Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India is in discussions with Nepal and other SAARC nations to explore ethanol exports, aiming to boost the rural economy and support farmers. The move also ties into higher ethanol blending targets that could translate into large foreign exchange savings. Meanwhile, the government is working with auto makers to introduce flex-fuel vehicles, with adoption hinging on consumer awareness and competitive pricing.
Kylie Jenner is facing a second lawsuit from a former housekeeper alleging harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and labor law violations in her household. The new filing follows a similar case and points to alleged wage issues, emotional distress, and denial of breaks, with claims that unfair treatment intensified after the worker raised concerns about working conditions.
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Finance Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary defended the Enforcement Directorate, calling it a “nation’s shield against financial crimes.” He said the agency has met the trust placed in it by successive governments and has set “new standards.” While emphasizing ED’s mandate to cleanse wrongdoing, he added that the focus is not on targeting any individual.
Ubuntu and Canonical services suffered outages after a distributed denial-of-service attack claimed by hacktivists. Several Ubuntu and Canonical websites were impacted, and users reportedly couldn’t complete OS updates during the disruption. The incident highlights how even widely used open-source platforms can be disrupted when infrastructure and update paths are targeted at scale.
US manufacturing activity held steady in April, according to survey data, even as firms faced growing uncertainty from the Middle East conflict. The key twist: a prices measure surged to 84.6, the highest since April 2022, signaling renewed inflation pressure. The survey suggests businesses are coping with demand but struggling with cost signals.
Tesla’s latest pay filing has stunned markets with a headline CEO compensation figure of $158 billion, described as record-setting and fully performance-based. But the twist is the deal reportedly pays out $0 to Musk, turning the “earned” number into a paradox worth unpacking—where expectations and accounting meet performance conditions.
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Cardi B has wrapped her Little Miss Drama Tour with a record-breaking feat: she became the first female rapper to sell out consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden. The 35-date run moved 453,000 tickets and grossed over $70 million, with every show booked solid and no opening acts—just full headline performances across major U.S. cities.
US antitrust authorities have wrapped up their review of Intel’s investment in SambaNova, clearing the expansion of its stake. Intel put in $35 million in the chip startup, following an earlier investment and with plans to add another $15 million. The clearance effectively removes a major regulatory hurdle as Intel deepens its push into new chip technology.
India and Russia’s athletics federations are in talks to build a long-term partnership focused on joint training camps and grassroots development. The plan envisages Russian athletes competing in Indian national events and Indian athletes training in Russia, along with exchange for coaches. However, the AFI says no final programme has been locked in.
US President Donald Trump says tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union will rise to 25 percent, starting as early as next week. He also claims vehicles manufactured in American plants will be exempt from the new duties, a move that could reshape supply chains and pricing across the transatlantic auto trade.
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The USS Gerald R. Ford has departed the Middle East after a record 10-month deployment, lowering the US carrier presence as a ceasefire with Iran continues but remains fragile. While the Ford is back out, two other aircraft carriers stay in the region, reflecting that tensions are still unresolved despite the temporary lull.
Paisabazaar has lost its bid to claim expenses worth Rs 145.91 crore for FY23 and FY22 after the Commissioner of Income Tax Appeals upheld an earlier rejection. The decision raises the company’s taxable income, though it’s still under further appeal and said to have no immediate financial impact as authorities check how past losses are adjusted against current income.
Fast bowlers Akash Deep and Harshit Rana are unlikely to feature in India’s upcoming Afghanistan series and the subsequent UK tour as they continue recovering from injuries. While their rehabilitation is progressing, selectors and the team are keeping them away until match fitness returns. A return to competitive cricket looks more likely around the Duleep Trophy in August.
India’s electric two-wheeler market cooled in April with registrations down 22% to 1.48 lakh units after a March surge. While the sector broadly declined, Ola Electric bucked the trend, raising sales by 20% and improving its market share. Analysts link the slowdown to the aftershocks of FY26 growth and aggressive March buying by rivals.
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A leaked Pentagon email has reignited tensions over the Falkland Islands, straining US ties with the UK and strengthening Argentina’s push for sovereignty. The internal note reportedly suggested reconsidering US support for British control as leverage over allies, prompting a sharp response from London. The US later downplayed the episode and reiterated neutrality.
FSUI says Indian seafarers stranded in Iran and nearby regions are returning in phases, with many reportedly taking difficult routes through Armenia amid the West Asia conflict. FSUI General Secretary Manoj Kumar Yadav urged the government to intensify support for those affected, citing the risks and complexity of getting people home.
Roblox shares fell to their lowest level in 18 months after the gaming platform cut its annual bookings forecast. Investors are concerned that newly introduced safety measures could dampen engagement and limit user growth for multiple quarters. The warning adds pressure as markets weigh whether the platform’s safety push will meaningfully affect its monetization trajectory.
