Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
With the rupee slipping past 95 per dollar and West Asian tensions keeping risk elevated, India is weighing a return to NRI-focused dollar deposit schemes. The idea echoes 2000 and 2013, when incentives helped mobilise foreign currency and stabilise sentiment. But today’s backdrop is tougher: US rates are around 3.5%, making attractive coupons costlier. Estimates suggest a 3-year deposit rate of 6.0–6.25% may be needed, with funding support of 2.75–3.0%, potentially larger than earlier programmes.
OpenAI’s two-year partnership with Apple is reportedly fraying as the AI company feels it hasn’t received the expected upside from the deal. Bloomberg says OpenAI lawyers are exploring legal options, including sending a breach of contract notice rather than immediately filing a full lawsuit. The move follows Apple’s plans to add other AI providers, potentially reducing OpenAI’s unique role, while the company prepares further AI announcements at its June software conference.
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China is forecasting a further drop in gasoline demand as oil prices climb amid the war involving Iran, with GL Consulting projecting consumption to fall 5.5% this year. The estimate is revised lower from 5.2% and would mark the second-largest contraction on record, only behind 2022’s collapse during strict COVID lockdowns. Other analysts echo the trend, with the International Energy Agency expecting gasoline demand to slow “to a crawl” and drop by roughly 60,000 barrels per day in the current quarter.
YouTube says viewers watch more than 2 billion hours of YouTube Shorts on TVs each month, even though the format is designed for smartphone portrait viewing. YouTube frames the living room as its fastest-growing screen and says TV search can pull viewers into checking Shorts they didn’t intend to watch. To fit the big-screen experience, YouTube is adding side-by-side comments. The shift is spilling into video podcasts, with living room podcast hours climbing sharply in 2025.
India is exploring a centralized back-office tech hub for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to accelerate digital services while tightening cybersecurity and compliance. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development may lead, using shared digital platforms, analytics, common procurement and knowledge exchange with sponsor banks. The move follows concerns flagged in a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman about AI-driven weaponisation of software vulnerabilities. RRBs reported ₹7,720 crore consolidated net profit in nine months of FY26, alongside faster loan growth.
West Bengal’s Suvendu Adhikari government has tightened rules on animal slaughter by enforcing strict compliance with the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. An order bans slaughter in any open public place and makes violations punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a ₹1,000 fine. It also requires a fitness certificate for slaughter, issued through joint municipal or panchayat and veterinary approval under specific conditions. Police crackdowns will target illegal cattle markets and unauthorized slaughterhouses, alongside steps on excessive loudspeaker use at religious events.
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India is bracing for a “crunch time” after the US-Israel conflict in Iran escalates and the Strait of Hormuz faces blockade risk, pushing up essentials via higher crude prices and disrupting trade. Policymakers have begun with import duties on gold and silver, but warn that the real vulnerability is India’s dependency on imported oil, amplified by capital outflows that weaken the rupee. The article argues RBI should prioritize financial stability, potentially raising rates despite reluctance, while long-term fixes require credible oil-and-gas investment.
While news cycles traded in crises—blockade threats, rising oil prices, and a weakening rupee—an uneventful but powerful story unfolded in the Arabian Sea. A Pakistan Navy vessel, PMSS Kashmir, rescued the stranded Indian cargo ship MV Gautam, delivering food, medical assistance, and technical support. The crew saved included six Indians and one Indonesian sailor. The editorial argues such gestures matter precisely because they break the expectation of manufactured discord, reminding people that cooperation still surfaces in real life.
UAE insurers are moving war-risk coverage beyond specialized shipping and aviation into mainstream retail and SME products as geopolitical tensions involving Iran keep escalating. Sukoon Insurance has introduced a Motor War Cover add-on for comprehensive policies, offering up to AED 5 million for war, strikes, terrorism and riots within the UAE. Other firms are widening protection for cargo, residential units and travel disruption, while intermediaries market packages for operational losses, employee injuries and contract-related liabilities.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting at his residence in New Delhi to review and assess the proposed plan for a NEET retest. The move comes as concerns continue to swirl around the exam and how any retest would be structured and implemented. The meeting was aimed at taking stock of the proposal and evaluating next steps, signalling that discussions are underway at the top level before any outcome is formally announced.
