Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Vote counting in West Bengal is underway, and Trinamool Congress leaders are raising alarms after some party candidates reportedly fell behind. TMC workers allege delays and confusion at counting centres and claim the Election Commission is not cooperating. With the state’s political future hinging on these results, observers are watching closely to see whether TMC can return to power or BJP can form its first government in West Bengal.
Early vote-count trends from West Bengal’s assembly polls point to a sharp shift in momentum. The Bharatiya Janata Party is forging ahead decisively, while the Trinamool Congress appears far behind. Reports also describe celebrations beginning in parts of the state as BJP leaders are set to secure wins in their constituencies, signaling a potential political turning point.
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SBI Card is revising its credit card late payment charges effective May 1, 2026. The update is set to affect customers with lower outstanding amounts, introducing a new penalty of Rs 100 for dues ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500. The move clarifies how late fees will be applied going forward and could increase costs for small balances.
Chipmaker MediaTek has appointed former TSMC executive Douglas Yu as a part-time adviser, aiming to accelerate its advanced packaging capabilities. The hire is also tied to MediaTek’s push deeper into the AI chip market, with Yu guiding R&D direction and investment strategy for next-generation technologies.
Hyderabad VC Pavestone has invested $5 million into deep-tech startup Tsavorite Scalable Intelligence to build AI compute infrastructure that claims up to 10x higher arithmetic intensity and better power efficiency. Tsavorite’s Omni Processing Unit integrates CPU, GPU, memory and connectivity, while its Agentic Operating Stack helps developers deploy models without rewriting code. The firm also cites pre-orders worth $100 million.
Early trends from the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 show the BJP taking a significant lead as counting continues under tight security. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has sharply criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. With indications of a potential political shift, the contest could end Trinamool Congress rule after more than a decade.
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Bitcoin surged past $79,900, driven by about $630 million in ETF inflows and delivering its strongest monthly gain in a year with a 12% jump in April. Analysts expect momentum to carry it toward the mid-$80,000s, citing the Federal Reserve’s leadership transition as a key macro influence as the market shows increasing resilience and maturity.
Early trends for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections show Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leading in over 100 seats, fueling comparisons to actor Vijay’s 2018 political drama Sarkar. The film depicted an outsider rapidly rising into a dominant force. With TVK gaining momentum in initial counts, observers say reality may be echoing the script faster than expected.
Dubai Airports says it will expand flight operations after the UAE restored full airspace access following weeks of regional disruption. The operator managed more than 6 million passengers and major cargo movements despite the turbulence. With conditions improving, it is now scaling up services and prioritizing uninterrupted global travel as airspace normalizes.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review pleas challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, enacted in 2026. The bench has directed the Centre, states, and Union territories to respond to the concerns raised against the law, issuing official notifications to ensure the matter moves forward for hearing.
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Latest Election Commission of India trends show BJP gaining a strong edge over the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal’s Assembly elections. BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari is leading in Nandigram, while Mamata Banerjee is ahead in Bhabanipur. The voting saw exceptionally high turnout across phases, raising stakes as results near.
Early trends in West Bengal elections suggest the BJP is surging ahead of the TMC, hinting at a potential political shake-up in a state that has largely resisted the party. The twist: the BJP’s ideological lineage traces back to Bengali founder Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, making the race feel oddly personal. Can that legacy finally translate into votes?
Global pop star Shakira made headlines with a massive free concert at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach. Part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour, the Saturday night performance reportedly drew nearly 2 million fans, transforming the iconic shoreline into a packed sea of music lovers and earning it major attention worldwide.
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre for its response to a plea seeking time-bound filling of vacant posts in the Armed Forces Tribunal. Pointing to a looming shortfall, the petitioner said only three of the tribunal’s 11 benches would be functional by year-end without fresh appointments. The bench also requested assistance from the Attorney General as it hears the matter.
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Violence erupted at the Asansol Engineering College counting centre during West Bengal Assembly election vote counting. A scuffle between polling agents escalated into clashes, prompting security forces to use lathicharge. The incident unfolded as early trends showed BJP crossing the majority mark with 156 seats, intensifying the fight with Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and hinting at a potential political shift.
With BJP leading in West Bengal’s 2026 assembly election, the hunt for the next Chief Minister is heating up. Suvendu Adhikari remains the most discussed contender, but other names including Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Papia Adhikari and Swapan Dasgupta are also in the mix. BJP’s past CM picks suggest the final choice may still surprise.
Sunetra Pawar, NCP candidate in the Baramati bypoll, is poised for a major win and has urged supporters to avoid victory processions. In a bid to temper celebrations, she dedicated voters’ trust to her late husband Ajit Pawar and called on everyone to show restraint and follow his ideals. She says the mandate points to a new phase for Baramati.
