Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Oil prices rebounded on Thursday after a sharp prior dip, with crude reclaiming the $100 level and ending a two-day slide. Traders weighed mixed signals around Iran US negotiations, amid reports of a possible deal to end the conflict. But President Trump’s warning of intensified bombing if Iran rejects a peace offer added volatility to expectations.
An eyewitness describes the killing of Chandrakanth, Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant in West Bengal’s Madhyamgram, alleging the attack was pre planned. The account claims a bike borne gunman stopped the car, fired two point blank shots, and escaped within seconds, pointing to intent and careful timing rather than a random incident.
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Apple plans to invest Rs 100 crore in India to expand renewable energy capacity, partnering to develop over 150 MW. The initiative is paired with efforts to cut plastic pollution through recycling, alongside support for green startups. The move underlines Apple’s growing focus on sustainability and local innovation, tying clean power growth to broader environmental goals.
Google has offered changes to its spam policy after publishers said it was damaging their search rankings, especially when sites displayed content from commercial partners. The company’s move is intended to help it avoid a potential EU antitrust fine under the Digital Markets Act. Demotions were linked to a monetization tactic that many publishers rely on.
Punjab Kings suffered a 33-run defeat to table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, and Shreyas Iyer was blunt about why. In the aftermath, the captain pointed directly at dropped catches as the decisive factor, arguing that the fielding errors prevented PBKS from staying in the match as SRH capitalized on key moments.
Paytm reported another profitable quarter, posting Q4 FY26 net profit of ₹183 crore and improving EBITDA, driven by cost discipline, AI-led automation and payments strength. Meesho cut losses sharply to ₹166.3 crore and approved ₹100 crore for lending. Freshworks plans to cut 500 jobs, while PB Fintech’s profit jumped and Reliance accelerates satcom plans.
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Indian markets rallied sharply on Wednesday, with Nifty 50 and S&P BSE Sensex climbing more than 1%. The rebound came after oil prices tumbled on reports of potential US Iran accord developments. As geopolitical jitters eased, investor confidence improved, driving broad-based gains while volatility fell, suggesting lower risk in the near term.
The Calcutta High Court has ruled that a divorced daughter may claim her late father’s family pension if she was financially dependent on him during his lifetime, even when the divorce became final after his death. The court cited a government memo and stressed the pension rules’ beneficial purpose, focusing on dependency and marital breakdown before the father’s death.
A boat capsized on the Yamuna River in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, leaving six people including children missing. According to reports, the vessel lost balance and overturned on Wednesday evening, and only three were rescued by the boatman. NDRF and SDRF teams have launched search operations to locate the missing passengers.
India is sustaining strong refinery operations even as Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global energy markets. S&P Global Energy says the key has been aggressive crude diversification, shifting purchases across multiple sources and raising significant Russian oil imports. This strategy is helping protect domestic fuel supplies, keeping refineries running at steady, resilient levels despite mounting pressure in the energy system.
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Oil prices jumped about 1 after sharp losses as investors tracked Middle East peace prospects. Analysts expect supplies to stay tight even if a deal is reached, because shipments would need time to restart. The rise is also supported by falling U.S. crude and fuel inventories and the approach of peak summer demand.
A boat carrying nine people submerged in the Yamuna River in Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday. Three people were rescued, while six—including five children—remain missing. District officials say the administration has activated response measures, with three SDRF teams deployed and authorities promising updates to the Chief Minister as investigations proceed.
India may need RBI backing to attract greater dollar investments amid currency exchange risk. Economists point to forex deposit schemes where the RBI could shoulder some hedging costs and potentially offer higher subsidies so banks find the yields attractive compared with global rates. The move could support foreign inflows but deepens central bank exposure to forex volatility.
Canara Bank has invited bids to sell a ₹509.37 crore loan extended to Rajesh Exports, treating it as distressed debt. The lender is moving ahead while it awaits a decision on its bankruptcy plea against the gold jewellery firm. If buyers step in, Canara Bank aims to recover dues tied to its exposure to the struggling business.
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West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari called the shooting of his aide Chandra a cold-blooded, pre-planned murder, alleging it reflects a “Maha-Jungle Raj” under the state’s recent governance. The claim raises fresh political alarm in Madhyamgram, as Adhikari links the incident to a worsening law-and-order climate over the past 15 years.
Skyroot Aerospace, India’s first private rocket startup, has raised $60 million led by American investor Ram Shriram’s Sherpalo Ventures. The round values the Hyderabad-based company at $1 billion, making it India’s first space-tech unicorn. The fresh capital is set to accelerate launch vehicle development, including progress toward the upcoming Vikram-1 orbital launch.
Indian markets kept climbing despite volatility, supported by positive global cues and falling crude oil prices. Analysts are watching upside toward 24,550 and 24,750, while stocks such as BSE, Britannia, and Paytm draw attention for fresh company updates. Headlines include Zee Entertainment’s lawsuit and Hyundai’s reaffirmed focus on India, adding momentum to trade.
