Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Although states may not yet have notified all rules under India’s new Labour Code framework, several provisions are already enforceable from November 21, 2025. Employers can’t wait for state notifications to implement key employee entitlements such as revised “wages” that reshape statutory payment calculations, and faster full-and-final settlements plus annual leave encashment timelines. This means payroll and HR systems may need urgent updates nationwide, affecting gratuity, leave encashment, overtime and notice pay computations.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging removal of the 11% import duty on cotton. He says the state’s vast textile and apparel export sector is in crisis as cotton and yarn prices surge, driven by cotton production shortages and higher trading activity. Cotton rose from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy in two months, while yarn moved from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg. Vijay argues duty-free imports are needed to meet export commitments and safeguard jobs.
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Indian Oil Corporation Limited says its 10 refineries are operating round the clock at above 100 percent capacity to prevent any fuel shortage after the Centre raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre nationwide. IOCL Director (Refineries) Arvind Kumar told ANI the increase is “a very small rise” amid global pressures. Petrol rose to Rs 97.77 in Delhi and over Rs 108 in Kolkata, while IOCL is also pushing zero-emission hydrogen buses for Delhi Metro routes.
Simple Energy, an IPO-bound electric two-wheeler startup, is raising ₹126.7 crore in a round led by its existing backer, Thyrocare founder Arokiaswamy Velumani. MCA filings show shareholders approved issuance of 2.11 lakh Series X CCPS at ₹6,000 each. Cofounders Suhas Rajkumar and Ankit Gupta will invest ₹13.5 crore each. The funding supports growth and business expansion as the company prepares for a public listing, having already built a total funding pool above $84 million.
The Supreme Court has halted further orders affecting mining leases in the Aravalli hills, saying it has received “quite disturbing” feedback about mining activity and specific ecological issues. In a suo motu case on defining the Aravalli hills and ranges, the bench led by CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said it will not hear the matter piecemeal or permit activity unless fully satisfied. Earlier, it banned fresh leases pending expert reports and scrutinised ambiguities in the new definition.
India’s petrol and diesel prices rose by Rs 3 per litre, reigniting commuter anxiety over costs. But comparisons with nearby markets show a sharp divide. Pakistan’s petrol and diesel translate to roughly Rs 141 per litre in Indian currency, making it far costlier than India. Nepal is also pricier, while Bhutan is closest to Indian levels. Bangladesh skews slightly cheaper on diesel but costlier on petrol. Sri Lanka remains elevated after its crisis.
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan escalated the NEET 2026 paper leak controversy, telling NTA-linked officials that “nobody will be spared” as the Central Bureau of Investigation takes over. He said the probe will examine every possible link, including potential insider involvement within the NTA, while assuring that “meritorious students” will not face injustice. The government also announced a re-exam with major relief: no fee, choice of exam city and centre, extra 15 minutes, and new admit cards by June 14.
Chinese chip stocks are soaring on Beijing’s push for technological self-reliance, but investors are increasingly worried the rally is outrunning fundamentals. Bloomberg data shows mainland bellwethers trading at extreme forward earnings multiples, including SMIC above 120x and Hua Hong above 150x, compared with Intel around 95x. Concerns intensified after Hua Hong’s earnings and guidance missed estimates and SMIC posted weaker net income. Meanwhile, heavy turnover and rising margin debt suggest crowded, speculative positioning.
Former badminton star Jwala Gutta says she donated about 60 litres of breast milk to government hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai within her first year after childbirth. In a post on X, she explained that even small quantities of donor milk can feed premature, low-birthweight babies for days while supplying crucial immunity and nutrition. She added that donor human milk is proven to reduce Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a severe gut condition. Gutta urged others to contact local hospitals and support milk banks.
In Beijing’s Zhongnanhai leadership compound, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping turned high-stakes diplomacy into a unexpectedly floral moment. During a garden walk, Trump praised the roses as the most beautiful he’s ever seen. Xi responded by personally escorting Trump through the historic grounds and promising to send rose seeds from Zhongnanhai to the White House. The gesture landed amid ongoing US-China tensions over tariffs and strategic rivalry, while officials focused on closed-door talks.
