Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Cognizant Technology lowered its quarterly revenue forecast, citing clients’ growing caution amid economic worries. The company also trimmed its annual revenue outlook, suggesting that restrained discretionary IT spending is flowing through faster than expected. The warning points to a tougher near-term demand environment for large IT services providers.
WhatsApp says it is using AI to combat digital arrest scams by identifying and banning thousands of impersonating accounts. The company is also upgrading detection for fake officials and scam patterns after consultations with government bodies. Authorities are pairing platform action with telecom measures like SIM binding to reduce fraud, but victim recovery still lags.
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West Bengal Chief Minister and Bhabanipur candidate Mamata Banerjee voted in the second and final phase of assembly elections and then alleged that Central Reserve Police Force personnel deployed for election duty resorted to violence. She claimed the force targeted people including women and children and carried out large-scale arrests starting the night before her vote, escalating allegations during the polling period.
Google Translate is rolling out a new pronunciation practice feature in the U.S. and India, designed to help users improve how they speak—not just what they translate. The update supports English, Spanish, and Hindi, bringing real-time speaking practice into the app and making language learning more interactive.
ICICI Bank has added biometric authentication to its iMobile app for UPI transactions up to Rs 5,000. Users can approve payments using fingerprint or face recognition, removing the need to enter a UPI PIN for smaller amounts. The feature is available on the latest iMobile app versions for both Android and iOS, aiming to make payments faster while improving security.
Dr Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal from Assam has been elected president of the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance Global Forum for the 2026-27 term. The move underscores India’s rising influence in global trade and places a new focus on building partnerships and opening doors for Indian entrepreneurs. India will also host the BEA Global Summit in November 2026.
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says he will meet President Droupadi Murmu on May 5, pressing for the recall of Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs who joined the BJP. Mann also targeted BJP statements and discussed the state’s political turbulence, including potential confidence motions. Meanwhile, Punjab police are investigating a blast reported in the backdrop of these developments.
France’s consumer watchdog says 75% of products tested from online platforms failed EU safety rules. Inspectors flagged items as dangerous, including risks like electric shock and harmful chemical content, pointing to systemic non-compliance rather than isolated mistakes. The regulator will share findings with the European Commission for potential enforcement action against platforms.
Karachi’s Railway Colony was brought to a standstill after prolonged power outages lasting up to 16 hours. Commuters and residents flooded the streets, alleging mismanagement as traffic snarls engulfed major roads. Office workers, students, and patients reported being trapped in gridlock for hours, turning a daily routine into a prolonged ordeal.
Maharashtra’s cabinet approved an Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 that targets a Rs 10,000 crore investment and aims to generate 1.5 lakh new jobs. The plan includes setting up AI Excellence Centres and Innovation Cities to speed AI adoption across sectors. The policy also focuses on building a skilled workforce and creating an ecosystem for innovation.
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NASA’s Artemis II crew module has returned to Florida’s Kennedy Space Center nearly a month after launching on the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The capsule, carrying four astronauts who orbited the Moon, is now back at its start point for post-mission processing and analysis, marking another milestone in the Artemis program’s push toward sustained exploration.
At a White House state dinner, King Charles III playfully roasted President Trump, saying Americans would be “speaking French” if not for British history. The humorous jab landed amid real tensions over Iran, yet both leaders still celebrated their “special relationship.” Charles also urged allies not to become “inward-looking,” signaling unity beyond policy disputes.
India and Sri Lanka strengthened maritime cooperation during IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo, with navy divers conducting complex underwater drills including deep-sea operations beyond 55 meters. The exercise focused on boosting interoperability and coordination across the Indian Ocean Region, while also extending humanitarian assistance. It ended with a ceremonial send-off underscoring a growing, practical partnership.
CBSE has launched a Parenting Calendar for the 2026–27 academic session, building on its NEP 2020-aligned effort from 2025–26. The calendar is designed to deepen parent school partnerships and support student well-being, while adding new elements including inclusion focus, coping strategies for curriculum changes, and expanded parenting workshops. The move could reshape how families engage with schooling.
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Farmers in Karnataka protesting KIADB land acquisition say the protest turned violent when police tried to disperse demonstrators. Allegations include manhandling and physical assault, with reports that some farmers were reportedly dragged by their collars. The farmers claim the land deal threatens their livelihood and livelihoods, setting off tense clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Education experts say schools often rely on academic performance metrics that overlook early mental health red flags. They argue behavioural and classroom signals are more reliable for spotting distress before it worsens, and call for careful, ethical use of AI insights to support timely interventions in both classrooms and exam settings.
A 16-year-old student in Delhi, Abhav Bhatia, was returning home after watching the IPL match between Delhi and Bengaluru when he made a call to his father. Moments later, he and his 20-year-old cousin Yagya were allegedly struck by a truck on Ashoka Road. Police have launched a search for the fleeing driver as the families seek answers.
