New Delhi: The BJP on Sunday accused AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating hoax calls to mislead voters across constituencies, including the New Delhi constituency, claiming that their were “cancelled” by the BJP. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Parvesh Verma played an audio recording of one such call, in which a person was heard saying, “Your vote has been cut by the BJP. AAP will ensure you get your vote back,” and urged the receiver to support the Aam Aadmi Party.

“Hoax calls are being made to the public, saying that BJP will end all AAP schemes. This is a blatant lie,” he said.

He also wondered how “confidential voter data” was accessed by the party.

“Other than the Election Commission of India, this data is not provided to anyone. How did Kejriwal get the voters’ contact list? This must be inspected,” Verma said.

The BJP’s New Delhi candidate for the Assembly election also alleged the AAP of distributing Rs 500 wrapped in a calendar in the slum areas. He claimed three people were arrested in this regard.

There was no immediate reaction from the AAP on the allegations, nor from Delhi Police.
He said he has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and his party demands an investigation into the matter. BJP leader and party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, who was also present at the press conference, welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision to extradite to India Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

“Under Modi’s leadership, the government remains committed to fighting terrorism. The decision to hand over Tahawwur Rana to India is a welcome one for all of us,” Trivedi said.

Trivedi accused the AAP and Congress of supporting activities that indirectly shield terrorism.

“Atishi’s parents were among those seeking a ‘shama yajna’ (forgiveness ritual) for Afzal Guru,” he alleged, referring to the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack.

New Delhi: The Election Commission’s ‘Special Intensive Revision’ of Bihar’s electoral rolls has sparked a major political debate. However, this is not the first time that the poll panel has ordered an ‘intensive’ revision of electoral rolls — at least nine such revisions were held from 1952 to 2004, several of which came with similar house-to-house verification and even a ‘de novo’ electoral roll in some cases. However, the EC has seldom ordered a full state intensive revision in a state 4-6 months ahead of assembly elections, as is the case with Bihar.

Factor the last such instances: In June 2004, ECI ordered ‘Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls‘ in seven northeastern states and J&K.

Alongside, it ordered a ‘special summary revision‘ in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, West Bengal, and Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, NCT of Delhi, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.Prior to that, ‘intensive revision’ of the electoral rolls was conducted in 20 other states/UTs, including Bihar, in two phases during 2002 and 2003, except the northeastern states and J&K.

BIHAR 2025- A unique case
The 2025 SIR in Bihar is different on several counts. While an ‘intensive’ revision mostly involves a ‘de novo’ exercise, drawing up a fresh electoral roll from the scratch, the Bihar SIR is using the 2002-03 electoral roll as a base to build upon. At the same time, it involves a new pre-printed enumeration form included in the usual house-to-house verification format and document submission, associated with an ‘intensive’ revision. It is, also, very different from previous intensive revision exercises in terms of timing.

EC has seldom ordered a full state and full-scale intensive revision in a state 4-6 months ahead of scheduled assembly elections, as is the case with Bihar. Bihar saw its last intensive revision in 2002, a good three years away from the assembly polls held in October 2005.
Similarly, when the EC, on June 29, 2004 announced an intensive roll revision in eight states, it chose to leave out two states which were pending a similar intensive roll revision. These were Arunachal Pradesh & Maharashtra where assembly polls were due in October 2004.
“In Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, general elections to the assemblies are to be held in the latter half of 2004. Therefore, the programme in these two states will be announced after the completion of the elections,” the EC press note on 29.06.2004 read.
Instead, a ‘special summary revision of rolls’ was announced for Maharashtra ahead of the October 2024 assembly polls with house-to-house enumeration, as per the September-December 2004 EC newsletter.

The EC has, in fact, often conducted ‘intensive’ revision in certain areas of a state. In Tamil Nadu- after inquiry reports indicated ‘shortcomings in the conduct of different levels of election officers at the time of intensive revision of electoral rolls in 2002’- the poll panel on October 19, 2004 ordered a ‘special revision of intensive nature with house-to-house enumeration’ in six municipal corporation areas across 33 constituencies, spanning parts of Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Tirunelveli.

In the aftermath of Gujarat riots, the ECI on August 16,2002, announced a repeat of the 2002 ‘special revision of intensive nature’.

