Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
The US has announced new sanctions targeting three individuals and nine companies accused of facilitating Iran’s oil shipments to China. The action is designed to disrupt funding flowing to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its weapons programs. Coming after earlier measures, the move also sets the stage for a planned meeting between US and Chinese leaders.
President Trump says he supports suspending the federal gasoline tax as US pump prices stay high amid the Iran war. A 90 day suspension for both gas and diesel would require congressional approval, with a proposal led by Senator Hawley. Some Democrats have pushed similar ideas, but Senate leadership is noncommittal, pointing instead to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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Samsung and SK Hynix logged record profits of $59.7 billion in the March 2026 quarter, exceeding the total profit of all listed India Inc companies in any prior quarter. The windfall is linked to surging AI-related capital spending, with memory chips sitting at the core of demand—highlighting how chip supply chains are powering the next AI boom.
Indian businesses are reassessing spending and work-from-home practices after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to save foreign exchange amid West Asia tensions. Industry leaders are pushing for more domestic investment as companies weigh travel and consumption changes. While jewellery stocks fell, the government denied any plan to raise gold or silver import duties, leaving firms to monitor market signals and adjust strategies.
Donald Trump is set to begin a tense state visit to China with Melania Trump and 17 top US business leaders, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook. The trip comes as global markets watch the fallout from the Iran conflict, while Washington and Beijing aim to discuss economic and energy cooperation with Xi Jinping.
India’s government is preparing consultations on managing fallout from the West Asia war, with PM Narendra Modi urging citizens to save fuel. Officials are considering measures to conserve energy and protect foreign exchange, while industry leaders are likely to be brought into discussions to keep supplies steady and limit economic pressure.
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Sebi is proposing reforms to accelerate fundraising for alternative investment funds by introducing a “green channel” that lets eligible schemes begin immediately. It would also cut the waiting period for standard AIF launches. Accredited investors and angel funds are set to get more flexibility, with direct filings replacing merchant banker involvement in key cases.
Naked mole rats are famous for surviving long lives and resisting cancer, and researchers point to a protective molecule called HMW-HA. In a key experiment, scientists added the gene that produces HMW-HA into mice. The result: longer lifespan and lower inflammation, raising hopes that similar approaches could slow human aging and improve health.
ShinyHunters, a hacking group behind alleged data theft and extortion, claims it stole about 6.65 terabytes of Canvas data. The post reportedly points to information tied to roughly 9,000 schools, raising concerns for educators and students using the platform. Canvas developers are expected to address what the exposed data includes and what safeguards are being strengthened.
India’s liquor market bounced back in the year ended March, with spirits volume up 4% and beer volumes also rising 4%. The pull came from stronger premium spirits demand, especially in urban areas, while mass-market sales stayed softer amid inflation and heavy taxes, reshaping what consumers are reaching for as FY26 begins.
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A new European cardiology report warns that people with the highest ultra processed food intake face notably greater risks of heart disease, irregular heart rhythms, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular death. The authors urge clinicians to more actively counsel patients on cutting back, saying the cumulative evidence points to ultra processed diets as a meaningful, modifiable health threat.
Delhi Police detained four people and are questioning them over allegations of assault, molestation, and racial abuse against two women from Assam and Bihar at Nehru Place. The case is under investigation, with authorities seeking details of what happened during the alleged incident. Police say interrogation will continue as evidence is collected.
OpenAI has launched the OpenAI Deployment Company (DeployCo) with $4 billion in initial funding and acquired AI consulting firm Tomoro, adding about 150 engineers. The new unit will embed deployment specialists inside client organizations to redesign workflows and scale AI with measurable productivity outcomes. OpenAI frames deployment as the path to safe, effective, enterprise-wide impact.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered a 10% cut in Mumbai’s water supply starting May 15. The decision follows a sharp fall in the city’s seven lakes to 23.5%, driven by rising temperatures and growing worries that the monsoon could arrive late and below average. The BMC linked the outlook to El Nino conditions.
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A former FBI profiler says blood evidence may indicate Nancy Guthrie was still alive when she was abducted from her Arizona home. Jim Clemente argues the suspect’s actions show serious missteps consistent with inexperience and stress, potentially bringing him closer to capture. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, with DNA and video evidence still being analyzed.
PVR INOX has reported a sharp turnaround, posting a net profit of ₹186 crore in the March quarter after last year’s losses. The company’s annual results were even stronger, with profit rising to ₹333 crore. Management attributes the recovery to blockbuster film performance, reflecting improved demand and momentum in cinema revenues.
Memory prices are climbing, reshaping India’s smartphone market. Retailers are temporarily gaining as older models move out with higher margins, even as prices rise. Distributors, however, are stuck with increased inventory investments and tougher credit terms. The result is a short-term win for stores and a strain on supply-chain players trying to keep cash flow steady.