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says TMC tried to instill fear ahead of West Bengal polls, yet voter turnout remains high. He attributes the calm to central security forces, saying people voted without apprehension. Chowdhury also points to a major reduction in poll-related violence compared with earlier local elections, suggesting the pressure tactics failed to dent participation.
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Pravesh Wahi, a three-time councillor from Rohini E ward, has been elected as Delhi’s new mayor after the BJP’s easy win in the April 29 MCD mayoral election. Reports say his journey began with early ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, along with schooling at an MCD-run primary school in Old Delhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged bias by central forces during phase 2 polling, saying CRPF personnel were seen supporting a particular political party. She urged election officials to let voters standing in queues until the end of polling cast their ballots. Banerjee also voiced disappointment over CRPF conduct, raising questions about neutrality in the voting process.
The White House says federal funds for Department of Homeland Security workers, including TSA staff, will soon be exhausted, with the Office of Management and Budget projecting payments run out by May. It urges Congress to approve a budget resolution quickly to restore full funding, warning that delays could disrupt airports and heighten national security risks.
WhatsApp and Meta have terminated 9,400 accounts in India tied to “digital arrest” impersonation scams since January 2026. The move follows a Supreme Court-linked status report by I4C under India’s MHA as online fraud spikes. WhatsApp says it expanded investigations beyond initial official warnings, while rolling out stronger protections like biometric checks and faster SIM blocking.
Kerala exit poll results for 2026 are rolling in, sharpening the contest between Pinarayi Vijayan’s LDF and V D Satheesan’s UDF. Analysts are also watching BJP seat-share signals that could disrupt the usual bipolar battle. With early predictions pointing to a tight three cornered verdict, the question is whether any alliance can decisively break through to form government.
Shriyan, a young cricket prodigy, showed remarkable talent from an early age. But after he began experiencing vomiting and headaches, doctors treated it as a minor stomach illness. As the symptoms persisted, the real cause—a severe brain infection—was identified far too late, ending his promising future and devastating his family.
The Maharashtra government has issued an instruction meant to curb “neta culture,” asking officials not to stand up or greet tainted MPs and MLAs. The order applies to lawmakers convicted in criminal cases, summoned for inquiries, or involved in election-related processes like nominations and scrutiny hearings. The move signals a stricter protocol for how public representatives are received in government offices.
Global oil prices climbed about 3% on Wednesday, pushing Brent crude to a one-month high near $114.59. The move followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to extend the blockade of Iranian ports, which could further prolong supply disruptions. Traders are watching Middle East output and shipping routes closely for fresh signals.
The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for May 4 on the CBI petition challenging a trial court order that discharged Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the liquor policy case. The court has also allowed a final chance for replies. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate’s plea to expunge remarks will be listed the same day.
Even as consumer spending faces pressure from persistent inflation fears and stricter tariff policies, Etsy managed to outperform revenue expectations. The marketplace attracted buyers by keeping products priced within reach, while also benefiting from low listing fees that help sellers stay competitive. Results suggest demand can hold up when costs remain controlled for both shoppers and vendors.
France’s upcoming 2026 immigration reforms plan civic exams and language tests, sparking anxiety among non‑EU applicants. Yet the VLS‑TS “Visiteur” route remains largely exam free for financially independent people, including those living on capital and passive income. With that flexibility, applications from India are rising quickly, turning the visa into a quiet first step toward longer EU residency.
Sunil Gavaskar delivered a blunt verdict on Mumbai Indians ahead of their IPL 2026 clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad at Wankhede on April 29. The former India captain suggested MI’s current struggles leave them with no room to falter, urging them to start winning immediately. The match places Hardik Pandya’s side under fresh pressure at home.
Vedanta is set for a major price adjustment tomorrow after a special pre-open session linked to its demerger. Analysts expect post-event trading to fall into a Rs 250–325 range. Under the plan, shareholders get one share each of four newly formed entities for every Vedanta share held, aiming to unlock value by separating business segments.
Indian markets ended higher as auto, FMCG, and IT stocks led the move. Strong Q4 earnings powered gains for GRSE, CEAT, and Vedanta, lifting sentiment across sectors. But several names fell, including REC, Cohance Lifesciences, and India Cements, highlighting how results drove a sharp, stock-by-stock reshuffle for Wednesday trade.
With Apple’s next quarterly results looming, investors are closely watching newly appointed CEO John Ternus. The market buzzes as confidence builds from strong iPhone sales and the recently unveiled MacBook Neo, while expectations rise around Ternus steering the company into an AI-driven innovation push. The upcoming earnings release could set the tone for his early tenure.
Rumours that Kannada star Yash’s film Toxic has been shelved have been dismissed. Yash confirmed the movie is complete, but its release has been postponed as part of a global rollout plan. The timing decision follows strong reception at CinemaCon, with the aim of taking Indian cinema to a wider worldwide audience.
