Tehran witnessed a significant development on April 6, 2026, as Iranian state media reported the death of Majid Khademi, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organisation.
Startups in the fashion industry are promoting body positivity and comfort by offering extended sizing, supportive shapewear, and wellness solutions. Brands like BeyondBound, Underneat, Krvvy, and Invogue are challenging traditional beauty standards by featuring diverse models. Snitch, a menswear brand, is also shifting the narrative around men's body image.
Spotify has introduced a 'Verified by Spotify' badge to identify authentic human artists on its platform, as AI-generated music rises in popularity. The badge will display a green checkmark and verification label on artist profiles. Meanwhile, the 'Stacey Face' trend, fueled by AI beauty apps, is promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
Google and Samsung are incorporating AI into everyday functions, such as the upcoming Magic Pointer cursor that predicts users' actions and performs tasks without opening new windows. Samsung's Vision AI televisions and Google's Gemini Intelligence will improve sound and picture quality. HP is also launching devices with built-in AI, making it easier for professionals to use AI.
Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray believed that cinema is best at portraying the complexities of the human mind. DAG's exhibition, Faces and Facets: Satyajit Ray in Colour, showcases 126 color photographs by Nemai Ghosh, depicting Ray's artistic journey and creative process. The photographs offer a glimpse into Ray's multidimensional personality and humble beginnings.
Mirza Waheed's novel "Maryam & Son" tells the story of Maryam Ali, a strong British-Indian woman who has integrated into English society. Her son Dilawar goes missing, and the secret service suspects he may be linked to a swordsman in an ISIS video. Maryam's emotions unravel as she struggles with her family and herself, ultimately showing the strength and resilience of a mother's love.
PM Modi's push for conserving petroleum has made finding fuel-efficient cars a national focus. Our list of top cars, ranging from the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 to the BMW iX1 LWB, includes the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG, Toyota Hyryder Hybrid, and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. With increasing oil prices, choosing an economical car is crucial.
Electric cars have a high energy efficiency rate of nearly 90% due to their simpler design and the ability to recapture energy while driving. They also have a more sustainable supply chain through battery recycling. Physics proves that EVs are better at conserving resources, but the choice between an EV and traditional ICE car depends on individual factors.
The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards kicked off with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as hosts. Top stars from South Korea and Japan walked the red carpet, with rookie music acts and iconic groups performing. Japanese boy band DXTeen set the stage on fire, while actors Lee Junho, Go Young Jung, and Akasaka Akira presented awards. The winners included VVUP, SWEET STEADY, IDID, CANDY.
The NCB seized a Rs 182 crore consignment of Captagon in "Operation RAGEPILL". A foreign national was arrested and the Home Minister emphasized the government's commitment to a "Drug-Free India". Captagon is linked to organized crime and extremist financing networks.
The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA) are back with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as main hosts, and Max Changmin as presenter. The star-studded lineup includes performances by ENHYPEN, ATEEZ, and WILD BLUE. Fan-voted categories have top contenders like BTS, BLACKPINK, and IU.
Gig and platform workers in India are going on a five-hour shutdown to protest against rising fuel prices and demand a minimum rate of Rs 20 per km. The recent petrol and diesel price hikes have greatly affected their earnings, and the union is calling for government and platform intervention.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Netherlands for his second visit to the country, where he will discuss trade, defence, semiconductors, innovation, and clean energy cooperation. He was welcomed by Dutch officials and will meet with the Dutch PM and the King and Queen. The visit aims to strengthen India's partnership with Europe, particularly in the semiconductor industry.
CJI Surya Kant raised concerns about attacks on the judiciary and questioned the authenticity of law degrees held by some lawyers. He also criticized unemployed law graduates for turning to social media instead of practicing law. The court expressed doubts about the degrees of Delhi advocates and urged for a CBI investigation into fraudulent degrees.
Starbucks plans to lay off 300 employees in the US and restructure its international corporate workforce. This is the third shakeup since CEO Brian Niccol took over in 2024. The company is also closing regional offices to focus on profit. Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy has led to strong sales through investments in staffing and operations.
Panic buying of fuel in Odisha due to rumours of price hike caused disruptions to transport services. Government and oil companies assured sufficient stock, but gig workers and small operators faced a crisis. Officials urged calm and advised against hoarding, while implementing temporary sale limits.
The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre was due to higher crude oil prices and losses faced by state-run oil companies. CNG prices also rose by ₹2 per kg. Economists predict a 12-20 basis point impact on retail inflation. Despite the hike, state-run fuel retailers continue to suffer losses of ₹1,000 crore daily.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is quickly becoming Mumbai's second major airport, serving over 150 flights and 1 million passengers daily. However, the airport's next hurdle is providing reliable travel time for commuters from all areas of the city. While the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has improved access from the south, the western suburbs still face lengthy and uncertain journeys.
