Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India is closely monitoring signals of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after talks involving Iran and Oman. With the waterway crucial for global oil transit, Oman's mediation role is gaining prominence. India says it has faced recent diplomatic friction affecting ship movements, and reports suggest the passage of Indian vessels has slowed—making any easing particularly significant.
Passive mutual funds may be collecting more assets, but the real challenge is investor expectations. Passive investing tracks benchmarks, meaning you forgo the opportunity to earn alpha through outperformance, even after costs. Active managers can still generate alpha despite expenses, while passive funds mainly protect investors from falling behind—reducing the appeal for those seeking upside.
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Ineffable Intelligence, co-founded by former DeepMind researcher David Silver, has raised an eye-popping $1.1 billion in seed funding—reportedly the largest seed round in Europe to date. The round drew major backing from Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed, signaling extraordinary investor confidence in next-generation AI and research-driven product ideas.
Anthropic’s new AI model, Mythos, is being described as a cybersecurity tool after surfacing around 2,000 software flaws in just seven weeks. Its speed and ability to identify vulnerabilities with less human prompting could reshape security testing. But Anthropic is not yet making Mythos public, citing potential downstream risks and growing concerns about data exposure for users and companies.
Nvidia has signed a 10-year lease for 7,60,000 sq ft in Bengaluru, marking the largest office commitment in India so far. The move expands its footprint to over 11.35 lakh sq ft across six cities, supporting surging global AI demand. The expansion also taps India’s deep engineering talent to scale operations as AI investments accelerate.
RCB thrashed Delhi Capitals by nine wickets after Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismantled Delhi early, leaving them reeling at 8 for 6. Delhi folded for 75, and Virat Kohli steered RCB to victory in just 6.3 overs. Axar Patel later suggested what might have prevented the collapse—highlighting a key missed moment.
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Afghan officials say mortars and missiles fired from Pakistan struck a university and nearby civilian homes in Kunar province, killing seven people and injuring at least 85. Kabul claims the attacks are part of a wider pattern, while Pakistan rejects allegations that the university was targeted. The incident is described as the first major breach since April’s China-mediated talks.
Annie Altman, the sister of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has seen her legal team change as two firms filed to withdraw in a St. Louis federal court case alleging sexual abuse by OpenAI’s CEO. The Mahoney and Simon Law Firms said the attorney-client relationship had “generally” broken down and that continued representation had become “impracticable.”
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Darul Uloom Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom in Shopian an unlawful entity under UAPA. The seminary is accused of links to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, alongside alleged legal, administrative and financial irregularities. The decision follows a dossier submitted by the Shopian SSP and has triggered criticism from political leaders.
In Odisha’s Keonjhar, tribal man Jeetu Munda allegedly exhumed his sister’s remains and carried the skeleton to an Odisha Grameen Bank to withdraw ₹20,000 from her account. Police say bank staff repeatedly refused the withdrawal, insisting on the sister’s physical presence, leading the man to an extreme act that drew law enforcement intervention.
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With the US-Iran conflict disrupting demand and raising airline operating costs, India’s government is weighing urgent support measures. A Rs 5,000 crore emergency credit line guarantee is being fast-tracked, capped at Rs 1,500 crore per airline. Officials are also looking at route relief options such as China’s Hotan corridor to reduce stress on carriers and keep flights viable.
OpenAI has reached major terms with Microsoft, its largest shareholder, clearing the way for OpenAI products to be sold on AWS. In return, Microsoft gains more cash under an updated revenue share arrangement tied to OpenAI’s sales. The change effectively resolves the legal friction that had threatened execution of the broader $50B Amazon-related direction.
Manipur’s government has issued new media guidelines amid violence, requiring all outlets to verify information only through authorized sources. The advisory bans reporting on banned organizations and forbids sensational, fear-inciting content. It also stresses accuracy and fairness, warning that violations will invite legal action as officials seek to protect public order and communal harmony.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India has not provided any tariff or duty concessions for the dairy sector under any free trade agreement to date. His statement covers FTAs with major partners including the European Union, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, signaling that dairy remains protected from preferential tariff reductions.
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China has blocked Meta’s acquisition of AI startup Manus, ordering the parties to withdraw after a security review of the foreign investment. Beijing cited concerns over the transfer of advanced technology, underscoring growing friction between the US and China in the tech race. The move comes weeks before Trump’s planned May meeting with Xi Jinping, adding diplomatic pressure.
Former DeepMind researcher David Silver’s new British AI lab, Ineffable Intelligence, has reportedly raised $1.1 billion at a $5.1 billion valuation. The company’s pitch is bold: build an AI system that learns without human data. The funding underscores how quickly top researchers are attracting massive capital for next-generation training methods.
A tribal man in Odisha’s Keonjhar district allegedly exhumed his deceased sister’s skeleton after a bank reportedly refused to process her death claim without the account holder present. Jeetu Munda said officials repeatedly asked him to bring her back despite being told she had died. Police intervened, noting he lacked knowledge of nominee or heir procedures and said they would help him access the funds.
