Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Hindustan Zinc says it is evolving into a multi metal and critical minerals platform, aiming to reduce India’s import dependence. The company cites record mined and refined zinc production for FY25-26, alongside substantial silver output. Driven by operational discipline and cost efficiency, the move is positioned as a growth bet and a step toward greater self sufficiency.
The Supreme Court collegium has approved the appointment of ten advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. It has also cleared three judicial officers for the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The judiciary development comes with the release of the names of the selected candidates, setting the stage for the next steps in their appointments.
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A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam candidate, R Seenivasa Sethupathy, pulled off a stunning one-vote win in Tirupattur, defeating DMK’s K R Periyakaruppan. After intense counting and postal ballot checks under Election Commission guidelines, the narrow margin ended Periyakaruppan’s 20-year dominance in the constituency, turning the result into election-season shock.
South African health officials say they have identified the Andes strain of hantavirus in two cruise ship passengers tied to an outbreak. One is in intensive care, while another died after reaching South Africa. Investigators report three deaths aboard the ship so far, and warn the strain may be capable of spreading between people.
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are reportedly weighing a boycott of the French Open 2026 amid anger over how prize money is being distributed. The world No. 1 duo, along with other leading players, has expressed disappointment and discussed protest action, raising the specter of an unprecedented disruption to one of tennis’s biggest events.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the Supreme Court to step in on West Bengal Assembly polls, demanding that video recordings of vote counting be made public. Citing alleged irregularities from past elections, he warned that similar tactics could surface in Uttar Pradesh before its upcoming polls, and said he plans to visit West Bengal.
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Kuehne+Nagel has strengthened its healthcare logistics footprint in India by launching a temperature-controlled airfreight facility in Hyderabad. The expansion is aimed at improving handling and delivery for temperature-sensitive shipments, supported by dedicated cold-chain capabilities. The move signals continued investment in specialized logistics infrastructure as demand for reliable healthcare transport rises.
The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a one-page memorandum aimed at de-escalating tensions and clearing the path for nuclear talks. The draft includes Iran halting nuclear enrichment, the US lifting sanctions and releasing frozen funds, and both sides easing Strait of Hormuz transit restrictions. Iran is expected to respond within 48 hours.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal on Thursday evening ahead of the BJP Legislative Party meeting likely on May 8. Sources say he will hold detailed deliberations with party leaders on the upcoming oath-taking ceremony in the state, as the party continues its political engagements following its historic win.
HDFC Bank shares jumped more than 3% after a Reuters report said independent legal reviews did not find major governance lapses following the chairman’s exit. The relief is expected to reduce investor concerns and pave the way for CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan’s reappointment. The review findings are set to go to the board and the RBI as the bank continues merger integration.
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India’s exports climbed 4.6% to an all-time high of $863.11 billion in FY26, even as global conditions stayed tough. Merchandise exports rose slightly, but the real momentum came from services, which hit a standout peak. The result points to a shift in export strength as service-led demand offsets slower global trade.
Australian Federal Police say they are preparing for the arrival of ISIS-linked women and children, with a stepped plan focused on monitoring and potential arrests. Authorities expect that some adults will face criminal charges, while children will be placed into integration and support programs. The case follows investigations lasting about a decade, with arrest updates expected as events unfold.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing that US Israel military actions are illegitimate, as talks focused on a regional ceasefire and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting also served Tehran’s broader diplomatic tour, aiming to deepen strategic ties and coordinate on regional stability amid mounting tensions.
Singapore Airlines has pushed the launch of its upgraded First and Business Class seats on the A350-900 to early 2027. The airline cites global supply chain and certification challenges, delaying a S$1.1 billion cabin overhaul. The refreshed interiors, planned to roll across its fleet and pair with Starlink Wi-Fi, will also appear on future Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
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A paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister recommends revising priority sector lending. Instead of optimising mainly for economic efficiency, it argues the system should better serve social equity. The proposal also suggests removing outdated categories, aiming to reduce rigidity and give banks more flexibility in meeting priority targets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a major upgrade in India and Vietnam ties, spanning critical minerals, rare earths, and energy security. Thirteen MoUs were signed across areas like digital technologies, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, while an agreement aims to connect India’s UPI with Vietnam’s payment network. The move is framed as boosting economic and defence cooperation for regional stability.
India’s offshore tech centers, or GCCs, generated $98.4 billion in FY26 revenue, nearly four years ahead of the $99–105 billion 2030 projection. The ecosystem now includes 2,117 GCCs and 2.36 million employees, up 32% since FY21, fueled by AI-first mandates and strategic relocation as visa and geopolitical pressures rise.