The government is procuring onions from farmers to stabilize prices, as they have dropped significantly. A target of 0.1 million tonnes has been set for this fiscal year due to increased production and export challenges. Export incentives should be provided to boost shipments, as current prices only cover production costs.
Presumptive taxation allows professionals on contractual assignments to pay taxes on 50% of their gross professional receipts without detailed bookkeeping. However, those with high business expenses may choose regular taxation. Investing in a spouse's name may not save taxes if the funds come from the other spouse's income.
PM Modi urges people to save India's foreign exchange reserves by avoiding buying gold for a year. Consider exchanging old jewellery for redesigned ornaments, but be aware of potential capital gains tax. All jewellery sales must be disclosed in income tax return, and inherited gold may adopt fair market value for capital gains. Recycled deductions include wastage and non-gold materials.
Equity-based rewards are a common part of pay structures, but can be complex for employees with careers spanning multiple jurisdictions. Tax is triggered in India for Indian employees receiving RSUs from foreign parent companies, and the host country may also tax the income. Changes in residential status can further complicate matters.
Credit card users can now enjoy airport lounge access as a premium benefit, but they must meet minimum spend thresholds of Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 per quarter for mid-range cards. Instead of focusing on meeting these thresholds, customers should prioritize the core value of each card.
Mutual fund houses responded to the ceasefire announcement in April by increasing their cash holdings, with 28 fund houses adding Rs 14,540.63 crore. However, 20 fund houses reduced their cash levels, with ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund leading the way by increasing its cash holdings by Rs 5,557 crore. The industry's overall cash holding rose from 2.55% to 2.57%.
DMRC has launched a shuttle bus service in partnership with two ministries to improve last-mile connectivity in the Central Vista area. The service will operate during peak office hours on working days, with affordable fares and modern safety features. It aims to connect key government offices and landmarks, providing multiple payment options for commuters.
The AIFF is facing financial difficulties in Indian football and plans to charge ISL clubs a license fee of Rs 3 crore if they choose to work with Genius Sports for the next 20 years. An alternative option with FanCode is available, but the AIFF is hesitant due to the guaranteed fees from Genius Sports. This decision is a result of the AIFF's loss of income.
Benchmark equity indices fell by up to 2.70% due to geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and a strong dollar. The Indian rupee hit a record low against the US dollar. This led to a massive wealth erosion of Rs 12.9 lakh crore and foreign investors were also affected.
The CBI has arrested PV Kulkarni, the main suspect in the NEET-UG paper leak, for organizing special coaching classes and dictating the leaked material. Seven others have been arrested and a re-examination for NEET UG 2026 has been scheduled for June 21, 2026. The CBI is dedicated to uncovering the truth and ensuring fairness in the examination process.
The Indian rupee has hit a record low of 96 against the US dollar due to rising oil prices and a strong dollar. This is a 5.5% decrease since the start of the West Asia crisis. Oil prices have reached $109 per barrel, further weakening the rupee. The government and RBI are expected to take action, such as reducing taxes for foreign investors, to support the currency.
India's exports in April reached a record high of $43.5 billion, with a 13.7% growth. The trade deficit decreased to $28.3 billion, the lowest in three months. While exports to West Asia declined due to war, there was good growth in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Higher global petroleum prices also played a role.
Punjab Kings' Arshdeep Singh is facing backlash for two social media incidents, one involving mocking a player's skin color. Fans and cricketers have condemned the underlying colorism and racism, with former player Laxman Sivaramakrishnan demanding accountability. Arshdeep's further social media activity has worsened the situation, raising concerns about his actions.
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla has been a box office success, grossing Rs 246.60 crore worldwide in just four weeks. It had a strong opening, earning Rs 84.4 crore net in its first week and adding Rs 43.75 crore net in its second week. The film has also been a success overseas, with the UAE alone contributing approximately $1.07 million.
Economists foresee a 15 basis point increase in retail inflation due to the recent Rs 3/litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. More price hikes are expected in the future due to oil companies' losses and high crude prices, leading to an average inflation of 5% in FY27.
India's smart meter rollout under the RDSS is lagging behind with only 44 million meters installed out of the 250 million target by 2028. Execution delays, payment problems, and tariff compression are hindering progress, but the government is working to overcome these challenges. The domestic manufacturing capacity of 100 million meters per year is expected to aid faster deployment.
