Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Actor Vijay’s personal life is drawing intense attention after reports said his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam has filed for divorce. The move is said to come amid speculation linking Vijay and co-star Trisha Krishnan. Vijay and Sangeetha have reportedly been married for 27 years, while the divorce plea alleges extramarital affairs and growing emotional distance.
Carlyle has taken a majority stake in US revenue cycle management firms Knack RCM and EqualizeRCM, combining them into an AI-native, multi-specialty platform. The strategy uses AI plus global delivery to scale operations, improve client outcomes, and reduce financial exposure that healthcare providers face across billing, coding, and collections.
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Early election trends in West Bengal showing a strong lead for the BJP sparked a sharp surge in Kolkata-linked stocks. Baazar Style Retail, Senco Gold and CESC jumped as investors bet on higher consumption and improved economic activity. But market watchers caution the impact may be short-lived if political momentum doesn’t translate into lasting results.
The Indian Railways Technical Supervisors’ Association has urged the 8th Pay Commission to grant its technical staff five separate fitment factors, arguing that complex and hazardous duties need differentiated pay. It has also sought a 5% annual increment, a promotional increment equivalent to two annual increments, and a separate CPI for Dearness Allowance calculations, alongside a proposed minimum pay of Rs 52,600.
After Spirit Airlines’ abrupt weekend collapse, a TikToker created a quick crowdfunding-style website to rally pledges to buy the airline. He called it a “janky” one-hour build, yet by Sunday 36,000 “founding patrons” had pledged nearly $23 million—overwhelming his servers in the process.
HDFC Mutual Fund has updated rules for its HDFC Defence Fund. It raised the minimum investment amount required for fresh SIP registrations. The fund also capped new STP registrations at ₹25,000 per month per investor at the PAN level, with the facility available only on a monthly frequency from May 4.
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Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhukesari has arrived at Colombo port, welcomed by Sri Lanka’s Navy with full military traditions. The crew will take part in on-ground programs during the visit. It comes after recent joint deep-sea dives between the two navies, aimed at improving underwater search and rescue capabilities and coordination beneath the surface.
India’s LPG consumption fell 16% in April as disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict reduced supply for homes and businesses. The drop came both compared with April last year and the previous month, showing a sustained impact on availability. Fuel demand patterns also softened, with diesel and petrol growth moderating during the same period.
Silver futures tumbled Rs 3,917 to Rs 2.47 lakh per kilogram in Monday’s trade, as weak global signals shook sentiment. Elevated crude oil prices, stoking fresh inflation concerns, pushed investors toward risk-off moves, dragging demand in the futures market and amplifying the decline.
As vote counting in West Bengal throws up strong early trends, the BJP has posted a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi praying to Goddess Kali, framing it as a bid for divine and popular support. The post comes while early counting indicates the BJP leading in more than 190 seats, intensifying claims of momentum in the state.
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Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd has raised about Rs 482 crore in a pre-IPO round led by Jongsong Investments, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings. The deal includes Rs 357 crore in primary capital and Rs 125 crore from promoter secondary sales. The round used CCPS at Rs 139.76 each, convertible on a 1:1 basis before listing, as the company gears for its Sebi-filed IPO.
After recent assembly poll outcomes, BJP leaders said the INDIA bloc is already breaking, citing performances in West Bengal and Assam. The party framed opposition setbacks as proof of wider cracks within the alliance. Critics, meanwhile, targeted Rahul Gandhi over leadership failures and a widely noted absence on the crucial counting day.
A United Airlines flight from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike during landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The plane, carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew, landed safely and no injuries were reported. The incident also involved a delivery truck and a Jeep on the highway, raising questions about how the impact occurred.
Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority rolled out new consumer rights for air travelers on April 28, 2026, tightening obligations for airlines. Passengers will get clearer details on ticket pricing, terms and baggage, plus faster updates during disruptions. For delayed or disrupted flights, airlines must provide options such as re-routing or refunds, and extend support with meals and accommodation for long delays.
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Capri Global Capital is aiming to reach ₹55,000 crore in assets under management by FY28, betting on gold loans and co-lending to drive growth. The non-banking lender says the approach will expand its fee income while keeping profitability intact. Over the next three years, it plans a major rollout of gold loan branches to scale its strategy.
Ouster says its new color lidar can capture depth and image data simultaneously, a longtime goal for perception systems. CEO Angus Pacala tells TechCrunch the approach could reduce reliance on separate camera setups by combining visual detail with 3D mapping in a single sensor. If it works at scale, it could shift how autonomous and mapping hardware is designed.
MCX shares fell about 3% after SEBI indicated that banks and insurers are unlikely to be allowed to participate in commodity derivatives. SEBI chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the regulator will not push the proposal further with the Reserve Bank of India, sparking investor concern about future participation and liquidity in the market.
