Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Canada plans to create a sovereign wealth fund backed by an initial C$25 billion endowment, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. The fund will target investment in major domestic projects, aiming to put public resources to work at scale. The move signals a renewed approach to long-term national investment, while also potentially influencing global capital flows and market expectations.
Adani Power stood out as nine BSE 100 stocks, including Hindalco Industries, touched 52-week highs and helped lift the Sensex by 639 points. The broad rally points to renewed investor optimism and strong momentum, suggesting more upside potential as traders rotate across multiple blue-chip names.
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Iran has reportedly sent the White House a new peace proposal after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visits in Islamabad preceding a second round of talks. The deal is understood to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and includes multiple clauses. The Trump administration has yet to respond after reviewing the proposal’s terms.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu sparked a fierce online debate by urging Indians working in the US to return and build India’s technology ecosystem. Entrepreneur Ashneer Grover pushed back, arguing it’s unrealistic without better pay, infrastructure, and quality of life. Supporters hailed nation-building, while critics said the country must fix fundamentals before asking professionals to come back.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has written to the Secretary General seeking immediate clarification over alleged unauthorized alteration of the party’s position in Rajya Sabha records. He also demanded an inquiry into who made the changes and requested a written response at the earliest, raising questions about the integrity of official parliamentary documentation.
As India’s heatwaves persist, health experts warn that the danger doesn’t end when the sun sets. Hot nights prevent the body from cooling and recovering, worsening stress, disrupting sleep, and increasing dehydration and heat illness risk. NIH-cited research finds night-time heat independently raises death risk, especially from stroke and heart conditions, with even greater danger when hot days follow warm nights.
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Cross-border tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan escalated again as Pakistani missile strikes hit Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan on Monday. Reports say the attacks struck multiple locations around the provincial capital Asadabad, including residential areas and surrounding villages, killing at least three people and injuring 45 others.
New-age insurer Acko is set to confidentially file draft papers for a potential $250 million stock market debut. In the same tech roundup, Infosys faces a sharp market cap plunge, underlining how uneven sentiment is across India’s listed tech and insurance names.
Bajaj Housing Finance posted steady momentum in Q4, with profit rising 14% to Rs 669 crore and NII growing 15%. Loan expansion lifted AUM by 23%, while asset quality remained strong with GNPA at just 0.27%. The lender also improved operating efficiency even as provisions increased, signaling controlled risk costs.
A shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner triggered a major security response and shocked attendees. Though Donald Trump said he “wasn’t worried,” tensions spiked after parts of the suspect’s manifesto were reportedly read publicly. Trump then criticized the media, including during a 60 Minutes interview with Norah O’Donnell, arguing the coverage was inappropriate and fueled controversy.
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Former Amazon VP Ethan Evans says companies don’t fire bad managers because leadership incentives discourage intervention. When employees complain, senior leaders often label them “overly sensitive,” avoiding the extra work that comes with fixing the problem—like replacing managers and absorbing added workload. The result: toxic leadership can persist, and even genuine complaints may be reframed against the person raising them.
Federal law enforcement is reassessing security arrangements for President Donald Trump’s upcoming high-profile public events after an attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Officials are weighing how to respond to the growing pattern of violence near Trump over the past two years, as plans for major indoor and outdoor appearances in the months ahead come into focus.
Snakes don’t keep a fixed timetable—temperature does. In Texas-like heat, they’re more active in the evening, while cooler conditions push daytime movement. Researchers say their behavior follows environmental cues rather than an internal clock, which is why sightings can feel random. Knowing this shift can better explain when encounters are most likely.
A man accused of shooting a Secret Service agent is set to appear in court in Washington after an alleged attack at a dinner attended by President Donald Trump. Authorities reportedly prevented further harm, and the suspect allegedly left behind a manifesto. The agent survived, with a tactical vest credited for blocking the worst of the impact, renewing scrutiny over official security.
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Prada is launching a limited-edition line of Indian-made sandals inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals, aiming to repair earlier criticism over failing to credit their origins. After the backlash in 2025, the brand partnered with artisan groups in Maharashtra and Karnataka to make 2,000 pairs, blending local craft with Italian technology and selling at about 750 euros.
A US Heavy Snow warning is set to impact the latter part of April, with forecast models pointing to a high-impact mix of heavy precipitation and strong wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. The combination could produce blizzard-like conditions and potentially up to 24 inches of snow, threatening travel and safety across affected regions.
