Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
REC shares fell over 4% after the company reported a 22% year-on-year drop in Q4 net profit to Rs 3,375 crore. Weak disbursements and modest loan growth weighed on sentiment, but Motilal Oswal kept a ‘Buy’ rating, pointing to attractive valuations and stable spreads as reasons to stay optimistic.
CBSE Class 12 Results 2026 are expected soon, with April 30, 2026 looking most likely though the board hasn’t confirmed the exact time. Students can track scores via official portals like cbse.gov.in and results.cbse.nic.in, or use DigiLocker, the UMANG app, SMS, and IVRS for quick access.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the Election Commission of India and CRPF are harassing Trinamool Congress workers as Phase 2 polling begins in South Bengal. She claims intimidation and threats against party members in Bhabanipur and across Kolkata, while security forces are deployed to keep the voting peaceful. Voters are urged to cast ballots without fear.
Indian airline shares plunged in the day’s most turbulent session as ATF prices crossed Rs 2 lakh per kilolitre. IndiGo slipped 2.79% to Rs 4,434 and SpiceJet fell 2.58% to Rs 14.35. With ATF costs up 115% since April, investors fear widening losses and pressure on quarterly earnings across the sector.
The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged after its latest meeting, potentially marking the final policy decision led by Jerome Powell. With political and economic strains rising, investors will closely parse the Fed’s tone for any shift in guidance, signaling whether the next era of leadership could move away from the current path.
AI logistics startup Mojro has raised $5.5 million in a Series A to expand its AI-driven supply chain optimization platform globally. The round combines a previously announced $3 million lead from IAN Alpha Fund with a $2.5 million extension backed by Dallas Venture Capital. Mojro says its tools can reduce logistics costs by up to 20% for enterprises.
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Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says the company will hire 1,000 new college grads and interns, directly challenging claims that AI is wiping out entry-level jobs. The announcement comes as major software firms cut staff and amid predictions that AI could hit junior white-collar roles hardest. Benioff says the hires will build AI products like Agentforce and Headless360.
The US will require immigration applicants to face expanded background checks as of April 27, 2026. Under a USCIS directive, officers must strengthen vetting before approving pending cases, following a presidential order to access more criminal history data. Green card and citizenship applicants are expected to be the most affected, potentially slowing approvals and increasing scrutiny.
Drip Capital says it has surpassed $9 billion in MSME cross-border trade finance, using an AI-powered platform for faster funding and risk management. The company positions the move as a response to India’s large MSME credit gap, aiming to help small businesses access working capital and support steady growth in global markets.
India is considering a rule that would require “Made-in-India” sovereign cloud systems for critical sectors like energy, telecom, and banking. The move follows rising cybersecurity fears and geopolitical pressure, highlighted when Microsoft temporarily suspended cloud services for Nayara Energy. Officials say heavy reliance on overseas providers could let disruptions cripple businesses, but domestic cloud capacity still lags.
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RBI’s new Expected Credit Loss framework is set to weigh on profitability repeatedly, not just as a one-off capital shock. PSU banks may take a larger hit because provisioning floor rates remain unchanged, pressuring returns on assets. The outlook varies across private banks, with some cushioned by contingent buffers while others could face sharper effects.
West Bengal’s Phase 2 Assembly elections recorded 18.39% voter turnout till 9 am across 142 constituencies in seven districts, including Kolkata. About 3.21 crore voters are set to choose among 1,448 candidates. The spotlight is on Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari face off in a high-stakes contest.
This week’s Fed policy meeting is expected to hold rates steady, with the benchmark likely staying in the 3.5% to 3.75% range for a third time. But markets are more focused on broader uncertainty: the economic outlook is murky, and the Fed’s leadership transition—along with Iran-war-linked energy shocks—could complicate the next moves.
A new report claims Donald Trump has shut down discussions about Donald Trump Jr’s potential White House wedding, portraying it as too minor to merit the prestigious stage. Insiders say the White House venue is reserved for events that elevate the Trump brand, with planning reportedly already underway for a wedding involving Ivanka or Barron Trump.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the six-lane Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, a corridor designed to connect 12 districts and boost regional mobility. He will also flag off the Amrit Bharat Express from Ayodhya to Mumbai, aiming to cut travel time while improving safety and comfort for passengers.
Even as Middle East tensions simmer and Nifty50 slips, India’s smallcap stocks have surged as much as 56% over two months. Institutional desks flag stretched valuations and potential earnings risks, but domestic retail investors seem to be pricing in a fast resolution, creating a sharp divergence from the broader market mood.
