Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Bhabanipur remains Mamata Banerjee’s political anchor as West Bengal gears up for Election 2026, with BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari mounting a serious challenge. The constituency’s past is packed with close contests, and recent Lok Sabha outcomes suggest a tighter fight than usual. Ward-level influence and how voters view leadership could decide it.
A drunken man allegedly caused a major disturbance at a Bharat Petroleum station in Noida Sector 150, disrupting fuel operations and triggering a traffic jam. Authorities are examining charges including non-payment, public nuisance, and obstruction. The vehicle also carried an “Air Force” sticker, prompting officials to verify its authenticity as part of the investigation.
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Strata has sold a Bengaluru industrial property for Rs 35.3 crore, generating a 15.3% IRR and nearly doubling investor capital. Bought in 2021, the fully leased asset was rented out to Randox Laboratories, a global diagnostics firm. The deal becomes Strata’s third major exit, highlighting its ability to deliver strong returns in commercial real estate.
West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer said repolling will be held for any booth where EVM buttons are found tampered, after BJP alleged tape was used to block its candidate’s voting option in Falta. BJP called it part of a wider pattern. The second phase of polling recorded 39.97% turnout by 11 am.
Air India plans to start international flights from Varanasi by adopting India’s hub-and-spoke model. The move is designed to bring global connectivity to cities beyond top metros, improve route efficiency, and cut passenger travel time by reducing reliance on congested hub airports. If implemented, Varanasi could become a key gateway for long-haul travel.
Nepal has begun strictly enforcing a customs duty rule on Indian goods, triggering protests across Bihar and Nepal’s Terai. Border communities describe how the change is disrupting weekly trade routines and raising the cost of everyday essentials. Many women, especially, argue the move weakens the “roti-beti” relationship—once rooted in family ties—by making cross-border dependence more fragile.
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Crude prices slipped on Wednesday after the UAE’s surprise exit from OPEC, a move markets interpreted as a potential path to higher supply by freeing the country from production quotas. Still, Brent stayed close to $111 as investors weighed ongoing supply disruption risks tied to the Iran conflict and an extended blockade threat near Hormuz.
NIA officials have been deployed in seven West Bengal Assembly constituencies for the second phase of polling amid concerns over poll-linked violence. The move comes after crude bombs were recovered and reports of a minor blast emerged. The NIA is investigating the incidents while extensive patrols are in place to curb any attempt to disrupt voting and ensure a peaceful process.
Flight operations resumed at Jodhpur Airport after nearly a month as runway resurfacing work reached completion. An Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft marked the reopening of the main runway, paving the way for civil flights to return to normal. Passengers are now seeing smooth terminal operations, signaling a full restart of regular air travel in the city.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to face Congress as lawmakers press for answers on the ongoing war with Iran. The administration’s proposed military budget is already drawing scrutiny, with Democrats expected to challenge both costs and congressional approval. His recent dismissal of top military leaders has further inflamed criticism across party lines, as concerns grow over oil price shocks and election-year fallout.
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The Federal Reserve is entering a leadership and policy turning point as Kevin Warsh backs a push for more open debate. Even as the labor market stays steady, policymakers remain split on how quickly inflation will cool and whether rates can fall. With no near-term cuts expected, inflation risks continue to loom over the outlook.
With West Bengal Assembly elections in the second and final polling phase, TMC MP Derek O'Brien launched a direct challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He dared Modi to resign if the ruling TMC retains power in the state. The remark adds fuel to a high-stakes campaign as voters head to the polls amid heightened political rhetoric.
India’s UN envoy has strongly condemned attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing freedom of navigation and the importance of global commerce. The remarks also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reaffirming India’s support for a two-state solution, while condemning attacks on peacekeepers amid rising regional tensions.
Ukraine is countering Russia’s Shahed drones with its own interceptor drones built for a cost advantage. The approach is to neutralize about 95% of incoming drones while forcing Moscow to keep adapting. As fog, speed, and sensor-driven targeting evolve, both sides race in a high-stakes drone technology cycle to outlast the other’s defenses.
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Spinny, the used car platform backed by Tiger Global, is reportedly gearing up for an IPO in early 2027. It has brought in investment bankers including Kotak Mahindra Capital, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup, with an IPO structure likely combining fresh issue and offer for sale. The company recently raised $170 million, and its valuation is estimated around $1.5 billion.
Noah Beck’s mother, Amy, has been placed on paid administrative leave after a controversial TikTok video resurfaced, prompting renewed scrutiny by her school district. In a separate case, Noah’s sister, Haley Beck, was dismissed from her teaching role amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship and alleged sexual encounters involving a teenage student.
Kerala’s state-run dairy cooperative Milma is set to increase milk prices, with chairman K S Mani saying the hike is crucial for the company’s progress and to back dairy farmers. The cooperative had delayed the decision due to elections, but the process has resumed. The exact quantum of the increase is currently under discussion.