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Cerebras, an AI chipmaker founded in 2015, made a stunning Nasdaq debut with its shares jumping about 90%. Priced at $185 in its IPO, the stock opened at $350, quickly pushing the company’s valuation to over $75 billion. The move highlights surging investor demand for AI infrastructure, with subscriptions reported at more than 20 times the available shares. The debut also underscores how fiercely Nvidia, AMD and Intel are competing for the AI hardware buildout.
A National Investigation Agency charge sheet in the 2025 Red Fort blast case says the attackers used triacetone triperoxide (TATP) in a vehicle-borne IED that killed 11 people and caused major property damage. NIA alleges the explosive was clandestinely manufactured: the accused procured chemicals, conducted experiments, and perfected the mixture. It also links 10 accused, including the deceased Dr Umer Un Nabi, to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and an alleged “Operation Heavenly Hind” plot targeting India’s government and security forces.
Beijing’s state banquet for Donald Trump and Xi Jinping wasn’t just ceremonial—it was engineered as a diplomatic signal. Planners leaned on Huaiyang cuisine, a refined, mild style meant to be broadly appealing to international guests. The menu also reportedly adjusted details to match perceived preferences, including Beijing roast duck and beef ribs described as a nod to well-done steak. Desserts were heavily American, featuring tiramisu, fruits, ice cream, and a trumpet-shell shaped pastry for Trump. Food remains China’s long-used soft power.
A small medical aircraft crashed near Ruidoso in remote Captain Mountain, New Mexico, Thursday morning, killing all four people on board. The plane departed Roswell and was heading to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport when it lost contact. Because the crash site lies in rugged, elevated terrain, initial access for rescue crews was difficult, though teams later confirmed there were no survivors. Investigators have not released names or aircraft details, and the cause is under review by the FAA and NTSB.
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Kerala Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan said the Congress-led United Democratic Front government will be sworn in on May 18, following a decisive Assembly election comeback. The UDF chose Satheesan as its chief ministerial face after weeks of leadership speculation, winning 102 seats in a 140-member House and cutting the Left Democratic Front’s tally to 35. BJP-led NDA managed three seats. Satheesan, credited with rebuilding Congress organisation, leveraged momentum from Lok Sabha, local polls and key bypoll wins.
India has prohibited sugar exports until September 30, a move expected to free 4-5 lakh tonnes for domestic consumption. The government cites El Nino risks that could affect 2026-27 production, aiming to strengthen next year’s buffer stock. But the abrupt export stoppage may squeeze sugar mill liquidity, especially as mills need cash for high cane payment schedules in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Overseas demand had surged after longer Brazil shipping times, and recent export volumes had jumped sharply.
India has tightened rules for duty-free gold imports under the advance authorisation scheme, a day after raising customs duties. The DGFT now caps gold imports at 100 kg per licence and requires firms to meet at least 50% of earlier export obligations before receiving further approvals. The government says the scheme risks “price arbitrage” and misuse through quick large shipments. It also introduces mandatory physical inspections for new applicants and adds fortnightly and monthly reporting on import and export activity.
Indian sugar producer shares fell up to 7% on Thursday after the government prohibited sweetener exports, adding immediate pressure to an already strained market. Analysts linked the move to surging domestic sugar prices alongside weaker sugarcane expectations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, with El Nino seen as a risk for further shrinkage. While the ban is expected to weigh on near-term earnings, investors point to capacity expansions aimed at the government’s 20% ethanol blending targets as a medium-term support.
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Goldman Sachs has sold 26.8 lakh shares of Jio Financial Services in a ₹62 crore block deal, selling at ₹231.45 per share—about a 1.1% discount to the previous day’s price. Morgan Stanley Asia Singapore Pte bought the entire quantity. Despite the large divestment, JFS shares closed up 1.1% at ₹234.20 on the BSE. The move adds to a period of rapid expansion, even as critics question differentiation amid profit decline in Q4 FY26.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Kangchup Chingkhong in Imphal West to engage Internally Displaced Persons and review rehabilitation measures. He assured IDPs of secure returns and said security arrangements will be strengthened, including a pucca structure for personnel. Singh distributed one-time grants of ₹10,000 via DBT to 754 IDP college students under the CM College Students Rehabilitation Scheme. He also visited injured Tangkhul Naga and other patients at RIMS and Shija Hospital, committing the state to cover medical expenses and housing repair costs while examining enhanced reconstruction assistance.
