Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India’s total power consumption grew 4.04% in April to 154 billion units, starting softer on unseasonal rains before warmer temperatures lifted usage later in the month. Peak power demand climbed to a record 256.11 GW. Experts expect further increases from May due to a harsh summer, with the monsoon likely to ease demand in June.
Noida International Airport is set to begin commercial passenger operations on June 15, 2026, with IndiGo flying the inaugural service. The airport will cater to the National Capital Region and north India, targeting better regional connectivity while easing congestion at Delhi’s airport. Built for modern infrastructure and efficient operations, it is expected to reshape travel options for nearby cities.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Employee unions have been granted time until May 31, 2026 to submit their demands for the eighth Central Pay Commission. They are calling for the minimum pay to be doubled to Rs 69,000 per month from January 1, 2026, along with a fitment formula of 3.833 for existing employees and pensioners.
Hollywood star Bruce Willis is battling frontotemporal dementia, and his family is reportedly considering donating his brain to support research. The update follows his retirement from acting in 2022 after aphasia symptoms worsened into dementia. Fans remember his defining roles, including Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, as awareness grows about this devastating disease.
India maintains that its intellectual property rules for pharmaceuticals are WTO compliant, even as the United States continues to press for stronger protections. The dispute comes as India supplies about 20% of global generic medicines, putting generics access and the domestic industry at the center of the argument. Both sides remain locked in long-running policy differences.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India shielded consumers from global energy price shocks even after disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed the government absorbed fiscal impacts instead of passing them to retail buyers, keeping fuel prices stable for 60 days through long-term planning and diversified sourcing.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
Congress has accused the Modi government of being anti-worker and urged a review of the new labour codes. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge blamed unemployment and stagnant wages, and called for reviving MGNREGA, setting a Rs 400 daily minimum wage, and banning “hire & fire” practices. He also pushed for a Right to Health law and insurance for unorganised workers.
The CBI has arrested Natasha Verma, Additional Director of CGHS in Meerut, and her private assistant in a bribery case. Verma was accused of demanding Rs 80,000, while investigators say a trap caught her assistant accepting Rs 50,000 on her behalf. The operation underscores ongoing scrutiny of public health administration.
The IMD forecasts above-normal heatwave days in May for the Himalayan foothills, the east coast, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Minimum temperatures are likely to run above normal across most of India, though parts of northwest and central regions may see exceptions. Rainfall is expected to be above normal in most areas, with fewer chances in some eastern regions.
West Bengal exit polls point to a tight fight between BJP and TMC, but the predictions have sparked concern across the border. Bangladesh MP Akhtar Hussain said a BJP victory could trigger a refugee crisis in Dhaka, warning of a possible return of undocumented migrants. The remarks underline how illegal immigration remains an election-sensitive issue.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Iran’s Chief Justice says Tehran remains open to negotiations with the United States, grounded in “logic and rationality,” even amid rising military tensions. At the same time, Iran is preparing legal action over US steps. In Washington, debate over the War Powers Resolution and an approaching congressional deadline could spark a showdown between the White House and lawmakers.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra marked his 71st birthday on May 1, thanking people for birthday wishes on X. He linked the day to Maharashtra Day and International Workers’ Day, and drew inspiration from the inauguration of the Mumbai–Pune “Missing Link” project. Mahindra used it to urge people to rebuild the “missing links” in their personal lives by strengthening relationships.
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik marked International Labour Day by demanding India’s minimum wage be raised to Rs 800. He accused the BJP government of failing to implement welfare schemes effectively, saying frontline workers such as Mission Shakti members, Bank Mitras and ASHA workers are not getting their due benefits. Patnaik called workers the nation’s backbone and urged immediate action.
India is rapidly repatriating its gold reserves, moving the bulk from overseas vaults back to domestic custody. The push is fueled by concerns about trust and the need for stronger control, echoing a wider global shift toward physical sovereignty. With wealth more readily accessible during uncertainty, the plan is reshaping what “safety” means in international finance.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Aurobindo Pharma said its subsidiary CuraTeQ Biologics has received a compliance notice from Health Canada for its cancer biosimilar Bevqolva, a bevacizumab-based treatment used across multiple cancers. The development signals Health Canada’s confirmation of safety and efficacy, paving the way for broader access to potential cost-effective options for patients in Canada.
Maruti Suzuki India has kicked off FY27 with a record April performance, selling 2,39,646 units and growing 33.29% year-on-year. The small car segment played a major role, while domestic sales hit an all-time high, signaling strong demand at the start of the new fiscal year.
Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism in New York City after King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial and paid respects to victims. The controversy centers on how the mayor handled or responded to the royal visit and associated public messaging, drawing sharp reactions from critics who argue it was mismanaged or insensitive given the site’s significance.
