Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
NASA says its Curiosity rover has detected the most diverse set of organic molecules ever found on Mars, including multiple compounds not previously seen on the planet. The findings come from an ancient rock sample drilled by Curiosity and bolster the case that Mars once had conditions favorable for life, even as researchers stress that this is not direct proof of biology.
Fuel prices in India stayed unchanged on April 24 despite global crude volatility linked to rising West Asia tensions and the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Oil marketing companies reportedly update petrol and diesel rates daily from 6 AM, using international crude benchmarks. In major cities including Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, drivers may not see any change even as shipping disruptions keep international prices under pressure.
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Akshaya Tritiya 2026 is projected to drive record precious-metal buying in India, with gold and silver trade expected to surpass Rs 20,000 crore even as prices hit new highs and volumes soften. Shoppers are shifting toward lightweight jewellery, silver, and diamond items, while digital gold and bonds gain momentum—signaling value-led, financially cautious consumption.
Indian automakers have approved the draft CAFE III proposals, which will tighten fuel-efficiency and CO2 limits for passenger cars from April 1, 2027. SIAM says the rules strike a workable balance, while manufacturers must steadily improve fleet emissions through 2031-32. The government is expected to issue the final notification soon, with broad industry consensus already in place.
The Supreme Court has concluded hearings in the Additional Tier-1 (AT1) bond write-down case involving Yes Bank, with a verdict expected soon. After the bank’s near-collapse in 2020, around ₹8,415 crore was written down, triggering lawsuits by investors. Yes Bank says it does not anticipate a material financial impact from the ruling.
Vodafone Group’s holding in Indus Towers has declined meaningfully after a series of transactions, putting its promoter classification in focus. The key issue is whether the reduced stake still meets promoter expectations and how it could reshape Vodafone’s influence and responsibilities within Indus Towers’ ownership and governance structure.
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Mukhi, an India-born cheetah at Kuno National Park, reaches adulthood on Monday, marking a historic milestone for India’s reintroduction effort. Her survival, despite the deaths of siblings, highlights the program’s growing success, with Kuno’s cub survival rate reported above 61%. Officials now plan to expand the gene pool, aiming to prove cheetahs can thrive and reproduce in Indian conditions.
The petroleum ministry has rejected reports claiming petrol and diesel prices will rise by Rs 25–28 per litre. Officials called the story mischievous and misleading, pointing out that India has not seen fuel price hikes for the past four years. They said efforts continue to protect consumers from global volatility, particularly as tensions persist in the Middle East.
Barcelona says Lamine Yamal will miss the remaining six La Liga games after a leg injury sustained while taking a penalty against Celta Vigo. The club expects him to recover in time to play for Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026, though no exact return date has been confirmed. Yamal is following a controlled recovery plan.
Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 26. The award was conferred by President Droupadi Murmu, making the young cricketer a centre of attention and spotlighting his rise from local promise to national recognition.
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India’s SaaS scene is expanding fast, powered by skilled engineers and product managers who have helped early startups build durable market traction. But as the sector matures, tax complications could become a real constraint, potentially changing how new ventures structure operations and scale. The next phase of SaaS growth may hinge as much on compliance as on capability.
ISRO has invited Indian researchers to submit proposals to access data from the Aditya L1 solar mission in a second round. The call offers potential access to more than 27 TB of observations, some of which have already supported scientific publications. Approved observations for this cycle are expected to run between July and September, giving scientists a new window to decode solar activity.
Ajay Nain, former COO and cofounder of IPO-bound RentoMojo, has petitioned NCLT Bengaluru claiming he was pushed out through a misleading, undervalued share sale in 2023. He alleges fraud and pressure to sell his 9.41% stake, while later buyouts and funding priced shares much higher—casting doubt on the “financial stress” narrative and potentially stalling the proposed IPO.
On Phase 1 polling day in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted a “massive” BJP win, linking strong voter turnout to success on May 4. At a Nadia rally, he mixed politics with a Bengali snack reference, saying victory celebrations would come with sweets and Jhal Muri—adding a witty dig at TMC along the way.
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Luxury car sales in India rose only 3% in the March quarter, with roughly 14,000 vehicles priced over Rs 40 lakh finding buyers. The slowdown trails the wider market as affluent customers hold onto cash amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Still, BMW stood out with a 17% sales jump, underscoring uneven demand across brands.
Diet Coke is disappearing from shelves across major Indian cities as a global aluminium beverage can shortage—worsened by the Iran war—disrupts supply. The problem is hitting multiple packaged drinks, including beer, while companies face higher costs importing cans. Retailers report sharp stock-outs just as summer demand for cold beverages spikes.
Iran mocked US President Donald Trump after he called India and China “hellholes” in a controversial citizenship post. Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai shared a video showcasing Maharashtra’s natural and cultural heritage, urging Trump to get a “cultural detox” and telling him to “kabhi India aa ke dekho.” The jab quickly sparked online reactions across social media.