After an Intel layoff, a man in his 60s is scrambling to find new work as reemployment proves far harder than expected. He’s learning new skills, applying broadly, and relying on determination while financial pressure and health concerns limit how long he can wait. His account highlights how career change and age can collide during downsizing.
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A coach of the Mumbai–Solapur Vande Bharat Express derailed at a diamond crossing while entering Pune railway station on Monday evening. Officials confirmed no casualties or injuries, and passengers were shifted to another rake. The train was temporarily halted as investigators probe the cause of the derailment, despite panic among riders at the time.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon that Hezbollah’s refusal to engage in direct dialogue could lead to catastrophic consequences. He framed the warning as a high-stakes escalation risk, pointing to the long, fraught history between the countries since 1948 and underscoring how a breakdown in communication could worsen tensions.
The US has sanctioned China’s Hengli Petrochemical, raising fresh fears across West Asia and the wider petrochemical market. While the target is a major refiner, the real concern is downstream disruption—affecting manufacturers that rely on key chemical and plastics feedstocks. Hengli denies allegations, and Beijing says it will protect its firms, escalating already tense global economic pressures.
India has submitted revised targets for 2031 to the UN climate change body, following a March Cabinet approval of its nationally determined contributions. The NDCs are non-binding, voluntary plans countries commit to under the 2015 Paris Agreement, outlining the climate actions India intends to implement in the years ahead.
A tense scuffle broke out at Jhagadia GIDC in Bharuch when AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava allegedly slapped a relative of blast victim Rakesh Vasava during a visit to the tragedy site. Moments later, the grieving family member slapped him back in public. The April 23 explosion reportedly killed one and injured over 10, adding to the outrage as the incident went viral.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs says the status of the Chabahar Port is still being discussed with both Iran and the United States after a key US sanctions waiver for the project expired on April 26. Officials called the situation complex due to the regional conflict, adding India is actively engaging all parties as circumstances evolve.
First Lady Melania Trump urged ABC to “take a stand” against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, accusing him of using “hateful and violent rhetoric” meant to divide the country. Her remarks followed jokes about her family and an Amazon “Melania” documentary, with Trump saying the broadcaster is enabling harmful behavior. The request raises fresh pressure on mainstream media after a pointed public dispute.
Melania Trump criticized comedian Jimmy Kimmel for a joke that compared her glow to an “expectant widow.” The remark drew extra attention because it echoed uncomfortably soon after a shooting incident at a dinner attended by Donald Trump. Kimmel’s on-stage comment directly addressed her in the audience, turning the humor into a flashpoint for the couple’s critics and supporters alike.
The European Commission has published new guidelines for Google, pushing the company to make key services available so rivals—including AI competitors—can compete more fairly. The move supports the Digital Markets Act, aiming to reduce platform gatekeeping in online search and AI technology and create a more level playing field.
A family of four in Mumbai died after suspected food poisoning, reportedly linked to watermelon eaten late at night. Investigators have not confirmed the cause yet, but food safety experts say contamination can happen at multiple points—from farming and handling to cutting and storage. Damaged rinds and poor hygiene can allow bacteria to slip inside, turning a summer staple risky.
Unstop’s Talent Report 2026 finds a widening gap between student expectations and payouts. While 73% of UG students expect around Rs 5 LPA, only 40% manage it. The report also shows shrinking “degree premium”: 30% of MBA grads earn below Rs 10 LPA and 39% of engineering grads earn below Rs 7 LPA, compressing pay differences across streams.
ICICI Prudential Alternatives has purchased two office properties in Bengaluru and Pune for about Rs 2,600 crore. The acquisitions are financed through the ICICI Prudential Office Yield Optimiser Fund, acquiring EcoWorld 21 on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road and RMZ Edge in Pune’s Koregaon Park, underscoring continued investor focus on premium commercial real estate.
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch was canceled today due to weather, disrupting Florida’s rapidly growing 2026 rocket schedule, which has already seen 29 launches by April 27. Attention is now on a ULA Atlas V mission carrying Amazon’s Leo satellites, while SpaceX is set to attempt a Starlink launch later in the week.
CERT-In has issued a high-severity alert about AI-driven cyber threats, saying new tools are making attacks faster, cheaper, and easier to carry out. The warning highlights that advanced AI systems can independently discover vulnerabilities and execute complex attacks with minimal human intervention, raising concerns about how quickly and widely incidents could spread.
A UN panel is sounding the alarm over the risk of a catastrophic nuclear escalation, pointing to the scale of global stockpiles. In January 2025, nine nuclear-armed states reported owning 12,241 nuclear warheads, including major powers and regional players. The warning raises concern that rising tensions could quickly spiral beyond control.
