Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
G7 trade ministers are set to meet in Paris to focus on critical minerals, small package trade, industrial overcapacity, and economic security. The economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict will also feature. However, the latest US threat of new tariffs on European vehicles will not be discussed in the main G7 session, instead addressed through separate bilateral talks.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang pushed back on worries that AI will destroy jobs, saying the technology is already creating an enormous number of new ones. While concerns about displacement remain, Huang’s message frames AI as an expansion engine for roles across development, deployment, and operations—suggesting job losses may be less severe than critics predict.
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The INDIA bloc has suffered major setbacks in recent assembly elections, with Congress, TMC, DMK and the Left all facing defeats across multiple states. The only notable win cited is Congress’s UDF in Kerala, intensifying fears about cracks in bloc cohesion. Analysts say the results could reshape alliances and planning ahead of the next political battles.
Dr. Lior Lewensztain noticed a mismatch between what many Americans struggled with and what major grocery options actually offered. Unimpressed by the products available, he launched a business designed to address the root problem at scale. Now, that venture reportedly generates around $100 million a year, turning a health insight into a major revenue engine.
BJP has won a decisive mandate in Assam for a third consecutive term, but the bigger shift is that it now commands a majority on its own for the first time. Its NDA allies, including AGP and BPF, also secured substantial seats, while Congress’ tally declined, signaling a changing balance of power in the state.
Embraer expects more defense aircraft deals across the Middle East after the UAE placed a major order for its C-390 military cargo planes. The company’s defense chief said the region’s strategic value and government-to-government procurement channels could help expand the C-390’s list of operators, with further orders potentially following the UAE momentum.
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Subway is shutting down 729 additional restaurants, extending a broader cleanup drive. Since 2016, the brand has closed 8,345 locations. Despite the churn, executives say Subway is focusing on smarter site selection, tighter operations, and improved execution—while highlighting stronger international growth momentum.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a major shift: requiring US government oversight for AI models before they’re released to the public. Citing fallout from an AI-enabled cyberattack, officials are also assessing whether powerful models could support the Pentagon and intelligence agencies—moving from a hands-off stance to tighter control.
CashKaro has grown 72% to reach Rs 600 crore, crediting efficiency and AI for its expanding impact on partner brands. The platform says it has enabled over Rs 10,000 crore in sales to these brands, underlining how cashback is reshaping Indian shopping behavior and how data-driven offers can drive faster, sales-led growth.
BJP’s victory in West Bengal marks a breakthrough for the party’s eastern and northeastern expansion, signaling it is emerging as a pan India political force. The win is expected to boost confidence for upcoming reforms and give added leverage within the NDA coalition, potentially changing how political battles are mapped across regions.
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Tips Music promoters are exploring a sale of a minority stake to raise fresh capital for film content investments and to further strengthen their control over music rights. Earlier discussions with Universal Music Group stalled, with the breakdown attributed to disagreements on stake sizing and governance. Now, the company plans to look beyond strategic partners and raise funds from financial investors.
U.S. intelligence indicates Iran’s nuclear weapons timeline has not shifted, with assessments still putting the bomb-building window at up to a year. Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes reportedly targeted conventional military sites, while Iran’s nuclear facilities were hit but key material remains. The U.S. says it will keep pursuing negotiations to prevent nuclear acquisition.
Meta Platforms is reportedly preparing a financing package of about $13 billion for a new data center in El Paso, Texas. Bloomberg News says the effort is led by Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase, citing people familiar with the matter. If finalized, the deal would underline Meta’s continued push to expand infrastructure and capacity across the US.
A United Airlines plane landing at Newark Liberty International Airport came perilously close to a semitrailer truck and a light pole near the New Jersey Turnpike, narrowly avoiding a major catastrophe. Safety experts said the margin was only feet. Dashcam video from the truck captures a calm moment before the aircraft’s engines begin, underscoring how quickly the situation escalated.
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Cross-border digital payment firms are eyeing India’s Gift City as a growth hub, applying for Payment Service Provider (PSP) licenses to reach international travelers and businesses. Razorpay, Cashfree, and Skydo are exploring multi-currency wallet offerings and easier import export payments, aiming to build on existing RBI authorizations while expanding their offshore style services.
Spirit Airlines abruptly canceled all flights at 3 a.m. Saturday, stranding thousands of passengers, after bondholders rejected a proposed $500 million government bailout in the final hours. The sudden shutdown has left travelers scrambling for rebooking and refunds, while highlighting how quickly financial decisions can cascade into widespread disruption.
After BJP’s victory in West Bengal, the Gorkha community is hopeful of a permanent political solution for Gorkhaland within the Constitution. The demand was central to BJP’s rise in 2009, when leaders had promised a settlement within months of forming government. Community leaders now look at models like the Bodoland Territorial Council and press for action this time.
