Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Bengal’s 2026 assembly results deliver a dramatic shock as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee loses the Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by 15,105 votes. BJP claims it has swept the state, potentially ending TMC’s 15-year rule, though the final confirmation of results and margins is subject to ECI verification.
India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued draft rules to add E85 and E100 ethanol blends into the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The plan follows the nationwide push to E20 and is designed to cut heavy oil imports by increasing ethanol’s share. If adopted, it would mark a major step toward flex-fuel compatibility and a reshaped fuel ecosystem.
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Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth says he experiences genuine stress only four or five times a year. Rather than blaming deadlines or workplace conflict, he calls it a signal that his schedule has grown too cluttered to focus on meaningful work. His response is not to push harder, but to reprioritise—backed by exercise, breathing, and intentional family time.
New Mexico prosecutors want sweeping changes to Meta’s apps and algorithms in the trial’s second phase, arguing the company harmed children’s mental health. The push includes curbing addictive features, strengthening age verification, and blocking child exploitation. Meta plans to appeal and warns compliance could lead to service removal. The outcome could set new rules for tech safety practices.
A new US Senate bill seeks to regulate AI chatbot companies by requiring “family accounts” that let parents review children’s chat logs and set time limits. Lawmakers from both parties say the move targets safety risks while preserving innovation. If introduced and passed, it could reshape how AI services handle minors’ accounts and parental oversight.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected any foreign control of the Persian Gulf, warning that maritime blockades aimed at Iran will not stand. He said Iran, through its forces, safeguards the Strait of Hormuz and regional security while attributing worsening insecurity to the United States and Israel. The IRGC also weighed in on shifts in US strategy.
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Electric two-wheeler registrations fell 20% month-on-month in April to 1.4 lakh units, after a 59% surge in March, according to Vahan data. While most OEMs saw double-digit declines, Ola Electric stood out with a 20% jump to 11,391 units, aided by new variants, Bharat Cell investments, and aggressive pricing. Startups struggled to gain share as competition intensified.
Anthropic and OpenAI are ramping up enterprise AI ambitions by partnering with asset managers. The new joint-venture push aims to broaden distribution and accelerate sales of their business-focused AI tools. Instead of relying only on direct enterprise outreach, both firms are leveraging finance-industry relationships to reach decision-makers faster and scale adoption across corporate and institutional buyers.
Social Security payments for May 2026 begin this week, with more than 70 million Americans relying on the monthly checks. The Social Security Administration starts issuing payments for early retirees and SSI beneficiaries on May 1, using a staggered schedule. While some can receive as much as $5,181, it depends on strict earning history and delayed claiming—most receive closer to the national average.
OpenAI says Elon Musk texted key leaders Greg Brockman and Sam Altman after asking for a settlement, including an ominous message predicting that he and Altman “will be the most hated men in America.” The claim adds heat to ongoing disputes involving OpenAI and Musk, as both sides trade allegations in public filings and reported communications.
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Investment firm Long Lake is set to acquire American Express Global Business Travel for $6.3 billion in an all-cash deal, signaling fresh momentum in dealmaking. The company’s pitch is to use artificial intelligence to transform how corporate travel is planned and managed. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Obhan Mason has been named lead legal counsel to Pine Labs in its 100% acquisition of Shopflo Technologies, a SaaS-based online checkout platform. The deal is valued at ₹88 crore (about USD 9.3 million). The transaction signals Pine Labs’ push to expand merchant checkout capabilities through integration of Shopflo’s software platform.
Kerala’s Left Democratic Front has been dealt a major blow, losing its grip on state power for the first time in nearly fifty years. The rout signals a wider national retreat for Left parties, as the Congress-led United Democratic Front surged ahead. The result marks a historic shift and fuels questions about the Left’s political relevance.
The INDIA bloc is staring at a serious setback as Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin suffer losses in their home states, exposing cracks inside the opposition alliance. Amid the downturn, Congress managed a win in Kerala, standing out as the lone positive outcome. With the BJP continuing to streak ahead, the next political fights look even tougher for INDIA.
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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called the BJP-led NDA’s decisive win in Assam a historic mandate for development-focused governance. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership for reaching every part of the state. Sonowal said the renewed mandate will speed up progress and drive Assam toward a developed, secure, and self-reliant future.
India’s net direct tax collections rose 5.12% to about Rs 23.40 lakh crore as of March 31. The update signals improving revenue inflows for the government, though the headline growth rate hints that the underlying tax performance and compliance trends could be more complex than they first appear.
R Sabarinathan, the son of actor Vijay’s long-time driver, has won the Virugambakkam assembly seat on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. He defeated his rivals by 27,086 votes. His rise gained momentum after an emotional video went viral when he announced his candidacy, drawing widespread attention beyond traditional politics.