A new titanosaur discovery, Chucarosaurus, has been found in Patagonia. While it’s not the largest dinosaur ever, the fragmented remains still matter: they provide fresh material for comparative anatomy and for mapping evolutionary relationships among titanosaur species. With few complete skeletons available, these partial fossils help fill gaps and refine dinosaur science as Patagonia’s fossil wealth continues to pay off.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with Trinamool Congress counting agents on Saturday, two days before vote counting on May 4. The leaders will outline duties and protocols aimed at a transparent process, with special emphasis on monitoring EVM strongrooms to prevent any mishaps.
UK shoppers will find Tesco, Asda and Aldi running slightly reduced bank holiday Monday hours, with stores adjusting openings across the day. But the bigger headache is travel: millions of drivers are expected to hit the roads for what forecasts call the busiest early May bank holiday in a decade, even as fuel costs remain high. Train stations may also face closures for engineering works.
A cruise boat capsized in the Narmada River near Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday evening. A video recorded minutes earlier shows tourists on the deck laughing and enjoying the ride, unaware of what was about to happen. The footage is believed to be captured by one of the passengers before the sinking.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved more than Rs 1,252 crore for Kumbh Mela 2027, earmarking funds for infrastructure upgrades, disaster management, and water supply. The package also includes major investments for the Rishikesh and Haridwar Ganga Corridor projects. The state is simultaneously preparing for the Adi Kailash Yatra, expecting a rise in pilgrims after the Prime Minister’s visit.
A new committee will assess public sector banks’ capital constraints, as India looks to deepen its corporate bond market to broaden access to finance. The plan targets smoother flow of capital to all borrowers, including small businesses and farmers, at competitive rates. Authorities also want tighter regulation to improve market functioning and trust.
Cboe Global Markets CEO Craig Donohue said the exchange operator will reduce its global workforce by 20% as it sharpens focus on its core businesses. The plan aims to streamline operations and concentrate resources on key areas of the trading exchange model, reflecting pressure for efficiency and strategic realignment in market infrastructure.
Amsterdam-based Nebius plans to acquire Eigen AI for about $643 million, targeting stronger production-grade AI and faster scaling of its US operations. The purchase will fold Eigen AI’s inference and optimization technology into Nebius’ Token Factory platform. The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks, signaling a push toward deployable AI at scale.
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of “dramabazi” at a counting centre, dismissing her actions as theatrics that won’t alter the election outcome. Adhikari said he remains confident a BJP government is on the way. Banerjee had earlier visited the counting centre alleging EVM tampering, escalating the political battle around results.
Researchers have identified a newly recognized human blood type, B(A), bringing the total known blood groups to 49. The discovery highlights how complex and still-unmapped human biology remains. While extremely rare—reportedly carried by only a handful of people—understanding such blood types can improve transfusion safety and matching for future medical needs.
A plane crash in Wimberley, a small Texas Hill Country town near Austin, has killed five people, according to reports. Wimberley, home to about 3,000 residents, is known for tourism and hiking along the Blanco River. Authorities are expected to investigate what caused the accident and release further details as recovery efforts continue.
Millions of workers are taking to the streets on May Day, driven by a mix of economic strain and global tensions. Rising inflation and falling purchasing power, alongside stagnant wages, are sharpening demands for higher pay and relief. The situation is further worsened by the ongoing Iran conflict, which has pushed up energy prices and intensified cost pressures across countries.
A new study suggests malaria was more than a health threat for early Africans—it helped determine where people settled. Using advanced models, researchers found ancient communities tended to avoid areas with higher disease risk, which fragmented populations over time. That separation may explain part of the genetic diversity seen today, showing disease as a key driver alongside geography and environment.
Hotels and restaurants say a sharp jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices is squeezing margins and pushing some businesses toward closure. Industry associations are urging the government to step in and roll back the hike, warning that soaring operating costs could translate into more layoffs across the hospitality sector, a major employment driver.
Fino Payments Bank’s performance has sharply deteriorated since CEO Rishi Gupta’s arrest, with net profit collapsing and revenue sliding across quarters. The damage stems from an RBI circular that crippled bank-led remittances, stress in NBFC and microfinance clients that fund its cash management, and a pullback from digital payments after gaming-linked investigations. Yet management points to a booming deposit base and a potential edge for its upcoming small finance bank plans.
Iran has reportedly delivered a new proposal for talks with the United States via Pakistan, which is acting as mediator. The move follows a tense period when negotiations stalled due to a naval blockade and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign minister also held discussions on peace initiatives with regional counterparts, signaling a potential thaw.
