Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Taylor Swift was seen dining with her father Scott in New York City, reigniting speculation about her relationship with Travis Kelce and the prospect of a wedding. Fans are pointing to hints from Kelce about a packed June and are now eyeing a possible July 4th weekend celebration as the couple’s timeline becomes the focus online.
The FCC has opened a review of ABC licences after controversy erupted over a Jimmy Kimmel joke referencing Melania Trump. Supporters argue the regulator is focusing on station policies, while critics call it political pressure on content and free speech. Legal outcomes, if pursued, could take a long time—leaving the network in limbo.
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San Francisco startup Poolside has launched Laguna XS.2, a high-performing, Apache 2.0 open-weight AI model aimed at agentic coding—writing code and using tools locally. Developers can download it to run on a laptop with quantization, while the larger Laguna M.1 is temporarily offered for free via APIs. Poolside also introduced “pool” and “shimmer” to turn models into hands-on coding agents.
The US State Department is preparing limited-edition passports for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring Donald Trump’s image and his signature in gold on the inside of the passport cover. The passports are expected to be issued from the Washington Passport Agency, tying the release to broader commemorations for the anniversary and related special projects.
Vietnam President To Lam is set to visit India next week as both sides seek deeper strategic and military cooperation. The standout item is a proposed $700 million BrahMos missile deal aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s maritime defence. Talks are also expected to expand collaboration in digital infrastructure, trade, and regional connectivity, signalling a broader partnership beyond security.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik, from Doda, was released from Kathua jail after eight months. The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court quashed his detention under the Public Safety Act. Malik, arrested in September 2025, now urges youth to join politics, framing the release as a call for greater civic engagement.
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Maharashtra plans to extend its Marathi language learning requirement beyond traditional taxi and auto drivers to app-based cab services. The transport minister said a policy is being prepared for aggregators like Uber, Ola, and Rapido, with a timeline linked to the August 15 extension already announced for conventional drivers. The move could affect drivers and riders on these platforms.
The White Lotus Season 4 is adding Laura Dern to its ensemble after Helena Bonham Carter’s exit. Instead of recasting the departing part, the creators are introducing a newly written character built specifically for Dern. Filming is underway across the French Riviera, with the plot centered around the Cannes Film Festival, tracking a new mix of guests and staff over one intense week.
Atletico Madrid take on Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals with redemption as the mission. After a disappointing cup final loss, Simeone’s side is determined to break a pattern of European near misses and turn its spirit into results. With the club marking a special anniversary, the stakes feel even higher, and fans are being urged to roar them forward.
India is grappling with worsening heatwaves, with temperatures hitting around 46°C in many areas. El Nino may intensify conditions and disturb monsoon patterns, but experts say it is not the only explanation. Persistent high pressure over the region and a decline in western disturbances are cited as key reasons heat stays longer and spikes harder across the country.
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Manchester City’s treble hopes hinge on a punishing seven-day run: facing Crystal Palace, meeting Chelsea in the FA Cup final, and then traveling to Bournemouth. With the Premier League title race against Arsenal still tight, City will rely on squad depth after already securing the League Cup—turning this stretch into their season’s defining test.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Sikkim’s 50th Statehood celebrations, launching more than 30 development projects valued in the thousands of crores. He framed the Northeast as “Asht Lakshmi” and emphasized faster, focused progress in the region. Modi also said efforts are underway to improve border tourism experiences and described the roadshow and event as unforgettable showcases of unity.
A new explainer unpacks an unusual case sparked by an Instagram post where seashells formed the number 8647. Authorities claim it was a threat toward President Donald Trump, leading to indictment-related fallout involving former FBI director James Comey. Comey denies the allegation, citing his opposition to violence, while the report also revisits his long-running dispute with Trump.
Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to 23 cities, citing fuel disruptions and the knock-on effects of ongoing war-related conditions. Multiple routes are paused temporarily, with some expected to resume later this year or even in 2025. A few destinations are fully closed due to safety concerns, leaving travelers urged to verify live flight updates.
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I Squared Capital is preparing to exit its stake in Polaris Smart Metering, hiring an investment bank to manage the sale. The company is valued at about $200 million and has secured smart meter installation contracts in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Polaris also recently raised financing from British International Investment, adding momentum as the exit process begins.
Authorities are investigating a stabbing in Mira Road that may point to a lone-wolf terror attack. The accused, Jab Zubair Ansari, allegedly targeted security guards. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the suspect appears self-radicalised, influenced by extremist literature and online content. Central agencies, including the NIA, are assisting Maharashtra ATS as the probe continues.