US stocks closed slightly higher as AI momentum boosted semiconductor shares and strong earnings kept risk appetite intact, with over 80% of S&P 500 firms beating estimates. The upside faced a familiar headwind: rising crude prices and stalled US-Iran talks, which may revive inflation concerns. Traders now look to upcoming US inflation data and key macro indicators.
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Indian Hotels Company IHCL says domestic performance is steady, giving it room to look beyond India. The company plans to expand internationally using management contracts and operating leases, a model that can scale faster than owning assets outright. Investors will be watching how quickly IHCL converts its hospitality expertise into global partnerships.
Hims & Hers Health shares fell sharply after reporting a surprise first-quarter loss and revenue that missed expectations. The company, however, raised its full-year revenue outlook and signaled stronger second-quarter sales. The stock reaction underscores how investors are weighing results against ongoing regulatory scrutiny tied to weight-loss drugs and pricing momentum.
Tensions in West Asia are rippling into the UAE housing market, with Dubai developers reporting major delivery delays for new homes. Supply chain disruptions and rapidly rising construction costs are delaying project timelines and raising uncertainty for buyers. The slowdown signals how geopolitical instability can quickly affect real estate financing, materials availability, and construction schedules.
Microfinance is turning into a double-edged sword as borrowers carrying multiple loans build up an estimated Rs 15,800 crore in debt. With repayments getting harder, these highly leveraged individuals often become ineligible for additional credit, tightening their cash flow and raising the odds of defaults across the microfinance sector.
The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation has entered a legal dispute over Prasar Bharati’s WAVES platform and whether OTT services can stream live TV channels. The All India Digital Cable Federation says streaming violates distribution rules, while Prasar Bharati argues TRAI cannot regulate OTT content. The case revives long-running questions about governance for internet-delivered television in India.
Toyota plans a ₹20,000 crore greenfield SUV plant at Bidkin Industrial Area in Maharashtra, targeting 100,000 vehicles annually. Production is set to begin in the first half of 2029, with about 2,800 direct jobs and a boost to Toyota’s total India capacity to nearly 450,000 units. The reported $2.1 billion figure comes from a state estimate, not Toyota.
With India’s gold imports climbing, industry bodies are pitching a plan to reduce reliance on overseas metal. The proposal pushes recycling household gold, steering imported gold mainly toward jewellery exports, and drawing jewellers into gold monetisation programs. The goal: convert dormant gold into working capital while improving the balance of payments and easing import pressure.
A Bengaluru autorickshaw poster featuring Vijay and Trisha Krishnan has gone viral online, with the auto driver using the punchy line “Love is life but lover is not wife.” The image spread rapidly on X ahead of Vijay’s swearing-in, while Trisha’s appearance at the event further fueled fresh buzz and online reactions.
India has begun the girder laying for the 4th, 5th and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at Chowgule Shipyard in Goa. Indigenously fabricated with 50% local material under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the multipurpose hovercrafts are designed for high-speed patrols, shallow-water reconnaissance, day-night search and rescue, and rapid interception and assistance to vessels in distress.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Indian Energy Exchange’s plea against a CERC order that makes power market coupling mandatory for trading. While the court declined to stop the process for now, IEX claims the directive is arbitrary and could erode its market share. CERC has been asked to respond to the appeal.
OpenAI says it has acquired Tomoro, aiming to move beyond building AI models into deploying them in real-world settings. The deal reportedly brings access to about 150 forward-deployed engineers, strengthening OpenAI’s deployment capabilities through on-the-ground support and faster rollout of AI systems.
Natural gas royalty firm WhiteHawk has filed for a US IPO after reporting a staggering 615% revenue spike in 2025. Backed by large natural gas holdings across millions of acres, the company says it aims to deliver consistent dividends to investors. The filing comes as energy markets heat up, with oil prices rising and demand for royalty income strengthening.
Congress’s top leadership is holding detailed talks with Kerala party leaders to choose the next chief minister, aiming for maximum consensus. The party is also seeking input from former State PCC presidents, while UDF allies closely track developments. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are reportedly directly involved in the deliberations as discussions gather pace.
The Supreme Court dismissed the income tax department’s review petitions over whether payments for foreign software by Indian users should be taxed as royalty. Reaffirming its March 2021 ruling, the court said end-user licenses do not transfer copyright, so such payments are not royalty. The decision is expected to provide substantial tax certainty and relief to Indian companies buying software.
The NSE has withheld ₹78 crore in settlement payouts to more than 3,000 clients through 160 brokers after a police complaint alleged unauthorised Nifty options trades were made from a client’s demat account on May 5. Exchange payouts were frozen while authorities assess the complaint, leaving affected traders and brokers in limbo over settlement delivery.
India’s government has denied any plans to raise gold and silver import duties, responding to Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for citizens to avoid gold purchases amid economic strain. Officials say no duty hike is planned even as gold and silver imports surged in the last fiscal year. Experts warn that higher duties could fuel smuggling, while jewellery firms look to keep prices down.
