Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Quant Small Cap Fund reshuffled its April 2026 portfolio, exiting positions including HDFC Bank, Jio Financial Services and Aarti Industries. It also added fresh bets such as Triveni Tribune, Sai Parenterals and PTC India, while trimming exposure to Adani Power and Aegis Logistics. The fund increased stakes in Black Box, Capacite Infraprojects and RBL Bank.
Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission has approved another rise in electricity tariffs, marking the third increase this year. Households using more than 180 units per month will face an 18% jump. The regulator says 95% of consumers will be unaffected, and it ordered the National Systems Operator to exclude coal costs from future tariff revisions.
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With IT hiring slowing, Info Edge—Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s recruitment-led business—has started taking a backseat for the first time. Instead, its fortunes increasingly track the market value of Zomato, in which it holds 12.24%. The shift signals how job-market softness is pushing investors to focus on tech platform valuations over staffing revenues.
Google may be moving toward a major investment in West Bengal after Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held discussions with state officials. Reports say he proposed building a technology hub aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s digital and industrial expansion agenda. If it materialises, the plan could reshape Bengal’s tech ecosystem and create significant job opportunities.
For Indian firms with imports, foreign borrowings, overseas revenue, or subsidiaries, forex accounting isn’t a footnote—it can decide whether exchange gains and losses hit profit and loss or sit in equity reserves. That means judgment and rule-based treatment can make results look cleaner than business reality. Investors are urged to scrutinize the forex line before trusting headline numbers.
WhiteBoard Advisory and Management, alongside developer Casagrand, has secured SEBI approval for a Rs 500 crore yield-focused fund. Part of the strategy is already taking shape with a Rs 41 crore villa project in Hyderabad, while early deployments target Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The fund is designed to provide yield-based returns to investors, even as Casagrand advances an IPO plan.
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With Middle East tensions rising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to save fuel by cutting petrol and diesel use, encouraging work from home, and opting for public transport and carpooling. Nitin Gadkari echoed the message, while Modi also urged people to skip non essential foreign travel and defer gold purchases for at least a year to support foreign exchange reserves and the domestic economy.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Delhi’s first barrier less tolling system at the Mundka Bakkarwala plaza on UER- II, designed to cut bottlenecks and speed up highway movement. Delhi becomes the second city in India to deploy this technology after Gujarat’s Choryasi toll plaza was rolled out earlier this month.
Gautam Adani has urged India to build, power, and own its own AI infrastructure on home soil, arguing the country should not “rent” its intelligence future. He links AI ambitions to energy and digital capacity, saying India’s scale is a powerful advantage. Adani Group, he notes, is already investing in energy transition and digital infrastructure.
Lifestyle accessories brand DailyObjects is reportedly in advanced talks for a Rs 300 crore funding round led by Xponentia Capital, valuing the company at Rs 1,000 crore. The investment is expected to accelerate its omnichannel growth, including adding over 100 physical stores and pushing into international markets, marking a major scale-up for the brand.
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Coal India Limited offered 30.5 million tonnes in April coal auctions, down about 6% from March. The move comes as West Asia tensions keep global energy prices elevated and power plants lean on coal for energy security. CIL also plans to let buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal participate directly in auctions starting January 1, 2026.
HP has unveiled more than 20 new products and solutions in India, extending its AI-driven portfolio across personal computing, enterprise infrastructure, collaboration tools, and printing. The update signals a broader push to embed AI into everyday office workflows, not just laptops, positioning HP to compete in the rapidly expanding AI PC market and workplace hardware stack.
India’s IT employee body NITES has urged the Labour Ministry to mandate work from home for 5.8 million workers, citing Prime Minister Modi’s call for austerity to cut fuel use and reduce travel amid global uncertainty. The proposal seeks official guidance rather than voluntary remote work, framing WFH as a cost and emissions saving step for the IT workforce.
West Bengal’s new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, laid out six major decisions in its first cabinet meeting. The state moved to roll out Ayushman Bharat, fast-track BSF land transfer, extend welfare support, and advance police training and new criminal laws. It also ordered steps against cattle smuggling and restarted census work, signaling a rapid “people-first” agenda.
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In March, several Indian midcap funds parked notable portions of their portfolios in cash. Axis Midcap Fund led with about 9.3% cash, while Taurus Mid Cap held 8.8%. HDFC Mid Cap reported 7.7% cash, and Baroda BNP Paribas and Bank of India Mid Cap funds followed with 7.5% and 6.5%.
Vodafone Idea shares jumped more than 8% to a four-month high after reports said Vodafone Group could transfer part of its stake to the Indian telecom operator. Investors are betting the potential move would improve Vodafone Idea’s balance sheet, bolster its fundraising capacity, and help it handle government dues while funding future investments.
