Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the Middle East war, even after the United States cancelled a planned trip by its envoys. He met Pakistani officials and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, straining energy markets as Israel strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Russia and North Korea have agreed on a “long-term” military cooperation framework, with Russia’s defense minister meeting North Korean authorities to lay out a detailed plan covering 2027 to 2031. The move deepens their already growing defense alignment, following North Korea’s endorsement of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
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A 61-year-old man in Mangaluru was allegedly duped out of over Rs 2 crore in a digital arrest scam. Calling him over alleged SIM card misuse, fraudsters posed as NIA and ED officials, threatening fake FIRs and arrest while pushing WhatsApp messages. They even claimed his identity was linked to illegal acts including terrorism.
Malayalam superstar Mammootty, already part of the superhero universe Lokah, has confirmed he’s working on a vampire movie. The news comes as he gears up for Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, where he leads a covert team uncovering a surveillance conspiracy that spirals into a national security emergency. Fans now have an even wilder genre shift to expect.
Anthropic tested agent-on-agent commerce by creating a classified marketplace where AI agents acted as both buyers and sellers. In the experiment, the agents negotiated and closed agreements for real goods, with real money involved—an early glimpse of how autonomous trading could shift from simulations to transactions.
US President Donald Trump says he is holding “productive” discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aiming to resolve the war in Ukraine. Despite personal and political hostility between the two leaders, Trump believes a settlement is still possible and reiterated his earlier pledge to end the conflict.
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Donald Trump says Iran could begin talks, even by phone, and predicts the conflict will end soon with the US on top. He also plans to take up Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while slamming NATO and the UK for their responses. Trump adds that China could have done more as Ukraine talks with Putin and Zelenskyy continue.
Gujarat Titans overpowered Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets as Sai Sudharsan’s 87 anchored a smooth chase. With key contributions from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, GT reached the 158-run target easily, finishing with 20 balls remaining. The win lifts the Titans to fifth in the IPL standings, while CSK’s effort falls short.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia to discuss energy security and regional stability. Coming amid ongoing war and ceasefire developments, the visits underscore India’s drive to strengthen Gulf partnerships. With the UAE a key strategic collaborator, Doval’s meetings aim to respond to rapid geopolitical shifts and secure continued cooperation.
Mali’s Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a terrorist attack as separatist violence and clashes intensify across the country. The killing comes during a second day of fighting between the army and rebel groups near Bamako and other cities, piling pressure on the ruling junta government. The UN has called for urgent attention as tensions rise.
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Maine’s governor has vetoed L.D. 307, a bill that would have imposed what would’ve been the US’s first statewide moratorium on new data centers. The proposal aimed to halt new projects until November 1, 2027, but the veto keeps the state’s path for expansion unchanged, shifting the debate to next steps.
Sun Pharma is set to buy US drugmaker Organon for $12.5 billion, expected to be decided at a board meeting over the weekend. The Mumbai-based company will beat the EQT-Gruenthal consortium, paying $4.5 billion for Organon’s equity while taking on $8.5 billion of debt, with an announcement likely tonight or by Monday.
Climate tech investors may be getting the signal they’ve waited for. Nuclear startup X-energy has gone public, while geothermal firm Fervo is set to follow, suggesting momentum in an IPO market that’s often been slow for clean-energy bets. The moves could revive interest, unlock capital, and accelerate the race to scale low-carbon power.
A top US official says Donald Trump was likely the target of an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The suspected shooter is set to be charged in federal court on Monday over allegations including assault of a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempting to kill a federal officer. Authorities are tightening details as the case moves forward.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah says BJP will replace “goonda raj” and “syndicate raj” in West Bengal if it comes to power. He vowed to identify and act against infiltrators, set up a special squad to curb cattle smuggling, and expand welfare promises including monthly allowances for women and unemployed youth plus free rides for women on state transport.
Canadian AI firm Cohere is taking over Germany’s Aleph Alpha, backed by Schwarz Group, the owner of Lidl. With government support, the merger aims to deliver a “sovereign” AI option for enterprises—countering a market currently dominated by American companies. The move signals growing pressure on Europe to control key AI infrastructure closer to home.
A heat wave is expected to persist over parts of northwest and central India for the next three days, according to the India Meteorological Department. Delhi’s Chief Minister has ordered strict implementation of the Heat Wave Action Plan, with additional measures being considered to shield school children and construction workers from extreme heat conditions.