Iran’s oil blockade standoff has traders watching the Strait of Hormuz as oil prices hover around $108 a barrel, up nearly 50% since the war began. Iran says it could reopen the choke point carrying close to 20% of global oil supply, demanding the US lift its blockade and push toward ending the conflict. For now, tankers remain stuck and disruption keeps inflation worries alive.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh has written to the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General seeking urgent clarification over alleged unauthorized changes to the party’s position in official parliamentary records. Singh claims AAP’s status in Rajya Sabha documents and publications was altered without prior intimation or approval from party leadership. The letter calls the matter for immediate review and correction.
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US stock indexes opened lower on Monday as markets weighed stalled peace talks with Iran alongside upcoming corporate earnings and expected Federal Reserve commentary. Early trading saw modest declines across the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq Composite, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of key economic and company updates.
China has ordered Meta to unwind its multibillion-dollar Manus acquisition, reversing a deal that was expected to support Zuckerberg’s ambitions for AI agents. The decision follows a months-long investigation and could force Meta to unwind investments, restructure plans, and reassess how it expands in China-linked AI and technology markets.
Iran has resumed flights to major international destinations including Beijing, Istanbul, and Muscat, with Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport City CEO saying services have restarted as a fragile ceasefire holds. The update follows Iran Air’s efforts to restore domestic passenger flights, starting with the Tehran–Mashhad route on April 22, reported by IRNA.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has sold about a 1% stake in Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), India’s first online delivery-based natural gas trading platform, citing compliance with regulatory requirements. Sources say the offloading was prompted by norms that restrict ownership levels, making this small move a potential indicator of further regulatory pressure on market structures.
A wedding planned at a temple located within the core zone of Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve has ignited backlash over wildlife protection norms. After viral visuals of the arrangements circulated, the Forest Department removed the setup and lodged a forest crime case against temple committee office-bearers, alleging the event proceeded without mandatory permissions under forest and wildlife laws.
Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have formed the joint party BeYachad to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of upcoming elections. While their campaign focuses largely on domestic priorities, the biggest fault line could be military conscription rules. As the rivals coordinate their message, voters may see a potential shift in how Israel balances security needs with political and social pressures.
Delhi has activated its Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 as temperatures soar. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta instructed all departments to prevent outdoor workers from intense sunlight between 1 PM and 4 PM during severe heatwave conditions. Officials are told to revise work schedules, ensure shade and drinking water, and provide caps to reduce heat-related illnesses among vulnerable groups.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned a shooting outside a Washington venue where US President Donald Trump was present, saying violence has no place in politics. Abdullah expressed relief that Trump escaped unharmed and urged a peaceful, democratic approach amid rising global tensions. The statement highlights the need to keep political differences away from harm and intimidation.
The BJP has asked Bengaluru Police to deny permission for a book reading event associated with activist Umar Khalid, saying protests could erupt if it goes ahead. The programme, organised by civil rights groups at the Bangalore International Centre, is expected to include speakers such as Ramachandra Guha and Prakash Raj, drawing political heat ahead of the scheduled gathering.
India and New Zealand have signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement in Delhi, wrapping one of India’s fastest negotiations with a developed nation. The deal offers zero-duty access for 100% of Indian exports, with major gains in textiles, leather, and gems, while also introducing 5,000 annual visa slots for professionals and extended student work rights. Crucially, dairy, poultry, and sugar remain excluded to protect domestic farmers.
Flying snakes in the Chrysopelea genus can glide impressively by flattening their bodies into a streamlined shape. Rather than using wings, they create lift and glide horizontally, using their entire body as an aerodynamic “wing.” The ability helps them move tree to tree, avoid predators, and forage in dense forests.
DMRC has kicked off a major escalator maintenance and overhauling program targeting ageing heavy-duty escalators on the Blue and Green Lines. Work started this week and involves dismantling and replacing critical mechanical components to improve long-term reliability and commuter safety. Riders are advised to check affected stations in advance for possible disruptions during the upgrade period.
A new large-scale study suggests a sleep “sweet spot” of about 7 to 8 hours nightly may lower dementia risk. Researchers found the brain-health benefits are even stronger when paired with regular exercise and fewer sedentary hours. The findings point to practical daily habits that could meaningfully reduce the odds of developing dementia later in life.
Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbekistan’s late President Islam Karimov, is set for a trial in absentia in Switzerland’s federal criminal court in Bellinzona. The case, beginning Monday and running through May 22, involves allegations of bribery and money laundering tied to assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars, even as she is reportedly behind bars in Uzbekistan.
Broadcom’s market value surged past $2 trillion, powered by a sharp rise in demand for custom AI chips and cloud networking. The company’s AI semiconductor sales more than doubled, while partnerships with major cloud players like Google and Meta strengthened its foothold in the fast-growing AI infrastructure market. Investors are also reacting to ongoing ETF buzz around the AI trade.
