Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India’s electronics exports jumped about 24% in the last fiscal year, with smartphones driving nearly a 22% rise. The gains are linked to the government’s production-linked incentive push, while major markets included the US, UAE, and China. The results underline India’s fast-growing clout as a global manufacturing hub for electronics.
Chennai Super Kings beat Mumbai Indians by 103 runs at Wankhede in IPL 2026, with Sanju Samson scoring a record-setting fifth IPL hundred. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated the win to left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary following his personal loss. Gaikwad praised the bowler’s mental strength, underscoring how much effort it takes to cope after tragedy.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Etihad Airways has upgraded premium service on its Abu Dhabi–Mumbai and Abu Dhabi–New Delhi routes by using Airbus A321LR aircraft on select departures. Travelers on four daily flights to each city will get lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access, along with a First-class-style experience. The move adds to Etihad’s existing wide-body coverage for these routes.
Delhi Police’s Crime Branch raided a Madhu Vihar operation allegedly producing counterfeit ENO and Nescafé for everyday sale. Authorities seized over 1.5 lakh sachets and goods reportedly worth around Rs 20 lakh, and arrested four accused in connection with the racket. The probe is focused on sourcing, packaging, and supply routes feeding the fake consumer market.
The Indian rupee rose again for a fourth straight session on Wednesday, helped by improved global risk sentiment following a US-Iran ceasefire. At the same time, forward premiums eased as crude oil prices plunged, lowering demand for currency hedging. Analysts say the twin moves reflect shifting expectations for inflation, yields, and energy costs.
Artemis II has wrapped up its nearly 10-day lunar flyby, with four astronauts and their capsule returning safely to Earth. The mission marks the first human voyage near the moon in more than fifty years, culminating in a dramatic fiery re-entry. Recovery teams are assisting the crew as NASA looks ahead to future lunar landings.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has updated central posting rules for IPS officers. From the 2011 batch onwards, those aiming for empanelment as Inspector General or equivalent at the Centre must first complete at least two years of central experience at the SP/DIG level or an equivalent posting. The change tightens eligibility for top postings.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Kamjong district in Manipur on Tuesday morning, sending tremors across the northeastern state and nearby areas. Officials said the quake’s epicentre was in a region known for seismic activity, leading residents to rush out of their homes in panic. An aftershock warning has been issued as people monitor further shaking.
India is considering lowering customs duties on induction cooktop components and reducing GST on the appliances themselves. The move is intended to encourage local manufacturing, improve supply conditions, and make electric cooking more affordable. To tackle lingering demand-supply gaps and price volatility, the government is also easing quality control orders selectively to protect raw material availability.
IndiGo’s worst-ever crisis is being traced not just to pilot hiring, but to a mix of leadership centralisation, a shifting internal culture, and HR directives focused on costs, pilot promotion timelines, and contract management. Together, these pressures appear to have strained operations and workflows, compounding disruptions rather than letting the airline absorb them.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Surging fuel costs linked to the Iran war are pushing global inflation higher at a rapid pace, while consumer confidence is sliding sharply. As energy prices ripple through everyday spending, households appear increasingly pessimistic, weakening sentiment across major economies and raising pressure on policymakers to manage growth and prices.
Voting has begun for Phase 1 of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Polling in Tamil Nadu is drawing over 5.73 crore voters, while West Bengal features a direct contest between TMC and BJP. By-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra are also under way. Results for all elections will be declared on May 4.
An Indian diplomat met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters to press for UN reforms that strengthen the Global South’s influence. India cited initiatives including the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and urged greater Global South representation in the Security Council. The diplomat also participated in dialogues related to the next UN Secretary General.
An Assam-based NGO is urging a ban on Undawn, the Tencent-backed game, calling it a threat to India’s sovereignty. But the move also highlights a key challenge: banning apps alone often can’t guarantee users lose access. Policymakers may need smarter, broader measures focused on content, compliance, and enforcement rather than relying on blocks.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Prediction markets platform Polymarket is reportedly in talks to raise about $400 million at a $15 billion valuation, following a $600 million commitment from Intercontinental Exchange, the NYSE parent. With event-based trading drawing increasing momentum, the company is seeking additional strategic investors that could push the total funding round toward $1 billion.
Microsoft has surged during the AI gold rush, with its stock up over 41% this year—far outpacing the S&P 500. Even as some investors worry it has run too fast, analyst Dan Ives predicts Microsoft can join Apple in the $3 trillion club by early 2024, supported by its expanded OpenAI investment totaling more than $13 billion.
