Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
HDFC Mutual Fund’s April 2026 portfolio stayed heavily focused on banks, with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank among the top holdings. The fund also expanded exposure to Reliance Industries and Bharti Airtel, alongside increased allocation to Kotak Mahindra Bank and Eternal, signaling a cautious broadening beyond core financials.
Former Mohun Bagan Club president and senior sports administrator Tutu Bose has died at 78. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari paid tributes on X, highlighting Bose’s extraordinary contributions to sports administration. Bose, also a former MP, is remembered for his role in strengthening the sports ecosystem and leaving a lasting mark on football culture in the state.
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NODWIN Gaming posted consolidated revenue of INR 658 crore in FY26, up 25% organically year-on-year, and reported an EBITDA profit of INR 21 crore after an EBITDA loss of INR 14 crore in FY25. The turnaround followed portfolio restructuring, including de-consolidating Freaks4U, alongside stronger live, content and IP performance as the company accelerates IPO readiness.
Rice University is exploring a bigger footprint in India, with research and academic partnerships that align with the new National Education Policy. Noting strong demand from Indian students, the US institution says it is weighing all options for a physical presence, including campus-level engagement, as it studies how best to expand.
CBSE has declared the Class 12 Result 2026, with Trivandrum district recording the highest pass percentage at 95.62 percent. Chennai and Bengaluru followed with strong performance figures. Students can access their results on the official CBSE websites and via DigiLocker, with the scores now available for all candidates.
Bihar has approved amendments to its EV policy with a bold goal: electric vehicles should account for 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030. The state plans incentives for electric commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers, alongside building charging infrastructure. It’s also launching an Artificial Intelligence Mission aimed at driving innovation and skills.
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Manappuram Finance, Muthoot Finance and IIFL Finance surged as the government raised gold import duty to 15%, pushing up domestic gold prices. The rally is tied to improved collateral value for gold-backed loans, which can strengthen borrower margins and potentially increase lending demand for these financiers.
Prateek Yadav’s sudden death at his Lucknow home has triggered grief and speculation within Uttar Pradesh’s influential Yadav political family. He was found unconscious before dawn and is now under forensic investigation. Online attention has intensified on his marriage to Aparna Yadav, as older Instagram posts alleging marital discord and distress have resurfaced amid the mystery.
Agilent Technologies is partnering with Veeda Lifesciences to launch a joint Center of Excellence in Bengaluru focused on regulatory-aligned analytical and bioanalytical workflows. The hub aims to produce consistent, inspection-ready data across early development, clinical and manufacturing stages, with special emphasis on GLP-1 peptides where sensitivity, throughput and data integrity are crucial. The collaboration combines Agilent mass spectrometry with Veeda proteomics and impurity analysis capabilities.
Revenue intelligence and customs officials plan to intensify checks at airports, seaports and land borders after India raised import duty on gold and silver to 15%. The crackdown targets smuggling routes, carrier networks and foreign syndicates, aiming to prevent a resurgence of illegal gold trade sparked by the tariff hike.
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NHAI has settled two major arbitration cases tied to the Panipat Jalandhar stretch of NH 44. An arbitral tribunal awarded NHAI Rs 819.96 crore after disputes where concessionaires reportedly raised claims exceeding Rs 8,375 crore. The settlement marks a significant outcome for the highway project, narrowing a costly legal standoff between the authority and involved firms.
Odisha’s iconic dahi bara aloo dum is taking New York City by storm, with Chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant selling out amid overwhelming demand. The crowd favorite pairs crisp lentil dumplings with creamy yogurt and a spicy potato curry, now offered for longer thanks to its popularity. Khanna calls it a dish rooted in memory, spice, comfort, and celebration.
Jewellery stocks have fallen as much as 20% over three sessions, wiping out nearly Rs 60,000 crore in investor wealth. The slide follows PM Narendra Modi’s call for households to defer gold purchases and the government’s hike in gold import duties. Analysts say the damage may be sentiment driven, with no structural threat to India’s long-term gold demand.
West Bengal’s government has issued a major order directing district magistrates to identify toll and drop gates within their jurisdictions. After identification, the structures are to be removed or closed, and authorities will take steps to ensure they are not re-established. The move signals tighter enforcement over how toll access points operate across districts.
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Pakistan has commissioned its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, raising its AIP-equipped fleet to four and extending underwater endurance. The deal signals the first of eight submarines China will deliver by 2028. The move intensifies pressure on India, where delays in the P-75I program persist as it aims to develop its own AIP capability.
Australia stocks fell as Commonwealth Bank plunged about 10% following an earnings miss, dragging the broader market. The move comes alongside major housing tax changes in the federal budget: negative gearing is proposed to be restricted to newly built homes, while a 50% capital gains tax discount would be replaced with inflation indexation to steer demand toward new properties.
