President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver a briefing to Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) unit commanders during an assembly at the National Defence University (Unhan) in Sentul, West Java. Preparations for the event, including the display of portraits of past presidents such as Soekarno, Soeharto, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Prabowo himself, underscore the significance of the gathering. This follows earlier directives from Prabowo, conveyed through Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, emphasising the strengthening of defence postures and rebuilding public trust in TNI and Police as forces of the people.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transmigration has revealed that approximately 600,000 hectares of its 3.1 million hectare transmigration areas are cultivated with palm oil, primarily in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and parts of South Sulawesi, excluding expansion areas and independently managed plots. Officials highlight palm oil's role in generating foreign exchange and employment, describing it as a divine blessing for transmigrants, while emphasising the development of region-specific leading commodities to foster economic growth and prevent land abandonment. This approach marks a paradigm shift towards sustainable economic activities in transmigration zones, as stated by Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara.

Recent accidents at level crossings, including a taxi-train collision in Bekasi, underscore ongoing safety concerns at road-rail intersections in Indonesia. According to Directorate General of Railways data, Indonesia's active rail network spans 6,945 km, with significant concentrations of rolling stock in Java and Sumatra, yet numerous unofficial crossings persist—456 in Java and 507 in Sumatra—contributing to risks. Transportation expert Djoko Setijowarno emphasises that these incidents are road traffic accidents requiring prioritised national policies on safety, access needs, and economic activities around crossings.

The US Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates at 3.5-3.75% signals a potential shift towards more reactive global policies, prompting Indonesian economists to urge Bank Indonesia to adopt a stronger tightening stance to stabilise the rupiah amid overshooting pressures. Experts highlight the need for clear signals from monetary authorities and fiscal adjustments, such as refinements to the state budget and priority programmes like free nutritious meals, to bolster market confidence. This approach is crucial for maintaining economic credibility in an era of heightened global volatility, where adaptability and policy synergy between the central bank and finance ministry will be key to navigating uncertainties.

Indonesia's furniture and handicraft industry is facing export pressures, with the Industry Confidence Index for export-oriented sectors slowing to 52.28 in April 2026, amid contractions in seven sectors including wood products. HIMKI Chairman Abdul Sobur criticises the sector's over-reliance on price and volume competition, urging a shift to high-value markets leveraging design, culture, and craftsmanship to compete with China and Vietnam. This strategic repositioning towards creative value creation could position Indonesia as a trendsetter in global markets, while the Ministry of Industry notes the slowdown as a normal adjustment phase.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration plans to deport 26 foreign nationals who were victims of kidnapping at a guesthouse in Kedonganan, Bali, linked to an international online scam ring. The individuals, including those from the Philippines and Kenya, were handed over to immigration authorities by police following a raid prompted by a report from the Philippine Embassy. This action underscores efforts to combat transnational crime and protect foreign workers from exploitation.

President Prabowo Subianto has stressed the need for Indonesia's national downstreaming projects to adapt to technological advancements and focus on public benefits, as highlighted during the groundbreaking of Phase II at the Cilacap Refinery Unit IV in Central Java. He urged objective, scientific evaluations of projects to ensure they utilise the most efficient and cost-effective technologies, even if it means revising existing plans. This approach aims to strengthen economic independence and position Indonesia as a major global economic power through efficient, modern, and sovereign downstreaming initiatives.

The Jakarta DPRD held a lively plenary session on Thursday, approving the dismissal of Chairman Khoirudin as proposed by the PKS party's central board for the remainder of the 2024-2029 term. Deputy Chairman Ima Mahdiah led the proceedings, with 83 of 106 members present, and the unanimous agreement was met with applause. Suhud Alynudin is set to replace him, pending official appointment via the Governor to the Minister of Home Affairs, despite a brief interruption from a PKB faction member.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has reported that four Indonesian crew members hijacked on the MT Honour 25 ship off Somalia are in good condition, with ongoing efforts to resolve the situation through coordination with local authorities and community leaders. The ministry is enhancing domestic data collection on Indonesians working abroad and promoting bilateral cooperation to prevent similar incidents, while urging crew members to follow official procedures for overseas employment. The hijacking, which occurred on 22 April, involved a multinational crew and prompted urgent calls from families for government intervention.

