Despite positive outlook from government and rating agencies, high-frequency indicators for India's economy in the first half of the fiscal year show challenges. While inflation has decreased and GST reforms have helped consumption, indicators like industrial production, exports, and new projects show a gloomy scenario. However, GST collections and GDP growth remain stable.
Southern Railways has launched a summer special train service between Nagercoil and Shalimar to ease congestion and provide a smoother travel experience for passengers. The train will consist of different coaches, including Divyangjan-friendly ones, and will make stops at various stations along the route. This service will benefit commuters by reducing rush and providing confirmed tickets.
Samrat Choudhary, a senior BJP leader, has been sworn in as Bihar's 24th Chief Minister, with the support of Nitish Kumar. The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders from the alliance. This marks a historic moment as Bihar gets its first BJP Chief.
Natasha Cochrane de la Rosa, a British-Spanish dual national, was stranded in Spain due to a new passport rule. The UK Home Office is facing backlash for not properly communicating the changes, causing trouble for dual nationals like Natasha. She now faces a complicated and lengthy process to return home and fears being stuck in Europe for months.
Bob Iger, former CEO of Walt Disney and a leading figure in the entertainment industry, leads a disciplined life. Starting his day with coffee and a workout in the dark, he likes to maintain his health and stay focused and creative at work. His motto is "The early bird catches the worm."
US Vice President JD Vance was interrupted mid-speech on Tuesday as anger over America’s Gaza policy spilled into the room. He was speaking at the University of Georgia when someone in the audience suddenly shouted, “Jesus Christ does not support genocide!”
The United States, according to Reuters, has decided not to extend a short-term relief it had quietly granted on Iranian oil, further tightening the squeeze on Tehran as tensions run high.
A question from an Indian student on H-1B visas put Vice President JD Vance on the spot, and his response is now going viral. Speaking at the University of Mississippi during a Turning Point USA event on April 14, Vance acknowledged problems in the visa system but also brought up his own family to make a broader point about immigration and identity.
Travel trends 2026: As the summer travel season returns amid an ongoing global crisis, choosing the perfect destination is no longer just about the itinerary.
The RBI has issued new draft guidelines for upper-layer NBFCs, but Tata Sons' request to surrender its CIC registration in 2024 is still pending. Deregistration may not be possible, and experts believe Tata Sons may have to go public due to a lack of exemption in the guidelines.
Wipro's fourth-quarter results are expected to show a decline in revenue due to delays in deals and pricing pressure. However, analysts predict the company will outperform Infosys and HCL Technologies, thanks to its acquisition of Harman's DTS business unit. There is also speculation about a potential share buyback. The performance is scheduled to be announced on April 16.
MoRTH has amended national highways fee rules to rationalise collection from overloaded vehicles. Revised fee structure charges vehicles based on percentage of overloading, with no fee for up to 10% excess load. Overloading determined using weight measurement devices at fee plazas.
The Indian automobile industry had a successful FY26 with a 10.4% increase in sales. Passenger vehicle sales reached a record high of 4.6 million units due to a strong recovery in the second half. FY27 is expected to see continued growth, but concerns about global geopolitical developments remain. The industry is also focusing on electric vehicle sales and reviewing new norms and policies.
Adani Electricity Mumbai Infrastructure (AEMIL), a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), has commissioned a 1,000 MW HVDC transmission link between Kudus and Aarey. The project, including a 30-km overhead line and 50-km underground corridor, improves grid resilience in the densely built urban environment.
Experts raise concerns about employee protection at TCS Nashik office after sexual harassment allegations. HR involvement raises questions about institutional responsibility and internal safeguards. Lack of independent escalation mechanisms and employee awareness highlighted.
The Wealth Company has launched two new schemes, WSIF Equity Long-Short Fund and WSIF Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund, under their specialized investment fund offering. These aim to generate long-term capital appreciation through a diverse portfolio of equities and selective short positions, with a focus on companies beyond the top 100.
Audi India is experiencing a surge in repeat customers, making up one-third of their buyers. This loyalty-driven demand is vital in the competitive luxury car market, where SUVs account for 60% of sales. To maintain customer retention and increase lifecycle value, Audi is implementing buyback programs and incentives. As prices rise, first-time buyers are turning to certified pre-owned vehicles.
