Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Amid shifting social pressures and rising relationship stress, the Durg Police in Chhattisgarh has launched a Family Counselling Centre aimed at resolving domestic disputes early. By bringing sensitive cases into a structured counselling setting, the initiative seeks to prevent conflicts from escalating and help couples and families preserve relationships instead of turning to harsher measures.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed condolences after a road accident in Ratanpur claimed the lives of four people. He announced Rs 4 lakh solatium to the next of kin of each deceased, posting on X and calling the incident extremely tragic. The families are set to receive compensation as authorities look into the circumstances.
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China’s commerce ministry says US sanctions on oil refiners illegally restrict normal trade with third countries and breach international norms. In an unusually direct step, Beijing issued an order barring companies from recognizing, enforcing, or complying with the penalties aimed at five firms. The move escalates friction over sanctions and cross-border energy trade.
The Ministry of External Affairs has praised GalaxEye’s successful launch of Mission Drishti, calling it a milestone in India’s expanding space innovation ecosystem. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswa highlighted the mission’s significance in supporting growing capabilities in space. The announcement underscores how India’s private and public efforts are gaining momentum beyond traditional space milestones.
Swiggy has named long-time insider Swapnil Bajpai to lead its Dineout and Scenes businesses, betting on dining-out and experiences to grow higher-margin revenue beyond delivery logistics. In parallel, Dakshinayan’s founder built a chain from homemade idli-dosa batter into a multi-outlet tradition-led brand, now expanding into retail foods as the next generation brings tech and marketing.
A 21-year-old Chinese aeronautical engineering student, Tianrui Liang, was arrested at JFK after federal agents alleged he photographed sensitive US military aircraft, including E-4B and RC-135 planes, from outside Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Prosecutors have not yet filed espionage charges, but authorities claimed he posed a flight risk, prompting detention.
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NYPD has released body-worn camera footage from the Grand Central Station shooting in which officers fatally shot Anthony Griffin after he wielded a machete and slashed three commuters. Officers reportedly attempted de-escalation before the shooting. Griffin claimed to be Lucifer, adding to the chaos captured in the video, as authorities detail the timeline leading to lethal force.
Three prominent hospitals in Mumbai and an international spiritual organisation, all operating as charitable trusts, have been denied Income Tax exemption. Authorities said the organisations were essentially running commercial activities rather than purely charitable work. The move raises fresh questions about how “profit motive” is defined and enforced for tax benefits granted to trusts.
Third party (TP) premiums are now driving motor insurance expansion. In FY26, TP premiums grew 9.3% versus 9% for own-damage (OD), lifting overall motor coverage by about 9% on an estimated ₹1.08 lakh crore base. The shift reverses FY24’s pattern, and is happening even though regulated TP premium rates have not increased since the pandemic.
Arsenal roared past Fulham with a blistering first-half display that revived their attacking rhythm. Mikel Arteta said the win keeps their dream alive, pointing to Bukayo Saka’s return to full fitness and Viktor Gyokeres’ standout form as the key difference. Gyokeres delivered what could be his best outing yet for the Gunners.
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A viral clip shows two men in an Indian Railways general coach making a reel while tearing apart a seat’s cover. One laughs on camera as the vandalism unfolds, sparking sharp public outrage online. Netizens are demanding accountability and action against the offenders as the incident raises concerns about vandalism and disrespect for public property.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led a public anti-drug rally at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk on Sunday, pressing the administration’s campaign to eliminate drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing participants, he reiterated the government’s commitment to curb the menace and strengthen awareness and action on the ground to reduce drug-related harm across the region.
Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has launched his first political outreach in the state with a “Sadbhav Yatra” starting from Patna. The initiative marks his entry into active campaigning and aims to build connect with voters ahead of the next phase of Bihar’s political contest.
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal said he expects the NDA to perform strongly in five states as vote counting approaches, claiming a “major shift” in West Bengal. In his remarks, he also made a provocative promise about creating a “free India” by referring to Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, tying the comment to his election confidence.
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India is preparing a roadmap to upgrade apprenticeship programmes for micro, small and medium enterprises through reforms in policy, regulations and financing. A group training model is emerging as a leading option, aimed at scaling access to practical workplace skills. The effort targets equipping young people with job-ready competencies by 2047, aligning MSMEs and training institutions.
Public sector banks are building wealth management businesses as Indian households shift savings from bank deposits to market linked instruments and risk products. Indian Bank plans a dedicated wealth management vertical for high net worth customers, while State Bank of India wants to multiply wealth assets under management fivefold to Rs 15 lakh crore by 2030 to boost customer engagement.
Manipur marked the third anniversary of the Meitei-Kuki ethnic strife with rallies, meetings, and a widespread shutdown to reflect on continuing tensions. Candlelight vigils brought a somber pause across communities, honoring people lost in the turmoil. The commemorations underscored how the conflict’s impact still lingers, shaping everyday life and public gatherings.