Types Of Electoral Roll Revisions

Intensive Revision: It’s usually a de-novo process without reference to earlier existing roll; involves at least 2 household verification visits by booth-level officer

Summary Revision: Roll is simply updated; no house-to-house enumeration but objections are addressed before final roll publication

Special Summary Revision: EC can order so if it finds inaccuracies or poor coverage of any area. EC can adopt changes in existing procedure

Partly Intensive and Partly Summary Revision: Existing electoral rolls are published in draft and checked through household verification and put through claims/objection process

Roll revision chronology

1950
Originally Section 23 of Representation of the People Act, 1950 provided for annual revision with March 1 as qualifying date

1952
After first gen election in 1952, EC directed that from 1952 to 1956, annual revision of electoral rolls should cover 1/5th of entire state area so that every locality might have its electoral roll intensively revised at least once before 2nd gen polls

1956
EC directed intensive revision of rolls every year in some areas where electoral rolls were likely to become inaccurate: (i) Urban Areas (ii) Areas with floating labour population (iii) Areas where fairly large movements of population had taken place

1957
Post 1957: Lok Sabha polls: EC directed that during each of the three following years, the electoral rolls of 1/3rd of the entire state area be revised intensively, while during 1961 the revision would be intensive only in urban areas, areas with floating, migratory population and service voters

1960
Following amendments to RP Act, 1950, EC ordered annual revision of rolls between January 1 and Jan 31 of the year

1962
Post 1962 LS Polls: EC directed ‘summary revision’ adequate for 1963 and 1964. In 1965 intensive revision conducted again in 40% of the country; the rest 60% was done in 1966

1966
Post 1966: District Election Officer appointed in each district and summary roll revision conducted in 1969-70 and 1975

1976
Emergency: no Lok Sabha polls in 1976; EC held summary roll revision

1983
1983 on: Staggered intensive revision of all rural constituencies ahead of 1985 LS polls

1987-88
All constituencies revised intensively; special revision in 1989

1992
Summary revision ordered followed by intensive revision in 1993 along with introduction of EPIC card

1995
Intensive Revision comes in

1999-2000
Amid computerisation electoral rolls, no intensive revision in 1999, 2000

2002
Special intensive revision in 20 states; intensive revision in 7 states in 2003-04

The Nifty50 has surged 9% this month, with mid-caps up 13% and small-caps a staggering 15%, as Indian equities staged one of their sharpest recoveries in recent memory. Those who held their nerve and bought the March crash are sitting on swift gains. Those who waited on the sidelines for a deeper dip are now watching a rally they missed as it unfolded even as Iranian missiles flew.

Amid Trump and Iran giving conflicting statements on peace and the opening of Strait of Hormuz, bears are hoping that they will get a second chance to buy. As the ceasefire expires Tuesday, a fresh flare-up in Middle East hostilities could hand sidelined investors the re-entry they’ve been waiting for. But market signals, for now, are sending a different message entirely.

“Markets have clearly turned into buy-on-dips and no war information, whatever negative, is impacting the market,” said CA Rudramurthy BV, MD at Vachana Investments. “This is a very clear sign that the market texture has completely changed.” He sees Nifty heading toward 24,800-25,000, and is unequivocal in saying that this market cannot be shorted now.

Also Read |Smallcap stocks skyrocket up to 79% after crash. Is this breakout rally or bull trap?

The rebound comes after Nifty50 ended a four-month losing streak in March 2026, a decline of that length that has occurred just seven times in the index’s entire monthly history. The recovery since has been fast, broad, and largely driven by retail and HNI buying. The pace of FII selling has also slowed down.

“A rally of sorts last week was mostly retail and HNI driven as they felt the market was oversold,” said market expert Sunil Subramaniam, noting that FIIs only began accumulating gradually toward the end of last week. DIIs, meanwhile, have been booking profits, building firepower ahead of the earnings season. “They will redeploy as you get clarity around the earning season,” he said.
Subramaniam says oil at $95 is painful, but not spiraling and suggests much of the bad news is already in the price. “This is a time when you can be reasonably confident that the market is close to a bottom unless there is a very dramatic military development,” he said, adding that the scenario most likely to break the market — US boots on the ground — remains a low-probability outcome, even if nothing is off the table with Trump.Manish Gunwani of Bandhan AMC goes further on valuations. “Valuations on a broad basis are quite attractive. We have been deploying cash across the board,” he said, pointing to private banks and other sectors where stocks have languished for three to five years despite earnings growth. “It is not about valuations,” he argued. The bigger structural challenge for India, in his view, is the global AI narrative — and whether India can compete for foreign capital against markets directly leveraged to that theme.

Near-term direction, analysts say, hinges on three variables: progress toward Middle East de-escalation, crude oil holding below $100, and the trajectory of foreign flows. Sustained cooling of the conflict could ease inflation and currency pressures, improving risk appetite for an import-sensitive economy like India’s. Q4 earnings and FY27 management guidance will then shape which sectors lead.

