Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Delhi NCR is baking under an intense heatwave, with April 26 afternoon temperatures around 43–45°C. The worst is expected to last until April 27 due to hot westerly winds and above-normal conditions. Relief is likely from April 28 when winds turn cooler, a Western Disturbance develops cloud cover, and light rain or thunderstorms could bring a 4–6°C drop.
Air India says it is rolling out artificial intelligence to transform how it runs—aiming to lower costs, improve customer service, and increase revenue. The airline is using generative AI to validate pilot duty norms and automate tasks, while also redesigning employee roles to better support operations. The move is part of a broader company-wide transformation plan.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Trinamool Congress for allegedly mismanaging Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit last year at Salt Lake Stadium. Modi linked the chaos to what he called the TMC’s governance “Maha Jungle Raj,” reigniting political debate over event handling. Messi later finished the tour across cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and departed after stops including Vantara.
At Beijing’s Auto China event, China’s automakers and tech partners showcased what they call the future of driving: intelligent-driving systems, electric vehicles, ultrafast charging capabilities, and even flying-vehicle prototypes from multiple brands. The lineup also highlighted growing automotive chip supply chains and increasingly tech-driven factory showpieces, suggesting a rapid shift toward software-defined mobility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to help make Census 2027 a success, stressing that the information they share will remain secure and confidential. He said the exercise is now fully digital, with self-enumeration options available for people to complete the census themselves. The push comes as India continues expanding energy initiatives across nuclear, solar, and wind.
Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh dismissed reports that Punjab MLAs are in contact with Raghav Chadha, saying the narrative is misinformation spread by the BJP. As protests continue in Punjab against Chadha and other Rajya Sabha MPs who joined the party, Singh warned that those who switched sides will lose their memberships.
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Speculation is mounting inside the Trump administration that FBI Director Kash Patel may be the next senior official to leave, according to a Politico report. The chatter follows unusual top-level changes, including General Randy George’s early retirement as Chief of Army Staff. Observers say the speed of these departures is raising new questions about wider planning.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has decisively responded to terror through surgical and air strikes, claiming terrorism has been eliminated. Speaking as polling neared its close, he highlighted high turnout and framed the electoral process around tight security, with the second phase on April 29 and counting on May 4.
A shooting at a White House press dinner has sparked questions about possible links to the escalating Iran war and US-led efforts for peace talks in Islamabad. The timing is notable: the incident follows Trump’s decision to cancel envoys’ trip to Pakistan, arguing the negotiations were pointless. Officials have not confirmed any connection, but scrutiny is growing.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says a landmark free trade agreement with India will be signed on Monday. The deal is set to give Kiwi exporters unprecedented access to India’s 1.4 billion consumers and fast-growing economy, with expectations of higher incomes, new jobs, and a stronger global competitive position for New Zealand businesses.
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has warned that Anthropic’s AI model Mythos could trigger a new kind of cyber threat, comparing its possible impact to war. Indian authorities are stepping up engagement with Anthropic and the US administration to understand the risk and counter it. Alongside this, India is bolstering domestic cyber capabilities and improving financial sector readiness.
Odisha is set to issue fewer cordon passes for the upcoming Rath Yatra to curb overcrowding near the Jagannath chariots. The decision follows last year’s tragedy in which three people died. With the festival scheduled to begin July 16, officials are finalizing security, crowd management, and infrastructure arrangements to prevent a repeat.
State-owned AIESL is expanding its Nagpur MRO facility to target more international airlines, including pursuing EASA approval for Airbus base maintenance. The push follows a notable turnaround: it revived an Air India Boeing 777 after six years. AIESL is also exploring Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter conversions at the Nagpur site, aiming to broaden its revenue streams.
The Delhi High Court has sought a government response over long-standing vacancies in the Delhi State Minorities Commission, with chair and member posts left unfilled since 2023. The court warned that such crucial roles must not remain vacant, stressing urgency despite any timelines under the relevant legal framework.
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The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to compensate a farmer after parrots damaged his pomegranate trees. Ruling that parrots fall under the Wild Life (Protection) Act as “wild animals,” the court said the state must reimburse citizens for losses caused by its wildlife-related protections and property obligations.
Viral footage shows JD Vance being pulled by the shoulders and rushed to safety right after gunshots were reported near the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton. The event reportedly included President Donald Trump and the first lady, and the clip captures immediate security action as attendees moved away from danger.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) arrested Ranjeet Giri near the Indo-Nepal border in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, seizing over 327 kg of marijuana worth around Rs 20 crore. The Bihar resident was allegedly transporting the contraband in a truck after it entered from Nepal. Giri has been handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau for probing a suspected wider network.
