Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Relief is on the way in parts of northern India as rains develop after intense heat. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 24.6°C and the India Meteorological Department expects thunderstorms with rain. The forecast points to short-term cooling, though weather can change quickly as monsoon-linked conditions shift across the region.
Delhi sweltered on Sunday with a maximum temperature of 36.6°C and pockets of light rain. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain starting Monday, with cloudy, rainy conditions expected to continue until May 6. Heatwave conditions are not anticipated, and the city’s air quality remains moderate.
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A day before vote counting for West Bengal Assembly elections, a commotion erupted in Asansol when a switched off mobile phone was found inside an envelope near the strongroom. Reports say the envelope also contained documents, triggering heightened security scrutiny and raising questions about how it reached the area amid tight election procedures.
Warren Buffett praised Tim Cook at Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholder meeting, calling the $35 billion Apple investment a near plug-and-play win. Buffett said the bet didn’t require much action from him—Cook’s leadership and Apple’s growth turned the stake into roughly $185 billion. The comment underscores how central management was to the payoff.
Ask Jeeves has officially shut down after 25 years, ending its run as a conversational search engine launched in 1996. The move, driven by parent company IAC, signals how quickly user habits are shifting away from traditional search. Instead, more people are turning to AI-driven direct answers that provide results instantly—cutting out the back-and-forth.
Counting day has arrived for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, after a hard-fought campaign marked by high turnout. The results will determine whether the BJP’s “double engine” momentum expands or regional parties maintain their influence across key belts—potentially reshaping India’s political narrative.
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Amid West Asia tensions and fears of hoarding, India’s government has stepped up enforcement to curb black marketing of LPG. The ministry says more than 1,900 raids have been conducted nationwide, with penalties imposed on 349 LPG distributorships and 74 distributorships suspended. Officials say supply has steadied, but action continues against violations.
A proposed Social Security Administration rule could reduce or eliminate SSI benefits by treating certain household living space as income for people receiving SSI while living with family. The change could affect up to 400,000 individuals, with disabled adults and low-income seniors hit hardest, especially those who rely on shared housing for daily support.
Karnataka’s local alcohol manufacturers have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to revisit a proposed liquor tax system, arguing it tilts benefits toward multinational premium brands while making cheaper local products less competitive. Distillers claim the design of the tax structure could shift consumer demand away from regional players, threatening their business stability and market share.
Donald Trump’s disapproval ratings hit a record high as voters overwhelmingly reject his handling of inflation and the cost of living. The latest figures show 72% disapprove of his inflation approach and 76% disapprove on living costs. Even more striking, 66% disapprove of how he is handling Iran, as the U.S. midterm race moves into its final stretch.
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Canada’s intelligence agency has designated Khalistani extremists as a national security threat, alleging they use Canadian institutions to push a violent agenda and raise funds for operations abroad. The move lands as Ottawa and New Delhi seek to repair relations. The agency also stresses a key distinction: peaceful advocacy for Khalistan is not considered extremism, unlike those planning violence.
Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam, starring Saiju Kurup and directed by Krishnadas Murali, is set for an OTT release after a strong theatre run. The sequel leans into darker thriller territory, following a troubled family as secrets unravel into consequences. With steady word of mouth and box office momentum, it’s quickly becoming a must-watch streaming title.
Finance leaders from China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN met in Samarkand and pledged coordinated vigilance against excessive financial market volatility. They said they will act if needed to protect stability, while also reaffirming commitments to open trade, resilient supply chains and a rules based global trading system during the Asian Development Bank annual gathering.
Contractual data entry operators at voter centres across New Delhi district have alleged that their salaries have been delayed for the past three months, with non-payments affecting their work and livelihoods. One affected employee, Mohan Kumar, shared the claims with Republic TV, also alleging severe charges involving the SDM. The reports have raised concerns about accountability in election-related staffing.
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The Asian Development Bank says it will finance about $70 billion in energy and digital infrastructure across Asia Pacific by 2035. Through its power grid initiative, it plans to mobilize $50 billion to link cross-border electricity networks, back renewable energy integration, and expand transmission capacity—aiming to raise reliability while widening access to electricity and internet connectivity.
India has carried out the second successful flight test of a DRDO long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile off the Odisha coast. The missile can travel up to Mach 10 and is designed to extend India’s maritime strike capability into deep ocean zones. Officials say the development aims to strengthen deterrence against regional rivals and enhance defence readiness at sea.
A captive elephant turned violent during the Friday temple festival at Kidangoor Mahavishnu Temple in Kerala’s Angamaly. The rampage left one person dead and critically injured the mahout, while officials and locals managed a difficult rescue amid widespread damage across the temple grounds. Authorities are investigating what triggered the sudden aggression.