US President Donald Trump posted a fresh warning to Iran on Truth Social, pairing the message with a photo of himself holding what appears to be an HK416-style assault rifle. The post signals a push for a more aggressive approach unless Iran accepts terms proposed by Washington, raising tensions in an already volatile standoff.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says EU energy support must be targeted to vulnerable households and industries. Otherwise, the bloc risks wasting billions as the Iran war and tensions near the Strait of Hormuz push oil and gas prices higher. The warning comes as EU states prepare and adjust their energy aid amid market volatility.
Kedarnath Yatra is facing major disruption as Uttarakhand issues a two-day orange weather alert and adverse conditions force helicopters to be suspended across multiple locations. Authorities have stepped up safety measures, including heightened monitoring at the sites and a special operation aimed at identifying suspicious people posing as sadhus. Pilgrims are urged to follow guidelines and check updates before travel.
An Air India first officer, around 40, died in Bali after suffering a heart attack. The pilot had recently operated a Delhi–Bali flight and later experienced severe discomfort at his hotel during scheduled rest. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be saved. The airline expressed deep sorrow and condolences to his family and crew.
Value commerce platform Meesho is contesting a Rs 14.29 crore Goods and Services Tax demand over alleged failure to collect tax at source (TCS) on specific seller transactions. The cases span October 2018 to March 2020. Meesho says the demand is unsustainable and without merit, even as the GST Appellate Tribunal raised the tax call.
France, during its G7 presidency, plans to advocate for a major overhaul of the Development Assistance Committee metrics used to decide who receives global development aid. Minister Eleonore Caroit says today’s income-based criteria fail to reflect climate-driven vulnerabilities, especially for small island states. The push seeks better targeting and more sustainable aid delivery.
Online travel platform MakeMyTrip is reportedly exploring a Mumbai listing by the first quarter of 2027, using advisers including Axis Capital, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan. The strategy is aimed at tapping domestic capital and offering Indian-listed equity to fund growth. The company’s Nasdaq shares have fallen sharply over the past year, adding urgency to the plan.
In IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in Mullanpur. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered an explosive, fearless 43 off just 16 balls, turning the chase with aggressive shot selection. His approach caught the eye of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who highlighted how effectively the youngster used the field to keep pressure on the opposition.
In West Bengal’s 2026 assembly race, domestic worker Kalita Majhi, standing for the Ausgram seat as a BJP candidate, has campaign duties that leave her employers struggling at home. The family-like bond that once made daily routines run smoothly now faces a sudden gap. Majhi wants to show that a domestic worker can become an MLA and champion the economically weaker sections.
Adobe has launched an “Adobe for creativity” connector that brings tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro into Anthropic’s Claude AI assistant. The move aims to simplify creative workflows for students, everyday users, small businesses, and creators who may struggle with complex steps—by letting them access Adobe capabilities from within Claude.
Apple is rolling out a new auto-renewable App Store subscription payment option that lets users choose monthly instalments while still committing to a 12-month plan. Instead of paying the full annual price upfront, customers can spread costs across the year, offering more flexible cash flow without changing the underlying long-term commitment.
The Bombay High Court has deferred the hearing of a defamation suit filed by a nearly 90-year-old woman and her daughter, pushing it to after 2046. The case, arising from disputes within a Malabar Hill housing society in Mumbai over maintenance work, involves a claim of Rs 20 crore and the court’s pointed observation that the dispute is driven by personal “ego” rather than substantive legal issues.
Assam’s 2026 election exit poll updates are unfolding as Himanta Biswa Sarma’s BJP faces a strong Congress challenge. With 126 constituencies in play, the latest projections focus on vote share, seat estimates and shifting trends that could reshape who becomes the next chief minister. Follow the live tracking to see whether the “poll of polls” signals a close battle.
Crude oil prices jumped to around $115 per barrel, the highest since June 2022, as tensions around Iran intensified and supply worries returned. With Iran war talks stalled, analysts warn disruptions could stretch longer and propel prices toward $150. The Strait of Hormuz remains the critical flashpoint shaping global energy markets and downstream costs.
The SWAMIH Investment Fund plans to invest up to Rs 600 crore into Ramky Estates to revive stalled residential projects in Bengaluru. The move is expected to help more than 1,800 homebuyers who have been waiting for their homes. Ramky Estates will oversee the projects, aiming to restart progress and deliver timely outcomes for affected buyers.
Jamia Millia Islamia vice-chancellor Mazhar Asif faced backlash after saying at an RSS-organised Yuva Kumbh that all Indians share Lord Mahadev’s DNA. The comments, delivered on the central university campus, have triggered mixed reactions online and among students, escalating an ideological debate over the event and the statement.
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