NEET UG 2026 was conducted on Sunday across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations, with strict protocols in place. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the NTA headquarters to review operational readiness for the exam. Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the high-stakes medical entrance test.
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Nestle India said macro headwinds are rising, including Iran war-related risks, inflation pressure, and expectations of a weak monsoon. The company plans higher advertising, technology and capital expenditure to manage uncertainty, while maintaining price discipline. Even with these challenges, Nestle India reported strong growth in the March quarter and reiterated its focus on volume-led growth in core categories.
Hollywood actor and former football player Beau Starr, who portrayed Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween 4 and Halloween 5 and Henry Hill’s father in Goodfellas, has died at 81 in Vancouver of natural causes. His brother confirmed his passing on April 24, after a career that began on the field with the New York Jets and later shifted to screen roles.
Vodafone Idea is in talks with an SBI-led consortium for ₹25,000 crore in debt funding, following a major government cut to its AGR dues. The telco is also seeking ₹10,000 crore for working capital and is preparing a three-year turnaround plan anchored on network upgrades and accelerating 5G expansion, aimed at stabilising operations and cash flow.
India will host the fourth India Africa Forum Summit after a gap of a decade, aiming to deepen cooperation through strategic partnership, investment, and innovation. The summit will include high level meetings and business discussions focused on inclusive transformation. India says its development support reflects a non predatory approach to strengthen long term engagement with African nations.
French building materials firm Saint-Gobain plans to invest nearly $1 billion in India over the next five years, banking on population growth and rapid urbanisation. The company’s push across infrastructure projects reflects a broader shift toward emerging markets. Saint-Gobain says it aims to triple its business in India within ten years, underscoring long-term expansion ambitions.
Russia has publicly backed India’s BRICS leadership and its proposed agenda, viewing it as vital amid growing differences within the bloc over the West Asia conflict. India’s push to bring parties to dialogue is being treated as a key step. The West Asia discussion will stay on the agenda as BRICS foreign ministers meet in New Delhi, with Sergey Lavrov set to visit Delhi and meet S Jaishankar.
Dr SC Chetal, a key figure in India’s fast breeder reactor programme, says the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieving criticality marks a major indigenous breakthrough. He argues it strengthens India’s “second-stage” nuclear energy roadmap, where fast breeder technology is expected to play a central role in expanding long-term nuclear power ambitions.
Kerala police seized explosive materials, including country made bombs and gunpowder, in Dharmadam, the constituency of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The raid came a day before vote counting in the assembly elections, following a tip about illegal firecracker manufacturing. A case has been registered against a local resident, while Vijayan later updated his social media bio.
Battery storage firms say an HSN classification muddle is driving up costs and delaying compliance for long-life projects. The sector is pushing for separate HSN codes, an approved manufacturer list, stricter local content norms, and clear rules on customs duty deferment under warehouse provisions lasting the full 12-year project life.
Doda authorities have ordered a two-month ban on unauthorized protests and gatherings in parts of Doda town. The restriction follows large public events organized after MLA Mehraj Malik’s release from detention, including a rally where he addressed supporters. Officials say the move is meant to prevent public disturbance and maintain law and order.
Tamil Nadu is bracing for assembly election results as a triangular fight between DMK, AIADMK and TVK tightens expectations for who will form the next government. Exit polls diverge sharply: some point to a possible TVK surge, others forecast a close contest between DMK and AIADMK alliances. Analysts warn that a hung verdict could be on the table, with TVK reportedly ready for life after results.
India has rejected Nepal’s protest over the Lipulekh route used for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, saying Kathmandu’s territorial assertions have no historical basis. New Delhi argued the route has been used since 1954 and that its position remains consistent. Nepal, meanwhile, sent notes to India and China claiming ownership under the Sugauli Treaty and calling for dialogue.
Hours before West Bengal vote counting, thousands of VVPAT slips were reportedly found dumped on a road in North 24 Parganas, triggering a scuffle. The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a probe into the incident and later issued a clarification, seeking to address questions about the circumstances and implications for the counting process.
Researchers are pushing de-extinction beyond headlines, aiming to bring back species such as woolly mammoths and bluebuck. The plan doesn’t stop at cloning or genetics: scientists want to rewild these animals in habitats where they once lived. For species that cannot be carried by living relatives, the work also includes developing artificial womb technology to support embryo growth.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has vowed a peaceful, transparent vote-counting process starting Monday at 8 am. He announced a massive security deployment of 200 CAPF companies and a three-tier security system at all counting centres. Agarwal also warned officials of accountability if anyone tries mischief or disrupts counting.