The restoration project for the lobby of the Buleleng Regent's Office in Bali has commenced, with a budget of Rp 2 billion aimed at preserving its heritage concept through minor repairs and enhancements. The work, targeted for completion in three months, includes adjustments to the canopy, asphalt resurfacing, addition of disability-friendly facilities, and enlargement of the front pond to improve space for official assemblies. Drawing from historical archives of Buleleng's time as the capital of the Sunda Kecil Province, the project seeks to restore the building's original character while integrating with ongoing urban improvements in Singaraja's Titik Nol area, underscoring efforts to maintain cultural heritage alongside functional upgrades in local government infrastructure.

Under Hery Gunardi's leadership for the first year, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has achieved robust growth, with cheap funds (CASA) surging 13.2% year-on-year to Rp1,058.6 trillion, driving down the cost of funds to 2.3% and boosting net interest income by 11.9% to Rp40.15 trillion. The bank's profitability strengthened, with net profit rising 13.74% to Rp15.5 trillion in Q1 2026, supported by digital innovations, extensive agent networks, and synergies from its ultra-micro holding subsidiaries like Pegadaian and PNM, which contributed 28.49% to consolidated earnings. This performance underscores BRI's disciplined transformation strategy amid global economic challenges, enhancing financial inclusion through KUR disbursements and UMKM ecosystems.

Today, 30 April 2026, marks the extended deadline for individual taxpayers to submit their annual tax returns (SPT) in Indonesia, following a postponement from 31 March. Taxpayers who file by the end of the day via the DJP's Coretax platform can avoid administrative penalties, ensuring compliance without fines. The online system offers a straightforward process for activation, login, form completion, and submission, promoting efficiency even on the final day.

During a plenary session of the Jakarta DPRD on Thursday, legislators from various factions expressed appreciation for the expansion of the free school programme, which has grown from 40 schools in 2024 to 103 this year, while urging further increases to 200 schools and ensuring it targets underprivileged families. Members highlighted the need to include madrasah under the Ministry of Religious Affairs to avoid discrimination and to evaluate school locations in high dropout areas like Cengkareng for better coverage. This push underscores ongoing efforts to improve educational access for Jakarta's poor children amid existing schemes like the Jakarta Smart Card.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Bali has reported robust banking health as of February 2026, with non-performing loans dropping to 2.62% from 3.13% the previous year and credit at risk falling to 9.29%. Total credit disbursements reached Rp119.75 trillion, growing 6.47%, driven by investment loans in tourism and real estate, while capital adequacy ratios remain strong at 28.31%, providing a buffer against global uncertainties like Middle East conflicts. This performance underscores the sector's positive intermediation role, supporting economic growth through UMKM financing and steady third-party fund mobilisation.

President Prabowo Subianto launched the groundbreaking for Phase II of Indonesia's national downstreaming projects, comprising 13 strategic initiatives worth approximately IDR 116 trillion across energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors, at the Refinery Unit IV in Cilacap. This initiative aims to enhance the value of natural resources, boost economic independence, and transform Indonesia into a sovereign processor of its raw materials. Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani highlighted the projects as a catalyst for national economic transformation, fostering industrial ecosystems that deliver maximum benefits to the Indonesian people.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Downstreaming Task Force and the Nusantara Future Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara) to continuously evaluate strategic projects using objective, scientific, and mathematical approaches, adapting to technological advancements to ensure maximum efficiency and benefits for the Indonesian people. He emphasised the importance of selecting the most advantageous technologies without ulterior motives, positioning downstream industrialisation as a key pillar for economic independence and national growth. Prabowo also called for national unity amid diversity, highlighting peace and stability as essential foundations for Indonesia's progress towards becoming a great economic power.

