News without the noise · Bengaluru Edition
Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 110 stories
A special court in Bengaluru sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder of BJP worker Yogeshgouda Goudar. The conviction triggers Kulkarni's immediate disqualification from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly under the Representation of the People Act.
A special court in Karnataka has sentenced Dharwad Rural MLA Vinay Kulkarni to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda, with 15 others receiving similar sentences. The conviction triggers immediate disqualification from the legislative assembly under Indian law for lawmakers sentenced to two or more years. The court also ordered Kulkarni to pay Rs 16 lakh in compensation to the victim's family.
A Karnataka court has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 15 others to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder of BJP worker Yogish Goudar. The conviction may lead to Kulkarni's disqualification from the legislative assembly, impacting political representation in the state.
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran's ambassador to lodge a formal protest after an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker carrying Iraqi oil was fired upon by the Iranian Navy near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident involved two vessels, with one directly attacked, raising maritime security concerns in this critical global oil transit route.
A constitutional amendment bill requiring two-thirds majority failed to pass in the Lok Sabha during Parliament's special session. The legislation aimed to implement 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies.
The U.S. President stated that military action could resume if an agreement with Iran is not finalized, noting that a blockade of Iranian ports would continue absent a long-term deal.
A senior fellow at Tufts University states that Iran has demonstrated it does not require nuclear weapons for deterrence. The analysis suggests Iran views control of the Strait of Hormuz as its most effective strategic asset.
Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels under conditions, while threatening to close it again if the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues. The reopening caused global oil prices to fall sharply from nearly $120 to about $90 per barrel. U.S. President Donald Trump maintains the naval blockade remains in place, with 21 vessels reportedly turned back from Iranian ports, and has dismissed NATO's offer to assist in the strait.
Oil prices dropped below $91 per barrel after Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, Iran reversed its decision the next day, maintaining the blockade while the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. The strait's closure has caused significant global energy price volatility, with about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passing through this waterway.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru wore special green jerseys instead of their usual red during an IPL match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as part of their sustainability initiative. The franchise stated this reflects their carbon-neutral status and commitment to encouraging environmentally responsible practices.
Delhi Capitals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets in an IPL 2026 match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18. The match concluded with David Miller hitting two sixes in the final over to secure the win, moving Delhi Capitals to fourth place in the standings.
Australian cricketer Cameron Green was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore in the IPL auction, making him the franchise's most expensive player. His IPL earnings total approximately ₹53 crore across multiple seasons, contributing significantly to his estimated net worth exceeding 10 million AUD.