Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said a safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could be established quickly, arguing that ships may resume transit without Iran removing every mine. The strait has been effectively shut since late February, disrupting global oil and gas flows and driving sharp price spikes, raising urgent pressure on supply chains and energy markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Varanasi that his government has consistently placed the highest priority on women’s welfare. Calling “nari shakti” the strongest pillar of Viksit Bharat, he framed women’s empowerment as central to the country’s development goals and underscored the administration’s focus on safeguarding and advancing women’s interests.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Magellanic Cloud and Rayonix Tech have formed a Rs 100-crore joint venture to manufacture drones in India, partnering with Israel’s Xtend. The project is designed to address rising demand for advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, with drone sets expected within four to six months. Backed by Israeli collaboration, the initiative could strengthen India’s defence readiness.
House of Hiranandani has secured redevelopment rights for a 3-acre parcel in Borivali (West), Mumbai, for a premium residential project worth over Rs 3,000 crore. The plan covers more than 7.6 lakh sq ft of saleable carpet area, with about 380 rehabilitation homes and 850+ open-market units, reshaping the neighborhood at major scale.
Rahul Gandhi has predicted petrol and diesel prices will rise after April 29, alleging the government is profiteering while global oil prices stay lower. But a senior government official rejects the claim, saying there is no plan to increase fuel prices. Retail petrol and diesel rates, the official adds, have remained steady for about four years despite higher crude costs.
Chris Gray, founder of Shark Tank backed Scholly, is suing acquirer Sallie Mae for wrongful termination. He also alleges the company is selling student data through a subsidiary, a claim Sallie Mae denies while vowing to fight. The lawsuit raises fresh questions about how student information is handled after acquisitions.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
India’s ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat has confirmed her registration for the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, scheduled for May 10 to May 12. Sharing the update on X, she said the process is complete, signaling her intent to compete and build momentum in the ranking event.
In Godhra’s 2026 local body elections, a Muslim-majority ward elected independent Hindu candidate Apekshaben Soni. The win challenges the expectation that voting along communal lines would dominate in a city known for past tensions, and points to a growing preference for trust and local merit over identity politics.
ReBid has launched an agentic, AI-powered tool designed to help brands benchmark competitor advertising. It analyzes ads across platforms like Meta and Google, automating competitor tracking so marketers can compare messaging, spot creative patterns, and iterate faster. The result is quicker, smarter creative decisions aimed at helping brands stand out in a crowded digital market.
Apple is introducing a new App Store subscription option that allows developers to offer a lower monthly price if users commit for 12 months. The change aims to give customers an easier entry point while encouraging longer renewals. Details on how pricing and developer terms will work will determine how quickly apps adopt the tier.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
TRAI has pushed the deadline for public comments on a proposed regulation for mobile plans that include only calling and SMS, without data. The regulator says current voice and SMS-only packs are often priced too high, and the new framework would require telecom operators to offer lower priced alternatives. Comments are now due by May 5.
US consumer confidence unexpectedly improved in April, rising 0.6 points to 92.8, according to The Conference Board. The March reading was revised up to 92.2. Economists surveyed by Reuters had predicted a slide to 89.0. The gain came even as Americans worried about higher gasoline prices.
Zomato and Blinkit parent Eternal posted strong performance for the March quarter, triggering a sharp Q4 uptick. Investors are also watching what the company’s refreshed strategy could mean for its next phase, as ETtech reports additional developments alongside the earnings headline. The results underline continued execution amid fierce competition in quick commerce and food delivery.
A 21-year-old Khaled Sharif, once a topper at Kingston University, has shared his struggle to land work in the UK after spending over ₹1 crore on a degree. He applied to nearly 500 jobs but got fewer than 20 interview calls, prompting him to widen his search beyond his field. He blames an oversupplied graduate market, reduced hiring, and possible misconceptions about work eligibility.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
India has strongly condemned coordinated terrorist attacks in Mali that killed Defence Minister General Sadio Camara and several others. Expressing solidarity with the Malian government and people, India reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism and supporting regional peace and stability during the aftermath of the deadly assaults.
Assam’s Assembly voting wrapped up on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. Exit polls across Assam and other states are set to be released after 6:30 PM on April 29, aiming to reveal early trends. The results could offer the first signal on whether BJP can retain power or Congress can claim victory.
The Centre has revised OCI card application fees, fixing the fee at USD 275. It has also overhauled the process by removing the mandatory six-month continuous stay requirement for applicants aged over 12 years. The changes are aimed at simplifying eligibility for OCI applicants and reshaping timeline expectations for those applying under the scheme.
