Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
As India awaits an extension of a US waiver allowing purchases of sanctioned Russian crude, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Moscow has increased oil supplies to New Delhi. Speaking to media on the sidelines of BRICS foreign ministers meetings in New Delhi, he said the shipment rise is visible in publicly available trade data. Lavrov met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, discussing energy trade, defense production, and assurances on fertilisers and coking coal.
Muslim petitioners have announced they will challenge a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that declared the disputed Bhojshala structure in Dhar as a Saraswati temple. Their lawyer says the Archaeological Survey of India scientific survey and report relied on by the court were “flawed”. He also argued the matter should not have been handled under Article 226 writ jurisdiction and instead should go to a civil court. Hindu petitioners have filed a Supreme Court caveat, while the High Court’s decision quashed an ASI 2003 order permitting Friday prayers.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar a Saraswati temple, calling the dispute a major victory for Hindu petitioners after 700 years of litigation and faith-based claims. The Indore bench quashed an Archaeological Survey of India order that had allowed Muslims to offer prayers every Friday at the site. Petitioners also celebrated outside court, with sweets and replicas of the Vagdevi idol, alleging the original idol is in London’s British Museum.
India is recalibrating its economic approach to East Africa as global supply chains realign and energy transition needs intensify. At a conference in New Delhi hosted by Chintan Research Foundation, speakers said bilateral trade has climbed steadily to nearly $16 billion, with strong import growth in 2024–25. The next step, they argued, is deeper industrial integration, regional value chains, and digital connectivity—especially around critical minerals. Bottlenecks in logistics, trade finance, and routing via West Asian hubs must be addressed for scale. Renewable energy cooperation was flagged as a long-term strategic collaboration.
Samsung’s planned 18-day strike starting May 21, 2026 is casting a long shadow over the global AI chip supply chain. With 45,000 workers expected to walk out, JPMorgan estimates Samsung could lose $14 billion to $20.79 billion in operating profit. The trigger is a widening bonus divide: memory chip employees were offered 607% bonuses, far higher than logic and foundry workers tied to AI processors for Nvidia and Tesla—reshaping labor tensions across the semiconductor ecosystem.
As more Indians book overseas vacations, foreign travel spending is adding pressure to the rupee, pushing the government toward interventions that are difficult to design without collateral damage. The editorial argues that while domestic tourism is expanding through aviation and highways, fuel prices being kept artificially low distorts consumer signals and can worsen the long-term impact if demand falls. It warns that India’s tourism mix is too concentrated in religious travel and calls for diversification, infrastructure, and skills across states.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
Zhou Qunfei, China’s richest woman, went from rural Hunan factory shifts after leaving school at 15 to building Lens Technology, a precision manufacturing powerhouse. From a risky glass-screen printing workshop in 1993, her company grew into a critical supplier for Apple and later expanded its materials expertise into electric vehicles, AI hardware, smart cockpit systems, robotics and even aerospace-linked applications. A state banquet seat between Tim Cook and Elon Musk underscored how manufacturing giants now shape global tech supply chains.
Latest IIP data for FY26 shows India’s manufacturing is growing but not where jobs are. General IIP rose about 4.1% in FY26, yet manufacturing has averaged only ~3.3% annually since FY15. Capital-intensive, domestic-demand sectors like capital goods, metals, and infrastructure are performing strongly and building linkages. Meanwhile labour-intensive, export-oriented industries are contracting or barely growing: wearing apparel fell 5.3% in 2025-26, textiles grew just 1.2%, and other manufacturing collapsed. Analysts argue exports need a tailored push.
The Bombay High Court has completely acquitted Raghunath Rajaram Yemul, quashing all charges under the Maharashtra Black Magic Act in the Nana Gaikwad family domestic violence case. The court found Yemul’s name absent from the original FIR and noted he was implicated only through a supplementary statement recorded ten days later. It also cited hearsay witness accounts, lack of proof he met or communicated with the complainant, and no direct evidence linking turmeric and vermilion actions to his instructions.