The recent train accident in Bekasi Timur on 27 April 2026 highlights ongoing safety challenges in Indonesia's railway system despite significant modernisations over the past decade, termed "Railvolution" by the author. Drawing lessons from Japan and India, the article advocates for an integrated approach encompassing hardware, software, and human factors, emphasising sustainable, digital, and governance strategies to enhance reliability and efficiency. Government plans to expand rail networks beyond Java are praised for boosting national logistics, with clear roles for operators like PT Kereta Api Indonesia and regulators such as the Ministry of Transportation deemed essential.

Indonesia's marine and fisheries sector has achieved a significant milestone with fish exports reaching US$6.2 billion (approximately Rp106.5 trillion) in 2025, marking a 5.2% annual growth and reinforcing a trade surplus. The United States leads as the primary destination with US$1.99 billion, followed by China and ASEAN, while high-value commodities like shrimp (US$1.87 billion) and tuna dominate the export composition. This success highlights Indonesia's competitive edge in global seafood markets, though challenges in downstream processing and value addition remain key areas for improvement to enhance export quality.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has issued Regulation No. 11 of 2026, restricting imports of agricultural commodities such as feed wheat, soybean meal, mung beans, peanuts, feed rice, and pears to support national food self-sufficiency. The policy, effective from May 8, 2026, requires importers to obtain approval from the Ministry of Trade based on recommendations from the Ministry of Agriculture, aiming to balance domestic supply and demand while protecting local producers. This measure seeks to stabilise prices, encourage farmers’ production, and reduce import reliance, addressing issues like declining interest in cultivating certain crops due to unrestricted imports.

In Indonesia, changing the name on a land certificate following marriage is essential to align ownership records with updated personal identities, preventing future administrative issues in transactions like sales, gifts, or bank loans. The process is handled through the Ministry of Agraria and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) at local land offices, with requirements accessible via the Sentuh Tanahku app. Applicants must prepare key documents, visit the relevant office, and complete a request form after verification.

PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo) has assigned an idBBB rating with a negative outlook to PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (GIAA), reflecting the airline's strategic importance to the Indonesian government, strong business position, and comprehensive route network. The negative outlook stems from heightened risks due to fuel price volatility driven by geopolitical tensions, which could further strain the company's already weak financial profile. Pefindo warns that the rating could be downgraded if operational performance weakens significantly from declining passenger demand, cost pressures, or prolonged fuel volatility, or if government support diminishes.

Members of the DKI Jakarta DPRD interrupted Governor Pramono Anung during a plenary session to discuss the free school programme, praising its expansion to 103 private schools this year from 40 in 2023 but urging better targeting for low-income families and inclusion of madrasahs. They highlighted ongoing issues like high dropout rates and called for further increases in participating schools and budget allocation of Rp 253.6 billion to ensure equitable access to education in the capital. This reflects broader concerns about educational equity and non-discrimination in Jakarta's social policies.

The Indonesian government has pledged comprehensive support for the victims of the recent train collision at Bekasi Timur Station involving the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek and a KRL Commuter Line, which resulted in 16 deaths and 81 injuries. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf announced assessments to provide tailored social assistance, compensation, and empowerment programmes, in addition to insurance from Jasa Raharja. President Prabowo Subianto visited the victims, instructing top medical care, underscoring the state's commitment to the affected families.

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) is actively improving connectivity between regions by constructing functional bridges for public use, having already completed 336 bridges in areas including disaster-hit regions in Aceh, Padang, and North Sumatra, with 908 more under construction. This initiative, part of the Pioneer Bridge Development Programme, aims to exceed 7,000 bridges nationwide, demonstrating the military's commitment to not only territorial defence but also public welfare and economic mobility. The programme aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's policy direction for societal prosperity, with TNI AD vowing to continue the effort across Indonesia.

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that four Indonesian crew members aboard the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia are in good condition, with ongoing coordination efforts involving local authorities and community leaders to ensure their safety. The incident, which occurred on 22 April near Hafun, involves a multinational crew, and the government is strengthening domestic data collection on overseas Indonesian workers to prevent similar occurrences. Families of the victims have urged President Prabowo Subianto to expedite actions, highlighting the government's commitment to bilateral and multilateral cooperation for protecting citizens abroad.

