Stories from New Delhi · India

Air India reportedly posted a humongous loss last year, according to Bloomberg Radio.

Listed companies in India reported a 14.7 percent increase in net profit for Q3 FY26. This increase occurs despite a blockade on the Gulf that continues to disrupt global supply chains. India remains heavily dependent on imported fertilizers. The rise is a knock-on effect of the recent war on Iran. The government aims to reduce the price farmers pay for key nutrients for soil and crops to keep farming viable and food prices stable. Annual fertilizer subsidies in India have risen by nearly 20 percent. Analysts noted that while the 20% subsidy increase is, benefits to farmers depend on price controls and availability, as companies currently fix prices. The commentator suggested companies might capture the subsidies instead of the intended recipients. The second leg of the subsidy implementation is scheduled for next Wednesday.

An Indian aviation federation has warned that the country's aviation industry is on the verge of halting operations. The warning follows a 6% increase in food prices and rising crude oil costs.

Transporting hippos to India will require logistics involving approximately 80 people. The animals are difficult to capture and anesthetize due to their large size. The BBC reported that the scale of the operation presents extreme difficulties.

Sudhate Sharma, Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that domestic LPG supply remains stable. No dry-outs have been reported at any distributorship across the country.

A director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated that smartphones have become India's largest export product. The government has issued advisories to states and union territories to protect workers in these industries.

Multiple cities in India are experiencing heatwaves with maximum temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius. Multiple cities in India experienced extreme heatwaves on April 28, with temperatures reaching between 46 and 40 degrees Celsius. Several cities in India experienced high temperatures reaching 46 to 40 degrees Celsius on April 28, according to a joint report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization. The report, which analyzes key climate variables and major climate events, notes a increase in extreme weather events. The findings were released as part of a comprehensive analysis of the European climate situation and global climate policy responses. These temperatures are significantly higher than the same period in previous years. The heatwave has impacted various urban areas across the country.

The proportion of women participating in Indian elections has risen from 48 percent to slightly over the proportion of men nationally. The Election Commission of India is currently conducting a review of voter rolls. The commission has requested that voters provide historical documentation to prove citizenship and voter validity, dating back to 2002. This process involves verifying records from parents and grandparents. The review has notably impacted women's participation in the registration process. Voters are being asked to provide old documentation to prove citizenship and validity, including records dating back to 2002. Approximately 6 million eligible women have been removed from voter rolls in an ongoing election process. Data indicates that 62% of the deleted voters are women. The BBC reported that these individuals will not be able to vote.

India's election commission reported that five regions have a combined 174 million voters. This figure represents approximately 18% of the country's total electorate. The report noted that the female vote has become a battleground for politicians due to a substantial increase in female voters over recent decades. The elections are being used as a gauge of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over 3.22 crore electors are eligible to cast votes in the current phase of elections. This includes more than 4.12 lakh first-time voters aged between 18 and 19 years. Approximately 3,200 voters in this phase are aged 100 years or older. The Election Commission has implemented measures to facilitate early voting for these demographics. High youth engagement was noted, with voters frequently updating social media profiles with selfies showing blue indelible ink on their fingers.

Millions of people across five Indian states are participating in elections. Voting in two assembly constituencies was peaceful, with turnout reaching 72% by 3 PM on the second and fourth weeks of May. The Election Commission rescheduled voting based on reports from returning officers and observers. Voting at these polling stations took place during the second phase of assembly elections on the 29th. Vote counting for assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Daman, Assam, and the federal territory of Puducherry will occur on the 29th. Voters will be counted on the 29th for state assembly elections. The situation can be managed effectively through timely preparedness and by following advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department. In IPL cricket, Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in Chennai this evening at 7:30 p.m.