Bengaluru’s housing market has recorded a 5.3% annual price growth over the past five years, but the supply gap is widening for “affordable” homes priced between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. Developers are increasingly building premium 3BHK apartments in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore range, where sales are also strongest.
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Construction is shedding its reputation for resisting new technology as AI startups step in to address labour shortages and speed up the sector’s digital shift. By bringing AI-powered tools to planning, execution, and operations, these startups aim to improve productivity, reduce delays, and make construction more data-driven—even in traditionally manual workflows.
Cloud companies are riding the AI surge with rapidly rising spending on AI infrastructure, including billions pledged for upcoming years. At the same time, AI chip competition is intensifying, even as Nvidia’s valuation climbs. New entrants are challenging the status quo, signaling a shifting technology landscape for data handling, compute, and long-term investment priorities.
Donald Trump intensified warnings to Iran, arguing the US cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and cautioning against attacks linked to “Project Freedom.” Amid rising tensions, a missile attack in UAE’s Fujairah reportedly injured three Indians. The coverage also notes Trump describing a developing “mini-war” with Iran as “working out” amid ongoing regional risk.
Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged across major Indian cities on Tuesday, May 5, even as global oil prices jumped. Government sources suggest retailers are looking to recover losses, with a possible hike of up to Rs 5 per litre for both fuels soon. Domestic LPG cylinder prices are also expected to rise.
Palantir Technologies has raised its annual revenue outlook after posting results that beat quarterly expectations. The company attributes the strength to rising demand for its data analytics platforms, driven by both US government buyers and commercial customers. With guidance climbing and performance outpacing estimates, investors will be watching whether the momentum extends beyond current contracts.
US Secret Service agents shot an armed man in downtown Washington on Monday after he was identified with a firearm near the National Mall. The incident unfolded shortly after Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade passed. The suspect fled, drew his weapon, and fired at agents, who returned fire and wounded him, while a juvenile bystander was slightly injured.
BJP’s victories in Malda and Murshidabad were driven by a divided Muslim vote and rising public dissatisfaction with Trinamool Congress leadership. Intensified campaigning by top BJP figures, including Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi, strengthened its on-the-ground reach. Promises of good governance and financial support struck a chord with voters, helping swing the outcome.
With India’s May 2027 deadline for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act approaching, major IT firms including Infosys, Wipro, SAP, and TCS are tightening their compliance frameworks. The push goes beyond policy updates: governance is being upgraded, incident response is getting stronger, and data protection controls are being embedded directly into product and system architecture to meet DPDP demands.
The government is considering new rules for companies registered under the Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme, pushing them to build in-house design capabilities rather than relying mainly on assembly. The goal is to create more high-value design work within India and strengthen the local electronics ecosystem. Firms that do not invest in design may be removed from the scheme.
Court filings in Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI reveal that president Greg Brockman holds a stake worth nearly $30 billion and has financial ties to CEO Sam Altman. The disclosures include Brockman’s involvement with stakes in Altman-backed startups. Musk argues OpenAI improperly shifted toward a for-profit structure, and the trial could influence the AI giant’s future governance.
Oil prices fell Tuesday after a sharp earlier jump tied to U.S. Navy efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S.-flagged vessel managed to exit the Gulf, easing near-term disruption worries. But the situation stayed tense as Iran carried out attacks in the region, striking commercial ships and setting a key UAE oil port ablaze.
Beyoncé made a long-awaited return to the Met Gala after a decade, wearing a standout crystal gown that hinted at a fresh style chapter. The gala marked the “Costume Art” exhibition and examined how fashion shapes the body as expression. She arrived with her family, while Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour served as co-chairs.
West Bengal reports a surprise twist after the SIR process: in 25 BJP seats, electors marked “ineligible” and those still under adjudication reportedly exceed the final victory margins. The issue could reopen questions around counting accuracy and eligibility determinations, potentially affecting post-poll assessments as officials and stakeholders await further clarity.
Intel has appointed Alex Katouzian, formerly a Qualcomm executive, to lead its PC and “physical AI” division. Intel’s goal is to reshape its PC strategy using Katouzian’s mobile chip expertise and to blend those capabilities with the fast-emerging field of physical AI, signaling a potential pivot in how the company builds computing platforms.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Tamil Nadu voters for backing the BJP and NDA, reaffirming the central government’s development focus for the state. The message came as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, TVK, recorded a breakthrough debut and won multiple seats, signaling a possible shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
Medics are preparing to evacuate two people showing hantavirus symptoms from the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship off West Africa. The ship, carrying mostly British, American, and Spanish passengers, has been denied docking as a precaution after an outbreak reportedly claimed three lives. Authorities are treating the situation as a potential spread on board.
