Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy fell to 30% in April, down from 38% in March, according to a poll. The drop marks a historic low for his economic standing and highlights widening voter dissatisfaction. The survey also compares his performance against major Republican and Democratic predecessors, including Joe Biden and former presidents.
New-age tech stocks ended a volatile week with gains for some and steep drops for others, as FIIs kept selling and West Asia tensions pressured sentiment. Groww rallied nearly 10% after a blockbuster Q4, while BlueStone logged its first full profitable fiscal year. Still, the sector’s overall market cap slipped and worst-hit names reflected AI fear and weak outlooks.
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Rail minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says India’s Vande Bullet prototype is targeted for rollout in 2027. The Atmanirbhar version B-28 is being designed jointly by ICF and BEML, with manufacturing planned at BEML’s Aditya Plant. The facility will use high-precision, advanced machinery including robotic laser welding systems to build the train at scale.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, shortly after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party, accused the party of abandoning its core principles. He claimed there is no room for honest workers, alleging AAP has been “corrupt” and “compromised.” Chadha also hit back at criticism from within the party, saying his decision was driven by disillusionment rather than fear.
Italian researchers using satellite radar report large underground features beneath Khafre’s Pyramid, including eight cylindrical shafts and two cubic chambers. The claim has fueled worldwide speculation, but Egyptologists urge caution, saying the signals could match natural geology. Physical verification is needed to confirm whether any of it is truly man made, or merely radar artifacts over ancient rock.
A new study is flipping the “Jurassic Park” image of Tyrannosaurus rex. Using evidence from fossilized bones and footprints, researchers argue the predator likely used a bird-like toe-first (digitigrade) gait, similar to modern ostriches. That anatomy could mean T rex was more efficient—and possibly faster—than scientists previously estimated for the iconic giant reptile.
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As the biopic Michael draws strong attention, the late pop star’s estate is now facing a fresh lawsuit from the Cascio family, once dubbed his “second family.” Four siblings allege years of sexual abuse, grooming and drugging by Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch and other locations. The estate rejects the claims, calling them a desperate money grab.
A new study found Atlantic salmon exposed to cocaine swam farther and lived longer than normal salmon, raising alarms that pharmaceuticals in waterways can rewrite wildlife behavior. Scientists say this is more than pollution: it’s an ecosystem level transformation. Researchers warn that drug disposal and weak wastewater treatment could spread these effects across aquatic habitats worldwide unless urgent action is taken.
A flour millers body has urged the government to deliver more predictable policy signals to the industry. It called for stock transparency, stable OMSS policies, export flexibility, and liquidity support to protect millers’ returns while keeping flour prices affordable for consumers. The group’s pitch centers on reducing uncertainty in trading and procurement rules that directly affect margins.
President Trump is betting new Fed chair Kevin Warsh will quickly cut interest rates. But Warsh faces a tougher reality: inflation pressures and a Fed committee that isn’t eager to loosen policy. At his Senate hearing, he offered little concrete direction on timing for cuts, and investors now largely expect no rate cut until October 2027.
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Retired Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane addressed a controversy over an unpublished memoir, saying his interpretations of the Galwan events were drawn from publicly available reportage. In an exclusive interview, he also launched his new book on military myths and mysteries while firmly reiterating that India’s armed forces remain apolitical and above politics.
Thousands of protesters in Imphal marched demanding permanent peace and justice amid an ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. Police blocked their attempt to reach the Chief Minister’s residence, triggering clashes. Later, a group met CM Y Khemchand Singh and submitted a memorandum. The COCOMI group also demanded action over recent child deaths and warned of intensified protests if ignored.
Ahead of West Bengal polls Phase II, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath claimed the state would be “freed” from a “syndicate” he associates with Trinamool Congress, Congress and communist parties. Speaking in North 24 Parganas, he also praised Bengal’s historical and cultural influence, linking its legacy to India’s national identity and framing his remarks as a political push for the elections.
Gunmen launched coordinated attacks across Mali early Saturday, striking the capital Bamako and other cities. Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions near airports and military bases, while separatist groups claimed control over areas in the northeast. The reports point to an expanding conflict with mounting security concerns across multiple regions.
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Tension erupted in Imphal as security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters marching toward the Chief Minister’s residence. The situation escalated during the protest rally on Saturday, prompting authorities to suspend internet services across five districts in Manipur. The crackdown has sharply limited communication while unrest continues to unfold near the state’s political hub.
KL Rahul produced an explosive marathon century for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 25. His knock not only vaulted him into IPL record books as the third batter to reach 150 in tournament history, but also marked the highest individual IPL score by an Indian. Rahul’s barrage set the tone for DC’s dominant performance.
