Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India’s cybersecurity watchdog CERT-In says frontier AI is reshaping cybercrime by automating vulnerability discovery and enabling complex, multi-stage attacks. With limited security infrastructure, micro, small and medium enterprises are flagged as the highest-risk targets. The warning highlights how AI can dramatically lower barriers for attackers, increasing the urgency for MSMEs to strengthen defenses.
An attempted assassination of a US President has thrust America’s gun culture into the spotlight again. Despite persistent, alarming gun-violence statistics, efforts to tighten gun laws still face tough resistance. The renewed attention raises a key question: will this moment finally shift policy, or will the political momentum fade as before?
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismantled Delhi Capitals for 75 on a lively pitch, using disciplined lengths and swing to outplay the batters. The dominant bowling spell offered a sharp break from IPL’s recent high-scoring trend, suggesting quality pacers can still rebalance the league’s bat-heavy feel.
After the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill failed to pass, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju claimed Shashi Tharoor indirectly accepted Congress is “anti-women.” BJP leader CR Kesavan backed the attack, saying Congress has undercut women’s empowerment. Tharoor had earlier referenced the conversation on X and raised concerns that tying women’s quota to delimitation could dilute its purpose.
Australian shares fell to their lowest level in nearly four weeks as investors stayed cautious. Stalled U.S. Iran peace talks added geopolitical uncertainty, while investors also looked ahead to upcoming domestic inflation data, keeping risk appetite muted. The combination pressured trading and reflected a market waiting for clearer signals on both policy and prices.
The US is moving to deepen relationships with Balkan countries, using both energy and emerging technology partnerships to expand its footprint in southern Europe. Officials point to steps aimed at reducing dependence on Russian oil and gas, including a long term LNG export arrangement to Greece signed last year, now forming part of a broader strategy.
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A Delhi court rejected Vinesh Chandel’s plea for interim bail in a money-laundering case tied to a coal scam. Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, sought temporary release citing his mother’s deteriorating health. The judge ruled the grounds did not meet the bar for exceptional humanitarian relief, noting her dementia appears chronic rather than a sudden medical emergency.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has received market authorization from Health Canada for its generic semaglutide injection, becoming the first company approved for the diabetes therapy in Canada. The Bengaluru-based pharma is now preparing a launch to expand access for patients who rely on the treatment, potentially easing pressure on medication availability and costs.
Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line saw major disruption after a signalling issue halted services between Kalindi Kunj and nearby stations, including the Botanical Garden stretch. Commuters reported being stranded on platforms and inside trains for over two hours, turning an ordinary commute into an extended wait as operations were affected.
Iran has told the US it is in a “state of collapse” and asked for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened. The request follows US and Israeli airstrikes in February 2026, after which Iran closed the strategic waterway. Since then, the US Navy has reportedly blockaded Iranian ports, escalating regional tensions further.
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Instant house help startup Snabbit has raised $56 million in a fresh round led by Susquehanna Venture Capital and Mirae Asset Venture Investments. The funds will drive expansion into new markets and service categories, while the company pilots a home cooks offering. The move signals a push beyond basic on-demand household help toward broader in-home needs.
Efforts to end the Middle East conflict stalled as the US reviewed Iran’s latest proposal to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Iran pushed back, saying Washington can no longer dictate terms. Meanwhile, violence continued on the Lebanese front even after an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire extension, with rocket exchanges pulling Lebanon deeper into the war.
Unregulated rare earth mining in Myanmar and Laos is releasing toxic runoff into the Mekong River and its tributaries, threatening livelihoods across Southeast Asia. With regional clean-up efforts proving limited, the damage is growing alongside a mining boom fueled by rising global demand for critical minerals—casting a shadow over the food exports many countries rely on.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth just expanded beyond PlayStation and PC, with a free playable demo now available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. The demo lets players explore the game’s opening chapters, and any progress or bonuses can be carried into the full release. The full game launches June 3, 2026.
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As the Middle East conflict enters its ninth week, U.S. fixed-income markets are showing a sharp divide. Investors are split on whether the war will lift inflation, weaken growth, or force the Federal Reserve to adjust policy sooner than expected. That uncertainty is driving contrasting expectations across bonds, sending mixed signals into the wider stock market outlook.
A viral moment from IPL 2026’s PBKS vs RR match in New Chandigarh has reignited debate on spectator safety. During the game, Priyansh Arya’s hit reportedly resulted in a fan being bloodied, prompting renewed calls for fans to consider bringing basic protection gear to stadiums with crowded play and tighter boundaries.
Brussels Airport says about half of departing flights could be cancelled on May 12 due to a national trade union demonstration against federal government policies. The airport expects security and ground handling staff participation to disrupt operations, prompting airlines to cut departures to maintain safety and manage passenger flow. Travelers are advised to expect delays and plan alternatives.