Hindustan Zinc Ltd, a Vedanta group company, says it will generate Rs 2,000 crore in value by deploying AI-driven solutions across its mining and manufacturing operations. The plan, announced at Zinnovation 2026 with V-Spark DeepTech Ventures, is aimed at improving production, cutting costs, and boosting safety and ESG performance. The company is already working with 50-plus deep tech startups on more than 100 projects, signaling a broader industry push toward industrial intelligence as margins face pressure.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said Friday that authorities will strictly enforce rules on public street activities to ensure no inconvenience to citizens. She stressed the crackdown is religion-neutral, warning that loud microphones disturb elderly people, students, and even animals. Paul also outlined steps to identify illegal commercial structures lacking key approvals and to prepare for monsoon-related waterlogging and dengue. An app is planned for residents to report littering with geo-tagged photos for rapid cleanup.
India has introduced a windfall gains tax of ₹3 per litre on petrol exports, effective May 16, while cutting export levies on diesel to ₹16.5 per litre and aviation turbine fuel to ₹16 per litre. The Finance Ministry said road and infrastructure cess on petrol and diesel exports will be nil, with no change to duties for domestic consumption. The move follows West Asia conflict-linked volatility, aiming to boost domestic availability and curb exporters benefiting from global price gaps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday rubbished media and social media claims that India may impose a new tax, cess or surcharge on foreign travel to manage war related fiscal strain and higher crude import costs. Responding to a viral graphic citing “highest levels” discussions, Modi said there was “not an iota of truth” and that there was “no question” of restricting foreign travel. The finance ministry had not commented before his clarification, while he reiterated focus on “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Chabahar Port a major symbol of India-Iran cooperation and urged Delhi to keep investing despite pressures from US sanctions. Speaking after the BRICS foreign ministers meeting, he also urged India to expand its diplomatic role in the Middle East to support regional stability. Behind the scenes, India is working with Iran on an arrangement to secure its interests as the US sanctions waiver for Chabahar is not expected to extend beyond April 26.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Gig and Platform Service Workers Union has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services on Friday, from 12 pm to 5 pm, to protest rising fuel prices and stagnant pay. The union wants the government and digital platforms to revise per-kilometre service rates, arguing higher fuel costs are squeezing earnings for delivery riders and drivers. It cited fuel hikes of about Rs 3 per litre and warned that without rate changes, many may exit the sector.
A Nashik court on Friday rejected bail pleas of five people arrested in a TCS sexual harassment and forced conversion case. The accused—Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Asif Ansari and Ashwini Chainani—had arguments heard between May 11 and 13, after which the court reserved and later declined bail. The defence said arrests were illegal, while the prosecution cited Supreme Court custody guidelines. The SIT is probing nine molestation and harassment cases at TCS’s Nashik unit.
Zerodha (Zerodha Broking Ltd) bought over 35 lakh shares of Nazara Technologies in a bulk deal priced at ₹265.85 per share, worth ₹93.05 crore. Alongside, Nazara promoter Axana Estates acquired 1.48 crore shares for ₹392.9 crore. The selling side was promoter group entity Mitter Infotech LLP, which offloaded 42 lakh shares on NSE and 1.51 crore shares on BSE, bringing its stake to 6.09% as of March quarter. Nazara shares surged intraday to ₹314 before closing at ₹300.10.
A major Russian barrage over Kyiv highlighted a grim split in Ukraine’s air defenses: drones are largely stopped, but ballistic missiles are the stubborn problem. In a seven-hour attack, Russia launched 675 drones and 56 missiles; Ukraine’s network jammed and shot down all but 22 drones, but 15 missiles still penetrated. Officials say the gap is driven by a shortage of Western anti-missile systems and scarce, extremely expensive interceptor ammunition, worsened by US spending in the Middle East.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
Maharashtra has issued a new 29-page SOP making Marathi mandatory in all revenue department quasi-judicial hearings and in the orders issued there. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said officials must hold hearings at least twice a week, preferably Tuesdays and Fridays, while adjournments will be permitted only once for valid reasons. Interim and final decisions must be uploaded to the e-QJ Court system with digital signatures, with speaking orders due within eight weeks and decisions requiring hearing both parties.