European shares edged lower as U.S. tariff hike threats weighed on automakers, turning cautious for investors. Markets also turned to geopolitics, watching for signs of progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz—an outcome that could ease shipping and energy uncertainty. Traders balanced sector-specific tariff pressure against potential relief from improved Middle East developments.
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WeWork India has opened a new coworking centre in Aerocity, New Delhi, expanding its flexible workspace footprint with 1.1 lakh sq ft and more than 1,400 desks. The launch comes as demand for flexible office setups grows and takes the company’s Delhi-NCR count to 17 centres. WeWork India also operates across eight cities nationwide.
After the disruption caused by Go First, India’s relationship with global aircraft lessors is showing a clear turnaround. The Aviation Working Group has upgraded the country’s ratings to the highest level in recent years, signaling improved confidence. The shift points to stronger processes and reduced risk perceptions for airlines and lessors working in India.
NCP national president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said the people of Baramati’s votes were dedicated to the sacred memory of late Ajit Pawar. In a post on X, she linked the victory to the faith voters reposed in the party and its leadership, framing the win as both political and personal in significance.
Early counting trends in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections showed TVK leading by 108 seats, with Vijay at the center of the moment. Several film personalities—including Nani, Nikhil Siddhartha, Aju Varghese, Sibi Sathyaraj, and Venkat Prabhu—took to social media to congratulate Thalapathy Vijay, turning surprise leads into public celebration.
Valor Estate shares surged to a 20% upper circuit after the Bombay High Court ruled in its favor in a long-pending Bhayandar land dispute. The decision clears uncertainty around a key land parcel, improving investor sentiment. With ownership no longer in question, the company can now consider development and monetisation plans tied to the asset.
Godrej Properties reported a 70% rise in fourth-quarter profit, pointing to resilient demand for residential apartments. The real estate developer said the steady housing market helped lift earnings despite ongoing sector uncertainties. Investors will now watch how sustained sales translate into future launches, pricing, and margins as the company moves into the next reporting period.
Meta’s Threads has crossed 150 million daily active users, giving the platform major reach. The company is rolling out advertising globally, including on Threads and WhatsApp Status, and says the focus is stronger user experience and ad relevance. Still, Meta expects monetisation to be gradual, with neither Threads nor WhatsApp set to materially boost revenue soon.
The creator behind “This is Fine” alleges AI startup Artisan copied his artwork, escalating tensions around generative AI and creator rights. The dispute follows an ad campaign by Artisan featuring billboards that go further—urging businesses to “stop hiring humans.” The back-to-back claims are now raising questions about ethics, consent, and accountability in AI branding.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s rise in Tamil Nadu elections has sparked celebrations among Vijay’s supporters, with supporters cheering and dancing while tight security measures remain in place around his home. Vijay is reportedly leading in key constituencies as results draw national attention. With the outcome still being closely watched across India, the party’s momentum could reshape the state’s political picture.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has alleged irregularities in the vote counting for the 2026 Assembly Elections, saying counting was halted at several centres. As Election Commission trends began to trickle in, BJP projected a lead on 187 seats while TMC trailed with 92. The election saw a historic 92.47% voter turnout, raising fresh questions over the process.
A Harvard-backed study tests large language models across multiple medical scenarios, including real emergency room cases. The researchers report that at least one AI model performed more accurately than two human doctors, raising questions about how these systems could support urgent care workflows and where their limits may still be.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the BJP headquarters today as vote counting progresses in assembly elections across five states. Early trends indicate the BJP is leading in West Bengal and Assam, while the party is also expected to retain power in Puducherry. With counting still underway, BJP’s early momentum points to a strong showing in India’s eastern region.
Hero MotoCorp has appointed Sachin Agrawal as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective May 21. The company says Agrawal will steer a research and development transformation, bringing more than 29 years of experience in automotive R&D and technology leadership. He joins from VE Commercial Vehicles, after beginning his career at Daewoo Motors.
Consolidation is supposed to give investors a single view of a company empire, but the picture can be distorted when entities are left out, internal deals aren’t eliminated, accounting policies differ, or control is legally disputed. Real cases show that “consolidated profit” may mislead—so investors must dig deeper than headline numbers and the reported bottom line.
West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections have moved into the crucial vote-counting phase after a high-octane two-phase campaign. The state recorded a historic 92.9% voter turnout, a figure BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul says is the people’s “tsunami” that will sweep rivals. BJP leaders also turned devotional as results approached, while TMC leaders stayed confident.
Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim and a BJP candidate, is leading in the Panihati assembly constituency by 5067 votes, according to Election Commission data. Her opponent from the Trinamool Congress trails as vote counting continues. The campaign comes months after her daughter, a doctor, was killed in the August 2024 incident at RG Medical College and Hospital.
Singapore Airlines says it will roll out next-generation, high-speed in-flight internet powered by Starlink, starting with a progressive rollout in the first quarter of 2027. The upgrade targets faster, more reliable connectivity for passengers, marking a major step up from typical onboard Wi-Fi speeds.
Actor Darshan, arrested in the Renukaswamy murder case, moved the Supreme Court alleging he is being denied basic prison amenities. His lawyer says earlier remarks about “five-star treatment” were misunderstood. The apex court has now sought a report from the Karnataka government covering Darshan’s living conditions and the status of the trial.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed district officials to remain on high alert after an IMD warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Several districts, including Lucknow, are being hit by adverse weather. The CM asked officials to prioritize immediate relief for affected people and ensure prompt compensation, while staying on the ground to protect public safety.
Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Auto and other auto stocks jumped as strong April sales data boosted investor sentiment. The rally lifted the Nifty Auto index by more than 1%, with gains led by major automakers outperforming expectations. Traders are now watching whether the sales momentum can extend beyond April and sustain the current optimism.
Warren Buffett used a shareholder letter to challenge the way finance defines “risk” through beta. He argues that the academic view flips reality: when a stock falls sharply, it may be cheaper, not inherently more dangerous. Investors who see that mispricing can keep buying as others panic, turning fear into opportunity.
India’s central bank is exploring ways to pull in more dollar inflows to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and support a weakening rupee. Proposed options include reviving an NRI deposit scheme and cutting withholding tax for overseas investors in government bonds. The discussions come as oil prices rise and capital outflows intensify.
Bengaluru skincare startup CHOSEN has raised $5 million in a Series A led by Fireside Ventures, with participation from L’Oréal’s BOLD and Alkemi Growth Capital. The round also included angel investor Avnish Anand and a slate of dermatologists. Founded by cosmetic dermatologist Dr Renita Rajan, CHOSEN builds science-led products for melanin-rich Indian skin using the exposome concept, scaling R&D and its dermatologist-led Centre of Excellence.
Assembly election trends for 2026 point to a fast-changing political map. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee faces headwinds as Suvendu Adhikari gains momentum. Tamil Nadu pits M.K. Stalin against anti-incumbency while actor Vijay enters politics. Kerala shows fatigue with the Left, and Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma further consolidates power—where personality wins only with public mood.
The Supreme Court sharply criticized its own Registry for allegedly not issuing notice to the Enforcement Directorate during an Ayushi Mittal bail hearing tied to a major fraud case. Judges accused officials of behaving like a “super Chief Justice of India,” and ordered an inquiry into why prior court instructions were not followed.
Facing West Bengal Assembly result trends that suggest a BJP surge, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee released an “Urgent Message” video asking workers to remain at counting centres. She alleged misleading trends and hinted at a behind-the-scenes plan driving initial figures, while projecting confidence that the final outcome could differ from early leads.
In a striking political moment for Tamil Nadu, TVK led by actor-turned-politician Vijay is nearing a historic majority. Party loyalists have taken to celebrations as results indicate TVK winning 108 of 234 assembly seats, with supporters hailing Vijay as “Muthalamaichar” and many predicting he could become the next Chief Minister.
India’s palm oil imports fell 27% in April to the lowest in a year as sluggish institutional demand and a narrower price advantage versus competing oils weighed on purchases. The drop may spill into global palm oil futures. At the same time, imports of soyoil and sunflower oil surged, lifting overall edible oil imports to a 2026 high.
Indian equities continue to climb, but experts warn the rally may be nearing near-term exhaustion as momentum slows. The broader uptrend is still intact, yet traders are urged to stay cautious ahead of key Nifty resistance around 24,300. Real estate stands out with early turnaround signals after a prolonged downtrend, while future rate-cycle changes could drive catalysts.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea on May 11 seeking continued deployment of central forces in West Bengal amid fears of post-poll violence. The case comes as vote count trends indicate the BJP is leading strongly and projected to cross the halfway mark in the assembly. Election officials also reported high voter turnout in recent phases, heightening the focus on security.
Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has surged beyond 100 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu election results, immediately upending the dominance of DMK and AIADMK. The debut party’s rapid rise mirrors expectations previously flagged by poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who had predicted TVK could win even without alliances—bringing his forecast back into focus.
Australian shares fell Monday as investors stayed cautious ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy decision. The S&P/ASX 200 closed lower after NAB reported a miss in half-year earnings, dampening sentiment. A2 Milk sank sharply following a US product recall, while energy and mining stocks also declined.
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