Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Sebi has banned Anil Ambani and 24 related entities from the securities market for five years, citing fund diversion involving Reliance Home Finance. Along with the market ban, Ambani has been fined Rs 25 crore. Reliance Home Finance faces a six-month securities ban and a Rs 6 lakh penalty, as regulators pursued compliance failures linked to diverted funds.
The makers of Awarapan 2 have officially confirmed an Independence Day release date, betting on a big audience pull right after the holiday weekend buzz. With Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 also pencilled in for a similar window, fans are now watching for a potential box office clash—or a possible shift in Jailer 2’s schedule to avoid competition.
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Tamil Nadu goes to polls today in a single-phase election across all 234 assembly seats, with about 5.67 crore voters—51% women—eligible to vote. The race, traditionally dominated by a DMK–AIADMK bipolar contest, has turned into a triangular battle that could reshape the state’s political map. Out of 234 seats, 44 are reserved for SC and 2 for ST.
The government says milk procurement, processing, and supply across India have stayed uninterrupted during the ongoing West Asia crisis. Officials report milk and milk product prices are stable, with no market supply disruptions. They also say payments to dairy farmers have continued throughout the crisis period, including during an inter-ministerial briefing.
NCPCR and QCI have joined hands to conduct child labour audits and fact-finding across different sectors and industries. The initiative aims to identify violations, improve compliance, and push enforcement efforts as part of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat push. The collaboration signals a more structured approach to uncovering gaps that may not be visible through routine checks alone.
Samsonite CEO says discounting in India’s luggage market is unsustainable, eroding profitability as new players aggressively cut prices. While the sector keeps growing, that growth may slow due to a higher baseline and intensifying competition. Samsonite managed to outpace VIP Industries in revenue, yet VIP’s profits reportedly dropped sharply despite rising sales.
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A person was injured in a firing incident on Faiz Road in Karol Bagh, Central Delhi, between 2:30 and 3:00 am, police said. Rohit, from Than Singh Nagar, Anand Parbat, suffered a serious gunshot wound and is under observation at the hospital. Delhi Police have deployed officers and a forensic team to investigate the case, with a possible “personal enmity” angle being probed.
India has poured billions into drones it largely doesn’t manufacture domestically, even as Indian-made systems find buyers overseas. The contrast raises questions about procurement choices, industrial capacity, and who actually benefits from defense and surveillance spending. With exports growing for some homegrown products, the mismatch between funding and production looks increasingly hard to ignore.
ISRO chief says Chandrayaan-4 will focus on bringing lunar samples back, while Chandrayaan-5 is expected to carry a heavier, more robust lander designed for a longer operational life. Beyond the Moon, ISRO is also looking at a Venus mission, a major Mars landing, and aims to have a fully operational space station by 2035, signaling a faster, bolder roadmap.
X is shutting down Communities, saying only a small fraction of its users were actively using the feature and that a large portion of that activity was spam. The company’s decision effectively ends Groups-style discussion spaces within the platform, underscoring how moderation and engagement challenges are reshaping X’s product lineup.
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RentoMojo’s IPO road has hit an NCLT roadblock after ex-COO Ajay Nain alleged he was coerced into selling his 9.41% stake at a fraction of value. Nain says executives hinted at imminent liquidation and used “fraud and misrepresentation,” pressing for the deal to be voided and the IPO halted. RentoMojo says the matter is sub-judice.
OpenAI has launched GPT 5.5, positioning it less as a chatbot and more as an autonomous “agent” that can carry out complex tasks. The model aims to boost efficiency, better handle multi step work, and introduce tougher safety guardrails—especially for coding, research, and enterprise use cases—marking a notable shift in how AI is deployed.
Incidents like a human finger in ice cream, a dead mouse found in Hershey’s syrup, and even a lizard in soup have spotlighted food safety failures. The key for consumers is keeping strong evidence such as photos and details of the order or batch. You can report problems via food delivery apps, FSSAI’s portal, or consumer forums for faster follow-up.
Gold and silver prices in India fell for a third consecutive session on Thursday, April 23. The dip mirrors global markets where a stronger U.S. dollar and higher bond yields have reduced bullion’s appeal. Shifting expectations around interest rates are prompting investors to stay cautious, dragging prices in major cities including Mumbai.
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Iranian security forces say they destroyed an operational terrorist team linked to Jaish al-Adl after alleged infiltration from Pakistan into Iran’s Rask region in Sistan Baluchestan. Tasnim reports several terrorists were killed during the action. The development highlights intensifying cross-border security tensions involving militant groups active in Iran’s southeast.
Oracle Financial Services Software shares surged up to 8% to an intra-day high of Rs 8,779 after the company reported strong Q4FY26 results. Net profit jumped 30.7% year-on-year, helping push investor sentiment higher during Thursday’s trading. The move underscores renewed optimism around the company’s earnings momentum going into the next quarters.
