Mumbai: Bank economists have told the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at a pre-policy meeting that there is no immediate need to either raise the repo rate or change the stance, provided inflation remains within the central bank’s tolerance band, multiple participants in the discussions told ET.
They also added that RBI has alternative tools to manage currency pressures and is unlikely to resort to a rate hike, unless the impact becomes visible in inflation, one economist said.
Discussions at the meeting were largely centred on the war, the risk of a pick-up in inflation, and the expectation of a global growth slowdown, another economist who attended the meeting told ET.
“Inflation forecasts by participants ranged from 3.5% to 5%, depending on where they see oil prices to average,” said an economist who participated in the discussions. “No one in the meetings suggested a rate hike or even a change in stance, as there is little clarity on how the situation in West Asia will evolve.”
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The central bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) is scheduled to announce its first rate decision of FY27 on April 8.
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The meeting with economists comes in the backdrop of the West Asia war, rising crude oil prices and inflationary pressures. Brent crude prices saw a record surge in March, rising by roughly 60-64% compared with February levels, according to Reuters, and have traded between $110 and $120 per barrel since the war broke out.
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Last Resort “To the extent the ongoing energy shock does not translate into CPI inflation breaching the target durably, we believe the RBI MPC is unlikely to resort to rate hikes,” said a Barclays report. RBI in its February 2026 policy held a status quo on repo rate at 5.25%. The central bank has reduced the repo rate by 125 basis points since February 2025.
Calls for a status quo are also emerging amid deep uncertainty over the duration of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Economists say the impact will largely depend on how long the war lasts, making it difficult for market participants to assess the scale of the shock or frame appropriate policy responses.
“More than the current inflation print, it is the outlook on how the situation would evolve in West Asia which would determine the policy decision on rates,” ICICI Bank said in a report early March.
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“Liquidity will remain the most important variable in the interim before we have much more clarity on energy markets and thus, we should see an extended pause for now.” Retail inflation stood at 2.75% in January, while GDP in Q2FY26 climbed 8.2%. RBI in its February policy projected inflation in Q1 and Q2 of FY27 at 4% and 4.2%, while GDP of Q1 and Q2 FY27 is projected at 6.9% and 7%, respectively.
Anand Mahindra can’t wait to get back home from the US because all the action is happening in India with a new, stable government led by Narendra Modi in place. Hours after chairing a board meeting of Mahindra & Mahindra at midnight US time, the company’s chairman and MD spoke on Saturday to Satish John at length from Boston on his hopes and aspirations for the country. The new administration has begun well and a lot more is expected from it, he said. Excerpts:
I think it is almost brilliant to put at the head of the list the fact that bureaucrats should be encouraged to take decisions without fear. In a sense he’s gone to the heart of the problem of the paralysis. The Indian government is extraordinarily large and it is difficult to try and believe that one leader can make all the change. This is a federal system. In a large bureaucracy you cannot exercise the transformation of any situation without coopting bureaucracy.
So empowerment becomes important. It’s a good sign. If you remember, one of the major apprehensions about Modi was an autocratic style of functioning. By putting right at the top of the agenda the empowerment of the bureaucracy I think one has to appreciate and admit that it is definitely not the act of an autocrat.
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On disbanding ministerial groups.
Without making much heavy weather of it, he’s been a case study for business schools on how to exercise leadership and have an impact from day one in the new job. He’s setting a clear agenda and is making a clear promise of making a measurement of progress made against that clear agenda. For example, making an agenda for 100 days will make it clear what the matrix would be for measuring success of that agenda. It is important that every day some incremental progress is made towards that agenda and that progress is communicated transparently. He has got his team ready, which is a focused team. To me, every decision needn’t be a big-bang reform but a signal of proactive decision-making and removal of red tape and bureaucracy. And a promise of even speedier decision-making in the future.
On the government’s immediate priorities.
Back in the 1980s, I had written a column headlined ‘Roads to Nowhere’. At that time we were not building enough roads. (Among) America’s competitive advantages happen to be its highways and its transportation network. Those are like blood vessels to the economy and they create job opportunities. Therefore, in a funny sense, the best thing anyone can do to create an inclusive economy is ironically through building roads, because access to markets or the lack of access to markets is one of the most discriminatory things one can do to the poor, especially to the rural poor. It’s not a point that we automatically think of but roads are a mechanism to create inclusiveness in the economy. So, I think, the faster he does that the better for the economy. There is huge economic data to show that roads (give) a bigger boost to rural income than even irrigation. It will help power dual income for families and will allow a kind of diversity from dependence on agriculture which creates productivity.
