Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
LightFury Games has secured $11 million in pre-Series A funding to develop eCricket, its debut AAA mobile title built on Unreal Engine 5. Backed by Blume Ventures and others, with leading Indian and international cricketers as strategic investors, the game will support real-time multiplayer, AI commentary, and esports events. The push comes as India’s new online gaming rules take shape.
Bihar’s education department is set to recruit 45,000 more teachers for state schools under the Teachers Recruitment Exam phase four. The plan also includes appointing 7,000 specialized teachers for schools catering to physically challenged students. Alongside these hires, the government is developing model schools in every block to strengthen the state’s education infrastructure.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has praised national unity as a major setback for Iran’s adversaries, calling for practical expressions of gratitude to further strengthen cohesion. President Pezeshkian echoed the message, saying there is unity within Iran’s leadership and rejecting claims of internal divisions, framing all Iranians as united against external aggression.
Canada plans a major overhaul of its Express Entry system by consolidating three existing immigration programs into one streamlined pathway. Officials say the move will simplify eligibility rules and better match economic immigration to real labor market needs. Consultations are expected in Spring 2026, with final decisions coming after feedback.
As Indian Railways ramps up freight and high speed services, demand for wheelsets is set to rise sharply. Major wagon manufacturers are moving toward self reliance in wheels to avoid supply bottlenecks and keep production steady. The push aims to solve a critical jigsaw piece before rail expansion turns into a wheel shortage.
The Indian rupee finished FY26 as Asia’s weakest currency, sliding 9.88% versus the US dollar. Analysts point to heavy foreign investor withdrawals alongside strong global dollar demand. The Reserve Bank of India intervened to curb volatility, while the Japanese yen also weakened. In contrast, the Malaysian ringgit outperformed peers.
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FY26 turned out to be India’s worst year for stocks since the pandemic, with foreign investors selling a record amount of Indian shares. Trade tariffs and regional conflicts hit global sentiment, while the rupee declined sharply. Even so, the editorial argues India’s fundamentals stay resilient, and recovery may depend on stabilising energy prices.
Despite markets being about 10% down, March SIP inflows hit a record roughly INR 32,000 crore, underscoring retail’s scale in Indian equities. But fund managers caution that if investors fail to see returns for another 18 months, many could reduce or withdraw SIPs—potentially reshaping demand and market sentiment.
Mohandas Pai says Infosys is facing a leadership vacuum, arguing that the company’s earlier CEO selection was a misstep that continues to play out now. In his view, the absence of strong direction has created uncertainty around the firm’s next phase, and he points to Nandan Nilekani as the kind of leadership needed to reset course.
Police in South Delhi say CCTV footage from a neighbouring temple in East of Kailash became the key lead in solving the Amar Colony murder of a 22-year-old woman. Investigators used the surveillance visuals to narrow down suspects, trace movement patterns, and ultimately arrest the accused, turning a local camera into decisive evidence in a case that gripped the city.
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With elections looming, Indian truck fleet operators are bracing for the first diesel price increase in four years. A flare-up in the Middle East is rippling through global oil supplies, raising costs and fueling inflation pressure. State refiners may rethink fuel strategies as the risk of fuel rationing and steeper diesel rates looms over transport demand.
Mumbai Indians picked up momentum in IPL 2026 with a 99 run thrashing of Gujarat Titans after Tilak Varma’s commanding century. Now they’re getting an extra boost ahead of the clash against Chennai Super Kings, as English all-rounder Will Jacks has joined the MI camp. The move adds depth as MI aims to build on back to back wins.
Bitcoin surged to a new record above $87,000 following Donald Trump’s election win and hopes for friendlier crypto rules. Dogecoin rose too, outpacing both Bitcoin and Ether at points, with gains linked to Elon Musk’s support and upbeat sentiment. Despite its meme origins, Dogecoin has its own proof-of-work blockchain that powers trading and transfers.
NODWIN Gaming has appointed Manish Agarwal as a non-executive director, signaling a sharper push toward a potential initial public offering. Agarwal is known for helping take Nazara Technologies public, and NODWIN plans to raise more than $100 million in a pre-IPO funding round. The move aims to bolster credibility and leadership as markets watch the company’s listing prospects.
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A syndicate across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other northern states allegedly exploited an 80-year-old excise law to sell cardamom-laced tinctures as “disguised liquor.” Now the tide is turning after a vigilant excise inspector’s action that triggered a legal change aimed at shutting the loophole and curbing these sales.
SEBI has granted a one-time extension for the validity of IPO observation letters, extending them to September 30, 2026. The move is aimed at companies struggling to raise capital amid Middle East geopolitical tensions, shifting investor sentiment, and volatile markets, allowing smoother timelines while requiring conditional compliance to avoid disruptive regulatory re-filings.
