Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Cisco is drawing fresh investor optimism after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings and signaling rapid growth in AI infrastructure demand. The company is restructuring operations and stepping up investments across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure, aligning itself with a multi-year AI networking investment cycle analysts say could extend momentum.
Anthropic is reversing its earlier ban on using Claude subscriptions for third party agent tools like OpenClaw. Subscribers can again allocate new “Agent SDK” credits to programmatic workflows, but the credits are limited, non rollover, and billed like API usage after they run out. The move aims to stop costly token overruns that strained compute and pricing.
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New figures show Anthropic has pulled ahead of OpenAI in enterprise AI spending, with 34.4% of surveyed companies paying for Anthropic products in April. The jump is attributed mainly to growing demand for Claude Code, Anthropic’s AI coding assistant. The result suggests a faster, tool-driven shift in how businesses are choosing their next AI vendor.
In April, Indian mutual funds increased cash holdings by over Rs 12,700 crore, taking total cash to about Rs 1.98 lakh crore, despite a strong market rebound. While some fund houses added to their cash buffers, others cut back, signaling uneven positioning across the industry. SBI Mutual Fund emerged as the biggest cash holder among peers.
Supply-chain stress is rising again, with logistics costs and delivery times climbing toward multi-year highs. The renewed disruption is starting to worry central banks, because higher transport expenses can quickly feed into consumer prices. With pressure building across trade and delivery signals, inflation risks may re-emerge just as policymakers thought the worst was behind them.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has picked veteran leader VD Satheesan as its Chief Minister candidate for Kerala. The move comes after UDF’s strong performance in the Assembly elections, delivering a substantial majority and beating the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The decision sets the tone for Kerala’s next political phase and coalition momentum.
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Cipla shares jumped nearly 11% across two sessions after multiple brokerages upgraded their outlook, even though Q4 profit fell 55% year on year. The rally pushed the stock to an intraday high of Rs 1,432.10 as investors shifted attention from near-term earnings pressure to longer-term growth prospects highlighted by analysts.
Cisco reported a 12% year-over-year revenue jump to $15.8 billion in Q3 2026, marking its best quarter in years. But the headline was quickly eclipsed by a plan to cut around 4,000 jobs. CEO Chuck Robbins said the restructuring is meant to free capital for an AI-focused buildout, including silicon, optics, security, and enterprise AI tools.
The Middle East conflict is reverberating through global markets by pushing oil prices higher and weakening currencies, tightening financial conditions worldwide. Asia, with heavy reliance on imported energy, is especially exposed as energy costs feed into food inflation and consumer spending pressures. Investors are now watching how central banks balance these geopolitical shocks against inflation control and economic stability.
Cuba is battling relentless blackouts amid a widening energy squeeze, and the lifeline is increasingly coming from China. Chinese solar panels and batteries are pouring in, while Cuba plans to scale up renewable power with 92 solar farms by 2028. The strategy aims to cut reliance on imported oil and lessen vulnerability to external pressure.
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India has imposed an immediate ban on sugar exports until September 30, 2026, or until further orders, and the market reacted sharply. Sugar stocks including Dalmia Bharat Sugar, Shree Renuka Sugars, Bannari Amman Sugars, EID Parry and others plunged on Thursday, with some names down several percentage points as traders reset expectations for revenue and supply flows.
Clashes in Pakistan’s Balochistan province left five soldiers and seven militants dead after an improvised explosive device hit a paramilitary convoy. The blast triggered a confrontation, and the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident underscores persistent violence in the region amid continued militant activity and security operations.
Gold edged higher as a weaker US dollar boosted demand, while markets tracked potential outcomes from Trump Xi meetings. Investors also kept an eye on signals tied to the Iran war, seeking clues on risk and policy shifts. Spot gold inched up to about $4,706.70 per ounce, reflecting cautious optimism alongside geopolitical uncertainty.
An Alabama woman’s federal lawsuit alleges jail staff ignored her labor pains for over 24 hours, leaving her to give birth on the prison floor. The filing claims a newborn arrived lifeless, then was reportedly revived by other inmates while guards allegedly watched. The suit also alleges mocking taunts and calls into question inmate healthcare and civil rights protections.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to turn halftime into a global music event, with BTS, Madonna, and Shakira performing in a Super Bowl style show. The star-studded segment is organised with Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin. Here’s where and how fans in India can stream it live on OTT.
For the first time, more U.S. businesses are paying for Anthropic’s Claude than for OpenAI’s ChatGPT, according to Ramp’s AI Index. Adoption jumped to 34.4% for Anthropic while OpenAI slipped to 32.3%. Yet Ramp flags three threats: runaway token costs, compute and reliability strain, and cheaper competition from open source and Codex.
Oil prices climbed to $105 as markets watched a high-stakes Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing. The focus: whether diplomacy can help end the Iran war disrupting supply, including fears around the Strait of Hormuz blockade. With supply lagging demand and few tankers reportedly exiting since February, traders are betting on a breakthrough to cool prices.