Enterprises report production AI agent pipelines failing not due to model skill, but because the agent decides it’s “done” too early—sometimes before code is actually compiled. Anthropic’s new Claude Code /goals separates task execution from task evaluation, running a dedicated evaluator model after each step to prevent premature exits using measurable completion conditions like tests and exit codes.
Assam has sworn in four new ministers and assigned them a wide spread of portfolios in Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s cabinet expansion. An official Raj Bhavan notification said Rameswar Teli will oversee Transformation and Development, Labour Welfare and Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare. Atul Bora takes charge of Panchayat and Rural Development, Assam Accord implementation, Border Protection and Development, and Excise, while Charan Boro gets Transport plus Bodoland welfare. Ajanta Neog is given Women and Child Development and Tourism.
Oracle has revoked dozens of campus job offers made to students at IITs and NITs, including both full-time roles for the Class of 2026 and summer internship positions. The pullbacks come soon after mass layoffs at the US software giant, intensifying anxiety as placement season winds down and tech hiring stays sluggish. Placement cells at multiple institutes say Oracle had made heavy offers, then withdrew a small but significant share across campuses, leaving students scrambling for alternatives.
Delhi High Court decided that Arvind Kejriwal’s excise-policy case will be heard by a different bench, following remarks from Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. Kejriwal framed the move as “truth” triumphing, citing Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha. AAP leaders called it a “big victory,” while Atishi alleged the judge has effectively recused. Sharma, however, said she was not recusing herself—she was transferring the matter after initiating criminal contempt proceedings over allegedly “vilifying” social media posts.
US President Donald Trump said China committed to buying 200 Boeing aircraft after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump described the move as a commitment during a Fox News interview, adding it would support “a lot of jobs.” US media reports suggest the order could include about 500 Boeing 737 MAX jets and nearly 100 wide-body models such as the 787 Dreamliner and 777. Boeing has not yet commented, but prior optimism came from CEO Kelly Ortberg.
US chip startup Cerebras Systems roared into public trading, with shares jumping more than 80% on Nasdaq and briefly more than doubling earlier in the session. The company reached a market value of about $80 billion during the trading debut. Around 1730 GMT, Cerebras was trading at $332.51, after having surged to roughly $385 at one point. The strong debut reflects continued investor demand for companies tied to the artificial intelligence spending and chip investment boom.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said modern warfare “does not respect silos,” arguing India’s edge will come from faster integration across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. In a video message at the ‘Kalam & Kavach’ defence conclave, he stressed self-reliance, jointness, and shortening the gap between an idea, a prototype and operational deployment. He also warned national security can’t rely on old assumptions amid cyber risks, hybrid threats, and supply-chain vulnerabilities. The event highlighted indigenous innovation, AI-enabled warfare, C4ISR and Operation Sindoor.
A new large-scale DNA study of more than 3,200 Japanese people is challenging the long-held view that Japan’s ancestry comes mainly from two ancient sources. Using whole-genome sequencing across seven regions, researchers found evidence for a third ancestral group tied to northeastern Asia, with patterns that vary sharply by geography. The work also shows Japan is more genetically diverse than assumed, and pairs genomic data with medical records to build JEWEL for future personalized medicine.
The power ministry has advised its public sector undertakings to test a modern work arrangement: allowing employees to work from home for one day each week. The guidance asks PSUs to assess operational feasibility and, where possible, permit up to 20% of staff to work remotely on any given day. The move aligns with wider reassessments of hybrid work after pandemic-era changes, including new pressures from the Iran conflict’s economic fallout.
A 7-Eleven store in Madera, California opened in late April and sold just weeks later for $12 million, setting a new record as the highest price ever paid for a 7-Eleven in the state. The rapid turnaround highlights how valuable certain local convenience locations can become when demand and visibility align.
