Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Even after sweeping Kerala, Congress in Wayanad is seeing visible internal cracks. Posters targeting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appeared outside the Congress office, warning them to “forget Wayanad.” The anger is linked to the party’s delay in naming the next chief minister, raising questions about unity in the Congress-led UDF stronghold.
Rajasthan SOG says it dismantled a multi state NEET UG 2026 paper leak conspiracy in seven hours, starting from a high priority intelligence alert at around 8:00 PM on May 8. By 3:00 AM, investigators claimed they had exposed and broken a criminal network linked to suspicious question sets spreading on social media.
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Carrier Global says it is working to minimise price increases in India despite global supply constraints. The company is investing $100 million in a new facility in Andhra Pradesh to scale production. It expects strong double-digit growth for the next decade, aiming to meet rising domestic demand while also boosting exports from the expanded capacity.
Silver prices jumped on May 13, 2026 after India increased customs duty on silver imports. Traders saw the move reflect across IBJA, MCX and major dealers as global geopolitical tensions and inflation fears added pressure. Analysts expect domestic rates to stay elevated, potentially cooling consumer demand, while the government targets a lower trade deficit and stronger rupee.
Google has introduced Gemini Intelligence, an AI layer built to make Android phones more proactive and deeply personalized. It adds smarter automation, intelligent form filling, improved natural voice, and custom widget creation on-device. The rollout starts on select Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, with a focus on privacy and user control as phones shift from reactive apps to anticipatory assistants.
Pakistani dancer and women’s rights activist Sheema Kermani, known worldwide from the hit song Pasoori, was briefly detained in Karachi while seeking permission for an upcoming Aurat March. Police held her as she tried to obtain the permit, but she is also widely recognized for decades of advocacy for women and for promoting classical dance across Pakistan.
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Alibaba’s quarterly revenue rose 3%, powered by strong cloud and AI demand, while its China e-commerce segment got a boost from government subsidies. Even as macro headwinds lingered, the company’s enterprise AI platform showed promise. However, revenue narrowly missed expectations overall because international e-commerce underperformed, despite cloud revenue exceeding forecasts.
AB de Villiers has praised Rajasthan Royals prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying that exposure to ODI and Test cricket could help the 15-year-old develop both mentally and physically. While De Villiers is confident in the talent, he cautioned that the journey to India selection will not be smooth and could be rocky as the youngster adjusts to top-level demands.
Nothing has tapped British pop star Charli XCX as its first Global Brand Ambassador and shareholder, signaling a shift from pure consumer hardware toward a broader cultural identity. The move positions Nothing to compete not just on devices, but on music, style, and creator-driven influence—turning celebrity partnerships into equity and long-term branding.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for gunfire reported outside the residence of Diljit Dosanjh’s manager in Karnal, citing a social media post. But Haryana authorities say no complaint has been received so far, and a preliminary sweep at the scene reportedly found nothing amiss. Investigations are expected to clarify the claim and incident details.
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India will host the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi set to attend. The development follows talks between Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and India’s MEA Secretary Sibi George, focusing on bilateral and regional issues. Iran is urging stronger BRICS cooperation as tensions continue across West Asia.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code bill, with plans to introduce it in the assembly on May 26. The proposed law focuses on issues such as polygamy and marriage age, while reportedly exempting tribal communities. The announcement signals a major legal shift in Assam’s personal laws framework.
Amazon India has upgraded health and insurance benefits for 90,000 delivery partners, adding outpatient coverage, hospitalisation support, and compensation for temporary and permanent disabilities. The package also includes higher group personal accident coverage, capped out-of-pocket costs, and mediclaim top-ups. Amazon is also running free health screening camps nationwide and linking the initiative to a 2,800 crore investment.
CBSE has scheduled Class 12 supplementary exams for July 15, 2026, giving compartment and improvement candidates another shot. Students will be able to submit their List of Candidates starting June 2. The supplementary exam will follow the same syllabus as the main exams, and results are expected sometime in July, after this year’s main-exam pass percentage declined.
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Spotify’s 20th anniversary experience, “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s),” lets users relive their listening journey in detail. It helps you revisit the day you joined, discover the first track you streamed, view your most-played artist, and generates a playlist featuring your top 120 songs across years. It’s like Wrapped, expanded.
Fractal Analytics reported a sharp jump in Q4 net profit to Rs 116 crore, more than doubling year over year on improved margins. CEO Srikanth Velamakanni pointed to accelerating enterprise AI demand, arguing the opportunity is still largely untapped and that outcome-driven models are helping win new business.
In North Carolina, voters are trying to square Trump backed tax cuts with the sting of inflation. While proposals promise higher take home pay, everyday costs like rent, food, and fuel are rising fast, dominating kitchen table concerns. The dispute is driving the midterm conversation, pitting Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley’s sharply different economic visions against each other.
