Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
General Motors has begun laying off 500 to 600 IT employees worldwide, with the biggest impact in Warren Michigan and Austin Texas. The company says the moves support a broader restructuring of its technology department as it tightens costs while continuing major investments in EVs AI and software. GM did not disclose the final affected headcount but continues hiring for selected tech roles.
From India to China, governments are rolling out a patchwork of measures to blunt rising energy costs tied to the U.S. Israeli war on Iran. Policies range from fuel tax tweaks and strategic reserve releases to subsidies, tax cuts, and external financing. Some countries are also pushing conservation and accelerating domestic supply and alternative energy to reduce future shocks.
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Indian stocks snapped a four-day losing streak as Sensex rose 120 points and Nifty reclaimed the 23,400 mark. The rebound was supported by a stronger rupee and easing oil prices, even as geopolitical tensions linger. Midcap and smallcap stocks joined the rally, with Asian Paints among the standout performers. Traders now watch whether the momentum can hold.
India says it is in talks with Bangladesh over illegal migration, urging Dhaka to verify the nationality of people listed as illegal migrants. The MEA says faster verification is needed to proceed with repatriation through established legal and bilateral channels, while emphasizing that border security remains a top priority for both sides.
Brokerages have started coverage on Meesho, Swiggy, and three other Indian stocks, spotlighting big upside potential. JP Morgan rates Meesho “Overweight” with about 11% upside, while Equirus gives Swiggy a “Buy” targeting roughly 48% gains. Analysts also turned constructive on Capillary Technologies, Shadowfax Technologies, and Shyam Metallics.
US corporate bond markets are rallying as credit spreads tighten, new issuance picks up, and liquidity stays strong. Investors with cash on the sidelines are rotating into risk assets for higher yields, even with geopolitical tensions in the background. Corporate balance sheets look healthy and earnings trends remain steady, reinforcing confidence.
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Google’s Android show 2026 reframed Android as an intelligence system, not just a phone platform. Gemini is set to expand into the OS for proactive task completion and stronger visual reasoning. Alongside Android 17’s multitasking and security upgrades, Googlebook and Aluminum OS point to a more unified desktop like experience across devices.
India’s digital lending boom is reshaping credit access as mobile apps disburse large loan volumes quickly, especially for younger borrowers and underserved regions. The same convenience is drawing tougher regulatory focus on transparency and consumer protection. Yet risks remain as the sector evolves, testing how fast growth can coexist with fair lending practices.
AI drug discovery company Isomorphic Labs has raised a staggering $2.1 billion in funding led by Thrive Capital, with support from Google-backed momentum. The fresh cash is set to expand its AI drug design engine and push timelines for early clinical testing, now expected to start by late 2026, as the company targets faster routes to treating disease.
India’s increased import duty on gold and silver could keep jewelry demand under pressure for up to a year, Senco MD Suvankar Sen said. Senco Gold expects volumes to fall 10–15% as shoppers shift toward lighter jewellery. The higher duty is intended to conserve foreign exchange reserves and support economic stability amid ongoing global uncertainty.
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A training aircraft reportedly crashed near Baramati airport in Pune district, according to ANI citing Pune Rural Police. Emergency responders rushed to the location as authorities began investigating the incident. The report has not yet confirmed passenger details, aircraft status, or the cause, but local police have initiated inquiries to determine what led to the crash.
MSCI’s May 2026 index rejig will reshuffle India constituents without changing the country’s overall count in the MSCI Standard Index, which stays at 165 stocks. MCX and Indian Bank are added, while Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and Kalyan Jewellers are removed, effective after market close on May 29. MSCI also plans a broader small-cap cleanup with more than a dozen exits.
The Kids Online Safety Act is moving forward after Senator Ted Cruz announced his support, clearing a major legislative hurdle. The bill would require social media companies to use “reasonable care” when designing features that could harm minors, including systems that may contribute to issues such as eating disorders and depression.
A training aircraft operated by the Redbird company crashed near Gojubabi village in Baramati, Maharashtra, during a routine exercise on Wednesday. Initial reports say the trainee pilot escaped safely, avoiding casualties. The incident comes months after Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s fatal plane crash, reigniting scrutiny over aviation safety in the region.
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The Centre has raised customs duty on gold and silver imports to 15%, putting pressure on jewellery stocks such as Titan Company and Kalyan Jewellers. The government says the higher levy will curb demand, help narrow the trade deficit, and support the rupee. For consumers, it may translate into higher costs and postponed purchases, impacting sales momentum.
Gold and silver surged on MCX after the Centre raised customs duty on precious metal imports to 15%, driving sharp gains in June gold futures and July silver futures. The move also comes as US consumer inflation rose, cooling hopes of an imminent Fed rate cut and adding volatility to global bullion sentiment. Investors now face a price shock that may not be short lived.