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On India-US ties.
I’ve been here (in the US) for quite a while now. The Indian elections have generated enormous interest. Most of the diplomatic and political pundits are now urging the leadership in Washington not to miss out on what they feel is the diplomatic opportunity for the US in reaching out to and rebuilding a very strong relationship with India. They feel US has lost ground because of the visa controversy and that they should now rediscover the ground and build a strong relationship.
There is a feeling that both Japan and China have both stolen a march on building this kind of relationship with India. There is going to be, in my opinion, a strong effort from decision-makers here to reach out to the prime minister and his colleagues to rebuild the relationship.
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On the perception that the new government will tilt more toward the east — Japan, China, South Korea.
There has been significant interest shown by Japan. It is a country with a liquidity overhang and an investment surplus. Modi is well aware of that. Why Japanese investors have been holding back is because they did not perceive any of the promises we’ve given to be gaining traction.
In the area of construction and large industrial projects, they can take pole position in large projects here. That being said, everybody speculated what the position of the PM and the Cabinet would be and the PM is his own man. My contention is that our PM is a practical man and he knows that any kind of vindictiveness has no role in foreign policy.
I think his whole objective is to enhance India’s economic health and through that gain what should be India’s rightful role in the world. The fact that we are the world’s largest democracy and we are all aware that power and a role in global affairs for a nation comes from economic strength. I think, in his own way and at the right time, he will respond positively when the correct signals are sent out from the US administration.
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On FDI in defence
We have been consistent from the time we entered into JVs with foreign companies. We have not changed our stance. Right from the beginning we have been representing to the government that it is a positive step to allow at least 49% investment through the automatic route. Because it encourages the foreign partner to deploy the technology into the JV. Otherwise, there is wariness on their part to provide 100% support to the joint venture. So if you really want the best technology to be manufactured here, then (it should be) a minimum of 49% stake, which we have always advocated.
On Mahindra’s investments plans.
We have never shied away from making investments. Even during downcycles, we never stopped our investments. We invested in the Chakan automotive plant when the economy was down; we also invested in the tractor plant in Zaheerabad when the tractor market was witnessing a downcycle. When the market improved for tractors we were able to ramp up our output. We always have a long-term view of the economy. We have consistently been investing. In defence, for example, if the government starts buying again for the much-needed upgrade then we’ll certainly make the investments. Pawan (Goenka) has gone on record to say that we are considering a Rs 4,000-crore investment, which is independent of the new developments. It was something we were going to do.
The central government has complete power with a clear mandate, but directives from the Centre have to be executed well at the state level. So, there are many things that are still not in Modi’s hands, says Raamdeo Agrawal, Joint Managing Director, Motilal Oswal Financial Services in an interview with Narendra Nathan and Sanket Dhanorkar.
Are we looking at a multi-year bull run?
I think the market has not yet priced in the full potential of the economy. For the first time, a true nationalist has come to power with a clear majority. There is a new-found energy across the nation. My sense is that the market has not yet understood the difference between 300-plus seats for NDA and 272-plus seats for BJP alone. Look at how the cabinet posts have been assigned — BJP allies have got limited posts and their negotiating power is diminished. Complete power is in the hands of the government. The political scenario is drastically different now. The economy is on the cusp of a historical positive change.
It is the same vehicle, but the driver has changed. It is now being steered by a formula-one driver. So, the acceleration will be dramatic. It will become visible very quickly. Today we are growing at 4.5 per cent. Growth is likely to pick up pace rapidly in the next few years. A lot of things will happen in five years. It will be interesting to see the index level at that time. In the process, investors will make tons of money, because the market will discount that growth two years in advance. It will not wait for the fifth year. If all domestic and global factors align, markets will go through the roof.
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Are there challenges to the fragile economic recovery?
The current optimism is because a major variable — the shambolic political setup — has been corrected. There is no doubt that the new government has been fully empowered in this election; the mandate has been given to an extremely competent individual. Right now, everybody is bullish. But one must have tempered expectations. Finally, directives from the Centre have to be executed well at the state level. Otherwise it will be a waste. There are many things that are still not in Modi’s hands.