The Supreme Court has reinstated the SBI-led consortium as financial creditors in Reliance Infratel’s insolvency, restoring their rights over a ₹3,628 crore claim. Overturning lower tribunal rulings, the court ordered a reconstituted committee of creditors, adding six banks as financial creditors. It also held that corporate guarantees qualify as financial debt under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
With a severe heatwave looming, Indian lenders are accelerating AI use to handle loan collections and customer acquisition. The shift targets cash-heavy repayment models and on-ground visits that could be disrupted by extreme temperatures. Lenders are also tightening lending rules in climate-sensitive regions, using data-driven risk controls to limit exposure.
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A new crypto backed mortgage model lets homebuyers partner with Coinbase to use Bitcoin (BTC USD) or USDC stablecoins as collateral for down payments, aiming to avoid immediate crypto sales and related tax events. But the tradeoff is steep: monthly payments can become much higher than traditional mortgages, squeezing affordability for many would be buyers.
As West Bengal heads into Phase 2 voting, the BJP is zeroing in on Mamata Banerjee’s Bhabanipur seat, betting it can turn that contest into momentum. The party claims it can win in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah and Hooghly, expects at least 40 seats in the Bengal Presidency region, and is counting on strong gains across North Bengal, Junglemahal and South Bengal.
Pakistan has taken India’s Chenab hydropower projects to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, accusing India of exaggerating water storage claims for projects such as Kiru. Pakistan argues the projects are tied to India’s power plans but could reduce downstream water availability. The move is likely to sharpen tension over cross-border water management in Jammu and Kashmir.
Oxford University has struck a new collaboration with Serum Institute of India to develop malaria vaccine R78C. The plan targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite to improve effectiveness, while Serum will produce the vaccine at scale. With malaria burden highest across sub Saharan Africa, the pact could accelerate access to a more potent option.
California residents may be eligible to claim compensation from multiple class action settlements spanning data breaches, app or online service issues, retail and vehicle purchases, housing matters, and even wildfire damages. Payouts vary widely, with certain data breach claims potentially reaching as much as 10000. Deadlines and eligibility rules differ by case, so timing and paperwork matter.
KKR has committed another ₹1,750 crore to Baby Memorial Hospital, taking its total investment in the hospital chain to ₹5,100 crore over two years. Based in Kozhikode, the group plans to use the funds for acquisitions and expansion, expanding to nine hospitals across three southern states and targeting faster regional growth.
West Bengal goes to the second and final assembly voting phase on Wednesday, with ballots cast across 142 constituencies spanning South Bengal and Kolkata. Key candidates including Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari will be on the ballot as more than 32 million voters are expected to participate. Authorities have deployed central police forces and quick response teams to manage a tight, high-stakes day.
India has approved a major ₹3,000-crore currency swap for the Maldives under the SAARC framework. The support is designed to help the island nation handle foreign exchange requirements and growing economic pressures. Officials say the move strengthens financial resilience and highlights the depth of India–Maldives partnership, with a focus on stabilizing liquidity when it matters most.
At an SCO summit, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said terrorism hubs would face consequences, calling for countries to act together against terror, separatism, and extremism. He emphasized India’s resolve to respond to threats while urging a new world order focused on co-existence rather than conflict, with no tolerance for double standards.
US President Donald Trump sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of misunderstanding Iran’s situation. The backlash follows Merz’s rebuke of the US over its handling of the conflict, with Trump taking aim at Merz’s comments suggesting Iran could have nuclear weapons. The sharp exchange underscores widening foreign-policy friction between Washington and Berlin.
Sebi is in talks with the CBDT to simplify FPI tax compliance. The regulator is proposing a framework that lets foreign portfolio investors appoint authorized signatories themselves, easing a key procedural hurdle. If approved, the change could reduce friction for FPIs dealing with tax-related documentation and compliance requirements across Indian markets.
As heatwaves intensify across India, companies are reshaping daily operations to keep staff safe. Many firms are moving to work-from-home options, offering flexible hours, and restricting outdoor work during peak temperatures. Employers are also rolling out cooling measures and health support for employees and delivery personnel, aiming to reduce heat-related risks in everyday work.
A day after OpenAI won an agreement with Microsoft to end exclusive rights, AWS moved fast. The cloud giant announced a new slate of OpenAI offerings on AWS, including upgraded model options and a new agent service. The timing suggests a rapid push to broaden access and capture demand as the exclusivity era unwinds.
Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones pleaded guilty in federal court over sports betting and rigged poker games. Prosecutors say Jones provided insider information about an injured LeBron James to bettors and used his NBA fame to pull players into mob-controlled poker events, according to his admissions in the case.
The Bombay High Court ruled that health insurers cannot reject hospitalisation claims merely because the policyholder submitted them after the time limit stated in the contract. The court held that such clauses cannot be used to defeat legitimate claims, offering relief to customers facing claim denials over procedural delays in filing.
