Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
West Bengal’s crucial second phase of assembly elections is underway across 142 constituencies, drawing 3.22 crore voters and 1,400 candidates. In south Bengal and Kolkata, where TMC remains a key power, reports of clashes are emerging, including an alleged obstruction of an ISF agent at a polling booth in Chapra and a complaint lodged against TMC workers.
A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the immediate removal of Ajay Pal Sharma, a high-profile UP-cadre IPS officer deployed as a police observer for West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly Elections. The petition alleges his presence “vitiates the electoral environment,” potentially undermining public confidence in the fairness of the poll process.
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Actor Channing Tatum shared a cryptic poem on Instagram Stories, pairing the word “read” with lines by poet John Roedel. The move immediately fueled online speculation amid reports that his ex-fiancée Zoë Kravitz may be engaged to Harry Styles. While the post offers little context, fans are reading into every detail.
At a White House state dinner, President Trump said King Charles agrees that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed unspecified military success in the Middle East. But the King’s public remarks did not mention Iran or the conflict, and the British Embassy directed questions to Buckingham Palace.
An experimental cafe in a Stockholm residential neighbourhood looks like any other spot, complete with avocado toasts and latte foam. The twist: artificial intelligence is running the cafe. After the team found the premises, a lease and some initial capital helped the AI-operated setup operate profitably.
Joel Embiid made a major impact in Game 5, scoring 33 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 113-97. Tyrese Maxey added 25 as Philadelphia pulled off the convincing win to keep its playoff hopes alive. The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Thursday night.
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Iran’s Army rejects the idea that fighting has ended, insisting the West Asian conflict remains a war even after a US ceasefire. In comments by spokesman Amir Akraminia, Tehran claims full operational control of the Strait of Hormuz and says its forces are ready to anticipate and repel ground invasions while targeting hostile aircraft, projecting confidence of victory.
President Trump sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his remarks on the Iran conflict, alleging Merz misread Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and distorted Trump’s stance. Merz had earlier questioned US strategy while describing Iran’s leadership as able to “humiliate” Washington, intensifying tensions as concerns over nuclear escalation resurface.
President Trump and Melania Trump hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla for a White House state dinner celebrating US-UK ties. The spring-themed menu leaned on White House garden ingredients and was paired with American wines, including a $28 bottle. Garden-inspired East Room decor and military music set a dramatic tone as guests dined on a beehive-shaped dessert.
Delhi-NCR saw sudden relief from extreme heat as rain, strong winds and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning. The IMD now expects more rain for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad, with yellow and orange alerts issued for parts of the national capital region today. Residents should brace for continued unsettled weather over the next day.
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The White House is reportedly drafting guidance that could let U.S. federal agencies sidestep Anthropic’s supply-chain risk designation when onboarding new AI models. Axios says the move could affect upcoming systems, including Anthropic’s “Mythos,” potentially changing how the government evaluates and approves certain high-risk AI suppliers.
Voting is underway for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections across 142 constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for high turnout, with emphasis on women and youth, calling it crucial to strengthen democracy. Polls are being held with extensive security, including central forces alongside state police.
EU member states and lawmakers failed to agree on updated artificial intelligence rules, after talks stalled for 12 hours. Negotiations are set to restart next month, with some countries pushing exemptions for sectors already covered by existing regulation. The deadlock could advantage Big Tech, while European firms focused on safety face fresh uncertainty under the AI Act, widely seen as the world’s strictest framework.
Elon Musk testified Tuesday, accusing Sam Altman and OpenAI of abandoning the company’s nonprofit mission. Musk claims OpenAI was pushed toward a profit-driven strategy aimed at outpacing major tech rivals, fundamentally changing its purpose. The courtroom fight could have wide effects across the AI industry, potentially compelling OpenAI to rethink its structure and operations.
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Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and several executives, accusing them of abandoning the altruistic nonprofit purpose he says he set in motion. Musk argues OpenAI was created to benefit humanity, but now operates in ways that betray that original mission, turning a vision dispute into a high-stakes courtroom showdown.
Prosecutors in Florida say a suspect in the killing of two students used ChatGPT to seek guidance on disposing of bodies and handling weaponry. The disclosure has sparked urgent debate over whether AI tools can effectively assist violent wrongdoing, and what obligations tech companies may have when their systems are used to facilitate crime.
Oil prices extended an eight-session rally, with crude crossing $110 as fresh reports suggested the US may widen or extend a blockade of Iranian ports. The move is seen as pressure on Iran’s oil exports, potentially prolonging Middle East supply disruptions. Reduced access through the Strait of Hormuz has already tightened supplies, raising fresh inflation fears.
