Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Small and medium aluminium recyclers have asked the PMO to remove the 2.5% import tax on aluminium scrap, citing surging costs and tight global supplies. They say the duty blocks access to reliable imported material, weakening their competitiveness and slowing downstream manufacturing. India’s secondary aluminium sector depends heavily on such imports, making the tax a key pain point.
Office rental rates in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR have crossed Rs 100 per sq ft per month, signaling a widening gap between demand and limited prime workspace supply. The trend mirrors Mumbai, where rents already sit above the benchmark. Across eight major cities, office rents rose 2–15% year-on-year in early 2026, with leasing activity reaching a record 29.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan this Tuesday to inaugurate India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra. The project is expected to mark a major shift in how the country processes fuels and petrochemicals, aiming to boost industrial capacity and deepen energy-linked manufacturing in the state.
Israel says its forces struck a Hezbollah missile launcher in Lebanon shortly after a ceasefire with the country. Hezbollah claimed the subsequent rocket fire into Israel was retaliation for an earlier Israeli strike in Yater. Israel also reported an airstrike in Nabatieh that killed three people and said it killed militants after they targeted an Israeli warplane.
Mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, prolonging uncertainty even if hostilities ease. Iran’s extensive obstruction of the key shipping route, alongside a US-imposed blockade, is keeping global oil and gas prices vulnerable to upward pressure while the waterway remains hazardous.
Indian equity markets ended lower on Monday as Reliance Industries, Wipro, and ICICI Bank weighed on benchmarks following Q3 earnings. Trading was turbulent in a set of eight stocks, with sharp swings tied to quarterly results, acquisitions, and guidance updates. Netweb Technologies and Hindustan Zinc rose, while banking and IT names pulled back.
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A new Reuters Ipsos snapshot finds many Americans pin the latest gas price surge on President Donald Trump, making fuel costs a central election pressure point. With budgets squeezed and inflation worries high, Republican economic strengths are looking less reliable. The data also suggests voters may avoid candidates tied to Trump’s Iran policy as they weigh cost-of-living strain.
SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic are poised to fuel a record-breaking IPO wave in the U.S., driven by soaring private valuations, uneven but strong revenue growth, and rapid AI adoption. Yet the companies’ lack of consistent profitability could clash with investors’ long-term expectations and even complicate whether they qualify for certain index and inclusion rules.
Bitcoin has reclaimed $70,000, hinting at underlying strength, but traders are wary as overhead supply looms and volume fails to confirm a sustained breakout. Ethereum rose too, yet its momentum lagged, pointing to selective risk-taking. Broader markets remain cautious, with crypto price action swayed by geopolitical headlines and upcoming economic data.
Indian government bonds fell on the first trading day of the new fiscal year, with the 10-year yield edging toward an eleventh straight increase. Traders cited higher oil prices after President Trump signaled ongoing attacks linked to Iran, alongside caution before the first FY27 debt sale. Inflation fears and the possibility of rate hikes further pressured sentiment.
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Meesho’s rise from a tiny start to roughly INR 10,000 crore revenue in eight years has fueled comparisons to an “Aam Aadmi’s Amazon.” Yet the key question for a potential IPO remains unchanged: like other high-growth unicorns, Meesho has not turned profitable, raising scrutiny over sustainability and investor returns.
India’s MeitY has proposed a tougher labeling rule for social media platforms: synthetic or AI-generated content must carry labels continuously throughout playback, not just at the point of creation or sharing. The government says the change targets concerns around artificially generated information, and stakeholders have until May 7 to submit comments on the proposal.
AI is reshaping India’s technology landscape, eroding one of IT services’ biggest advantages: scalability over startups. New VC-backed firms are moving beyond “custom coding” to AI-heavy products that package services as software, squeezing margins and forcing incumbents to adapt their offerings, delivery models, and competitive strategy.
Educational Testing Service (ETS) has launched TOEFL TestReady, an AI-powered platform designed to help aspirants prepare for the TOEFL exam. The tool offers free and paid modes, personalized study plans, practice activities, resources, and feedback to strengthen English skills. ETS says initial research shows a positive correlation between TestReady performance and higher TOEFL scores.
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The Supreme Court refused to hear a plea from West Bengal election duty officers who claimed their names were deleted from the electoral rolls. Instead of granting immediate relief, the court directed them to approach the Appellate Tribunals created to resolve such disputes. The matter now moves to those tribunals, affecting preparations for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
President Droupadi Murmu called for India’s expanding fintech ecosystem to be built on inclusion, responsibility, and gender justice—not only technological innovation. Speaking at the Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar, she said the country should remember its fintech journey for widening access and opportunities, ensuring women and broader communities benefit as the digital backbone grows.