The most costly enterprise AI failures may produce no errors, no red dashboards, and no alerts—yet deliver confident, consistently wrong outputs. The issue isn’t the model’s benchmark performance, but “context decay,” orchestration drift, stale retrieval, and silent partial failures across infrastructure and workflows. Fixing it requires behavioral telemetry and intent-based stress tests, not just uptime monitoring.
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Pakistan has lifted traffic restrictions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, allowing heavy movement of essentials and resuming physical university classes. The change follows the cancellation of a planned second round of US-Iran talks in which Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan without meeting US negotiators. Araghchi called the visit fruitful and praised Pakistan’s role in regional peace.
India logistics startup Snabbit is reportedly seeking new funding at a $400 million valuation as investor interest builds. The company says it scaled fast enough to cross one million jobs in March, marking a major milestone for its operations. If the round comes through, it could further accelerate growth and deepen competition in the on-demand workforce space.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s dismissal in IPL 2026’s LSG vs KKR clash has become a flashpoint after a rare obstructing the field decision. The third umpire ruled he altered his running line while attempting a run off Prince Yadav, following an appeal spearheaded by Mohammed Shami. The call has ignited debate over on-field rules and umpiring consistency.
A top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and close associate of Hafiz Saeed, Sheikh Yusuf Afridi, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No organization has claimed responsibility so far. Security agencies are investigating the killing, adding to a pattern of targeted attacks on senior terror figures across the region.
The National Investigation Agency has arrested Ahidul Islam Molla, a resident of Bijoyganj Bazar in South 24 Parganas, in connection with a bomb explosion at Dakshin Bamunia village, West Bengal. The NIA said the arrest followed a detailed examination of his alleged involvement and role in the incident.
Mali’s defence minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his home in Kati near Bamako, according to his family. They said a car bomb killed Camara, his second wife and two grandchildren. The news comes as the army fought a second day of battles with jihadist fighters and separatist rebels across areas near the capital, escalating pressure on the ruling junta.
US President Donald Trump narrated his immediate reaction after hearing gunshots during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton. He said he initially thought it was a tray falling, before realizing the situation was far more serious. The incident comes amid claims of a suspected assassination attempt, with authorities investigating the attack.
Karan Johar has sharply criticised Bollywood’s heavy reliance on paid publicity, calling the PR ecosystem “overdrive.” Speaking to The Week, he argued that when anything can be procured for a price, it becomes hard to separate genuine audience buzz from purchased reactions. Johar urged artists to let their work speak instead of leaning on constant publicity.
A pregnant MBA graduate set to join a Big Four firm in India is drawing intense attention after posting worries about starting work while expecting. She says her happiness at the pregnancy is real, but anxiety remains around job location, possible discrimination, and how maternity expectations could shape her first months on the job—fueling a broader online debate on workplace support.
London Marathon results made headlines as Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe won in record time, but the most talked-about factor was his unique shoe. The finish reshaped expectations around elite running equipment and how small advantages can translate into major speed gains, leaving fans and rivals asking what exactly made his setup stand out.
Strikes across Ukraine and Russia have killed at least 16 people, hitting cities including Dnipro, Sevastopol, and Luhansk, while Ukraine also struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl. As the Chernobyl anniversary passes, warnings are intensifying about the nuclear risks of attacks near the plant, with urgent calls for repairs to the damaged outer shell.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly has announced a one-day special session on Tuesday, April 28, scheduled for 11:00 AM at the Old Secretariat. The move comes alongside reports that LG has prorogued the Fourth Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly with immediate effect, adding uncertainty to what lawmakers plan to take up amid heightened security protocols.
US President Donald Trump said he faces repeated assassination threats, including a recent incident tied to the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. When asked by Peter Doocy why it keeps happening, Trump referenced Lincoln in his reply, portraying his life as oddly normal despite the danger. The comments highlight how he processes personal risk amid constant public scrutiny.
A gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche says the attack likely targeted Trump administration officials. The suspect was arrested after firing a shotgun at a Secret Service agent. Prosecutors are expected to file charges including assaulting a federal officer and attempted murder, while investigators say the suspect is not cooperating.
A day after Punjab authorities withdrew Harbhajan Singh’s police security, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stepped in with CRPF protection for the Rajya Sabha MP. The development followed protests by Aam Aadmi Party workers outside his Jalandhar residence soon after he joined the BJP, escalating concerns and prompting the central security move.
Uttar Pradesh is upgrading the 594-km Ganga Expressway into a full industrial corridor, backed by a planned Rs 47,000 crore investment across 12 districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the expressway on April 29, with twelve industrial nodes designed to accelerate manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics—aiming to narrow regional gaps and spur faster growth.