Goldman Sachs has reportedly barred its Hong Kong bankers from using Anthropic’s AI models, according to the Financial Times citing people familiar with the matter. The move highlights growing corporate caution around external AI tools and data handling, especially in regulated financial environments where model access can carry compliance and security implications.
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A job seeker confronted an HR recruiter after noticing the offered salary was far below what the listing promised. Citing his qualifications and the posted range, he pushed back confidently. The recruiter reportedly acknowledged that the company rarely extends top-tier pay, sparking a wider debate on recruitment transparency and candidates standing up for themselves.
The US State Department is preparing a limited release of commemorative passports for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring President Donald Trump. It would be the first time a living US president appears on a travel document. The special passports will have unique cover designs and Trump’s signature, available in limited numbers at the Washington, D.C. passport office.
President Trump has nominated G. Hunter McMaster II as Assistant Treasury Secretary for Financial Markets, a position he has been carrying out since July. McMaster previously led trading at Key Square Group and held senior Treasury advisory and policy planning roles. The Treasury Department also named Quinn Gabriel as White House liaison among other key appointments.
Indian markets fell on Tuesday, with the Nifty closing below 24,000. Analysts cite turmoil in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, and a weakening rupee pushing the currency near a one-month low versus the dollar. Foreign institutional investors also kept selling, adding pressure as traders track these macro signals for the next session.
India is reportedly seeking fair access to Anthropic’s Mythos AI model through discussions with the US administration. The government wants Indian companies to use advanced AI for faster vulnerability detection while focusing on protecting critical infrastructure such as power grids and banking systems. Officials say equitable access is key as these models can identify weaknesses quickly.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit multiple areas of Delhi NCR early Wednesday, ending a week of punishing heat with temperatures hovering near 44°C under an IMD Yellow Alert. The sudden relief came after a western disturbance sparked rapid atmospheric changes, pulling down temperatures within about an hour and bringing respite from oppressive humidity and heatwave conditions.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to remove Ajay Pal Sharma from Election Commission poll duty in West Bengal. The petitioner alleges Sharma, dubbed the “Singham of UP” for an encounter-specialist past, has abandoned the neutrality expected of an ECI observer. The case spotlights concerns over impartiality in election-related roles.
Indian markets ended lower on Tuesday after a volatile session linked to monthly derivatives expiry. Traders say the Nifty is trying to stay above its 20 DEMA around 23,950, but weakness in banking stocks may derail any rebound. Investors will track Q4 results and company-specific updates for names like Bajaj Finance and Eternal, alongside Airtel and Maruti Suzuki.
Bengaluru stock trading startup Sahi has secured $33 million from Accel and Elevation, valuing it at $200 million. Founded in 2023, the firm already serves 400,000 demat accounts and routes 3% of daily trades. The new capital will expand into margin trade funding, commodities, and mutual funds, with AI planned to support client decision making.
Gold prices stayed largely steady as investors held their breath for remarks from U.S. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, seeking clarity on how the Iran conflict may affect the economy. Attention is also turning to this week’s central bank decisions from the ECB, BoE, and BoC, which could further shape rate expectations and commodity demand.
India is reportedly in discussions with Anthropic and the US government to secure access to Mythos for homegrown companies. The move could significantly boost local AI development and competitiveness. The update also flags Eternal’s strong Q4 performance, adding more momentum to India’s fast-moving tech and startup landscape.
Asian stocks opened lower as a Wall Street tech selloff spilled over, fueled by worries that AI spending may not deliver quick returns ahead of major earnings. Rising Treasury yields, boosted by firmer oil prices, are stoking inflation expectations and trimming expectations for Fed rate cuts. With the global rally wobbling, technology earnings now hold the spotlight.
The dollar edged higher as markets awaited the Federal Reserve’s rate decision and digested spillover risks from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Trading stayed subdued in thin Asian hours, keeping most currencies in narrow bands. The yen lingered around 160 per dollar, with traders alert to potential Japanese intervention even as the Bank of Japan signaled a tougher stance.
West Bengal’s election battle moves into its final round with over 3.22 crore voters heading to the polls. For PM Modi and the BJP, it’s a crucial test of whether they can break Mamata Banerjee’s TMC dominance. Banerjee is contesting from Bhabanipur, and campaigns are intensely focused on women, youth, and welfare promises that could shape the state’s future.
India’s scorching heat is flipping demand back on for air conditioners, beverages, and ice cream. Companies report a sharp rebound after sales surged by about 50%, prompting production ramp-ups despite tougher conditions like higher prices and lingering supply chain constraints. The result: output is rising even as consumers pay more during the peak summer rush.
Quick commerce firms are grappling with a delivery-partner shortage as heatwaves push riders to stay off peak hours. To manage the risk, companies are raising pay for work during the hottest times. Meanwhile, summer staples such as ice cream and fans are seeing demand spikes, prompting brands to ramp up production and expand cold-storage capacity.
