Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
The Department of Financial Services held a key colloquium in Vigyan Bhavan to tackle the backlog in debt recovery cases. Officials discussed mandatory e-filing, hybrid hearings, and a rollout of e-DRT 2.0, alongside training for tribunal staff and tighter bank oversight. The plan also prioritises high-value matters and uses Lok Adalats and mediation to speed outcomes, with BAANKNET e-auctions improving transparency.
President Donald Trump said he is reviewing a new Iranian 14 point proposal sent via Pakistan to end the war, but voiced skepticism that it will produce a deal. The comments come amid worsening conditions for imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi after Iran opposed her transfer to Tehran, raising fresh pressure on the country.
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Four siblings aged 8 to 14 were found murdered inside a home in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar on Saturday afternoon. Police say three boys and a 14-year-old girl were killed using bricks and sharp weapons. After the children were discovered, authorities launched a hunt for their missing mother, while investigating how the crime was carried out.
Police in Gurugram’s Wazirpur area found five bodies inside a home on Saturday evening, including a woman and her four children. The incident was reported around 8 pm, prompting an immediate police response. Authorities say the man, allegedly responsible, remains in critical condition and are investigating the possibility of suspected mass poisoning.
Top Indian business schools are seeing stronger placement outcomes for the 2026 batch, with average and median salaries trending up at institutes including XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI, TISS, and IMT Ghaziabad. Consulting and finance are leading the rebound as overall recruiter numbers increase, even as technology hiring takes a breather—suggesting a selective recovery rather than a full turnaround.
Golden Tempo triumphed at the Kentucky Derby 2026 at Churchill Downs, delivering a staggering $3.1 million purse to the winner. Renegade earned $1 million, Ocelli received $500,000, fourth place took home $250,000, and fifth place got $150,000. The victory also marks a historic milestone for woman trainer Cherie DeVaux, capturing attention worldwide.
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Rising environmental awareness is driving Indian consumers toward electric vehicles, but the real accelerant is state policy. Incentives and supportive measures are lowering the barrier to EV ownership, reshaping purchasing patterns across key markets. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are seeing sharp sales jumps, and the broader EV sector is positioned for steady expansion ahead.
Andhra Pradesh’s cabinet has approved 600 acres for the Defence Research and Development Organisation at Puttaparthi, paving the way for manufacturing India’s fifth-generation stealth fighters under the AMCA programme. The facility move is expected to draw massive defence investments, with the project positioned as a major boost for the state’s aerospace and strategic manufacturing footprint.
China Eastern Airlines apologized after an A350 taxiing at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport struck a boarding bridge. The incident happened during a flight from Chengdu, and passengers safely disembarked after about a 30-minute delay. The airline offered 300 yuan compensation to delayed travelers and said it was reviewing procedures to prevent a repeat.
Rajasthan Royals’ proposed $1.63 billion buyout has been delayed as Kal Somani-led investor consortium struggles with funding, regulatory concerns, and due diligence gaps. Global partners are still lining up capital, but scrutiny from the BCCI over issues tied to earlier transactions has added uncertainty, pushing the process further beyond its original timeline.
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A Bomb Disposal Squad carried out a thorough inspection of Kedarnath Dham temple premises during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, as officials reported 4,08,401 pilgrims arriving in just 10 days. Rudraprayag Police said the shrine area is under heightened vigilance, supported by SDRF, NDRF, a token system, ‘Green Yatra’ steps, and strict crowd and security protocols.
A 21-year-old BTech student from Lucknow was found dead in his Indore hostel room, according to police. The third-year engineering student, identified as Utkarsh, was discovered late Friday night at Sage University. Investigators recovered a note referencing a failed relationship, seized his phone, and are probing the circumstances. Police have also urged timely mental health support for students.
The Academy has updated its rules to bar AI generated actors and scripts from Oscar eligibility, tightening safeguards around credited performances and writing. While the change targets fully synthetic work, it signals a broader shift in how the industry will treat AI contributions—from crediting to compliance—leaving creators and studios scrambling to adapt.
China has escalated trade tensions by issuing its first formal blocking measure, telling domestic firms not to comply with US sanctions tied to five petrochemical refiners linked to Iran oil trade. The Commerce Ministry called the US action a violation of international law. The order marks a new phase in China-US economic friction and sanctions enforcement.
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Villagers from Shirahatti and nearby areas in Karnataka performed the funeral of a monkey that died accidentally, treating it with deep compassion. They conducted the last rites using Lingayat religious traditions, turning a sudden loss into a community act of respect for animals. The incident has gone viral for its humanity and adherence to faith-based rituals.
Ask.com is shutting down its search business, according to owner IAC. The company is discontinuing the service that powered Ask Jeeves branding, marking the end of a familiar internet search destination. While the statement doesn’t detail what comes next for users, the move signals further contraction of legacy search products under IAC’s portfolio.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, says Tehran’s latest diplomatic proposal to the United States—shared via Pakistan as a mediator—aims to permanently end the “imposed war” and resolve ongoing tensions. The remark signals an effort to open a sustained dialogue despite persistent friction between Washington and Tehran.
