Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Ola Consumer says it is pressing ahead with IPO preparations, but its latest financials tell a tougher story. FY25 revenue fell 42% and losses more than doubled, with the company also losing market share to competitors. The squeeze has even affected its credit rating. Ola Electric, Bhavish Aggarwal’s other venture, is reportedly facing similar revenue stress.
Rapper Kodak Black, born Bill Kapri, was arrested in Orange County, Florida, over accusations of MDMA trafficking. The 28-year-old faces a felony charge and is held without bond. His lawyer says the arrest stems from a coordinated surrender linked to a November 2025 incident. The case marks yet another chapter in the artist’s troubled legal history.
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Seven hardcore militants from multiple groups surrendered to security forces in Dimapur, Nagaland, handing over pistols and a carbine. Authorities said the move reflects effective intelligence operations and the persuasive approach used to bring cadres back to peace. Assam Rifles reiterated its commitment to stability and urged young people to join the mainstream instead of armed groups.
India’s mines ministry says 101 mineral blocks have started operations since the 2015 auction regime was introduced. The ministry claims it coordinated with state governments to speed up approvals and boost output. Odisha is leading with 34 operational blocks, while Karnataka and Gujarat also report strong progress. Officials say this move strengthens India’s push for self-reliance.
Bharat Forge posted a 17% year-on-year drop in net profit to Rs 233 crore for the March quarter, even as revenue grew 18% to Rs 4,528 crore. The company proposed a final dividend of Rs 6.50 per share and said demand remained challenging. Still, it bagged sizable new orders, with defence contributing strongly to the momentum.
In an exclusive interview, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar said he will not invite TVK leader Vijay to form the government unless the party demonstrates it has the required majority support. Arlekar stressed he is keen to end confusion but insisted that any claimant must prove numbers, amid debate over a floor test and alleged horse-trading following TVK emerging as the largest party with 108 seats.
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Mozilla’s security researchers say Anthropic’s Mythos helped surface a significant number of high-severity vulnerabilities in Firefox. The findings suggest the AI system can dig up dangerous weaknesses faster than traditional review, potentially shifting how teams triage and patch browser security. The report raises questions about what else such tools could uncover in widely used software.
Tangkhul students report that Kuki militants crossed from Myanmar into Manipur, targeting border villages including Namlee, Wanglee, Ashang Khullen, and Choro. Around 100 militants are said to have attacked, burning houses and leaving some villagers missing. The Tangkhul community alleges a breakdown in central security and is demanding deployment of state police for protection.
Qualcomm has unveiled new Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipsets designed to ease pressure on smartphone prices as component costs rise. The upgrades focus on stronger connectivity, improved gaming capability, and better battery life. Oppo, realme, and Xiaomi are set to adopt these chips in devices launching in the second half of 2026, alongside Qualcomm’s new boAt audio partnership.
Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas has endorsed LeBron James as the NBA’s greatest of all time. While praising LeBron’s legacy, Thomas shifted focus to India’s basketball future, arguing that the sport can only grow with better grassroots access, stronger coaching, and development pathways—something he’s set to spotlight as he headlines an upcoming BU event.
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Suryoday Small Finance Bank posted Q4 profit of Rs 49 crore, signaling a turnaround driven by higher operating profit and improved profitability. The lender also reported annual profit growth and reduced its gross non-performing assets ratio, pointing to better asset quality. Overall, its year performance strengthened as financial metrics improved across the board.
New Delhi has asked West Bengal to fast track central schemes for tribal welfare, citing state non-implementation. The Centre says programs including PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA, launched in 2023 and 2024, have received no proposals from Bengal, even for housing, road connectivity and solar electrification. The state has also not signed an MoU for Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has locked in major ministries, including Home, General Administration, and the Cabinet Secretariat. Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav have been allocated significant departments. The rest of the cabinet has also been assigned portfolios spanning areas such as rural development, finance, and health as the new government finalizes its lineup.
Google has launched the Fitbit Air, a lightweight screenless fitness tracker designed to work with both Android and iPhone. The device pairs with AI health coaching and prioritizes sleep, recovery and heart-rate monitoring, packaged with smart fitness tools. Google is signaling a major push toward AI-powered wearable health features, backed by a week-long battery promise.
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TMC MP Mahua Moitra has alleged harassment by a group of men on an IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Delhi. She says they acted inappropriately, leered at her, and then shouted slogans after the plane landed, calling it a direct threat to her safety. Moitra urged IndiGo and the Civil Aviation Minister to take action and criticized what she described as ‘BJP culture.’
Britannia Industries reported a 21% year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 678 crore for Q4, up from Rs 560 crore a year ago. Along with the earnings update, the company declared a dividend of Rs 90.5, pointing to a strong balance between growth and shareholder returns.
The World Health Organization has confirmed five hantavirus cases tied to a cruise ship outbreak, with three additional suspected and more possible. Authorities say the Andes virus is involved, raising concern because it can spread between humans. Public health steps are being prioritized to curb transmission, while Argentina is sending diagnostic kits to multiple countries to speed up detection and response.