Maharashtra government reduces VAT on ATF from 18% to 7% to help airlines and passengers cope with rising costs due to West Asia crisis. This move is expected to keep airfares stable and benefit 16 airports and 75 million passengers in the state. Indian aviation sector facing challenges due to airspace closures and spike in ATF prices
India and US officials will meet next month to finalize an interim trade agreement, which was delayed due to a US Supreme Court ruling nullifying reciprocal tariffs. India is seeking preferential access to the US market and discussions on trade issues have been ongoing both physically and virtually.
The implementation of CETA, a trade agreement between India and the UK, has been delayed due to the UK's restrictions on steel imports. Both sides are working on a solution to officially sign the agreement. However, the UK's announcement of new measures to limit tariff-free steel imports will impact India's exports. The CETA aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.
Supreme Court introduces measures to conserve fuel amid rising oil prices. Virtual hearings to be conducted on "miscellaneous days" and during partial working days, with smooth technical coordination ensured by registry. Judges encouraged to carpool and registry employees allowed to work from home two days a week. Measures aim to improve efficiency during global energy crisis.
IMD predicts early arrival of Southwest monsoon, benefiting Kharif crop sowing and winter crop soil moisture. But, possible El Niño conditions in July may cause below-normal rainfall, affecting agricultural output. However, increased irrigation coverage has reduced monsoon's impact on food production.
The UAE is building a new oil pipeline to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which will double their export capacity and boost Fujairah's role as an energy hub. The project is expected to be completed by 2027. Other Gulf countries are also facing the need to find alternative export routes due to the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz causing disruptions in global energy markets and rising oil prices.
The government of Maharashtra has approved four major expressways and road projects in order to improve connectivity in the eastern and western parts of the state, including the Nagpur–Gondia Expressway, Bhandara–Gadchiroli Expressway, Nagpur–Chandrapur Expressway, and Navegaon More–Konsari to Surjagad Greenfield road. The overall cost of these projects stands at ₹51,906.35 crore.
ITC Hotels had a successful Q4, with a significant increase in net profit and revenue. They plan to expand to 250 hotels with 22,000+ keys by 2031 and have signed a record 33 hotels in FY26. Despite challenges, the company proactively managed costs and operations while also implementing strategic initiatives.
Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, is facing calls for resignation after a controversial press conference where he dismissed a female reporter and clashed with journalists. Despite pressure, Perez refuses to resign and has called for a snap election. The only potential challenger is 37-year-old billionaire businessman, Enrique Riquelme, who must meet strict criteria.
PBKS had a strong start in the IPL 2026 season, winning six consecutive matches and setting an unbeaten record. However, their momentum was broken by a string of losses and poor performance, similar to their past collapse in 2015.
JioStar, the TV and online entertainment venture of Reliance and Walt Disney, has taken legal action against Zee Entertainment for illegally broadcasting Bollywood films. The dispute has reached a court committee, with JioStar accusing Zee of being a repeat offender and demanding 250 million rupees in damages. The conflict has been ongoing since February 2025
Devyani International, operator of KFC and Pizza Hut in India, saw a net loss of Rs 10.04 crore in Q4FY26, but revenue increased 18.5% YoY. KFC drove growth with 4.9% SSSG and 15% YoY growth. Pizza Hut reported negative SSSG. The company added 217 stores in FY26 and saw 20% revenue growth in international business.
The rise of women's sports, specifically cricket, is making strides in sponsorship, viewership, and ticket sales. The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup has already surpassed the attendance of the 2020 edition, thanks to boutique venues and the audience from The Hundred tournament. This success highlights the commercial growth of women's cricket.
NCRTC is launching a new Delhi-Karnal Namo Bharat Corridor to improve travel between Delhi, Panipat, and Karnal. The project will have 17 main line stations and is expected to reduce travel time to 90 minutes. It will also provide better connectivity to smaller towns, decongest road traffic, and make daily commuting easier for thousands of people in the National Capital Region.
Rapido, a ride-hailing platform, has raised $240 million in funding, bringing its valuation to $3 billion. Led by Prousus, the round saw participation from existing investors. The company plans to expand into new markets and deepen operations, with a 44% revenue growth in FY25 and a foray into car-hailing. Rapido is gaining market share and competing with industry leaders like Uber.
The BMC has announced a 10% water cut in Mumbai due to low water levels and anticipated weak monsoon. The civic body urges residents to use water carefully and avoid wastage, while monitoring reservoir levels closely. The cut will also affect surrounding areas, highlighting the need for conservation measures.
Western Railway has extended the services of a superfast special train between Mumbai Central and Kathgodam, making it easier and faster for passengers to travel to Uttarakhand. The train will now run till May 2026, covering important stations in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This extension will also boost tourism and weekend travel from Mumbai.