A 20-year-old man, Suraj, was reportedly cornered and repeatedly stabbed on an 18-foot-wide road near a Gurdwara in Chandigarh’s Darwa area. Witnesses allegedly did not intervene even as he writhed in agony for around 25 minutes, with some reportedly taking videos instead of helping. The incident has sparked outrage in the community.
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Himachal Governor Kavinder Gupta has declared Lok Bhawan a Fuel Conservation Zone. Official vehicles that run on imported fuel will not operate on Sundays, and the Governor will skip using his official vehicle one day each week in favour of electric transport or carpooling. Non-essential meetings will be moved online to cut fuel consumption further.
Apple and Google have begun a beta rollout of end to end encrypted RCS messaging, starting with iPhone users on iOS 26.5 and Android users on the latest Google Messages. iPhone to Android RCS conversations will be encrypted by default using the MLS protocol, with a lock icon confirming protection. Availability depends on supported carriers and expands gradually.
Siemens says AI-linked demand is accelerating its business, with orders rising sharply as data centre investments surge worldwide. While quarterly profit edged down a little, the company’s infrastructure segment posted record growth, pointing to strong momentum. Siemens expects this AI-fueled buildout to stay robust for several years, reshaping its outlook.
India’s steel industry is struggling to scale “green” production because scrap supply is insufficient. Former Steel Secretary Jindal says only about 25% of steel demand can be met through scrap based manufacturing, while declining iron ore quality adds pressure. The government is pushing pilot projects and missions for green steel, supported by an upcoming carbon credit trading system as output rises.
Arvind Kejriwal called on Gen Z to protest after NEET UG 2026 was cancelled due to alleged paper leaks and irregularities. Speaking at a press conference, he claimed more than 93 exam leak cases since 2014 have affected around six crore youth and questioned whether senior leaders were involved. The case is with the CBI, while NTA says registrations remain valid for the re-test.
WazirX has rolled out crypto Futures trading for Indian users, touting the lowest maker and taker fees in the market. It also removes any volume threshold requirement and offers direct INR access, aiming to broaden derivatives participation. The exchange says the rollout includes a strong focus on responsible trading education and helps fund its restructuring efforts for creditor recoveries.
CBSE has declared Class 12 results, and the national toppers list is now set to be published with top performers’ district details and marks. The board’s 2026 exams wrapped up on April 10, after starting on February 17. Students can check their results and the toppers list for performance highlights following the announcement.
The Union Cabinet has approved higher Minimum Support Prices for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season. Sunflower seed will see the largest absolute increase, while cotton and other oilseeds also get sizable hikes. For all notified Kharif crops, MSPs are set at least 50% above production costs, with common paddy fixed at Rs 2,441 per quintal.
The rupee weakened sharply, falling to an intraday record low of 95.74 against the US dollar as markets moved into risk-off mode. Sentiment deteriorated after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, raising uncertainty over oil supplies. Analysts warn the shock could intensify currency pressure and strain India’s growth outlook.
Power Finance Corp’s FY26 Q4 profit rose 24% to Rs 6,325 crore, driven by higher interest income, improved fee income, and a reversal in impairment provisions. Lower credit costs and steady growth in core lending supported profitability even as finance costs increased, highlighting resilience in the state-run power sector lender’s earnings momentum.
Flipkart’s attempt to escape GST on delivery charges via a goods transport agency structure has been rejected by the West Bengal Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling. The WBAAAR said the model was contractual “legal fiction” rather than a real transport transaction, putting the doorstep delivery flow squarely under 18% GST. The decision could reshape tax strategies for ecommerce and quick commerce.
New Zealand is quickly becoming a top study abroad pick for Indian students as the India-New Zealand FTA reshapes mobility. Policy stability and clearer post-study work pathways are boosting confidence, while students are applying a sharper cost-benefit lens. The result is a shift away from old destination habits toward choices backed by practical outcomes.
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath pointed to India’s tight market regulation after a surprise US import duty hike on gold and silver. He noted there was no unusual trading activity before the announcement, contrasting it with how privileged information could be exploited in less tightly governed markets. The comment adds a sharp lens on how policy shocks can ripple into markets.
HPCL has announced a final dividend of Rs 19.25 per share, its highest payout in five years. The record date is August 14, and shares jumped about 4% right after the news. The company also reported a strong Q4, with profit rising 46% to Rs 4,902 crore, signaling momentum despite a weaker 2026 trend.