For now, Subramaniam’s advice to latecomers is pragmatic: “Keep buying, but small amounts. Stagger them. Do not go in today.” The setup, he says, favors patience.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Weston family-controlled group expressing confidence in the prospects of both companies

FTSE-100 heavyweight Associated British Foods has unveiled plans to separate clothes retailer Primark, marking a significant strategic shift for the food and retail conglomerate. The market had broadly anticipated Associated British Foods (ABF) would hive off the retailer following an internal review as it grapples with fierce competition from high street competitors H&M and Zara.

The declaration ends months of conjecture over Primark’s future, and ABF said it anticipates both companies will trade separately on the blue-chip FTSE 100 index. ABF appointed Rothschild & Co last year to assist it in undertaking a “strategic” review to assess whether to divest the retailer.

The company said it was “confident” in the outlook of both operations. Primark runs 486 stores globally and generates approximately £9bn in annual revenue, as reported by City AM.

Associated British Foods is controlled by the Westons, the UK’s wealthiest family, whose holding company, Wittington Investments, maintains roughly 59 per cent of the firm.

Besides Primark, ABF owns tea brand Twinings, baked goods producer Kingsmill and subsidiary British Sugar. ABF, which has witnessed its share price decline so far this year, said it anticipates the demerger will cost around £75m.

The separation will take place through a dividend demerger, which will enable ABF to split off Primark by distributing shares in it to existing shareholders.

Primark sales grew in last year FoodCo, which will be the remaining entity of ABF once Primark is demerged, operates across 52 countries and generates approximately £9.8bn in annual revenue.

Primark currently runs 486 retail stores across 19 markets, with approximately £9.5bn of annual revenue and more than 83,000 employees.

International expansion has been a primary focus for the business, as it looks to grow its market share across Europe and the US.

Michael McLintock, who currently serves as chair of ABF, will remain in post until the spin-off is finalised in 2027.

George Weston, chief executive of ABF, will take the helm at FoodCo, while Primark’s current chief executive Eoin Tonge will continue to lead the clothes retailer.

Associated British Foods recorded a nine per cent decline in pre-tax profit across the group to £632m in the year to February, as revenue edged down two per cent to £9.5bn.

Primark posted like-for-like sales growth of 1.3 per cent in the UK, with the clothes retailer gaining market share over the period.

ABF said it expected Primark would be able to absorb costs arising from the Iran war, but noted it “remains alert to potential further deterioration in consumer spending”.

The company added that the impact of disruptions to energy and fertiliser supply chains resulting from the conflict is “unclear”.

ABF announced in August it would acquire Kingsmill’s bakery competitor Hovis for £75m, but this transaction has since been delayed by the competition watchdog amid concerns the diminished competition could push up prices for shoppers.

The British-Canadian Weston family, via Wittington Investments, also own department store Fortnum & Mason and homeware retailer Heal’s.

ABF was established by W. Garfield Weston in 1935 as Food Investments Limited, before listing on the London Stock Exchange in 1994.

ABF’s share price finished at 1,894p on Monday, leaving the stock down more than 10 per cent in the year to date.

The aerospace heavyweight said the agreement would build a ‘digital shield’ in Europe

Airbus has agreed a deal to acquire a French cyber security firm less than a month after snapping up a British business operating in the same sector. The aerospace giant, which has UK bases in Filton near Bristol and Broughton in North Wales, said acquisition of Quakslab would “strengthen its presence” in the European cyber-security landscape.

Closing of the transaction is subject to consultation with social partners as well as customary regulatory approvals and is expected in the course of 2026, Airbus said.

Quarkslab is a privately-owned French cyber-security company founded in 2011, with around 100 employees, primarily based in Paris and Rennes. Since 2020, the firm, which is already an Airbus supplier and partner, has been backed by Tikehau Capital, a global alternative asset manager.

The company delivers cyber security solutions to help organisations protect critical assets, data, and users from cyber attacks.

“Quarkslab’s deep expertise and team are expected to join the fast-growing cyber activities within Airbus Defence and Space and to reinforce a resilient, sovereign cyber player in France and across Europe,” said François Lombard, head of connected intelligence business unit at Airbus Defence and Space.

“This acquisition will strengthen our ability to build the digital shield required to help keep our home nations and allies ahead in the cyber-security domain.”

The announcement follows the acquisition of UK-based Ultra Cyber in March. The company has more than 200 employees, who are mainly based at a state-of-the-art cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead.

“This acquisition [of Ultra Cyber] testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market,” Mike Schoellhorn, chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space said last month.