Delhi is set to face thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds up to 50 kmph tonight, with maximum temperatures hovering around 37–39°C. The IMD forecast suggests conditions improve from May 14, turning clearer as temperatures climb to 40–42°C by May 17–18. Meanwhile, Delhi’s AQI is currently in the moderate range.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee flagged rising risks from U.S. services inflation, saying fresh data shows price pressures shifting in an unfavourable direction. He noted inflation is still proving sticky even as the labour market holds steady, keeping policymakers cautious while the Federal Reserve weighs its next rate move amid mixed economic signals.
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Kannada actor Dileep Raj has died at 48 after a heart attack at his residence, leaving colleagues, friends, and fans in shock. Known for his work in film and television, his sudden death has prompted an outpouring of condolences, while attention has also turned to his last Instagram post, which is going viral online.
Victor Wembanyama returned in dominant fashion as the San Antonio Spurs thumped the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97. The star posted 27 points and 15 rebounds to swing momentum decisively, handing San Antonio a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. The Spurs will now play the next game in Minneapolis with the chance to take control.
India has raised import duties on gold and silver, a policy aimed at cutting foreign exchange outflow and easing pressure on reserves. The change is expected to push up jewellery prices for consumers, while encouraging domestic recycling and less dependence on imported metal. The move also carries implications for traders and the broader economy as demand shifts.
Anthropic says eight secondary marketplaces are selling its shares without authorization, warning investors that those buys won’t be recognized because the company doesn’t allow transfers through those channels. The firm has previously warned about fraudulent share certificates and now specifically cites platforms such as Hiive and Forge Global as violating its transfer restrictions.
On May 12, five NSE F&O names including Indian Hotels, Kaynes Technology, Vedanta, Wipro and KPIT Technologies saw sharp gains in futures open interest. Market observers read this as signs of heightened trader participation and the creation of fresh derivative positions, pointing to increased activity in the F&O segment rather than a purely passive reaction.
Former NBA player Jason Collins died at 47 after a battle with brain cancer. His husband, film producer Brunson Green, became a steady support throughout his treatment, travel, and final days. Green, known for producing The Help, met Collins in 2013 and the couple married in 2025 after about a decade together.
The CBI has taken over the investigation into an alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak after Rajasthan Police pointed to a wider “paper leak mafia” operating across multiple states. A case has been registered and suspects are being questioned. Investigators claim they found striking matches between a “guess paper” that was sold and the actual exam questions.
Petrol and diesel prices today remain unchanged despite the West Asia crisis, but Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri warned that oil companies are logging daily losses exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. Retailers, squeezed by these pressures, may force the government to take a call on price hikes soon, even as prices at the pump have held steady.
Air India has reportedly terminated flights to multiple destinations, blaming mounting fuel costs and tighter economics. The move affects selected routes, adding uncertainty for passengers who may have booked travel expecting services to run. The airline’s decision reflects how volatile energy prices are reshaping flight schedules and forcing operational cuts across the aviation sector.
On May 12, five Nifty500 stocks including Sonata Software finished more than 2.5% below their VWAP, a sign that the closing price undercut the volume-weighted average. Analysts read this as stronger selling pressure, weaker intraday sentiment, and a potential near-term downside risk for the flagged counters.
Air India pushed back against claims it will cancel all international flights until July, saying the reality is more limited. The carrier is temporarily reducing some overseas operations, citing soaring jet fuel costs and longer flight times caused by airspace constraints—factors that are squeezing profitability on specific international routes.
Iran is grappling with deep economic strain as war pressure and US sanctions intensify. Prices for essentials like food and medicine have soared, while job losses and business closures spread. The currency has devalued sharply, pushing inflation and poverty onto ordinary households. Officials now ask citizens to endure for the war effort despite worsening daily conditions.
Tamil Nadu CM and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay is set to face a floor test today in the State Legislative Assembly to prove his government’s majority. With TVK and AIADMK MLAs arriving at the Secretariat ahead of the vote, the outcome will test the strength of the ruling camp’s alliance and expose cracks, if any, in unity.
India’s auto market started FY27 strongly in April 2026, with EVs and SUVs driving the momentum. Overall EV sales jumped 41% YoY, led by a 61% surge in electric two-wheelers. Tata Motors stood out in passenger vehicles, clocking 59,000 sales and powering its growth largely through the Punch and Nexon SUVs.
Alphabet’s AI drug discovery venture, Isomorphic Labs, is reportedly close to raising over $2 billion in a round led by Thrive Capital. The fresh capital would strengthen its drug design engine and support rapid global expansion, highlighting how Alphabet is doubling down on high-stakes AI bets beyond search and ads.