Indian and Chinese industry representatives met in Shanghai, hosted by the Consulate General of India, to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation focused on trade, investment, and technology. Consul General Pratik Mathur highlighted India’s “Viksit Bharat” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” priorities, including resilient supply chains, ease of doing business, digital public infrastructure, and manufacturing competitiveness via Production Linked Incentive schemes. Eastern China was flagged as a key partner for industrial ecosystems, investment scaling, and technology collaboration, with interest across advanced manufacturing, green tech, digital economy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
A report circulating online claimed the government was mulling a tax on foreign travel and attributed it to PM Narendra Modi. However, a fact-check branded the story as “totally false,” warning readers not to treat the allegation as credible. The brief item, shared in the context of India news updates, points to misinformation spreading through social media and highlights the need for verification before sharing policy-linked claims.
West Bengal’s Assembly will begin its budget session on June 18, with the full state budget scheduled for June 22 by a newly appointed finance minister. Speaker Rathindra Bose said preparations are already underway after instructions from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to departmental secretaries. The interim vote on account was presented earlier by Chandrima Bhattacharya, but elections delayed the full budget. Adhikari also announced “Janatar Darbar” from June 1, alongside an emphasis on constructive opposition.
Iran’s national football team will run a pre-World Cup training camp in Antalya, Turkey, before traveling to its U.S. base in Tucson, Arizona. Iranian media reports players face visa procedures amid delays for entry into the United States. The squad is set to play a friendly against Gambia on May 29 in Turkey, with a second warmup match still undecided. Iran held a send-off ceremony in Tehran, while federation chief Mehdi Taj said no visas have been issued yet.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video from Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary showing an endangered Hoolock Gibbon safely crossing a railway track using a specially designed canopy bridge. Installed nearly a year earlier, the netted rope structure lets arboreal animals move above ground without touching trains or vehicles. Sarma called it a “small but significant” example of science-led conservation, noting the islanded forest movement issues primates face when connectivity is disrupted.
Middlesbrough has formally asked the English Football League to expel Southampton from the Championship playoff final after accusations that the Premier League-bound club filmed Middlesbrough’s training ahead of their semifinal. Southampton won the tie, but the EFL is preparing a hearing and has warned fans there could be “changes” to the May 23 final. Middlesbrough argues the alleged recording undermines sporting integrity and calls for a sanction severe enough to deter future attempts.
Three workers died and one is in critical condition after inhaling alleged toxic fumes while cleaning an underground effluent treatment plant (ETP) tank at Mafatlal Gujarat Industries Limited in Kalol’s Saij GIDC. Officials say the men entered the tank after water was drained to remove sludge and waste; co-workers reported they collapsed inside the confined space one after another. Police preliminarily believe the deceased were migrant labourers and are investigating safety protocols, including gas detection, ventilation, and PPE.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video from Hollongapar showing a Hoolock Gibbon using a newly installed arboreal canopy bridge to cross railway tracks safely. The bridge, installed about a year ago as part of wildlife conservation, was built to help tree-dwelling species move between fragmented forest patches without risking ground-level crossings on busy lines. Conservationists called it a hopeful sign for India’s only ape species, urging more such corridors as infrastructure expands across the Northeast.
Anthropic’s CFO Krishna Rao says more than 90% of the company’s internal code is generated by its agentic AI tool, Claude Code. He adds that the company uses dozens of specialized AI workflows to automate finance and enterprise operations, shrinking tasks that used to take hours—like revenue and compute utilization reporting—into roughly 30 minutes. Even then, AI typically produces 90–95% of outputs before human review, allowing employees to focus on judgment, strategy, and oversight while hiring accelerates.
The UAE has rejected Iran’s accusations that Abu Dhabi plays an active role in the Middle East war, calling Tehran’s narrative an attempt to justify Iranian terrorist attacks. After Iran’s foreign minister told a Telegram audience that the UAE is a partner in aggression and warned that U.S. bases can’t ensure security, UAE minister Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar said the country has faced repeated attacks. He cited about 3,000 missile and drone strikes and stressed the UAE can deter aggression without external protection.
India inaugurated its first SME-led semiconductor chip packaging facility by Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt Ltd in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, inside ELCINA’s Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Salarpur, Khushkhera. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said electronics production has surged to nearly Rs 13 lakh crore and exports to about Rs 4.24 lakh crore, with mobile phones now leading exports. The facility, backed under the SPECS scheme with investment over Rs 150 crore, uses Class 10K/100K cleanrooms.