A lot of other factors will also play a role. Good monsoons, favourable global environment, peaceful borders, etc., can change the entire scenario. But, only time will tell how many stars will align. So, a lot will depend on external factors. I am also keenly watching how the new government tackles inflation, which is just a symptom of a much deeper problem somewhere else. The government has to address supply-side bottlenecks. A weak currency cannot make a strong country. That is why, inflation must go down. It will be the beginning of development, investments, and so on.
The rally, so far, has been driven by hope. When will fundamentals take over?
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News headlines, and making money are two entirely different things. We should not get carried away by the headlines. The focus must be on who will actually make money. In most cases, it will be a company which is making money right now. Very rarely will a company that is broke today make money tomorrow, unless there is a complete change in business dynamics. Today, we do not have anything to go by. So, wherever there are anomalies in the economy, these will come back to normal levels. Right now, it is only about the promise of a better tomorrow. Some of these promises will have to take shape in the budget.
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What should be the first priority for the new government?
India has to become much more business friendly. Finally, the country needs to create jobs for its rising young population. Who will create these jobs? More than the government, it is the businesses which will create jobs. Businesses can create jobs only if the business environment is friendly. They also cannot sustain growth without creating jobs. So, the government has to become business friendly. All hurdles should be removed. We need businesses to take more risks as it will result in more jobs.
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Will mid-cap stocks continue to perform better than large-caps for now?
It really depends on the company. Mid-caps were lagging for quite some time; smallcaps even more. Eventually it has to converge. Large-caps are now looking highly priced. Investor appetite is limited at these levels. Most of the action is in the low-quality, low-priced segment. Smaller investors are clearly buying low-quality stuff, thinking that the price is low. But, even if it moves into high valuation territory, low quality will remain so. This is where the entire game ends. Sure, high quality stocks are expensive now. But that doesn’t mean you should have junk in your portfolio. If you find quality at a reasonable price, buy with modest expectations. Such names are few and far between. But, even if you get 3-4 such ideas over one year, you can make money. The challenge is to have patience and hold on to the investment. Filling with junk will be a disaster, but if it works, you get a multi-bagger. Investors in high quality may underperform in a rallying market, but will emerge better off over an entire cycle.
Can we expect an earnings upgrade anytime soon?
A 12-15 per cent earnings upgrade is definitely possible this year. As the economy recovers, sectors, such as cement, steel and automobiles, will pick up pace. Oil & gas can also contribute to earnings growth. Right now corporate profits are contributing around 4 per cent to the GDP, which is near the bottom of the band. At the peak of a cycle, this can go upto 7-8 per cent. Assuming 13-14 per cent nominal growth in GDP, it will double in rupee term to Rs 220 trillion in next six years. Now the question is whether the current profit of Rs 4 trillion will move up to Rs 8 trillion or Rs 16 trillion. If it maintains the current ratio, it will go to Rs 8 trillion. If it touches the upper end of the band, it will go to Rs 16 trillion. If this happens and the PE multiple remains the same, the market will go up four times. Profits will zoom the moment the economy moves from 5-6 per cent to 8-9 per cent growth. That is why there is a potential for the market to go up to the stratospheric levels from here.
FOX Business host Larry Kudlow discusses the state of the conflict in the Middle East on ‘Kudlow.’
“The blockade scares them even more than the bombing — they’ve been bombed for years, but the blockade they hate.” That’s President Trump talking to Fox News’ Martha MacCallum in a very telling statement. And it may well be that the factionalized Iranians simply cannot come up with any kind of unified agreement to present American negotiators.
It also may well be that there’s no such thing as an agreement, other than unconditional surrender. All nuclear activity stops. Enriched uranium must be transferred from Iran to America. All proxy and other forms of terrorism must be stopped. The Strait of Hormuz must be completely open. And frankly whatever other American demands are placed on a badly defeated Iran.
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In a sense, there is a ceasefire now, but American military combat operations, which are even stronger today than at the beginning of the war, may be resumed at any moment. And perhaps most importantly, the United States Navy’s blockade of Iranian ports continues. That’s the state of play and the state of war right now. No oil, no money. That’s Iran’s dilemma.
Fox News senior strategic analyst Ret. Gen. Jack Keane dissects the future of U.S.-Iran talks and President Donald Trump’s ‘no time pressure’ ceasefire stance on ‘Kudlow.’