Shake Shack reported a quarterly loss and missed revenue estimates as higher commodity costs, including beef, squeezed margins. Weak consumer spending added further pressure, and the market punished the stock, sending shares down about 28% in early trading. The update highlights how quickly fast food operators can be hit when demand softens and input costs climb.
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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has appealed to the Union government over CUET 2026 exam centres allotted outside the state. He says many students are being pushed to distant locations, creating major hardship and added costs. Khandu has requested that centres be set within Arunachal Pradesh or in nearby, easily accessible areas to reduce the travel burden.
At the BRICS SAI Summit in Bengaluru, India’s chief auditor K Sanjay Murthy called for stronger accountability in urban development and sustainable transport. He said public spending should be evaluated not by project completion, but by measurable outcomes for citizens’ well-being, particularly as cities grow faster and face mounting sustainability pressures.
India’s ceramic tile industry in Morbi is retooling its growth strategy. Instead of selling mainly on sheer volume, manufacturers are investing in better capabilities and curated, trend aligned collections aimed at demanding overseas buyers. The shift focuses on design, quality, and aesthetic sophistication, helping Morbi move up the value chain and stay competitive globally.
Google is set to launch a new Gemini-powered AI health coach on May 19, priced at $9.99 per month. The service is designed to function like a personal coach across multiple areas, blending fitness guidance, sleep expertise, and broader health and wellness advice in one experience.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya announced that Indian Oil Corporation will provide CSR support to Karnataka Public School in Basavanagudi, a 123-year-old institution. The funding will strengthen infrastructure and learning for more than 1,500 girl students, with plans to evolve the school into a model facility. The move is positioned as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for women’s empowerment.
Google has unveiled a screenless Fitbit Air that targets always-on health tracking. The wearable promises 24/7 heart rate, heart rhythm monitoring with Afib alerts, SpO2 readings, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and detailed sleep stages and duration, positioning it as a Whoop-like alternative focused on continuous insights rather than display-based interaction.
PharmEasy-owned Thyrocare Technologies reported a 128% year-on-year jump in Q4 FY26 consolidated net profit to Rs 48.7 crore, driven by operating leverage and volume growth. Revenue from operations rose 20% to Rs 224 crore. Tests processed surged 29% to 5.9 crore, while margins improved. The company also launched advanced allergy testing and entered genomics with NIPT.
West Bengal’s State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Governor R N Ravi after completing its five-year term. The assembly, formed in May 2021 and led by Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, formally reaches the end of its tenure following recently concluded two-phase elections. The move now clears the way for the next steps in the state election cycle.
Wall Street is splitting in two. The Dow Jones slipped slightly as Thursday trading began, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed to record territory. The rally is being powered by broad tech strength and a surge in AI-linked stocks, while older-economy concerns and shifting market bets keep drag on the Dow. Oil moves also add to the uneven mood.
A helicopter carrying Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde was forced to make an emergency turnaround after encountering severe dust storm conditions near Kalyan. The flight crew managed a safe reroute and landed the aircraft in Juhu, with all passengers reported unharmed. Authorities are treating the incident as a weather-related close call and examining flight logs.
Mumbai Indians star Suryakumar Yadav and his wife Devisha Shetty welcomed a baby girl on Thursday. The Indian T20I captain shared the joyful update on social media, and the timing comes as the Mumbai Indians squad prepares for duties in Raipur. While fans celebrate the family milestone, Yadav’s absence from the trip has drawn attention.
A Bengaluru researcher has built AI diagnostic systems that combine retinal scanners with sensor-enabled beds, now deployed in 200+ hospitals and thousands of homes. Designed to support early detection and continuous monitoring, the approach targets better healthcare access at lower cost across India, bringing advanced diagnostics closer to patients outside traditional clinics.
BCCI has given fresh details for moving the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Secretary Devajit Saikia said the relocation followed an alleged request by Karnataka State Cricket Association for complimentary tickets well beyond limits, amid concerns over excess demand. The decision was announced after BCCI broke its silence on the Wednesday venue change to Narendra Modi Stadium.
Howmet Aerospace reported a first-quarter beat on both profit and revenue, then raised its annual forecast. The company pointed to continued strength in commercial aerospace and faster growth in its industrial gas turbine business as key drivers. The upbeat update signals demand is holding up better than many investors expected, supporting higher outlook for the year.
Meta is rolling out AI business agents on WhatsApp in India, designed to help small shops automate customer support and sales around the clock. The agents can answer questions, suggest products, handle bookings, and resolve complaints. Early pilots reportedly drove strong sales gains, and the service is currently offered for free as it scales.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has finalized portfolio distribution in a cabinet reshuffle and expansion. Choudhary retains the Home Ministry, keeping key control in his hands. Nishant Kumar is named Health Minister, marking a notable change in the health portfolio. The full list of portfolios has been released as the BJP-led government restructures responsibilities across departments.
