Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Australian shares ended little changed on Friday, finishing a volatile week where investors weighed a federal budget proposal to curb negative gearing. The change raised fears of weaker mortgage demand, clouding banks’ outlook even as financials gained 1% after earlier losses. Real estate stocks rose on expectations that first-home buyer support could offset the impact. Outside Australia, investors tracked US China talks and Middle East tensions, while miners slipped 3.1% on softer iron ore and copper prices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off a high-stakes five-nation tour spanning the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy until May 20. Starting in Abu Dhabi, Modi is holding delegation-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with attention on trade, energy cooperation, investment and regional security. Industry groups see the agenda as a boost for sectors like engineering, pharma, textiles, logistics and digital trade, while European and Gulf partnerships are expected to deepen amid shifting global geopolitics and markets.
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India’s state-run oil marketing companies raised petrol and diesel prices by roughly ₹3 per litre on Friday, the first increase in over four years. In Delhi, petrol climbed to ₹97.77 and diesel to ₹90.67 per litre. Economists say the move was expected as global crude prices surged amid the West Asia conflict and supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. They caution that while the immediate inflation hit may be limited, higher transport and logistics costs could gradually raise prices of everyday goods.
Samsung Electronics shares sank more than 9% on Friday after a labour dispute escalated at the world’s biggest memory chipmaker. An 18-day strike starting May 21 remains on the table even as Samsung offered unconditional talks, following failed government-mediated negotiations over 2026 wages and bonuses. Reuters reports union participation could involve over 50,000 workers, heightening fears of disruptions to chip production and deliveries. JPMorgan estimates operating profit impact could reach 21 trillion to 31 trillion won.
Silver prices on MCX crashed, losing up to Rs 17,500 in a day and falling back below levels seen before the recent customs duty increase. The move followed weaker demand at higher prices, a softer industrial outlook, and a global picture clouded by growth concerns. With safe-haven buying fading and import duties jumping sharply, silver has entered a highly volatile phase.
Uber is planning two large technology centres in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, targeting completion by 2027. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced the move during a Bengaluru town hall on 14 May, as Uber increases investments in digital infrastructure, logistics, and mobility. The company says it will hire more technical talent for roles spanning back-end infrastructure, autonomous vehicle work, and generative AI. Uber also plans to partner with the Adani Group to build its first Indian data centre, expected to be operational by 2026, alongside a $330 million investment in its local subsidiary.
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Japan’s government bond yields surged across the yield curve as markets increasingly bet the Bank of Japan will tighten policy. The 10-year JGB yield climbed up to 10 basis points to 2.73%, the highest since May 1997, while five- and 20-year yields touched all-time peaks. The move gained traction after data showed Japan’s wholesale inflation rose fastest in three years in April. Additional pressure came from rising US Treasury yields amid global inflation worries.
Jammu and Kashmir politics hit a new high in Srinagar as the BJP accused the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government of prioritising “revenue over morality” by allowing liquor shops. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur warned that if licensing policy isn’t reversed, party workers will physically shut outlets and keep protests going. The BJP also demanded a complete ban on sale and purchase in the Kashmir division. Omar Abdullah defended the approach, saying no new shops are opening and alcohol is only permitted where religious beliefs allow choice.
HUDCO shares fell more than 8% after the company posted a 172% year-on-year jump in Q4FY26 consolidated net profit to Rs 1,981 crore. The catch: profit before tax dropped 39% to Rs 621 crore, largely because net profit benefited from a Rs 1,530 crore deferred tax gain. Revenue from operations rose 25% and interest income gained 26%, but total expenses climbed 63%, with finance costs up 30%. Investors now question the durability of earnings growth.
After meeting Xi Jinping in Beijing, Donald Trump said the US and China agreed Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. He also claimed the Strait of Hormuz must reopen for global shipping, citing Xi’s opposition to militarising or tolling the waterway. Trump warned his patience is “running out” as US attacks pause but a port blockade continues, with talks stalled over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Incidents include a sunk cargo vessel and unauthorised boarding near Fujairah.