The UAE, OPEC’s third-largest producer, is set to leave the cartel officially from May 1, 2026. Abu Dhabi’s motive is control: it wants flexibility to raise output, respond faster to market shocks, and align oil policy with its broader economic strategy. The move threatens OPEC’s quota system and may trigger questions about Iraq or Kuwait’s commitment—potentially shifting oil prices.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
Fresh US and Iran talks aim to end a two-month conflict, but negotiators enter with hardened positions and little trust. The latest push follows the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal under Donald Trump, which fueled the current standoff. With global stakes rising and approaches clashing, a quick breakthrough looks increasingly unlikely.
The Election Commission of India has directed the National Investigation Agency to take all necessary steps to prevent bombs or explosives from being used by miscreants to disrupt the second phase of West Bengal Assembly polls on Wednesday, officials said. The move underscores heightened security planning ahead of voting and aims to ensure a peaceful election process.
Snapchat is introducing AI-powered conversational advertising, letting users chat with a brand’s AI agent within the app. The feature aims to move beyond static promos by enabling questions, recommendations, and other shopping help through natural conversation. It could reshape how brands target and persuade users directly in their feeds, making ads feel more like interactive help.
BYD’s Q1 profit dropped 55%, its steepest decline since 2020, according to a stock filing. Sluggish demand in China and growing competition in electric vehicles are blamed for weaker results. The news adds pressure on global markets watching EV leaders, as momentum in China appears to be cooling faster than expected.
California’s governor race enters a decisive debate night with many voters still undecided. Poll signals suggest the contest remains wide open, while affordability and the economy dominate what primary voters want to hear. Analysts say the candidates’ ability to connect with everyday financial pressure could reshape perceptions quickly and influence the outcome.
India has called for the immediate restoration of safe, unimpeded maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing deep concern for the safety of its seafarers. It warned that disruptions to the key waterway could damage global trade and stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce must be respected after incidents that claimed Indian lives.
Indian Railways is planning to switch from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) in crew resting rooms. The move aims to reduce LPG dependence and ease logistical challenges as supply conditions tighten amid the West Asia crisis. By adopting PNG, Railways expects more streamlined fuel management for facilities that require reliable heating and cooking support.
India’s gaming incubator LVL Zero has lined up Google Play, Xbox and AppsFlyer as ecosystem partners for its first 100-day sprint. Ten startups were selected from 240-plus applications, with mentors supporting analytics, monetisation and publishing. LVL Zero says it aims to plug gaps in India’s gaming ecosystem and back 100-plus startups over the next five years.
Cars24 cofounder Gajendra Jangid is taking a break from his CMO role amid fresh top-level changes at the used-car platform. The company says it is targeting an IPO within the next six to twelve months, supported by strong recent financial performance. The leadership shift is widely viewed as aligning the business for growth and a public-market debut.
Sipping tea at dangerously high temperatures, especially above 65°C, has been associated with a higher risk of oesophageal cancer. Research suggests the heat can damage the oesophagus lining, triggering chronic inflammation and increasing the chance of cellular changes. Doctors advise letting tea cool for a few minutes to cut the risk while keeping your habit intact.
The US Federal Reserve has started a two-day meeting, with markets expecting policymakers to keep interest rates unchanged. The decision comes as fallout from the Iran war continues to ripple through global energy prices and supply chains, creating uncertainty for growth and inflation in the world’s largest economy.
China is reportedly tightening customs checks on fertilizer exports, focusing on ammonium sulphate, to stop traders from bypassing new restrictions. Authorities are watching for misdeclarations where urea or potash are reported as permitted ammonium sulphate. The crackdown comes as a sharp domestic versus international price gap grows, driven partly by global disruptions including the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia’s Rosatom has begun loading nuclear fuel into Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant, marking an early milestone in the reactor start-up process. The fuel-loading phase precedes bringing the unit to its minimum controlled power level, then gradually ramping up output and supplying electricity to Bangladesh’s power grid.
Spotify’s latest forecast for the next quarter disappointed markets, with operating income expected to fall below analyst estimates. The Swedish streaming giant pointed to slower growth in Europe and North America, weighing on its stock. Despite the weaker outlook, Spotify plans continued investment in AI features and marketing to drive future engagement and results.
Jimmy Kimmel’s offhand joke about Melania Trump has ignited a major backlash, with both the First Lady and Donald Trump demanding action. Kimmel insists it was only a joke and that free speech matters, but the controversy escalated further after a security scare at a related event, amplifying online outrage and media coverage.
India has approved an additional 25 lakh tonnes of wheat exports, taking the permitted total to 50 lakh tonnes for international markets. Alongside this, the government expanded exports of wheat products by 10 lakh tonnes. The move signals a cautious ramp-up in shipments that could influence global wheat availability and pricing.