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal begin voting for the 2026 assembly polls today, following mock polling to assess readiness across booths. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase, while West Bengal goes in two phases. Counting is scheduled for May 4. Key fights are between DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and TMC and BJP in West Bengal, alongside by-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
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Gold demand in India appears to soften in March after early 2026 strength. Retailers still benefited from weddings and festivals, while gold ETFs recorded strong inflows and investors stayed largely interested despite some profit-taking. Yet price swings are making buyers more cautious, even as jewellers continue expansion plans, signaling confidence in the longer run.
Ahead of the Union Budget on February 1, the government is considering changes to an “inverted duty structure” affecting 13 to 14 products. In some cases, taxes on inputs are higher than on finished goods, inflating costs for manufacturers and weakening competitiveness. The Commerce Ministry has flagged the issue to the Finance Ministry, urging reform to support local manufacturing.
Crisil Ratings says Indian banks should keep asset quality largely stable, with gross NPAs expected to remain between 2.0% and 2.2% by March 2027. That would be only slightly above the projected historic low of 2.0% in March 2026. Resilience is driven by stronger corporate balance sheets, while MSMEs face pressure amid the West Asia conflict.
Mother Dairy says premium products and expansion into newer markets are its top priorities, as it strengthens distribution and grows its footprint on quick commerce platforms. The company expects demand to keep evolving amid intensifying competition and projects major growth ahead, targeting revenue of Rs 24,000 crore in the coming fiscal year.
A top South Korean business delegation met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explore deeper expansion in India. Samsung and LG indicated fresh investment plans, while SK Hynix is considering setting up a chip facility. Hyundai, meanwhile, is set to develop electric mobility solutions tailored for India’s market, boosting bilateral trade momentum.
NASA’s Artemis II mission faced an unexpected but urgent challenge: problems with the waste management system. Astronauts reported a pump issue and suspected ice blocking a vent, a potential threat to routine use. Mission control guided troubleshooting, and the crew used solar warming to melt the ice. The toilet was later cleared as fully operational for all uses.
Speaking at a rally in Krishnanagar, PM Narendra Modi announced a set of 10 guarantees for women in West Bengal, tying delivery to a BJP state government. The promises span stricter action against crimes, police recruitment, direct cash transfers, Mudra loans, healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat, and housing ownership rights through PM Awas Yojana.
Amazon India says it will invest over INR 2800 crore (about $300M) to strengthen associate safety, health and financial wellbeing while expanding fulfillment and quick commerce to deliver faster across tier 2 and 3 cities. The plan, part of a $35B India investment through 2030, also adds AI tools for on-road safety and workload balancing, plus rest facilities, medical camps and insurance benefits.
Five cheetahs were spotted crossing a road near Pagara Dam in Morena district, turning a routine morning walk into a surprise wildlife encounter. Forest officials said the animals began in Kuno National Park, moved via Kailaras, and reached the Jaura area. Residents have been asked to remain vigilant as monitoring continues.
Shiv Ratan Agarwal, the founder behind Bikaji Foods International, has died at 75. He played a key role in turning traditional Bikaneri snacks into the globally known Bikaji brand by pairing authentic taste with modern business practices. Bikaji says it will carry forward his legacy through continued growth and responsible operations.
The European Union is considering a second one-year delay to its anti-deforestation law, potentially pushing implementation to 2026. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall pointed to concerns about whether the required IT system is ready. The move comes amid opposition from businesses and trading partners, even after the EU signed a free trade agreement with Indonesia.
Alan Blinder, former Federal Reserve vice chair, sharply criticizes Donald Trump’s approach to economics and rhetoric, arguing that tariffs are contractionary and that political pressure is undermining trust in American statistics. Blinder also warns that the US retreat from globalization could worsen uncertainty and weaken the future of global trade, with ripple effects beyond India and the US.
Global strategic oil reserves hit 2.5 billion barrels by end-2025, led by China, the United States, and Japan. The US is drawing down supplies to help lower prices, but other countries still hold major stockpiles. China stands out for materially increasing reserves in recent years, signaling a tighter grip on energy security.
After a strong first two days of festive sales on Amazon and Flipkart, discounts began tapering well before the sale period ended. With promo costs reduced by some platforms, sellers followed suit, and the initial momentum stalled. Even as brands and sellers reportedly overachieved targets, reduced discounting caused sales to cool earlier than expected.
John Distilleries founder Paul John says he is open to selling his remaining stake to US spirits group Sazerac. Sazerac already holds a major position in the Indian liquor maker, and both sides are exploring changes in shareholding. John believes Sazerac can support future growth as India’s spirits market is forecast to become the world’s largest by volume.