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Ahead of MI’s penultimate IPL 2026 game against KKR, Hardik Pandya has been spotted bowling at full speed in the nets after missing recent matches with an injury. The allrounder, who reportedly didn’t travel with the team and was unable to play after traveling to Raipur, has now resumed training in Mumbai. After MI beat Punjab Kings, Shardul Thakur addressed the social-media chatter, saying he expects Hardik to return to action versus Kolkata.
Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle (CV) business shares jumped about 3% on Friday, snapping a five-session losing streak even after Q4 results disappointed investors. Standalone net profit rose 70% year-on-year to Rs 2,406 crore and revenue increased 22% to Rs 24,452 crore, alongside a proposed final dividend of Rs 4. Still, brokerages stayed cautious: Nomura cut to Neutral citing global risks and IVECO issues, while others flagged margin pressure from fuel and commodity costs.
As outrage grows over allegations of NEET question-paper leaks and irregularities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced sweeping changes. From next year, NEET will shift to a computer-based format, replacing the OMR-based test model. The NTA will refund exam fees for affected candidates and conduct a re-exam with no additional charges. Candidates will also receive an extra 15 minutes, and admit cards for the re-test are scheduled for release on June 14.
Indian equities bounced back after early-week jitters, helped by fuel hikes being passed to consumers and fading concerns around the Adani group. But market expert Sandip Sabharwal says the next leg of the bull run hinges less on corporate earnings and more on global macro forces—commodity prices, inflation, and Middle East geopolitical risk. Investors are watching what happens in Iran after Donald Trump’s China visit, with crude possibly cooling only if tensions ease.
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Bitcoin briefly surged above $82,000 on optimism around the proposed CLARITY Act but slipped back to around $81,000, trading near $80,572. The wider crypto market value rose 0.5% to about $2.67 trillion, with mixed moves across altcoins. Analysts cite regulatory clarity, strong US equity sentiment, and potential fresh institutional inflows as reasons Bitcoin could still test $85,000—despite recent volatility and notable Bitcoin ETF outflows.
In Thursday’s Thailand Open 2026 action at Patumwan, three seeded Indians booked quarterfinal spots with dominant straight-game victories. World Tour Finals 2025 bronze pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty dismantled Malaysia’s Goonting Bryan Jeremy and Haikal Muhammad 21-12, 21-19 in 44 minutes, setting up a Japan showdown. PV Sindhu overpowered Denmark’s Amalie Schulz 21-13, 21-15, while Lakshya Sen beat China’s Zhu Xuan Chen 21-12, 21-13, with Sindhu next facing Akane Yamaguchi.
Nazara Technologies shares surged up to 18% to Rs 314 on Friday after a block deal reportedly covering nearly 4.9% of the company’s equity. The CNBC-TV18 report points to Nikhil Kamath of Zerodha and Axana Estates as likely buyers, with founder Nitish Mittersain believed to be the seller. Despite Q4FY26 revenue falling 23% YoY to Rs 398 crore, net profit jumped more than 13-fold to Rs 56 crore. Management also highlighted AI investments.
Legend of Toys, a mass premium Indian toy brand, has raised Rs 21 crore in a Pre-Series A round backed by investors including Singularity Early Opportunities Fund. The funding will support expansion into new play categories, stronger sourcing and manufacturing, and increased marketing and digital efforts in India and overseas. The company’s growth comes as India’s toy sector shifts from imports to local production, fueled by higher import duties and tougher quality rules, including mandatory BIS certification from January 2021.
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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the Centre over Friday’s petrol and diesel price increase, calling it a “Modi-government-made crisis” driven by “leadership crisis” and lack of vision. He argued that diesel price rises create a cascading inflation effect reaching industries, household budgets and farmers, while also questioning India’s energy strategy and foreign-policy handling amid the West Asia conflict. Kharge cited reports about Russia oil waivers requiring US “allow/permission”, contrasting it with Rijiju’s defense.
Delhi Police have arrested three men in a mobile phone snatching and disposal racket that allegedly targeted iPhone users. Following a robbery near IP Park on April 18, investigators reviewed CCTV, gathered intelligence and used technical surveillance to nab Sameer and Suhail. Police later arrested Zahir alias Salman in Old Delhi and raided his home, recovering 64 devices including 50 iPhones, plus two more recovered earlier—66 stolen phones in all. Authorities are tracing buyers and verifying links to other cases.