An explosion near Imphal Airport on Sunday caused alarm but no injuries or casualties were reported. The blast comes on the third anniversary of a major ethnic conflict, adding sensitivity to the incident. The Kangleipak Communist Party claimed responsibility, saying it was meant as a protest against recurring bandhs and blockades impacting the region.
GalaxEye says it will start selling satellite imagery from its Mission Drishti satellite in eight weeks, moving from trials to commercial scale. Defence and security agencies are expected to be its earliest customers, helping anchor revenues. The satellite pairs advanced radar with multispectral sensors, positioning the company to monetize private space tech in India.
West Bengal is waiting for Assembly election results with both Trinamool Congress and BJP projecting victory. Counting agents have been told to remain vigilant, as Mamata Banerjee seeks a fourth term as chief minister. Though the reported disturbance at a counting centre was minor, party leaders have urged agents to stay fearless as results approach.
Vote counting is underway for the 2026 Puducherry assembly elections, where the NDA and INDIA bloc are locked in a tight contest. Alongside Puducherry, results are awaited for bypolls across eight seats spanning Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Together, these outcomes could quickly shift political equations in multiple states.
Assam is set for assembly vote counting across 52 high security centres covering 126 constituencies, with 722 candidates awaiting results. The Election Commission has put in place a three layer security arrangement for the counting process, including postal ballot counting. Exit polls are expected to shape expectations, with BJP led NDA tipped to seek a third term against Congress led rivals.
The US Federal Reserve is heading for a key leadership change as Donald Trump nominates Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell when his term ends May 15, pending Senate approval. The decision could reverberate through global markets by reshaping expectations for interest rates and monetary policy—raising urgent questions about how independent the Fed will be under Warsh.
Nepal has objected to India and China’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra plan that would use the Lipulekh Pass. Kathmandu says Lipulekh is its territory and that it was not consulted over the route, while India asserts it owns the pass. Nepal has told both countries to resolve the border dispute through diplomacy tied to historical agreements.
Jannik Sinner powered past Alexander Zverev to win the Madrid Open and claim a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title. The straight-sets triumph keeps his winning streak rolling at the highest level. In the women’s final, Marta Kostyuk secured victory over Mirra Andreeva, capping a weekend defined by dominant performances.
Five Siberian Huskies were abandoned near Nandigaon village, with one dying from heat. The incident underscores how easily animals are treated as disposable, exposing gaps in enforcement and accountability. The editorial calls for tougher regulations on dog breeding and ownership, along with microchipping and checks on buyers to prevent reckless dumping.
An employee at a small Indian startup said he was warned he could be terminated just a day after informing his managers about plans to marry a co-worker. He claimed the two worked in different roles with no direct reporting line and that he disclosed the news professionally, asking whether any company policy applied. The post sparked debate on workplace ethics and hiring practices.
Tamil Nadu Assembly election vote counting is scheduled for May 4, with arrangements already in place, Tamil Nadu CEO Patnaik said. Counting will be handled across 62 centres with over 1.25 lakh personnel, alongside extensive security. Results will be announced round-wise. Exit polls point to a DMK alliance win, while AIADMK disputes the narrative amid claims of potential disruptions.
Tata Trusts, Tata Sons’ majority owner, will meet on May 8 to review its board representation following internal differences on the group’s future direction. The decision raises the possibility of moves to remove vice chairman Venu Srinivasan from the Tata Sons board, signaling a major governance escalation behind the scenes.
With assembly votes in five states—West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry—awaiting results, the Election Commission has intensified security around counting centres. Authorities have put in place a three-tier cordon, deployed CAPF companies, and expanded surveillance with CCTVs to keep counting uninterrupted and transparent as final tallies are prepared.
Citadel Season 2, starring Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, is set to arrive on Amazon Prime Video. The season consists of seven episodes, releasing all at once on the same day. Nadia, Mason, and Bernard reunite to confront a new threat, with the creators teasing larger action sequences and unexpected plot twists in the next chapter of the spy thriller.
A Bengaluru activist has threatened to file an FIR against Rajasthan Royals, alleging “child labour” linked to 15-year-old IPL player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The claim adds to a growing list of controversies around the teenager, who has already faced criticism for alleged “unprofessional” behavior and claims about an AI chip in his bat, keeping the IPL spotlight far beyond cricket.
Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh hailed senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi in glowing terms as the party held a function to “welcome Khera back” after bail. Speaking at Indira Bhawan with Legal and Media Department office-bearers, Ramesh credited Singhvi’s sharp legal work, while the event underscored the party’s focus on Khera’s release.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is “suffocating” Iran’s leadership through an “economic blockade” launched in parallel with a military offensive. He said the Treasury is imposing measures on anyone trying to remit money into Iran to support the IRGC, Iran’s elite military force, signaling tighter financial pressure alongside force.
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