Indian and Cambodian armed forces have begun a two-week joint exercise in Cambodia as part of the CINBAX initiative. The training will emphasize counter-terrorism tactics and peacekeeping operations, with hands-on sessions that include the use of drone technology. The drill marks the second phase of CINBAX, aiming to strengthen coordination between the two militaries.
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West Bengal’s Assembly election verdict lands May 4 as vote counting determines whether Mamata Banerjee returns to power or the Bharatiya Janata Party wins its first state victory. Ahead of the count, the spotlight is on 10 battleground constituencies—from Bhabanipur to Nandigram—expected to swing momentum and shape the final outcome.
Kerala’s Assembly election results are set to shape the state’s next political chapter as counting begins for the April 9 polls. The ruling LDF faces the opposition UDF, while the BJP-led NDA seeks impact in a tightly contested race. Exit polls point to a close fight, with the UDF targeting an end to LDF’s decade-long hold.
The UAE aviation authority says air traffic has returned to normal after lifting precautionary measures introduced on February 28. Those steps were originally put in place at the start of the Iran war and remained until a fresh review of operational and security conditions. The authority coordinated the decision with relevant entities, paving the way for normal operations across UAE skies.
Assam’s 2026 assembly election battle reaches its decisive stage with vote counting on Monday. The outcome will determine whether the BJP-led NDA wins a third term or if Congress makes a comeback. In all, 722 candidates across 126 constituencies face the results sealed in EVMs. Counting will take place at 40 centres across 35 districts under tight security.
Meta’s Q1 results point to AI as the engine behind higher engagement and stronger advertising performance. Video consumption rose across Instagram and Facebook, while ad conversion improved, lifting revenue. The company is also rolling out more AI-powered tools for content discovery and advertiser solutions, signaling continued growth as it expands its AI toolkit.
Iran has submitted a fresh 30 day proposal to the United States to end the conflict, not merely extend a ceasefire. The package calls for lifting sanctions, ending blockades, and withdrawing forces. At the same time, Iran insists on terms tied to the Strait of Hormuz, including tolls for passage, as the rial weakens sharply against the dollar and pressures the economy.
A fire in a four-storey residential building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar early Sunday left nine people dead and 15 rescued. The blaze appears to have started on the second floor, possibly from a short circuit. Investigators say iron grills on windows and a locked terrace trapped residents, turning the building into a deadly fire trap.
Hezbollah is taking heavy casualties and losing territory in its conflict with Israel, even as domestic opposition grows at home. The group is trying to tilt the outcome through its alliance with Iran. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s government is pushing for direct talks with Israel—something Hezbollah strongly rejects—leaving the region in a tense cycle of continued exchanges of fire.
Air India’s board will meet on May 7 to review cost-saving measures and likely move forward on selecting a new CEO. The airline is grappling with heavy losses amid rising jet fuel prices and risks tied to the West Asia conflict. Among proposed steps are unbundling meals and lounge access, while a CEO search is already underway.
The Election Commission of India has released final voter turnout data for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, with a record 85.10% participation. Counting is set to begin tomorrow, and attention is on 10 key constituencies, including seats held by MK Stalin, Edappadi K Palaniswami and Vijay. The results are expected to define the state’s political direction.
Delhi Police arrested three people, including a bank assistant manager, in a Rs 45 lakh investment scam that targeted a retired government officer. The accused allegedly lured the victim with promises of high returns on IPOs via a fake trading app. Investigators found the money was routed through mule accounts, with the bank official accused of enabling the laundering.
The Asian Development Bank has launched a new facility to strengthen critical minerals supply chains across Asia and the Pacific. The effort is designed to help developing economies shift toward higher-value clean energy and advanced technology industries. Japan and the UK provide initial grants, while Korea’s Eximbank and Trade Insurance add catalytic finance support.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say the United States must choose between an “impossible” military operation and a “bad deal” with Tehran. In a statement aired on state television, the Guards’ intelligence organization urged that former president Trump weigh those two paths, signaling stark limits on any U.S. approach toward Iran. The message escalates rhetorical pressure amid ongoing tensions.
Hezbollah has vowed to disrupt Lebanon-Israel peace talks, with a lawmaker saying the group will not implement any agreements. The remarks come despite a ceasefire, as Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon. Negotiations—meant to end decades of conflict and secure an Israeli withdrawal—are now strained by Hezbollah’s demand for guarantees against future attacks.