Volkswagen India launched the new Taigun midsize SUV with a segment-first 75% assured buyback programme. The SUV guarantees a residual value of 75% of the ex-showroom price, with up to 40 updates and advanced safety features. The new Taigun also features a new voice assistant, a 25.65-cm infotainment system, and a refreshed exterior design.
Rani Kapur, the matriarch of the Kapur family behind Sona Comstar, holds significant influence over the company's promoter holding through veto powers granted by the 2017 private family trust. The trust, designed as a founder-protection mechanism, has now become the center of a high-stakes battle for control between Rani and her daughter-in-law, Priya.
Bill Gates' Xanadu 2.0, named after the fictional mansion in Citizen Kane, is a 66,000 sq ft estate built from 500 Douglas fir trees and seven types of stone. The $130 million property features advanced technology, personalized guest experiences, and sustainable design elements. With a private tunnel, 475 feet of waterfront, and luxurious amenities, it remains Gates' most ambitious project.
Hong Kong is an affordable destination with luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Indians can now visit without a traditional visa through a Pre-Arrival Registration process. Flights from India are reasonably priced, and the city offers iconic landmarks, fast-paced energy, and Indian-friendly amenities.
In the 1960s, Lata Mangeshkar demanded a fair share of royalties for playback singers, but her friend and collaborator Mohammed Rafi did not support her. This led to a rift between them and a split in the industry. It took decades for singers to receive royalties, and the truce was finally brokered by music director Jaikishen.
Aishbagh Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh is being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with a focus on improving basic facilities, safety, and overall passenger convenience. The upgrade includes a modern station building, improved waiting areas and toilets, a foot overbridge for easier movement, better parking and circulation.
South Western Railway has launched special trains from Bengaluru to Odisha to ease overcrowding and improve ticket availability during the peak summer holiday season. The trains will run from SMVT Bengaluru to Rupsa and offer a convenient travel option for long-distance commuters.
Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara and owner of Inditex, has a €20 billion real estate portfolio in 11 countries through his investment firm, Pontegadea Inversiones SL. Using Inditex dividends, Pontegadea buys prime commercial properties globally. Despite his wealth, Ortega lives modestly in a simple Spanish apartment. Pontegadea's strategy is to invest in properties with long-term value.
UK-born Junead Khan, a startup founder, faced a tough decision between working at JPMorgan in London or Microsoft in the US. Despite being offered a $184,000 salary gap, he chose Microsoft, citing the higher pay in the American tech market. Khan's Instagram post sparked a debate on the salary differences between the two countries, with some noting the challenges faced by immigrants in the US.
Oprah Winfrey's inspiring story of rising from poverty in rural Mississippi to becoming the first Black female billionaire in US history is a testament to her determination and love for learning. Despite facing adversity, she built an empire through media ownership, amassing a net worth of $3.2 billion and earning numerous accolades.
An explosion at Vedanta's power plant in Chhattisgarh killed nine workers and injured 15. The blast occurred in a boiler tube at the plant in Singhitarai village. Rescue operations are underway, and the injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The Chief Minister has promised a probe and strict action against those responsible.
India's crude oil imports from Russia surged in March to 5.3 billion euros, driven by a rise in oil prices and a doubling of volumes. This was reported by CREA, which revealed that India was the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels during this time. The increase was due to a one-month sanctions waiver from the US, easing tensions with Iran.
The Indian government has introduced the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore to aid the country's startup industry. The fund will prioritize deep-tech, tech-driven, and creative manufacturing startups, providing them with tailored support. DPIIT will release the fund's guidelines, which will be implemented by SIDBI.
RailTel Corporation of India has received orders worth Rs 43.96 crore from UP Police Recruitment Board and Rs 23.18 crore from Goa Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. However, the company also faced a setback as an order worth Rs 17.12 crore from Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti was cancelled. RailTel is also working on a comprehensive IT systems project.
Larsen & Toubro's subsidiary, L&T Realty Properties, has acquired International Green Scapes for Rs 1,123 crore in an all-cash deal. This strengthens L&T's real estate presence in Gurugram, with IGSL becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of both L&T Realty Properties and L&T. The acquisition will help L&T leverage IGSL's land assets to expand its development portfolio.
S&P Global Ratings forecasts a potential 80 basis point decrease in India's economic growth if crude oil prices reach $130 per barrel in 2026. However, the country's strong domestic fundamentals, government support, and improved corporate and banking sector health are expected to mitigate the impact. Despite risks, India is well-equipped to handle elevated oil prices and supply disruptions.