Mobavenue AI Tech delivered a strong Q4 FY26, with PAT jumping 60% to ₹8.4 Cr and operating revenue rising 42% YoY to ₹62.6 Cr. The gains came even as total expenses climbed 40% YoY to ₹51.5 Cr, led by supply and data costs that surged about 50% to ₹36.4 Cr. For FY26, PAT more than tripled to ₹29.3 Cr and revenue surged 152% YoY to ₹218.5 Cr, supported by direct advertiser demand.
The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry is planning to co-locate its scattered regional offices in Mumbai into a single location to boost efficiency and reduce administrative costs. After a meeting with senior officials, Minister Piyush Goyal said around 20 offices across 12 organisations currently operate at different sites, occupying lakhs of square feet and carrying separate housekeeping, security and admin expenses. The plan aims to create a one-stop ecosystem for exporters, MSMEs and startups, with modern conferencing to connect businesses to 46 organisations.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju has escalated the BJP’s allegations over Rahul Gandhi’s foreign travel, calling the questions about trips and their funding “very serious.” Rijiju urged Gandhi and the Congress to disclose required travel details to concerned authorities to avoid potential legal action, citing rules for MPs to inform parliamentary and foreign affairs bodies in advance. He referenced the FCRA framework around accepting foreign hospitality and said Gandhi’s “unannounced” visits remain unclarified.
Chinese Foreign Minister said Xi Jinping will visit the United States in the fall at an invitation from President Donald Trump. The announcement points to a specific proposed date: September 24, when Trump is set to host Xi at the White House. The foreign minister made the remarks after noting Trump’s invitation arrived following the banquet Xi held for him in Beijing, highlighting how high-stakes diplomacy is being shaped through carefully staged summits and scheduled state meetings.
India’s trade with the expanded BRICS bloc climbed to about $416 billion in 2025, but the goods trade deficit widened sharply, nearly doubling from $117 billion in 2021 to $224 billion in 2025. Imports from BRICS rose at roughly 12% CAGR while exports grew only about 3%, with Russia a major source boosted by crude oil. Ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, India faces a policy test: reduce import dependence and expand outbound shipments.
The Hinduja family has reclaimed the top spot on the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List, led by brothers Sanjay and Dheeraj Hinduja with an estimated £38 billion for a fifth straight year. Their rise continues despite global headwinds and follows the death of their father, Gopichand Hinduja, in November. The Sunday Times credits performance across the group, while noting Ashok Leyland’s near 40% share surge and IndusInd’s 14% gains. Foreign residents reshuffled the rankings amid UK tax changes.
A fire broke out in two AC coaches of the Hyderabad–Jaipur Special Express at Nampally Railway Station on Friday evening, triggering panic as the train prepared to leave for Jaipur. Authorities said the blaze was limited to the B1 and B2 coaches in the 3-tier AC compartment. Officials confirmed no passengers were on board those affected coaches, allowing staff to evacuate nearby compartments while firefighters brought the situation under control using three fire engines. An inquiry will determine the cause and any safety lapses.
Longer-dated U.S. Treasury yields rose to their highest levels in a year as oil prices climbed and renewed fears of Middle East energy disruptions intensified inflation worries. Friday’s jump followed comments from President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister, which dimmed hopes for a quick deal to end attacks and seizures near the Strait of Hormuz. Investors were further spooked by fresh inflation data showing energy impacts already boosting both consumer and producer prices, pushing yields up across the curve.
Kanye West, now known as Ye, will not perform in India after organizers White Fox cancelled his debut New Delhi concert scheduled for May 23, 2026. The company said the decision followed official security advisories and directives from authorities, with public safety cited as the top priority during a “sensitive time.” White Fox confirmed full refunds for valid tickets booked through official partner District within five to seven business days, while it works with Ye’s team to secure a new date and venue.