India has extended its restriction on Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace until May 24, 2026, prolonging a measure in place for over a year. The policy followed the Pahalgam terror incident in April 2025. Pakistan has responded by extending its own ban on Indian flights, keeping tensions high in aviation links.
A knife-wielding man attacked passengers on Line 3 of the Paris metro, leaving three women critically injured at Arts-et-Metiers, Republique and Opera stations. Authorities arrested the suspect, reportedly identified through CCTV and phone data, while investigators examine his motive. Despite fears of a terror link, officials have said terrorism is not currently indicated.
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A viral social media post claimed Indian Railways revised Tatkal ticket booking timings effective April 15, sparking confusion among frequent travelers. IRCTC fact checks this misinformation, clarifying that no such change has been implemented as claimed. The clarification exposes how quickly inaccurate screenshots and dates can spread, urging users to rely on official IRCTC updates.
In a major jolt to Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak quit the party and joined the BJP. The switch follows weeks after a leadership reshuffle, when Mittal replaced Chadha in Rajya Sabha. The development comes amid recent high-stakes political heat, including ED raids that had already intensified scrutiny.
Addverb unveiled its Made-in-India wheeled humanoid Elixis-W at LogiMAT India 2026, aiming to work autonomously in unstructured industrial settings while collaborating with people. The company also showcased the Cruiser 360 pallet shuttle, FlowT autonomous forklift, and the Trakr quadruped robot—signaling a broader push to deploy versatile robotics across warehouses and plants.
China and India are throwing billions into green hydrogen, building large production capacity as demand and policy support lag in parts of the West. China is pushing for scale to protect industrial dominance, while India leans on subsidies and domestic demand aggregation for energy security. Together, their political resolve and financing are shaping a faster-growing hydrogen market.
Global government bonds are set for steep monthly losses as fears tied to the Iran conflict boost worries over stagflation, with investors pricing hotter inflation and weaker growth. Short-dated debt steadied briefly, but oil pushing above $100 is driving bets on higher-for-longer interest rates, reducing the appeal of safe-haven government debt. China’s bonds are comparatively resilient.
Foxconn says it is closely cooperating with local authorities after a 19-year-old worker allegedly gave birth in a toilet at its Devanahalli unit and killed her newborn. Another employee reportedly discovered the infant’s body, triggering a police investigation. The company said employee well-being is a priority and that it is offering support as the case unfolds.
Siemens Healthineers is in discussions with the Karnataka government to collaborate on upcoming centres of excellence in life sciences, healthtech, and medical products. The talks include skilling initiatives, joint incubation, and partnerships aligned with the state’s deeptech roadmap, aiming to deepen Siemens’ footprint in Bengaluru while accelerating innovation and talent development.
An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck Kachchh district in Gujarat early Friday morning around 4:30 am, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre near 23.65°N latitude and 70.23°E longitude, triggering fear and reports of sudden shaking among residents.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that TMC supporters threatened a BJP worker at her residence in South Kolkata over campaigning. He urged immediate Election Commission action, arguing the incident is tied to strong voter turnout and claiming the ruling party fears an “imminent rout.” The allegation adds fuel to a heated election-season dispute over intimidation claims.
Gaming startup LightFury Games has raised $11 million, with backing from Indian cricket stars MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. The company plans to develop a global AAA cricket gaming franchise anchored by its mobile-first title, eCricket, which is targeted for a 2026 launch—turning big-league fandom into next-gen gameplay.
Voting has started in West Bengal for the first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, covering 152 constituencies across North, West and parts of South Bengal. The contest is centered on a fierce TMC vs BJP fight, with Congress and Left candidates pulling votes in a multi corner landscape. Results are set for May 4, with key candidates drawing intense attention.
Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is increasingly under scrutiny because it is costly and treated like “invisible waste management” rather than an essential product. The result: few actors are willing to pay for a public good today, threatening long-term sustainability of carbon-removal efforts and potentially slowing climate progress.
In IPL 2026, SRH opener Abhishek Sharma surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become the Indian player with the most Player of the Match awards for the franchise. The milestone adds to a growing list of standout performances as SRH kept momentum against DC, turning one match into a franchise record that had long seemed out of reach.
Tensions in West Asia surged as Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Israel following the assassination of a Hezbollah commander by Israeli forces. In response, Israel carried out preemptive strikes targeting rocket launch sites in southern Lebanon. Israel also escalated defenses, issuing civil defense instructions and declaring a state of emergency amid concerns of a widening conflict.
Retailers believe the big Indian wedding season could inject fresh momentum into consumer spending and ease the pressure from an ongoing slowdown. With purchases across apparel, jewelry, décor, and services, the rush is seen as a short-term demand boost that may lift sales volumes and improve sentiment for businesses counting on steadier footfall.
In December, technology accounted for 51% of India’s white-collar job openings, its highest level since October 2022. But the hiring picture is still weak: overall tech hiring fell 26% year-on-year. Companies remain cautious over AI disruption and market uncertainty, while flexible roles now make up 31% of active tech postings.