New ethics filings for the first quarter of 2026 reveal Donald Trump made a high-volume trading spree spanning technology, aerospace, banking and consumer names. Purchases highlighted AI leaders including NVIDIA and Microsoft, alongside other tech players, while Boeing emerged as a major theme around renewed U.S.-China trade negotiations. The disclosures show transaction totals ranging from $220 million to $750 million across thousands of trades, sparking renewed debate over transparency and potential conflicts.
The Centre has announced a re-examination for NEET UG 2026 on June 21 after a paper leak, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan vowing malpractice will not recur. The AAP alleges the government is “playing with the lives” of 22–23 lakh students and questions whether the main leak syndicate was arrested. Pradhan said the verification process started May 8 and continued until May 11, with cancellation on May 12, plus fee refunds and a shift to computer-based testing next year.
The Supreme Court has set aside the Ministry of Home Affairs order denying premature release to Rohit Chaturvedi, convicted in the 2003 murder of poet Madhumita Shukla. Chaturvedi has spent 22 years in prison and was already out on bail. A bench of B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said the state must prioritize reformation, not retribution, when considering remission. The court also noted he need not surrender.
Shardul Thakur addressed mounting concerns over Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya after he missed the last three matches. Thakur said Pandya’s non-availability was purely injury-related, citing a back spasm that kept him from travelling to Dharamsala and previously sidelined him for games against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Training in Mumbai now, Thakur indicated Pandya could return for the next match against Kolkata Knight Riders. He also dismissed social media speculation about Pandya’s future with MI.
BJP MLA Rathindra Bose was elected unopposed as Speaker of the West Bengal assembly on Friday, making history as the first legislator from North Bengal to hold the post. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari proposed his name, and pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy conducted a voice vote as support came from all 207 BJP MLAs. With the TMC choosing not to field a nominee, the result was settled without a contest, seen as a political signal to the region.
Chemical logistics firm A-1 Ltd plans to expand its fleet by adding 10 multi-axle tankers as it targets a “multi-vertical green enterprise” by 2028. The Gujarat-based company reported consolidated revenue of Rs 342.91 crore in FY26, up 3.44% from FY25, and a 32.5% jump in revenue in the March quarter. Profit stood at Rs 4.36 crore. Growth was supported by supply pacts including a 10,000 MT nitric acid agreement and a Rs 127.50 crore industrial urea order, alongside moves into electric mobility.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used the BRICS session to press for sweeping reform of global institutions, saying the UN’s effectiveness and credibility will remain “constrained” without meaningful changes, including expanding both permanent and non-permanent Security Council categories. He argued global governance structures still reflect an earlier era, as the world is more interconnected and multipolar. Jaishankar called reform “not a choice but a necessity,” urged moving to text-based Security Council negotiations, and demanded restructuring of financial and trading systems too.
India’s government bond market slipped in early trade after a fresh petrol and diesel price increase rekindled inflation concerns. The yield on the benchmark 6.48% 2035 bond climbed to 7.0591% by late morning as US Treasury yields rose to a one-year high. With India importing nearly 90% of crude, higher oil prices threaten the rupee and the current account, while a reported jump in wholesale inflation to 8.3% raised fears of consumer-price spillover ahead of a new 320 billion rupee bond sale.
Ajay Srivastava of Dimensions Corporate says Indian markets are only beginning to feel macro pressure from global shocks, currency weakness, and energy costs, with the real hit to consumers and earnings potentially taking 3 to 6 months to show fully. He cautions investors not to assume the recent fuel spike is already reflected. His strategy emphasizes “reallocate” over concentration, leaning toward legacy and promoter-driven firms, staying selective in export-focused pharma, and avoiding Indian IT in favor of US IT.
The Supreme Court has set aside a Delhi High Court order that suspended former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s life sentence in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The apex court directed the High Court to re-examine Sengar’s appeal against conviction and life imprisonment and to decide the main plea within two months. If that timeline cannot be met, the High Court should rule first on a plea seeking suspension of the life term before summer vacation begins.