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Renowned Maharashtra psychiatrist, author and social activist Dr Anand Nadkarni died on Friday at 67 after a prolonged illness, sources from the Institute for Psychological Health (IPH) said. Founded by Nadkarni in 1990 in Thane, IPH aimed to destigmatise mental illness and make psychological care understandable beyond hospitals. He also co-founded the Muktangan de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in Pune, wrote more than 25 books in Marathi, and worked across theatre, music and films.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd shares fell as much as 4.3% on Friday even as the company posted a 6% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 4,196 crore for Q4FY26. Revenue from operations grew 2% to Rs 13,942 crore, while sequential profit more than doubled. For FY26, net profit rose nearly 9% to Rs 9,116 crore. Nomura kept a Buy rating on strong order backlog, but Goldman stayed Neutral, citing weaker execution, lower EBITDA margins, and rising working capital strain.
Indian IT distributor Redington has sharply increased air freight deliveries to the Middle East after conflict disrupted sea routes and closed the Strait of Hormuz, squeezing capacity and driving up rates. The company says air has replaced much of its former sea share since late February, with higher fuel costs contributing. Redington also redistributed inventory, rerouted logistics via Saudi Arabia and Oman, and arranged alternative insurance after insurers withdrew war-risk coverage. Despite demand dips in UAE and Saudi Arabia, it expects 10% to 15% revenue growth in FY2027.
Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar died after being bitten by a snake late Thursday night near Karmal Ghat on the Goa-Karnataka border. Police said the 38-year-old was travelling toward Dandeli village in Karnataka when he got down and was bitten. He was rushed to a primary health centre in Dharbandora, Goa, but doctors declared him brought dead. Bhatikar had recently emerged as a key Congress face in the Ponda assembly bypoll, later cancelled after a high court order.
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Shadowfax shares surged as much as 17.2% to an all-time high of ₹192.35 on the BSE after a strong Q4 update, though profit booking later pulled it to about 9% higher at ₹178.8. The company reported Q4 FY26 net profit of ₹55.8 crore versus a net loss of ₹9.9 crore a year earlier, alongside 73.6% jump in operating revenue to ₹1,237 crore. Adjusted EBITDA rose to ₹58 crore as margins expanded, supported by AI-led automation and quick commerce expansion.
Volkswagen labor leaders in Germany have pledged they will not allow any factory closures, even as the automaker seeks to cut excess capacity. In a Reuters statement, works council head Daniela Cavallo and union leaders from IG Metall and regional unions anchored their stance in a 2024 restructuring agreement, calling its “red lines” non-negotiable. While they welcome proposals to secure under-used sites—possibly through plant-sharing or defense and Chinese partnerships—they warn they will fight anything that undermines job security and career prospects.
Defence and aerospace firm Data Patterns’ shares fell more than 11% on Friday after Q4 revenue from operations declined 13% year-on-year to Rs 345 crore. Yet the earnings picture was stronger: net profit rose 21% to Rs 138 crore, with higher EBITDA and profit before tax. The company also highlighted an all-time high order book near Rs 2,062 crore, supported by a record pipeline across radars, electronic warfare and advanced defence electronics.
Transport operators in West Bengal warn that recent fuel price hikes could push overall freight costs up by about 3%. They cite sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices across major metros, with Kolkata seeing the steepest rise. Operators say the impact on transport expenses will be smaller but urge the government to stop traders from raising product prices unfairly. They also want state governments to cut local levies, estimating an added daily burden of Rs 50-60 for truckers.
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India’s oil marketing companies got a small cushion as petrol and diesel prices rose by Rs 3 per litre, but analysts say it barely covers the daily bleed caused by volatile, elevated crude costs. Energy analyst Yogesh Patil estimates the move cuts losses by about Rs 141 crore per day, yet under-recoveries will persist unless prices rise another Rs 11 per litre. The government appears to be using gradual hikes to control inflation while protecting retailer finances.
Congress launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre, arguing it signals a “vasooli” or extortion campaign once assembly elections ended in four states and a union territory. The party also pointed to a Rs 2 per litre increase in CNG. Delhi saw petrol climb from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 and diesel from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67. Opposition leaders tied the hike to inflation amid the West Asia energy shock.
