Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A boat capsized in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur near the Narmada by Bargi Dam after a sudden storm late Thursday, killing nine people and leaving several missing. Amid the tragedy, a photo of a mother clinging to her four-year-old son has stunned everyone, with even state minister Rakesh Singh reportedly struggling to hold back tears.
NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers have shared two stunning 360-degree panoramas captured from opposite sides of Mars. The views stitch together the planet’s violent past, ancient water landscapes, and the lingering mystery of whether microbial life ever took hold. By exploring “time-traveling” layers of history, the rovers aim to narrow where life’s clues might still remain.
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MDMK MP Vaiko on May Day traced the labour struggles behind May 1’s recognition, linking the global 1886 events to India’s own fight for workers’ rights. He says his 1990 request to then Prime Minister VP Singh was pivotal in declaring May Day a central government holiday, calling it one of his biggest achievements.
Starting May 1, 2026, India sees major policy shifts spanning everyday spending and digital regulation. Oil marketing companies have raised 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder prices by ₹993, while domestic LPG rates reportedly stay steady. At the same time, MeitY operationalised the Online Gaming Rules, 2026, setting up a unified regulator to target illegal “money games,” alongside fresh credit-card related rules.
VE Commercial Vehicles, the Volvo Group–Eicher Motors joint venture, posted a 6.9% rise in April 2026 sales to 7,318 units. Growth was led by an 8.6% increase in domestic sales of Eicher-branded trucks and buses. Exports fell, but the overall picture points to improving demand and steadier momentum for the company.
Adani Group has announced a sweeping operational overhaul using a new three-layer structure designed to speed decision-making and improve execution as India’s infrastructure boom gathers pace. The conglomerate is also expanding worker facilities and planning major investments. Meanwhile, Adani Enterprises is raising funds via a share sale, even as the group tackles operational hurdles and ongoing legal matters.
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Infosys has named board member Nitin Paranjpe as its non-executive vice chairman, according to an exchange filing dated April 30. The appointment is seen as a move to strengthen the company’s leadership structure as Infosys adjusts to evolving strategic priorities. Paranjpe’s role adds a new layer of board-level oversight at the IT services giant.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tense questioning at a congressional hearing during heightened Iran War concerns and a massive $1.5 trillion military budget debate. Lawmakers challenged whether President Trump is mentally stable to lead during the crisis. Hegseth’s viral response quickly spread online, intensifying scrutiny of the administration’s handling of escalating foreign policy risks.
Days after worker protests in Noida demanding higher pay and flexible hours, authorities have tightened security for Labour Day. Police say Section 163 has been imposed until May 8, as a precaution to keep events by labour unions peaceful. Officials claim industrial operations are continuing without disruption, with adequate police deployment across the district to maintain law and order.
European governments are increasingly questioning the reliability of U.S. support for NATO, as unpredictable signals from the Trump administration raise doubts—especially on the alliance’s eastern flank. While American military training still goes on, several European states are reevaluating the depth and future of their defense partnership, reflecting wider uncertainty about U.S. commitment.
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UPI logged a landmark performance in FY26, clocking over 24,162 crore transactions worth Rs 314 lakh crore. The steep rise underlines how digital payments have moved beyond big cities into everyday use across regions. With UPI becoming a default choice for millions, India’s cashless ecosystem is expanding steadily and reshaping daily spending habits.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees the company will cut about 10% of its workforce on May 20, citing soaring capital spending tied to AI infrastructure. Speaking at a town hall, he also refused to rule out additional layoffs later this year. The move lands amid employee backlash over new monitoring initiatives and Meta’s shift toward an “AI native” organization.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices have hit a record high after a Rs 993 increase per 19-kg cylinder, pushing the total rise in just three months to Rs 1,303. The spike is linked to higher global energy prices amid the West Asia conflict. Domestic LPG rates, by contrast, have stayed unchanged—leaving commercial buyers exposed to the full shock.
The long-awaited Missing Link on the Mumbai Pune Expressway will open to traffic on May 1, 2026. This 13.3 km bypass is expected to cut Mumbai Pune travel time by 20 to 30 minutes, reduce congestion on the ghat sections, and make weekend drives to Karjat, Lonavala, and Neral significantly easier for regular commuters and families.
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Absconding drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola was arrested in Turkiye while living under the alias “Hamza,” officials said, using a Bulgarian passport whose validity is now under investigation. Linked to Dawood Ibrahim, Dola is alleged to be a key supplier in a major mephedrone seizure. He was brought back to India after an Interpol Red Notice.
India’s GST collections kicked off the new fiscal year with a standout performance. April 2026 receipts rose 8.7% year-on-year to an all-time high of ₹2.43 lakh crore, according to the Ministry of Finance. The jump points to resilient domestic consumption and benefits from technology-led anti-evasion measures, even as global markets face energy-linked uncertainty.