He added: “We are building the resilient, sovereign infrastructure required to help keep the UK and its allies ahead in the cyber domain.”

In February, Airbus reported a record financial performance over the year amid rising demand for commercial aircraft. The size of Airbus’s global workforce also rose by five per cent during the period to 165,294.

BRAIDWOOD, Australia — Hollywood actor Jack Quaid and his “The Boys” co-star Claudia Doumit exchanged vows in a closely guarded private ceremony Saturday at a picturesque farm venue in this sleepy New South Wales farming town, surprising fans who had followed their low-key romance for nearly four years.

The couple, both 33, tied the knot at Mona Farm in Braidwood, a historic town of fewer than 1,800 residents located about an hour’s drive from Canberra. The intimate event blended Hollywood glamour with rural Australian charm, drawing A-list guests including Quaid’s parents, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, as well as fellow stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Costner, Alec Baldwin and Henry Golding.

Details of the nuptials emerged Tuesday after brief social media glimpses of the reception sparked widespread online buzz. Staff at Mona Farm signed nondisclosure agreements to maintain secrecy, yet fleeting Instagram posts — quickly deleted — captured the couple’s first dance to Donovan’s “Atlantis.” Locals reported spotting the pair casually exploring the town beforehand, including a relaxed visit to the Smokey Horse Himalayan bar and restaurant, where they posed for selfies and received warm congratulations.

Quaid, best known for portraying Hughie Campbell in the hit Prime Video superhero satire “The Boys,” and Doumit, who plays the ambitious and complex Victoria Neuman in the same series, first sparked dating rumors in 2022. They were photographed holding hands during a Season 3 press tour stop in Sydney. Quaid publicly confirmed their relationship in February 2024, describing it as a genuine connection born from shared time on set amid the show’s intense production schedule.

Their on-screen dynamic — often tense and layered with political intrigue and moral ambiguity — contrasted sharply with the quiet affection observed off-screen. Friends of the couple described their bond as supportive and grounded, with Doumit’s Australian roots providing a welcome contrast to Quaid’s Hollywood upbringing.

The wedding venue, Mona Farm, offered a secluded backdrop of rolling hills and elegant grounds ideal for privacy. The reception unfolded in a marquee at the back of the property, allowing guests to celebrate away from prying eyes. Doumit wore an off-white gown featuring delicate floral straps, a flowing billowing skirt and a matching satin floral headband. Quaid opted for a distinctive western-style red suit accented with yellow sunflower embroidery on the lapel, nodding perhaps to the rural setting.

Among the notable attendees were several “The Boys” cast members, including Karl Urban (Butcher), Colby Minifie and Nathan Mitchell, who flew in to support their colleagues. Australian actress Emily Browning and her partner Eddie O’Keefe also joined the festivities. The presence of Quaid’s parents, who divorced in 2000 but have remained amicable co-parents, added a personal touch. Ryan and Quaid reportedly slipped into Sydney before making their way to the countryside event.

Braidwood’s remoteness helped shield the celebration from paparazzi and uninvited attention. The town, known for its preserved 19th-century architecture and quiet lifestyle, suddenly found itself hosting one of the year’s most unexpected celebrity gatherings. Local businesses embraced the moment, with some sharing subtle well-wishes online before respecting the couple’s desire for privacy.

The union marks a new chapter for both actors. Quaid, son of screen legends Ryan and Dennis Quaid, has carved his own path with roles in “The Boys,” “Star Trek” films and other projects, often navigating the challenges of being a “nepo baby” with self-deprecating humor. Doumit, born and raised in Sydney, gained international recognition through “The Boys” and the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” where she voiced Farah Karim. Her performance as the shape-shifting, power-hungry Neuman has earned praise for its nuance and intensity.

Fans of the series reacted with delight mixed with surprise at the real-life romance blossoming between two key cast members. Social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages, memes referencing the show’s chaotic world and hopes that the marriage might influence future seasons in lighthearted ways — though showrunners have kept plot details tightly under wraps.

The couple’s decision to wed in Australia reflected Doumit’s deep ties to her home country. Choosing a small town rather than a glitzy international hotspot underscored their preference for authenticity over spectacle. Sources close to the pair noted that both value keeping personal milestones away from the constant glare of celebrity culture, especially given the satirical lens “The Boys” applies to fame and power.

No official statements have been released by Quaid, Doumit or their representatives as of Tuesday. Representatives for the couple and Warner Bros.-affiliated projects declined comment, consistent with the low-profile approach they maintained throughout their relationship.