IndusInd Bank executives are facing inquiries from law enforcement after two separate incidents allegedly involving recovery agents assaulting customers over credit card debts came to light. The RBI has asked the bank to clarify its collection practices, while investigators review recovery protocols. The probe gained momentum after a viral video spread online, raising fresh concerns about enforcement behavior.
The government says it has no plan to raise petrol or diesel prices from May 1, as a petroleum ministry official clarified amid widespread speculation. After key state elections, rumors of an upcoming fuel hike triggered panic buying in some areas, leading to long queues at fuel stations. The clarification aims to calm markets and consumers.
IHH Healthcare’s subsidiary NTK is pressing a major claim against Daiichi Sankyo ahead of a Tokyo District Court verdict on September 10. NTK says Daiichi obstructed its acquisition of Fortis Healthcare shares and is demanding JPY 200 billion in damages, setting up a high-stakes legal outcome.
The US has imposed sanctions on 35 individuals and entities targeting Iran’s shadow banking system that moves billions to help evade restrictions and fund terrorism-related activity. The measures also warn that companies paying tolls to Iran or the IRGC for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could face similar penalties, widening the crackdown beyond financial channels.
The BJP has secured a clean sweep in Gujarat’s local elections, winning all 15 municipal corporations alongside large numbers of municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters for the mandate, framing the results as a sign of strong public backing for the party’s governance.
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted again, with officials alleging a social media post involving seashells was intended as a threat to President Donald Trump. Investigators point to the numbers shown in the photo, “86 47,” which some interpret as a call to violence. Comey denies wrongdoing, saying he opposed violence, and the case marks a second criminal matter against him.
India’s microfinance sector has bounced back strongly, with loan portfolios expanding sharply in the March quarter after 11 quarters of contraction and write-offs. Alongside the recovery in lending, delinquency rates have also declined, easing worries from the earlier stress cycle. The report suggests this improved momentum is likely to continue in coming quarters.
Google Translate is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new AI pronunciation feature designed to give instant feedback as people speak. Google CEO Sundar Pichai says the service now supports many languages and relies on advanced AI to help users learn, communicate, and connect more easily across language barriers in everyday life. The rollout signals faster, more natural translation experiences.
The Labour and Employment Ministry is set to roll out a comprehensive inspection program aimed at improving worker protections. The move targets companies that fail to register with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, signaling a more proactive enforcement approach to plug compliance gaps and reduce the risk of workers missing out on benefits.
India’s heatwave is pushing travelers to cooler escapes like Dehradun and Munnar, with travel firms reporting a sharp rise in hill-station bookings. Summer holidays appear to be arriving earlier this year, a shift expected to support healthier domestic tourism growth. Popular destinations are also seeing hotel rates climb as demand intensifies.
Ferrari expects a faster growth push in India after the EU FTA reduces import duties on its cars. The company is now urging buyers to place early orders, aiming to deliver vehicles at lower prices within 18 months. Ferrari says the timing fits its long-term India focus, supported by improving infrastructure and a growing base of younger, globally exposed customers.
West Bengal goes to the polls with the contest framed as insiders versus outsiders. Mamata Banerjee’s camp portrays a BJP win as a threat to culture and local identity, while Modi’s challengers argue for a major financial reset. The result is expected to shape not just the state’s direction, but also places like Purba Bardhaman and its villages.
The Reserve Bank of India has launched Mission SAKSHAM, a nationwide training programme for urban cooperative banks. Around 1.40 lakh participants—including board members, senior management, and key employees—will be trained to strengthen managerial and operational capabilities. The initiative also targets better regulatory compliance and builds institutional resilience, aiming to improve how UCBs manage critical functions.
The Finance Ministry will review progress on financial inclusion this week as it drafts the next phase, Financial Inclusion 2.0. Officials are expected to assess how current schemes are performing, with programs like the Atal Pension Yojana coming under closer scrutiny to decide what to expand, fix, or redesign for broader access and stronger outcomes.
West Asia disruptions reduced India’s crude imports, dragging average intake to 4.4 million barrels per day in April 1–26, about 15% below February. But steadier Saudi supplies and increased shipments from the UAE helped cushion the drop. Imports also restarted from Iran and Venezuela, while purchases from Russia continued.
India is accelerating trade negotiations, with a faster push toward a free trade agreement with Canada. Talks are also advancing with Chile and Peru, but discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council have been temporarily paused amid the conflict in West Asia. Separately, India plans to waive intellectual property fees for sporting goods for the next three years.
A probationary officer at Bank of Baroda went viral after posting their first salary slip for 40 days, showing an in-hand pay of Rs 98,745. The buzz isn’t just about the number, but about the package of allowances and benefits like accommodation and medical support, reigniting interest in public sector bank jobs and their long-term security.
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