An election office tied to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate Ramesh in Tamil Nadu’s Srirangam Assembly constituency was allegedly set on fire in Pettavaythalai earlier today. The blaze occurred under the Andhanallur Union, and police have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to identify who was behind the attack and assess damages.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
Ujjwal Jain, CEO of PhonePe’s stock trading platform Share.Market, has stepped down after four years. Jain launched Share.Market in August 2023 and previously built WealthDesk and OpenQ before PhonePe acquired them. The departure comes as PhonePe has reportedly postponed its IPO plans, raising questions about the platform’s next phase.
Nine people died in a cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, prompting the Madhya Pradesh government to order a probe and ban all cruise boat operations across the state. The administration said local rescuers who risked their lives will be honored. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences and announced financial help for the victims’ families.
Anil Kapoor recounted on Lilly Singh’s podcast how Bollywood abandoned his producer father, Surinder Kapoor, after a film starring Rajesh Khanna flopped. He said seeing his father emotionally crumble under industry shunning left a lasting mark, pushing him to work harder and become a top actor. The painful moment, he added, ultimately fueled his lifelong passion for cinema.
Kolkata Police has imposed Section 163 of the BNSS across seven areas of West Bengal where ballot papers and EVMs are stored, ahead of vote counting for the state assembly elections. The move restricts gatherings and rallies in these zones to maintain security and prevent disturbances around election materials as counting approaches.
UAE officials say Iran cannot be trusted over the Strait of Hormuz, citing unilateral actions and deepening mistrust. The key shipping route is at risk of a blockade, threatening global oil flows and market prices. Reports of possible new US strikes add further uncertainty as Iran vows a forceful response, while peace talks remain stuck with no near-term breakthrough.
As the Iran war disrupts sea routes, Dubai restaurants are feeling the squeeze. Chefs report difficulty sourcing ingredients such as avocados and tomatillos, while air freight costs climb. To cope, many outlets are cutting staff, scaling back dining options, and redesigning menus with more local produce as authorities step in with support.
Vedanta Aluminium has been issued a demand of Rs 233.11 crore by Odisha’s Burla irrigation division over alleged unauthorized water extraction from the Bheden river. The notice cites base charges, a penalty up to six times, and monthly interest, with the company given one month to pay. The case spotlights how regulators are tightening enforcement of water permissions.
Delhi has intensified enforcement of its “no PUC, no fuel” rule to fight worsening air quality. In just four days, more than 15,000 vehicles were denied fuel because they lacked a valid Pollution Under Control certificate. The Delhi government says this crackdown is pushing vehicles to meet pollution standards and reduce emissions across the city.
An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Raipur aborted its takeoff after pilots spotted a monkey on the runway as the Airbus A320 was accelerating. The incident delayed nearly 170 passengers and briefly disrupted airport operations, with another aircraft performing a go-around. Authorities are expected to review runway safety and wildlife control measures.
Coal India’s April production fell 9.7%, a rare jolt for the company that supplies fuel for most of India’s electricity. The timing is especially worrying as summer power demand hits new highs, raising the risk of coal shortages at thermal plants and ripple effects across power-dependent industries.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices in India have jumped by Rs 933, landing a direct blow on small food businesses and commercial kitchens. While domestic LPG rates remain protected by the government, the higher costs are likely to raise meal prices and squeeze incomes for many enterprises, potentially reshaping consumption patterns beyond restaurants.
Iran’s foreign ministry called US military strikes “an act of aggression,” disputing Washington’s self-defence framing. The US administration insists it is not at war even as engagements have reportedly reached a legal threshold. Meanwhile, debate is intensifying over the War Powers Resolution and whether Congress authorized extended hostilities, as opposition lawmakers press to end the campaign.
A 13-year-old student, Rueisha Kharsel, died after being struck on the head by a hockey ball during training at St Anthony's High School in Guirim. The incident occurred on the final day before summer vacations. She collapsed and was rushed to hospital, but was declared dead. Police have registered the death as unnatural.
India’s DRDO and Navy carried out a landmark salvo test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM SR) from a helicopter off Odisha. The indigenously developed missile struck its target at waterline, underscoring improved precision and naval strike capability. Officials say the successful firing significantly strengthens India’s anti-ship defence readiness along coastal waters.
Gas prices are rising again nationwide as the U.S. average climbs sharply in a week, reaching the highest level in four years. Oil is trading above $100 per barrel, while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, tightening supply. California and Texas are among the hardest hit, with drivers in major states likely to feel the impact today.
Punjab’s Vidhan Sabha session turned high drama as Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal alleged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appeared intoxicated during proceedings. The opposition called for an immediate alcohol test for the CM and all MLAs, while Congress also demanded dope testing and an independent medical examination by PGIMER, escalating confrontation inside the House.