India’s government has approved the listing and disinvestment of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), opening the door for an IPO. DIPAM and the Ministry of Coal cleared the proposal after Coal India and MCL boards endorsed it and the Alternative Mechanism (AM) approved it. Coal India can dilute its stake in MCL by up to 25% through an offer for sale tied to the IPO and additional tranches, while MCL may also raise fresh capital via IPO, follow-on offers, QIPs, or other SEBI-approved routes.
Ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, KKR issued a significant fitness update on injured spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. The franchise confirmed he has resumed bowling in the nets on matchday, with the medical and coaching teams closely tracking his progress and availability for the Saturday evening fixture. In a separate squad note, three-time champions KKR also confirmed New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has returned home for red-ball preparations for England. KKR sit eighth with nine points and an NRR of -0.198.
India and the UK are close to operationalising their trade pact, but a new British steel safeguard measure has delayed the Entry into Force of CETA. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the two sides are working on a “unique and creative solution” to handle the steel hurdle. The UK will cap tariff-free steel from July 1, 2026, cutting quota volumes by 60% and charging 50% tariffs above limits. India targets doubling bilateral trade to USD 112 billion by 2030.
Kerala’s Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan became visibly emotional during a visit to the home of late Congress leader and mentor G. Karthikeyan in Shasthamangalam on Friday. Named the UDF’s CM choice just a day earlier, Satheesan paid respects to Karthikeyan’s family, embracing his wife M T Sulekha as memories overwhelmed him. In a viral moment, she comforted him with a gentle remark, underscoring the personal bonds behind Kerala politics.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Japan on Friday evening in Pacific waters off Miyagi prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Despite the strong shaking, no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage. NHK reported that nuclear power plants in Miyagi and Fukushima showed no abnormalities. East Japan Railway temporarily suspended shinkansen services. The quake follows a major April 7.7 event that triggered a tsunami alert, and JMA warned a larger quake remains possible.
BSE’s weekly Sensex options relaunch has quickly upended the dominance of NSE in index derivatives. Exchange data shows average daily Sensex options premium turnover jumped from about Rs 2 crore in May 2023 to nearly Rs 33,000 crore by April 2026, alongside a surge in notional turnover. The push—via weekly expiry products, lower transaction costs, and broker incentives—drew retail and algorithmic traders, boosting BSE revenue, profits, and market share even as SEBI tightened derivatives rules after retail losses.
Facing repeated Iranian missile barrages that threatened its economy, the UAE has pulled closer to Israel, even widening a rift with Saudi Arabia. Abu Dhabi reportedly received Israeli Iron Dome air-defence support, viewing it as protection essential to economic recovery. The move increases pressure with Tehran, which the UAE sees as its main threat, while also complicating relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that still treat Israel normalization as highly sensitive, especially after Gaza.
Indian startups saw a modest VC inflow surge in the week of May 9-15, driven largely by ride-hailing platform Rapido’s $240 million primary round. Total VC funding rose to $323 million across 22 deals, up from $129 million the previous week. Still, funding remained thin across stages, with global macro headwinds clouding expectations for the rest of the year.
A child in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, reportedly fell into an uncovered 25-foot-deep borewell while playing near an agricultural area. Family members and locals alerted authorities, prompting a coordinated rescue involving fire officials, police, and the local administration. District Commissioner Ashika Jain said teams from Baba Deep Singh Seva Dal and NDRF are working to reach the child, discussing technical options including digging a parallel borewell and building a ramp for faster access. The child is reportedly responding, while further updates are awaited.
Samsung Electronics is bracing for a potential 18-day strike that could disrupt global memory chip supply after more than 45,000 workers demanded more equal AI boom bonus payouts. The company’s proposal favors memory chip employees, offering them at least six times higher bonuses than logic chip workers in system LSI and foundry units. Union leaders warn the pay gap could trigger talent flight and harm Samsung’s push to become a “one-stop” global chip supplier. Investors and government are watching closely.
The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee announced a priority darshan system for pilgrims above 70 and differently-abled devotees at both shrines. Under a new SOP, each temple will run four 15-minute windows daily, with capacity capped at 50 pilgrims per slot, enabling 200 vulnerable devotees to attend each day. Entry during these times is restricted to eligible pilgrims who present identity cards, with Aadhaar and supporting documents verified on-site to confirm age and disability status.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.