Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Indian Railways has denied rumours of 30,000 layoffs, saying there is no drop in overall labour strength. Officials claim the changes are routine manpower rationalisation—moving staff away from obsolete functions to roles focused on efficiency and safety. The railways also points to new safety-related hiring in 2025–26 to fill critical gaps without increasing headcount.
Haryana RERA’s April 7 order backed two allottees in the Capital Gateway project against Gurugram-based M/s KNS Infracon Pvt Ltd and its associate developer. The buyers had booked 2,675 sq ft flats each and paid over Rs 1.8 crore, but waited for years. The regulator directed the builder to pay 10.80% interest, delivering relief after a long delay.
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Bombay High Court has temporarily barred Godrej Projects from handing over a Chembur commercial property to Titan Company. The court appointed a receiver to take possession, pointing to Godrej’s unilateral repudiation of a lease deal with Decathlon Sports India. Decathlon’s planned large store was also expected to disrupt other retailers in the area, fueling the dispute.
Divine, a Vine reboot backed by Jack Dorsey’s nonprofit, is now available to the public. The app brings back the short-form magic of six-second looping videos, aiming to recreate the fast, creative energy Vine was known for, but with modern tools and a new platform built for today’s audiences.
Dezerv co-founder Sandeep Jethwani has sparked a furious debate after saying Indians need ₹40 crore to retire at 60 if monthly expenses are around ₹2 lakh. Many netizens call the number unrealistic, pointing to India’s lower salary structures and questioning the assumptions behind such calculations. The remark is quickly going viral and dividing opinions online.
The EU is pressing for a fast rollout of an age-verification app to better protect minors online. The push comes after the EU said earlier this month that the tool is ready, as member states move to restrict children’s access to social media. The initiative aims to tighten age checks while limiting exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
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A special court in Panchkula discharged former CBI judge Sudhir Parmar and four others in a 2023 corruption case after ruling the prosecution couldn’t produce legally admissible evidence. The court rejected key electronic material including audio recordings and WhatsApp chats, and dismissed claims of judicial favouritism and quid pro quo. Criminal proceedings have now been halted.
Skoda Auto India is partnering with Common Services Centre Grameen eStore to extend car inquiry and booking services into non-metropolitan and semi-urban areas. The move is designed to reduce access barriers for customers outside major cities and bring Skoda’s vehicles closer to more people across India, strengthening a more inclusive mobility ecosystem.
Violent clashes broke out in West Bengal’s Bhangar during Phase 2 polling between Indian Secular Front (ISF) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. The tension reportedly intensified after ISF candidate Naushad Siddiqui chased rival workers, prompting central forces to intervene and carry out a lathi-charge. Authorities say NIA has launched a probe amid reports of crude bombs recovered in Purba Bardhaman.
The government has dismissed a viral social media claim that petrol and diesel prices are about to rise. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas says no such order has been issued, urging citizens to rely only on official sources for fuel pricing updates. Authorities also warn against sharing unverified posts that could trigger confusion and panic.
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Gurugram based climate tech startup Prithu has raised Rs 10 crore to expand its on ground operations and bring more smallholder farmers into its programme. The funding will also strengthen its blockchain powered monitoring, reporting and verification MRV infrastructure, aimed at improving how climate and sustainability outcomes are measured and verified.
Vedanta says the US Israel and Iran conflict could push aluminium production costs up by $50 to $100 per tonne by H1FY27. Even with this geopolitical hit, the company expects aluminium output to climb to 2.6–2.7 million tonnes and alumina production to 4–4.1 million tonnes in FY27, betting capacity can outpace pressure.
Indian oil companies are taking heavy hits as crude oil prices stay elevated, slashing marketing margins on petrol and diesel. LPG is expected to see under-recoveries of around Rs 80,000 crore this fiscal, while fertiliser subsidies are also forecast to rise. Profitability across energy-linked sectors could worsen unless global tensions ease and supply chains normalize.
Vested Finance has moved under the IFSCA GAP framework, enabling Indian investors to access US stocks through GIFT City. The shift brings an additional Indian regulatory layer, including client fund segregation and more structured onboarding. For investors, this aims to reduce ambiguity around how cross-border trades are handled and improve clarity on protections.
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Seven BSE largecap stocks surged to fresh 52-week highs, riding a broader market rally that lifted prices by as much as 50% over the past month. Adani Green and Adani Power led the move alongside Nestle India and other majors, highlighting strong momentum and investor appetite in largecap space.
A 33-year-old Mumbai car dealer was arrested after setting a public road on fire to film a birthday reel in the shape of “33”. The stunt damaged the road surface and triggered outrage online, with public figures and netizens criticizing the act. Police registered an FIR and booked him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
With GTA VI towering over every other release expectation, speculation is focusing on May 21 as a possible deciding date. The theory suggests a key update around that day could confirm—or disrupt—the widely discussed November launch window. Meanwhile, GTA V’s massive, decade-long revenue underscores why Rockstar’s next release is treated like a global event.