Nine year old Shreyovi Mehta from Faridabad has won global recognition as runner up in the 10 Years and Under category of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Her image, titled In the Spotlight, shows two peahens silhouetted under trees at Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park, captured during a casual morning walk with her parents.
Amazon’s Wondery has signed a multi-year exclusive deal with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Entertainment. The agreement gives Wondery rights to “The Oprah Podcast” in both audio and video, plus library access spanning “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Oprah’s Book Club,” and “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” The move deepens Amazon’s podcast footprint and opens fresh cross-platform content opportunities.
Delhi NCR’s brutal heat could finally start to break between April 28 and April 30, with IMD issuing a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Temperatures are still above 42°C, and dust storms have already been reported in parts of the region as a cyclonic system moves in. Pre-monsoon showers may bring gradual relief after the worst stretch.
Xu Zewei has been extradited to the United States, where he faces accusations tied to a Chinese government-linked hacking group. Prosecutors allege the group breached thousands of U.S. organizations and stole COVID-19-related research, elevating scrutiny over cyber espionage and cross-border digital crime enforcement. The case underscores how pandemic-related intellectual property remains a high-stakes target.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique says he has a full-strength squad for the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, turning team selection into what he jokingly calls a “lottery.” With key options available, midfield Vitinha is in contention to start in the first leg against the six-time European champions, setting up a high-stakes matchup.
Semiconductor startup Morphing Machines has raised about ₹42 crore to close its Series A at ₹80 crore, via Hero Enterprise’s venture arm, Colossa Ventures, and Navam Capital. IISc-incubated company says the money will fund its first production chip, pilot deployments, and its software toolchain. It targets a full commercial launch next year, with focus on the US and Europe.
Microsoft’s stock fell 2–3% after its OpenAI deal lost exclusivity, ending Microsoft’s Azure-only control. OpenAI can now sell across all clouds, a change that helped lift Amazon. Yet the deeper update: Microsoft gives up revenue payments under the redesign while still retaining long-term access to OpenAI models through 2030—shifting from control to scale.
South Africa beat India by 23 runs in the 5th T20I at Benoni, capping a crushing 4-1 series victory. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt powered the hosts with an explosive 92, while South Africa’s bowling kept India under pressure throughout. The final match underscored a clear gap in execution as India fell short when it mattered most.
New Delhi was hit by dust storms and high-speed winds on Monday night, even as it had been experiencing heatwave-like conditions. The sudden weather flip followed a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain. Experts say a cyclonic circulation over Pakistan and Rajasthan brought dust and sand, with temperatures likely to cool until April 30.
Salesforce and Slack have filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft in London, alleging Microsoft uses Teams “bundling” to restrict customer choice. The complaint targets how Teams is packaged with other products and echoes a 2020 grievance raised with the European Commission. Microsoft previously reached a pricing-related agreement with the EU, but the new UK case reopens concerns.
Johnson & Johnson says it’s using artificial intelligence to accelerate multiple stages of drug development. The firm reports that AI has halved the time to identify promising new drug candidates. It also says AI is streamlining manufacturing and significantly reducing the time required to prepare regulatory documentation, potentially shortening the path from concept to approval.
Veteran Bollywood and television actor Bharat Kapoor died on April 27 in a Mumbai hospital at the age of 80, with reports citing multiple organ failure. His passing was confirmed by industry figure Ashoke Pandit on social media. Kapoor’s work across films and TV made him a familiar face, and tributes have been pouring in from colleagues and fans.
Delhi’s excise department has ordered five “dry days” between May and September, when liquor shops will remain closed. The dates include Buddha Purnima, Id-ul-Zuha, Muharram, Independence Day, and Janmashtami, notified under Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.
The Shipping Ministry has urged state-run ports to mirror the central government’s concession model by reducing or easing charges for shipping. The move is designed to support trade that’s been hit by disruptions in West Asia. In a related security update, warning shots were reportedly fired near an Indian vessel, but all seafarers are said to be safe.
Scientists are increasingly warning that the current heat may be more than a typical hot season. They’re watching for a possible Super El Niño, a stronger version of the El Niño Southern Oscillation that can shift weather patterns for months—and sometimes even years—changing what “normal” looks like across regions.
Skye’s upcoming AI home screen app for iPhone has drawn investor backing well before launch, signaling rising confidence in more AI-aware iOS experiences. The early interest suggests founders are betting on richer on-device interactions and a new way to surface AI tools directly from the home screen, ahead of broader iPhone adoption.
US markets slipped sharply today, with the Dow dropping below 49,200, the S&P 500 nearing 7,160, and the Nasdaq falling over 50 points. Oil jumping above $100 reignited inflation fears, while Federal Reserve uncertainty kept traders cautious. Surprisingly, gold and silver also fell, pointing to liquidity stress rather than a rush to safety. Tech sentiment weakened too after Microsoft’s OpenAI shift.
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