In Panchkula, Haryana, an 18-year-old woman has accused her father of sexually abusing her for over 11 years, beginning when she was seven. She told police the assaults occurred when her mother was away, often while the father was drunk, and that resistance led to beatings and death threats. She alleges she became pregnant while in Class 9 and was forced to consume unidentified medicines to end the pregnancy. Police have arrested him under multiple laws, including POCSO, and she is receiving counselling.
Urban mobility startup Rapido has raised $240 million in a funding round led by Dutch tech investor Prosus, valuing the company at $3 billion. WestBridge Capital and Accel joined the round. The investment forms part of a larger $730 million round that Rapido is finalising, including both primary and secondary components. Rapido says the money will be used to expand demand by entering and deepening markets, grow and scale its captain network, and invest in technology and people for first- and last-mile connectivity.
The Indian rupee weakened on Friday, edging close to its record low as oil stayed above $100 a barrel and US bond yields climbed. It fell 0.2% to 95.94, near the 95.9575 record hit the prior session, but state-run banks’ dollar sales helped prevent a deeper slide. Brent rose above $107 after fresh Iran-related uncertainty. India also raised petrol and diesel prices by more than 3% for the first time in four years, while markets priced about 90 bps of potential hikes, alongside expectations of Fed tightening.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over measures asking citizens to save fuel and delay gold purchases, calling the petrol and diesel price hike a “gift” in a “tragic situation.” He said such appeals are unrealistic because people earn and live their lives accordingly. Prices rose Rs 3 per litre for both fuels on Friday—the first increase in over four years—amid retailer losses tied to global crude costs after the West Asia conflict.
Bengaluru’s Cyber Command Centre says two orphaned sisters, aged 11 and 12, were repeatedly sexually assaulted for over a year, while being filmed for quick money on social media. Investigators allege their uncle betrayed them by accepting payments from two men—Kiran Kumar Nayak and Aditya MK—to hand the girls over for exploitation. The breakthrough reportedly came from a National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal alert, leading to arrests, seizure of three phones, and statements recorded under POCSO.
A viral video from Arkansas shows the terrifying end of a high-speed chase involving 23-year-old Thalia Jones and her 3-year-old son on May 2 in Joiner. After Jones refused to stop for state troopers, Arkansas State Police used a PIT maneuver, and the vehicle veered off Highway 118, crossed back, and rolled over near a ditch. Seconds later, the toddler climbed out unharmed and ran toward officers, while Jones exited and yelled to troopers. Jones now faces multiple charges.
Korean semiconductor firms are caught between profit and long-term risk after the Trump Xi summit in Beijing reignited US China negotiations on chip export controls and rare earth leverage. Washington has tightened equipment limits to slow AI and high performance computing, and may loosen some curbs if China secures stable rare earth supplies and buys more US goods. Meanwhile, US approval for H200 chip purchases by about 10 Chinese companies suggests broader policy movement, but the stakes hinge on whether China gains advanced EUV lithography access.
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund made a decisive April reshuffle, fully exiting Reliance Industries, Bank of Baroda, and L&T Finance. At the same time, it boosted stakes in Titan Company, MCX, NTPC and ONGC, adding new positions including MTAR Technologies, Tata Steel, and Kirloskar Oil Engines. The portfolio expanded to 42 stocks, increasing holdings in 18 names while trimming four others. Despite the activity, the fund’s AUM stood at about Rs 424 crore and it remains modestly down since launch.
CBI carried out searches at seven locations across Chandigarh and Panchkula as part of a fraud probe involving IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank. The case, handed over by the Haryana government, investigates allegations that bank officials allegedly conspired with public servants to misappropriate government funds. Authorities claim the wrongdoing was routed through jewelry showrooms and private entities, widening the inquiry into how credit and payments were potentially manipulated.
India’s first petrol and diesel retail price increase since 2022 has not reassured investors. HPCL and BPCL shares fell up to 3% after a up to Rs 3 per litre adjustment that analysts say barely covers rising costs. With Brent crude above $100 and West Asia tensions persisting, ICRA estimates oil marketing companies could still lose about Rs 500 crore daily even after the hike, implying enormous quarterly under-recoveries and renewed pressure on government policy.