New footage from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shows Donald Trump stumbling and falling as gunshots were heard shortly after the event began. He appears to be rushed off stage amid the chaos, while security and officials respond to the incident. The dramatic video has intensified scrutiny over what triggered the shots and how the crowd was secured.
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Violence broke out in West Bengal’s Howrah and Haroa ahead of the second phase of polling. In Howrah, clashes were reported between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters. In Haroa, a police sub-inspector was injured during a confrontation involving Trinamool Congress and Indian Secular Front supporters, underscoring an increasingly charged campaign atmosphere.
Democrats are divided over a key midterm strategy: whether to center campaigns on President Trump’s fitness for office or pivot to the economy. With many activists believing voters respond more to economic issues, Republicans are ready to exploit any Democrats’ focus on removal. Party leaders are now weighing which approach offers the best path to electoral gains.
China’s DeepRoute.ai says its advanced driving system is already used by more than 300,000 vehicles, with CEO Maxwell Zhou expecting another one million additions this year. The update, shared on the sidelines of the Beijing auto show, signals rapid scaling of automated driving infrastructure and widespread adoption across China’s fast-growing tech-car segment.
Ahead of West Bengal’s second phase of polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fresh attack on the TMC, saying it failed the “Maa, Maati, Manush” promise. He accused the ruling party of corruption and “jungle raj,” and urged voters to back the BJP to break alleged misrule and a syndicate system. The rally is aimed at swaying undecided voters before voting begins.
The World Gold Council has proposed creating a physically backed shared infrastructure to help digital gold scale faster. The plan centers on common systems supported by real-world gold assets, aiming to strengthen trust, improve access, and reduce friction for issuers and users. If adopted, it could reshape how digital gold products are built and regulated.
This week’s IPO calendar looks unusually quiet for India’s primary market, with no mainboard IPOs expected. Attention shifts to SME platforms, where one new IPO and multiple listings are scheduled amid a market downturn and higher oil prices. Among the key events, the Amba Auto Sales & Services IPO is set to open soon, while Adisoft Technologies and Leapfrog Engineering Services are slated to list.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress, accusing the West Bengal government of “betraying” women and promising action against rapists. His remarks came as Phase I polling ended with West Bengal recording 91.78% turnout. With Phase II set to begin in a few days, the campaign focus on women’s safety is set to intensify.
As temperatures rise and heatwave conditions worsen, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered strict implementation of the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026. Outdoor work may be stopped between 12 noon and 3 pm during severe heat. Workers will get drinking water, caps and gamchas, while first-aid kits and ice packs will be provided at worksites when required.
A young mother who lost her hands in an accident has regained a new lease on life after a successful bilateral hand transplant. Doctors at a private hospital performed the complex 12-hour surgery, a major milestone in reconstructive microsurgery. The breakthrough was made possible through the donor family’s generosity, with the hospital publicly thanking them for their life-changing decision.
Tensions surged in Bhabanipur when rival election rallies by Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari escalated into a confrontation. BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav alleged Banerjee was trying to spark anarchy amid expectations of defeat. Supporters clashed over slogans, prompting police intervention. Voting for the second phase is scheduled for April 29.
India has denied an RTI request seeking details of Russian crude oil imports between June 2022 and June 2025. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell said the figures were commercially confidential and linked to strategic interests. The Central Information Commission backed the refusal, and also flagged transparency issues with the PPAC website that failed to provide reliable information.
A car bomb exploded near a police station in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, prompting police to issue a security alert and evacuate nearby homes. Investigators said the incident follows an attempted attack last month, with dissident Republican groups suspected. Although the 1998 Good Friday Accords largely ended decades of violence, sporadic attacks continue to disrupt the region.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “shocked” after a shooting at a Washington media gala linked to Trump. He stressed it was a “huge relief” that Donald Trump and others were unharmed, and called any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom unacceptable. Starmer also sent a message of solidarity to Trump, a senior minister said.
Gasoline prices across the US average $4.099 per gallon today. California and Hawaii are the priciest states, while Texas and Oklahoma offer the lowest fuel costs. Florida remains below the national average, but New York and Washington are higher than average. The snapshot reflects current market conditions for drivers nationwide.
A house fire in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, killed three adults early Saturday morning. Police and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency crews arrived to intense smoke and responded quickly, but the victims could not be saved. RCMP is now investigating the incident to determine how the fire started and what led to the deaths.