Tariff refund disbursements are set to begin as early as May 12 after the U.S. Supreme Court voided Trump-era tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court’s decision effectively makes the federal government liable for more than $166 billion, turning prior collections into reimbursable payments. CBP says 126,237 claims have been submitted via its CAPE portal, with $35.46 billion already finalized. Eligibility is limited to importers of record and customs brokers, leaving consumers excluded despite bearing higher prices.
IRB Infrastructure Trust has proposed a non-binding deal to sell two revenue-generating BOT highway assets, valued at about Rs 4,663 crore, to IRB InvIT Fund. The offer covers Solapur Yedeshi NH211 and Chittorgarh Gulabpura NH79, totaling 1,144 lane km. Valuation is based on an independent valuer’s assessment as of March 31, 2026. If approvals and clearances come through, IRB Infra Trust would use proceeds for future opportunities while IRB InvIT gains a larger asset portfolio and longer weighted average concession life, supporting its Rs 1,40,000 crore target by 2029.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has cut her official convoy size by about 60%, using only four vehicles and including two electric cars, while operating with reduced security amid West Asia tensions. Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu also used EVs and urged metro, carpooling, and public transport for energy security and greener air. Gupta announced Metro commute for ministers every Monday, two-day weekly WFH for government offices, a voluntary no-vehicle day, reduced petrol-diesel quotas, and cancelled foreign visits for a year.
Anthropic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are launching a $200 million, four-year partnership aimed at AI “public goods” in health and education. Anthropic will contribute technical staff and Claude AI usage credits, while Gates Foundation funding includes grants, program design and expertise. The effort targets major gaps in AI performance for African languages through improved data collection and labeling shared publicly. It also plans teacher-oriented knowledge graphs, plus projects using Claude to help predict drug candidates for HPV and preeclampsia.
Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party leaders, alleging their social media posts “vilified” her in connection with the excise policy case. The judge said Arvind Kejriwal orchestrated a “calculated campaign” instead of pursuing legal remedies, warning that attempts to undermine court authority can’t hide behind free speech. Sharma also clarified she isn’t recusing herself; she will transfer the case, and the CBI’s discharge petition will be heard by another bench.
U.S. markets climbed to fresh highs as Cisco delivered earnings and guidance that beat expectations, sending its shares up 14.6%—potentially its best day in 15 years. The broader rally also lifted two non-AI names: StubHub jumped 19.3% and Viking Holdings rose 10%, both posting stronger profit than analysts forecast. Results fueled optimism that consumers still spend, even as sentiment remains shaky. Treasury yields barely moved, while global trading tilted higher in Europe and Asia amid oil jitters tied to Hormuz shipping.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court will deliver its verdict on May 15 in the long-running Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute in Dhar, where Hindu, Muslim and Jain claim rights over an ASI-protected monument. The court reserved judgment after hearings beginning April 6. The ASI’s 2,000-page scientific survey says a structure from the Parmar kings predates the mosque and that later construction reused temple components. Muslims have challenged the report as biased. The case stems from a March 2024 survey process.
Britney Spears is back in the spotlight after reports of a disruptive night at Blue Dog Tavern in Sherman Oaks, California. Eyewitness accounts cited by TMZ say she was shouting and making barking noises while cigarette smoke appeared near the entrance, and one patron claimed she even carried a knife through the restaurant. Spears’ representatives strongly deny the dangerous allegations, saying she was dining with her assistant and bodyguard and telling a story about her dog barking. The incident comes soon after her reported rehab and DUI-related legal case.
Tamil Nadu marked a historic handover as TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay took the oath as Chief Minister in Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, under heavy security. Actress Trisha Krishnan, reportedly linked to Vijay, arrived early and called it a “big day for Tamil Nadu,” before offering a simple media message. She was seen in a seafoam-green silk saree with a golden-motif blouse, finished with a white gajra and red-stone jewellery. Key alliances pushed TVK past the 118-seat majority, with more cabinet expansion expected later.
A senior US official told India and the US to pursue AI through openness while avoiding dependencies on adversarial nations. Speaking at the US-India AI and Emerging Technology Forum, Bethany Morrison said the goal is to give regional countries access to world-class technology and integrate it into society, delivering value for people. She linked AI progress to interoperability and security, noting private-sector AI investment has already surged, with significant funds directed to US companies.
