Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India has been reinstated on the EU’s draft list allowing continued exports of aquaculture products beyond September 2026. The EU says the decision follows India’s compliance with its rules on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals. For Indian seafood exporters, it means continuity of shipments and a fresh signal of confidence in India’s food safety standards.
The BJP has attacked the Congress’s choice of V D Satheesan as Kerala’s next chief minister, saying the decision was imposed from Delhi. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed it points to a “remote-controlled” government, alleging internal family disputes within the Congress influenced the final selection, including Priyanka Gandhi opposing Rahul Gandhi’s preferred candidate.
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The Ministry of External Affairs condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off Oman’s coast, calling it “unacceptable.” In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident, which happened the previous day, puts innocent lives at risk and threatens freedom of navigation and international commerce amid ongoing concerns over attacks on civilian shipping.
Road InvITs are projected to expand their assets by about 30% this fiscal year, reaching roughly Rs 3.9 lakh crore by March 2027. The jump is attributed to accelerated monetisation of toll-road assets by NHAI and asset sales under the hybrid annuity model. With a widening investor base and controlled leverage, analysts expect sturdier credit profiles.
Adani Airport Holdings is teaming up with IHG Hotels & Resorts to build five new hotels across Navi Mumbai, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Jaipur, adding nearly 1,500 rooms. The deal also signals the debut of IHG’s luxury Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand in India, as airport-linked hospitality expands to meet rising travel demand.
Australian shares edged flat as a bank rebound helped offset wider market weakness. Investors remain focused on upcoming US China summit developments, with expectations kept deliberately low. Traders are looking less for big breakthroughs and more for reassurance—especially around extending the existing trade tariff truce and avoiding sudden surprises.
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Former actress Pooja Batra says her height became a Bollywood hurdle, with male actors allegedly feeling intimidated and costing her roles. She recalls awkward on-set adjustments to accommodate different silhouettes, but adds that Salman Khan was an exception—encouraging her to wear heels. Batra believes actresses like her helped open doors for taller stars today.
Maharashtra has told the Bombay High Court that it is proposing a posthumous Padma Vibhushan for wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India’s first individual Olympic medal winner. The state will also submit a fresh proposal for the Padma Awards 2027. The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Jadhav’s son’s foundation.
The Election Commission of India has announced Special Intensive Revision SIR Phase III for electoral rolls across 16 states and three union territories, covering over 36 crore electors. The exercise aims to verify and clean up the rolls in a phased manner, with Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka among the major regions included in this round.
Uttarakhand Women Congress president Jyoti Rautela and associates have been booked after allegations that they threatened self-immolation and obstructed officials during a nursing recruitment protest. The group climbed a water tank, allegedly prompting Rautela to pour petrol on herself, while protesters also blocked a main road. Officials say they later descended after a proposal was sent to the government.
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Slovakia and India are upgrading diplomatic and economic cooperation as they mark 33 years of relations with high-level exchanges. With an EU-India trade deal on the horizon, Slovakia expects stronger demand for its exports, especially luxury cars, while easier market access could further support the movement of Indian professionals already comprising the country’s second-largest workforce.
Punjab Kings host Mumbai Indians at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala in a pivotal IPL 2026 match after losing four straight games. With only three matches left, PBKS must secure at least two wins to stay on track. However, a weather forecast is raising alarm bells, with rain possible and momentum at stake for both teams.
A woman reportedly booked an AC cab via Rapido to reach Bengaluru airport, but says the driver refused to turn on the air conditioning. When she pressed the issue and asked him to stop, the dispute reportedly escalated and he allegedly refused to halt the vehicle, leaving her feeling unsafe.
India condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the Oman coast, saying targeting civilian vessels is unacceptable. The government reported that all Indian crew members onboard are safe and urged all parties to avoid actions that endanger civilian mariners or disrupt maritime trade. The incident underscores escalating security concerns in key regional shipping routes.
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Inox Clean Energy has agreed to buy Boviet Solar’s US solar manufacturing assets for $750 million, including module and cell production units in North Carolina. The acquisition is designed to give Inox Clean a stronger foothold in the expanding US solar market and accelerate its manufacturing and supply capabilities as demand grows.
Indian IT stocks extended losses for a fourth straight session as investors reduced exposure amid softer growth visibility, muted client spending and fresh fears of AI-driven disruption. The Nifty IT index slid sharply, dragging major players like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services lower on cautious guidance and deflationary pressure.
The National Company Law Tribunal has admitted Canara Bank’s insolvency petition against Supreme Housing and Hospitality. The real estate firm is reportedly in default of more than Rs 567 crore. The case comes after multiple settlement attempts failed and years of litigation left the dispute unresolved, paving the way for insolvency proceedings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the UAE to discuss long-term energy supply arrangements and ways to expand India’s strategic oil reserves. Sources say the trip seeks to reduce exposure to disruptions tied to global conflicts. Modi will meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to explore deeper energy cooperation and broader bilateral issues during a wider five-nation tour.
