Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A Florida Republican governor candidate, James Fishback, drew attention for questioning FBI Director Kash Patel’s competence at a campaign event—using a remark tied to Indian food. The comment has sparked online backlash as Patel faces scrutiny from a report alleging problems at the FBI. Patel has denied the claims and says he will pursue legal action.
After Raghav Chadha and six Rajya Sabha MPs quit the Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP escalated its attack on Arvind Kejriwal. Deputy CM Parvesh Verma called Kejriwal “Rehman Dakait” and tagged his new Type-VII bungalow as “Sheesh Mahal part two,” accusing him of betraying Delhi’s people. AAP hit back, disputing the claims.
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Two women aged 20 and 22 have been charged after offensive graffiti was sprayed on Melbourne RSL sub-branches on Anzac Day. Police arrested the pair at a Heidelberg RSL, with similar vandalism reported at Reservoir and Fawkner RSLs. The graffiti targeted veterans and the ADF, sparking community backlash and support for those affected.
An employee body for central government teachers in Union Territories has submitted a memorandum ahead of the 8th Pay Commission, demanding a minimum basic pay of Rs 50,000 and a fitment factor up to 3.83. It also calls for higher allowances, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, and improved career progression for better long term growth.
Mitchell Starc has rejoined the Delhi Capitals camp after an injury layoff, arriving mid-season as the IPL 2026 campaign continues to trouble the franchise. The Australian speedster’s return is expected to strengthen DC’s bowling options and reshape their matchups in the middle overs and death phases. Starc’s fitness could prove pivotal for the team’s turnaround.
India’s leading IT companies reduced headcount by nearly 7,000 in FY26, signaling a move from expansion to efficiency. The hiring slowdown is attributed to AI-driven restructuring and uncertain demand, pushing firms to favor specialized skills over broad recruiting. Even with these cuts, total industry employment edged up slightly, mainly due to growth at global capability centers.
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Bitcoin is holding near recent highs around $78K while Ethereum remains steady near $2,300, but the rally is losing steam after a strong rebound. Global crypto market capitalization dipped slightly as geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in monetary policy weighed on risk appetite. Despite mixed altcoin moves, investors appear to be concentrating capital in leading coins, treating Bitcoin as a macro hedge-like alternative.
A US judge dismissed Elon Musk’s fraud claims against OpenAI and Sam Altman at Musk’s request, but the lawsuit is still set to go to trial. The case will now focus on Musk’s remaining allegations of breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment, with jury selection beginning Monday and opening arguments planned for Tuesday. Musk is seeking $150 billion in damages.
Foreign institutional investors extended their selloff in 2026, dumping Indian equities worth Rs 17,140 crore last week and pushing April outflows to Rs 43,967 crore. The pressure is being linked to geopolitical worries and weak sector leadership, dragging domestic indices. Traders now watch the next global cues, with the US FOMC and Japan’s rate decision likely to steer the next move.
Paytm says the RBI’s action on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) will not affect its business or financial position. The company claims it has no material exposure and no operational link with the banking entity, adding that its services will remain fully operational. Paytm’s statement aims to reassure users amid regulatory scrutiny of PPBL.
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New York is suing the federal government after Washington withheld nearly $74 million in highway funds. The dispute traces back to New York’s refusal to revoke thousands of commercial driving licenses held by immigrants. Federal officials said the licenses had validity and enforcement issues, while state officials argue they followed existing rules and call the move political payback.
A new wave of Russian public criticism is emerging as influencers and creators openly question President Putin’s wartime policies. The pushback is being driven by economic hardship and strict internet controls, with Putin’s approval ratings reportedly sliding. While it is not an immediate threat to the Kremlin, analysts say the unrest signals mounting pressure as shutdowns and strain fuel frustration.
The Enforcement Directorate has carried out fresh searches at seven locations across Delhi-NCR in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud against home buyers. The probe centers on claims that flats in the Raheja Revanta project were not delivered, raising questions over how funds were used and whether investors were misled.
Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory for the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on April 25. Expect heavy congestion in central Delhi, with possible road diversions and traffic restrictions scheduled from 1 pm to 9 pm, alongside parking-related rules. Commuters are urged to plan routes early to avoid delays.
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The Election Commission has announced that no repoll will be conducted in any polling stations in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where assembly elections took place on Thursday. EC officials clarified that the results process will proceed without ordering fresh voting at any location in these states, following the completion of polling.
Goldman Sachs says Gulf crude output may rebound quickly once the Strait of Hormuz reopens, with a possible recovery within months. Still, a full return to pre-war levels could take longer as ramp-up depends on pipeline capacity, available tankers, and field workovers. A longer closure could also cause lasting “capacity scarring,” delaying normalization.