Elon Musk has endorsed Warren Buffett’s proposal aimed at tackling America’s rising national debt, now projected to approach $40 trillion. Buffett’s plan centers on swift action to curb deficits through targeted legislation, triggering renewed debate over fiscal discipline and who should be held accountable politically. The endorsement has amplified calls for faster, concrete debt control measures.
NCRB 2024 data shows a troubling shift in India’s suicide landscape, with daily wage earners forming the biggest share of victims at 31 percent—its highest in a decade. More than 52,000 such workers died by suicide. Family issues and illness remain key drivers, while Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra report the highest numbers, largely from low-income households.
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A Dutch-flagged cruise ship outbreak has killed three people, and South Africa reported identifying an Andes strain in two evacuated victims. But a widely shared claim tying hantavirus infection to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is misleading: experts say the referenced document doesn’t confirm hantavirus as a vaccine side effect, and the cases are explained by exposure risks instead.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level review of West Asia’s evolving situation, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the country toward “economic self-defence.” The government called for collective behavioural change, including conserving fuel, reducing imports, and limiting foreign-exchange outflows, as officials assess the likely impact on India’s economy and energy security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a roadshow in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district ahead of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav. The celebration marks 75 years since the restored Somnath temple was inaugurated, drawing large crowds along the route. Traditional dance performances by artists added to the festival atmosphere as people gathered to welcome the PM.
Nifty Bank tumbled nearly 900 points, with SBI shares taking the hardest hit after weak earnings spooked investors. The selling spilled across other major lenders, dragging bank stocks down as market sentiment turned cautious. Analysts now expect the index to churn through consolidation, pointing to specific support and resistance zones that could determine whether the slide steadies or resumes.
The Supreme Court directed a petitioner to present his plea to the Central government, seeking regulation of all institutions imparting education or religious instruction to children below 14. The court said the Centre must review the representation and communicate its decision, signalling possible nationwide oversight over how early schooling and religious learning are governed.
Bengal police have arrested three men from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The breakthrough reportedly came from digital clues and links stretching across states. Investigators are now hunting remaining suspects, with officials saying the crime was meticulously planned and carefully executed.
Newly elected AIADMK MLAs took their oath for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in two separate groups, signaling an internal split after the party’s disappointing election showing. The day also turned emotional for one member who broke down after seeing a portrait of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, underscoring the party’s lingering emotional and political fault lines.
A Bengaluru couple has gone viral after sharing that they spend nearly ₹1.3 lakh each month on everything from rent and groceries to subscriptions, commuting, and eating out. While some viewers call it “normal Bangalore life,” others argue the figures point to luxury preferences rather than merely rising costs—especially since rent alone is ₹56,000.
Adani Power has surged nearly 50% in 2026 to become India’s most valuable listed power company, overtaking NTPC. Investors point to stronger earnings, rising electricity demand, high plant load factors, new tariff-backed power purchase agreements, and growing institutional ownership. The rally looks like a re-rating story, though valuation and downside risks still linger.
The Ministry of External Affairs has rejected media claims that India is planning an evacuation of its citizens from the UAE through Fujairah port amid rising tensions in the region. The government said there is no such plan in place and asked people to follow official advisories, warning against misinformation circulating online.
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is reportedly likely to travel to India to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. The potential visit underscores the growing diplomatic push within the bloc as key partners prepare for discussions that could shape future regional and global stances. Details on the schedule and agenda are awaited.
During the RCB vs MI match in Raipur, IPL 2026 broadcaster and former CSK cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath faced backlash after remarks about Krunal Pandya’s cramps. What was meant to sound like a joke was widely viewed as inappropriate and insensitive, drawing swift criticism and forcing a spotlight on standards for live commentary.
Reliance Jio Platforms, Mukesh Ambani’s telecom giant, is moving toward seeking approvals for a Mumbai IPO that could become India’s largest ever. Reuters reports the deal could raise as much as $4 billion, but the launch has been delayed amid softer IPO sentiment following tensions in West Asia, adding uncertainty to the timetable.
India will roll out VB-G RAM G to replace MGNREGA starting July 1, 2026. The new scheme guarantees eligible rural households 125 days of work each year, with a near Rs 96,000 crore budget allocation. The government says the switch will be seamless, keeping existing job cards valid, while focusing on rural infrastructure and livelihoods.
Indian-American philanthropist Anil Kochhar and his wife Marilyn announced a major gift at North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles graduation. They will cover the final-year education loans for all 176 graduates from the 2025-26 academic year, saying the move honors his father’s legacy and gives students room to chase their goals without financial pressure.
A Washington-based worker says he contacted a senior payroll official about missing wages instead of his manager during his first week. He claims the move was followed by an abrupt termination just a day later. The post has sparked debate online about whether workers should escalate pay issues to payroll directly, and what other factors might have driven the firing.