Scientists warn that soaring temperatures in North America could make parts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup unsafe, with some matches possibly needing delays. FIFA plans heat-management steps, but experts remain concerned about player health and performance, as well as spectator safety in stadiums that lack air conditioning.
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Japanese investors turned net sellers of foreign equities in April for the first time in four months, dumping 636.4 billion yen. The move was driven by higher energy costs and renewed inflation worries, while trust accounts spearheaded the selling. Investment trusts and life insurers kept buying abroad. The shift followed faster US inflation, strengthening expectations of longer high interest rates.
Honda Motor reported its first annual loss in nearly 70 years, sliding to 414.3 billion yen. The company blamed U.S. tariffs and steep restructuring costs tied to its electric vehicle push, with EV-related losses topping $9 billion. Honda said more expenses may follow but expects to swing back to profitability within the current fiscal year.
Chennai Super Kings take on Lucknow Super Giants in a pivotal IPL 2026 clash, with CSK still chasing a playoff spot. Lucknow has already been eliminated, turning the game into a battle of urgency versus pride. CSK’s resilience despite injuries sets the tone, while LSG’s struggles as a team have left little margin for error.
Tunisia’s summer tourism season, which usually starts strong in May, is getting an uneasy launch as the Middle East conflict disrupts travel demand. Officials say Djerba delivered resilience with a record 1.2 million visitors last year, up 5%. But the region’s wider instability is creating uncertainty for this year’s booking momentum.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr drew 1-1 with rivals Al-Hilal when a bizarre late own goal rescued a point. The result keeps Al-Nassr five points clear in the Saudi Pro League, but the title still isn’t locked in. Al-Nassr can clinch the championship with a win against Damac next, turning a dramatic moment into a do-or-die finale.
A dropped catch of Virat Kohli proved punishing for Kolkata Knight Riders as the RCB star went on to hit an unbeaten century and steer Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win in IPL 2026. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar admitted the mistake and said Varun Chakravarthy’s absence also played a role. Devdutt Padikkal lauded Kohli’s masterful knock.
SBI Research says a 15% customs duty hike on gold imports is likely to lift domestic prices and reduce legal import volumes. The report also flags a risk of supply diversion into grey markets, potentially reshaping the flow of gold into India. While the effect on the current account deficit is uncertain, the direction for pricing and imports appears clear.
India’s premium mall segment is hitting a new high with “Grade A” properties showing record-low vacancies and strong rental growth, led by Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The flight-to-quality trend reflects resilient consumer demand and retailer expansion, pushing investors toward premium retail realty. Developers are now banking on sustained momentum by planning major new supply.
India’s wholesale inflation surged to 8.3% in April, the highest in the current data series. Fuel and crude oil prices led the jump, pushing up costs across mineral oils, natural gas, and manufactured goods. As global commodity and energy prices feed into domestic supply chains, producer costs are rising quickly—setting pressure for downstream prices.
A British cruise ship, Ambition, is battling a gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Bordeaux, France, with over 1,700 passengers and crew confined onboard. French authorities have suspended disembarkation while affected travelers receive medical care at sea. Officials say it is not related to a separate hantavirus scare on another vessel, and investigations are underway to identify the cause.
The “get ready with me” trend is pulling kids deeper into the beauty industry, fueled by kidfluencers who showcase cosmetics to young audiences. Brands market the products as play and experimentation, but experts warn the content can shape social conditioning—nudging kids from curiosity toward routine, and potentially impacting self-image and the need for external validation.
US sanctions targeting Iran’s Chabahar port have thrown India’s key trade corridor with Russia and Central Asia into uncertainty. India is now exploring alternative ways to keep its role alive, even as the International North-South Transport Corridor faces disruption. Analysts expect the corridor to continue, but warn India’s influence could shrink sharply.
Helios Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Samir Arora, increased holdings across Tata Motors, Eternal, and Paytm in April, while also adding stake in eight other firms such as Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Electronics. The fund trimmed exposure to HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, and Ather Energy, and also introduced fresh investments in Titan Company and Axis Bank.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said BRICS can help countries struggling with energy supplies, food and fertilizer availability, and health security. His remarks came as the bloc meets amid geopolitical conflict and economic uncertainty. Emerging markets are looking for BRICS to stabilize conditions while talks cover development, resilience, climate, technology, and shared security priorities including counterterrorism.
The rupee is inching toward Rs 100 per dollar as crude oil prices rise and foreign investors pull back. The slide can lift imported inflation, making RBI decisions harder while pressuring some sectors more than others. Market watchers say investors should tilt toward businesses with strong pricing power and steadier earnings as currency swings continue.