President Trump signed a bipartisan bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security, ending the longest agency shutdown in U.S. history. The standoff centered on immigration enforcement funding, leaving routine services like TSA and FEMA protected. Immigration-related funding will be handled in a separate measure, reopening political uncertainty over the issue.
The UAE has exited OPEC, disrupting a long-standing production alignment that typically steadies global oil markets. While the immediate effect may be muted, the UAE’s increased production capacity could ease prices over time. The move may also trigger reconsideration by other producer states about their OPEC membership, with implications for buyers including India.
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India’s gross GST collections hit a record Rs 2.42 lakh crore in April, rising 8.7% year-on-year. The month’s jump points to steady economic momentum, with a notable contribution from higher import revenues. The scale of collections adds another signal to monitor how consumption, trade, and compliance are shaping monthly tax receipts.
India’s new online gaming regulations take effect today under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Real money games and betting-style apps are banned, while the new Online Gaming Authority of India tightens compliance. Players will face age checks, parental controls, and grievance systems. Esports and casual social games are still allowed.
Tensions inside Iran’s top leadership are reportedly intensifying, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf seeking to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The move reportedly stems from sharp disagreements over ongoing US negotiations, along with allegations that Araghchi’s loyalties align more closely with the IRGC than with civilian leadership.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says nearly 30 North Texas businesses may be misusing the H-1B visa program by operating “ghost offices.” He alleges some companies fake a real operational presence to qualify for sponsorship of foreign workers, and is demanding extensive records to prove compliance. The crackdown is framed as a bid to stop fraud and prevent abuse of the visa system.
India’s inflation outlook is under pressure as forecasters expect a below-average monsoon and rising El Niño risk. Cooler and uneven rains could curb agricultural output, tightening supplies and pushing food prices higher even if buffer stocks offer partial cover. The next rainfall cycle is poised to be a key swing factor for whether inflation stays contained or accelerates in the coming months.
Indians have become Australia’s largest migrant group for the first time, overtaking England as the leading overseas community. The change reflects shifting migration patterns, with overseas-born residents now accounting for 32% of Australia’s population. Indian-born numbers are growing rapidly, emerging as the fastest-growing major migrant group as migration policy debates intensify.
Federal prosecutors released a video showing the alleged moment a man armed with guns and knives tried to breach security ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where President Donald Trump was present. The clip also fueled new questions about the incident involving a Secret Service officer and whose bullet struck him.
UPI transactions dipped 1.3% month-on-month to 22.35 billion in April, down from 22.64 billion in March, according to NPCI data. The transaction value also eased to ₹29.03 lakh crore from ₹29.53 lakh crore. Yet on a year-on-year basis, transactions climbed 25% and value rose 21%. Average daily count and value both increased MoM as NPCI held talks with smaller ecosystem players.
Starting today, state-owned oil marketing companies have increased Aviation Turbine Fuel for international airlines by 5%, marking the second consecutive monthly hike. The revision adds $76.55 per kilolitre, taking the Delhi ATF price to $1,511.86 per kl. Domestic airlines, meanwhile, see prices held stable in the same update.
Kia India logged its highest-ever April sales in 2026, with wholesales rising 16% to 27,286 units. The surge points to strong customer demand, supported by fresh momentum from the Kia Seltos, Sonet, and Carens. Kia said it remains committed to the Indian market as its lineup continues to pull buyers.
The US is rolling out new immigration fees and tighter asylum-related rules that take effect soon. Asylum applicants will face both filing and annual charges, and non-payment can trigger case rejection and a denial of work permits. Temporary Protected Status holders will also see their work permits limited to one year, as the government aims to push costs onto applicants and streamline processing.
The Election Commission has reduced West Bengal’s election counting centres from the planned 87 to 77, according to an official statement. The decision, announced just days before results with only about 48 hours left, has triggered sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress. The move comes amid an ongoing BJP-TMC standoff over the EVM and election process.
Commercial LPG prices have been increased by ₹993 effective Friday, pushing the Delhi cylinder rate to ₹3,071.50. Petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG prices remain unchanged, leaving household costs steady even as business fuel becomes more expensive. City-wise commercial rates vary, so check your local pricing for the new month impact.
RBI’s proposed move to an expected credit loss (ECL) framework may trigger a one-time net impact of as much as 120 basis points on banks’ Common Equity Tier-1 (CET-1) ratios, according to Crisil Ratings. While the ratio hit could be steep, Crisil expects lenders’ overall credit profiles to remain stable.
Conversations at Delhi’s airport security and a farmer in Tamil Nadu are fueling excitement around actor Vijay Thalapathy’s political prospects. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu says these moments reflect a wider appetite for change. He argues established parties still have strengths, but Vijay’s unusually fast political rise could reshape Tamil Nadu’s electoral calculations, making voter shifts harder to predict.