Wingreens has acquired pesticide-free brand Safe Harvest through a 100% share-swap, aligning with its push toward a vertically integrated, clean-label farm-to-consumer platform. The deal follows a successful ₹120 crore Series D round led by Ashish Kacholia and backed by Alchemy Fund. Safe Harvest works with 100,000+ farmers through SHGs and FPOs, using batch-wise pesticide testing to reinforce transparency and quality.
After the first cabinet meeting of the new BJP government in West Bengal, CM Suvendu Adhikari announced the state will align with Ayushman Bharat and roll out multiple central flagship schemes. The cabinet also approved land transfer for BSF border fencing, adoption of new criminal laws, central training for IAS and IPS officers, social security for atrocity victims, five-year age relaxation for job aspirants, and a new population census exercise.
A new government policy allows venture capital firms and pension funds to participate in bidding for highway PPP projects, alongside traditional developers. The move is designed to pull in larger pools of capital and longer-term commitment to improve project execution, while pushing for better quality and efficiency across the road sector.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to curb fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary imports like diesel and petrol, arguing India should conserve foreign exchange amid global uncertainty and the ongoing energy crisis. He also echoed Modi’s message about postponing gold purchases for a year, framing it as a practical step to reduce avoidable spending.
Morgan Stanley says global oil markets are in a race against time as the Strait of Hormuz stays shut amid the Iran war. A longer disruption could sharply tighten supplies and lift crude prices. Analysts warn that existing market buffers may weaken further if the closure extends into late June or July, increasing risks for global energy prices.
Michael Pennington, the British actor known for playing Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, has died at 82. Beyond the screen, he built a landmark stage career spanning more than 60 years, acclaimed especially for Shakespeare performances. Pennington also wrote books on theatre and travel, leaving a legacy that stretched far past the galaxy.
JioBlackRock Mutual Fund’s Flexi Cap Fund exited 16 stocks in April, fully clearing positions in select AMC firms and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). The fund simultaneously added 27 new stocks, boosted exposure to several large-cap names, and expanded its total portfolio from 107 to 117 holdings, signaling a sharper rotation strategy.
Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wesley Edens is at the center of an alleged blackmail scheme involving Chinese-born Changli Luo. Prosecutors claim Luo demanded up to $1.2 billion after a short sexual encounter, threatening to release explicit material and contact his associates. Luo denies the allegations and was arrested while attempting to flee the country.
Tamil Nadu minister S Keerthana couldn’t take her oath as an MLA in the State Assembly on Monday because she failed to present her Certificate of Election, a mandatory requirement. Assembly officials asked for the document before allowing her to proceed. She was elected from Sivakasi, and was the last minister invited to take the oath.
Pakistan Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir claimed India sought US mediation for a ceasefire, pointing to a “regional peace” narrative. But US lobbying disclosures, according to the report, indicate Islamabad mounted intense defence-linked outreach in Washington after India’s Operation Sindoor. The contradiction puts Munir’s account under sharp scrutiny and raises questions about who pursued mediation first.
Kerala’s week-long political deadlock is nearing its end as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to announce the next Chief Minister by 6 PM. The UDF’s post-election power struggle has tightened around K C Venugopal, seen as the frontrunner against V D Satheesan, with the decision likely reshaping Congress’s leadership line in the state.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a barrier-less toll plaza on the Mundka Bakkarwala stretch under UER II in Delhi. Vehicles can move through without stopping using advanced toll technology. The government plans to replicate the system across multiple toll plazas nationwide to cut traffic snarls and save time and fuel, with more installations targeted by 2027.
India’s Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 update compliance under the Code on Social Security, 2020 and expand the definition of wages, raising employer social security and gratuity liabilities. Employers may want to restructure salary components to manage these costs, but Section 124 restricts any move that reduces employee wages or benefits to offset the additional liabilities.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says Google is seriously considering manufacturing AI servers in India, building on early local progress with HP already producing such hardware. The potential move supports Google’s supply-chain diversification and comes after its $15 billion investment in an AI hub in Visakhapatnam, signalling deeper manufacturing and compute plans locally.
MCX shares rose about 4% even as broader markets stayed weak after the exchange posted a sharp Q4FY26 turnaround. Net profit jumped 291% year-on-year while revenue more than tripled, supported by higher participation and strong performance across commodity segments. The company also declared a final dividend of Rs 8 per share.
After a major election defeat, the AIADMK is locked in an internal power struggle. MLAs are split over whether the party should support the ruling TVK, while some leaders and supporters appear openly unhappy with party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. Reports of senior figures skipping meetings underline the fractures, raising doubts about the party’s next move.
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