Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A pickup truck carrying around 30–35 daily-wage labourers overturned near a petrol pump in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. At least 12 people were killed and over 13 injured, with victims rushed to the district hospital. Reports indicate the vehicle was overloaded, raising questions about safety and regulation on such routes.
Google TV has rolled out additional Gemini features, bringing AI-powered creativity to the living room. The update includes the ability to transform photos and videos using tools called Nano Banana and Veo, aiming to make content editing and generation feel more immediate on the TV interface.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
A West Asia conflict is roiling energy markets, triggering an economic shock that threatens inflation and growth across Asia. India, reliant on energy imports, faces heightened pressure even as governments roll out measures to cushion households and firms. Central banks are urged to stay alert, while structural reforms are highlighted as the path to long-term resilience and steadier, balanced growth.
Assam exit polls for 2026 are pointing to a second consecutive term for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led NDA, with high voter turnout strengthening the ruling party’s chances. Analysts say Sarma’s blend of governance delivery and identity-focused politics has struck a chord, even as the Congress-led alliance tries to ride anti-incumbency sentiment.
US President Donald Trump made an awkward joke about his marriage to Melania during a live White House moment meant to welcome UK King Charles. The comment arrived amid fresh controversy over a “widow” quip by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, which Trump criticized as age-gap targeting. The episode quickly sparked reactions online.
Tamil Nadu exit polls by Axis My India are signaling a major upset for actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). TVK is projected to win 98–120 seats in the 234-member Assembly and secure around 35% of the vote share, putting it on par with the DMK-led alliance and suggesting Vijay may emerge as a real contender, not a minor spoiler.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
Jammu and Kashmir’s People’s Conference president Sajjad Gani Lone has accused BJP, National Conference and PDP of colluding in “match-fixing” during the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections. Lone framed the allegation as an assault on democratic norms, claiming the contest was manipulated rather than fought on principles. The remarks intensify tensions in J-K’s already strained political landscape.
The Supreme Court ruled that existing laws are sufficient to tackle hate speech across the country. It said the task of creating new criminal offences lies with the legislature, not the judiciary. The court pointed to legal mechanisms available under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita as already offering comprehensive ways to respond to such cases.
US private equity firm Siguler Guff has invested $40 million in Trimex Foods, the India franchise partner for brands including Chili's, Paul, and Cinnabon. The funding is designed to speed up Trimex’s pan-India rollout and help it onboard additional global restaurant brands. The move underscores growing investor confidence in India’s organized food services market.
Italian warship maker Fincantieri is looking at major collaboration with India, aiming to combine India’s manufacturing capabilities with its own advanced maritime technologies. The plan includes joint ventures for next-generation vessels and potential engineering hubs in India, targeting competitive naval solutions for both regional needs and global markets.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Four Chhattisgarh police personnel, including an inspector, were detained and questioned in Guwahati after bribery allegations in a cybercrime probe. A complainant claims the team demanded and accepted money from accused arrested in Chhattisgarh and allegedly released some suspects after receiving bribes. The officials had reportedly arrived in Guwahati to investigate the case.
India is running a nationwide trial of a mobile-based disaster alert system jointly by the Department of Telecommunications and the National Disaster Management Authority. During the test, citizens may receive alert messages on their phones. The system is designed to quickly broadcast critical information using Cell Broadcast technology, but the DoT says many people are ignoring the test alerts.
Sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Leh on Wednesday, greeted by light showers outside Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport. The rain soon cleared, heightening the ceremonial atmosphere as officials and thousands of devotees gathered for a grand reception and procession. The historic event drew crowds across Ladakh, blending religious reverence with a dramatic, rain-to-clear sky moment.
Pursuit, a startup helping companies sell to government, has raised a $22 million seed round led by OpenGov co-founder Mike Rosengarten. The funding brings in major VC backers including Bill Gurley and Jack Altman. The company’s pitch focuses on making public-sector sales easier for businesses trying to navigate procurement and compliance.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Big Tech’s $16 trillion earnings week kicks off with results from Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft, with Apple due tomorrow. Investors are looking for clues on AI spending and whether demand holds up beyond recent hype. Nvidia’s upcoming report will also shape AI sentiment, and markets could either extend current highs or turn volatile depending on guidance and outlook.
Militants opened fire on Senakeithei village in Ukhrul district, triggering fresh tension. The attack comes after a deadly clash in Mullam village on Friday that left three dead and homes burnt. In response, security forces have stepped up operations, including destroying illegal bunkers across Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.
SpaceX’s IPO plan targets a historic $1.75 trillion valuation, but the biggest surprise is Elon Musk’s compensation and control structure. His 200 million shares reportedly unlock only if SpaceX reaches an extreme $7.5 trillion valuation and builds a Mars colony of one million people. The deal also grants Musk super-voting shares, boosting his leverage beyond typical CEO packages.