A bus carrying about 40 pilgrims overturned in Gujarat’s Junagadh district on Saturday, killing two women and injuring more than 15 people. Police said a nilgai suddenly crossed the road, startling the bus and leading to the crash. Injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals as authorities began an investigation into the incident and safety conditions.
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Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said voters in Bengal went to the polls without fear because of the presence and pro-active role of central forces during the assembly elections. However, he clarified that this support does not extend to the way electoral rolls were specially and intensively revised, raising concerns about the process even while acknowledging security helped calm voters.
The Bombay High Court backed GSK’s Indian unit in its Paxil trademark dispute with Shreya Life Sciences. GSK argued that while Shreya secured the mark more than two decades ago, it never used it for pharmaceutical and medicinal preparations. That, GSK said, makes the registration liable for removal under Section 47 of the Trade Marks Act.
As global trade keeps expanding, experts say cracks are widening in the WTO’s governance—especially with “plurilaterals” lacking shared guardrails. They argue that “precautionism” is driving cautious, fragmented rulemaking, complicating consensus. Reforming WTO rules and balancing unilateral risks with multilateral stability is now central, with India’s negotiating approach under scrutiny.
As Iran negotiations drag on, Donald Trump signaled he is not looking for another strike, saying he “prefer[s] not” to act again. He admitted he’s dissatisfied with the existing deal, while Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran will pursue diplomacy if US demands shift. With the Strait of Hormuz still in focus, US gasoline prices have reportedly risen.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted four major parliamentary committees that will function through the 2026-27 financial year. While the panels have been reorganized, several senior leaders have retained their chairperson roles. Faggan Singh Kulaste continues as chair of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and Baijayant Jay Panda remains at the helm of the Committee on Public Undertakings.
The Finance Ministry has held talks aimed at speeding up the disposal of cases through Debt Recovery Tribunals by tightening bank oversight, prioritising high-value matters, and pushing procedural reforms. Officials also discussed using Lok Adalats as an alternate dispute resolution tool, along with capacity-building initiatives, to improve recovery outcomes and reduce delays.
Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India at a UN conclave on migration in New York next week. The meeting will focus on how migration connects to the Sustainable Development Goals and will review progress under the Global Compact on Migration. India is expected to highlight its e-Migrate initiative, reinforcing its commitment to migrant communities.
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from major tournaments, including Roland Garros, after a wrist injury sidelined him. With the tennis season continuing without him, the spotlight shifts from his form to his mental resilience as he begins recovery. Fans now watch whether he can confront doubt and return at full strength amid a field eager to capitalize on his absence.
The Centre has allowed 100% FDI in the insurance sector through the automatic route, a major shift from tighter entry conditions. The move keeps FDI subject to the Insurance Act, 1938, and requires companies receiving foreign investment to obtain the necessary licence or approval from IRDAI to undertake insurance and related activities.
A severe storm hit Tehri Garhwal on Saturday evening, damaging the jetty and floating hutments at Tehri Dam lake near the Dobra-Chanti bridge. Around 30 tourists were stranded as strong winds battered the water structures. The SDRF coordinated rescues and shifted everyone safely to Koti Colony, while Uttarakhand issued an orange alert and restricted trekking across multiple districts.
NCLT has approved Mantra Properties’ buyout related to its Mulund project, following the company’s corporate insolvency resolution process that began in July 2023. The move comes on a plea by Beacon Trusteeship Ltd, with two secured creditors sharing control—Beacon Trusteeship at Rs 902 crore and 60.54%, and ARCIL at Rs 589 crore and 39.46%.
Chennai Super Kings kept Mumbai Indians in check with disciplined bowling, limiting them to 159/7. MI started strongly but lost momentum in the back half, with Naman Dhir’s 57 the main bright spot. CSK’s Anshul Kamboj led the effort with three wickets, and the team’s tight death-over bowling helped secure an 8-wicket win that boosts playoff prospects.
India’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, leans on a trusted batting core and a slow-bowling mix as it chases a maiden title. Recent struggles against South Africa have provided sharp lessons, but injuries to allrounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam force changes to India’s bowling depth and balance.
With counting days away, exit polls point to a BJP win in Assam and a return to power under Himanta Biswa Sarma. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks have fueled expectations that Sarma will continue as chief minister. The BJP is pushing for a second term, with results slated for May 4, echoing the 2021 outcome.
The Supreme Court has closed a case filed by the Trinamool Congress over the appointment of supervisors for West Bengal election vote counting. The Election Commission told the court it will adhere to its own rules while counting proceeds with a state government nominee present. TMC had objected to the plan to use only central government employees as supervisors.
Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah is signaling a major break from precedent: he plans to avoid immediate foreign travel and instead concentrate on domestic priorities. Rather than rushing abroad as some previous leaders did soon after taking office, Shah says his focus will be on meeting public needs and accelerating development inside Nepal.