A fire broke out at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra, with officials saying a suspected hydrocarbon leak likely triggered the blaze. Emergency teams brought the situation under control quickly, and there were no reported injuries. The refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit was isolated as investigations begin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled dedication visit has been postponed.
The India Meteorological Department says India is caught in sharply contrasting conditions, with worsening heatwave days in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, even as rain, thunderstorms, lightning and hail may strike Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and parts of the Northeast. The simultaneous shift could disrupt travel and daily routines across regions.
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Barcelona head to Getafe in La Liga on Saturday with uncertainty around Lamine Yamal after he injured himself immediately after scoring a penalty versus Celta Vigo. The 18-year-old’s strike secured a 1-0 win, but his reaction raised fears over his availability. With the title race tightening, Barcelona’s attack may need to adjust quickly.
Indian markets are expected to start higher on Friday, with Gift Nifty indicating a positive opening for Nifty 50 and Sensex. The outlook comes even as crude oil prices spike and US-Iran tensions intensify in the Middle East, creating a volatile backdrop. Traders will now watch how global cues and risk sentiment balance at open.
Vercel confirmed a security incident after attackers accessed parts of its internal systems via a compromised third-party AI tool. The breach led to exposure of some environment variables and included some employee data, though Vercel says its wider supply chain was not affected. Users are now urged to rotate credentials and enable multi-factor authentication to reduce risk.
NASA has cleared its Artemis moon rocket for an April launch, setting up humanity’s first lunar trip in more than 50 years. Artemis II was delayed after fuel leak and helium system issues. Now, incoming administrator Jared Isaacman is overhauling the program and moving the moon landing goal to Artemis IV to target 2028.
Maruti Suzuki has reportedly discontinued the Ignis in India after continued weak sales and shrinking demand. Production has been halted for more than a month, and bookings have also been stopped. Even a price revision failed to revive interest, with February sales falling nearly 50% year-on-year, signaling a shift toward a Punch-like micro SUV.
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi A7 Pro and Redmi A7 in India, expanding its entry-level lineup with a clear push on practical features. The company positions both phones as dependable everyday options, emphasizing large displays and long-lasting battery life while avoiding a premium price tag. The A-series focus is on making “basic” feel more capable for daily use.
OpenAI is reportedly in discussions to commit as much as $1.5 billion to a new joint venture with private equity firms, according to the Financial Times citing people familiar with the matter. The plan would include an initial $500 million equity contribution, signaling how the AI leader may expand funding and partnerships beyond traditional tech channels.
India has started its first pilot plant for Nd-Fe-B rare earth permanent magnets at ARCI, Hyderabad—aiming to reduce massive yearly imports that cost hundreds of crores. The sintered NdFeB capacity push follows an RFP for 6,000 MTPA. This matters for EVs, wind power, defence systems, and electronics, shifting India from consumer to potential supplier.
Microsoft is offering a voluntary retirement buyout to certain US employees who meet a specific age-plus-service threshold. The company says eligibility is based on years worked at Microsoft and current age adding up to 70 or more. Workers who qualify may choose retirement early under the program, reshaping workforce planning and payroll costs.
David Stever was removed from Ben & Jerry’s after tensions tied to social activism, but he’s now taking charge at rival Jeni’s. Stever will oversee Jeni’s franchise expansion, signaling a major growth push and a notable leadership shift between two iconic ice cream brands.
PlaySimple, the MTG-owned Swedish casual mobile game developer, has filed a DRHP with SEBI for an OFS-only IPO worth Rs 3,150 crore, with MTGx Gaming Holding AB as the sole seller. The firm runs 30 live games across 110+ countries, with 4.99 million DAUs. Revenue rose 20% in 2025, but profits fell 31% as expenses—led by ad and commissions—jumped sharply.
State Bank of India chairman CS Setty says AI is set to revolutionize financial market infrastructure. He expects major changes in how risk is handled, with clearing organizations like Clearing Corp of India moving from post-trade processing to earlier, pre-emptive risk management. As systems digitize and scale, Setty stresses that cybersecurity and operational resilience must remain central.
Auto industry body SIAM says it is reviewing draft CAFE III fuel efficiency norms and will consult members on how manufacturers can meet the proposed implementation timeline. SIAM President Shailesh Chandra declined to comment on potential incentives for small cars, noting manufacturers are split on the idea. SIAM also argues for an enabling environment for EV adoption rather than strict mandates.
Pakistan is preparing Islamabad for a second round of Iran US talks, but uncertainty persists over whether Tehran will actually send a delegation. The ceasefire is fragile and set to expire, raising stakes for diplomacy. Adding to the doubt, Iranian state television aired an on-screen alert claiming no Iranian delegation has visited Islamabad so far, amid growing speculation about possible US talks.
The White House has reportedly created a “naughty and nice” list to grade NATO countries on how they aligned with US positions during the Iran conflict, according to Politico. The Trump administration is reportedly weighing evaluations that could lead to penalties for allies deemed insufficiently supportive, turning alliance politics into a public scorecard.