The Income Tax Department has released new ITR forms for Assessment Year 2026-27. The biggest update is a new secondary address field alongside the primary contact details. The process for representative assessees has also been simplified. Meanwhile, taxpayers no longer need to split capital gains based on transfers before or after July 23, 2024.
Consumer brand analytics startup GobbleCube has raised $15 million led by Susquehanna Venture Capital, with participation from InfoEdge Ventures and Kae Capital. The company says it will deploy the funding to expand its team, accelerate product development, and strengthen its AI capabilities. Founder and CEO Manas Gupta shared the plan with ET.
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The government has expanded the PM Internship scheme, bringing in sectors such as semiconductors and renewable energy. Firms can now participate even without CSR obligations, while candidate eligibility has been relaxed and stipends increased. The third phase is set to target 100,000 aspirants, with more than 15,500 internship offers planned to widen access and boost participation.
The Supreme Court has reiterated the principle that bail is the norm and jail the exception, grounding the approach in Article 21’s protection of personal liberty. The rulings also question how Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act operates, arguing it can undermine the presumption of innocence. The focus shifts to balancing enforcement with constitutional rights.
Quick-commerce firms added a notable 21% rise in white-collar hiring in January, signaling a change in how these businesses plan to grow. Instead of prioritising sheer expansion, companies are now focusing on operational efficiency and profitability. Demand is rising for data analysts, product tech talent, and supply chain strategists as the sector realigns its workforce needs.
IELTS test takers who aren’t satisfied with their results can now retake a single module—Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking—if the initial attempt didn’t meet expectations. The option currently applies only to candidates who took the Computer Delivered IELTS test, aiming to give students targeted second chances without repeating the entire exam.
Weaver Services has raised Rs 1,450 crore through a two-tranche capital raise, the biggest recent funding move in India’s affordable housing finance space. The money will help the company acquire a controlling stake in Centrum Housing Finance Limited (CHFL) and purchase Morgan Stanley’s remaining stake, tightening Weaver’s grip on the lender’s future.
In Delhi’s Kailash Hills, a 19-year-old former domestic help is accused of raping and murdering the daughter of a senior Indian Revenue Officer. Police say he entered using a spare key, attacked the victim during a rooftop study, and stole cash and jewelry before fleeing. The victim was preparing for civil services exams.
The rupee’s slide is moving from markets into corporate balance sheets, with overseas loan exposure turning into large forex losses. Even firms with hedges are registering painful hits, including PFC’s INR940 crore loss in H1 FY26. Dollar, euro, and yen borrowings are raising fresh risk, and while it’s not a 2008-style crisis yet, stress is building quietly.
A new investigation from Uganda’s Kibale National Park reports the first clearly documented civil war among chimpanzees. Since 2015, the Ngogo group has fractured into rival factions, and violence has persisted in patterns rarely seen outside human conflicts. The findings suggest complex, long-running political conflict may exist in other primates too.
The World Bank has asked India’s finance ministry to stop hearing appeals against RBI orders and transfer that power to an independent, tribunal-style body. Supporters argue it would improve fairness and transparency, but critics note it revives an idea already pushed a decade ago by the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission—raising questions about design and impact.
India Inc. is entering a busy period for CEO churn, with NSE-listed firms seeing a sharp rise in departures in the March quarter of 2025. Boards and shareholders are demanding more, global uncertainty adds risk, and CEO pay is climbing—pushing leaders to weigh exits. Talent scarcity and fresh career opportunities also make the transition easier.
Australia may see international student numbers fall as higher visa costs and rising refusal rates weigh on demand. The ELICOS and VET sectors face particular pressure, even as higher education enrolments increase. The bigger problem is weaker intake from China and unusually high rejections of applicants from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, threatening the country’s education pipeline.
CSK’s rising batter Ayush Mhatre has spoken out after being ruled out for the rest of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. In his message, the CSK prodigy expressed confidence about recovery and said he will return stronger. The update adds to the pressure on the franchise as it navigates crucial matches without one of its bright batting prospects.
Cognizant Technology Solutions said its CEO Ravi Kumar S realised $10.7 million in compensation in 2025, up more than 30% from $8.2 million in 2024, based on US SEC filings. The jump highlights how executive pay can surge year over year even as market expectations and business performance remain under close scrutiny.
Novo Nordisk’s partial phase out of a key insulin product in India may create a supply gap that competitors are ready to fill. Eris Pharma and its contract manufacturing partner Biocon Biologics could benefit as demand shifts and procurement patterns adjust. The move could trigger pricing and market share changes across India’s insulin landscape, with near-term opportunities for local players.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s Women’s Kabaddi Team after they defended their Kabaddi World Cup title in Dhaka. India beat Chinese Taipei 35-28 in the final to secure a second straight championship, with Modi praising the team’s determination and their role in inspiring young athletes nationwide.
In Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district, three masked assailants attacked a Congress leader’s home and opened fire on his sons. Nineteen-year-old Aayush Kashyap died at the scene, while his brother Ashutosh was injured in his hand and is stable. Police have begun a large-scale manhunt to identify and arrest the attackers.
A new study finds nearly 80% of women mutual fund investors begin their journey before age 35, with SIPs emerging as the main gateway for younger participants. It also points to growing involvement in financial decisions and better retention, but notes persistent challenges: confidence gaps and a lingering mismatch between saving and investing.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2026 proposes new rules for Non-Resident (NRI) investors. The individual equity investment limit for overseas residents is set to double to 10 percent, while the overall cap for all non-residents will rise to 24 percent. The move is aimed at encouraging greater foreign capital inflows into Indian markets.
Thousands of saffron-clad pro-Hindu activists gathered outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, sitting in protest over alleged atrocities against minorities, particularly Hindus, in the neighbouring country. The rally drew political backing including West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, as protesters demanded action from diplomatic authorities.
Nepal’s Supreme Court has stayed the Kathmandu-Madhesh Fast Track highway project awarded to a Chinese firm, after a challenge to the tender process. The project was put out for an international tender in June, with 13 companies responding. Afcons Infrastructure alleged the project office later restricted the final tender stage to just five firms, prompting the writ.
YouTube has expanded its likeness protection program by offering Hollywood celebrities and entertainers a free deepfake detection tool. Designed to help artists identify AI-manipulated impersonations, the feature supports faster reviews and removal requests for misleading content. The move targets a growing wave of AI-generated deception as creators seek better protection of their careers and public image.
Hungarian voters have delivered a major jolt to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, signaling potential limits to the populist wave that has reshaped politics across Europe. The result is being framed as a watershed moment, suggesting that public support for hardline, anti-establishment agendas may be shifting as voters demand different leadership and priorities.
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC shares jumped up to 4.75% to a 52-week high of Rs 1,098.90, fueled by bullish notes from brokerages and strong Q4 performance. Motilal Oswal reiterated a BUY rating, citing positive momentum. The rally raises the question many investors ask: do fundamentals justify chasing the move, or is caution warranted?
Indian firms are seeing CFO churn, with many executives leaving well before their two-year mark. Misaligned roles and unclear responsibility boundaries are a key driver, alongside career grabs and delays tied to IPO timelines. Turnover is higher in fast-moving consumer sectors, while internal succession planning, strong onboarding, and decision autonomy help retain leaders.
Canadian AI firm Cohere and Germany’s Aleph Alpha are reportedly discussing a merger, with the German government said to view the move as strategic. Both companies confirm they are holding ongoing talks. If it advances, the partnership could help Europe strengthen its stance in the global AI race, while Germany pushes to expand capabilities and attract high-value jobs.
With Telangana’s political mood shifting, BJP is targeting 12 of 17 Lok Sabha seats and a 35% vote share after nearly doubling its support in the state. Assembly results last year delivered BJP eight seats and close to 14% votes. Meanwhile, BRS—fresh from losing power after a decade—faces low morale following the arrest of K Kavitha ahead of poll dates.
A top US lawmaker, Sen. Chuck Schumer, has demanded FIFA pay World Cup public transportation costs after a report said New Jersey Transit may raise prices sharply. The Athletic reported fans could be charged over $100 for tickets traveling from Manhattan’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium during the tournament, prompting Schumer’s call for FIFA to step in.
Princeton Professor Gregory Conti frames Zohran Mamdani’s electoral win as a strategy-driven appeal to college-educated voters who feel economically squeezed. He labels Mamdani’s approach “post-peak woke,” describing a blend of progressive economic messaging with identity politics. Conti also suggests this positioning may set him up as a target for Trumpism.
Sanju Samson made a major statement at Wankhede on April 23, powering his fifth IPL century during the Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings match. The CSK wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive knock became the highlight of the evening as the contest swung in CSK’s favour, with Samson’s timing and power turning momentum into a commanding display.
PFRDA has launched NPS Swasthya, a pilot scheme designed to help subscribers earmark money for healthcare while still planning for retirement. Users can contribute any amount, withdraw up to 25% specifically for medical needs, and exit fully for critical treatments. The model aims to blend pension discipline with timely access to healthcare funds.
Marking one year since the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Major Aimson Inpiu recalled Operation Sindoor’s fierce combat along the LoC. Inpiu said Indian firing forced Pakistani troops to take cover, with soldiers pressing the fight as they sought revenge. The account underscores the intensity of cross-border engagements even as the nation mourns the victims.
Legal experts say housing societies generally cannot stop Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy and similar deliveries to residents for unpaid maintenance dues. Such restrictions can interfere with residents’ normal use of their homes, which bye-laws and recovery processes cannot override. Instead, societies must use proper statutory recovery steps like penalties, interest, or legal action, rather than cutting off services.
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