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India rolls out test of real-time disaster alert system

If your phone suddenly made a loud alert sound recently, you were not alone. The government carried out a nationwide test of a new emergency alert system, sending a message marked “extremely severe” to mobile users across India.

The alert was part of a trial run of the Cell Broadcast System, a technology built to deliver real-time warnings during disasters. While the message caught many people off guard, officials later confirmed that it was only a test and no action was needed.

The system is designed to improve how quickly people are informed during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, or other crises. Instead of sending individual text messages, it broadcasts alerts to all phones in a particular area at once.

This approach has a key advantage,  it works even when networks are busy or overloaded, which is often the case during emergencies. It also does not require users to install apps or register for alerts, making it more accessible.

The government says the system has been developed locally and is part of a larger effort to strengthen disaster response across the country. Future alerts are expected to be available in multiple languages to reach a wider population.

The recent test also helped authorities understand where improvements are needed. Some users said they did not receive the alert, highlighting areas where coverage can be enhanced.

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GST hits record ₹2.43 lakh cr in April

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose to a record ₹2.43 lakh crore in April 2026, marking the highest monthly revenue since the tax system was introduced. The strong numbers reflect steady economic activity along with improved tax compliance.

A key factor behind the surge was a sharp increase in revenue from imports. GST collected on imported goods grew significantly, driven by higher global prices and increased import values, particularly in energy and commodity segments. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have also contributed to rising import costs, which in turn boosted tax collections.

Domestic transactions also contributed to the growth, though at a more moderate pace. This suggests that while consumption within the country remains stable, the larger push in April came from external trade-related factors rather than a sharp rise in local demand.

April typically sees higher GST collections because it includes tax payments related to March, the last month of the financial year. Businesses usually settle pending dues during this period, which adds to the overall collections. This seasonal trend, combined with tighter enforcement and better reporting systems, helped push revenues to a record level this year.

Government efforts to improve compliance through digital monitoring and data analytics have also played a role. Measures such as e-invoicing and stricter checks have reduced tax leakages and brought more businesses into the formal system.

Also Read: Government to sustain ₹12.2 lakh cr capex amid fiscal stress

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Government to sustain ₹12.2 lakh cr capex amid fiscal stress

The government has admitted that it is under growing fiscal pressure due to global uncertainties, especially disruptions linked to the ongoing situation in West Asia. Rising import costs, energy market volatility, and subsidy demands have added strain to the public finances. But despite this, officials say one thing will not change: infrastructure spending will stay on track.

Senior officials in the Finance Ministry have confirmed that India will stick to its planned capital expenditure of around ₹12.2 lakh crore this financial year. This money is earmarked for building and upgrading roads, railways, ports, airports, and urban infrastructure projects across the country.

Expenditure Secretary V. Vualnam said the fiscal situation is “tight but manageable,” adding that while the government is feeling the pressure, it does not intend to slow down investment spending that directly supports growth. In simple terms, the Centre is choosing to protect long-term development spending even if short-term costs rise.

One of the key pressure points is energy imports, especially LPG. India imports a large share of its LPG requirement, and much of it is transported through the Strait of Hormuz, a route affected by tensions in West Asia. This has raised shipping risks and increased costs, adding to the government’s subsidy burden.

Even with these challenges, officials say cutting back on capital expenditure is not an option. Infrastructure projects are seen as critical for job creation, economic activity, and private investment. As a result, the government has decided to prioritise capex over other types of spending.

At the same time, the Centre is keeping a close watch on overall fiscal management. While non-essential revenue spending may be adjusted if needed, the focus remains on ensuring that infrastructure projects do not slow down or face delays due to budget constraints.

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India plans to relax FDI rules for China-linked firms

India is planning to ease foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for overseas companies that have a small exposure to Chinese firms, in a move aimed at attracting more global investments.

Under the proposed change, foreign companies with up to 10% stake from Chinese entities may face fewer restrictions when investing in India. The final notification is expected soon from the Department of Economic Affairs.

The move comes as India looks to speed up approvals and make it easier for global businesses to invest, especially in key sectors. Current rules, introduced in 2020, require stricter scrutiny of investments linked to countries sharing land borders with India, including China.

Officials say the new approach will help remove delays for companies where Chinese ownership is minimal, without compromising on security concerns.

At the same time, investments with higher Chinese stakes are likely to continue facing tighter checks.

The step is seen as an effort to strike a balance, encouraging foreign investment and economic growth, while still keeping a close watch on sensitive inflows.

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Commercial LPG price hiked by ₹993 to ₹3,071 in Delhi

The price of the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been increased by ₹993 with effect from May 1, 2026, raising the cost in Delhi to ₹3,071.50. The revision marks a significant upward movement in fuel prices used by commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and small businesses.

Oil marketing companies implemented the hike across the country, with similar increases seen in other major cities. The sharp revision is expected to raise operating costs for businesses that depend heavily on LPG for cooking and heating purposes.

Despite the steep rise in commercial cylinder prices, there has been no change in domestic LPG rates. The 14.2-kg household cylinder continues to remain at its existing price level, offering relief to consumers amid volatile energy markets.

Officials and industry sources link the price hike to global energy disruptions and rising international fuel costs, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions. These factors have pushed up import prices for LPG, leading to higher retail rates in the commercial segment.

This is one of the most notable single-day increases in recent months and adds pressure on the hospitality and food service sectors, which may eventually pass on the higher costs to customers.

However, the government has kept domestic LPG prices unchanged in an effort to shield households from inflationary pressure, even as commercial fuel rates continue to fluctuate with global market trends.

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India cuts export duty on diesel, jet fuel

India has reduced export duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), offering some relief to refiners as global oil prices remain volatile. The new rates came into effect on May 1.