Adani Enterprises shares jumped more than 5% after a large block deal worth Rs 1,435 crore saw nearly 60 lakh shares change hands. The move comes even as the company reported a Q4 net loss, though revenue rose 20%. It pointed to an infrastructure-led model where infrastructure and utility segments power 80% of EBITDA and future cash generation.
A woman was allegedly gang-raped by the driver and conductor of a sleeper bus in Delhi on the night of May 11, according to police sources. The two accused have been arrested. The case has triggered sharp condemnation, with AAP drawing a comparison to the 2012 Nirbhaya incident.
Clio has crossed a major milestone, hitting $500 million in annual recurring revenue as legal tech adoption surges. The timing is notable: at the same moment, Anthropic is intensifying its AI push, raising competitive pressure across software categories. The result is a faster race toward customers, automation, and AI-driven workflows in law firms.
Sakar Healthcare reported a sharp turnaround in its January-March quarter for FY 2025-26, with net profit up 91% to Rs 11.02 crore. Revenue from operations rose 42% to Rs 71.09 crore. For the full year, net profit climbed 74% to Rs 30.48 crore while revenue grew 42% to Rs 251.73 crore.
MSCI’s index rejig will add 14 Indian smallcap stocks to its smallcap index, with potential inflows of about $135 million. Some firms face pressure: Jubilant Foodworks and Kalyan Jewellers are set for net outflows after exclusion from the MSCI Standard index. Meanwhile, names such as Escorts Kubota and IREDA could attract sizable inflows from index funds tracking MSCI.
Home Minister Amit Shah said India will work toward eliminating heat wave deaths in the coming years by shifting to proactive disaster management. He stressed prevention over reaction to reduce both casualties and property damage during calamities. The National Disaster Response Force was also honoured with the President’s Colour, recognising its service and readiness in emergencies.
Bank of Baroda, India’s second-biggest state lender, says it aims to double its balance sheet within five years. CEO Debadatta Chand points to expected economic growth, rising credit demand, and a push into fee-based income. He also argues that scale and capital strength will be crucial as policymakers discuss creating even larger state-run banks.
Delhi Police arrested influencer Dr. Neelam Singh, “The Skin Doctor,” over alleged social media posts targeting businessman Sunjay Kapur’s family. A lawyer dismissed the case as baseless and says the speed of the arrest suggests outside pressure. Under Indian law, arrests can follow posts tied to defamation, hate speech, or misinformation, turning online speech into potential criminal risk.
Bagmane Prime Office REIT, backed by Jhunjhunwala and Blackstone, made its NSE debut at Rs 103.50, about 3.5% above its IPO price. The Bengaluru-focused offering raised Rs 3,405 crore and drew strong subscription. Its portfolio is noted for high occupancy and major tenants such as Google and Amazon, fueling investor demand on listing day.
New Delhi hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed delegates from member and observer nations. The session marks the start of India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship, assumed on January 1, and focuses on global and regional challenges. The participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov underscored the agenda’s geopolitical weight.
A deadly storm system of heavy rain and powerful winds hit multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh, killing at least 96 people and injuring over 50. Bhadohi, Prayagraj, and Mirzapur saw the worst damage as homes collapsed, trees uprooted, and power lines snapped. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered immediate relief and compensation measures.
Ahead of IPL 2026’s clash between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Corbin Bosch has spoken up amid uncertainty in the MI camp. With it appearing increasingly likely that captain Hardik Pandya will miss the match, Bosch’s comments add fuel to the debate over the severity and timing of the injury and MI’s likely team plans.
Vedanta’s demerger has added four new unlisted companies to shareholders’ demat accounts. These spun-off entities are expected to receive regulatory approvals and then list and begin trading on BSE and NSE by mid-June. Investors are now tracking the timeline closely, as the market debut will determine how the new holdings perform.
Sri Lanka is pushing to deepen trade ties with India, and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce says momentum is building. With the island’s economy recovering and stabilising, Indian interest is concentrating in hospitality, ports, and logistics—areas seen as ripe for new partnerships. Regional cooperation is also being flagged as the lever to turn interest into lasting collaboration.
Microsoft researchers warn that “delegated work” with frontier LLMs can quietly degrade documents across long, iterative workflows. Using the DELEGATE-52 benchmark across 52 domains, they found top models corrupt about 25% of document content after 20 rounds. Worse, agentic tools and realistic distractor files increase errors, often via rare but massive distortions humans can miss.
After a brief spell of rain and thunderstorms gave Delhi-NCR temporary relief, temperatures are climbing again. The India Meteorological Department has warned of heatwave-like conditions in the coming days, with parts of the region expected to cross 41°C. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit exposure to afternoon sun, and follow heat safety precautions.
US health insurers delivered their strongest first-quarter performance since the pandemic, beating estimates as cost controls and seasonal factors helped ease pressure from rising medical costs and claims. While results signal improvement, analysts are split on whether this is the start of a sustained recovery or simply a short reprieve before expenses catch up again.
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