On May 15, shares of public sector oil marketing companies fell after petrol and diesel prices were raised by about Rs 3 per litre. Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) dropped over 2% to an intraday low of ₹367.10, BPCL slid about 2% to ₹289.05, and IOCL eased 0.6% to ₹139.35. The move came as Brent traded near $107 and WTI near $102.4 amid a crude oil crisis and geopolitical worries around the Strait of Hormuz, while Delhi and other cities saw price increases.
Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi Jinping was formally cordial but practically volatile, with clashes behind tightly controlled venues involving the U.S. Secret Service, Chinese security and journalists. The most serious incident came when a Secret Service agent was allegedly blocked by Chinese police from entering the Temple of Heaven while carrying a firearm, triggering a tense nearly-30-minute standoff. Meanwhile, U.S. reporters reported restricted movement, confiscations and delays, and said a White House aide was knocked down during a journalist surge.
Belarus says it wants full BRICS membership, calling the bloc a practical route to a more truly multipolar world. Speaking at BRICS foreign ministers’ partner discussions, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Lukashevich said Belarus already became a BRICS partner in 2024 and now wants the next step “as soon as the association is ready for expansion.” The country is also tightening ties with India in agriculture, electric transport, and pharmaceuticals, with an India–Eurasian Economic Union free trade deal expected to expand commerce.
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump held extensive talks during Trump’s three-day Beijing visit, with China’s foreign ministry saying they reached “new common understandings” on bilateral and global issues. The centerpiece was a shared vision for a constructive China-US relationship built on “strategic stability,” meant to guide cooperation for the next three years and beyond. Both sides also pledged steady, sound, sustainable development and said the outcomes should bring more peace, prosperity, and progress worldwide.
Investors are bracing for US Treasury yields to stay elevated, driven mainly by oil prices rising amid a prolonged Middle East conflict and persistent inflation above the Fed’s target for nearly five years. Long-dated yields, including the 10-year benchmark, have surged—up about 45 basis points since early March and hitting an 11-month high. Higher borrowing costs could weigh on growth and equities, while Warsh must manage inflationary pressures beyond the Fed’s direct control.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a prior meeting with Araghchi as both sides aimed to strengthen regional stability and multilateral cooperation. At BRICS, Araghchi urged countries to unite against American bullying, calling coercive tactics the “dustbin of history,” and warned of rising global risks as BRICS convenes in a fragile West Asia backdrop.
Bengaluru D2C toy brand Legend of Toys has raised ₹21 crore in a Pre-Series A round led by Singularity and others, as it pushes toward what it calls India’s first premium play universe. The funding follows an 18-month surge that brought annualised revenue past ₹30 crore and 20% month-on-month growth. The company points to shifting demand signals: imports reportedly fell 52% while exports rose 239% from FY2014–15 to FY2022–23, alongside BIS certification since 2021.
The NSE will begin trading Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) from Monday, May 18, aiming to modernize how Indians invest in gold. The exchange says EGRs will use a stronger liquidity and technology framework to make trading more transparent, secure, and accessible nationwide. NSE expects the move to integrate gold into mainstream capital markets, widen financial inclusion, and curb reliance on fragmented physical-market pricing. EGRs represent ownership of regulated vaulted gold and are credited through Demat accounts.
The US cleared roughly 10 Chinese companies to buy Nvidia’s H200 AI chips, but none have been delivered so far, according to sources familiar with the matter. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is now traveling to China with a trip arranged after President Donald Trump invited him en route to talks with Xi Jinping. Buyers reportedly pulled back after Beijing guidance, while US rules require security safeguards and bans on military use, leaving both sides caught in a tech rivalry.
Sikkim has announced sweeping austerity measures from May 18, 2026, aimed at cutting petroleum use and conserving public resources after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide appeal amid the West Asia crisis. The Home Department notification orders 50% of government staff to work from home on rosters, a 30% reduction in fuel allotments, and halving the Chief Minister’s vehicle convoy. A one-year ban on new government vehicle purchases, weekend government vehicle restrictions, and an expanded odd-even system across all districts also take effect immediately.