The government plans a major postal logistics infrastructure upgrade for India Post, aimed at modernizing parcel services to match developed-world standards. Significant investment will power features such as OTP-based delivery and real-time tracking, making it easier for citizens to receive and monitor parcels. The overhaul is expected to improve efficiency and convenience while supporting broader growth goals.
Pope Leo met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican amid mounting strains between the Pope and President Trump. The talks centered on Western Hemisphere issues and protecting religious freedom, with the Pope reiterating his commitment to peace and urging opposition to nuclear weapons. The meeting comes as Trump continues to face criticism over the unfolding Iran war situation.
Indian engineering firms are making inroads into the Middle East’s oil and gas supply chains as global energy companies expand their supplier rosters. With buyers prioritizing wider vendor bases and compliance-ready partners, firms that meet stringent standards are winning approvals, including growing recognition for players like LSI-MECH Engineers, amid ongoing regional energy infrastructure investment.
Prediction market platform Kalshi has raised $1 billion in funding, valuing the company at $22 billion. The deal is set to help Kalshi broaden products for hedge funds and asset managers as institutional trading volume rises. Kalshi’s focus now includes expanding event contracts, which analysts expect to drive significant market growth.
IBM has partnered with Yotta Data Services to roll out an agentic AI platform designed for Indian government bodies and businesses. The system will run on Yotta’s Shakti Cloud, focusing on secure and compliant AI adoption. The deal also brings IBM’s sovereign core to Yotta’s cloud infrastructure, aiming to strengthen data control as organizations deploy autonomous AI.
Global investment firm Carlyle reported a first-quarter profit that fell short of expectations, even as asset sales remained active. The key issue: those sales did not convert into income that shareholders could benefit from. Investors reacted to the disconnect between deal activity and earnings, raising questions about how quickly and effectively Carlyle’s portfolio monetization would translate into returns.
A 71-year-old man from Lucknow, Ashok Bahar, has decided to appear for NEET after retirement to pursue his long held ambition of becoming a doctor. Inspired by his mother’s wish and his father’s medical legacy, and with a gynecologist wife, Bahar hopes to specialize in hepatology. His resolve has gone viral, drawing emotional praise online.
West Bengal Governor R N Ravi has dissolved the state legislative assembly and dismissed the cabinet, setting the stage for the next government after the May 4 election results where BJP won over 200 seats. The decision comes amid days of political tension as Mamata Banerjee refused to step down despite pressure, raising fresh questions over the transition to the new assembly.
Israel says it killed a Hezbollah commander in a strike on Beirut, the first such attack on the city since a ceasefire agreed last month. The move has reportedly raised fresh pressure on the fragile truce. Israel continues operations in southern Lebanon while Hezbollah counters with drone and rocket fire targeting Israeli soldiers.
India and Vietnam must deepen ties amid sweeping global shifts, Vietnam’s leader To Lam said. Key forces include the reconstruction of supply chains, intense strategic competition among major economies, the rapid rise of digital technologies like AI, a green transformation, and growing demands for economic autonomy. The call points to deeper cooperation to stay resilient in an unpredictable world.
Walmart CEO John Furner sounded bullish about India’s quick commerce prospects during a Flipkart townhall, pointing to Flipkart’s aggressive push for its 10 minute grocery service ‘Minutes’. The expansion is designed to challenge incumbents like Blinkit and Zepto. Furner also reiterated Walmart’s plan to scale manufacturing and exports from India, positioning the country as a key global supply-chain hub.
UpGrad and Unacademy have applied to India’s CCI for antitrust clearance for their proposed merger. In an all-stock transaction, UpGrad plans to acquire Unacademy, valuing the test-prep firm at Rs 2,055 crore. That figure represents a steep markdown from its 2021 peak, and the companies expect the deal to close in June–July.
Delhi Capitals host Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL 2026 must win clash, with both teams staring at playoff survival. Delhi sit seventh and need results from here, while KKR in eighth must string together a perfect run. Delhi’s plan is a batting-friendly pitch to blunt KKR’s spin threat, but both top orders have been under pressure—making Varun Narine’s control a pivotal factor.
Three months after Nancy Guthrie was abducted, she is still missing. Investigators now pin their hopes on advanced DNA analysis, even if results may take time. A hair sample has already been sent to the FBI for processing, with forensic experts expecting it could produce crucial evidence to help identify what happened and move the investigation forward.
FMC Corporation is selling its India business to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 million. The agreement covers commercial crop protection operations and brand license rights, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2026. FMC said it plans to use the proceeds to reduce debt, reshaping its financial priorities while the buyer expands its Indian footprint.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board has released the UP Police Sub-Inspector Result 2026 merit list on May 7 for the March 14-15 exam. The selection is for 4,543 vacancies, with 10.77 lakh candidates having appeared. Those who qualify can now move to physical tests and document verification after checking their roll number and cut-off on the official website.
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