Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Equitas Small Finance Bank reported a fivefold jump in Q4 net profit to Rs 213 crore, driven by faster business growth and improving asset quality. The bank lowered provisions, saw its net interest margin rise, and recorded 22% year-on-year growth in gross advances. Non-performing assets declined and credit costs fell, helping earnings outperform.
Devil Wears Prada 2 hits theaters Friday with the original cast returning to the fashion spotlight. Early reviews and fan chatter suggest the sequel is polished, familiar, and powered by star performances, designer visuals, and a timely plot about print media fighting digital disruption. The big question remains whether its fresh relevance outdoes the 2006 original.
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As $166 billion in Trump tariff refunds begin May 11, importers face a race against delays. Data suggests just about 3% of claims are fully processed, while roughly 21% are approved. Nearly 15% are rejected due to portal errors and data glitches, and many filings need resubmission. Even error-free claims may take 45 to 90 days with 330,000 importers and 53 million entries queued.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has finalised Vodafone Idea’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues at ₹64,046 crore as of December 31, 2025, after Supreme Court directions. This figure is notably lower than the earlier estimated ₹87,695 crore, and the government has allowed staggered payments, easing the immediate financial burden on the operator.
India’s used car market is expected to nearly double to around $70 billion by 2031 from about $35 billion today, a Redseer Strategy Consultants report says. Growth is being powered by greater affordability, shorter ownership cycles and rising buyer demand as more customers look for value without sacrificing mobility.
The IMF has warned Asian countries to keep their economic policies balanced amid escalating Middle East energy disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. It urged governments to build buffers for future shocks and favor targeted financial support rather than broad fuel subsidies. The IMF also cut its global growth outlook, warning that a prolonged crisis could trigger an additional slowdown.
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The Jharkhand State Cricket Association has signed a seven-year partnership with SJ Uplift to build and run the Jharkhand T20 Cricket League. SJ Uplift will handle operational and commercial responsibilities, including franchise development, sponsorship partnerships, and player frameworks. The deal aims to create a sustainable, well-organized local cricket ecosystem across the state.
After a court ruled Trump’s tariffs illegal, a refund mechanism has begun paying out billions to U.S. importers. But the system effectively excludes normal shoppers, sparking confusion, anger, and lawsuits. Some firms may choose to pass savings to customers, yet most consumers still have no clear way to claim or even confirm whether any money will reach them.
Samsung Electronics says it will prioritize high-value memory—especially high-bandwidth memory (HBM)—and server chips, citing sustained supply shortages fueled by the AI boom. With demand for data-hungry applications continuing to strain availability, the company is repositioning its product focus toward components expected to stay scarce and in high demand.
Hindustan Unilever says it will take calibrated price increases to offset rising input costs, while prioritising volume-led growth. The company believes volumes in daily essential categories will hold steady thanks to low price elasticity. HUL is also pushing savings across operations to manage short-term pressure without derailing its long-term growth plans.
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NIELIT Director Sheetal Chopra called AI-led discovery of long-standing banking vulnerabilities a “wake-up call” for US banks and for India and the rest of the world. The finding highlights how automation can uncover hidden weaknesses in financial systems, pushing regulators and banks to urgently reassess cybersecurity defenses and patch longstanding gaps before attacks scale.
US markets opened mixed as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained on strong earnings optimism. While corporate results helped lift sentiment, investors held back as concerns grew over the Middle East conflict potentially escalating. Those worries weighed on the Dow Jones, showing how geopolitical risk is still driving day-to-day trading even amid encouraging earnings.
SEBI has operationalized a fast-track mechanism for Alternative Investment Funds, aiming to reduce delays in launching new schemes. AIFs can circulate their Placement Memorandums and begin fundraising just 30 days after filing with SEBI, unless the regulator flags specific concerns. The change is effective immediately, potentially speeding up PE and VC fund launches.
India is preparing to loosen FDI rules for foreign firms that include Chinese stakeholders up to a 10 percent limit. The move is designed to attract more investment, especially in key manufacturing sectors, while speeding up the approval process for eligible proposals. The policy shift signals a more business-friendly approach as India seeks investment momentum.
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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says the company’s Now service is growing quickly amid India’s hypercompetitive quick commerce space. The latest ETtech Top 5 also flags how major tech players are increasing AI spending—suggesting competition isn’t just about delivery speed anymore, but about who can deploy AI fastest to win customers and reduce costs.
An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Pune was diverted to Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur on Thursday after a female passenger suddenly lost consciousness onboard. Cabin crew alerted Air Traffic Control to request priority landing and urgent medical assistance. The aircraft landed safely as medical support was arranged for the passenger, avoiding any further escalation during the flight.