Suvendu Adhikari, a West Bengal BJP leader, has branded the murder of his personal assistant as a cold blooded, pre planned killing. He urged party workers to maintain peace while the investigation runs, insisting the culprits will be brought to justice. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said the police probe is progressing and that no one will be spared.
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Satin Creditcare Network says it plans to raise $20 million by issuing dollar-denominated bonds. The bonds are set for allotment on May 27 and will carry a coupon linked to the six-month SOFR, priced at 310 basis points above it. Interest will be paid semi-annually, aligning returns with global rate benchmarks.
A U.S. court has released Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including a suicide note that had been sealed for years. The disclosure came from Judge Kenneth Karas of the Southern District of New York, where the letter was kept as part of another inmate’s criminal proceedings. The release renews scrutiny around the circumstances of Epstein’s death.
In Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, a former executive testified that Sam Altman sowed “chaos” and distrust among senior leadership. Musk alleges OpenAI abandoned its nonprofit mission, arguing the company’s direction has shifted. The courtroom claims could shape how AI research is governed and who controls the technology’s future rollout.
Iran says it is reviewing a US proposal intended to formally end the ongoing war, but the plan has not addressed Iran’s key sticking points. Its nuclear program and control concerns around the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved, prompting skepticism from Iranian officials. US President Trump says he is optimistic, even as negotiations face major hurdles ahead.
Hantavirus outbreaks raise urgent questions about transmission. According to the WHO, the virus usually spreads when people inhale contaminated rodent droppings, urine, or saliva particles. Person-to-person spread can occur but is rare. A WHO top epidemic expert says the overall risk to the public remains low, but precautions around rodent exposure are key.
SpaceX has signed a deal to grant Anthropic access to its Colossus 1 AI supercomputer, boosting the computing resources behind Claude Pro and Claude Max. Beyond immediate capacity, Anthropic is also exploring a broader partnership with SpaceX to develop orbital AI computing capabilities—raising the prospect of AI power in space, not just on Earth.
A petition filed in High Court seeks a stay on an upcoming Tata Trusts meeting in which decisions could affect Tata Sons governance. The plea argues that Sir Ratan Tata Trust is violating a new Maharashtra law governing trustee numbers. If the court grants the request, the meeting and its resolutions may be temporarily halted ahead of Friday’s gathering.
West Bengal Police investigating the murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant near Madhyamgram seized a vehicle connected to the killing. At the scene, officials reportedly found live rounds and fired cartridges, along with allegations that the vehicle’s number plate was fake. BJP leaders claimed it was a TMC-backed targeted attack to spread fear, while the TMC condemned the incident and demanded a CBI probe.
Indian venture capital is increasingly backing smaller early-stage deeptech deals, particularly in AI, healthcare, and precision manufacturing, while growth-stage funding stays subdued. Even as large commitments remain cautious, multiple significant rounds are reportedly lining up, suggesting investor appetite may be preparing for a rebound as the deeptech ecosystem matures.
Japan’s Nikkei is climbing to a new all-time high as the yen strengthens after the last session, with traders pointing to possible Tokyo intervention. The move is reshaping expectations for currency-sensitive equities and creating fresh risk and opportunity for US investors watching how a stronger yen could affect Japanese earnings, exporters, and global flows.
Adobe says firms are getting agentic AI ready the right way by repairing workflows before rolling out AI tools. In India, Adobe describes its teams as a major engine of innovation, driving nearly one third of global innovation including Firefly AI. The company expects AI-fueled adoption across fashion, jewelry and travel as younger users expand online transactions.
The Indian rupee rose 67 paise against the US dollar on Wednesday, its strongest one-day gain in over a month. The move was linked to a sharp fall in crude oil prices and encouraging signals from Iran and the US on diplomatic efforts. Equities climbed as bond yields slipped below 7%, reinforcing market sentiment.
A winter storm warning has disrupted daily life across parts of Colorado and New York, prompting school closures and leaving commuters to navigate snowy conditions. Authorities said light snow and rain could persist into Thursday in some areas, but temperatures are expected to trend warmer, raising hopes that the worst may ease while impacts continue.
Quick home services startup Pronto has closed its Series B funding round at $45 million, valuing the company at $200 million—double the earlier $100 million estimate. The round’s second tranche includes a $20 million investment from US-based Physical Intelligence founder Lachy Groom. Pronto plans to expand operations in existing cities, adding staff and new services while competition in the segment heats up.
Instant house-help startup Pronto has raised $20 million, doubling its valuation to $200 million. The new funding will help scale its professional supply as competition heats up and demand rises. After a recent jump in orders, Pronto plans to onboard more professionals and expand its services, aiming to keep up with faster customer pull.