EPACK Durable Limited has entered infrared cooktops, extending its electric cooking portfolio as energy shocks and gas constraints push consumers toward electricity. The company is diversifying beyond seasonal air conditioners with a new product line aimed at strengthening revenue and supporting better long-term profit margins.
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AIMIM is gearing up for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls following a strong showing in Bihar. But its path is complicated by electoral roll revisions and fears that minority votes may consolidate behind the TMC. The party plans to field candidates in select seats, even as debates over roll deletions and the UCC reshape voter sentiment and turnout choices.
Delhi Police have arrested three people for running an interstate fake visa and overseas job racket that allegedly cheated hundreds of job seekers. The accused lured victims with promises of high-paying roles in countries such as Russia and Turkey, then issued forged visa documents via a fictitious firm, police said.
A tribal man in Keonjhar, Odisha, reportedly carried his sister’s skeleton to a bank to withdraw funds, but was allegedly asked for proof of death. The episode triggered political backlash, with BJD leaders alleging administrative failure. An inquiry has been ordered, and the man later received financial aid and necessary death-related certificates.
Silver prices fell in futures trade on Wednesday, dropping Rs 1,137 to Rs 2.36 lakh per kilogram. Traders reportedly trimmed positions as concerns grew around elevated crude oil rates that could weigh on bullion demand. The decline also coincided with a strengthening US dollar, which typically pressures dollar-priced commodities like silver.
India’s smallcap stocks are on course for their best monthly performance in 12 years, beating the Nifty as earnings expectations improve and valuations look more attractive after a selloff. The rally comes amid largecap weakness and lingering geopolitical concerns, yet retail investors are returning—signaling renewed risk appetite and confidence in an earnings rebound.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth INR 3,034 crore linked to Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications in a money laundering case under the PMLA. The move targets a Mumbai flat in Usha Kiran Building, a jointly held Khandala farmhouse, other attached land, and RiseE Infinity shares—allegedly tied to loans and claims of diversion. RAAG denies wrongdoing and cites inheritance and governance by entities.
Former US President Donald Trump has issued harsher warnings to Iran, urging Tehran to agree to a non nuclear deal soon. He signaled an end to a previously restrained US approach, pointing to difficulties in reaching an agreement. The comments come as tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional security concerns.
Elon Musk returned to the witness stand in his lawsuit against OpenAI, arguing the company abandoned its original mission by prioritizing profit. Musk testified that forming a for-profit structure “destroyed the foundation of charitable giving.” He is seeking $150 billion and wants OpenAI to revert to a nonprofit, including removing key leaders.
A nine judge Supreme Court bench is examining the scope of entry rights to religious places, hearing arguments tied to Sabarimala in Kerala. The court questioned how a non believer from North India could claim a right to enter. The hearing also overlaps with discrimination against women at religious sites and how far religious freedom protections extend.
Indian Bank posted standalone net profit of Rs 3,103 crore for the March-ended quarter, up 5% year-on-year. The bigger story was net interest income, which jumped 11% to Rs 7,110 crore, signaling stronger core banking performance. The bank also declared a Rs 18.25 per share dividend.
The Delhi High Court has issued a fresh notice to Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal after the Enforcement Directorate moved appeals against his acquittal in two summons-related cases. The court said the earlier notice was not served, as the allegations center on Kejriwal allegedly failing to appear before the agency despite being summoned.
Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay claims his party will win all 11 seats in Kolkata, dismissing security concerns ahead of West Bengal’s 2026 second-phase Assembly election. He also condemned the Election Commission of India’s deletion of votes, even as the phase becomes pivotal for TMC to retain power in the state.
A BJP candidate, Rudranil Ghosh, has alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee obstructed voter list deletions, saying officials were pressured and threatened by TMC workers. He claims the failures were meant to defame the Election Commission of India and mislead voters. Meanwhile, Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap expressed confidence in Banerjee, crediting her work.
A new wave of eCommerce fraud is spreading in India, with organised groups using device farming to run large-scale scams. Reports say these networks exploit returns and cashback incentives, then target accounts with saved payment details for high-value transactions. The activity is concentrated in tech hubs, forcing platforms to tighten security without harming user experience.
The Indian rupee closed at a record low of 94.85 per USD, as surging oil prices lifted import costs and stalled diplomatic efforts around the Iran conflict. At the same time, persistent foreign selling of Indian assets added fresh pressure, worsening sentiment and weakening demand for the rupee ahead of future FX moves.