ZestMoney’s rapid downfall from a USD 440 million valuation within a year is spotlighting weak loan recovery across fintech lenders, especially those built on unsecured credit. The shakeout also raises tough questions for BNPL platforms that scaled quickly by extending loans without strong repayment performance, suggesting tighter scrutiny and funding headwinds ahead for the sector.
Swiggy is opening its AI commerce infrastructure through Builders Club, a developer programme for external builders, startups, and enterprises. Backed by AWS and powered by Amazon Bedrock and AgentCore, it grants approved teams access to multiple MCP servers and 18+ APIs across Swiggy Food, Instamart, and Dineout. Builders can create AI agents and copilots that take real actions, with invite-led access, rate limits, and engineering support.
The U.S. dollar gained slightly as uncertainty surrounding Middle East peace talks kept investors cautious. The greenback rose to about 98.24, while the euro slipped amid sensitivity to energy prices and the yen lingered near key intervention levels. Traders now look ahead to Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chair confirmation hearing and upcoming U.S. retail sales data for direction.
Ahead of West Bengal’s first-phase Assembly polling on April 23, the Election Commission has introduced fresh restrictions for two-wheelers. The directive, effective Tuesday, bans bike rallies, limits nighttime movement of riders, and prohibits pillion riding during daytime. It targets all assembly constituencies going to vote in the first phase, amid concerns over past election-linked violence.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the final answer key and response sheet for the Junior Engineer Examination 2025 Paper I. Candidates can view their results and download the official answer key from the SSC website. The facility to access the answer key and check marks remains open until April 6, 2026, after which downloads will stop.
A Republic TV crew was assaulted in Murshidabad while covering the West Bengal elections in a live broadcast. The journalists were reporting alleged poll rigging as polling proceeded, but the coverage was interrupted by violence. The incident has reignited concerns about press safety on election day and the integrity of electoral transparency.
Lok Sabha MP Naveen Jindal has come out in support of Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal after a fatal boiler blast in Chhattisgarh. Jindal questioned why Agarwal was named in the FIR, saying the probe must follow due process and consistent standards for private sector accountability, with a thorough investigation to establish responsibility for the tragedy.
India’s AI future is being framed through a historical lens: the industrial revolution transformed cotton-spinning, and today’s generative AI could trigger a similar shift in a massive $250 billion knowledge economy. As systems move toward more general-like intelligence, the argument is that even complex work may require far fewer expert programmers.
AI infrastructure startup WorkOnGrid has raised Rs 22.5 crore led by Transition Venture Capital, with participation from the Indian Angel Network. Tracxn data shows revenue climbing from Rs 69.7 lakh in FY21 to Rs 7.23 crore in FY25. The startup also reported a net profit of Rs 6.6 lakh in FY25 after losses in the prior four fiscal years.
Hyundai Motor India shares gained 2.6% after a weak start as investors welcomed an Indian in the top role. The company also signaled that growth will resume, banking on fresh product launches—especially expansion into MPVs and off-road SUV segments—aimed at reversing pressure from rivals like M&M and Tata.
Tech Mahindra shares fell nearly 5% ahead of its crucial Q4 and FY results, despite brokerages projecting a 9% sequential rise in net profit to ₹1,453.8 crore. Traders booked profits as the stock dipped toward ₹1,428.60, with attention turning to management’s FY27 guidance and how “Project Fortius” restructuring is progressing.
Google Wallet is rolling out a Live Updates feature on Android 16 that pushes real-time flight details to the lock screen and always-on display. Travelers can get instant changes on departures, delays, and boarding pass information without opening the app, making it easier to stay on top of shifting schedules while moving through airports.
Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) shares jumped over 2% after Q4 FY26 net profit rose 11% to Rs 130 crore, supported by its highest-ever electricity volumes. The company also declared a Rs 2 per equity share final dividend. However, the stock has seen recent declines tied to market coupling regulations, leaving investors to weigh strong fundamentals against regulatory headwinds.
Ahead of a key election phase, Kolkata saw “Pay2TMC” posters that imitate QR-based payment app screens, complete with scannable codes. The central message—“Be it ration or a job… scan”—has sparked buzz as political satire blending digital payments with election-era promises spreads across markets, bus stands, and metro stations.
A new report finds women in India’s formal workforce remain employed far longer than men, with median job tenure of 10.6 months versus 7.8 months—a 36% retention gap. Yet women are still underrepresented overall, with comparatively better representation in IT. The biggest warning sign: participation sharply declines among women aged 35 to 45.
Sula’s growth is slowing as investors lose confidence, but the real threat is price pressure. Cheaper European wine is gaining traction after the new FTA framework, forcing the Nashik winemaker to defend margins and market share. The stock story has shifted from a domestic success narrative to a challenge against imports that are undercutting its pricing power.
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