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Copper prices are climbing sharply, gaining about 9% since the Iran-related tensions, as markets brace for both geopolitics-driven volatility and a deeper structural supply shortage. Investors are also betting on AI-linked electrification demand that requires more copper per project. With new mines taking years to scale and underinvestment lingering, traders warn the shortage could persist and push prices higher.
A second-year MBBS student has alleged an organised NEET question paper leak, claiming answer keys were being openly offered for money ahead of the exam. He shared screenshots of suspicious WhatsApp chats and says a student sitting behind him had two A4 sheets with answers that closely matched the questions, raising fresh questions for authorities to investigate.
A blast rocked an alleged illegal firecracker factory in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday, with multiple casualties feared. Relief and rescue operations are underway as injured people are being treated in hospitals. Senior officials have reached the scene, but the exact nature of the operation and what the facility produced is yet to be confirmed.
A medical body has urged the Supreme Court to overhaul or replace the National Testing Agency after recurring NEET-UG paper leaks. It calls the issue a direct assault on students’ fundamental rights and says the current system shows systemic failures and outdated security measures. The plea requests a robust, autonomous exam integrity setup and a high-powered interim committee to monitor and prevent further breaches.
Tips Music has issued an official clarification after a court granted interim protection to Puja Entertainment in a dispute over alleged unauthorized use of Bollywood intellectual property. Tips Music strongly disputed the claims, saying they are malicious and misconceived, and pointed to film titles involved, including an upcoming release tied to the controversy.
Influencer Dr. Neelam Singh, popularly known as “The Skin Doctor,” has broken his silence after arrest and bail in a case tied to alleged posts about Sunjay Kapur’s family. Singh says the judge found no offense or intent behind his detention, thanking supporters while acknowledging criticism. He indicated he will later share case details and his next steps.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance for state government employees and teachers. The increase is set to provide relief and a salary boost to lakhs of workers as living costs continue to rise, even as it is expected to add to the financial burden on the state exchequer.
China’s yuan climbed to a three-year high against the dollar as investors digested the lead-up to the Trump-Xi summit. Equities pulled back on profit-taking, while attention tilted to AI progress. Despite hopes for stability and a possible managed trade approach on non-sensitive goods, expectations remain low for major trade breakthroughs.
Kerala is celebrating after Congress named VD Satheesan as its legislative party leader and CM face. The Congress Kerala Committee plans to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake a claim to form the government. Satheesan’s elevation follows his win from the Paravur constituency in the 2026 Assembly election, delivering his sixth consecutive term as an MLA.
India Meteorological Department has launched an AI-enabled monsoon advance forecasting system, along with a high-resolution spatial rainfall forecast for Uttar Pradesh. The services are designed to deliver precise, location-specific rainfall information up to four weeks in advance. IMD says this will help farmers and other stakeholders make better decisions as monsoon planning depends on timely and accurate weather forecasts.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said major works on the Pandharpur pilgrimage route are almost complete, with nearly 80% finished. Remaining stretches are expected to be completed in four to six months. Dedicated lanes for warkaris and Foot Over Bridges are planned to improve safety, as large projects like the Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg move toward completion.
Russia launched what Ukrainian officials call its largest drone assault over two days since the war began, targeting Kyiv as the main focus alongside other cities. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said damage spread across roughly 20 locations in Kyiv and the surrounding region. Officials reported at least three deaths in Kyiv and around 40 injuries, including two children.
The BJP has challenged Rahul Gandhi to explain how his foreign travel was funded, alleging a mismatch between his reported income and trip expenses. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra claims Gandhi made 54 international trips over 22 years, costing around Rs 60 crore, and says the figures don’t add up. The demand centers on transparency over funding sources.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the company will open two tech centres in Bengaluru and Hyderabad by the end of 2027, expanding its India footprint. He also flagged renewed focus on Uber’s two-wheeler business, a growth priority even as regulators tighten rules and fuel prices climb, squeezing costs and shaping strategy.
US Senator Eric Schmitt is taking aim at the H-1B and other employment-based visa programs, calling them harmful to American workers and alleging a “Visa Cartel.” He says large tech firms are cutting US roles while relying on foreign hiring through these visas, driving wage pressure and displacement. The controversy is now drawing fresh attention to Hyderabad’s “visa temples” that support applicants.
LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, announced layoffs across engineering, marketing and other teams, prompting a debate about whether AI is behind job losses. Co founder Reid Hoffman urged people to avoid assuming all tech cuts are AI driven, pointing instead to pandemic era overhiring as a major, often overlooked cause. The company says it will pursue stronger profitability by prioritizing key work and infrastructure investment.