America presumably will control the entire Persian Gulf theatre, including the Strait of Hormuz. It’s probably costing Iran something near $450 million a day, annualizing to nearly $160 billion a year, for a budget that’s estimated at only $100 billion annually. Put simply, there’s no money to meet payroll or retirement.
All the thugs, and barbarians, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the rest of the government, and all the businesses that they have stolen and looted, and all kinds of fanatics who are just not going to get paid.
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If we actually took out Kharg Island, that would knock out an additional 1.5 million barrels a day, worth about $140 million at current prices, covering 190,000 personnel, according to a NY Post op-ed by a retired United States Navy captain, Lance B. Gordon. And there may be roughly 200 million barrels a day of Iranian oil floating on the high seas mostly near Communist China, that could be worth about $20 billion. Yet the economic crunch from the blockade is the biggest and most powerful financial weapon; we’ve never tried this before, and it just might work. I’d love to see the United States Treasury seize all the bank accounts of the criminals running Iran, but that’s a separate story.
The point is for the moment, Mr. Trump is content to let the blockade inflict its punishment on Iran for the foreseeable future, perhaps as long as it takes to just bring them to their unconditional knees.
Thomas Trkla, chairman and CEO of Yesway, during the company’s initial public offering at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York, April 22, 2026.
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Deep-fried burritos and chimichangas from convenience store chain Allsup’s are helping its parent company Yesway steal customers from fast-food chains, even with higher fuel prices, Yesway CEO Tom Trkla said Wednesday.
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“A lot of the data that we get from our data providers show that our sales are up and some of their competitors’ sales are down,” he told CNBC. “We infer that we are taking some market share, both from other c-store chains and from other [quick-service restaurant chains] that sell food and compete with our burrito platform.”
Yesway made its public market debut on Wednesday, trading on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under “YSWY.” It raised $280 million in its initial public offering, pricing shares at $20 for a valuation of $1.21 billion. The stock began trading at $22 a share.
The jump in the stock — and demand for Yesway’s food offerings — underscore how the convenience store industry has steadily chipped away at fast food’s dominance.
In 2025, Allsup’s sold roughly 41 million proprietary food products, including 24 million burritos, according to regulatory filings.
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About two-thirds of Yesway’s revenue comes from fuel, while the merchandise sold inside stores accounts for the remaining third. And while fuel prices have risen as a result of the war in Iran, Yesway is still seeing high demand for its food.
“People come to our stores, not just for fuel, and that helps a lot too in these environments,” Trkla said. “The other thing I should mention is that we’re already a value shop …. We actually are already at the $4, $5, $6 price for our meals, so we’ve actually seen increases of inside merchandise sales.”
Over the last decade, c-stores have been taking market share from fast-food chains. Chains like Wawa, Buc-ee’s and Casey’s General Stores have won over customers with their fresh food, boosted by their offerings’ low prices and convenience. Breakfast, in particular, has become a battleground between c-stores and fast-food rivals like McDonald’s and Taco Bell.
The c-store industry’s overall food service sales reached $121 billion in 2024, according to data from the National Association of Convenience Stores.
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Brookwood, a real estate-focused private equity firm, founded Yesway in 2015. In 2019, the company acquired Allsup’s. By the end of 2025, Yesway and Allsup’s combined had 448 locations, primarily concentrated in the Midwest and Southwest.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion after a frightening fall in Game 2 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, thrusting the 22-year-old phenom into the NBA’s strict concussion protocol and raising questions about his availability for the remainder of the postseason.
Victor Wembanyama AFP
Wembanyama suffered the injury with 8:57 left in the second quarter of Tuesday night’s 106-103 loss that evened the Western Conference series at 1-1. Driving to the basket, the 7-foot-4 center was fouled and lost his balance, slamming face-first onto the court at full speed. He lay on the floor momentarily before struggling to his feet and heading to the locker room. He played just 12 minutes, recording five points and four rebounds.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed after the game that Wembanyama had entered the league’s concussion protocol and would not return. NBA insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Wembanyama had been officially diagnosed with a concussion and would undergo further testing that day. The team provided no immediate timeline for his return.
The incident comes at a critical juncture for the Spurs, who earned the West’s top seed with a strong regular season. Wembanyama, a leading candidate for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, has been the cornerstone of San Antonio’s resurgence. His absence could significantly impact the series against a resilient Portland team featuring Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday.
Under the NBA’s 2025-26 Concussion Policy, a player diagnosed with a concussion cannot return to full participation without restrictions for at least 48 hours after the time of injury. The player must also complete a structured return-to-participation process and receive final clearance.