Russia says it has completed a successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, with President Vladimir Putin calling it the world’s most powerful missile system. The weapon is designed to evade or penetrate missile defenses, and Russia expects it to be operational by year end. The test signals continued push to strengthen strategic deterrence.
Housing finance startup Nivasa Finance raised ₹25 crore in a seed round led by Prime Venture Partners, with participation from Blume Ventures, Whiteboard Capital, and angels. Founded in 2025, the Bengaluru-based platform links borrowers in rural and semi-urban markets to banks and NBFCs, using remote onboarding and doorstep service. It plans to expand in 12 months, strengthen partnerships, and pursue an NBFC licence.
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India’s gold jewellery market is recalibrating after an import duty hike, triggering a short-term buying rush. Industry experts expect sales volumes to fall as consumers move toward lighter, lower-value pieces. Retailers may benefit from better margins on lower karatage jewellery, while old gold exchanges could see a boost as people look to turn in metal for new purchases.
Cipla Ltd reported a steep 55% year-on-year fall in consolidated net profit for Q4, dropping to Rs 555 crore from Rs 1,222 crore a year earlier. Despite the decline, the board recommended a final dividend of Rs 13 per share for the fiscal year ending March 2026, signaling continued shareholder payout plans.
Foxconn has confirmed a ransomware cyberattack targeting its North American facilities, with production lines disrupted before beginning a gradual return to normal operations. The Nitrogen ransomware group claims it stole large volumes of data, raising concerns that sensitive information tied to major clients like Apple and Google could have been exposed. Foxconn says recovery is underway.
Ixigo has rolled out a fully AI-native app built to help travelers discover trips, make decisions, and book using natural voice interactions. The upgraded experience centers on an AI travel assistant called TARA, which delivers hyper-personalized recommendations and can handle complex travel queries, aiming to simplify planning end to end.
Larsen & Toubro’s Power Transmission & Distribution business has secured new Middle East orders for extra-high voltage substation turnkey projects. The company says the installations will strengthen and stabilize power supply for key regions while reducing pressure on existing power grids. With strict delivery schedules, the deals also underscore how quickly new infrastructure is being planned to keep electricity demand met.
President Donald Trump is set to visit China, with Beijing urging that four “red lines” in bilateral relations must not be challenged. The Chinese Embassy also highlighted the tightly guarded issues while Trump travels with major US business leaders, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk, to discuss economic opening measures with Xi Jinping.
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins was fined INR 12 lakh for a slow over rate during their IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans. The sanction came after SRH failed to maintain the required over pace, coinciding with a heavy defeat for the team, adding another blow to their campaign rhythm.
Pakistan has received a USD 1.3 billion IMF disbursement through two funding streams: the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The central bank said the package is meant to support economic stabilization while also tackling climate-related challenges as part of the IMF’s broader resilience agenda.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay withdrew the appointment of astrologer Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as OSD just hours after winning the Assembly floor test with support of 144 legislators. The move follows intense backlash from coalition allies and the Opposition, who questioned the role of a “godman” in government. The OSD appointment was revoked in damage-control mode.
Morgan Stanley has raised its India FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from 6.2%, even as it flags uncertainty tied to the ongoing West Asia crisis. The revision also reflects updated assumptions, including average crude oil prices of about $95 per barrel in FY27, underscoring how energy costs could shape India’s next-year momentum.
A fragile ceasefire in the Gulf is under pressure as renewed US-Iran tensions threaten to flare again around the Strait of Hormuz. Any clash could swing the situation between an outright wartime scenario and a prolonged “cold war” standoff—while the biggest immediate risk is disruption to global markets and energy flows.
The CBI investigation into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak is revealing how a “digital cartel” allegedly sold question papers to thousands of aspirants via Telegram and WhatsApp. Investigators say the papers were priced at ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 and trace key leads through a Kerala-Sikar connection, while probing possible breaches linked to presses in Nashik or Pune.
A turbulent round of local elections has plunged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer into a leadership crisis. Labour posted steep declines, losing key positions across England and, most strikingly, giving up its century-long foothold in Wales. The results raise fresh questions about the party’s direction and Starmer’s ability to steady support.
In April, Indian mutual funds poured Rs 30,600 crore into equities, ramping up positions in ICICI Bank, SBI and Sun Pharma. At the same time, they cut exposure to Wipro, HDFC Bank and Hindalco across large, mid and smallcap categories. The reshuffling signals active portfolio management as fund managers reposition for changing market expectations.
After the NEET-UG exam was cancelled, Students Federation of India (SFI) activists intensified protests across Kerala, targeting the Centre and the NTA with slogans and barrier removals. On Tuesday, protesters barged into the office of the Principal Accountant General in Thiruvananthapuram. SFI MLA A N Shamsheer urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure the exam is conducted quickly and smoothly.