Hours after the Congress high command named VD Satheesan as Kerala’s next CM, he moved to soothe factional splits by reaching out to KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. Venugopal signaled support for the decision, while Chennithala left his residence soon after, hinting that internal tensions still simmer despite the unity push.
Eicher Trucks and Buses has signed a pact with Cityflo to supply about 2,000 buses over the next three years, including 500 to be deployed in the current financial year. The contract highlights premium configurations such as AC, CNG and next-generation electric bus models, positioning the partnership as a major boost for cleaner, higher-comfort public transport.
A four-year-old boy in Pandhari, Beed, Maharashtra, was critically injured after being mauled by a pack of six stray dogs on Wednesday evening. Reports say the child suffered deep lacerations and puncture wounds across several spots, and the assault was recorded on nearby CCTV, triggering widespread outrage and calls for swift action.
A 17-year-old Class 12 student in Goa allegedly died by suicide hours after NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled, prompting renewed concern over exam-linked stress. Police recovered a note citing academic pressure, emotional exhaustion, and struggles balancing studies with hockey. While investigators have not confirmed a direct link to the cancellation, they said the sudden change may have intensified his distress.
Zydus Lifesciences shares surged nearly 6% after the company said its board will meet on May 19 to consider a share buyback. The rally also drew steam from its plan to acquire US-based Assertio in a deal valued at about $166 million. Investors cheered the mix of potential capital return and growth through strategic expansion.
Spacetech startup Dhruva Space has secured ₹105 Cr in grant support under India’s RDIF for ‘Project Garud’, a next-gen 500 kg-class satellite platform built for large constellation deployments. The grant supports a standardised, production-ready design for telecom, earth observation and national security, aiming to cut reliance on foreign satellites while enabling high-volume manufacturing.
The Supreme Court urged Rani Kapur and Priya Kapur to maintain calm in their family trust dispute, asking them to avoid any actions that could disrupt ongoing mediation. The court indicated that an amicable settlement would serve all parties, while unresolved issues could trigger a prolonged legal battle over control of the Kapur family’s assets and trust.
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell sparked the Indiana Fever to their first win of the WNBA season, beating the Los Angeles Sparks 87-78. Mitchell powered a decisive second quarter, while Clark hit key fourth-quarter baskets to seal it. A late push from Kelsey Plum threatened the lead, but Indiana held on for a crucial early triumph.
Two online content creators were arrested in Dinhata, West Bengal, after complaints that they posted an offensive viral video targeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Police said the allegations involve derogatory language shared on the duo’s social media platform. The arrests came after authorities received reports of the post, and an investigation is still underway.
A junior analyst in Ohio says his former employer billed him $3,000 in “training repayment” after he quit for a better job. He claims the company considered a Zoom seminar on basic Excel shortcuts as specialized training, triggering a clawback clause. The story, shared on Reddit, has ignited debate about workplace training agreements and whether they function as “exit fees.”
Amazon has announced additional layoffs in its Selling Partner Services division, following a recent efficiency review that led to earlier cuts totaling around 30,000 roles. The company says it is simultaneously ramping up investment in artificial intelligence across multiple operations. The move underscores a wider tech-sector pattern of restructuring and cost cutting alongside AI buildout.
A Fox News report said CIA agents raided DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s office, removing dozens of boxes linked to JFK assassination records and MKUltra. Gabbard’s office, through press secretary Olivia Coleman, swiftly denied the claim, calling it false. The dispute follows a whistleblower’s explosive allegation and has reignited tensions around intelligence operations and sensitive historical files.
Max Estates plans to generate Rs 1,200 crore in revenue from its Gurugram project, The Terraces, part of the broader Estate 361 development. Residences are set to begin at Rs 2.4 crore, while the project focuses on sustainability and facilities tailored for hybrid workers, aiming to attract buyers across age groups.
Andhra Pradesh’s minister Nara Lokesh says MSMEs will drive employment growth, targeting 20 lakh jobs through decentralized development via industrial clusters. The push also includes simplifying business processes and a fast-track plan to list 100 local companies on the National Stock Exchange within three months, aiming to boost growth, visibility, and investment in the state’s SME sector.
Kuwait has rolled out an online domestic driver entry visa service through the Sahel app, introduced by the Ministry of Interior. The move lets citizens apply electronically, cutting paperwork and time spent on government visits to service centers. Officials say the streamlined process will make visa handling faster and more convenient.
AIADMK factions met Thursday after cross-voting during the TVK government’s floor test. Edappadi K Palaniswami’s group met with a rival camp led by C Ve Shanmugam and S P Velumani, while party headquarters remained heavily guarded. Shanmugam says the faction won’t enter HQ until justice is delivered, as rebels weigh legal options and push for a general council meeting.
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