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The protocol begins with coordinated medical care. Any suspected concussion triggers an immediate evaluation. If diagnosed, the player undergoes regular monitoring for the first 24 hours to track symptom evolution. Physical and cognitive exertion is limited under the direction of the team’s medical staff. This includes advising reduced screen time, appropriate sleep, nutrition, hydration and avoiding large crowds or media obligations.
After an initial period of relative rest — typically 24 to 48 hours — the player may begin a graduated return-to-participation exertion process, but only when a team physician determines it is appropriate. The process features progressive steps of increasing physical demand, each closely monitored by medical staff with focused neurological examinations:
Stationary bike or light aerobic activity.
Jogging.
Agility work.
Non-contact team drills.
A player must remain completely symptom-free at rest and during each stage to advance. If symptoms return, the player stops and restarts at the previous successful step. There is no fixed timetable; recovery varies by individual and injury severity.
Final clearance requires multiple layers of approval. The player must be symptom-free at rest. A physician with specific training in sports-related concussion management must evaluate him. The player must successfully complete the full exertion process. Finally, the Director of the NBA Concussion Program, currently Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, must confirm that the team physician’s clearance aligns with league policy.
League officials and team doctors review game video to assess the injury mechanism, adding another layer of caution. The policy emphasizes that no player returns the same day as a diagnosed concussion.
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Average recovery time for NBA concussions ranges from seven to 10 days, though some players clear the protocol faster if symptoms resolve quickly. In Wembanyama’s case, the minimum 48-hour inactivity window from Tuesday’s injury means he could theoretically begin light exertion steps as early as Thursday. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday in Portland, giving him roughly 72 hours from the time of injury.
Medical experts note that severity matters. A harder impact, such as Wembanyama’s face-first fall where his head bounced off the court, may prolong symptoms like headache, dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, cognitive fog or balance issues. Spurs officials have not disclosed the extent of his symptoms.
This marks the latest health concern for Wembanyama this season. He previously missed time with a left rib contusion but returned to play key minutes in the regular-season finale push for awards eligibility. His towering frame and explosive style make him a defensive anchor and offensive threat, but also expose him to high-impact collisions.
The Spurs’ depth will be tested without their star. Veterans and younger contributors must step up in scoring, rebounding and rim protection. Portland, meanwhile, will look to exploit any rust or matchup advantages in Wembanyama’s potential absence.
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Fan and analyst reaction poured in quickly after the fall, with many expressing concern over the visual of the lanky center struggling to stand. Social media filled with well-wishes and calls for caution, highlighting the league’s evolving emphasis on player safety following past high-profile head injuries.
NBA concussion protocols have strengthened over the years in response to growing awareness of long-term risks, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The current policy balances competitive needs with medical caution, requiring independent oversight to prevent premature returns.
For San Antonio, the best-case scenario has Wembanyama progressing smoothly through the steps and gaining clearance in time for Game 3 or 4. Worst case, symptoms linger and sideline him for a week or more, potentially shifting series momentum.
Spurs general manager Brian Wright and the medical staff will provide daily updates as testing continues. The organization has built a reputation for cautious handling of injuries to protect young talent like Wembanyama, selected No. 1 overall in 2023.
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As the NBA playoffs intensify, Wembanyama’s situation underscores the physical toll of the postseason. Teams rely heavily on star power, yet health remains the ultimate wildcard. The protocol’s step-by-step approach aims to ensure that when players return, they do so safely, minimizing risk of second-impact syndrome or prolonged recovery.
Wembanyama’s teammates expressed support after Tuesday’s game, emphasizing the need to stay focused regardless of his status. “We prepare for every possibility,” one player said. “Wemby is our leader, but we have to execute as a group.”
With further testing scheduled for Wednesday, the basketball world awaits the next update on one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Whether Wembanyama returns for Game 3, later in the series or beyond will depend on his body’s response to the rigorous, individualized recovery process mandated by NBA rules.
The incident serves as a reminder that even in a sport defined by athleticism and resilience, brain health takes precedence. Protocols exist not just to comply with league standards but to safeguard careers and futures. For the Spurs and their franchise cornerstone, the coming days will determine if Wembanyama can help lead San Antonio deeper into the playoffs or if the team must navigate the series without its most dominant force.