Maruti Suzuki shares surged nearly 4.5% on Wednesday, hitting an intraday high of ₹13,537 and beating the Nifty 50. The move came after record FY26 earnings, triggering a wave of upgrades from major brokerages that raised target prices. Analysts pointed to a stronger product mix led by SUVs and margin expansion as key drivers of the stock’s breakout run.
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Bandhan Bank shares jumped more than 12% on Wednesday, rallying to an intraday high near Rs 200.89 and reclaiming the Rs 200 psychological level. The move followed strong March-quarter performance, including improved asset quality and credit growth, as the lender beat market expectations on net interest income and profitability—sparking a bullish short-covering surge.
China has suspended approvals for new autonomous vehicle permits, a sharp move after Baidu halted its robotaxi fleet in Wuhan last month. The suspension is tied to an ongoing investigation into the outage and its broader safety and regulatory implications. The decision signals Beijing is tightening oversight for self-driving deployments while probes continue.
As the Iran war escalates, European airlines are seeing jet fuel prices surge and Middle East routes face disruption, putting summer holiday plans at risk. Hedging has cushioned early impacts, but analysts warn shortages could materialize if the conflict drags on. Even with strong overall demand, some carriers report weaker forward bookings and have issued profit warnings.
Paytm has separated its core operations from Paytm Payments Bank after regulatory action, aiming to protect business continuity and sharpen governance. Brokerages say the move has limited impact on the core business, while Paytm’s financials show ongoing improvement with revenue and profit growth. Merchant and consumer engagement remain strong, signaling a resilient model.
As India swelters in a severe heatwave, Rajasthan is turning to natural cooling instead of air conditioners. Dense shade from Salvadora oleoides trees helps people find noticeably cooler pockets of air, while indoor vetiver grass curtains work like a low-tech air cooler to reduce temperatures. Together, these age-old methods offer practical relief in scorching summer conditions.
Indian markets staged a sharp comeback on Wednesday, with the Sensex gaining about 900 points and the Nifty reclaiming 24,200 after the prior session’s caution. The rebound was powered by strong corporate earnings, led by Maruti Suzuki, and an 8% jump in Bandhan Bank. Domestic institutional buying and steadier oil prices helped offset global volatility despite continued FII selling.
Hungary’s incoming leader Peter Magyar arrives in Brussels for his first meeting with EU officials, aiming to thaw relations after Viktor Orban’s 16-year nationalist tenure. With Orban’s Kremlin-friendly alignment now ended, EU leaders are welcoming Magyar and pushing momentum toward unlocking about 18 billion euros in frozen funds—if negotiations break through quickly.
The UAE’s unexpected departure from OPEC+ has rattled global energy markets, fueling fears that oil supply discipline is weakening. Peter McGuire calls it a “chink in the armor,” casting doubt on the alliance’s stability. For major importers like India, the risk is further crude price pressure as geopolitical tensions continue to complicate supply and demand.
For the first time in India, investment demand for gold overtook jewellery consumption in the March quarter, hitting 82 metric tons versus 66 metric tons. The change is linked to muted equity market returns and rising gold prices, lifting gold’s share to 54.3% of total consumption as overall demand climbed 10.2% to 151 tons.
Bengaluru residents got relief as light rain and thunderstorms hit the city on Tuesday, bringing a break from intense heat. Meteorological updates suggest showers and rainfall activity will continue on Wednesday, with rain expected to persist until May 1. The sudden weather shift sparked a meme frenzy on X, with many netizens joking about chai pakoda time.
Wall Street is set for a volatile session as major Big Tech earnings from Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta line up with what could be Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s final meeting. Markets are focused on whether AI spending holds up in results and on policy guidance, with the rate outlook seen as steady but price moves likely driven by earnings surprises and Fed signals.
Neo Alternative Asset Managers has hit a first close of ₹1,500 crore for its second infrastructure income fund, which targets ₹5,000 crore. The strategy focuses on de-risked infrastructure assets such as roads and renewable energy platforms to seek stable yields and capital preservation. Investor demand is buoyed by predictable cash flows and government-backed contracts.
Thousands of Pakistani women doctors are restarting their careers through telemedicine. The initiative links home-based physicians to patients in underserved regions, helping doctors who previously stepped away due to family duties and workplace barriers. By shifting care online, the platform creates flexible schedules that let doctors balance professional work with family responsibilities—turning a digital solution into a career lifeline.
SBI has called for structural measures to tackle India’s economic strains, warning that rupee depreciation is driving imported inflation and pressuring the balance of payments. Economists also flag risks of a widening current account deficit ahead. The bank argues that monetary and policy action must go beyond reacting to currency moves to protect price stability.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was filmed vaping inside the team dressing room during a live match broadcast, reportedly in front of teammates. Since vaping is banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, concerns are growing over unregulated, unknown ingredients. The BCCI has been contacted for its response as the team faces scrutiny.