The Indian rupee fell to a record low, slipping to about 95.74 per US dollar as overseas debt repayments and importer hedging continued to drain demand for the domestic currency. The move wiped out any potential support from higher gold import duties, with persistent outflows keeping pressure on forex markets despite brief relief hopes.
The International Energy Agency says the global oil market is likely to tighten this year as the Iran war disrupts Middle East production. The IEA estimates major supply losses and forecasts a deficit of about 1.78 million barrels per day by 2026, while demand is expected to soften due to higher prices and an economic slowdown tied to the conflict.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has announced a partnership with Adani Group to set up Uber’s first data center in India. Expected to be operational later this year, the facility will support testing and deploying Uber technologies, strengthening the company’s push to grow as a global innovation hub.
The Ministry of External Affairs has opened registrations for the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, with the deadline set for May 19. Applicants must be Indian citizens and hold a valid passport, and meet the stated eligibility conditions. The yatra will be offered via two routes, Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La, each with different durations and costs.
The US State Department has announced a reward of up to $15 million for intelligence that could help dismantle Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps funding networks. The effort aims to choke off illicit oil operations and financial channels allegedly linked to terrorism and regional instability, seeking actionable information that could shift the broader security landscape.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah after alleged assault, molestation and racial abuse in Delhi’s Nehru Place area involving two women from Assam and Bihar. Gogoi wants a review of safety and strengthened institutional mechanisms to better protect North East citizens in the national capital, citing repeated concerns about discrimination and security gaps.
Sarvam AI and Pixxel are joining forces to develop Pathfinder, India’s first orbital AI system designed to process satellite imagery in space. Instead of streaming raw data to Earth, the mission will use onboard intelligence to convert it into actionable insights first, aiming to speed decisions for disaster response, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
The Reserve Bank of India is expected to transfer its highest-ever dividend to the central government, giving the Centre a fresh fiscal cushion. The RBI board will decide the exact amount this month. The news also aligns with reports of record profits at public sector banks, lifting expectations for government revenue.
Birla Institute of Technology Mesra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Arizona State University for academic exchange and joint knowledge sharing. The partnership is designed to blend BIT’s technical rigor with global innovation, targeting the education-to-employability gap. The move also supports India’s broader ambition to emerge as a global knowledge superpower.
Zoho Corporation has invested Rs 70 crore in ONDC, aiming to strengthen India’s sovereign technology and make digital commerce easier for MSMEs. The company says the funding will help small businesses widen their reach and scale faster. ONDC, supported by financial institutions and government bodies, reportedly handled 218 million transactions in FY26.
India has raised gold and silver import duties to 15%, reviving memories of the 2013 crisis. The government says the move should curb dollar outflows and support the rupee, but experts caution it may not reduce gold demand—only shift it toward the grey market. With India’s underlying appetite for gold still strong, the impact could be limited.
CG Offices has appointed Jai Agnani as partner and chief growth officer, tasking him with leading a new workplace and portfolio services division. The move is designed to help corporates and enterprise occupiers with commercial leasing and real estate strategy, as CG Offices shifts toward integrated, full-lifecycle advisory during a fast-changing commercial real estate market in India.
Tamil Nadu’s trust vote delivered a clear mandate for TVK chief Vijay, sealing his position as Chief Minister after lawmakers approved his government by 144 votes in favour. Twenty-two opposed the motion and five abstained. As the tally emerged, DMK staged a walkout, underscoring intensifying political conflict during the floor test.
A private coaching institute in Latur, Maharashtra is under investigation after allegations that its NEET-UG mock test shared 42 of 45 questions with the actual exam, including a striking 93% chemistry match. Authorities say the close similarity has raised suspicions of access to leaked materials. The probe will examine the institute’s question sourcing, records, and student materials.
Raise Financial, the parent of stock trading platform Dhan, has acquired GreenLife Insurance for about $15 million in a cash-and-stock deal. The move is designed to build a direct-to-consumer insurance distribution and broking business, using GreenLife’s decade of experience to expand beyond trading into financial services.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is under political fire after appointing astrologer Rathin Pandit as Officer on Special Duty and political wing secretary in the CM’s office. Allies and opposition have questioned how an astrologer fits with the rationalist Dravidian ideology. After the backlash grew, Vijay said he may reconsider certain issues raised by critics.
Vedanta founder Anil Agarwal backed PM Narendra Modi’s push to protect India’s foreign exchange, linking it to lower fuel use and smarter consumption. After Modi urged citizens to shift to public transport, Agarwal said one path is “to consume less,” while the other is “to produce more,” signaling Vedanta’s commitment to support the country’s forex goals.
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