A hantavirus outbreak tied to a quarantined luxury cruise ship in the Atlantic has reignited COVID-era online panic, forcing health officials to rethink communication. Officials say the Andes strain is not new and is unlikely to trigger a pandemic, yet knowledge gaps and misinformation are fueling fear of lockdowns and unproven treatments. They’re emphasizing transparent, evidence-based messaging to balance concern with reassurance, while warning that trust has been eroded by slow and inconsistent COVID responses.
Petrol and diesel prices in India have risen by Rs 3 per litre, but the impact is unlikely to stay at the fuel pump. Because diesel and petrol power trucks, buses, generators and last mile delivery, the hike can ripple through transport and logistics costs. That means gradual pressure on prices of perishable essentials like vegetables, milk, curd and packaged foods. Delivery platforms, cab aggregators and even local transit and school transport could face higher fees or surge pricing if fuel stays elevated.
In the Himalayan foothills, Jalue Dorje—an American teen once pulling all-nighters on Madden NFL—now performs Tibetan Buddhist blessings at monasteries in India and Nepal. Recognized as a reincarnated lama after signs and confirmations, the 19-year-old trains at Mindrolling Monastery and recently met his parents in Kathmandu to attend rituals at Shechen Monastery. Even as monastic robes replace hoodies, Dorje keeps a pop-culture streak, quoting Drake and wearing Crocs decorated with playful charms.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that India will phase out OMR sheet-based exams starting in 2027, with major national entrance tests moving entirely to computer-based tests (CBT). The government says the shift targets persistent problems such as question paper leaks, impersonation, cheating, and logistical hurdles tied to paper transport. Officials claim CBT will improve security and surveillance, reduce human intervention in evaluation, speed up results, and standardize testing across examination centres.
Tickets for a rare women’s football semi-final between South Korea’s Suwon FC Women and North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC sold out in about 12 hours after going on sale, the Korea Football Association said. The May 20 match in Suwon marks the first time a North Korean sports team has played in the South since 2018. Seoul will also provide 300 million won to civic groups planning to cheer both teams, with North Korean clubs arriving from Beijing on Sunday.
As President Donald Trump closes a high-stakes visit to China, he insists US China ties are improving despite disputes over Iran, Taiwan, and trade. The attention-grabber: Trump reshaped Xi Jinping’s past “nation in decline” language, claiming it was actually a precise critique of “Sleepy Joe” Biden. He paired the retort with a sales pitch of “incredible rise” under his administration, citing record markets, 401(k) gains, $18 trillion in foreign investment, and military wins—plus claims Xi personally congratulated him.
The Central Bureau of Investigation raided multiple locations in Chandigarh and Panchkula as part of an investigation into a Haryana bank scam. The CBI said it seized financial records and digital evidence related to alleged fraud involving government funds. According to officials, certain individuals from IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank allegedly colluded with Haryana government public servants to misappropriate money using fraudulent means. The case was transferred to the CBI by the Haryana government, and searches were carried out at seven sites on May 14. Sixteen people have been arrested as the probe accelerates.
Northeast Frontier Railway has begun installing automatic weather stations at monsoon-vulnerable stretches to strengthen safety and disaster readiness. Three stations are already operational, with six more in installation and expected to be completed by the end of May. The network, built in coordination with the India Meteorological Department, will deliver real-time, location-specific data for faster preventive actions during floods, landslides, and other adverse conditions. Stations will cover key routes in Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur.
D2C toy startup Legend of Toys has raised ₹21 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Singularity Early Opportunities Fund, with participation from Veltis Capital, Enzia Ventures, DeVC, Atrium Angels, and Stride. Founded in 2024 by Afshaan Siddiqui and Vinay Jaisingh, it will use the funds to deepen its RC and narrative play lines, scale manufacturing, and expand international distribution. The brand also plans growth in DIY and more consumer marketing, alongside digital expansion.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that his son, Nandil Sarma, has successfully completed Ironman Vietnam, one of the world’s toughest endurance events. The race demands a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km cycling leg, and a 42.2 km marathon, all in a single day. Sarma finished in about 16 hours after only 7-8 months of preparation, while studying in his fifth year at NLSIU Bengaluru. The CM praised Nandil’s discipline and perseverance.
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