DLF has set FY27 pre-sales guidance of Rs 20,000 crore, supported by a pipeline aimed at launching around 25 million sq ft in the medium term. The company expects its super-luxury project The Dahlias to remain the key sales engine, noting strong pricing power even as construction capacity limits additional launches. Executives also pointed to upcoming projects in Gurugram, the next phase in Mumbai, and a new launch in Goa, while highlighting zero gross development debt and a large net cash surplus.
Delhi-NCR is under an IMD yellow alert for Tuesday as dust storms, thunderstorms and light rain move in across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram. Gusty winds are expected to reach 40–50 kmph, with forenoon showers possibly very light, then worsening through afternoon, evening and night. Lightning risk remains, and winds may touch 60 kmph at times. Thundery activity could continue Wednesday, while temperatures dip slightly before improving from Thursday onward.
Oil prices jumped more than $3 a barrel as U.S. and Iran failed to align on Washington’s peace proposal, leaving the Strait of Hormuz largely constrained and global supplies tight. Brent rose to about $104, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to roughly $99. President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s reply as “unacceptable,” dashing expectations of an imminent ceasefire that could reopen oil transit. Market focus now shifts to Trump’s Beijing visit and whether China can pressure Tehran to reduce disruption.
Wall Street pushed higher on May 11, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closing at record highs despite escalating US-Iran tensions that sent oil prices up. The S&P 500 rose 0.19% to 7,412.84 and the Nasdaq gained 0.1% to finish at 26,274.13. The Dow added 95.31 points to end at 49,704.47. While Trump rejected an Iran proposal and warned the ceasefire was “on life support,” investors stayed focused on tech and AI—Micron and NVIDIA leading gains.
The Indian rupee slid to its weakest closing level on record, dropping nearly 0.9% to 95.31 per dollar as crude prices surged amid a US Iran standoff. Brent rose 2.5% to $103.8 per barrel after President Trump rejected Iran’s response, keeping the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows, effectively paralysed. Indian equities fell 1.5% and government bond yields rose. Analysts warned stronger oil can widen the current account deficit and strain FX buffers.
A Bombay High Court ruling has protected policyholders whose health insurance claims were rejected only because documents were submitted after a 90-day deadline. In the case of C.P. Ravindranath Menon and his wife, United India Insurance refused reimbursement of ₹1.13 lakh for domiciliary and OPD-related expenses during the policy period. The court held that clauses extinguishing rights due to procedural delay are void under Section 28 of the Contract Act, ordering payment within eight weeks plus 6% interest. Insurers may appeal to the Supreme Court.
Elon Musk arrives in China for a summit tied to US President Donald Trump and meets Xi Jinping amid a complicated mix of praise and backlash. Tesla’s tech leadership still inspires competitors as sales near 626,000 units, with China contributing about a fifth of revenue. Yet Musk also faces regulator and public criticism over customer complaints, while SpaceX’s Starlink alarms Beijing’s military planners. Musk must navigate intensifying domestic EV competition and China’s shifting security priorities.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says an “Islamic NATO” is moving from speculation to planning, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan already in, and Qatar potentially joining as talks with Turkey advance. The proposed alliance is framed as reducing reliance on outside powers while creating a coordinated deterrent across the Gulf and beyond. The concept draws from a prior Saudi–Pakistan pact signed last year that mirrors NATO’s Article 5 collective response, potentially adding Turkey’s military depth and Qatar’s strategic logistics.
Oil prices surged more than $4 a barrel on May 11 after the US and Iran failed to agree on a Washington-backed peace proposal. With the Strait of Hormuz largely shut, global supplies stayed pressured as President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response as “unacceptable.” Brent climbed to $105.47 and WTI to $98.51. Analysts warn the ceasefire could be temporary, while Saudi Aramco estimates about 1 billion barrels of supply have been lost in two months, leaving markets edgy heading into Trump’s China trip.
A senior U.S. admiral told a Senate committee that American bombings have dramatically reduced Iran’s ability to threaten neighbors and U.S. interests. Admiral Brad Cooper said Iran’s defense industry has been set back by roughly 90%, and that Tehran can no longer transfer arms and other resources to major regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in Gaza. He also declined to directly respond to reports suggesting Iran still retains missile and drone capabilities.
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