Congress has accused the BJP of bringing in leaders from other parties, including AAP MPs, while leaders with pending allegations reportedly face delayed or slowed action. The party says the pattern mirrors earlier claims: induction first, accountability later. The dispute is framed as a response to political switching and the timing of enforcement steps.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut attacked the BJP after seven AAP Rajya Sabha members defected, saying the party’s appetite is endless. Using the Bakasur myth, he claimed the move reflects wealthy MPs seeking protection and political cover. Raut also said he faced similar pressure to join the BJP earlier, framing the defections as a symptom of coercion rather than conviction.
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Asha Bhosle’s death at 92 marks the fading of India’s golden playback era. Alongside Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh, she helped define the sound of generations with songs that still linger in everyday life. Fans remember how their voices became the soundtrack to love, loss and celebration, even as time moves on.
Delhi Capitals detonated a batting blitz, posting 264/2 against Punjab Kings. KL Rahul stayed unbeaten on 152 while Nitish Rana made 91, and together they forged a 220-run partnership—the second-highest in IPL history. The commanding total set the tone early, turning the match into a statement performance for DC.
UnitedHealth’s UnitedHealthcare and CVS Health’s Aetna are moving large portions of prior authorization onto standardized processes. UnitedHealthcare says over 70% of prior approval requests will be handled this way by year end, while Aetna reports 88% of its prior authorization volume is already standardized. The shift could change how quickly coverage decisions reach patients.
Rahul Gandhi campaigned in Serampore, taking aim at both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He accused them of helping the rich and promoting divisive politics, while contrasting Congress’s message of unity and brotherhood. Gandhi framed the election as a clash between two opposing visions for India’s future.
Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP of circulating “fake pictures” of Arvind Kejriwal’s new bungalow, claiming the ruling party is spreading misleading claims. The BJP, meanwhile, calls the property “Sheesh Mahal 2” and alleges it was built and furnished using private funds. AAP says the attacks reflect BJP fear of its Gujarat entry.
Delhi Police brought accused Rahul Meena to the crime scene to reconstruct the events in the murder and robbery case of an IRS officer’s daughter. During the exercise, Meena reenacted the full sequence, with police using it to verify his alleged entry into the house on April 22 and how he fled afterwards, as the investigation continues.
Republicans are recalibrating their midterm strategy, seeking to harness President Trump’s proven ability to mobilize voters while steering clear of election dynamics driven by his waning popularity. The message is expected to pivot toward tax cuts and inflation-fighting measures, as leaders try to blunt political risks tied to sagging fortunes and the ongoing Iran war.
A 29-year-old man from Nagpur, working in New Delhi, was found dead in a rented PG in Gurugram Sector 53. Police suspect he overdosed on a sex-enhancing drug, triggering a fatal heart attack. Wrappers of medicines and supplements were recovered from the room, and viscera samples have been sent for forensic analysis to confirm the cause.
Delhi Police have arrested YouTuber and TV panelist Salim Wastik over a 1995 case involving the kidnapping and murder of a businessman’s son. Authorities say he evaded arrest for more than two decades while maintaining a public-facing identity online. The case has raised fresh questions about how a high-profile figure could remain out of reach for so long.
A tornado warning has been issued as isolated to widely scattered severe storms are forecast to strike parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas Saturday afternoon and night. Forecasters also flag hail and damaging winds, with additional rounds of severe weather possible Sunday into Sunday night across Kansas, southern Nebraska, and western Missouri. Residents are urged to monitor updates closely.
New research is challenging the idea that snake venom evolution always favors complexity. Scientists found that some snakes shift toward simpler venom blends tailored to specific prey, particularly on isolated islands. This “ecological efficiency” reduces wasted effort while preserving effectiveness, and genetic flexibility allows future changes. Coevolution with prey further steers which venom traits survive.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply attacked the RSS, calling it “Rashtriya Surrender Sangh.” He said RSS leader Ram Madhav exposed the group’s “fake nationalism” in India and “pure servility” in the US. The remarks come after Madhav criticized India’s move to stop oil imports from Iran and Russia and accept higher US tariffs, framing it as surrender to Washington.
RBL Bank’s Q4 net profit surged 233% year-on-year to Rs 230 crore, powered by strong business expansion and improved asset quality. Net advances rose 23% as the retail segment played a major role. The bank also saw a dip in net interest margin, but overall performance remained robust, signaling healthier growth momentum.
Reliance Industries logged a record net profit of Rs 95,610 crore in FY26, becoming the first Indian company to cross $10 billion in annual profit. While quarterly earnings slipped due to the oil-to-chemicals segment, Jio and Reliance Retail kept growing fast, with retail pushing past 20,000 stores and strengthening the company’s consumer momentum.
A major fire broke out at a tent warehouse in the Jyoti Nagar area of North East Delhi, with smoke visibly rising and flames reported on site. Officials said around 23 fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, and there were no casualties reported so far. Fire personnel continued dousing the fumes as details emerged about the incident.
India’s commercial vehicle market is projected to reach a record 12.4 lakh units in FY27, surpassing the prior peak, according to Crisil. After a strong rebound, growth is expected to moderate to 5–6%. Demand at home should stay supported by infrastructure projects and vehicle replacement needs, while revenue growth is likely to edge slightly ahead of volume. Exports could face disruptions from the West Asia crisis.