Flipkart has named Sharayu Jadhav as Vice President of Legal and Varun Gupta as Vice President of Corporate Development. Jadhav returns to the company bringing deep legal experience, while Gupta joins from Reliance to add corporate development expertise. Flipkart says the moves bolster its leadership team ahead of its IPO, following other recent senior hires.
County Group has acquired two stalled housing projects in Gurgaon, offering relief to nearly 400 homebuyers who have waited for more than a decade. The deal adds about 2.6 million sq ft of saleable area to its portfolio. The company is also expanding through land purchases in Noida and Ghaziabad for new developments.
Bandhan Bank’s CEO says the lender’s balance sheet is “repaired” and recovery is underway. NIMs have stabilized as funding costs ease, while slippages have reduced and asset quality has improved sharply. With credit costs trending down, the bank is targeting 15% credit growth and about 1.5% ROA for FY27, balancing growth with caution.
CISCE has issued a fresh note for Class 10 ICSE and Class 12 ISC students as lakhs wait for Results 2026. The board expects the results to be released in April, possibly as soon as tomorrow. Students can check on cisce.org and results.cisce.org, with options including SMS for those who need alternatives.
Exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu are due today. The 2021 record offers a mixed lesson: Assam and Kerala were broadly in line with predictions, while West Bengal and Tamil Nadu diverged, with the TMC and DMK ending up winning despite earlier projections.
During West Bengal’s phase 2 polling in Panihati, BJP candidate Ratna Debnath alleged intimidation by TMC workers, while her husband also reported being confronted. BJP’s chief election agent accused the TMC of influencing voters, and Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari faced similar claims of attacks. With polling underway for 142 seats, security has been tightened across areas.
CG Offices says it is scaling quickly, doubling revenue and targeting Rs 100 crore in the next two years. Fueled by rising demand for sustainable, high-quality workplaces, the company is expanding beyond space provisioning into a full-stack workplace partner. The strategy mirrors a broader industry shift toward integrated office design, management, and operational support under one roof.
Power outages sparked protests across Kerala as residents gathered at KSEB offices, alleging unexpected cuts despite earlier assurances. KSEB says a fault in a major feeder line coincided with soaring demand from an unprecedented heatwave, forcing short curtailments to protect grid stability. The response has fueled anger as claims of no power cuts for a decade are contradicted.
Canada has increased the validity of WP-EXT work authorization support letters for foreign workers on maintained status from 180 to 365 days. That means applicants can continue working while their new work permit applications are processed. The boost does not apply to Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, whose letters stay at 180 days, and new guidance clarifies how maintained status works with multiple applications.
Adani Power reported a sharp Q4 turnaround, with net profit rising 52% year-on-year to Rs 4,017 crore. The company said total income grew 10% to Rs 15,989 crore during the reporting period. The results highlight how earnings accelerated faster than revenue growth, setting up questions about margins and cost control.
Inorbit Malls plans to acquire two malls from Prozone Group in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Coimbatore for about Rs 1,300 crore. The purchase will add roughly 1.2 million square feet to Inorbit’s retail footprint, strengthening its ability to compete with larger national players. The company is also banking on continued demand for retail assets in tier two cities.
Vedanta’s March-quarter performance came in strong, with net profit rising 92% year-on-year to Rs 6,698 crore. Revenues jumped 47% as the company delivered its best-ever EBITDA and set a record Return on Capital Employed. It also improved leverage, with the net debt to EBITDA ratio hitting a 14-quarter high.
India is rapidly reducing reliance on petrol and diesel, pointing to a post-fossil-fuel transport future. Economic pressures, climate goals, and energy security concerns are driving adoption of ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity. New policy moves, including formal recognition of higher-ethanol fuels, could change what consumers see at pumps and how the auto industry prepares for the shift.
The European Union has accused Meta of not doing enough to stop children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. Regulators warn the breach could trigger substantial penalties as the EU tightens safeguards for minors online. Meta disputes the claims, setting up a likely regulatory showdown over the company’s age verification and enforcement processes.
India’s exports gained strong momentum in April even as tensions persist in West Asia, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He pointed to improving global demand and newly inked trade agreements as key drivers for outbound shipments. Exporters are also pushing to expand market access, while progress continues on discussions surrounding an India-US trade deal.
Tata Motors has filed a record 144 patent applications in FY26, marking a surge in intellectual property aimed at safer, more reliable vehicles and improved occupant comfort. The company is simultaneously pushing future mobility through investments spanning electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, signaling a long-term push for technology that can serve both customers and national sustainability goals.
AWL Agri Business says its input costs have jumped 20% as the Middle East conflict disrupts fuel, chemicals, and packaging supplies. The company is updating prices to offset the spike, following similar moves by other FMCG players. It is also pushing wider distribution and boosting online sales to protect volume growth despite higher costs.
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