The wedding comes as “The Boys” approaches its final season, with production on Season 5 wrapping amid high anticipation. The series, based on the comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, has become a cultural phenomenon for its dark humor, social commentary and ensemble performances. Quaid and Doumit’s characters have shared significant screen time, fueling speculation among viewers long before their real-life romance became public.

Industry observers viewed the event as a refreshing departure from lavish, highly publicized Hollywood weddings. In an era where many stars opt for destination extravaganzas or social media-documented ceremonies, Quaid and Doumit’s choice of a quiet Australian farm highlighted priorities of intimacy and family. The inclusion of both Hollywood veterans and “The Boys” colleagues created a bridge between generations and professional circles.

Braidwood residents expressed a mix of pride and amusement at hosting such high-profile visitors. One local business owner told reporters the town appreciated the economic boost from the event while respecting the couple’s privacy. The historic setting, with its colonial-era buildings and peaceful atmosphere, provided a storybook contrast to the violent, satirical universe of “The Boys.”

As details continue to trickle out through secondhand accounts and deleted posts, the marriage has reignited interest in the couple’s journey. Their story began professionally on set, evolved through shared travels and press tours, and culminated in vows exchanged far from the spotlight. It serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of blockbuster television, genuine connections can form and flourish quietly.

For “The Boys” devotees, the news adds an extra layer of intrigue to upcoming episodes. While the show’s creators have emphasized that real-life events do not directly influence scripts, the positive energy surrounding the cast could translate into on-screen camaraderie.

As Tuesday unfolded, well-wishes continued pouring in from fans worldwide. Many highlighted the couple’s chemistry both on and off screen, expressing excitement for whatever personal and professional adventures lie ahead. In a town better known for its heritage and tranquility than celebrity sightings, Jack Quaid and Claudia Doumit’s secret wedding has left a lasting, if understated, impression.

The couple is expected to enjoy a brief honeymoon before resuming work commitments. With “The Boys” finale season on the horizon and both actors pursuing other projects, their marriage represents a stable foundation amid demanding careers.

In the end, the event encapsulated a simple truth often lost in Hollywood narratives: Sometimes the most compelling stories unfold not with explosions or superpowers, but with two people choosing each other in a quiet corner of the world.

Barclays has been ushered into the second cohort of firms handpicked by the City watchdog for its artificial intelligence live testing scheme, as Britain’s banking establishment doubles down on the technology race reshaping financial services.

The FTSE 100 lender will rub shoulders with its high street rival Lloyds Banking Group, which is entering the programme through its Scottish Widows subsidiary, alongside credit reference agency Experian, payments outfit GoCardless and Swiss banking giant UBS.

Run by the Financial Conduct Authority in partnership with Advai, the British specialist in automated testing, evaluation and assurance of AI systems, the initiative offers successful applicants a regulatory safe harbour in which to put their models through their paces. The intention is to let firms iron out governance wrinkles well before those systems are turned loose on high-stakes decisions affecting consumers.

Speaking at Innovate Finance’s Global Fintech Summit, Jessica Rusu, the FCA’s chief data, information and intelligence officer, said the scheme “reflects our commitment to supporting the pace of change in AI, whilst demonstrating how regulators and industry can work together to harness innovation responsibly”.

The announcement lands at a moment when Britain’s traditional lenders are under acute pressure to demonstrate tech credentials that can stand comparison with the tech-native neobanks snapping at their heels. Investors have grown increasingly impatient for a convincing AI narrative, particularly one that sets out concrete implications for costs and headcount.

UBS analysts warned earlier this year that banks would be “pressed hard” to articulate a “coherent financial story for AI implementation: what is being spent now and what it means for the future shape of expenses overall and headcount in particular”.

The urgency is reflected in the flurry of alliances struck in recent months. Barclays has thrown in its lot with Microsoft AI in a deal that will put AI tools in the hands of some 100,000 of its bankers, while NatWest has signed with OpenAI and HSBC has turned to the French champion Mistral. NatWest, Lloyds and HSBC each sit within the top 20 of the Evident AI index, the global benchmark for AI adoption in banking.

Yet for all the enthusiasm, the risks have not gone unnoticed. American regulators recently summoned Wall Street chief executives to an emergency meeting amid concerns that Anthropic’s newly released “Mythos” tool could pose systemic risks to the financial system, a reminder that the cybersecurity implications of ever more capable models remain a live worry for supervisors on both sides of the Atlantic.

The FCA launched its first AI live testing cohort last December, with Monzo, NatWest and Santander among the inaugural participants. For smaller and mid-market firms watching from the sidelines, the expanding programme offers a useful weathervane on where the regulator will draw its lines as AI embeds itself deeper into British finance.

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