As West Bengal’s assembly polling result day nears, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the counting system until the end. He claimed BJP expects a heavy defeat and called the situation a setback for the opposition. The remarks came after the Supreme Court’s direction that both central and state government employees will be involved in counting.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s government cleared a confidence vote with 88 AAP MLAs backing it, even as fears of defections swirled. Opposition parties boycotted the Assembly session. Mann unveiled plans including a Shukrana Yatra, a 15% minimum wage hike for laborers, and a pilot financial assistance scheme for women. BJP held a mock no-confidence motion.
Repolling began today at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas, triggering a sharp BJP vs Congress showdown. The BJP said the exercise corrects electoral irregularities, while Congress alleged “thuggery” tied to heavy security deployments. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal defended the Election Commission’s decision as standard procedure to protect democratic integrity, while remaining confident about BJP’s prospects.
Parliamentary panels have flagged a recurring problem: central ministries repeatedly fail to spend allocated funds, forcing large surrenders. The reports point to weak budgeting and forecasting, with major cuts at the revised estimates stage in areas like Defence, Petroleum and Housing, alongside persistently low utilization rates. Committees warn this cycle undermines planning and delivery of public priorities.
Three years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, the situation remains volatile. Daily life is still disrupted, thousands remain displaced, and violence has intensified despite government measures. With rehabilitation at risk and a stalled cabinet expansion, the administration faces a mounting challenge. Incidents are also reported in Naga areas, underlining how widely the unrest has spread.
Delhi-NCR saw relief from intense heat after rain and thunderstorms hit several areas on Saturday night. The IMD issued yellow and orange warnings for heavy rainfall and stormy conditions. While temperatures rose in the morning, forecasts point to continued light rain and intermittent thunderstorms over the next few days, and officials say no heatwave is expected.
Scientists are sounding the alarm over heat resistant free living amoebae, including Naegleria fowleri, as warming climates and aging water infrastructure improve their survival. While most strains are harmless, some can cause rare but deadly infections. Researchers say that because these microbes can withstand heat and disinfectants, countries need faster surveillance and water treatment upgrades to prevent outbreaks.
A special NIA court in Bengaluru convicted LeT operative Vikram Kumar alias Chota Usman and sentenced him to seven years rigorous imprisonment in the 2023 prison radicalisation case. Prosecutors alleged he helped plan Naseer’s escape and coordinated grenade deliveries from Ambala for attacks in Bengaluru, deepening the probe into the network behind the plot.
New Zealand’s oceans and fisheries minister Shane Jones has ignited controversy over remarks about a proposed India free trade agreement. He suggested it could bring migrants and a “tsunami of butter chicken,” a line that drew sharp criticism from India’s community and lawmakers, who said it was racist. The comments have put the FTA debate back in focus, alongside questions of tone and cultural respect.
The Election Commission of India has ordered fresh elections in Bengal’s Falta Assembly Constituency on May 21, 2026, holding voting across all 285 polling stations. The move follows reports of severe electoral offenses and alleged subversion of the democratic process during the April 29, 2026 polls. Vote counting is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
An India-bound LPG carrier, MT Sarv Shakti, has successfully transited the Hormuz Strait, a key chokepoint that saw recent disruptions. The vessel carrying LPG is expected to reach Visakhapatnam soon. While multiple Indian-flagged ships had been stranded, some LPG and crude oil carriers have managed to cross safely since the crisis began.
India has relaxed foreign investment rules under FEMA, letting overseas firms with up to a 10% Chinese ownership invest through the automatic route without prior government approval. The immediate change aims to revive foreign capital inflows and comes after restrictions introduced in 2020. The update applies right away for eligible investments, signalling a more open stance.
A late-night shooting near Kapil Sharma’s Kaps Cafe area in Surrey, Canada, involving the Chai Sutta Bar has sparked alarm online. A viral video was followed by a threat message claiming responsibility, demanding the cafe’s closure and warning Sharma’s Kaps Cafe and his Mumbai home, raising fresh concerns about celebrity-linked safety.
Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has shifted to a new residence at 7 Circular Road in Patna, ending a two-decade stay at 1 Anne Marg. The move comes as discussions around a possible Bihar Cabinet expansion intensify, with political leaders reportedly visiting him at his new home. The relocation is fueling speculation about the timing and shape of cabinet changes.
Delhi NCR saw heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday evening, offering relief from days of extreme heat. The downpour helped cool the region, lowering mercury levels and breaking the scorching conditions residents had been enduring. While the weather shift brought immediate respite, authorities continue to monitor conditions as monsoon activity evolves.
Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO Greg Abel is confronting a massive $380 billion cash question after taking over Warren Buffett’s mantle. Abel says the company’s operating philosophy won’t change, while cash reserves have grown even as first-quarter earnings improved. With few big deals in recent years, investors are now watching how Abel deploys the pile for capital allocation.
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