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WASHINGTON — Skywatchers and astronauts alike captured the annual Lyrid meteor shower in spectacular fashion as it peaked Tuesday night into Wednesday, with bright streaks lighting up dark skies on the ground and unique perspectives from 250 miles above Earth aboard the International Space Station.
Stunning Lyrid Meteor Shower 2026 Captured in Breathtaking Views From Earth and Space
The Lyrids, one of the oldest known meteor showers with records dating back nearly 3,000 years to ancient China, reached maximum activity around 19:15 UTC on April 22 as Earth plowed through debris left by long-period comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). Under favorable conditions with a slim waxing crescent moon setting early and minimal interference, observers reported seeing 10 to 20 meteors per hour, including occasional fast-moving fireballs that outshone Venus.
From the ground, amateur and professional photographers across the Northern Hemisphere documented the display with long-exposure cameras, revealing colorful trails against starry backdrops. Reports flooded in from locations in North America, Europe and Asia, where clear weather allowed prime viewing after midnight and before dawn on April 22. The radiant point in the constellation Lyra rose higher in the northeastern sky as morning approached, increasing the chance of spotting meteors.
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NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, aboard the orbiting laboratory, shared jaw-dropping photographs snapped from the station’s cupola observation module. Using a three-second exposure, Meir captured a Lyrid meteor streaking through Earth’s upper atmosphere, appearing as a sharp flash against the planet’s curved horizon. City lights glowed below, while a faint red arc of airglow — caused by solar radiation exciting atmospheric molecules — framed the scene.
“Caught a Lyrid from above,” Meir posted alongside the image, highlighting the rare orbital vantage point that shows meteors burning up from outside the atmosphere rather than looking up from within it. Similar views from past missions, including footage by astronaut Don Pettit in 2012, have shown clusters of meteors ablating as bright points against the nighttime Earth.
The Lyrid shower is active from roughly April 14-30, but activity builds to a narrow peak centered on April 22. This year’s timing aligned well with relatively dark skies, as the moon was only about 27% illuminated and set before prime viewing hours in many locations. Experts from NASA and the American Meteor Society noted that while the zenithal hourly rate — the theoretical maximum under perfect conditions with the radiant overhead — hovers around 18, real-world sightings often range from 5 to 20 per hour depending on light pollution and observer location.
Unlike more prolific showers such as the Perseids or Geminids, the Lyrids are not known for producing massive storms, though occasional outbursts have historically pushed rates toward 100 meteors per hour. In 2026, no such surge materialized, but the shower still delivered reliable bright meteors traveling at about 30 miles per second. Many left short, glowing trains rather than long persistent ones.
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Scientists explain that the particles responsible are tiny bits of dust and rock, some no larger than a grain of sand, shed by Comet Thatcher during its 415-year orbit around the Sun. When these enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, friction causes them to heat up and vaporize in a flash of light — the “shooting star” effect. Larger fragments can create fireballs that fragment or produce sonic booms if they survive longer.
Ground-based observations benefited from networks like the Global Meteor Network, which provides real-time fireball data and helps triangulate trajectories. Skywatchers were encouraged to face northeast after midnight, lie back in a reclining chair or blanket, and allow eyes to dark-adapt for at least 20-30 minutes. Binoculars or telescopes are unnecessary and can even limit the wide-field view needed to catch fast meteors.
The dual perspective — Earth and space — offered a fuller scientific picture. From the ISS, astronauts witness meteors against the thin blue line of the atmosphere, sometimes seeing them enter from directions not visible from any single ground location. Such images help researchers study atmospheric entry dynamics and meteoroid populations.
The 2026 Lyrids coincided with heightened public interest in astronomy, coming just days after Earth Day and amid growing awareness of near-Earth objects. No significant risks were associated with the shower; the particles are too small to reach the surface as meteorites in any meaningful quantity.
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For those who missed the peak, the shower continued at lower rates through late April, overlapping slightly with the emerging Eta Aquariids in early May. Experts recommend checking weather forecasts and finding dark-sky sites away from city lights for the best experience. Apps and websites from NASA, the American Meteor Society and timeanddate.com provide tailored visibility predictions by location.
Photographs and videos shared widely on social media amplified the event’s reach. Images from rural Canada, European countrysides and U.S. national parks showed vivid streaks cutting through the Milky Way. Meanwhile, Meir’s ISS shot, released April 20-21, quickly went viral, offering a perspective that reminded viewers of humanity’s place in a dynamic solar system.