As West Bengal heads into vote counting, tensions between TMC and BJP have intensified. TMC MP Saugata Roy alleged irregularities in the strong room security, claiming attempts to tamper with the counting process. He urged authorities to conduct vigilant monitoring as counting nears. The stakes are especially high after the state recorded a historic 91.66% voter turnout in Phase II.
With tensions rising in the Middle East, the US is reportedly weighing whether to position its Dark Eagle hypersonic missile in the region. The move follows Iranian claims about a revolutionary “mystery weapon” that could reshape military balance. Analysts say both sides are using deterrence messaging as the situation around key waterways stays volatile.
SpaceX has invested over $15 billion in its Starship rocket, betting that rapid reusability will unlock a new era of frequent, low-cost launches. The system is central to expanding Starlink satellite capacity and enabling future moon and Mars missions. Starship’s performance could also shape SpaceX’s broader ambitions, including its push toward a public market debut.
Kotak Institutional Equities says any Sensex and Nifty rally triggered by state election outcomes could be brief. Analysts point to rising oil prices, a widening fiscal deficit, and worsening geopolitical tensions as factors that may quickly override early optimism. Even if poll results lift sentiment initially, markets may refocus on macro pressures driven by crude and deficit concerns.
Election officials are investigating allegations of EVM tampering in West Bengal after missing webcasting footage was flagged in Falta, Diamond Harbour, and Magrahat West. The ECI is looking into whether election records were altered or lost, and re-polling has been proposed for 15 booths linked to the complaints, raising fresh concerns about transparency.
India’s sugar exports for the 2025-26 season are projected to fall to around 7.5 to 8 lakh tonnes as weak global prices curb shipping demand. Government export quotas further limit overseas supply, while domestic consumption stays steady. With fewer exportable surpluses, the amount available for foreign markets is expected to remain subdued.
Nomura says India’s EV transition will hinge less on announcements and more on how fast it can build a China-style charging ecosystem. The report points to infrastructure readiness as the key trigger for mass adoption, arguing that scale, supportive policy, and rapid charging buildout are the fastest path to moving customers from trials to daily use.
Rahul Gandhi has criticized the Rs 993 jump in commercial LPG prices, calling it an “election bill.” After the elections, a 19-kg cylinder now costs over Rs 3,000 in Delhi, hitting small eateries and dhabas reliant on commercial gas. Domestic LPG prices reportedly remain unchanged, while the Centre cites global energy volatility and West Asia tensions behind the increase.
A 36-year-old software engineer in Hyderabad, identified as Seetharam, allegedly died by suicide after jumping into Hussain Sagar lake. Police reportedly found a 19-page note detailing marital discord, allegations of multiple affairs, and deep emotional distress. The case has sparked wider scrutiny of mental health support and the risks of mishandling private digital content during relationship breakdowns.
Air India has launched a new non-stop Delhi to Hanoi route operating five times a week, using Airbus A320neo aircraft. The service marks the airline’s first direct connection to Vietnam’s capital and is expected to widen travel options between India and Vietnam. Passengers can also benefit from connections via Delhi to Europe and the UK, with more flexible multi-city plans.
Visa has teamed up with Emirates NBD to process UAE dirham transactions locally, speeding up domestic Visa card payments for everyday spending like shopping, dining, and travel. The shift to local processing aims to reduce delays while keeping card usage exactly the same for consumers, offering quicker turnarounds without new steps.
Parag Agrawal, an Indian-American who was ousted as Twitter CEO by Elon Musk in late 2022, is now leading a new AI startup, Parallel Web Systems. The company has reportedly raised $100 million, valuing it at around Rs 19,020 crore. Agrawal previously served as Twitter’s CTO before taking over as CEO in 2021 after Jack Dorsey left.
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accuses the Pentagon of understating war costs, saying the US has already paid $100 billion directly for the conflict. He adds that indirect expenses are far higher, estimating each American household is effectively hit with about $500 per month. The claim escalates Iran US tensions amid ongoing hostilities.
Reddit’s latest results point to its AI-driven advertising push working. Daily active unique visitors rose 17% to 126.8 million, while global average revenue per user climbed 44%. The company’s momentum comes as it intensifies competition against major social ad players like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, signaling a stronger monetization trajectory ahead.
The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, is now in its third month after her abduction, yet authorities have made no major breakthroughs or arrests. Multiple leads and rewards have failed to produce a suspect. Ex-FBI agents say the unusual lack of public updates could mean investigators have strong evidence—or are waiting for the right moment to act.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a 10,000 litres per day dairy plant in Kargil and launched new dairy development measures for Ladakh. The package includes mobile milk testing labs and modern cooling systems, aimed at improving milk quality, strengthening self-reliance, and increasing incomes for local farmers across the Union Territory.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.