A new report warns that financial regulators are moving slower than banks in adopting AI, leaving them without the data needed to track emerging AI risks. The challenge is amplified by powerful models such as Anthropic’s Mythos, whose capabilities are difficult to supervise without regulators using similar tools. The gap could weaken oversight across the financial sector.
The United Arab Emirates has exited both OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a direct blow to the oil cartel and challenging Saudi influence. The UAE move follows mounting criticism of regional allies’ response to Iranian attacks. Analysts warn it could sow disarray inside the group while adding volatility to global energy markets and heightening geopolitical tensions.
Europe’s jet fuel shipments from the Middle East have stopped, raising fears of a pre-summer supply crunch. With jet fuel already priced above $200 per barrel, the disruption could strain airline planning even as carriers point to alternative sources. Officials, however, warn demand may outpace available supply, risking higher costs and travel impacts.
YouTube is testing an AI-powered search feature that can provide guided answers instead of just results. The rollout is currently limited to Premium subscribers in the U.S. and is opt-in, suggesting YouTube is testing both usefulness and user trust before broader release.
Real Madrid defender Éder Militão has undergone surgery for a hamstring problem, a setback that is expected to rule him out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spanish reports suggest recovery from this type of procedure can take at least a few months, leaving Brazil without one of its key defenders at a crucial stage.
A fast-moving wildfire in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris has spread across about 5,000 acres over more than ten days, with 500-plus personnel battling it in difficult terrain. Strong winds forced authorities to halt aerial firefighting, leaving crews to fight mostly on foot. The fire is threatening ecologically sensitive areas, including wildlife zones and ancient elephant corridors.
England has picked a 15 player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Nat Sciver-Brunt set to captain the side on home soil. The list blends proven campaigners like Danni Wyatt-Hodge with a fresh inclusion, uncapped spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Head coach Charlotte Edwards said the selection was brutal due to deep talent.
India’s agriculture output hit a record 357 million tonnes in 2024-25, according to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He called on scientists and stakeholders to build climate resilience through bold, science-led, farmer-focused transformation, including policies that back climate-adapted crop varieties. The push aims to strengthen farms as the foundation of civilization and economies.
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund CEO Nicolai Tangen says global firms should adopt AI to boost productivity and deliver broad societal gains. He cautions against using AI mainly to cut jobs, arguing that large-scale layoffs could provoke a strong negative backlash from the public. His message centers on responsible deployment rather than cost-cutting as the primary goal.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has quashed tax proceedings against Sunetra Ajit Pawar, deleting a Rs 32.14 crore addition that treated her funds as unexplained income. The tribunal ruled the Income Tax Department’s evidence legally unsustainable, saying material seized during a Triton Group search could not support the linkage claimed by the department.
Unicommerce says ecommerce complexity in India is accelerating fast, with brands moving from 3-4 channels to 8-12 and peak daily orders surging from 12 lakh to 55 lakh. That scale has driven integrations to nearly 350 from 100. The company plans AI-led product upgrades plus acquisitions of profitable or near-profitable businesses, though near-term EBITDA and profit may dip as investments ramp up.
The Nasdaq Composite opened down more than 1% as investors cooled on the AI boom, leaving tech stocks under pressure. The trigger: reports that OpenAI missed user and revenue targets, which analysts say could strain plans to fund expensive data center expansion. The selloff made the Nasdaq lag the S&P 500 and Dow at the open.
Australia plans to impose a 2% levy on major tech platforms including Meta, Google, and TikTok if they do not make deals that compensate local news organizations for using their content. The measure aims to strengthen and revive Australian journalism, turning payment for news into a condition for operating without fees.
Maruti Suzuki is set to commit a record Rs 14,000 crore capex in FY27 to expand manufacturing capacity and clear a growing order backlog. With current facilities running at full capacity, the automaker will add new production lines in Haryana and Gujarat, prioritizing demand recovery for small cars.
A “security guard” langur named Golu at DS Degree College in Aligarh went viral after reports claimed he was paid ₹12,000 a month to chase monkeys away. The buzz spiraled online as duty clips spread rapidly. Now, the forest department has intervened and released Golu from duty, turning the viral stunt into a conservation-focused decision.
Oracle and CoreWeave shares fell sharply in premarket trading after a report suggested OpenAI missed targets for new users and revenue. The shortfall is raising investor concern about OpenAI’s future growth and whether it can bankroll upcoming computing deals. Markets are watching closely for how the AI giant’s next moves will ripple through its tech partners.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.