Citius Transnet InvIT’s ₹1,105 crore IPO began with zero grey market premium, pointing to a flat debut rather than a pop. The road-infrastructure issue drew lukewarm demand on day one, led mainly by non-institutional investors. Because the offer is yield-focused, the stock may hover close to issue price, limiting quick gains for early bidders.
Indian benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 opened in the red on Thursday, with sentiment staying weak. Sensex slipped 0.68% to 77,983.66 and Nifty 50 fell 0.72% to 242,022.35. Analysts point to surging crude prices tied to the ongoing blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, which is weighing on risk appetite.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed a historic milestone with over 9 crore subscribers. Enrolments hit their highest level in FY 2025-26 since the scheme began in 2015. APY promises a guaranteed monthly pension of up to Rs 5,000 after age 60, with spouse coverage and returns to nominees—aimed at broader social security for working Indians.
New Zealand citizenship is granted only after migrants meet strict legal and administrative conditions. Applicants typically must live in the country for at least five years, prove physical presence, and show an intention to remain. Beyond residence, they must meet English language requirements and demonstrate good character while complying with immigration and legal rules.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged the Union government to start dialogue with Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, release detainees, and restructure the region’s economy to reduce poverty. Criticising reliance on traditional politics, he called for an amnesty and restoration of statehood, arguing that trust deficits and economic stagnation must be tackled together.
Indian IT companies historically forecast growth using familiar markers like headcount and total contract value, often even with loose guidance. But AI-driven delivery models are distorting those relationships, making legacy metrics unreliable. Firms are now racing to identify new indicators that better predict demand, productivity, and future revenue trajectories.
With rupee volatility rising, Indian employers are reconsidering how they compensate expats and senior talent. Companies may add contract clauses that explicitly address currency fluctuations, while some may voluntarily cover shortfalls to prevent costly pay shocks and keep experienced staff. The move is meant to balance protection for employees with flexibility for employers as exchange-rate uncertainty persists.
Maruti Suzuki’s first EV will rely on an imported BYD Blade battery pack, a clear break from localisation goals. The automaker cites safety, performance, speed of development, and regulatory complexity as key drivers. The decision underlines how technology readiness, geopolitics, and cost pressures are reshaping India’s EV race and supplier strategies.
Digital Realty Trust raised its annual core funds from operations and revenue forecasts, citing sustained strength in demand for data center services. The company linked the momentum to the accelerating AI boom, which is increasing requirements for computing power and capacity. The update suggests operators are adjusting plans as hyperscaler and enterprise demand stays firm.
In its MPC minutes, the Reserve Bank of India warned that the West Asia conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are likely to pressure India’s growth while pushing inflation higher. By stressing global supply chains, the crisis can lift energy prices and weaken external demand, making it harder for policymakers to balance rate and inflation objectives.
Chernobyl’s 1986 disaster and later Fukushima dealt nuclear power a long reputational blow, but momentum has returned after four decades. The International Energy Agency’s Fatih Birol says demand is reviving globally, with the war-driven pressure on energy security in the Middle East providing a major boost. Today, the world is building and planning again as more reactors move forward.
Aman Gupta’s new venture, Offbeat Studios, has raised Rs 100 crore in seed funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The startup’s exact offerings aren’t public yet, but it’s expected to support early-stage ideas. The news comes alongside Boat delaying its IPO even after it returned to profit, raising questions about its next moves.
With casting drama continuing to dog 2025, the producer of Drishyam 3 has confirmed Akshaye Khanna is out and Pataal Lok’s Jaideep Ahlawat will take his place. The announcement follows days of speculation around a “toxic” exit, adding to a wider run of controversies tied to multiple big-budget films.
Premji Invest has taken a stake in NewEra Hospitals to fund a major expansion. The plan is to raise capacity from 350 beds across three hospitals to 800 beds, while scaling advanced specialty care across Maharashtra. NewEra also expects to add three new hospitals in Nagpur, aiming to improve access to high-complexity treatment.
Congress has sharply attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of moral cowardice for not speaking out on Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The party alleges the Modi government has shown unprecedented solidarity with Israel, arguing that the approach violates human values and departs from India’s traditional principles. The dispute adds to rising political tension over foreign policy responses.
Kerala Blasters FC, riding a resurgence and looking to extend their unbeaten run, welcome Odisha FC to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for an Indian Super League clash on April 23, 2026. With both sides tangled in the bottom-half scrap, the match promises high stakes, especially for Kerala as they try to turn momentum into points.
Revised NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme PoC 2 guidelines have come into effect, making health insurance benefits mandatory for subscribers. The scheme remains a voluntary, contributory option open to any Indian citizen, investing contributions for retirement while enabling medical support through partial withdrawals for expenses and a 100% lump-sum exit in emergencies.