Indian regulators are opposing Pernod Ricard’s latest appeal to recover its Delhi liquor license, after authorities previously rejected the firm over alleged collusion with retailers to boost market share. Pernod denies any wrongdoing, saying the ban has hurt its business for three years. Delhi’s government argues the decision must protect public interest and limit regulatory risk.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for austerity is spreading through BJP-led governments, with union ministers and chief ministers downsizing convoy sizes and trimming non-essential travel. The effort is aimed at conserving fuel and encouraging responsible living amid wider global energy uncertainties, signaling that the austerity message is now shaping day-to-day official movement.
BYD India has announced revised pricing for its electric passenger vehicle lineup effective July 1, 2026. The company says the change will vary by model and variant, ranging from about 1% to 2%. The hike will apply across popular models including the Atto 3, Seal, and Sealion 7, making new purchases costlier soon.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL 2026 match in Ahmedabad turned grim as they were beaten by 82 runs by Gujarat Titans. SRH’s sluggish batting performance drew questions, but the team’s coach pushed back, saying he places no blame on the batters. GT’s Kagiso Rabada struck early and controlled the second innings to set up the emphatic victory.
Saudi Arabia is upgrading access for elderly and disabled pilgrims at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina for the 2026 Hajj. The plan adds electric wheelchairs, dedicated movement routes, and adapted entrances, pathways and elevators. It also introduces digital guidance and multilingual support to help pilgrims navigate more safely and with less friction during one of the world’s most demanding religious journeys.
Nepali climbers have reached the summit of Mount Everest, confirming the ascent of a rope-fixing team. Their climb signals the traditional start of the spring season, when the main route becomes usable for hundreds of mountaineers. With many climbers now preparing for their own attempts, Nepal has also issued a record number of permits this season.
Meta employees are protesting a new monitoring system that captures occasional screenshots and logs mouse movements, clicks, and keystrokes to “teach” AI. The rollout comes days before Meta’s planned 10% layoffs on May 20, raising fears of surveillance and shrinking worker autonomy. Meta says the data is needed for real computer-use examples, while UK staff push unionization.
A Michigan coffee shop worker says their employer withholds credit card tips, arguing the business uses them for operating costs. The employee, paid about $15 an hour, claims only cash tips are shared, a detail coworkers reportedly confirm. The allegation, posted on Reddit, has ignited backlash and calls for action over potential wage theft.
CBSE has declared the Class 12 Results 2026 with an overall pass percentage of 85.20%. Students can check results and access digital marksheets online through official CBSE websites, DigiLocker, and UMANG. The announcement brings relief to students and parents as marksheets are available digitally right after the declaration.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra cautioned that a retail fuel price hike is “only a matter of time” if the Middle East conflict continues. He said the central bank can look through temporary supply shocks from oil price spikes linked to the Iran war, but will step in if inflation pressures become entrenched.
CBSE declared Class 12 board results on May 13, 2026 for more than 18 lakh students. If cbseresults nic in or other official links are slow or not working, students can still download scorecards using alternate methods including DigiLocker, UMANG app, IVRS, and SMS-based checking options.
Bayer is deepening its phygital push in Indian agriculture as its FarmRise app hits 5 million users. The expanded offering blends AI-powered advisory with satellite-based insights focused on risk protection, alongside digital marketplaces. The goal: help farmers make faster, smarter decisions that support productivity and sustainability in day to day operations.
Gasoline prices in the US inched higher on May 13, with the national average reaching $4.511 per gallon. California drivers are paying the most, while Oklahoma has the lowest prices. Texas and Florida are still below the national average, and Washington and Hawaii show higher rates, partly linked to their geography.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has decided to retain the Bhabanipur Assembly seat while vacating Nandigram, triggering a by-election there. He told Nandigram residents that their development priorities will still be addressed and argued that he has continued supporting the area even when he was not the official MLA.
India’s oil marketing companies are seeing under-recoveries widen as crude supply disruptions persist and global market conditions stay uncertain. Industry veteran MK Surana warns that mounting financial stress could force a shift toward passing some costs to consumers, making a retail fuel price hike increasingly likely to protect fuel retailers from an unsustainable burden.
Wipro Consumer Care Ventures has invested in pan-Asian food brand Moi Soi from Ceres Foods, with the deal value undisclosed and GVFL also participating. The brand plans to expand distribution in modern trade and quick commerce, broaden flavours, and strengthen branding. Moi Soi sells across D2C, quick commerce and retail, operating in multiple countries and delivering to thousands of pin codes.
CBSE announced Class 12 results for 2026 on May 13, allowing over 18 lakh students to check scores online and via DigiLocker. The board chose not to release any merit list this year. Overall pass percentage stood at 85.20 percent, down from the previous year, adding to student concerns about the evaluation outcome and recognition.
A senior Samajwadi Party MLA has demanded a full investigation into the sudden death of Prateek Yadav, alleging he may have been poisoned. SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra raised concerns after reports surfaced of blue marks on the body, deepening speculation about the circumstances of the 38-year-old’s death in Lucknow.
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