After Delhi NCR’s extreme heat peaked at 42.3°C, the IMD says conditions may improve slightly starting Monday night. Yet a yellow alert is now in place from Tuesday to Thursday, with forecasts of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds—along with the risk of dust storms. Residents are advised to stay alert as temperatures swing quickly.
West Bengal’s Phase 2 Assembly polling began amid reports of EVM malfunctions. Polling was disrupted in several constituencies including Jadavpur, Sonarpur, Ranaghat and Krishnanagar when machines stopped working. In Howrah’s Bally, an EVM glitch escalated into a clash, leading security personnel to detain individuals. Voting was temporarily halted at some locations.
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The U.S. dollar rose after hopes of progress in U.S.-Iran talks faded, leaving markets focused on geopolitical risk. The Japanese yen was pinned near 160 ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy decision. Oil prices climbed as the Strait of Hormuz stayed effectively closed, and traders turned to upcoming central bank meetings for clues on economic damage and interest-rate paths.
Iran is reaching out to Oman to help restart peace talks with the United States after discussions in Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Omani officials, with Pakistan reportedly also involving Oman to revive the channel. Oman’s past mediation between Washington and Tehran makes it a key potential intermediary as fresh talks near.
Oil prices rose about 1% as negotiations aimed at ending the U.S.-Iran conflict stalled, leaving the Strait of Hormuz largely shut and disrupting access to Middle East supply. Reports say the U.S. blocked Iranian oil tankers, while an ADNOC LNG tanker managed to cross Hormuz for the first time since the flare-up, adding to market uncertainty.
With West Bengal Assembly elections pushing into the second phase across 142 constituencies, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien escalated the rhetoric on X. He challenged PM Narendra Modi to step down on May 4 if TMC wins the polls, linking his dare to Modi’s earlier “candidate for all 294 seats” campaign claim amid record 93% turnout in phase one.
Crisil expects the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee to keep interest rates unchanged this fiscal year, with downside growth risks outweighing inflation worries. Producers may see higher costs, but consumer price pressures remain contained. The government’s push to trim the fiscal deficit could raise market borrowing, while the current account deficit is projected to widen.
Amazon is expanding in-house AI tool use across 700+ engineering teams, aiming to automate parts of the software development lifecycle from planning to testing and deployment. A confidential document reportedly measures adoption via tool usage, active users, and output-linked metrics tied to “value deriving events.” Despite internal concerns like AI sprawl and unclear progress tracking, Amazon pushes for measurable efficiency gains.
Oil prices are rising as the Iran conflict threatens supply while the UAE’s announced exit from OPEC and OPEC+ adds fresh uncertainty. Brent is hovering near a three-week high and WTI has crossed $100. Markets are also reacting to inflation signals, bond-yield moves, and stock weakness tied to AI growth worries and looming central bank decisions.
Iran has reportedly floated a new three phase proposal to the US via Pakistani intermediaries, aiming to de escalate regional tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes as direct peace efforts have stalled. While President Donald Trump has urged Iran to reach out, he also reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
Karachi residents are reportedly storing cooking gas in plastic balloons as prolonged gas load shedding and low pressure disrupt everyday life. With supplies erratic, households say they can’t complete basic tasks and are turning to risky, unconventional methods described as a last resort.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited polling booths in her Bhabanipur constituency as voting progressed in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections. The contest is being treated as a symbolic rematch with Suvendu Adhikari, who beat her in Nandigram in 2021. Voting runs across 142 constituencies with counting set for May 4 after tight security.
China’s property market has slid to near two-decade lows, reigniting fears that India could face a similar housing slump. Analysts flag risks like a weaker rupee and job uncertainty, but argue India’s market is structurally different, supported by end-user demand and urbanisation—unlike China’s oversupply-driven downturn.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the White House for a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The evening marks a key moment in the UK royals’ US state visit tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, underscoring the ceremonial ties between the two countries.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that a federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two felony counts. The indictment alleges Comey knowingly and willfully made a threat to take President Donald Trump’s life and cause bodily harm. The case marks a dramatic, politically charged legal development with wide repercussions across Washington.
Gold and silver may see selling pressure during this holiday-shortened week as traders weigh three moving targets: US Iran peace talks, crude oil price swings, and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. Analysts warn that shifting expectations on these fronts could tilt sentiment and increase volatility in precious metals as liquidity thins.
Google has withdrawn from a $100 million Pentagon contest to build autonomous drone swarms, after an internal ethics review and worker objections about using AI for classified military work. While the company blamed “resourcing” for the pullout, the timing suggests deeper internal concerns over voice-controlled swarm technology aimed at defense missions.
Taiwan’s stock market has overtaken Canada to become the world’s sixth largest, fueled by booming demand for AI-linked shares and a steep surge in TSMC. Taiwan-listed firms’ market cap jumped more than 35% to $4.47 trillion, slightly ahead of Canada’s 5% rise. TSMC’s strength is so large it represents nearly 45% of the benchmark index.
