Stories from India

The Indian government has officially responded to remarks made by President Donald Trump describing the country as a 'hellhole.' Officials stated that the comments were uninformed and inappropriate. The reaction follows a period of diplomatic tension regarding the characterization of India's domestic conditions. India has decided to decline the American F-35 fighter jet program. The country is instead focusing on developing its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft. There are discussions regarding the potential production of the Su-57 on Indian territory to meet local requirements. The source noted that India's interest in Su-57 technology stems from its need for advanced combat aircraft.

Indian stock markets experienced a decline, primarily driven by a slump in the information technology sector. This downturn indicates investor concerns about the performance and future prospects of IT companies. The broader economic implications of this sector-specific weakness are being monitored.

Chennai secured a significant victory over Mumbai in the Indian Premier League. Samson scored his second century of the season to lead the team to a win. The match highlights ongoing competitive momentum in the cricket tournament. Mumbai Indians batted first, scoring 244 runs. Sunrisers Hyderabad achieved their target on the 19th over. Travis Head scored 76 runs during the match. Pat Cummins finished with figures of 0 for 39.

Violent clashes broke out between rival political party workers during election proceedings in West Bengal, India. The incident highlights ongoing regional tensions during the voting process. Local authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. Authorities implemented a lockdown in strongroom areas of West Bengal following a clash between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Listed companies in India reported a 14.7% increase in net profit for Q3 FY26, marking the fastest growth in two years. This surge indicates strong corporate resilience and economic momentum within the Indian market. This represents the fastest growth rate recorded in the last two years.

The Indian government now requires Malaysian travelers to submit an electronic e-Arrival card prior to entry. This new travel regulation aims to streamline immigration processes for citizens traveling from Malaysia to India. The requirement is part of updated border management protocols. The measure aims to prevent unauthorized entry into sensitive areas.

The second phase of the West Bengal legislative assembly elections is underway, with 13 seats up for contest. The BJP is focusing its campaign on issues of corruption, unemployment, and women's safety, while the Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to influence voter lists. The election process is being closely monitored amid allegations of irregularities. A total of 142 constituencies will go to polls on April 29th. This phase covers eight electoral districts including Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. The process is proceeding according to the established schedule. Voting will cover approximately 100 seats across seven districts. The election process is entering its concluding stage, according to the report.

The Supreme Court of India has stayed the conviction and life sentence of Amit Jogi in a murder case involving a former NCP leader. This legal development provides temporary relief for the politician while the judicial process continues. The ruling is significant for regional political dynamics in India. The Supreme Court of India has allowed a 30-week pregnancy termination for a minor who survived a rape.

India's economic activity saw an acceleration in April despite supply constraints for crude oil and gas caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A flash survey conducted by HSBC Holdings Plc confirmed this trend on Thursday. The growth suggests resilience in the Indian market despite regional geopolitical volatility. Gross-central Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in April exceeded 52,000 crore rupees. State GST collection amounted to more than 61,300 crore rupees. The gross-integrated GST (iGST) collection reached 1,29,232 crore rupees. Additionally, prices for 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders have increased, according to the report.

A legal case has been filed against TVK leader Vijay regarding alleged election code violations in Tamil Nadu. This follows demands from the KPCC to ban pre-poll surveys for the Kerala 2026 elections.