Early West Bengal election signals that point to a BJP lead over the TMC have put around 43 stocks under the spotlight, including Bandhan Bank, CESC, and Berger Paints. Traders are scanning for potential policy changes, but analysts caution any market reaction may be short-lived, with crude oil prices and wider global cues expected to steer sentiment.
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Devina Mehra of First Global says Indian equities are moving through a bottoming zone, urging investors to stay invested rather than exit on earnings disruptions. She expects sector rotation to continue and forecasts 2026 to be better than 2025. Mehra flags power as a key growth theme and argues IT is evolving, not dead.
South Korean shares jumped more than 5% to a record close as chipmakers led the charge. Optimism around AI demand and strong U.S. tech earnings boosted sentiment, while data pointing to expanding factory activity and rising exports supported the rally. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both reached record highs, underscoring how semiconductor momentum is driving markets.
With early trends showing Kerala’s UDF crossing the halfway mark, Shashi Tharoor welcomed the result as voters asking for change after a decade of poor governance. He stressed the need for a “new kind of politics,” implying that any next leadership will be judged by fresh approaches, not past promises, as coalition numbers solidify.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued her first statement during counting, urging TMC candidates and agents to stay at centres and remain vigilant. In a video message, she asked party workers not to lose morale, insisting the TMC was still ahead in multiple constituencies even as Election Commission early trends showed BJP leading in most seats.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed SpiceJet and promoter Ajay Singh’s review petitions, imposing Rs 50,000 in costs. The decision follows an ongoing dispute with Kalanithi Maran and Maran-Kal Airways, where SpiceJet sought to challenge a court directive requiring a Rs 144 crore deposit. The ruling keeps the deposit order intact for now.
SEBI chairman said banks and insurance companies will not be allowed to invest in commodity derivatives. The regulator had earlier discussed allowing pension funds to trade commodities, but that decision has not been disclosed. The stance immediately hit sentiment, with shares of the Multi Commodity Exchange of India falling after the development.
Early counting trends in Tamil Nadu’s 2026 assembly elections show a sharp setback for BJP leaders. State chief Nainar Nagenthran and Union Minister L Murugan are trailing DMK and TVK candidates, alongside former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Vanathi Srinivasan. The initial gap suggests a difficult road for BJP despite its bid to expand influence in the state.
Apple’s outgoing CEO Tim Cook said he is “over the moon” about India, citing strong double digit growth across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple is also widening its retail footprint and expanding manufacturing, with roughly one in five iPhones now produced in India. Cook links the expansion to new jobs and India’s growing role as both a major market and production hub.
Early trends from the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 counting show BJP crossing the 100-seat mark while the TMC trails at around 72 seats. Results are still unfolding across all constituencies, and several key seats are reported to be neck-and-neck. The final outcome could quickly reshape West Bengal’s political balance as counting continues.
Counting is underway for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, with early indications pointing to a BJP win led by Himanta Biswa Sarma. The result could mark the party’s third consecutive victory, while rivals and alliance partners closely watch seat trends that may decide momentum in key regions as counting progresses.
The U.S. reversed a visa processing freeze that had sidelined foreign doctors from 39 countries, letting them continue working. The change comes after warnings the policy could worsen the U.S. physician shortage, given that foreign-trained doctors form a substantial share of the medical workforce, especially in primary care.
Counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 is underway, with early trends pointing to a strong performance by the BJP. The party is reportedly leading or has won seats in North Bengal and parts of Jangalmahal, signaling a tough challenge to the ruling Trinamool Congress. Results are still developing as more trends come in from across the state.
Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay’s TVK is projected to lead in 108 seats, signaling a potential break from Tamil Nadu’s long-standing Dravidian party dominance. The surprise momentum is rattling established players like DMK and AIADMK, and Sun TV Network shares fell about 10% as investors reacted to the political shift reshaping media and influence dynamics.
A US based son, Mr. Bussi, won his long fight against an Indian income tax notice after depositing Rs 11 lakh cash into his parents’ account during demonetisation. The ITAT Delhi set aside the notice, accepting the money as genuine remittances from earlier years. The case took six years to resolve, ending in relief for the NRI.
Ather Energy reported a strong Q4 performance, with revenue from operations rising 74% year-on-year to Rs 1,175 crore from Rs 676 crore a year earlier. The company’s loss narrowed to Rs 100 crore, signalling improved profitability even as growth accelerates. The figures come from its regulatory filing.