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has clarified his controversial remarks about “abolishing” Sanatan Dharma after sparking a fresh uproar in Tamil Nadu. He said he meant ending the caste system that divides people into upper and lower castes, arguing it would not stop anyone from visiting temples. In an X post, he said his position is rooted in Dravidian movement ideas and the principles of Periyar, Ambedkar, Anna and Kalaignar, opposing inequality and oppression.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefed a 20-member delegation of senior executives from the American nuclear industry ahead of their visit to India next week. The group will explore civil nuclear cooperation after New Delhi opened the sector to private players through the SHANTI law, replacing older frameworks and easing tougher liability concerns that had deterred global suppliers. The delegation will meet government and private leaders, focusing on joint projects, small modular reactors, and other areas of collaboration.
Goldman Sachs warns that early signs of recovery in Asian LNG demand could tighten global supply and shift upside risks to European gas prices. In preliminary May data, Asia LNG imports are running about 4 million tonnes per annum above Goldman’s 225 mtpa forecast, driven by China and South Korea as summer consumption and inventory rebuilding accelerate. The bank notes China imports have surged to a four-week average of 48 mtpa, and the JKM premium has risen, signaling firmer Asian appetite.
Despite a broader selloff, foreign institutional investors have doubled down on a select group of Indian companies, according to Q4 data. FIIs pulled out about $53 billion from Indian equities since late 2024, yet some stocks still drew heavy ownership. Le Travenues Technology, the parent of ixigo, led with 64.19% FII holding as of March 31, 2026. Urban Company and Paytm’s parent One 97 Communications also featured, alongside 360 One WAM, Redington, CarTrade Tech and others.
Indian researchers report that preparing a pair of qubits in opposite (antiparallel) spins enables information extraction that two identical copies cannot. Specifically, the team shows they can predict three mutually incompatible spin components simultaneously—contrary to what complementarity and Heisenberg-type restrictions typically suggest. The finding, highlighted through work reported in Physical Review Letters, points to new strategies for characterizing quantum devices with fewer resources and for rethinking quantum cryptography protocols.
Flexi cap mutual funds pulled in a record Rs 10,147 crore in April 2026, even as broader equity inflows fell and SIPs softened amid market volatility. AMFI data shows the category rose 1% from March while still posting its highest monthly inflow ever. Experts say this is less about caution and more about comfort with fund managers’ flexible allocation across large, mid and small caps. Flexi cap also commands 26-32% of equity SIPs recently, with multiple funds delivering double-digit returns.
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok suffered major disruptions on Friday, with users reporting they couldn’t access the service, get replies, or sign in. DownDetector data showed most complaints came from the mobile app, while some users said the website wasn’t working properly. A smaller share reported login-specific problems. The spike peaked near 6:30 am IST at roughly 800 reports, and social media filled with screenshots of Grok failing to answer questions. xAI had not issued an official statement.
Titan shareholders are reeling after India hiked gold and silver import duties to 15%, triggering a sharp sell-off in jewellery stocks and fears of weaker demand and squeezed margins. But analysts are pointing to history: in 2013, tougher curbs on gold imports—including higher duties and the 80:20 export rule—did not sink organised players. Titan’s diversified sourcing, pricing discipline, and adaptable product mix helped it absorb shocks, and brokerages now expect a manageable impact across segments.
Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr urged policymakers to avoid shrinking the Fed’s balance sheet by easing bank liquidity requirements. He warned such changes could weaken financial resilience, disrupt money market functioning, and raise the chance that banks would need emergency central bank support during stress. Barr pointed to the 2023 banking turmoil as evidence regulators should strengthen, not loosen, liquidity buffers. His remarks arrive as debate intensifies over a possible future Fed direction under Kevin Warsh, who favors a smaller balance sheet and argues it could create more space to cut rates.
OpenAI said it is rolling Codex, its coding tool, into the ChatGPT mobile app on iOS and Android, aiming to broaden access to AI code generation as competition with rivals like Anthropic heats up. Codex can write features, answer questions about a codebase, fix bugs, and propose pull requests. With the mobile app, developers can stay updated by reviewing outputs, approving changes, and launching new tasks while connected to macOS machines running Codex, with Windows support expected soon.