Crude oil prices dipped after a three-day climb as traders weighed a fragile Iran ceasefire and expectations ahead of a U.S.-China summit. Despite the pullback, analysts say the Strait of Hormuz is still effectively shut, constraining supply and keeping inflation risks high. If disruptions continue, further price surges remain possible.
Prateek Yadav, the younger son of former Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and husband of BJP leader Aparna Bisht Yadav, has died at 38. He was taken to Civil Hospital in Lucknow, where doctors pronounced him brought dead. The family’s death confirmation has been reported as a developing story.
Chennai is set for a high-stakes floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday. The C Joseph Vijay led TVK government must prove it has the required majority to secure its mandate. TVK says it has backing from allies and a faction of AIADMK MLAs, with the result expected to decide whether the new administration holds steady.
Adani Power has received Competition Commission of India approval to fully acquire GVK Energy through its subsidiary Alaknanda Hydro Power Ltd. The deal, cleared on May 12 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, brings a 330 MW Srinagar hydropower project in Uttarakhand. The acquisition boosts renewables and expands Adani’s geographic footprint as its capacity targets rise.
The CBI has registered an FIR and opened an investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, the PA of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Rath, a former Indian Air Force personnel, was shot dead near Madhyamgram on May 6. A court remanded three arrested suspects to police custody until May 24, while the agency suspects conspiracy and organized crime.
Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife Sadhana Gupta, has died at 38. He was the stepbrother of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and was married to Aparna Yadav, a BJP leader. The article recounts his family background, his life beyond politics, and related net worth details.
Junaid Khan discussed Ek Din’s box office and explained why he plans to limit Aamir Khan’s involvement in his future projects. The new actor says his priorities are building his own space in the industry, and that frequent releases matter more right now. In doing so, he also shares a surprising view on Aamir’s on-screen workload.
Donald Gibb, best known for playing Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds, has died at 71. Reports say he passed away in Texas after health complications. His son confirmed Gibb was at home with family when he died. Beyond Ogre, Gibb also appeared in films including Stripes and Conan the Barbarian.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Special Protection Group to cut his official convoy vehicles by nearly half, signaling a wider government austerity drive. The order also pushes for greater use of electric vehicles and is prompting officials to explore additional fuel-saving steps such as metro travel and carpooling across ministries.
India and Japan have stepped up economic cooperation through a key dialogue centered on industrial and technological partnerships. Both sides prioritised critical minerals, semiconductors, ICT, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals, with a shared focus on building resilient supply chains. Talks also extended to defence, trade, and energy security, signalling broader strategic alignment.
MobiKwik delivered a profitable Q4, posting ₹4.4 crore profit despite revenue contraction. Better payments margins—driven by lower gateway costs and higher-margin merchant activity—helped offset the drag from surging zero-MDR UPI volume. The company is also reshaping its mix with ZIP EMI lending and expanding merchant QR and POS investments. Separately, India’s CCTV shake-up is pushing AI camera and chip startups to fill the China gap.
Prateek Yadav, 38, stepbrother of Akhilesh Yadav and husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav, died in Lucknow. Friends and family noted his passion for fitness and deep bond with his pet, reflected in recent Instagram posts. His first post on the feed reportedly begins with a line about how life should treat you. The cause of death is still under investigation.
A surprise spike in US inflation lifted Treasury yields and strengthened the dollar near a one week high. The euro and sterling weakened as rate hike expectations jumped, while rising oil prices tied to Middle East tensions kept investors cautious. The dollar index stayed firm despite sluggish equities, and the yen held steady after speculation about intervention.
Trilegal has appointed Sandeep Ghosh, formerly Visa India head, as its first CEO—an unusual move for a law firm that typically keeps top leadership within legal ranks. Backed by deep banking and financial-services experience, Ghosh will focus on strategy, growth, and adapting to changing client expectations as legal services embrace technology.
Nalanda Police cracked an organised NEET solver gang during a high-alert vehicle inspection on Pavapuri Road ahead of the now-cancelled NEET-UG 2026 exam. Three people, including a second-year MBBS student, were apprehended after police found cash and fake admit cards, raising concerns about exam-time fraud networks.
Dil Foods, a virtual restaurant enabler, raised Rs 72 crore in a Series B led by Bikaji Foods Family office, with backing from international funds and existing investors. The round takes total funding to Rs 113 crore. The company plans to diversify cuisines, enter new high-growth markets, and scale from 300+ partners across six cities toward 600 locations by FY28.
Silicon Road Ventures has teamed up with former Bank of America India MD Ajay Mahajan to launch a Rs 150-crore alternative investment fund. The vehicle will back early-stage startups building agentic AI solutions for B2B commerce tech, with a focus on supply chain and fintech use cases.
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