Currency markets are treading carefully as Middle East tensions continue to rattle risk appetite and lift safe-haven demand. The yen steadied following suspected intervention, while the dollar firmed as investors favored safety. Attention is now on Australia’s central bank decision, where a widely expected rate hike could shape broader sentiment. For the yen, oil prices and conflict outcomes are key.
Adani Cement is choosing a more cautious growth path by pushing higher utilization of its current facilities rather than racing toward ambitious FY28 targets. Management said it may recalibrate capital expenditure plans as it optimizes existing capacities, aiming to better leverage its 109 million tonnes production base. The CEO also hinted that target timelines could shift to FY30.
US President Donald Trump escalated warnings against Iran, saying the United States cannot allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon. He also vowed severe retaliation if US vessels or assets are targeted in the Strait of Hormuz under “Project Freedom,” signaling a tougher stance amid rising tensions around maritime security and Iran’s regional actions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised BJP’s victory in West Bengal, saying it reflects the public’s desire for stability and development despite global economic pressures. He appealed to end violence and “vendetta” in the state and promised the new government will prioritize citizens’ aspirations. Modi also reiterated action against illegal immigrants.
A South Korean-operated vessel erupted in an explosion and fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with no reported casualties. U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran was behind the attack, while authorities investigate the blaze’s cause. The incident unfolded as the U.S. moved to secure shipping lanes, prompting South Korea to review intelligence and consider its response.
Anthropic, best known for its Claude AI, is reportedly setting up a dedicated AI services company. The move comes in collaboration with major financial players Blackstone and Goldman Sachs, signaling a push beyond selling models toward delivering hands-on AI solutions for businesses. The announcement suggests the new venture will focus on scaling deployments and support for enterprise customers.
Met Gala 2026 drew heated attention outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art as protesters gathered in colorful outfits with signs reading “tax the rich” and “eat the rich.” The demonstrations also highlighted criticism aimed at Amazon founder Jeff Bezos while his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, attended the Costume Institute event. The contrast between spectacle and protest fueled renewed scrutiny of wealth and power.
The US Secret Service says officers on duty near the White House complex spotted an armed, “suspicious individual.” Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the person appeared to have a firearm, later fired at agents, then fled on foot and was shot by law enforcement. The incident occurred while Donald Trump attended an event inside the White House.
India’s D2C boom is hitting a wall as West Asia conflict-driven labour shortages, grey-market fuel pressures and soaring input costs disrupt manufacturing. With LPG prices jumping to about ₹1,303 and commodities becoming wildly volatile, contract terms are shifting from credit to cash-and-carry. Brands are absorbing some costs via smaller orders and reduced discounts, but expect price hikes soon.
Assembly election results are redrawing India’s political map: Bengal sees a major BJP breach, Assam and Puducherry hold steady for the BJP, while Kerala reflects strong anti-incumbency energy. In the south, a sharp twist in Tamil Nadu’s race adds uncertainty, with Vijay’s TVK presence emerging as a key factor influencing how votes split between BJP and Congress.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement that ends more than a year of bitter litigation tied to It Ends With Us. The dispute, heavily covered by the public, played out through escalating court filings as Lively’s allegations and Baldoni’s counterclaims gradually emerged, concluding the high profile legal chapter.
Federal Bank plans to acquire Standard Chartered’s credit card portfolio, aiming to convert a strong credit and younger customer base into long-term value. The bank sees big cross-selling potential to expand its product range, but it will have to manage risks like customer attrition and differences in geographic reach as it integrates the assets.
Citibank has appointed Raj Rathi as its new head of mergers and acquisitions in India, effective June 2026. He will oversee Citi’s M&A operations, advising on major transactions and strengthening relationships with clients across priority sectors. Rathi previously worked at Dream Sports, marking a shift from startup deal activity to leading one of the world’s banking deal teams in India.
Asian shares traded mixed today as renewed US Iran hostilities reignited Middle East fears. Crude prices jumped above $115 a barrel after fighting disrupted a ceasefire, raising expectations of further escalation. Traders now brace for volatility in energy and industrial activity, alongside higher geopolitical risk premiums across markets.
Sebi has moved to align India’s securitisation framework with RBI regulations for entities already governed by central bank rules. The proposal includes relaxing the 25% single borrower exposure cap, shifting disclosure duties to the servicer, and tweaking governance for SPDEs. The changes are aimed at enabling more single-asset deals while improving transparency across the process.
Jindal Stainless expects 7–9% volume growth this fiscal, even as it braces for the West Asia crisis to affect demand. The company said it may revise the target mid-year and is looking at 2.75–2.80 million tonnes of production. Exports are projected to make up about 10% of sales, led by Brazil, South Korea, Japan and the Middle East.
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