PT Pegadaian is bolstering its position as Indonesia's premier gold-based financial services company by offering seamless investment options through its Tring! by Pegadaian app, which integrates services like gold savings, instalment purchases, deposits, and pawning. In the Pontianak area covering West Kalimantan, digital gold savings have seen remarkable growth, with year-on-year increases of 97.98% in 2025 and significant rises in customer numbers up to 175.5% in 2024, reflecting heightened public trust and enthusiasm for accessible, transparent digital gold investments. This digital transformation is driving financial inclusion and literacy in gold investment, particularly in Kalimantan, amid strong business performance metrics.

Bank Indonesia has launched the cross-border QRIS payment system with China, integrating with Alipay and UnionPay to enable cashless transactions for Indonesians in China and vice versa. While WeChat Pay is planned for integration, it is currently under exploration due to technical interconnection challenges on the Chinese side, though Indonesia's systems are ready. This expansion follows QRIS implementations in countries like South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, enhancing global payment accessibility for Indonesian users.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has affirmed that his personal relationship with US President Donald Trump remains strong despite sharp rhetorical exchanges over the Iran conflict. Merz criticised the US military involvement in Iran as poorly planned and risky, prompting Trump to dismiss his comments on social media as uninformed. This tension highlights differing approaches among Western allies amid global concerns over potential escalation, with significant security and economic implications for Europe.

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk reported a consolidated net profit of Rp1.1 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 35 percent year-on-year increase, driven by improved cost of credit and strong growth in lending and deposits. Total loans and trade finance reached Rp216.2 trillion, up 9 percent, while CASA and deposits grew 16 percent to Rp176.1 trillion, with asset quality remaining robust as evidenced by a lower NPL ratio of 1.6 percent. The bank's strategic focus on digital banking and priority business ecosystems, including a 36 percent surge in automotive synergy loans, underscores its solid operational performance amid ongoing investments in core capabilities.

Bima Arya, a prominent figure, commended the IPDN cadets for their tangible contributions to the recovery efforts in Aceh Tamiang, focusing on restoring government offices in the first wave and residential areas and public facilities in subsequent waves. He highlighted how this assignment serves as a crucial training ground for future bureaucratic leaders, testing their physical and mental resilience while fostering teamwork and adaptability to diverse backgrounds. The event, attended by local officials and ministry representatives, underscored the cadets' impactful work and expressed hopes for the community's swift return to normalcy.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has announced that all long-distance train services are now operating normally without cancellations as of 30 April 2026, following a recovery process that shows positive progress. While minor delays may still occur during operational adjustments, KAI is prioritising safety and customer rights, apologising for any inconvenience and urging patience. Additionally, 85 lost items have been recovered from the incident, with 38 already returned to owners, and KAI is facilitating the retrieval process at Bekasi Timur Station.

PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk, or CDI Group (CDIA), reported a 19% year-on-year revenue growth to US$41.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, driven by solid demand and ongoing infrastructure platform expansion. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of US$14.1 million, surging 125.4% year-on-year, supported by strategic initiatives from 2025, including additions to maritime and land logistics assets as well as solar energy capacity, resulting in a net profit after tax of US$9.5 million. CDI Group maintained strong financial health with US$954.2 million in liquidity and a debt-to-capitalisation ratio of 39%, while enhancing its maritime logistics through the addition of the 9,000 DWT chemical tanker Boreas, bolstering its regional presence in Asia and Europe.

A fatal accident involving an online taxi, a Commuter Line train, and the KA Argo Bromo has once again highlighted the dangers of level crossings in Indonesia. According to Government Regulation No. 56 of 2009 on Railway Operations, level crossings are deemed temporary and must be replaced with non-level crossings such as flyovers or underpasses when safety standards are not met or traffic volumes increase. Transportation expert Ki Darmaningtyas emphasises that these crossings primarily serve public roads intersecting rail lines, underscoring the need for permanent infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and traffic flow.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has responded positively to a proposal by Yusril Ihza Mahendra to set the parliamentary threshold for political parties at the number of DPR commissions, currently 13 seats, to prevent the loss of voter voices. PDIP lawmaker Deddy Sitorus argued that the current seat allocation system already favours small parties, allowing them to gain maximum seats with minimal votes, while larger parties lose more votes proportionally, and urged leaving the matter to DPR discussions and potential Constitutional Court review. This suggestion arises amid ongoing revisions to the Election Law, highlighting sensitive debates on electoral thresholds and parliamentary representation.