Export duty on diesel has been brought down to ₹23 per litre from ₹55.5, while jet fuel duty has been reduced to ₹33 per litre from ₹42. There is no export duty on petrol. Despite these changes, taxes on fuels sold within the country remain unchanged.

The decision comes at a time when global crude oil prices have surged due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply concerns, particularly in West Asia. As a major importer of crude oil, India is sensitive to such fluctuations, which can impact both fuel availability and pricing.

Earlier, the government had raised export duties to ensure enough fuel stayed within the country and to prevent companies from exporting more for higher profits. The latest move signals a shift, allowing refiners more flexibility while still keeping domestic supply stable.

For consumers, there is no immediate impact, as petrol and diesel prices at the pump remain steady. The government has maintained these rates to avoid passing on the burden of rising global prices to the public.

The changes also come as the aviation sector faces higher fuel costs, with ATF being a major expense for airlines. Lower export duties may help ease some of the pressure on fuel supply and pricing.

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Samsung family wealth doubles to $45 bn

The controlling family behind Samsung has seen its wealth nearly double in just one year, reaching around $45 billion, driven largely by a global boom in artificial intelligence and semiconductor demand.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the combined wealth of the Lee family rose from about $20 billion last year to roughly $45.5 billion as of March this year. This sharp increase has pushed them up the ranks to become Asia’s third-richest family, moving from 10th place last year.

The surge in fortune is closely linked to Samsung Electronics’ strong performance in the chip industry. Demand for advanced memory chips, used in AI systems, cloud computing, and data centres, has pushed up valuations across the semiconductor sector.

The family’s financial recovery is especially notable given the challenges they faced after the death of Samsung patriarch Lee Kun-hee in 2020. The group had been dealing with one of the world’s largest inheritance tax burdens, along with legal and governance issues involving leadership transitions within the conglomerate.

Despite earlier concerns that these pressures could weaken family control over the company, the opposite has happened. The rise in Samsung’s business value has helped the family strengthen its financial position while continuing to maintain influence over the wider conglomerate.

Samsung remains South Korea’s largest chaebol (family-run business group), with major operations spanning electronics, semiconductors, and consumer technology. Its performance is seen as a key driver of the country’s economy.

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Musk–Altman OpenAI trial intensifies in court

The legal fight between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has escalated as Musk appeared in court and gave testimony in a closely watched trial over the future of the AI company.

Musk, who helped found OpenAI in 2015, told the court that the organisation was originally created to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. He claims that over time, it moved away from that goal and became more focused on profit and commercial growth.

He also argued that OpenAI’s shift, especially after receiving major investment from Microsoft, went against its founding principles. Musk is now asking the court to remove Sam Altman and other top executives, reverse the company’s current structure, and award damages.

OpenAI has strongly denied these allegations. The company says its transition to a more commercial model was necessary to fund large-scale AI development. It also points out that Musk himself had considered similar directions before leaving the organisation.

The case has attracted global attention because it involves some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence. It also raises important questions about how AI companies should be structured and who should control advanced technologies.

During his testimony, Musk said his main concern was ensuring that AI remains safe and accessible, rather than being controlled by a few powerful companies or driven mainly by profit.

OpenAI, on the other hand, maintains that its current model allows it to raise the resources needed to compete in a rapidly evolving industry. The company says it remains committed to responsible AI development.

The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with both sides presenting evidence, including emails and internal discussions.

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Etihad Airways teams up with Air Cambodia to expand routes

Travelling between the Middle East and Southeast Asia is set to become simpler, thanks to a new partnership between Etihad Airways and Air Cambodia.

The two airlines have signed a codeshare agreement that allows passengers to book connecting flights under a single ticket. This means travellers can fly across multiple destinations without the hassle of separate bookings or rechecking baggage at every stop.

For instance, passengers flying with Etihad can now easily reach Cambodian cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by connecting through the airline’s network. Siem Reap, in particular, is a popular destination as it serves as the gateway to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, attracting tourists from around the world.

The agreement also benefits passengers flying from Cambodia. Those travelling with Air Cambodia will now have smoother access to Etihad’s wide global network through Abu Dhabi, opening up routes to Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia.

This partnership is part of Etihad’s broader effort to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, a region where travel demand continues to grow. Instead of launching new direct flights to every destination, airlines often use codeshare deals like this to expand their reach quickly and efficiently.

The collaboration also improves access to nearby countries. Travellers can now connect more easily to cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, adding more options to their travel plans.

Etihad had already introduced direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh last year. This new agreement builds on that step, making Abu Dhabi an even more important hub for travellers heading to Southeast Asia.

Airline officials say the move will not only make travel more convenient but also help boost tourism and business links between the regions.

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Gold falls ₹1,50,430, Silver drops ₹2,54,900

Gold and silver prices in India witnessed a slight correction on April 30, 2026, as investors opted for profit booking after recent gains in the bullion market.

Gold prices fell by around ₹10, with the metal trading near ₹1,50,430 levels in domestic markets. Silver also declined by about ₹100, and was quoted around ₹2,54,900 per kilogram. Despite this minor dip, both precious metals continue to trade at elevated levels compared to historical averages.

The softening in prices is largely attributed to short-term profit booking after a strong upward movement in recent sessions. Earlier gains were driven by global uncertainty, inflation concerns, and heightened geopolitical risks, which had increased demand for safe-haven assets like gold and silver.

Retail gold prices across major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune also reflected slight variation depending on local taxes and making charges. However, overall trends remained aligned with the national benchmark movement.

Silver prices, while also slipping marginally, continue to remain volatile due to dual demand factors. Apart from investment demand, silver is widely used in industrial sectors such as electronics, solar energy, and manufacturing, which keeps its price movements more sensitive to global economic conditions.

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