Big Tech’s March quarter 2026 earnings show revenue rising across the board, driven by an AI-led shift in spending. Companies are forecasting record AI infrastructure capex of over $674 billion for 2026, while also rolling out widespread job cuts. The plan: redirect savings into data centers and AI buildouts at a pace that’s reshaping workforce strategy.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to unveil Phase V(b) of the Delhi Metro, a 97-km expansion spanning seven corridors with 65 stations. The project, estimated to cost over Rs 48,000 crore, targets outer-city connectivity and sustainable travel. Officials say four priority corridors are planned for completion by 2029, reshaping access across Delhi’s wider regions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is “stronger than ever,” rolling out a defense strategy built on independence and capability upgrades. The plan targets advanced aircraft, expanded domestic arms production, and reduced dependence on foreign suppliers after recent conflicts. It also includes new projects designed to counter drone threats, signaling a sharper focus on modern aerial challenges.
A rare 72-million-year-old dinosaur fossil from Alberta, Canada, preserves intact skin and scales of a duck-billed species, offering an unusual look at how dinosaurs may have looked in life. Researchers used advanced imaging and analysis to study its composition and preservation, suggesting the region could hold more discoveries that deepen understanding of dinosaur biology.
Manipur marked three years since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023 with mass protests across multiple districts. Residents say the day is “an anniversary nobody wants to observe,” staging rallies instead of celebrations. Demonstrators demanded the implementation of NRC, resettlement of displaced people, and government accountability to restore peace and safety for affected communities.
U.S. Africa Command says two American service members taking part in the African Lion 2026 exercises are missing in southwestern Morocco. The incident happened Saturday evening near the Cap Draa Training Area close to Tan Tan on the Atlantic coast. Initial reports state the men were off duty and hiking when they went into the ocean, prompting an ongoing search.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government negotiated with airlines to curb Hajj airfare hikes despite geopolitical tensions. He noted fares were originally proposed around $400, but after intervention they were reduced to roughly $100 to $150 to ease costs for pilgrims. The Hajj season has started, with the first batch set to depart on April 18.
Amritsar police say they recovered seven foreign-made pistols smuggled into India via drones and arrested four accused, including a repeat offender with alleged drug-smuggling links. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar noted the weapons are highly lethal and sought by terrorist outfits and gangster syndicates. The accused are described as educated youngsters employed in private companies.
Two men attacked the residence of BJP organisational district secretary Kundan Singh in Noapara, North 24 Paraganas, West Bengal, on Saturday night. The assault was recorded on CCTV, escalating tensions in the locality with vote counting approaching. Local authorities are expected to examine the footage as investigations continue and security is reviewed ahead of the next phase.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has initiated the Indore-Pithampur economic corridor, betting on investments worth Rs 1 lakh crore. The project is planned to link major transport networks, aiming to boost industrial output and logistics efficiency. The government is also working on new industrial parks and expressways, with employment growth expected to follow.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has updated his social media bio ahead of Assembly election vote counting scheduled soon, with results set for May 4. Exit polls forecast a win for the Congress-led United Democratic Front, while the Left Democratic Front is also expected to retain a notable presence. The bio change adds fresh political momentum as campaigning shifts to counting day.
Punjab BJP leaders met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum urging him to seek a report on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s conduct. They allege misuse of state agencies, point to withdrawal of security for MPs who joined BJP, and claim FIRs against a Rajya Sabha MP reflect political vendetta. The move escalates tensions over governance and law enforcement.
The US dollar has weakened by about 10% since early 2025, and the price pressure is showing up across daily life. Americans are paying more for imported goods and travel-related costs, while large multinationals with overseas operations may benefit. Smaller domestic businesses and households feel the squeeze most directly.
Nestle India says it will focus on volume-led growth in the coming fiscal year, even as it stays cautious about price volatility driven by higher input costs and geopolitical uncertainties. The company plans continued investment in its brands and expansion of its rural footprint, while keeping its options open for strategic acquisitions to strengthen and refresh its portfolio.
BJP MP Raghav Chadha is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu on May 5, seeking her intervention after alleging political vendetta in Punjab. Chadha claims the state government’s machinery was misused for targeted action against MPs who recently left AAP and merged with the BJP, and says he has requested the President be apprised of these allegations.
The Press Information Bureau has dismissed reports and viral social media claims that Aadhaar will be redesigned by year end, with the card allegedly reduced to just a photograph and a QR code. In an official statement on X, PIB said the rumours are incorrect and urged people to ignore them to prevent unnecessary confusion.
A viral video shows Ankit Toppo ripping apart train seat cushions and upholstery inside a moving coach while an accomplice records him for a social media reel. The incident has triggered outrage online, with netizens calling for strict action under the Railways Act and even tagging his Instagram account to alert authorities.
Congress says serious issues surrounding the Great Nicobar project must be debated in Parliament, citing alleged ecological damage, violations of tribal rights, lack of transparency, and security concerns. The party claims the government’s recent press note is damage control after Rahul Gandhi’s visit, intensifying pressure on officials to address the allegations publicly.
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