Tata Motors is gearing up for a larger global footprint following its successful FY26 performance and business split. The company plans to align its passenger vehicle operations with Jaguar Land Rover to unlock efficiencies. Backed by strong domestic demand across passenger and commercial vehicles, Tata Motors is also exploring a potential acquisition of Iveco to expand its global commercial vehicle presence.
Tamil Nadu is voting in its Assembly elections with over 5.73 crore eligible voters, including a record 14.6 lakh first time voters. Women are expected to form the majority again, continuing a pattern since 2016. With heavy security and logistics for all 234 seats, the focus is whether turnout can beat the 2011 peak.
Delhi Police have requested four days of custodial interrogation of Rahul Meena after he was produced in Saket Court. He is accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 22-year-old daughter of an IRS officer in Kailash Hills. Investigators want to reconstruct the sequence of events, validate forensic findings, and determine the motive as the case progresses.
The Trump administration has fired John C Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, sending shockwaves through a Pentagon stretched by escalating Middle East conflict. The sudden exit is widely linked to internal tensions, including reported clashes with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Observers say the shakeup could reshape how the administration manages the Iran war response and the Persian Gulf naval blockade.
Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO who has exited the company, is rejoining Thrive Capital as an advisor. He already holds a stake in the venture firm and previously served as a venture partner there, making his return less of a debut and more of a homecoming for the investor behind major media turns.
A Delhi court sent Rahul Meena, accused in the killing of an IRS officer’s daughter, to four days of police custody after his confession in court: “Mujhse apradh ho gaya… galti ho gayi.” Police say his case is linked to a chilling 12-hour crime spree across Delhi and Alwar, prompting deeper investigation and manhunt activity.
ISRO has successfully completed IADT-02, the second Integrated Air Drop Test for the Gaganyaan mission. The test validated the Crew Module’s parachute deceleration system, a key requirement for safely bringing India’s first human spaceflight crew back to Earth. The program targets sending a three-member crew into orbit next year and returning them safely.
As tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz, analysts are looking closer at the Strait of Malacca—another crucial chokepoint for global trade. The narrow passage links East Asia with the Middle East and Europe and sees heavy oil shipments. With risks ranging from accidents to piracy, regional countries are ramping up joint patrols to keep routes open for uninterrupted commerce.
A new report warns the US has significantly depleted missile reserves following its conflict with Iran, raising near-term concerns about shortages in ammunition for future major wars. Experts say rebuilding these key missile systems will take several years, and current stockpiles may not be sufficient if the US faces a near-peer rival such as China.
The finance ministry has asked India’s public sector banks to explore quantum-resistant encryption as a shield against future quantum computing threats. Experts say quantum computers could eventually break today’s widely used encryption. The push aligns with the National Quantum Mission’s work on quantum communication networks, aiming to keep financial systems secure as the technology landscape shifts.
Geoeconomics, as Matteo Maggiori frames it, is how countries use trade and finance to gain leverage—through tools like sanctions, export controls, and control over critical supply chains. He argues China and India are pushing alternative payment systems that could reduce US dominance, especially as the world’s financial infrastructure and semiconductor routes become strategic battlegrounds.
In March, household LPG sales fell 8% as state oil companies adjusted supplies amid reduced imports linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The drop was far steeper for other segments, with commercial LPG consumption down 48% and bulk LPG distribution to industries falling 75.5%, signaling widespread disruptions across India’s LPG supply chain.
The UN’s International Maritime Organization is drafting an evacuation plan for hundreds of vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf amid weeks of conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said the plan would activate only if tensions ease, with departures prioritized according to crew conditions and safety.
In Kuno National Park, a solar-powered water lift system is now vital for cheetah cubs coping with extreme heat. It draws water from the Kuno River and sends it through an 8.6 km pipeline to multiple locations, helping mothers and cubs stay hydrated when natural conditions are harsh.
The RBI has released a draft Master Direction on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) 2026, replacing the current 2021 framework. It tightens KYC and sets wallet usage caps, including limits on monthly debits and outstanding balances. Small PPIs can be issued with minimal data but must convert to full KYC within two years. The draft also increases escrow supervision and extends wallet use cases for international tourists.
The government has said there is currently no proposal to supply edible oils to consumers at subsidised rates. Data shows domestic production of edible oils in 2020-21 was 111.51 lakh tonnes against imports of 134.52 lakh tonnes, while demand reached 246.03 lakh tonnes. Groundnut oil retail prices also rose sharply to Rs 176.28 per kg.
Libas is trying to change how fashion is bought by pitching its products and distribution model closer to FMCG—fast, repeatable, and widely available. The move is a bet that shoppers will buy clothing in a more habitual way, but the company faces a stubborn reality: most fashion brands struggle to reach scale or retail consistency.
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