After RCB’s commanding win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, Virat Kohli drew standout praise for his role in a successful chase at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 24. Despite doubters calling him no natural six-hitter, Kohli’s finishing and strike control shaped the chase, earning fans and experts a rare “masterclass” label.
China says it will stabilize its fertilizer market as spring planting starts, after domestic prices rose but stayed well under international benchmarks. The agriculture ministry claims supplies will remain ample, a move aimed at protecting food security during the critical planting season. The commitment could influence global fertilizer expectations and pricing dynamics.
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Anthropic’s Mythos AI is raising alarms in banking circles worldwide. Banks and regulators worry the system could help automate and accelerate large-scale cyberattacks targeting financial infrastructure. The concern is less about a single breach and more about speed and scale—potentially changing how quickly attackers can exploit weaknesses across interconnected institutions and markets.
A new Science study reports giant octopus-like creatures reaching about 19 metres long roaming ancient oceans roughly 100 million years ago. Fossilised beaks suggest they could crush bones and hunt at the top of the food chain, rivaling marine giants like mosasaurs. The findings point to intelligent invertebrates dominating ecosystems long before the Kraken entered modern legend.
A video link meant to showcase a Russian soldier instead turned into an interruption by a Ukrainian Armed Forces member during a closed-door recruitment event at Kuban State Agrarian University. The Ukrainian soldier reportedly warned students about the grim reality of the war—pointing to a four-year stalemate and casualty figures he said are omitted from Kremlin reports—sparking chaos among attendees.
Microsoft has announced its first-ever voluntary retirement program, targeting about 7% of its US workforce. To be eligible, employees must be at or below the senior director level and meet a specific rule: their age plus years of service must total 70. Microsoft says the plan is capped and only certain roles qualify, making the math a key hurdle.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann fired a sharp jibe at seven AAP MPs who defected to the BJP, using a vivid spice metaphor. In a post on X, he said the defectors can “enhance” the party but cannot become the “vegetable” or main ingredient, adding that no individual is bigger than the party.
Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson says he’s sorry for misleading people while supporting Donald Trump during the campaign. The admission marks a noticeable departure from his earlier role as a prominent Trump ally, triggering sharp debate. Supporters call it an honest reassessment, while critics suspect it may be a strategic move timed for influence.
The Aam Aadmi Party is reeling after Raghav Chadha and six Rajya Sabha MPs quit and joined the BJP, exposing a serious internal rift. Despite Arvind Kejriwal’s efforts to reconcile, the lawmakers refused to engage, leaving AAP scrambling for damage control and recalibrating its political strategy after the unexpected defection.
K Kavitha, former BRS leader, launched her new political party Telangana Rashtra Sena in Hyderabad nearly seven months after leaving the BRS. The split turned contentious, following her suspension in September 2025 over alleged “anti-party activities.” At the launch event, Kavitha positioned TRS as her political comeback, signaling a new push in Telangana’s power equations.
AI companies are pouring money into lobbying efforts in both Europe and the United States while simultaneously courting the public with “AI for good” messaging. The coordinated push aims to influence emerging regulations as policymakers struggle to balance innovation with concerns over jobs, societal impacts, and how the technology should be governed.
Senior citizens can still find fixed deposit (FD) interest rates up to 8.05% for a three-year tenure at select small finance banks, though the benefit is capped at Rs 3 crore. Banks typically deduct TDS on FD interest above Rs 1 lakh annually, but seniors with zero tax liability can submit Form 15H to avoid it.
K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, has launched a new political party called Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS). The move marks her formal entry into a new political role in the state and sets up a fresh campaign as Telangana politics braces for shifting allegiances and power dynamics.
AAP is regrouping after a seismic split saw two-thirds of its Rajya Sabha MPs move to the BJP. Manish Sisodia met Arvind Kejriwal following his Gujarat campaign return to assess the fallout and decide next steps. With party leaders actively deliberating, the exodus tied to Raghav Chadha’s move has put AAP’s political strategy under intense review.
Jane Street, a major market maker, reportedly logged a record $39.6 billion in net trading revenue last year, outpacing rivals Citadel Securities and Hudson River Trading. The jump was driven by heightened market volatility and a sizeable lift from its private startup investments, including AI company Anthropic.
India’s markets are bracing for a big week driven by US events, with Microsoft and Alphabet earnings in focus and investors hunting for signs on artificial intelligence spending. The Federal Reserve meeting could also shift expectations, while upcoming growth and inflation data add pressure. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East loom over sentiment, amplifying volatility.
Unusual shipments of military-grade jet fuel and diesel from Washington state are heading to the Philippines and Japan, underscoring how the Iran war is reshaping global oil flows. With traditional routes constrained, Asia-Pacific buyers are turning more to US supply lines, pointing to a widening jet fuel crunch across the region.