Maruti Suzuki’s March-quarter net profit fell as mark-to-market losses, rising input costs, and production constraints weighed on results. The auto major is now expanding capacity and expects margin improvement by FY30, supported by new SUV launches and accelerating EV momentum. Even with short-term pressure, FY26 delivered record volumes and strong sales.
Sports-tech startup SportVot has raised Rs 32.7 crore in a fresh funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund. The money will support international expansion and improve AI-led production and distribution. SportVot says its platform already streams more than 500,000 matches globally, aiming to make professional broadcasting available for every sport.
UAE’s planned exit from OPEC is expected to have limited impact on global oil markets, industry executives say, despite the country’s meaningful production. The change is more likely to be felt politically: it could intensify rivalries across the Gulf and alter regional geopolitics, reshaping how major producers coordinate going forward.
Exit polls for the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Assembly elections are expected tonight, offering a snapshot of voter sentiment after the last phase. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M K Stalin is pushing for a second term. In West Bengal, the contest is framed around incumbency versus welfare schemes. Counting is scheduled for May 4.
India’s market cap rankings are seeing a quiet reshuffle at the top. Reliance stays No 1, but HDFC Bank has overtaken Tata Consultancy Services. Bharti Airtel makes a major jump into the top tier, while Infosys slips down the order. ICICI Bank holds steady and State Bank of India rises despite volatility.
Dhanlaxmi Bank reported a 50% jump in Q4 FY26 net profit to ₹43.5 crore, supported by operating profit of ₹113.7 crore. The Kerala-based lender also improved asset quality, cutting its gross NPA ratio to 1.9% from 2.9% a year earlier, signaling a faster turnaround in balance-sheet health.
In his OpenAI trial testimony, Elon Musk repeated a friendship story he has told many times in past interviews and to Walter Isaacson for his biography. Tuesday marked the first time he described it under oath, bringing familiar details into a formal legal setting where testimony can carry sharper consequences for both sides.
West Bengal’s 2026 elections are underway with the Trinamool Congress fighting a 15-year incumbency question, while the BJP pitches industrialization against TMC welfare promises. Exit polls have repeatedly missed in the past, adding uncertainty to what voters will decide. High turnout and voter list revisions are fueling tension, leaving the race to hinge on welfare approval versus anti-incumbency mood.
India is considering a bid cap as part of its upcoming airport privatisation plans, with the aim of preventing monopolistic behaviour and encouraging genuine competition. The government’s latest approach is focused on setting ground rules that reduce dominance by any single player, making airport operations and investments more contestable for bidders across the aviation sector.
Delhi based D2C fashion brand House of Chikankari has raised Rs 25 crore in Series A funding from Cap Alpha Ventures. The startup behind Lucknowi embroidery plans to use the money to expand its offline presence and broaden its product range. Notably, it delayed fundraising to strengthen operations, betting on more structured growth after a major revenue jump.
Reliance Industries has hit a historic milestone, reporting an annual net profit above $10 billion and becoming the first Indian company to reach that level. The oil-to-retail giant’s result signals extraordinary scale and dominance, with its earnings even surpassing the combined profits of major IT firms, underscoring its financial strength.
Corporate bond yields are rising again after a brief mid-April dip, as market concerns linked to the West Asia conflict push oil prices higher. State backed bond issuances recently mobilised less than planned, pointing to tighter issuer discipline and a more selective investor appetite in the debt market.
A new training method called RLSD from JD.com and academic researchers aims to solve a common enterprise bottleneck: reasoning models are expensive to train and often get only sparse feedback. RLSD keeps reinforcement learning’s reliable direction while using self-distillation only for credit assignment, avoiding “privileged information leakage.” In tests, it beat baseline GRPO and standard OPSD with faster convergence.
Facing FII outflows and fresh balance of payments strain, India’s finance ministry is coordinating with the RBI to roll out measures aimed at attracting “patient capital.” The focus is to bring in longer-duration funds that can better absorb market shocks, stabilise external accounts, and reduce reliance on shorter-term, more volatile flows.
US stock markets ended lower as investors balanced AI growth worries with a sharp oil price surge and fresh signals from the Fed. Tech and chip shares dragged the Nasdaq after concerns tied to OpenAI surfaced in the news cycle. Broader pressure also came from war risk and ongoing earnings updates, leaving major indexes in the red.
During a royal state visit in Washington, Donald Trump shared a family anecdote in his speech alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The humorous moment unfolded amid remarks on US-UK ties, gifts and diplomacy, even as global tensions hovered in the background. The story underscored how personal recollections and political messaging can mix during high-profile events.
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