The Malaysian ringgit has emerged as the strongest currency in Asia, bucking the trend of weakening Asian currencies against the US dollar amid global uncertainties, wars, and financial market pressures. This resilience reflects underlying economic strengths in Malaysia, serving as a significant signal for sensitive capital flows in the current global environment. The article questions whether this is coincidental or indicative of a more robust economic foundation.

Investors remain sceptical of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's ambitious AI development plans, favouring Alphabet's approach instead, as reflected in starkly contrasting stock reactions to their earnings reports. While Alphabet's shares surged 7% and have risen 118% over the past year, Meta's stock dropped 7% amid concerns over its capital expenditure. This divergence highlights Alphabet's edge in AI innovation and cloud infrastructure, potentially positioning it to better convert AI investments into revenue.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that four Indonesian crew members hijacked by pirates on the MT Honour 25 tanker in Somali waters remain in good condition, based on the latest updates from the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi. The government is intensifying coordination with domestic stakeholders to improve data tracking of Indonesians working abroad, aiming to prevent similar incidents and enhance rapid response capabilities. Among the victims is Captain Ashari Samadikun from South Sulawesi, with the embassy maintaining close communication with Somali authorities to ensure the safe release of the crew, including 10 Pakistanis and individuals from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India.

Marie Elka Pangestu, Vice Chair of the National Economic Council, asserts that enhancing women's roles in the workforce not only promotes equality but also boosts business performance and economic growth, citing data showing diverse leadership leads to higher profits and better long-term orientation. Despite progress since the era of R.A. Kartini, Indonesia faces significant challenges, with only 4% of listed company CEOs being women and female workforce participation at 56% compared to 85% for men, hindered by care economy burdens, lack of sponsorship, limited leadership pipelines, and cultural norms. She calls for action from businesses, government, and society to create inclusive policies and support systems, emphasising that empowering women is a key strategy for sustainable economic development.

A former head of the Control and Dispute Resolution Section at the West Lombok National Land Agency (BPN) has been acquitted in the corruption case involving the sale of pecatu land in Bagik Polak Village, West Lombok, NTB, as she was not proven guilty under anti-corruption laws. The panel of judges ordered her immediate release from custody and restoration of all her rights, despite prosecutors seeking a one-year-and-six-month prison sentence and a fine. This verdict contrasts with the conviction of the village head, who received a two-year sentence, in a case that caused state losses of Rp 958 million from the sale of 3,757 square metres of land.

The Head of the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) engaged in a dialogue with ride-hailing drivers in Sukabumi to promote a humanistic approach to traffic safety and compliance, emphasising their strategic role in daily mobility and road security. The event, part of preparations for Labour Day, focused on coordinated security for workers travelling from West Java to Jakarta, while highlighting a shift from punitive measures to communication and partnership with ojol communities. This collaboration aims to reduce accidents, enhance public trust in the police, and foster real-time traffic information sharing for safer roads.

Indonesian police have seized assets valued at Rp15.3 billion from the wife and two children of notorious drug lord Erwin Iskandar, alias Koko Erwin, in connection with suspected money laundering from narcotics trafficking. The assets include vehicles, land certificates, shops, and warehouses, which were purchased using funds transferred by Koko Erwin to disguise illicit proceeds. This action highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks in Indonesia, including links to corrupt law enforcement officials in West Nusa Tenggara.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) hosted a webinar titled 'Modern Kartini: Women, Knowledge, and Change' in Jakarta, attended by over 5,000 participants online, featuring speakers Friderica Widyasari Dewi and Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid. Friderica emphasised the vital role of Indonesian women in maintaining financial sector stability and the need to equip them with literacy and skills to enhance family welfare and protect against financial crimes. Meutya highlighted women's growing contributions to the national digital and economic ecosystem, stressing inclusive digital transformation and protections against cyber threats, as OJK commits to empowering women for sustainable national development.