The AAP-BJP standoff escalated after reports that Raghav Chadha and six other AAP MPs resigned to join BJP. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the move proves “Operation Lotus,” calling the defectors “traitors.” In response, AAP accused BJP of trying to destabilize the Punjab government, turning resignations into a direct political blame game.
The Sports Authority of India has extended comprehensive logistical and financial support worth over Rs 1.45 crore to help the Indian badminton contingent prepare for and compete at the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3. The funding underlines SAI’s full-scale backing for the 34-member team as the tournament approaches.
Thailand and Cambodia signed a new ceasefire agreement to end weeks of clashes along their border rooted in competing territorial claims. The deal took effect at noon and orders both sides to halt military movements and stop airspace violations. It also includes a prisoner return provision: Thailand will send back 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours.
A cabinet sub-committee has approved a pathway for special incentives and concessions aimed at boosting electronics and semiconductor investments. The move clarifies that any incentives can only be offered within existing sectoral investment policy frameworks, while proposals beyond those boundaries will be routed to the cabinet sub-committee for approval. The decision sets tighter process control for new demands.
Indian markets rebounded on Monday, with the Nifty jumping 257 points. HDFC Bank, Bajel Projects, and Tejas Networks led the gains, while IDBI Bank, Bandhan, Fino Payments Bank, and Adani Total Gas saw sharp declines. Corporate news and shifting investor sentiment appear to have driven the dramatic stock moves.
China’s finance ministry has sold its first 30-year special government bonds at a 2.20% yield, the lowest since November 2025. The cheaper long-dated borrowing suggests easing inflation worries and stronger investor sentiment. The issuance supports Beijing’s national funding plans while using staggered sales to reduce liquidity shock risk.
Protests have spread across Canada as Indian students and recent graduates react to new federal immigration rules that they say threaten their ability to stay and build their lives. With more than 70,000 international student graduates now facing uncertainty, students have organized rallies and set up encampments in multiple provinces, demanding clarity and relief.
The EPFO EDLI Scheme provides lump sum death benefits for private sector salaried employees, typically between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh. Recent changes also guarantee a minimum payout of Rs 50,000 for early deaths and factor in service continuity gaps, shaping eligibility for families seeking the claim amount.
Banks across parts of India are closed on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, because of regional festivities including Bengali New Year, Bohag Bihu, and Vishu. Closures aren’t uniform nationwide: RBI’s holiday calendar means some states observe the holiday while others keep branches open. Check your local schedule before visiting.
The Income Tax Department has replaced Form 60 with a new Form 97 for people without a PAN who complete certain transactions. This includes buying property above Rs 20 lakh up to Rs 45 lakh, opening bank accounts, and making specific cash payments. The change is meant to streamline compliance and reduce reporting for these declarations.
AI-driven demand is helping protect China’s expanding trade from the ripple effects of war-related market shocks, with semiconductors emerging as the key beneficiary. The shift toward AI-powered production and “upcycling” highlights how technology supply chains are absorbing uncertainty, supporting a more stable external trade outlook despite rising global tensions.
The Election Commission suspended polling personnel at a booth in Pingla, West Bengal, after allegations they left the polling station unattended during voting hours. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, while a reserve polling party was deployed to ensure voting could continue smoothly. The episode occurred during the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.
A new proposal argues AI should be allowed to self regulate, but only where the stakes are lower—while a tougher, EU style level of risk approach sets higher compliance bars for high consequence systems. It also calls for sector specific rules that reflect real context, balancing citizen rights, consumer welfare, innovation, economic interests, and national and geopolitical security.
Claudio Ranieri has left his role as special adviser at AS Roma after a reported falling out with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. In a short statement, the club confirmed the relationship has ended and thanked Ranieri for his contributions. The departure raises fresh questions over behind-the-scenes tensions as Roma moves forward under Gasperini.
The Reserve Bank of India has banned banks from offering or rebooking rupee non-deliverable forward contracts, a move expected to widen the gap between domestic and overseas FX pricing. With the restriction in place, banks are reportedly selling dollars locally while buying them abroad. RBI says the goal is to curb speculative activity and bolster the rupee against the US dollar.
India’s power transmission sector is forecast to turn around by FY27 after five years of weak performance. New regulations and alternative investment models are expected to boost capital flow and improve how assets are used. The biggest growth potential is tied to renewable integration and energy storage, but funding may depend heavily on monetising existing assets.
SpiceJet plans to temporarily furlough 150 cabin crew members for three months, citing a lean travel season and a reduced fleet size. The airline says the move is meant to safeguard long-term stability while preserving health benefits and earned leave. SpiceJet is also under enhanced DGCA surveillance after a special audit in August 2024.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.