Canara HSBC Life Insurance shares rose about 10% after Q4 FY26 net profit increased nearly 9% to Rs 35 crore. The company also reported a 13% jump in APE and a sharp 49% rise in VNB to Rs 214 crore, while VNB margins expanded to 30.4%, signaling stronger growth momentum.
UAE’s pullback from OPEC+ coordination is unlikely to meaningfully move oil in the near term, with geopolitical tensions expected to outweigh any supply signal. After recent market rallies, investors are warned that easy gains may be fading. With the Fed unlikely to pivot soon, earnings and Middle East risks are likely to steer sentiment, favoring select themes like AI capex plus select energy and healthcare.
Vedanta’s demerger record date is May 1, but since it’s a market holiday, April 29 is the last day investors can buy shares to remain eligible. For every Vedanta share held, shareholders will receive one share each of Vedanta Aluminium Metal, Talwandi Sabo Power, Malco Energy, and Vedanta Iron and Steel, as the group restructures to unlock value.
Congress has attacked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over his terrorism remarks at an SCO meeting, alleging he effectively gave Pakistan a “clean chit” and calling his comments “anti-national.” The remarks, delivered in Bishkek, are now under scrutiny, with Congress also claiming the stance aligns with the Modi government’s broader approach toward the US and China.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi crisscrossed Varanasi in a 14 km roadshow, starting from Banaras Locomotive Works and ending at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. At the temple, he offered prayers and performed rituals as devotees chanted slogans. The visit then seamlessly shifted to politics and development, with Modi inaugurating the Ganga Expressway.
Emmvee Photovoltaic shares gained around 7% after a strong Q4FY26 showing. Revenue jumped 62% year over year and PAT surged 89%, with results surpassing estimates. Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating and raised its target to Rs 350, pointing to a healthy order book and strong growth visibility, even as margins dipped slightly.
A Syracuse father, David Huff, admitted to murdering his 11 year old son Jeremiah and his girlfriend Yeraldith Tschudy using a shotgun. During his plea hearing, he appeared to smile and laugh, drawing attention for his unusual courtroom behavior. Huff accepted a minimum 40 year prison term, with sentencing expected in May.
US markets highlight a sharp split in tech leadership: AI-linked demand is boosting semiconductor stocks even as software names lag. With technology investors facing a volatile backdrop, traders appear to be gravitating toward chips as a clearer read-through to AI spending, while simultaneously reducing exposure to software companies whose growth outlook looks less certain.
The government is examining whether to reduce or temporarily remove the 11% import duty on cotton. Officials say the intent is to ease cost pressures on domestic textile companies, amid industry concerns about input prices. Discussions are underway with relevant ministries, and no final decision has been announced.
Beijing has ordered Meta to unwind its $2 billion takeover of AI startup Manus, effectively declaring the model “officially dead.” The decision signals tighter regulatory scrutiny over China’s tech sector, with a clear focus on blocking sensitive technology transfer to geopolitical rivals. Investors and founders are now rethinking global expansion, ownership structures, and how deals are structured.
Urea output in the Gulf has dropped, while fertilizer ships face delays in finding safe routes, tightening supply chains. Officials and traders are trying to secure alternative shipping paths for essential goods. The combined impact could worsen food inflation if fertilizer shortages reduce crop inputs and slow seasonal planting.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR in Doda after reports that pro-Pakistan posters featuring Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir appeared in the Pul Doda area. A geo-tagged video of the posters quickly went viral online. Police are now investigating the video’s authenticity and working to identify those behind the alleged act.
A Pahalgam-like terror incident in Mumbai saw a US-returned science graduate stab two guards in Mira Road. Investigators say he asked one guard to recite Kalma, and after the guard failed, he stabbed him. Officials also allege he had prior intent and called the attack his first step toward joining ISIS, prompting a terrorism probe.
India is strengthening its bid to emerge as a more competitive maritime nation, driven by policy shifts, faster infrastructure development and growing private sector participation. Port performance is improving, and India’s integration into global trade is increasing, positioning the country for stronger shipping and export capabilities in the coming years.
India’s engineering exports to New Zealand are expected to double within five years, with shipments projected to reach USD 280–300 million. The shift is driven by a new free trade agreement that offers zero-duty market access for all Indian goods, aiming to strengthen the engineering sector and expand opportunities for MSMEs through easier, cheaper exports.
From April 1, 2026, the Income Tax refund process will shift under the Finance Act 2026. The law clarifies how interest is computed for earlier tax years and permits refunds to be set off against tax demands under either the old or the new tax framework. The changes aim to streamline settlement for taxpayers in Tax Year 2026-27.
A small aircraft crashed into a hangar at Parafield Airport in northern Adelaide, triggering a fire and thick smoke. Emergency responders were dispatched after reports around Kings Road, and the surrounding area was evacuated. Authorities say the airport has been closed to air traffic while crews continue operations at the scene.
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