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is developing a master plan to extend data centre development from the western regions, including Jakarta and Batam, to the eastern parts of the country, leveraging the nation's vast archipelagic geography. This initiative, coordinated with other agencies, focuses on identifying locations with access to alternative energy sources and aims to prepare a national roadmap that upholds data sovereignty while attracting investments. The data centre market is projected to reach US$1.83 billion by 2026 and US$3.48 billion by 2031, highlighting the strategic importance of this expansion for Indonesia's digital infrastructure.

The CEO of Astronacci International, Gema Goeyardi, expresses strong optimism about the potential of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) shares, highlighting its consistent dividend payouts and significant discount amid the current IHSG downturn, making it an attractive accumulation opportunity for investors. BBRI's robust performance is evident in its commercial credit growth, which has nearly tripled since 2021 to Rp61.4 trillion in 2025 with a 58.4% year-on-year increase, alongside an expanded market share from 2.1% to 5.2%, particularly in SME financing. As a government-designated development agent focused on empowering small and medium enterprises, BBRI balances growth with profitability, reinforcing its dominant position in the banking sector.

The US Federal Reserve has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate in the range of 3.5 to 3.75 percent for the third consecutive time this year, amid surging global oil prices and economic uncertainties stemming from the Iran conflict. This decision, while not unanimous, reflects a cautious stance as inflation remains above the 2 percent target, driven by energy costs, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicating that future rate cuts remain possible depending on incoming data. The dissent among officials highlights growing divisions within the central bank, the first since October 1992, underscoring the challenges in balancing economic stability.

Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa has sworn in 12 new echelon II officials to fill key positions in various departments and agencies, emphasising the need for strategic actions to realise the regency's vision and mission. The appointees are tasked with prioritising solutions to critical issues such as traffic congestion, waste management, flooding, and enhancing security and comfort, which are vital for sustaining the tourism-dependent economy of Badung. While these positions are filled, further appointments for sub-district heads and section chiefs are in process pending central government approvals to ensure administrative compliance.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has affirmed its commitment to prudent risk monitoring, particularly in its credit portfolio, amid rising geopolitical uncertainties from conflicts in the Middle East. The bank's business structure, centred on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), provides strong resilience due to its granular nature, helping maintain stable asset quality with improving non-performing loan ratios. In the first quarter of 2026, BRI reported a net profit of Rp15.5 trillion, up 13.74% year-on-year, supported by interest income growth and reduced interest expenses.

During the May Day long weekend, traffic authorities in Bogor Regency have suspended the usual odd-even number plate restrictions for vehicles heading to the Puncak tourist area to accommodate increased holiday traffic. Instead, a one-way traffic scheme will be implemented to prevent severe congestion on routes between Jakarta and Bogor. Police urge drivers to follow traffic signs, heed on-site instructions, and ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition given the unpredictable mountain weather.

The West Papua provincial government has facilitated the resolution of a violence case at SMA Taruna Nusantara involving a class XI student assaulting a class X student via customary mechanisms, with both parties' parents agreeing to peace emphasising local wisdom values. The perpetrator's family will cover all medical costs for the victim, and all students must sign a commitment to prevent future incidents, with violators facing expulsion. Additionally, the school is under evaluation for over-enrolling new students by 100 beyond the maximum limit for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 academic years.

Alphabet, Google's parent company, reported attracting 25 million new paying customers in the first quarter of 2026, bringing the total to 350 million across its services, primarily driven by YouTube and Google One. While ad revenue for YouTube slightly missed Wall Street expectations at $9.88 billion, it still rose 11% year-over-year, though the shift towards ad-free subscriptions has raised investor concerns about future ad income. CEO Sundar Pichai urged analysts to evaluate YouTube's performance by combining ad and subscription revenues, highlighting the platform's annual earnings exceeding $60 billion last year.