Today’s Chanakya exit poll projects a BJP surge in West Bengal, estimating 192 ± 11 seats out of 294—beyond the majority threshold and close to a two-thirds win. Mamata Banerjee’s TMC has dismissed the projection as “fabricated” and pledged a far higher tally of 226+ seats, setting up a tense contest on election day.
India’s gold imports are expected to drop to about 15 metric tons in April, nearly a 30-year low, as banks halted shipments. The stoppage follows a 3% IGST demand raised by customs, with delays also reported in formal authorisation for bullion imports. With banks handling most incoming consignments, the tax dispute is directly hitting supply flows.
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Car companies are counting on about $2.3 billion in future tariff refunds, lifting first-quarter profits on paper despite uncertainty around when and how the money will actually arrive. The claims trace back to a Supreme Court ruling, but payment processing remains unclear. Automakers also face other headwinds, from Middle East instability to shifting U.S. trade policy that could draw President Trump’s ire.
Value 360 Communications IPO opens May 4 with plans to raise Rs 41.69 crore, closing by May 6. The PR firm will list on NSE Emerge and intends to fund expansion, technology upgrades, influencer marketing, and possible acquisitions. Funds will also support debt repayment and working capital, while investors will closely watch the price band and GMP.
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India inaugurated an advanced Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM) at its Hazira plant, with a 2 million tonnes per annum capacity. The upgrade aims to make India self-reliant in Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and related automotive steel grades, supporting import substitution and safer, lighter vehicles as India’s auto demand rises.
Caterpillar’s shares rose after a blockbuster first-quarter profit report. Total revenue climbed 22% to $17.42 billion, with construction segment revenue jumping 38% and power and energy revenue increasing 22%. The results signal broad-based demand momentum, but investors are now weighing whether the rally has more room to run.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit polls as “paid and forced,” saying the BJP orchestrated them. After the surveys predicted a BJP advantage, she released a defiant video urging TMC workers to guard EVMs and trust the upcoming results. Mamata reiterated that the “Maa Mati Manush” government will win decisively with 226+ seats.
The Election Commission will introduce QR code based identity cards at counting centres for upcoming assembly elections, aiming to curb unauthorized entry. A three layer security process will first verify IDs manually at early checkpoints, then require QR code scanning at the innermost cordon before entry. The move is designed to improve both transparency and efficiency in vote counting.
Aster DM Healthcare posted 18% year-on-year Q4 revenue growth to Rs 1,182 crore, alongside a 31% rise in operating EBITDA. The company says it remains on track to close its merger with Quality Care India Ltd in Q1 FY27, which would form a combined network of over 10,600 beds—an expansion move aimed at strengthening its market position.
Iran says US-Iran peace talks are stalling and claims it will soon unveil a “new weapon” positioned close to Washington. Iran’s navy commander framed the threat as retaliation, reacting after Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest proposal. The statement also dismissed any expectation of a quick military win, heightening concerns over escalation in the Middle East.
A probe in Keonjhar, Odisha, has been launched after a tribal man was allegedly forced to carry his deceased sister’s skeletal remains to a bank to prove her death and access her savings. The incident has triggered public outrage and exposed serious lapses in empathy and procedure by bank staff, according to investigators.
Roblox says that in Indonesia, children under 16 will have to pass facial scanning to verify their age under new rules targeting minors’ use of social media and digital platforms. Roblox vice president Nicky Jackson Colaco called the move among the strictest the company has implemented globally, tying the change to compliance with Indonesia’s updated protections.
Malaysia’s pilot glow-in-the-dark road markings aimed to boost night driving safety and cut energy use, using luminous paint on roads in Hulu Langat. But the project ran into a practical obstacle: the innovative material cost far more than standard road markings. With budgets in mind, authorities are now reverting to traditional maintenance instead of scaling the tech.
Amid the West Asia crisis, the government has clarified that India has no LPG shortage, saying domestic supply is running at 100%. It added there have been no reported dry-outs nationwide, and online LPG bookings are close to full at around 98%. Oil marketing companies are maintaining uninterrupted delivery, urging people to avoid panic buying and purchase only what they need.
NOAA scientists have identified a massive Porites coral colony in the Maug caldera near the Mariana Islands, estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The colony spans about 14,500 square feet and stands out as unusually resilient in acidic volcanic conditions, offering researchers a living record of ocean chemistry and clues for future reef survival.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of intense weather activity over the next few hours. The alert follows heavy rain hitting the national capital, with conditions expected to worsen in the short term. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow official advisories as the IMD tracks the system’s movement.
Meta Platforms is reportedly preparing a bond sale to raise between $20 billion and $25 billion, building on last year’s large debt offering. The timing aligns with Meta’s increased 2026 capital expenditure forecast, signaling major investment plans ahead. The deal also reflects a broader shift among Big Tech companies leaning on borrowing to fund growth and infrastructure.