China has unveiled the Hanyuan-2, a dual-core quantum computer with 200 qubits that reportedly consumes under 7 kW. Built in Wuhan by CAS Cold Atom Technology, it uses neutral atom arrays—sidestepping superconducting or ion-trap cryogenic demands. The cabinet-style system uses a compact laser cooling setup, aiming for easier operation and industrial deployment in fields like AI, pharma, and defense.
The National Commission for Women says it found widespread sexual harassment and bullying at Tata Consultancy Services’ Nashik workplace, along with serious non compliance with safety norms. Employees reported fear and abusive behavior, including allegations of religious insults, while CCTV cameras were reportedly not working. TCS has launched its own probe and disputes parts of the NCW findings.
A mother from Ballia is protesting the arrest of her son, Raj Singh, in the Chandranath Rath murder case. She claims Bengal Police picked up her son while he was returning from Ayodhya and insists he is innocent, calling it a serious miscarriage of justice. She has demanded a CBI probe into the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Jyothy Labs’ 15-year licensing partnership with global firm Henkel will end after May 31. Henkel will not renew agreements covering the Pril dishwashing and Fa personal care brands, potentially pressuring Jyothy Labs’ near-term revenue and margins. The company expects its diversified product portfolio and distribution strength to support long-term stability despite the setback.
Barcelona retained the Spanish league title by beating rival Real Madrid in the Clasico, taking a decisive lead with goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres. Coach Hansi Flick watched from the dugout for the match after his father died, a loss Barcelona confirmed hours before kickoff. Players wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is well stocked on essential goods and will ensure vital items remain accessible to all. In the same push for economic stability, he urged citizens to conserve fuel to cut waste and support the government’s fiscal health. The message ties everyday conservation choices to broader strain on public finances.
AIADMK leaders turned up in separate groups for the assembly oath, underscoring a deepening internal rift. Two factions submitted competing letters to the pro-tem speaker, each asserting leadership—one backing Edappadi Palaniswami and the other supporting K. A. Velumani. With tensions rising and a rebel faction seeking alignment with the TVK government, the party’s next direction is uncertain.
Bank of Baroda expects net interest margins to come under pressure this fiscal as deposit rates stay sticky and lending rates are less able to rise. To protect profitability, it plans to grow fee income and explore a new primary dealership business to expand debt capital market activity. The bank is also working to strengthen key subsidiaries like BoB Cards and Nainital Bank.
Delhi Capitals staged a record chase at Dharamsala, beating Punjab Kings by three wickets to keep their IPL playoff hopes alive. David Miller and captain Axar Patel powered a ruthless run chase, stitching crucial partnerships in a high-scoring thriller. After a bright start, PBKS have now dropped four straight matches, turning their season momentum into uncertainty.
India is zeroing in on 100 products where domestic manufacturing needs to scale up, including auto parts, with a goal of serving global markets. The government plans a Made in India Brand Scheme after a pilot in steel to assure quality and drive value addition. Firms are being urged to invest long-term, aided by fresh free trade deals and AI’s manufacturing impact.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first functional PM MITRA Park in Warangal, Telangana, on May 10, 2026. The project, built at ₹1,695.54 crore, aims to draw over ₹6,000 crore in investments and create 24,400+ jobs. Spanning 1,327 acres, it integrates the textile value chain with multimodal connectivity and sustainability features like ZLD wastewater treatment and a planned 10 MW solar plant.
UPL Limited reported an 18% jump in revenue last quarter as global demand for crop protection products recovered. The company’s seeds business also grew strongly, helping drive an 11% increase in annual revenue. Fourth-quarter net profit rose, while strong cash flows further strengthened its balance sheet. Management says business conditions are improving.
A Gurgaon-based founder’s viral LinkedIn post has ignited a heated debate about India’s long-hours work culture. Nistha Tripathi argues that being reachable around the clock doesn’t equal being valuable, after professionals described burnout, late-night calls, and judgment for logging off on time. The post has quickly become a flashpoint for workplace expectations and boundaries.
Tamil Nadu’s 17th Legislative Assembly convened with C Joseph Vijay sworn in as Chief Minister alongside prominent leaders from the ruling side and opposition. Minister S Keerthana initially missed her oath ceremony, but later submitted her certificate and was sworn in. The session now turns to the crucial next step as the government prepares for an anticipated floor test.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for austerity to manage fallout from the West Asian crisis, warning about rising import costs and supply risks. He asked citizens to cut private vehicle use in favor of public transport and carpool. Offices should increase virtual meetings, schools can switch to online classes, and people should temporarily reduce spending on edible oil and gold.
The new West Bengal government says it will fast-track border fencing by allocating land within 45 days, while launching the Ayushman Bharat health scheme immediately. It also plans to begin census work soon to support women’s reservation, keep existing welfare programmes running, and move toward a paperless office with transparent direct benefit transfers. A fact-finding committee is also set for the Abhaya case.
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