The Lyrids hold historical significance as one of the few showers with ancient documentation. Chinese astronomers noted them as far back as 687 B.C., describing “stars falling like rain.” Modern science has refined our understanding, linking the display directly to Comet Thatcher, discovered in 1861.
As the shower waned Wednesday, stargazers already looked ahead to stronger summer displays. Yet the 2026 Lyrids stood out for their favorable moon conditions and the striking space-based imagery that bridged ground observers with those living and working off-planet.
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NASA and international partners continue to monitor meteoroid environments for both scientific value and spacecraft safety. The ISS and satellites routinely encounter small particles, though shielding protects crews and systems. Data from showers like the Lyrids contribute to models predicting debris risks.
For amateur astronomers, the event reinforced simple joys of backyard observing. No special equipment was required beyond patience and a clear view of the sky. Families and educators used the shower as a teaching moment about comets, orbits and the protective role of Earth’s atmosphere.
In the hours following the peak, reports confirmed solid activity without record-breaking numbers. Some lucky observers spotted colorful meteors — greens, blues and yellows — resulting from different chemical compositions in the incoming particles.
The combination of terrestrial and orbital captures provided a complete visual narrative of the Lyrid meteor shower 2026. From dark fields on Earth to the cupola windows of the ISS, the ancient comet’s dust trail created a shared moment of wonder across continents and altitudes.
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As April 22 turned to 23, the Lyrids gradually diminished, but their images lingered online, inspiring late viewers to step outside for any remaining trails. With the shower’s end approaching by April 30, astronomers reminded enthusiasts that the night sky offers continuous celestial events for those willing to look up.
The successful documentation from both Earth and space highlighted advancing camera technology and international collaboration in astronomy. Future missions may include dedicated meteor observation campaigns from lunar orbit or deep-space habitats, building on experiences like Meir’s.
For now, the 2026 Lyrids delivered exactly what skywatchers hoped for: a reliable spring display under good conditions, enhanced by perspectives that only human spaceflight can provide. Whether seen as fleeting streaks from a backyard or dramatic flashes above the glowing Earth, the meteors reminded everyone of the constant, gentle bombardment our planet endures — and the beauty it creates in the process.
The first new version of the car rolled off the production line in 2001
Neil Lancefield, Press Association Transport Correspondent and Hannah Baker South West Business Editor
00:01, 23 Apr 2026
Mick Rivers physical logistics manager, and his son Mackay Rivers, maintenance apprentice, at BMW Group Plant Oxford as the Mini celebrates 25 years of modern production(Image: Richard Dawson/PA Media Assignments)
BMW Group has hailed the “global success” of the Mini as it marked the 25th anniversary of the modern version. The first new generation Mini rolled off the production line at the company’s factory in Oxford on April 26, 2001.
This was “the start of a new chapter” for a car that was already “firmly established as a cultural icon”, BMW Group said. Nearly 4.7 million Minis have been built in Oxford over the past quarter of a century – with body parts made at BMW’s Swindon factory since early 2001 – and the cars have been exported to more than 100 countries.
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More than 3,000 people are employed across the Oxford and Swindon plants.
Markus Gruneisl, BMW Group’s chief executive for UK manufacturing, said: “This 25-year milestone is a proud moment for Mini and for everyone involved in its production here in the UK.
“From the very beginning, our plants in Oxford and Swindon have been at the heart of Mini’s global success, combining exceptional craftsmanship with innovation.
“Above all, it is our people – their creativity, expertise and pride in what they do – that continue to make Mini so special.”
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The first Mini was launched in 1959 to meet demand for affordable motoring.
The small cars – easy to manoeuvre and with an unusual shape – soon became popular, featuring as getaway cars in movie The Italian Job and being driven by pop stars and fashion legends.
In February, Swindon’s Mini factory announced a new partnership with global logistics giant GXO. BMW Group appointed the US-headquartered company to manage operations at the site on Bridge End Road.
The Wiltshire plant produces parts and panels for cars that are then assembled at its group facility in Oxford and at other international facilities within its network.
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The Swindon site, which employs 500 staff and spans more than 400,000 sq m, has been a cornerstone of UK automotive manufacturing since 1955.
It plays a critical role in the global production network for cars, manufacturing key body components and sub-assemblies such as doors, bonnets, tailgates and fenders for Mini vehicles, including the Mini Cooper 3 and 5 door hatch and the Mini convertible.
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