West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said he will vacate one of the two Assembly constituencies he won within ten days. The BJP’s central leadership will decide which seat he will retain. Adhikari made the move after defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, and urged party workers to maintain peace while celebrating once the new government forms.
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A viral message is circulating online claiming Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is endorsing a “Quantum AI” investment scheme. The scam pitch promises massive returns from a tiny investment, with claims of zero risk and a government guarantee. Authorities warn such messages are false and are being used to lure unsuspecting investors into fraudulent schemes.
In a major Tamil Nadu political shift, Congress has formally backed TVK led by Vijay for forming the next government and says the alliance will also apply to future polls. The move marks a break from its historic ally DMK. Congress claims its support is tied to TVK’s promise to keep away from any communal factions as the partnership moves ahead.
BJP has hit out at Congress for backing TVK in Tamil Nadu, arguing the move shows the INDIA alliance is breaking down and that the opposition lacks shared ideology. DMK sharply responded by calling it a “backstab,” escalating the Cong-DMK fallout after recent assembly election results. The spat raises questions over who now shapes Tamil Nadu’s political trajectory.
Representatives of the Maharashtra Old Pension Organization met the 8th Pay Commission in Pune, pressing for a Rs 65,000 minimum basic pay and a 3.8 fitment factor for central government employees. They also demanded a minimum 4% rise in DA, changes to HRA and TA, quicker career progression, and pension reforms for UPS subscribers.
The Asian Development Bank cautioned Asian governments to avoid broad fuel subsidies and excise duty cuts, saying higher crude oil prices could widen fiscal stress. It recommends targeted cash transfers for vulnerable households and stronger investment in green energy. The ADB also urges central banks to track inflation expectations carefully before tightening monetary policy.
TMC has accused BJP supporters of using a bulldozer to demolish meat shops in Kolkata’s New Market during a victory celebration. The party called it “hooliganism,” alleged the central forces did not act, and warned it points to a pattern of intimidation after election results. BJP has denied any involvement in violence.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his entire cabinet have resigned following the BJP-led NDA’s victory in the assembly elections. The Governor has accepted the resignations, and Sarma will continue as caretaker chief minister. The new government’s oath-taking is expected after May 11, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited to attend the ceremony.
Bayer plans to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.45 billion, aiming to strengthen its eye care pipeline. The purchase includes PER-001, currently in clinical trials and targeting glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, two major causes of vision loss. The move signals Bayer’s push to expand treatment options through late-stage development.
India’s Global Capability Centre ecosystem is forecast to reach $98.4 billion by FY26, as companies shift from cost-focused delivery to AI-powered enterprise capabilities. The growth is being accelerated by AI integration, with nearly half of GCCs launched since 2021 designed around AI from the start, and more than 1,200 centers embedding AI/ML capabilities.
Capillary Technologies reported a strong March quarter, with operating revenue rising 26% and profit after tax surging 233%. The company credited growth to expanding its customer base, winning new contracts, and integrating its recent Kognitiv acquisition. It also pointed to a strategic partnership with a US retailer and continued expansion of global operations.
BJP’s victory in West Bengal has rekindled momentum for the stalled Tajpur deep sea port project, a Rs 25,000 crore plan long held back by coordination gaps and investor uncertainty. Analysts say better Centre-state alignment could help restart work after a recent global tender was cancelled for low participation, but outcomes will hinge on the new government’s policies and its ability to attract bidders.
M&M shares jumped around 3% after the automaker posted a strong Q4, with net profit up 42% year-on-year and revenue rising 29%. Robust full-year earnings followed, prompting Nomura and other brokerages to turn bullish on the stock. The big question now is whether the momentum can continue beyond these results.
Australian stocks rebounded strongly, led by banks and miners, as improved U.S.-Iran relations lifted global risk sentiment. The benchmark index climbed to its highest close in months. Financial shares gained momentum after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s rate hike, while miners rose on firmer metal prices and signs of revived Chinese demand.
Congress has asked the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee to decide on TVK chief Vijay’s request for support in government formation, stressing secular governance and resistance to BJP influence. The instruction has unsettled the DMK, Congress’s key post-election ally, raising questions about alliance dynamics just after the assembly results.
Anthropic has agreed to spend $200 billion with Google Cloud over five years, securing custom TPU capacity and tying itself to one of the biggest AI infrastructure contracts on record. The deal represents more than 40% of Google Cloud’s disclosed revenue backlog, lifts Alphabet shares, and signals the growing shift toward agentic AI systems that need massive compute to scale.
Antarctica’s tourism surge, fueled by both curiosity and fears that climate change may permanently alter the continent, is driving fresh concerns. Experts warn that more visitors can increase contamination, illness, and environmental strain. In response, tour operators and regulators are tightening conduct and hygiene rules to reduce the chances of spreading contaminants among tourists and the fragile ecosystem.