Jammu and Kashmir’s administration has declared Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom, affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, an unlawful association under UAPA. The order cites alleged covert links to the banned group, financial irregularities, and concerns that the institution may be tied to radicalisation or extremist activity. The move raises pressure on how religious education bodies are monitored in the region.
Microsoft says it will end its exclusive license covering OpenAI technology. The move could reshape how startups and rivals access the underlying tools, potentially accelerating competition in AI services. While Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI remains in focus, ending exclusivity signals a shift from locked-in arrangements toward broader availability and new deal dynamics across the industry.
A new NSO survey finds India’s health insurance coverage is expanding, yet hospitalisation costs are still largely borne by patients. Rural households shoulder about 95% of hospital spending out of pocket, while urban patients also pay a significant share. Hospitalisation costs have nearly doubled, even as the frequency of hospitalisations per 1,000 people stays flat.
A trial date has been set for Derrick Callella, accused of sending Savannah Guthrie a fake ransom text, as the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, enters its 84th day. Investigators are reviewing evidence reportedly gathered from Nancy’s home, and a Northern California lab is said to be assisting the FBI in the investigation.
India plans to import 64 lakh tonnes of urea and 19 lakh tonnes of other fertilisers for the upcoming kharif season, even as global prices have doubled amid the West Asia crisis. The government says retail prices for urea and di-ammonium phosphate will remain unchanged, with adequate supply assured. Domestic production is also improving after securing gas supplies.
OpenAI may be working on a dedicated smartphone designed around AI agents that handle tasks previously done through individual apps. An analyst suggests the device could enter mass production as early as 2028, positioning AI agents to act as the new interface layer and potentially reduce reliance on traditional app workflows.
Embassy REIT turned in strong FY2026 performance, leasing 6.4 million sq ft and lifting revenue by 13%. The REIT completed new office developments and delivered a record 3.3 million sq ft. With capital raised to bolster its balance sheet, Embassy REIT expects continued double-digit growth in distributions and net operating income in FY2027.
New video and flight-tracking data indicate a sustained US airbridge is delivering cargo planes, personnel, and military equipment to bases in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar over the past 48 hours. The surge, particularly around Al Dhafra Air Base, is being framed as a readiness and advance force mobilisation, prompting scrutiny of what it signals for Gulf operations.
A new Nature study argues human evolution is not slowing down but accelerating, particularly after agriculture reshaped diets and environments. Using genetic evidence, researchers report hundreds of variants shaped by natural selection, overturning the idea that evolution is mostly a past phenomenon and showing how traits across populations continue to change today.
Lucknow Super Giants faced heavy criticism after sending Nicholas Pooran for the Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. Pooran struggled under pressure, scoring no runs during the tie-break. LSG ultimately lost narrowly at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 27, leaving fans and pundits questioning the decision after Pooran’s earlier performance didn’t build momentum.
China’s NDRC has blocked Meta’s proposed $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus, citing “laws and regulations.” The decision is widely read as a bid to curb brain drain—keeping Chinese AI talent and capabilities from moving offshore—even as companies restructure or route funding internationally to access capital.
Kirloskar Pneumatic reported FY26 total income of ₹1,786 crore with PBT rising 25% to ₹356 crore. The board proposed a record 600% dividend, including an interim 175% and a final 425%. Order book grew 15% to ₹1,863 crore and order inflows crossed ₹2,000 crore in FY26, alongside a major increase in patents filed.
Urban raccoons are showing surprising problem-solving skills, learning how to open and use trash cans through trial and error. Research points to strong behavioral flexibility, with animals adapting their approach based on past outcomes. The findings suggest city life is shaping their cognition, helping them experiment with human-made systems to survive and thrive.
Indian Railways has announced a permanent upgrade of the 42nd Vande Bharat Express (22961/22962) to a 20-coach configuration. From April 28, 2026, the Ahmedabad to Mumbai Central service will run in the expanded setup, giving passengers more capacity alongside premium travel benefits. Officials say the change is now set for the long term rather than a temporary trial.
Canada’s remote Diavik Diamond Mine has unearthed a rare 158.20-carat yellow diamond as it approaches its 2026 closure. The stone is among the largest yellow diamonds ever found at Diavik, capping more than two decades of production in the harsh Arctic. The discovery underscores the mine’s legacy of extraordinary finds even as operations wind down.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin said the party is confident of winning the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He attributed the expected momentum to strong backing from BJP workers and to public protests against the current government, arguing that dissatisfaction could translate into votes. The remarks set the tone for how BJP plans to frame the contest going forward.
A major Microsoft Outlook outage hit on April 27, 2026, with more than 800 user reports piling up within hours. Microsoft confirmed service degradation and pointed to an authentication-system failure. While passwords worked for many, email access still broke for over 60% of affected users, suggesting an infrastructure issue rather than a simple app malfunction.
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