OnEMI Technology Solutions Ltd’s IPO was subscribed 60% on its second day, signaling strong early interest. The digital lending platform Kissht has already raised Rs 278 crore from anchor investors. The total Rs 926 crore issue remains open until May 5, as the company seeks to strengthen its subsidiary’s capital base ahead of BSE and NSE listing.
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The government has ruled out financial support for state-run fuel retailers facing losses from selling petrol, diesel and ATF at discounted rates. Even as global crude prices rise, retail fuel prices have remained largely steady, squeezing margins. Officials are effectively signaling that the burden will stay with fuel companies rather than taxpayers.
Chennai delivered a stunning electoral upset in the 2026 polls, with M K Stalin’s DMK losing power to the younger TVK. The shock runs deeper because Stalin himself suffered a personal defeat for the first time in a long political career, ending expectations of a second term built around a “Dravidian model 2.0” vision.
Humayun Kabir of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party won both Nowda and Rejinagar in Murshidabad, thanking voters for their support. With both victories, he will have to give up one seat, leading to a by-election. Notably, his party was formed only four months before the West Bengal polls, making the double win a major upset.
After the BJP’s Assembly poll win, Trinamool Congress offices and party materials were allegedly vandalised across West Bengal. Reports surfaced from South 24 Parganas, Cooch Behar and North 24 Parganas, including a TMC office reportedly set on fire in Paschim Bardhaman and an alleged assault of a TMC candidate. The BJP has denied involvement.
New survey findings from Europe and the UK suggest car arguments are far from rare: most couples report fighting in the car at least monthly, and a meaningful share say it happens weekly. Psychologists warn that repeated conflict in a “neutral” shared space can reflect a deeper communication loop, gradually eroding trust and closeness over time.
Former prosecutor Katie Haun has raised $1 billion for new venture funds through Haun Ventures, targeting crypto and blockchain startups while folding in AI and financial services. With plans for global investments, Haun is leaning on her law enforcement and tech background to navigate shifting regulation and market volatility, even as the industry remains unpredictable.
2026 Assembly election results mark a rare political shift: for the first time in 50 years, India may have no Left Chief Minister in any state. The Left Democratic Front’s performance weakened its ability to retain key government positions, reshaping regional power balances and raising questions about the future footprint of Left politics across India.
The Pentagon confirmed it has signed agreements with eight AI companies, including Google, Microsoft, AWS, Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle, Reflection, and SpaceX, to deploy their technologies on IL6 and IL7 classified networks. The plan runs through GenAI.mil, now used by 1.3 million personnel, aiming to speed decisions from months to days—while raising alarms over targeting, surveillance, and commander overreliance.
Tata Electronics CEO Randhir Thakur outlines the company’s ambitious $30 billion push into semiconductor fabs and advanced packaging, signaling a major manufacturing bet. The ETtech Top 5 also points to Ather’s stronger Q4 momentum, with revenue rising as the EV maker gains traction. Together, the stories highlight big capital moves in tech and electrification.
Reliance Industries is ramping up liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production while cutting alkylates, a gasoline-blending component. The company is doing this to offset expected losses from reduced Middle East LPG imports. With India facing a severe cooking fuel shortage, the government has urged refiners to maximize LPG output to protect household supply.
Ather Energy logged its strongest FY26 performance, selling 2.63 lakh electric two-wheelers—up 69%—and lifting revenue 63% to Rs 3,671 crore. The company also exceeded Rs 1,000 crore in quarterly revenue, with growth largely fueled by its family scooter Rizta and an expanding sales and service network, while net losses narrowed as it scales up manufacturing and new platforms.
Social Security beneficiaries will face an unusual wait in May 2026. With the month starting late in the week, the first Wednesday falls deeper into the calendar, shifting the payment schedule. Instead of arriving earlier, many first checks land on May 13, creating a gap of over 30 days for some retirees—despite no policy changes.
Aditya Birla Capital reported a 31% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,129 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31. The company attributed the growth to higher interest income. The results add to the momentum in its performance as investors track how earnings trends translate into stronger profitability across upcoming quarters.
As X winds down its Communities feature, Acorn is rolling out an alternative built for organizations that want more control over their online spaces. Using decentralized technology, Acorn promises customizable feeds, moderation tools, and analytics—so creators and community owners can shape how content is organized and governed.
Tata Chemicals reported Q4FY26 revenue from operations of ₹3,438 crore and EBITDA of ₹274 crore, but consolidated profit was pulled down by a large US impairment charge. While the company recommended a ₹11 dividend per share and boosted India’s soda ash output, it cited unsustainable pricing pressure in Southeast Asia and uncertainty from Middle East geopolitical tensions.
US markets opened lower on Monday as investor anxiety tied to Iran war tensions overshadowed the upbeat momentum from last week’s earnings. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all edged down in early trading, reflecting a risk-off mood even as company results had previously supported sentiment.