Uttar Pradesh’s defence push is gathering pace, with Yogi Adityanath saying investment proposals worth over Rs 35,000 crore are taking shape across six defence industrial corridors. These zones are set to evolve into manufacturing hubs for a wide range of systems, including small arms, ammunition, missiles, and advanced engineering, signalling a major industrial shift for the state’s defence ecosystem.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate a nationwide free annual health check-up initiative for workers aged 40 and above on May 7, 2026. The program, tied to the new Labour Codes, is designed to boost social security and worker well-being, and will be rolled out through 11 ESIC hospitals starting from New Delhi.
Two former chief secretaries, Alapan Bandyopadhyay and H K Dwivedi, have resigned as chief advisors to outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Eminent economist Abhirup Sarkar also stepped down. The move follows the leadership change after the BJP’s decisive victory, ending the TMC’s long tenure in the state.
Anthropic and OpenAI are moving beyond selling models, now offering end to end enterprise AI services. With large new investments, they are embedding engineers directly with customer teams to design, deploy, and manage custom AI systems. The shift threatens traditional work for India’s TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, but also opens fresh partnership routes for firms that can integrate AI faster and better.
Rescue excavations in Torzhok, Russia, uncovered 409 gold coins sealed in a ceramic pot beneath a destroyed home. The coins span dates from 1848 to 1911 and are believed to have been hidden during the 1917 Russian Revolution. Archaeologists confirm the find, but the identity and fate of the person who stashed them remains a mystery.
With assembly elections over, speculation is growing that India may see petrol and diesel price hikes. Despite government assurances, the IMF urges the country to pass on rising crude oil costs to consumers, arguing it could curb demand and help the market adjust. The IMF also backs targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups rather than broad price controls.
After the polls, Congress formally ended its alliance with DMK and announced full support for Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the next Tamil Nadu government. The party will back TVK ahead of the oath-taking ceremony on May 7, but only if TVK keeps “communal forces” out of the alliance, signaling strict ideological boundaries.
Punjab police are investigating low-intensity blasts reported from Amritsar and Jalandhar. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has suspected Pakistan’s ISI role, saying the incidents may be aimed at disrupting peace. Forensic teams and the National Investigation Agency are collecting evidence, while security agencies coordinate with the army to determine the blasts’ origin and nature as concerns over state stability rise.
Alphabet is closing in on Nvidia as the world’s most valuable company, driven by rapid growth in its cloud and AI businesses. Now, the threat looks bigger: Alphabet is developing its own AI chips that could challenge Nvidia’s dominance in the data center. With Big Tech racing to build AI infrastructure, investors are closely tracking who wins the next compute cycle.
The Bar Council of India has written to the Chief Justice of India demanding immediate administrative action after an Andhra Pradesh High Court judge allegedly sent a young advocate to 24-hour judicial custody during a hearing. The reported reason was a procedural lapse. BCI says the matter warrants intervention to address concerns about due process and judicial conduct.
The Congress has announced an alliance with Thiru C Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the next government in Tamil Nadu. TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, narrowly short of the 118-seat target, setting up a high-stakes coalition. Both leaders have pledged to deliver on promises, especially around youth empowerment and progressive reform.
India has launched Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 to shield MSMEs hit by the Iran war fallout. The programme offers eligible businesses a collateral-free working capital top-up of up to 20% of their prior year peak utilisation, backed by a 100% government guarantee for smaller MSMEs. Loans come with a one-year principal moratorium and five-year repayment tenure.
Lufthansa will introduce its Future Onboard Experience FOX starting May 6, 2026, upgrading long-haul travel across all classes. The program aims to boost personalization and comfort through new service processes, refreshed amenities, “Signature Moments,” and enhanced meal choices. It also includes Michelin-starred chef collaborations and flexible dining options for passengers.
Delhi’s government has cleared the Phase V(B) Metro expansion, approving 97 km of new lines and 65 stations across seven corridors at a cost of Rs 48,204 crore. The network will link outer areas such as Narela, Najafgarh, Rohini, and Mithapur with central Delhi, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while accelerating regional connectivity.
After getting relief from the NCLAT, Adani Group has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court in anticipation of a Vedanta challenge. The NCLAT upheld Adani’s resolution plan for debt-laden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd in the Jaypee insolvency case. The move signals Adani’s effort to prevent any surprise stay and keep the insolvency resolution on track.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma handed his formal resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya after BJP’s decisive victory in the assembly polls. The resignation signals the end of the current assembly term and clears the way for government formation under the party’s win, following a remarkable hat-trick in Assam and a first-time push elsewhere.
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