A survey of bankers suggests India’s banks are set for robust non-food credit growth of about 11–13% in January–June 2026. Improving balance sheets and steady economic activity are expected to lift lending, with retail and SME segments driving most of the expansion. Industrial credit is projected to recover more gradually, while monetary policy is widely seen as likely to stay stable.
Enterprises are moving AI agents from experiments to production, and the key question is how to manage them. Google and AWS are taking opposite paths: Google emphasizes a Kubernetes-style control plane for governance and identity, while AWS pushes config-based harnesses in the execution layer for faster deployment. Both aim to reduce new risks like state drift in long-running agents.
At COP28, India is expected to build on G20 climate outcomes by backing faster renewable growth and calling for about $4 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries. But it is unlikely to sign onto stronger coal phasedown pledges, setting up a tough negotiation as global targets tighten while India seeks flexibility for its energy transition.
Kamal Haasan and his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their votes at the Alwarpet School polling booth in Chennai during the Tamil Nadu State Assembly Elections. The celebrity duo, however, sparked a “VIP treatment” row after they were seen allegedly skipping parts of the polling queue, prompting public backlash and debate over fairness at polling stations.
Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth said monetary and fiscal authorities are taking steps to moderate inflation despite domestic and global headwinds. He stressed that policy action is being calibrated to control price pressures while keeping growth momentum intact. Seth framed the approach as “whatever it takes,” signaling continued coordination to balance inflation containment with economic expansion.
NASA’s Artemis II is scheduled to launch Wednesday with three men and one woman, the first crewed journey to the Moon since 1972. The mission is designed to kick off a new era of American lunar exploration, amid global pressure and comparisons to China’s goal of landing humans on the Moon by 2030.
India is rapidly scaling ethanol, a sugar-based fuel, to reduce dependence on imported crude and raise incomes for farmers. Policy shifts are enabling higher ethanol blends for vehicles and even aviation, with plans moving toward E20 and exploring E100. The effort brings agriculture, energy, and transport sectors together for a coordinated energy transition.
Police in south Delhi’s Kailash Hills say the accused, a former domestic help of the victim’s family, showed signs of compulsive sexual behaviour. They allege he made a chilling confession after being dismissed from his job, linking that rejection to escalating resentment that ended in a brutal attack on the IRS officer’s daughter.
Meta is replacing its Accounts Center with a new Meta Account aimed at simplifying how users manage their experience across multiple Meta apps and devices. The change is designed to consolidate settings and make cross-app control more seamless, reducing the need to revisit different menus as you switch platforms within Meta’s ecosystem.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took aim at the BJP and Prime Minister, alleging the party stage-managed the PM’s election-related stopover in Jhargram to eat jhal muri. Speaking at Bowbazar, she turned the debate to her own food habits, saying she eats everything from fish and chicken curry to dhokla, dosa and Eid vermicelli—adding, “Don’t teach me religion.”
ITC Ltd is expanding aggressively into protein-rich foods as part of its health and wellness strategy. The company plans to roll out affordable protein-focused products across categories, using consumer insights and innovation to make protein accessible to a wider audience. With the health segment growing quickly, ITC aims to capture future demand and scale this business further.
BigBasket, part of Tata Group, has appointed Arpit Jaiswal as Chief Growth Officer to lead growth that is both sustainable and profitable. He will drive product development, user acquisition and retention, and market expansion, working with cross-functional teams to boost customer engagement and monetization efficiency. Jaiswal previously led growth and product initiatives at Google Pay, including AI-led user acquisition and unit economics.
Investigators say the Delhi murder of an IRS officer’s daughter was part of a 12-hour, two-state crime spree by ex-help Rahul Meena. Reports claim he allegedly raped a woman in Alwar hours before the CCTV-captured attack in south Delhi, where he killed the victim and looted around cash, then fled. Authorities are piecing together the meticulously timed trail.
Asian markets pulled back from record highs as oil prices climbed again amid renewed shipping troubles in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows a strong Wall Street session but signals fragile risk appetite in Asia-Pacific, with MSCI’s broad index slipping 0.5%. Futures also point to a weaker European start.
The IBBI has amended its insolvency regulations to permit the same resolution professional to handle both a distressed firm’s resolution and the bankruptcy proceedings of its personal guarantors. By removing the earlier restriction on dual roles, the watchdog says the move will harmonize timelines, decision-making, and coordination across the two linked processes.
India’s car market is setting records in FY26, but the biggest change is what buyers are paying. Carmakers tilted toward premium models, raised prices, and cut discounts—yet sales still hit a high. The pattern points to resilient demand and stronger manufacturer margins, with shoppers increasingly choosing higher-value cars.
Tech Mahindra shares fell nearly 3% on Thursday, sliding to an intraday low of ₹1,418 and extending a four-day losing streak. The drop came as investors weighed a quarterly profit miss against the company’s record-high total dividend of ₹51 per share for FY26. Despite net profit rising 16% year-on-year to ₹1,354 crore, results came in about 10% below analyst estimates.
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