Actor Vijay’s new party TVK is positioned to surge in Tamil Nadu elections, betting on a manifesto that includes 8 gm gold for women’s marriages and monthly financial aid. Beyond that, TVK promises support for farmers, youth employment, improved healthcare, corruption-free governance, and education reforms—setting the stage for Vijay’s political debut.
India imports roughly half its natural gas needs, relying on LNG shipments carried by tankers from suppliers such as Qatar and the US. With Qatar deliveries reportedly facing disruptions, the government is looking to boost LNG tank capacity to improve storage and keep electricity generation, fertiliser output, CNG for vehicles, and household cooking supplied.
BJP has recorded its first victory in West Bengal, delivering a historic landslide win. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a new era focused on development and stability, prioritizing women’s safety and youth employment. He also said Ayushman Bharat will be implemented immediately, with the scheme slated to be introduced in the first cabinet meeting.
A workplace spat over office hours has gone viral after a manager snapped at an employee for logging in exactly at shift start. The boss expected staff to be ready 30 minutes early for “unpaid tasks,” framing it as dedication. The employee called it unpaid labour, sparking a public debate on boundaries, working time, and workplace fairness.
Astrologer and spiritual mentor Radhan Pandit says his numerology and astrology predicted actor Vijay’s TVK’s dominant performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. After the results, his earlier comments—framing Vijay’s chart as a “tsunami”—spread widely. Pandit also reportedly visited Vijay to congratulate him, adding to the buzz around astrology and politics.
Baharampur saw a dramatic shift as BJP candidate Subrata Maitra defeated senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by 17,548 votes. Maitra secured 91,088 votes and not only retained his seat but also improved on his previous performance, underscoring a significant change in voter sentiment in the West Bengal constituency.
Virginia and Washington D.C. have paused data collection and sharing from their health insurance marketplaces after an investigation reported that user information—including race and citizenship—was being shared with advertising technology firms. The probe, published by Bloomberg, raised concerns about privacy and consent, prompting immediate action from state officials and spotlighting how sensitive consumer data may be used in ad targeting.
In 1992, a retired gardener in Suffolk went hunting for a lost hammer in a field—using a metal detector. Instead, he uncovered the Hoxne Hoard, Britain’s largest Roman treasure cache, filled with thousands of gold and silver coins, jewelry, and dining items. Archaeologists say the find reveals how wealthy late Roman communities lived and why society later collapsed.
Pixxel and Sarvam have joined forces to build “Pathfinder,” an orbital data centre satellite that runs AI models directly in space. Instead of sending raw data back to Earth first, the craft will process large volumes in orbit for faster, real-time insights. The approach could strengthen data sovereignty while boosting capabilities for environmental monitoring and resource management with less ground infrastructure.
BJP’s Pradyut Bordoloi has won the prestigious Dispur constituency in the Assam polls, defeating Congress’s Mira Barthakur Goswami by 49,667 votes. The former three-time minister and Lok Sabha MP had recently switched from Congress to the BJP ahead of the election, and his new alignment appears to have paid off in a high-stakes seat.
Kerala is set for a political shift as the Congress-led UDF wins decisively, ending a decade of LDF rule. Rahul Gandhi congratulated UDF leaders and workers, saying the state now has a government focused on harnessing its talent and potential. With the UDF poised to form the government on a comfortable majority in the 140-member assembly, the campaign’s message appears to have resonated widely.
Bengaluru D2C menstrual hygiene startup HealthFab has raised Rs 20 crore from Atomic Capital. The fresh funding will help it move beyond period underwear into a broader period care platform covering pain, sleep and energy solutions, while strengthening offline presence. With a current user base of 5 lakh, the company also plans fresh R&D to deepen its offerings.
Congress retained Davanagere South and Bagalkot in Karnataka bypolls held on April 9, strengthening Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s position. The party’s key strategy was nominating family members of departed MLAs, framing the contests around their legacies. The approach appears to have resonated strongly with voters, delivering a clear win in both seats.
Finance minister Pankaj Chaudhary urged the Asian Development Bank to step up capital expansion and adopt a more transformational approach. Speaking at the ADB Annual Meetings, he said the move is needed to better back sustainable, resilient regional development as geopolitical tensions and current global uncertainties strain growth and investment.
Despite big anticipation, If Wishes Could Kill didn’t explode on Netflix. In its first week it logged 16.9 million hours viewed, translating to roughly 2.8 million views, good enough for No. 4 on the weekly charts. With those numbers falling short of hype, the director’s hints are now fueling uncertainty over whether Season 2 gets the greenlight.
Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® are expanding their SC WIN Now & Next flagship programme to India and the Greater Bay Area, building on last year’s Hong Kong edition. The 12-week Global Accelerator will back 10 women-led businesses from each region with mentorship, awards and cross-border networking. Applications are open until 12 June 2026.
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