drones, aircraft, and helicopters searching mountainous regions, while Iranian media urged civilians to report any “enemy pilot” and promised a reward. Experts note that the F-15E is equipped with emergency locator beacons in survival kits, which could assist in tracking the downed aircrew. The attacks come amid Iran’s ongoing strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring and roiling global markets. White House officials confirmed Trump had been briefed but offered no public update on the rescue efforts.