Bitcoin held steady around $77,000 on Wednesday, pausing ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision. Analysts say the next potential catalyst may be the April CPI report, which could quickly shift momentum. With price watchers focused on a possible move toward $80,000, traders warn it could ignite a major short squeeze if the breakout holds.
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North Carolina labour chief Luke Farley has endorsed a federal proposal to raise wages for H-1B and similar visa holders. Farley argues that current programs enable employers to hire foreign workers at below-market rates, harming American workers’ leverage and job opportunities. The rule would push pay toward market rates to reduce competition effects.
Citius TransNet Investment Trust units made a solid market debut at a 4.5% premium, listing at Rs 104.50 versus the Rs 100 issue price. The Rs 1,105 crore fresh issue attracted strong demand with a 10.42x subscription. The InvIT oversees over 3,400 lane-km of road assets, supported by stable toll and annuity revenue streams.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar etched his name into IPL history with his 20th three-wicket haul, joining Jasprit Bumrah in an elite pace club. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowlers then took control completely, dominating Delhi Capitals and dismissing them for a shocking 75. Josh Hazlewood added a devastating spell to seal the rout.
Sri Lanka’s court has ordered the resumption of excavation at the Chemmani mass grave, which was paused for seven months over funding problems. With LKR 2.1 million allocated, workers can restart digging under diplomatic observation. The site previously yielded 240 skeletal remains and children’s items, underscoring the case’s sensitivity and the push for accountability.
Websol Energy System shares climbed 5% to the upper circuit for the third straight day, delivering a 45% gain over six days. Investors are reacting to sharp quarterly results, with net profit up 158% and revenue rising 132%, alongside fresh buying by ace investor Vijay Kedia, which has further strengthened sentiment around the stock.
Qualcomm shares surged after reports claimed OpenAI is working with Qualcomm and MediaTek on an AI-focused smartphone device. The next phase points to mass production around 2028, suggesting a long runway for on-device AI computing. Despite broader AI ambitions across major tech firms, the plan reinforces smartphones as a key platform for the AI era.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Phase 2 began Wednesday, with actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty among the early voters in Kolkata. He arrived at Subhokhon Community Hall in Belgachia and was filmed standing in the queue with other citizens. Chakraborty reportedly said he requested no special treatment, choosing to wait his turn before casting his vote.
Adani Energy Solutions has surged about 63% in three months as summer demand sparked fresh investor interest, making it the group’s second-best performer behind Adani Power. But despite the momentum, brokerages remain cautious. The jump appears closely tied to seasonality, raising questions about how sustainable the gains—and the outlook—really are.
Eternal shares jumped over 4% after its Q4 results delivered a 346% year-on-year jump in net profit to Rs 174 crore, alongside a 196% surge in revenue. Analysts point to Blinkit’s quick commerce business as the key growth driver, while the company’s aggressive expansion plans bolster the outlook. Despite intense competition, broker ratings remain upbeat as profitability improves.
India has signed a free trade agreement with New Zealand, the seventh under Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The government expects additional trade pacts in the coming months, including agreements with the European Union and the United States. Talks with the US are progressing, signaling a broad expansion of India’s global trade footprint beyond its existing partners.
With no winners in the prior Powerball draw, the jackpot for Wednesday, April 29 is estimated at $143 million. Players can choose either an annuity paid over 30 years or a lump-sum cash option of roughly $65 million before taxes. Even with steep odds, the game stays popular across nearly the whole US and territories.
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply attacked the Great Nicobar project, calling it a major scam and a grave crime against India’s natural and tribal heritage. He claims the plan will require cutting down millions of trees and displacing communities, framing the project as a direct threat to both environment and indigenous livelihoods.
India’s IT slowdown, amplified by AI-driven automation and weaker outsourcing demand, is starting to spill into real estate, mortgages, and employment in tech-heavy cities. As companies including Infosys and HCL Technologies curb hiring, banks are rethinking underwriting standards. Rising job risk could translate into tougher loan approvals and altered demand in property markets.
Hindustan Zinc declared an interim dividend of Rs 11 per share, with April 30 set as the record date. To receive the payout, investors need to buy shares by today’s cutoff. The announcement follows a strong Q4 performance, with net profit up 68% year-on-year, continuing the company’s tradition of rewarding shareholders.
Gold and silver inched higher on MCX as traders weighed the upcoming US Federal Reserve policy decision and uncertainty from Iran-related tensions. Elevated oil prices keep inflation fears alive, supporting bullion, but rising rate expectations are limiting upside. Analysts warn that swings may continue, suggesting caution before adding fresh positions in precious metals.