Powerful pre-monsoon storms across Uttar Pradesh have killed at least 111 people, officials said, after an updated tally from an earlier figure of 89 deaths. Gales, lightning and torrential rain tore off tin roofs, uprooted trees and left roads blocked, with at least 72 injured and over 200 homes damaged initially. A widely shared video from Bareilly reportedly shows a labourer lifted about 50 feet while securing a roof, and he survived. Officials are distributing financial aid to families.
Japan’s wholesale inflation hit a nearly three-year high in April, fueled by surging energy and commodity costs tied to the Iran conflict. The corporate goods price index rose 4.9% year-on-year, beating expectations and signaling broader inflation pressure beyond imported fuel. Market pricing has intensified for a Bank of Japan move, with about a 70% chance of a rate hike at the June 15–16 meeting. Bond yields jumped to a 29-year high as the BOJ faces a tighter balancing act.
Gold and silver opened sharply lower on MCX as surging energy prices revived inflation worries and strengthened expectations of higher rates staying elevated. Investors also looked to the Trump Xi summit in Beijing, with U.S. China trade truce and Middle East geopolitics expected to be discussed. MCX silver futures fell Rs 11,700 to Rs 2,79,458 per kg, while gold futures dropped Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,60,355 per 10 grams. Spot gold and silver slid internationally, with spot gold at its weakest since May 6.
Drake shocked viewers during the finale of his ICEMAN Episode 4 livestream, turning a weeks-long single-album rollout into a surprise triple drop. Instead of just ICEMAN, he confirmed three projects arrive tonight: Habibti, Maid Of Honour, and ICEMAN as the trilogy’s final installment. The announcement ignited immediate social media chaos and searches for “Drake 3 albums” and “when is Drake dropping ICEMAN.” ICEMAN also marks Drake’s first full-length solo album since 2023’s For All the Dogs.
Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “bargaining” for Gautam Adani’s relief in the US instead of delivering an India-US trade deal. The comments come after Reuters and other reports said the US Justice Department is close to dropping criminal fraud charges against Adani, amid his pledged $10 billion US investment. Separately, Bloomberg reported an SEC settlement: Adani and his nephew would pay $18 million, pending court approval.
Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2, still shooting despite wrap-up on key scenes, has been hit by tragedy at Adityaram Film City on Chennai’s East Coast Road. A 28-year-old electrician, Karthikeyan from Salem, was electrocuted while working for the film unit, and died after being rushed to hospital. Kanathur Police are investigating whether proper safety measures were followed. The incident also arrives as the makers consider a September 2026 release, now targeting Krishna Janmashtami.
Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has been reprimanded by the BCCI after an “audible obscenity” during the IPL 2026 match against PBKS. The incident occurred in the 19th over of the second innings when Pollard directed abusive language at the fourth umpire. He was fined 15% of his applicable match fee and received one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct for players and team officials. Pollard admitted the offence and accepted the sanction. Despite the controversy, Tilak Varma’s explosive batting helped MI secure a crucial win.
State-owned OMCs in India raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre nationwide, the first major change in nearly four years. Retail rates soon broke the psychological Rs 100 mark in most metros, with Hyderabad recording the highest petrol at about ₹110.89 per litre, ahead of Kolkata and Mumbai. The move is linked to the Iran-US conflict, rising Brent crude near $126 and a Strait of Hormuz disruption. Economists warn inflation could cascade into logistics and daily essentials.
The NFL has revealed an ambitious 2026 schedule that blends marquee matchups with a record-setting international push. The season opens on Wednesday, September 9, with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch, a first since 2016. The league then goes global with games in Melbourne and France, including a Saints vs Steelers contest at Stade de France. Holiday football expands with a Thanksgiving Eve matchup, and Super Bowl LXI is set for Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles.
Alphabet has launched its first yen-denominated bond sale, issuing 576.5 billion yen (about $3.6 billion), the largest such offering by any foreign company. The debt helps fund the company’s major AI investment push and broader efforts to diversify funding sources beyond prior euro, sterling, Canadian dollar, and Swiss franc issues. Underwriters say demand was strong domestically and internationally, surpassing Berkshire Hathaway’s 2019 yen record. Bonds are set to mature from 3 to 40 years, with coupons ranging 1.965% to 4.599%.
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