The Reserve Bank of India has unveiled tighter oversight for the money changing industry, grounding the sector in banking principles. RBI set a ₹10 crore annual turnover threshold for authorized dealers and shifted compliance responsibility toward principal authorized dealers. The move aims to strengthen accountability for customer protection and ensure better adherence to forex transaction rules.
Carlos Rodon remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on Oct. 15 for a left elbow issue, including removal of loose bodies and shaving a bone spur. With Rodon out all season, Yankees fans are left waiting for an exact return schedule and what it could mean for the team’s starting plans.
The FBI has reportedly opened an investigation into a journalist following a contentious Atlantic magazine story about Kash Patel’s alleged drinking habits. The article claimed Patel frequently drank to excess and warned he could risk losing his role as FBI director. The probe adds a new twist to an already politically charged narrative around Patel’s conduct and workplace fitness.
At least 10 companies are reportedly shrinking their planned IPO sizes as investor appetite cools. The capital market regulator allows a one-time reduction of up to half without requiring a fresh filing, giving issuers more flexibility to improve listing odds. Firms in sectors including NBFCs, jewellery, and healthcare are among those weighing the option to navigate current market conditions.
Small businesses are rapidly hiring recent college graduates, with totals approaching a million this year. The most in-demand roles are described as “AI-proof,” including field manager and service technician. The shift suggests employers are prioritizing hands-on, on-site work that automation struggles to replicate, reshaping early career hiring trends.
South Korea and Taiwan are gaining ground on India in market capitalization as the AI chip sector powers investor sentiment. While their valuations have risen sharply, India’s market cap has edged slightly lower. Analysts point to shifting momentum within key semiconductor-linked companies, suggesting a changing balance of power across emerging markets.
Indian startup Pronto won backing from Lachy Groom after a swift 20 minute pitch. The deal arrives as Pronto scales to around 26,000 daily bookings, signaling accelerating traction. With the broader market potentially reaching $18 billion, investors are moving quickly toward winners as demand and booking volumes climb.
Apna Mart, a Peak XV-backed quick commerce startup, has reportedly laid off around 10% of its workforce amid restructuring. Sources say about 35–40 employees lost roles due to AI-led redundancy, while others were affected as relocating the operating base to Gurugram became impractical. The product and technology teams are moving from Bengaluru, with operations staying in existing cities.
Media mogul Barry Diller came to Sam Altman’s defense, but his message was blunt: as AGI approaches, “trust is irrelevant.” Diller argued that advanced AI remains unpredictable and demands real guardrails, not assurances or personalities. His comments frame the debate over AI governance as more about safety systems than leadership credibility.
Bhutan has signed $515 million in financing deals with the World Bank, partnering with Tata Power, to develop the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project. Scheduled for completion by 2031, it could generate over 4,500 GWh yearly, lift GDP by 2.4%, and supply nearly 80% of output to India while cutting about 3.3 million tons of CO₂ annually.
Snap says its $400 million deal with Perplexity was “amicably ended,” less than a year after the partnership was announced. The agreement, revealed last November, aimed to integrate Perplexity’s AI search engine directly into Snapchat. With the integration plans now off the table, the move raises fresh questions about how quickly big AI features translate into product launches.
Corgi, an insurance startup, announced a $160 million Series B led by TCV, valuing the company at $1.3 billion. The remarkable part: it’s only been four months since its Series A, signaling rapid investor confidence and a fast path to scale in the insurtech space.
A Class 1 student from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, has gone viral for posting an emotional video addressed to the District Magistrate. Manvi Singh urges the DM to repair a damaged road near her school, highlighting how unsafe conditions affect her daily life and commute. The heartfelt appeal has sparked attention and questions about local infrastructure.
A fresh set of bombshell allegations has surfaced in the sexual harassment case involving JPMorgan executive Lorna Hajdini. The lawsuit claims she coerced a married junior employee into a “sex slave” situation, including drugging, intimidation, and forcing “non-consensual” sexual acts—pushing the dispute into new, more alarming territory in the Chirayu Rana matter.
Bajaj Auto posted its highest-ever quarterly net profit of ₹2,746 crore, driven by a broad-based rise in vehicle sales across its brands. The company also reported strong export growth, cushioning concerns about an industry slowdown. Despite expectations of softer conditions, Bajaj Auto is optimistic, citing a strong product mix and export strength, while full-year revenue and profit reached new highs.
PayPal plans to reduce its workforce by about 20 percent over the next two to three years, as new CEO Enrique Lores pushes a restructuring meant to simplify operations and accelerate growth. The company expects to save at least $1.5 billion through the cost-cutting drive, even as analysts flag tougher expansion challenges ahead.
The BJP-led West Bengal government is set to be sworn in on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to attend. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is reported to be leading the race for the chief minister’s post, as the party prepares for a new state administration.
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