A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, with elevated storms expected to bring large hail on Sunday. Officials say the most serious severe-weather risk intensifies tonight across central and eastern Kansas into northwest Missouri or southeast Nebraska, where storm development could be more widespread.
App-based transport workers, through IFAT, have written to India’s labour ministry seeking mandatory heatwave protection under the Code on Social Security, 2020. They’re asking for paid breaks and guaranteed access to water while working. The push comes as heatwaves worsen and firms may struggle with rider availability, with IFAT pointing to protections adopted in other countries.
Gujarat held local body elections on Sunday under extreme heat of up to 44°C. Three people, including a Jamnagar Municipal Corporation candidate, died after suffering heart attacks during polling. Amid the weather-related tragedy, the BJP also reported a major advantage, with 733 seats secured uncontested.
Industrialist Anant Ambani launched a comprehensive healthcare initiative for all 650 working horses in Matheran, Maharashtra, marking his birthday. The effort focuses on the animals that power local transportation in Asia’s only automobile free hill station. For many residents and visitors, these horses are essential to daily movement through the hill town.
A Noida software developer’s walk-in interview for a Rs 3 LPA role went viral after an eight-hour hiring ordeal, multiple rounds, and near silence between steps. Despite clearing most stages alongside about 100 candidates, long delays and poor communication ended with an insulting final round led by the CEO, raising fresh concerns about professionalism in tech hiring.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Sikkim from April 27 to attend the closing ceremony of the state’s 50th anniversary of statehood. During the visit, he is expected to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore, spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism, with a focus on holistic growth.
Police in Kolkata recovered around 100 crude bombs from a residence in Bhangar, allegedly tied to a person affiliated with the TMC. The raid came just days ahead of West Bengal’s second phase of assembly elections. Officials also issued strict warnings to police personnel, stressing swift action and accountability for any future explosives or threats in their jurisdictions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s actions are putting Lebanon’s recently extended three-week ceasefire at risk. Israel has been striking targets in southern Lebanon almost daily, intercepting drones and issuing evacuation orders for villages. Lebanon reported seven deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday, as Netanyahu promised a vigorous response against the Iran-backed group.
Nasscom Chair Srikanth Velamakanni says India’s tech industry should treat artificial intelligence as an accelerator, not a job-killing threat. Taking the helm amid geopolitical turmoil and AI-driven disruption, he argues that technology will keep hiring and help companies adapt. His message reframes AI’s impact as a growth lever for India’s IT services sector.
President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defence plan is hitting hard headwinds as costs balloon and lawmakers question the funding model. Estimates range widely—from $185 billion to $3 trillion—while Congress raises concerns, including among some Republicans. The Pentagon wants major new spending for the system designed to counter ICBMs and drone threats.
A new BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care study suggests clinicians could estimate whether a patient may die within 24 hours using a quick bedside check. Researchers report that lack of the corneal reflex, the eye’s automatic blink response, is strongly linked to imminent death, with those showing no reflex far more likely to deteriorate within a day.
The US government’s stake in Intel has jumped about 300%, reaching $36 billion. The deal, announced in August, implies an almost $27 billion paper return. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan reportedly secured the investment after a charm offensive to rebuild relations with President Donald Trump, who had earlier called for Tan’s ouster.
A dormant X account that posted once in 2023 resurfaced online after a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association gala dinner. Netizens are linking the account’s “Cole Allen” tweet to the gunman, sparking conspiracy theories about how the account may be connected. Authorities have not confirmed any link, leaving questions as speculation spreads.
A 62-year-old senior citizen in Navi Mumbai was cheated of Rs 64 lakh over four years after fraudsters impersonated IRDA and the IGMS grievance system. He was repeatedly told the transfers were for “taxes and fees,” and even couriered ATM cards. Police have now registered an FIR as the case reveals a criminal scam rather than a legitimate recovery process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Uttar Pradesh’s Ganga Expressway on April 29, as the project nears completion. The massive infrastructure development costs about Rs 37,000 crore and is being executed in four packages to speed up progress and delivery across the expressway corridor.
A prominent tech investor and board member at Pinterest, Gokul Rajaram, has warned that AI could eliminate design jobs, citing his experience building and scaling Google’s AdSense. But the design and tech community has responded strongly, arguing AI will change workflows rather than replace designers outright. The debate is reigniting questions on jobs, tools, and what creativity means in the AI era.
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