During a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, while guests and Secret Service agents scrambled in panic, an unidentified elderly man in a tuxedo reportedly stayed seated and continued eating. The calm moment stood out amid the commotion as Trump was hurried out, turning the diner into an unexpected viral sensation for his composure during chaos.
India’s wheat production for the 2025-26 crop year is expected to remain stable despite unseasonal rains and hailstorms damaging localized areas. The agriculture ministry says higher acreage and improved seed varieties are cushioning the setbacks. Procurement figures from key wheat states also point to healthy output. Overall, the outlook is strong and steady.
Amid CSK vs GT, IPL 2026, Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed MS Dhoni will not play despite appearing completely fit during the match eve workout. Fans were left disappointed after seeing Dhoni running and looking in form, turning the decision into speculation about his near-term retirement. The move has sparked debate on team selection and Dhoni’s future role.
US immigration enforcement saw arrests spike after a crackdown, especially in Minneapolis, triggering outrage and personnel shake-ups. After the administration shifted tactics, national arrests fell nearly 12 percent, but some states reported increases. Critics say many people arrested had no criminal records, challenging claims that enforcement targeted only the “worst of the worst.”
Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested three people for allegedly trafficking banned and controlled medicines in a major crackdown on the illegal pharma trade. Officials said the case also points to links with an extortion racket, while investigators recovered restricted arms materials during related actions. The arrests follow earlier weapon-related custody by Delhi Police units in April.
Sonu Nigam surprised fans in Rotterdam after spotting them playing his song on their way to his concert. The singer joined in, sharing an emotional, heartwarming moment as they sang together before the show. In a separate note, Nigam also mourned the loss of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, praising her towering contribution to Indian film music.
The National Green Tribunal has asked the Centre and other agencies for responses over the threat from hanging glaciers in the central Himalayas. A recent study flags unstable glaciers on steep slopes, raising fears of avalanches and downstream disasters. It also notes a sharp increase in how many people are exposed as high-altitude development expands into vulnerable zones.
Andhra Pradesh’s Amaravati is set to be developed as the “world’s quantum valley,” with a focus on AI and data centres to attract major FDI. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu outlined a digital, knowledge-led ecosystem built around a “4P” partnership model, while the state’s clean energy strength is expected to boost large investments in data infrastructure.
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has broken his silence after a near-fatal neck injury during the IPL 2026 DC vs PBKS match. Ngidi was hurt while attempting a catch, then was taken to hospital following the incident. In his first update, he has confirmed he is “all good,” giving fans relief after frightening reports from the game.
Sri Lanka is looking for investors to take over Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which has operated at a loss since opening in 2013. An earlier lease plan with an Indo-Russian venture collapsed, leaving the airport a continuing financial drain. The government now points to tourism and strategic value as it accelerates privatization after its economic crisis.
On the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of “nuclear terrorism,” warning the invasion is pushing the world toward disaster. He cited deadly overnight drone strikes—over a hundred launched—with three people killed. Zelensky urged the international community to stop what he called reckless attacks.
A bus explosion in southwestern Colombia has killed 13 people and injured 38, including several children. The army chief said the incident was a terrorist act tied to escalating violence linked to drug trafficking. Authorities blame dissident armed groups, while the government pledges a firm response, as attacks in the region continue to mount.
India and New Zealand will sign a free trade agreement on April 27, aimed at doubling bilateral trade and attracting investment over the next 15 years. The deal is expected to give Indian leather exporters from Agra duty-free access to New Zealand markets, potentially reshaping opportunities for the sector and accelerating exports.
Gujarat is holding local body elections today for municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats, with voters braving the heat to cast ballots. Key leaders have already voted, while turnout for municipal corporations has reportedly been lower than for other bodies till afternoon. Polling is underway across districts, and results are expected soon after the process ends.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has launched Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL) and appointed Sanjay Jamuar as its first CEO. The global arm will handle metro projects and operations outside Delhi, including in foreign countries, and also provide advisory services for transit systems. DMIL builds on DMRC’s existing experience across cities and international work like Bangladesh.
A shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner left a Secret Service agent injured, reigniting scrutiny of the protection offered to U.S. political leaders amid rising violence. Washington’s police chief said the alleged gunman stayed at the Washington Hilton where the event happened and was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives—raising concerns about possible breakdowns or miscommunication.
State-owned NTPC is exploring a major nuclear expansion in Bihar’s Banka district, planning two 700 MW units after completing a feasibility study. The project may require an investment of around Rs 25,000 crore, with the Bihar government promising full support. The plan supports India’s roadmap toward 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 and NTPC’s own 2 GW target by 2032.
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