Etihad Airways has upgraded its Etihad Guest loyalty program with exclusive discounts of up to 10% on Promo seats for Gold, Platinum, and Emerald members. The airline says the move is designed to deliver more value and better redemption options for its most frequent travellers as it continues expanding its global network.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says Amazon Now, the company’s 30-minute quick commerce service, is growing 25% month on month in India. He also claims Prime members’ purchase frequency triples after adopting the platform. Amazon is simultaneously planning major city and dark-store expansion, targeting deeper competition with Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and others.
Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration has directed restaurants to clearly state whether “paneer” is genuine or a substitute. Starting Thursday, eateries must disclose the cheese type on menus, bills, and display boards, while manufacturers and suppliers must label products accurately. Violations can trigger action under food safety laws aimed at preventing consumer deception.
Brazil’s Congress voted to cut former president Jair Bolsonaro’s prison sentence for plotting a coup, overriding President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s veto. The decision arrives ahead of the October presidential election and is expected to weaken Lula’s political leverage while benefiting Bolsonaro and supporters. The legislation may face a court challenge.
Foreign investors dumped more than 1.8 trillion yen of Japanese bonds in the week ending April 25, citing rising oil-driven inflation fears and expectations around the Bank of Japan’s next moves. Yet the same investors continued their steady buying of Japanese stocks for a fourth straight week, highlighting a sharp split in sentiment.
Apple is reportedly chasing refunds for tariffs it paid to the US government. CEO Tim Cook says any recovered money will be reinvested to spur American innovation and strengthen advanced manufacturing, aligning with Apple’s existing US investments. The move also echoes efforts by major automakers, which are reportedly seeking similar tariff refunds.
Netflix is rolling out a redesigned mobile app feature called “Clips” in India, the US, the UK and Australia. The update adds a vertical, scrollable video feed that surfaces personalized snippets of shows and movies, helping users decide faster. Netflix says the mobile-first design also improves discovery by making browsing feel more engaging and streamlined.
Viswas Raghavan joined Citigroup in February 2024 as head of banking after leaving JPMorgan Chase. Reports say concerns about his workplace conduct were raised at JPMorgan before his exit. Citi reportedly brought him in with a major compensation package, and his high-profile arrival has sparked scrutiny—along with speculation that he could be in line for a top CEO role.
Mahindra & Mahindra kicked off the new fiscal year with strong April sales. Total vehicle sales rose 14 percent year over year to 94,627 units. Passenger vehicle sales increased 8 percent domestically, while tractor sales climbed 21 percent overall. The broad-based numbers point to resilient demand across the company’s key categories.
Jet fuel prices for international airlines have risen 5%, extending a second consecutive monthly increase. The move highlights the spillover from higher global energy costs, with oil firms now dictating pricing. In contrast, domestic airlines are seeing stability in fuel costs, giving them a temporary cushion while international carriers absorb the higher burden.
The US Trade Representative has placed Vietnam on the Priority Foreign Country list for inadequate intellectual property protection, while India, China, and Russia remain on the Priority Watch List. The move signals heightened concern over enforcement of IP rights, with the US pointing to negotiations and possible investigations to protect American innovators.
India’s pilots’ body ALPA has warned the DGCA that delays in implementing flight duty time and rest rules may be weakening safety. It alleges ongoing relaxations for airlines undermine safeguards against fatigue and cites recent operational issues as evidence. ALPA wants a clear end to variations, stricter rest rules, and greater transparency in how pilot fatigue and health are monitored.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices were revised upwards by Rs 993 in Delhi, effective Friday, pushing the 19 kg cylinder to Rs 3,071.50. The hike will directly raise operating costs for food and hospitality businesses that rely on commercial refills. Domestic LPG prices, however, remain unchanged for households, leaving consumer costs steady for now.
The Congress launched a sharp attack on the Centre, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of burdening businesses with repeated hikes in commercial LPG cylinder prices. The party dubbed him “Inflation Man Modi” and said the latest increase adds to rising costs even as global crude prices swing due to West Asia geopolitical tensions. Brent crude moved between about $126 and $113 recently.
Iran activated air defenses late Thursday, targeting small aircraft and drones amid intensifying tensions with the US. As Tehran’s supreme leader denounced the US over what he called a shameful defeat, the White House signaled it would not be bound by a congressional deadline on Iran-related actions. Oil prices also surged as fears of escalation grew.
Hyundai Motor India has logged a record April for domestic sales, selling 51,902 vehicles—up 17% year-on-year. Exports rose to 13,708 units. The company attributes the standout performance to the VENUE compact SUV, which recorded its best-ever monthly domestic sales. With these gains, Hyundai begins the new financial year on a strong note.
The Narcotics Bureau in Mumbai seized 349 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 1,745 crore, dismantling a major international drug cartel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation as trailblazing, highlighting the agency’s bottom-to-top approach that traced a wider network. He also vowed to ruthlessly crush cartels and disrupt trafficking at every link.
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