Mumbai Indians are still waiting on Rohit Sharma’s final fitness decision ahead of their IPL 2026 match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad. The star opener is recovering from a hamstring injury and will be assessed at the toss. With Rohit potentially sidelined, Suryakumar Yadav’s current practice form is set to be pivotal for MI’s intensity and top-order stability.
China has vetoed Meta’s planned AI partnership, halting its proposed purchase of Singapore-based Manus and ordering a complete withdrawal. The move signals tighter regulatory oversight for foreign investment in sensitive tech sectors like AI as US-China rivalry escalates. Meta had said the deal would power automated services across its platforms, including low human oversight AI agents.
Snabbit, India’s on-demand home help app, has closed a $56 million Series D, doubling its funding to $112 million in two years. The round is led by Susquehanna Venture Capital and Mirae Asset Ventures, with follow-on backing from Bertelsmann and others. Snabbit credits its hyperlocal model to a startling 247-metre median distance between jobs, boosting daily demand and cutting burn per job.
Violence and vandalism marred the early hours of West Bengal’s second phase assembly elections on Wednesday, with incidents reported from Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar. A BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted in Chapra, while a BJP camp office in Shantipur was vandalised, raising concerns over law and order as voting began.
Telangana SSC Class 10 Result 2026 is releasing today at 2 pm, bringing relief to lakhs of students. Results will be available on results.bsetelangana.org and results.bse.telangana.gov.in, and students can also access scores via the MeeSeva WhatsApp service. Those who need another attempt can apply for supplementary exams after the result announcement.
West Bengal’s second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections has begun, following a record turnout in Phase 1. The voting is centered in the ruling Trinamool Congress’s traditional strongholds in South Bengal, turning the round into a key litmus test for TMC’s momentum as analysts watch for signals that could shape the final result.
India has proposed amendments to motor vehicle rules to formally allow higher ethanol blends like E85 and E100. The proposal comes after the country met its E20 target and is designed to accelerate the shift away from petroleum imports. If adopted, the changes could reshape fuel standards and how vehicles are cleared for alternative ethanol-heavy supply.
Rudraprayag district administration has ramped up Kedarnath Yatra surveillance with over 90 cameras and dedicated 24/7 command rooms to monitor pilgrim movement and enforce guidelines. Officials say the focus includes safety response readiness and strict hygiene checks at community kitchens as visitor numbers surge with a record devotional turnout.
A US agency abruptly shut down an investigation into claims that Meta can access encrypted WhatsApp messages. The probe stemmed from findings by a Commerce Department investigator who concluded Meta can store and view WhatsApp content. But the agency ended the inquiry soon after he shared his results with other federal officials, leaving questions about how the case was handled.
Voting for the last phase of West Bengal Assembly elections began in North 24 Parganas. BJP Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath said she noticed a potential issue with an EVM button while casting her vote and urged people to turn out in large numbers. She expressed hope for justice in a tightly watched contest as polling got underway.
Geopolitical turmoil is reshaping venture investing, making deals harder to underwrite and markets more unpredictable. Kompas VC is responding by carving a niche in startups focused on the physical world—where local execution and tangible infrastructure can offset broader volatility. The approach aims to find durable opportunities amid fragmentation, even as traditional tech patterns face growing uncertainty.
After RR’s six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, Riyan Parag didn’t hold back. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi setting up the chase, Donovan Ferreira’s unbeaten 52* and Shubman Dubey’s 31* helped RR overhaul the target. Parag then delivered a pointed response to critics, suggesting everyone is watching and weighing in.
Australia says it will introduce legislation by July 2 to impose a 2.25% revenue tax on Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they strike agreements to fund local journalism. The plan is designed to keep money flowing to newsrooms and support reporters, with the government expecting meaningful annual revenue to strengthen democratic information.
Kovon, a cross-border workforce mobility platform, raised $250,000 in a pre-seed round led by TDV Partners. The startup aims to connect Indian blue and grey-collar workers to jobs in labour-short markets across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East—using a single platform that covers discovery, verification, upskilling, financing, placement, and post-deployment support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn out in large numbers as West Bengal began phase two polling for the 2026 Assembly elections. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies, with election authorities deploying extensive arrangements to maintain smooth, peaceful polling across regions. The phase is seen as critical to determining the state’s electoral trajectory.
Ahead of phase 2 polling in Kolkata and several Bengal districts, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Kolkata residents are advised to carry umbrellas to polling stations, while Nadia, Hooghly, Medinipur and Purulia are also expected to see rainy conditions today.
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