India’s civil aviation ministry has issued SOPs for a new hub-and-spoke model for international air travel. Air India will begin trials in June, aiming to connect domestic routes to global destinations with smoother immigration and baggage transfers. The plan is also designed to better use airport infrastructure nationwide, reducing friction for passengers during international journeys.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit India next month on May 14-15, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. During the trip, Lavrov is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, setting the stage for fresh discussions between the two countries.
Brigade Group and Bain Capital will form a 50:50 joint venture to develop a 2 million sq ft mixed-use project in Bengaluru. The investment is about Rs 2,200 crore and will include Grade A office space plus a five-star hotel. The development is planned on ITPL Main Road in Whitefield, near the metro station.
The Asian Development Bank has reduced its 2026 growth outlook for Asia and the Pacific to 4.7%, citing prolonged disruptions in West Asia. Rising energy prices are pushing inflation higher while financial conditions tighten. The ADB warns these shocks may cause long-lasting damage to global energy and trade networks, even as it promises support and close risk monitoring.
India is rolling out a new export monitoring framework to achieve the $2 trillion target by FY31. The Commerce Department’s plan sets clear KPIs and timelines for priority sectors including engineering, textiles and services, with emphasis on tight inter-department coordination. Progress will be tracked through an IT platform, alongside efforts to strengthen “Brand India.”
Axis Bank said the Reserve Bank of India has approved Subrat Mohanty’s reappointment as Executive Director for a further three-year term. The extended tenure will start on August 17, 2026 and is scheduled to end on August 16, 2029, keeping him in the role under RBI clearance for the next period.
Nandini Piramal says West Asia tensions are manageable today, but a prolonged US Israel war against Iran could raise costs for petrochemical derived products that feed parts of the pharma supply chain. Piramal Pharma is responding by diversifying sourcing and using global manufacturing. It expects stronger momentum in contract development and manufacturing, with growth from overseas sites and complex hospital generics.
Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan’s romantic drama Ek Din, releasing May 1, opened advance bookings a month ahead—a bold push by the makers. Yet the film’s early box office reception has been underwhelming, with opening estimates hovering around ₹1–2 crore. The early booking window didn’t translate into strong momentum at theatres.
A viral clip has ignited a fresh debate over royal protocol after it appeared US President Donald Trump stepped in front of Queen Consort Camilla during a formal White House handshake line. The video has prompted online claims of a snub, with viewers questioning diplomatic etiquette and the proper order of precedence during state visits.
The Supreme Court is pressing for a resolution to deliver homes to 22,000 Unitech homebuyers who have waited for years. It has asked the new board, banks, and financial institutions for proposals while investigating where investors’ money went. Former promoters are alleged to have parked funds in tax-haven countries, and the court wants a clear path to delivery.
Adani Green Energy plans a major battery storage expansion, aiming to add up to 15,000 GWh of capacity each year. The company says the investment will strengthen India’s energy transition by smoothing peaks, improving reliability, and enabling round-the-clock delivery of renewable power. The scale of the rollout signals a push to make clean energy dependable as demand rises.
The RBI has launched the May 2026 round of its inflation expectations survey of households, designed to capture people’s subjective assessments of price movements and inflation. The exercise, built around individual consumption baskets, will cover 19 cities and aims to strengthen the data RBI uses for monetary policy inputs.
YouTube is testing an AI-powered search feature called “Ask YouTube” that delivers straightforward step-by-step answers using both text and relevant video content. The system is designed to make it easier to ask follow-up questions, aiming to reduce friction between searching and watching. The rollout fits into Google’s broader push to speed up and improve AI search experiences.
Sohum Shah has confirmed that Tumbbad 2 will hit theatres next year, debuting a new poster along the way. The sequel to the 2018 cult film will expand the dark folklore universe on a bigger scale, following the strong response to Tumbbad’s re-release. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is set to play a key role, directed by Adesh Prasad.
The Finance Ministry has directed public sector banks and financial institutions to reserve roles for people with benchmark disabilities in both direct recruitment and promotions. The Department of Financial Services issued the instructions and also mandated regular meetings with PwD Employees Welfare Associations, ensuring concerns are reviewed and employees have a structured voice in decisions.
India is ramping up its shipping capacity to boost self-reliance, planning to add 62 vessels by FY 2026-27. The move is backed by an estimated Rs 51,383 crore investment, discussed in a high-level meeting. The fleet expansion includes container ships, LPG and crude carriers, and green tugs designed to improve resilience amid global disruptions and protect supply chains.
DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted a maiden successful salvo launch of the NASM-SR air-launched anti-ship missile system. During the trial, two missiles were fired in quick succession from the same helicopter, marking the first salvo launch for this advanced class of weapon and demonstrating rapid multi-shot capability against maritime targets.
US markets are splitting: the Dow Jones slides about 200 points while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hold firm. The move tracks rising oil prices above $100 and climbing Treasury yields to around 4.39%, keeping investors on edge ahead of the Federal Reserve. Still, upbeat Big Tech earnings from Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft are offsetting the pressure.
Amazon has announced large-scale layoffs affecting tens of thousands while simultaneously planning to hire around 11,000 software developers and interns in 2026. AWS CEO Matt Garman says AI isn’t replacing people, arguing it automates repetitive tasks so developers can shift to more complex work and move faster. The timing raises the bigger question: who is being changed, and how?
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has earmarked over Rs 2,000 crore for educational schemes in FY 2025-26. The funds will support OBC, EBC, and DNT students, with the stated goal of improving access to quality education and backing academic progress. The allocation marks a major push for educational inclusion.
Tamil Nadu exit polls are sharply divided, with one projecting an NDA win while most point to the DMK alliance. The biggest variable is the newly launched TVK of actor Joseph Vijay, which could fracture opposition votes. If that happens, it may boost DMK’s prospects even in a fragmented landscape. Election results are due on May 4.
IATA chief Willie Walsh warns that airlines in Asia and Europe may face jet fuel shortages in the coming months. Soaring fuel costs are already showing up in ticket prices and straining airline resilience. Regulators are being urged to allow slot flexibility due to the extraordinary circumstances, though March traffic and forward bookings are reportedly holding steady so far.
ICRA has downgraded Ola Electric Technologies, citing declining sales, persistent losses, and delayed profitability. While the company worked on improving unit economics, intensifying competition and subsidy rationalisation pressured demand and margins. Ola Electric’s electric two-wheeler market share has also fallen, with legacy players increasingly dominating the segment.
NTA has released the CUET UG 2026 advance exam city intimation slip, published on April 29. Candidates can use it to check their test location and plan travel for the exam window from May 11 to May 31. However, it is not the admit card—official admit cards with complete details will be released later.
The RBI has issued new guidelines allowing banks to provide relief to all borrowers in disaster-hit areas without waiting for requests. Effective from July 1, 2026, banks can extend existing measures, waive fees for up to a year, and keep services running via temporary premises and satellite offices. ATM restoration is also mandated promptly.
Emcure Pharmaceuticals reported a major block deal as BC Investments IV Limited sold about 18 lakh shares worth Rs 289 crore to Norges Bank. The buyer’s entry comes as the pharma company keeps outperforming, posting a 67% return over the past 12 months and a 50% year-on-year jump in net profit, bolstering investor interest.
Domestic air traffic rose slightly in March to 1.44 crore passengers from 1.41 crore in February, lifting the March quarter total to 4.37 crore. However, it still trails March 2025’s 1.45 crore. The month also saw flight delays impact 1.21 lakh passengers, underscoring reliability concerns even as demand inches up.
Heavy rains battered Bengaluru, triggering a compound wall collapse at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital that killed seven people, including two children. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the affected area and announced Rs 5 lakh relief for the families of the deceased. The tragedy has reignited concerns about infrastructure readiness and city planning, drawing criticism over governance lapses.
Investors managing over $1 trillion have asked Alphabet for a meeting, pressing for clearer safeguards on how its cloud and AI technologies are used by governments for surveillance. The group says intervention controls in high-risk contexts appear insufficient. Alphabet had previously opposed a shareholder resolution, arguing that existing disclosures and frameworks already address the concerns.
A viral CCTV video shows a dark four-wheeler speeding on a mountainous road, failing to slow for a sharp bend. The driver loses control, the vehicle leaves the roadway, and it drops into a deep open gorge. Authorities said the crash has caused the deaths of two people, underscoring the dangers of overspeeding on hills.
India’s men’s team ended Group A of the Thomas & Uber Cup 2026 in second place after a closely contested loss to defending champions China in their final round-robin match in Horsens, Denmark. Despite a spirited effort that kept the contest alive, India couldn’t secure the win, leaving China to finish ahead and shape the knockout path.
US oil-linked ETFs are climbing to levels not seen since 2015 as global tensions push energy prices higher. But the twist is shipping costs: an ETF tied to oil transport is also accelerating, signaling investors are rethinking risk and returns around how fuel moves, not only what it costs at the pump or well.
Specialty chemicals maker LANXESS plans to invest Rs 150 crore in Gujarat by setting up a new blending plant at its Jhagadia site. The facility will manufacture specialty lubricant additives for customers across India, the Middle East, and other global markets. The move is positioned as a boost to regional customer focus and supply capacity.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.