With early trends for the 2026 Assembly elections showing BJP ahead in West Bengal and Assam, the party escalated its attack on Rahul Gandhi. BJP circulated a social media post claiming Congress has suffered 99 electoral defeats under his leadership since the mid-2000s, painting it as a prolonged losing streak as opposition faces pressure in the polls.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) shares surged more than 13% after its March quarter showed a 156% year-on-year jump in net profit to Rs 1,290.50 crore. Revenue from operations rose 37% as the company posted a strong quarter. BHEL also recommended a final dividend of Rs 1.40 per share for FY26, adding to investor optimism.
SpiceJet is facing fresh scrutiny after more than 500 former employees alleged long delays in receiving full and final settlements. The controversy surfaced publicly when ex cabin crew member Rishita Bhardwaj claimed her dues remain pending three years after resignation. The claims echo SpiceJet’s broader financial and operational troubles, with regulators watching as the airline has not responded.
West Bengal election results are tilting as vote counting trends show the BJP leading in 121 seats, while the TMC is ahead in 71. The gap signals a potential setback for Mamata Banerjee and her bid for a fourth term. With many constituencies still under scrutiny, the winner list is expected to clarify the next government’s direction.
Social Security payments for May 2026 reflect a 2.8% COLA, lifting average retirement checks to about $2,071. When you get paid depends on your birth date, while SSI recipients receive their payment on May 1. The headline number is a maximum benefit up to $5,181, typically for people who delay claiming until age 70.
US markets stayed steady despite geopolitical uncertainty, with strong corporate earnings and a stable labor market offsetting investor concerns. While hopes for negotiation linger, unpredictable political rhetoric and the possibility of oil price spikes remain key threats, particularly for emerging economies such as India. Still, compared to past decades, today’s economies are better prepared—though caution is warranted.
Kolkata Police has prohibited victory processions and public celebrations on May 4, the day West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 votes are counted. The move is intended to maintain public order and ensure a smooth counting process. Processions will be permitted only from May 5 with prior permission, and violators can face legal action.
Capital One has reached a $425 million settlement after claims that its 360 Savings accounts misled customers about interest rates. Customers who held these accounts from September 2019 to June 2025 may qualify for payouts calculated from the interest difference versus newer account rates. Estimated payments are due by July 2026, unless an appeal changes the outcome.
Gujarat Titans are collecting wins even while not delivering their best cricket, according to Jason Holder. The captain credits the team’s collective effort for turning tight moments into points. With the IPL playoffs in sight, Holder says the priority is steady accumulation of points and consistent performances that can finally unlock their higher gear.
Whitney Leavitt, a prominent star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has left the show. She made the announcement during her final Broadway performance in Chicago, ending her role in the Emmy-nominated series. Her departure comes after production paused following an alleged incident involving other cast members, and Leavitt had previously hinted she might pursue new career directions.
India’s manufacturing growth inched higher in April, with the PMI rising to 54.7, but it hovered near a four-year low. Weak domestic demand and war-driven increases in input costs kept momentum muted. Still, export orders strengthened, firms added jobs, and sentiment improved, hinting that demand may shift beyond home markets.
New surveillance video has surfaced in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case, showing a masked man in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood near where the 84-year-old went missing. Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home on January 31, 2026, and authorities are investigating the footage. The search continues as officials urge the public to come forward with information.
Kotak AMC’s Shibani Sircar Kurian says the current market phase favors large and midcaps over smallcaps, with comfort coming from reasonable valuations and supportive historical trends. She points to banking as a standout: strong growth with stable asset quality, while telecom fundamentals are improving. On dips, she suggests adding equities, especially private banks.
Kotak Mahindra Bank turned in a robust Q4, marked by unexpected margin expansion alongside declining credit costs. While management expects margins to flatten as deposit rates rise, analysts point to potential support from unsecured lending growth, improving CASA deposits, operating leverage, and a rebound in fee income to help sustain strong returns on assets.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor showcased the Indian military’s technological prowess, describing it as a rare, decisive display of capability against terror groups and their patrons. He credited the outcome to advanced missile systems and the latest equipment, calling it a message to the world about India’s operational strength.
A missile strike in the Mideast killed Bangladeshi migrant worker Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, underscoring the growing danger for millions employed across the Gulf. While these workers keep Gulf economies running, they’re caught between lucrative wages and the escalating risk of conflict, with many unable to return home due to soaring prices and constrained options.
Early trends in Kerala’s 2026 Assembly election counting show the United Democratic Front (UDF) taking a strong lead, with the Indian National Congress performing well. Counting for the 140-member House is underway and several constituencies are closely watched as results unfold. CPI(M) and other parties remain in the fight as the final picture forms.
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