Indian government bonds ended little changed after a mid-session pullback as trading sentiment weakened. The pressure followed US President Donald Trump cancelling a visit by envoys to Islamabad for peace talks, pushing crude oil prices higher and reducing optimism for a diplomatic breakthrough. Traders will now watch for further signals on geopolitics and oil moves.
A massive fire broke out at the Gaur Green Avenue residential complex in Abhay Khand, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, on Wednesday. Residents were thrown into panic as the blaze started spreading quickly. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported, and firefighters are currently working to bring the flames under control.
India is bracing for an energy cost shock as crude oil prices near $90. Higher crude and gas imports are expected to strain corporate earnings, squeeze consumer spending, and widen pressure on government finances. While the impact will ripple across sectors, experts flag aviation as especially vulnerable to rising fuel costs, with pain likely to spread further over time.
Dr Nikhil Tondon has been appointed officiating Director of AIIMS Delhi on a working arrangement for six months or until a permanent director is selected. The change follows Dr M Sirinivas moving to NITI Aayog. Tondon replaces Dr VK Paul, who has shifted to a full-time member role within the governing structure.
A broad selloff hit AI-linked stocks after a Bloomberg report said OpenAI missed key sales and user growth targets. The news reignited worries that heavy investment in AI may not pay off quickly enough, triggering risk-off moves across the sector even among companies seen as direct beneficiaries of AI adoption.
The Artemis II Orion capsule has returned to Florida after completing a historic crewed lunar mission, and NASA says its heat shield is performing even better than it did during Artemis I. At the same time, Artemis III progress continues: the SLS rocket’s core stage and boosters have arrived, with a 2027 launch planned to test key lunar landing technologies.
Oil prices rose almost 3% as US-Iran peace talks stalled and limited shipments through the Strait of Hormuz tightened global supply. Traders turned cautious, pricing in the risk that disruptions could persist even without a major escalation. With tanker flows constrained, crude markets found support from supply concerns and uncertainty over negotiations.
A school in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, has been declared an unlawful entity after authorities cited police intelligence alleging links to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami. The institution faces accusations of fostering radicalisation and financial irregularities, prompting prohibitory orders restricting entry. The school’s chairman denies any affiliation with banned groups, even as the Divisional Commissioner issues the order.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says petrol and diesel vehicles have “no future” as India accelerates its shift away from these fuels. He urged manufacturers to move toward cleaner options, flagging hydrogen and ethanol as the way forward. India is already producing ethanol from multiple sources, while pilot projects for hydrogen trucks and buses are in progress.
Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, has received approval for its Aerodrome Safety Plan from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), bringing it closer to starting commercial operations. Airport officials say they’ve been coordinating closely with relevant authorities as work progresses toward flight launches.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to examine a dispute tied to a Rs 375 crore NICSI tender for message gateway services. Karix Mobile alleges that OneXtel secured empanelment using a fraudulent certification, raising questions over compliance in sensitive government IT procurements. The court has sought responses from NICSI and other parties before deciding next steps.
After a two-year stretch of heavy equity selling, Indian promoters flipped in 2026, pouring more than $4 billion into buying their own company stocks. The move, seen across major groups including Adani and GMR, comes as valuations stabilize following a market correction and is read as renewed belief in long-term growth, especially for asset-heavy businesses.
HSBC has named Gautam Anand to head its global India private banking unit, focused on serving affluent clients with Indian ties through stronger cross-border wealth management. Anand will oversee operations across India and key international centers. The appointment follows HSBC’s 2023 launch of global private banking in India aimed at high-net-worth individuals, signaling an intensifying push in this niche market.
Iran’s foreign minister says Washington is responsible for failed diplomacy, as negotiations stall and the Strait of Hormuz remains under blockade pressure. The disruption is expected to keep oil prices sensitive, while fighting on the Lebanese front continues despite a ceasefire. With Iran’s Revolutionary Guards sustaining the blockade approach, tensions are rising again.
On Phase 2 polling day in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee raised allegations of poll rigging while urging voters to be allowed to vote in peace. She criticized the election setup, claiming that a few “outsider” observers and police officers have been brought in who do not understand the people of the state, intensifying controversy around security and election conduct.
Maruti Suzuki shares rose about 4% after its Q4 update delivered strong revenue and record sales for the March quarter. Even with a dip in profit, investor reaction turned positive on expectations of healthy volume growth. Analysts remain divided: some flag potential upside, while others warn about risks to market share.
Home services and B2B SaaS led India’s startup funding on 28 April 2026. Snabbit raised $56 million in Series D to expand across hundreds of micromarkets and launch new categories. Peak XV fully exited MobiKwik via a ₹130 crore block deal. Other rounds included Mojro’s $5.5 million Series A, HyugaLife’s ₹100 crore, and Battery Smart’s $15 million debt financing.
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