In 1998, a quiet Norfolk shoreline delivered a surprising archaeological find: Seahenge, a Bronze Age timber circle, surfaced after erosion stripped away sand. Built on marshland and sealed away by the sea for centuries, it survived largely because it remained underwater. Its discovery triggered public fascination and debate over how environment, chance, and careful science uncover lost history.
India is set to attract USD 6.1 billion worth of investment projects in FY 2025-26, with plans expected to create over 31,000 jobs across 14 states. European countries are among the leading contributors, alongside the US, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, signaling rising global confidence in India as an investment hub.
Delhi’s Crime Branch, Northern Delhi Range, arrested Gulzar, a proclaimed offender wanted since 2024 over a gang assault on a minor. He had evaded capture and was declared a proclaimed offender in December 2025. Officials said he was nabbed in Palam Village on April 29, and will now face serious charges under the POCSO Act.
In 1799, French soldiers repairing a fort wall in Egypt uncovered the Rosetta Stone by chance. The slab carried the same royal decree written in three scripts: hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Greek. Because Greek was already understood, scholars could match meanings and finally crack how ancient Egyptian writing worked, reshaping history and archaeology.
JSW One Platforms, JSW Group’s B2B construction marketplace, has acquired proptech startup BuildNext to strengthen its JSW One Homes business. The deal adds design and execution capabilities aimed at making home-building more predictable at scale. BuildNext’s investor Pidilite Ventures will transfer its stake via a share-swap, while also approving an additional ₹22 Cr investment through CCPS.
Netflix is rolling out a redesigned mobile app feature called Clips, a TikTok like vertical video feed built to spark discovery. The idea: users can share short highlights from Netflix originals, turning quick snackable moments into a feed that pulls viewers toward full episodes and series.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is changing how mountain highways are planned. Instead of constructing first and addressing hazards later, it will stabilise slopes before roadwork begins in hilly regions. Officials say the approach will cut safety risks and improve the long-term durability of road infrastructure in areas prone to landslides and erosion.
Netomi, a San Francisco AI startup for enterprise customer service, raised $110 million led by Accenture Ventures with participation from Adobe Ventures and others. More than funding, the partnerships aim to push AI upstream into digital experiences using Adobe’s ecosystem and Accenture’s distribution, betting the best service is the interaction that never happens.
Pakistan’s worsening water crisis is being treated as a national security concern, driven by scarcity and years of mismanagement. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has unveiled a national strategy centered on boosting storage via new dams and conservation, while cutting waste in agriculture through modern irrigation and wastewater recycling to protect future water security.
A poultry farm owner in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has filed a complaint after claiming 140 chickens died on April 25. He alleges loud DJ music from a wedding procession caused panic and stress among the birds. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to verify the circumstances and determine whether the sound triggered the deaths.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei says the country will defend its nuclear and missile capabilities, calling them national assets. In the same message, he signals a “new phase” for the Persian Gulf—imagining a future with reduced American influence—and warns foreign powers against interference, urging Gulf states to share a common destiny.
PayU is accelerating an AI-led payments strategy to support agentic commerce as UPI usage and digital transactions continue to climb. The company says it’s investing in automation alongside trust and compliance layers, enabling faster, high-frequency payments. AI use cases are expanding across merchant onboarding, risk management, and customer support as it scales operations.
VB Pulse data for Q1 2026 shows enterprises stopped adding new retrieval layers and instead rebuilt what they already had. Hybrid retrieval intent tripled to 33.3%, while 22% report having no production RAG. Evaluation budgets slid as retrieval optimization surged, driven by reliability and access-control needs that break older “vector only” designs at agentic scale.
UAE schools will shut for a five-day Eid Al Adha break from May 25 to May 29, giving students and staff time before the final assessment cycle. Mock exams are scheduled for June 15–16, followed by end-of-term exams starting June 24. The academic year ends on July 3, with results expected in mid-July.
AWS used its “What’s Next with AWS” event to pull OpenAI’s frontier models into Amazon Bedrock, alongside Bedrock Managed Agents, a desktop productivity tool called Amazon Quick Desktop, and an expanded Amazon Connect built for agentic workflows. The timing—24 hours after OpenAI and Microsoft scrapped core API exclusivity—reshapes the cloud AI market, shifting competition to platforms that can securely govern autonomous agents.
The Delhi High Court has issued notice in a contempt petition over delayed textbook supply for students in government schools. The court questioned the Delhi government over the lapse affecting lakhs of children. In response, the government assured that textbooks would be delivered before the summer vacation. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on September 30.
US stock futures show a split: the Dow Jones and S&P 500 are red, while the Nasdaq stays green. The driver appears to be a jump in crude prices above 120, lifting costs across sectors. Energy-heavy and cost-sensitive industries like transport and manufacturing get hit first, pulling broader indices down even as technology-linked stocks remain relatively resilient.
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