The Election Commission of India has ordered a repoll on May 2 for 15 polling stations across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district. The earlier polling was declared void by the ECI. Fresh voting will run from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with residents returning to the same booths to cast ballots again.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 15-day toll waiver on the Ganga Expressway, encouraging people to drive the newly opened stretch without paying toll fees. Officials say the move aims to boost traffic, improve public confidence, and help more residents experience the state’s longest expressway firsthand during the free ride window.
A speeding car rammed into a stationary lorry on Hyderabad’s Outer Ring Road on Friday, police said. Six people were killed on the spot, while one passenger suffered injuries and was taken to hospital. Authorities are investigating the crash details and whether speed or other factors contributed to the collision.
30 year mortgage rates have climbed to 6.30%, putting fresh pressure on the 2026 housing market. Economists point to rising US Treasury yields, sticky inflation, and a slower timeline for Fed rate cuts as key drivers. With borrowing costs higher, buyers face reduced affordability, though forecasts suggest rates may hover around 6% to 6.5% through the year.
The Delhi High Court has ordered an interim freeze on the estate of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, keeping all assets in status quo while a contested will case plays out. Priya Sachdev Kapur has agreed to preserve the assets, and the court’s move is designed to prevent any changes before it delivers a final judgment on the dispute.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX origin story goes back to 2001, when an attempted rocket purchase from Russia fell through. Instead of giving up, Musk pivoted from buying to building, setting the stage for SpaceX’s 2002 launch. After years of setbacks, the company evolved into a major NASA partner focused on making space travel more affordable.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a 15% increase in daily wages for workers, the first revision since 2013. The hike was announced on Labour Day during a special Assembly session aimed at easing living costs for daily wage earners. The same session also turned into a sparring ground between the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress.
The US debt-to-GDP ratio hit 100.2% on March 31, meaning America’s national debt now exceeds the size of its entire economy. The $39 trillion burden is tied to rising interest payments that economists say will cost about $827 billion to fix—roughly matching the defense budget. Interest costs are nearly tripling since 2019, driven mostly by past borrowing.
The Trinamool Congress has filed a Supreme Court petition to overturn a Calcutta High Court ruling connected to West Bengal assembly election vote counting. The case questions the plan to use exclusively central government and PSU staff as supervisors during counting, with the TMC seeking relief from the earlier order as the election process heads toward final results.
Heavy rain left Bengaluru’s beloved Bookworm bookstore damaged, triggering a wave of local support. Customers kept visiting and buying books, while historian Ramachandra Guha stopped by, praised the owner’s resilience, and purchased books. The store’s staff thanked everyone for the concern and help, and restoration efforts are now underway to reopen the damaged space.
A new study suggests crows don’t just learn from past interactions—they anticipate future outcomes. In experiments, the birds selected tools without immediate rewards, indicating planning and complex decision-making. The findings challenge older ideas that intelligence depends mainly on brain size, and place crows’ problem-solving abilities alongside those of primates.
In Palghar district, 124 villagers have voluntarily agreed to hand over land parcels for the upcoming Vadhvan Port project near Dahanu. The landowners accepted government terms, enabling the port’s critical infrastructure to move forward. District officials praised residents’ cooperation, calling it an important milestone for the mega development and its long-awaited progress.
A newly studied fossil, Najash rionegrina, suggests snakes didn’t suddenly lose legs. Instead, evolution unfolded gradually: this ancient reptile still had hindlimbs and a distinctive skull, bridging lizards and modern snakes. The findings strengthen the case for slow, step-by-step body reshaping over millions of years, offering a clearer timeline for snake evolution.
New research using microscopic analysis shows ancient eel like conodonts had highly effective cutting structures in their teeth. The mineralized material spread stress efficiently, helping the teeth resist fractures while remaining powerful feeders. The discovery forces a rethink of early vertebrate evolution, suggesting sophisticated feeding adaptations appeared far earlier than scientists assumed.
After West Bengal Assembly polls, Kolkata streets turned tense as TMC staged a protest alleging EVM irregularities in strongrooms. Mamata Banerjee visited the counting centre, accusing procedural lapses and possible collusion between BJP and the Election Commission. The Election Commission dismissed the charges, insisting strongrooms were secure throughout.
Mahindra & Mahindra has become the top EV seller by revenue in FY26, dethroning Tata Motors after the launch of new electric SUVs. Despite the revenue shift, Tata Motors still leads on the number of EV cars sold. The broader EV market also expanded sharply, with rising registrations and fresh models expected to accelerate growth further.
Mangalam Worldwide, a stainless-steel manufacturer, said its consolidated net profit rose 81% to Rs 15.37 crore in Q4 ending March 31, largely due to sharply lower expenses. Quarterly income dipped to Rs 266.50 crore, but annual income grew 14%, pointing to improving performance despite short-term revenue softness.
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