Geologists studying desert rocks report tiny, highly organized tunnels that appear inconsistent with typical natural geological processes. Instead, chemical traces in the formations point to the possibility that living organisms may have built them. If confirmed, the finding could reshape how scientists understand life in harsh environments and influence future searches for extraterrestrial life on worlds like Mars.
A 29-year-old man in Gurugram, Rohit Lal, died after taking an excessive dose of sex-enhancing drugs, police said. He had planned to meet his fiancée, but she arrived after his death. Investigators suspect the overdose may have led to cardiac arrest, though confirmation is still pending as they continue to probe the incident.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has promised sugarcane farmers 24-hour payment turnaround if his party wins in 2027. His plan includes loan waivers, crop insurance, free irrigation and assured minimum support prices, supported by a proposed Rs 15,000 crore farmer revolving fund. He also targets smart villages and organic farming to boost livelihoods.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha reportedly shed over 1.1 million Instagram followers within 24 hours of announcing his defection to the BJP. The abrupt drop, following his move with six other AAP MPs on April 24, has triggered a Gen Z backlash debate—fueling questions about how quickly youth audiences punish political switches online.
Iran has kept citizens locked out of the internet for 57 days, with NetBlocks calling it the longest nation scale shutdown on record. The blackout began immediately after joint US and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28, severing digital access across the country and leaving residents without normal connectivity for nearly two months.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged the financial sector to be exceptionally vigilant on cybersecurity, warning that advanced AI tools are accelerating cyberattacks and making them increasingly difficult to detect. She said defenses must evolve faster than attackers. Sitharaman also called for common KYC norms and a principles-based regulatory approach to support market growth while protecting investors.
Bengaluru chartered accountant Meenal Goel says she worked 14-hour days and weekends, yet faced relentless criticism meant to make her leave. After quitting, she learned the negative feedback was reportedly part of a plan to push her out so someone else could take her role. Her experience later fueled a new venture, which she built into a ₹1 crore company.
Lions and cheetahs are typically fierce rivals, yet recent observations show them coexisting peacefully, even playing together. Researchers suggest wildlife sanctuaries make this possible by offering predictable resources and fewer threats. The behavior challenges assumptions about predator dynamics and could reshape conservation planning, pointing to managed environments and careful monitoring to help multiple predators share space safely.
West Bengal’s Bagda and Gaighata elections are being reshaped by a split within the influential Matua first family. With fears among refugee Hindus about possible voter list deletions, anxiety is rising. The contest that once looked like a straight BJP vs TMC fight is now spilling into a family feud, with uncertain consequences for Matua political power and regional outcomes.
The US has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran, with the Treasury Department saying the move is designed to increase pressure on Tehran. Officials cite disruptions to energy supplies amid the Middle East war and promise to degrade Iran’s ability to move funds. Sanctions reportedly target multiple crypto wallets tied to Iran.
New research highlights behavioral flexibility as a key survival tool for animals facing sudden environmental shifts. Instead of waiting for genetic evolution, creatures quickly adjust feeding and movement habits. Yet the same flexibility may reduce selection pressure, potentially slowing longer-term physical change. Across lemurs, urban birds, and mice, these fast adaptations can also boost diversification and shape evolution over time.
Giant Joro spiders, originally from East Asia, are rapidly expanding across the United States. Known for their large size and impressive webbing, they can survive colder conditions and adapt to urban environments, helping them move into new regions. Researchers say they’re unlikely to pose a threat to people, though their arrival is shifting local insect populations, tracked partly through citizen science.
Snow cover across the Hindu Kush Himalaya has fallen to its lowest level in more than two decades, with weak snow levels persisting for the fourth year in a row. The result: reduced snow storage, meaning rivers may carry less water. With major basins like the Indus and Mekong seeing sharp declines, nearly two billion people could feel the impact.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi law firms are urging employees to return to the office after the Iran-related conflict period drove an exodus. Some lawyers who left are reluctant to come back, even as firms offer relocation and financial support. The return-to-office push signals businesses testing normalcy as geopolitical risks appear to ease—raising fresh questions about safety and trust.
Former AAP leader Raghav Chadha’s switch to the BJP is now driving a viral Instagram debate about workplace value. As Chadha and six other AAP MPs joined the BJP, netizens compared politics to corporate life, posting that employees should “leave the company” if they feel undervalued. The move is widely seen as a major jolt to Arvind Kejriwal’s camp.
Pine Labs has acquired a 100% stake in ecommerce enabler Shopflo Technologies for Rs 88 crore, seeking to broaden its online merchant offerings. The deal targets mid-market and small businesses, a key battleground where digital payments firms are racing to win merchants. Pine Labs’ move is set to intensify competition with players including Razorpay and PayU.
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