Sebi has proposed changes to broker regulations aimed at better handling partially paid securities. The plan focuses on stricter payment timelines and a faster mechanism to retrieve pledged investments, reducing long delays that hurt liquidity and investor confidence. At the same time, the framework keeps some flexibility for difficult cases where timelines may be challenging, balancing efficiency and practicality.
SEBI is planning a major overhaul of how brokers calculate variable net worth. The new risk-based approach aims to link capital adequacy to the actual risk of a broker’s operations and the size of its client base. The move could force brokers to rethink buffers and compliance strategies as regulators target more accurate capital coverage.
Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand is battling 20 forest fire incidents this season, with nearly 15 hectares of forest land affected. Officials attribute the surge to dry weather and human negligence, and say several fires look deliberately set. Authorities have started strict action including financial penalties and jail time, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend offenders.
Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group has injected ₹1,075 crore into SMFG India Credit, its Indian NBFC arm. The move follows a ₹3,000 crore infusion in December 2024. By December 2025, SMFG India Credit’s assets under management rose to ₹64,100 crore. Separately, the group increased its Yes Bank stake to 24.2% in September 2025.
The World Meteorological Organisation says the Equatorial Pacific is shifting as sea surface temperatures rise, making a return of El Niño likely by May to July 2026. Its Global Seasonal Climate Update also predicts nearly global dominance of above normal land surface temperatures, alongside uneven rainfall patterns across regions—raising concerns for heat stress and water planning worldwide.
JPMorgan downgraded India’s stock market stance to Neutral from Overweight, citing stretched valuations, earnings risks, possible dilution, limited tech exposure, and monsoon-linked uncertainty. The bank warns the Nifty may drop sharply even as it points investors toward comparatively better opportunities in other emerging markets.
Texas authorities have arrested former substitute teacher Angela Palmares after Llano ISD reported concerns about an alleged improper relationship with a student. The Llano County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation, and Palmares was later apprehended in Bell County. Police say the felony charge is tied to information that surfaced on April 21, 2026.
India’s Nifty IT index slid about 10% in a single week, its worst stretch since March 2020, as weak Q4 earnings and cautious guidance spooked investors. Heavy selling accelerated amid FIIs reducing exposure and deteriorating technical indicators. While some investors see value in mid-cap IT names over the long run, analysts warn downside risk may persist.
A 30-year-old woman from Gujarat is in critical condition in the US after a gunshot to her face. Police have arrested her husband, calling the incident an accidental firing. The victim suffered severe damage to her jaw, teeth, and lip, and is expected to require extensive medical treatment and a long recovery.
Virat Kohli’s explosive 81 off 44 powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a convincing five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 24. Kohli’s innings rewrote IPL records as RCB tightened the noose early and finished strongly, leaving GT chasing an unreachable target.
Indian equities ended the week lower as hopes for an elusive US-Iran truce faded, denting risk sentiment. Crude oil surged, adding pressure across the board. IT stocks also struggled after several companies reported earnings below expectations. Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers, prompting analysts to urge patience and gradual positioning.
JP Morgan has shifted India to neutral, warning that elevated valuations leave less room for upside while earnings risk increases. HSBC has also downgraded India, pointing to inflationary pressures and softer demand that could weigh on growth. Analysts say India’s long-standing premium is under strain as investors look at other emerging markets with cheaper entry points for similar returns.
ATSEPA, an electronics engineers’ body, has opposed proposed privatisation of India’s air traffic control services. The group warns the plan should not proceed without an independent regulator, saying it could weaken national strategic capabilities. ATSEPA also argues that splitting safety-critical functions would blur responsibility, undermining accountability in high-stakes operations.
A Pennsylvania employee claims their employer pushed a last-minute contract after resignation, demanding $5,000 for every negative online review. The company reportedly also threatened to withhold an earned PTO payout of about $2,200 unless the worker signed the agreement. The worker turned to online communities for advice, where many urged refusing the clause and challenging the demand.
Oil prices saw sharp swings before ending the week higher, even after early gains faded. Traders are tracking possible U.S. and Iran peace talks that could reduce supply worries, but disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are sustaining fears of renewed escalation. That uncertainty is keeping crude prices supported into the next trading stretch.
IndusInd Bank reported a net profit of Rs 594 crore for the March 2026 quarter, marking a sharp turnaround. The improvement was driven largely by reduced provisions and tighter control over loan slippages. For FY26, the bank’s profit rose to Rs 889 crore, signaling a steadier performance heading into the next fiscal cycle.
Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes took another hit after Real Betis rescued a late equalizer in a thrilling 1-1 draw. The result left Los Blancos trailing Barcelona by eight points with just five matches remaining. The timing of Betis’ stoppage-time strike ensured Madrid dropped precious points at a crucial stage of the season.
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