The highly anticipated 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards will be held on May 8th, featuring nominees from the Broadcast, Movie, Theatre, and Musical industries. Park Bo Gum, Suzy, and Shin Dong Yeob will be the hosts. Eligible productions must have aired or released between April 1, 2025, and March 31.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, produced on a budget of $110 million, has grossed $629 million globally and is the year's biggest blockbuster. It debuted with $190.8 million domestically and collected $69 million in its second weekend. It has set multiple records, including being the top-grossing release of 2026 from a US studio.
Poonawalla Fincorp raises Rs 2,500 crore through QIP, sees strong participation from institutional investors and long-term funds. The issue price of Rs 370.75 per share was at a 5% discount to the floor price, with proceeds of Rs 2,500 crore. The company's Q4 results will be released on May 5, with strong performance in the last three quarters and improved asset quality.
A US website, Jobs.Now, has revealed "hidden jobs" for American workers, including "Apple PERM jobs" that offer permanent resident status. This has been applauded by top Trump officials for exposing discriminatory hiring practices, like "H-1B visa only" postings. The platform also highlighted the Justice Department's $25 million settlement with Apple for employment discrimination.
The Munger Railway Station in Bihar is undergoing redevelopment as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This includes a modern building, improved facilities, and passenger-friendly amenities such as waiting lounges and clean toilets. The station also has a vast circulating area and a planned parking system to reduce congestion.
ICICI Prudential AMC has proposed a dividend of Rs 12.40 per share, subject to shareholder approval. The company also approved employee incentive plans and saw a decline in Q4FY26 profitability and income. It holds a market share of 13% and is the largest equity-focused AMC in India. The stock has gained 27% in 2026.
Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi, a US citizen of Pakistani origin, is being sued for $1m for falsely claiming she was detained by the US Department of Homeland Security for two days. The Dodge County Sheriff is accusing her of lying about being held in an ICE detention facility and transferred to Wisconsin, revealing that she was actually staying at a hotel near Chicago.
PM Modi to inaugurate Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, featuring a 12-km elevated wildlife corridor, 10 interchanges, 3 ROBs, 4 major bridges, and 12 roadside facilities. The project, costing over Rs 12,000 crore, aims to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6 hours to just 2.5 hours.
Talks between the United States and Iran are likely to start again after a tense round of negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal, but both sides have now left the door open for another meeting in the coming days.
LIC, India's largest insurer, to issue 1:1 bonus shares backed by Rs 6,325 crore from reserves and surplus. Eligible shareholders to receive one bonus share for every one held, doubling LIC's paid-up equity capital. Bonus aimed at rewarding shareholders and increasing trading activity, without affecting financial strength. Stock has seen a rise in response to the announcement.
More than six years after she disappeared, the search for Mayushi Bhagat is still on. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that could help find her or uncover what happened.
"Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar, had a successful fourth week at the box office, grossing nearly Rs 30 crore. However, the Monday blues and the release of Akshay Kumar's 'Bhoot Bangla' may affect its collections. The film has entered the Rs 1700 crore club worldwide and has received praise from south stars.
Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfing superstar, won his second consecutive Masters title in 2026. He is also a successful investor and brand ambassador for Whoop, a fitness technology company. His strict training and recovery routine, based on data from his Whoop device, was revealed by entrepreneur Joe Pompliano. McIlroy credits his longevity-focused approach for his success.
Grandmother and DoorDash driver Sharon Simmons went viral for delivering McDonald's to Trump at the White House. She thanked him for his "no tax on tips" policy that saved her family $11,000. The encounter, likely staged, included Trump asking if she voted for him and trying to bring her inside.
The US government is preparing to tighten its visa rules in a big way, and this time, the focus is clearly on wages. The US Department of Labor (DOL) recently rolled out a proposal that could significantly raise the minimum salaries companies must offer when hiring foreign workers under programs like H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM.
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Monday made it clear that Tehran is taking steps to help Indian ships move safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
In the late 1960s, in Tamil Nadu, a boy was born into a world far removed from robotics, operating rooms, and billion-dollar medical companies. He grew up in Chennai, studied engineering, left India in the early 1990s like many ambitious young engineers
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after facing inconvenience at Jhansi railway station. She blamed railway authorities for confusion and mismanagement, and asked for an explanation and action. Bharti also highlighted similar problems at Mathura station.