Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Intel shares surged 12% to an all-time high after results topped expectations and revived investor confidence in the chipmaker’s turnaround. The move was amplified by reports and chatter around a potential Apple manufacturing partnership, alongside a dramatic quarter rework. Observers are also weighing political momentum as headlines tie recent gains to the current U.S. administration’s claims.
Anthropic is rolling out new software for banks and insurers with 10 specialized AI agents designed to automate work like building pitchbooks and auditing financial statements. The push targets faster, more efficient operations across the finance sector. The company says major firms including Goldman Sachs and Visa already use its technology, and its CEO is set to speak with JPMorgan Chase’s CEO.
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The government has raised the minimum support price for sugarcane, fixing FRP at Rs 365 per quintal for the 2026-27 season. The increase by Rs 10 is intended to support about one crore farmers and strengthen the sugar industry. Sugar recovery-linked incentives also apply, with set pricing for farmers supplying to lower-recovery mills.
Hours after BJP’s landslide win in West Bengal, workers in Barasat allegedly changed the name of “Masjid Bari Road” to “Netaji Palli Road,” according to videos from Moyna area in North 24 Parganas. The clip shows chants and a celebratory atmosphere as the signage was altered after demolition, triggering scrutiny and debate over the move.
The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year mission worth Rs 5,659.22 crore to raise India’s cotton productivity. The plan targets key bottlenecks in the cotton sector by funding high-yielding seed development and wider adoption of advanced crop production technologies. The effort is designed to improve cotton yield and quality, supporting farmers’ incomes and strengthening India’s export competitiveness.
The RBI has issued draft norms allowing banks to hold specific non-financial assets only when needed to recover bad loans. Such assets must be sold within seven years, and banks are barred from selling them back to borrowers. The move is intended to improve transparency and strengthen recoveries. The draft rules are open for public comments until May 26.
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A year after Operation Sindoor, India’s defense industry is doubling down on its atmanirbhar ecosystem, with private firms urging faster adoption of indigenous technologies. Companies point to proven success of homegrown systems during the operation and argue that deeper collaboration is essential to strengthen sovereign communications and improve defense solutions.
Union Cabinet has cleared two new semiconductor manufacturing projects in Gujarat, with combined investment of about Rs 3,936 crore and expected skilled jobs of around 2,230. The Dholera unit targets compound semiconductor fabrication and ATMP for mini and micro LED modules and GaN foundry services, while Surat will host OSAT packaging and testing. The approvals lift India’s sanctioned semiconductor projects to 12, pushing execution beyond announcements.
Google DeepMind UK employees have moved to formally recognize a union, saying the company’s AI is being used for military purposes by the US and Israeli forces. Staff are asking for an end to those applications and want the firm to reinstate commitments against building AI weapons or surveillance technologies tied to them.
Voice AI startup ElevenLabs says its annual recurring revenue has crossed $500 million in early 2026. The company also raised additional funds in its Series D round, valuing it at $11 billion. Management says the new capital will accelerate platform upgrades and global expansion, with a focus on more human-like AI communication.
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Four TCS employees have been sent to judicial custody in Nashik until May 18 after allegations of religious conversion and sexually harassing female colleagues. A Special Investigation Team arrested them under specific provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. TCS has suspended the employees and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on workplace harassment.
ElevenLabs says it has reached $500M in annual recurring revenue as voice AI moves closer to everyday enterprise workflows. The company also announced new investors spanning major finance and high-profile entertainment, while expanding its footprint for businesses. The update underscores how quickly voice AI is shifting from novelty to critical interface technology.
Tata Motors has rolled out fresh diesel variants of its Harrier and Safari SUVs, packing a large Harman infotainment system with Dolby Atmos. The updated lineup also adds features such as an integrated dashcam and memory ORVMs. Alongside the product update, the company highlighted strong April 2026 passenger vehicle sales with a notable year-on-year increase.
Kerala Congress is preparing to choose its next Chief Minister, with senior leaders VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala emerging as front-runners. KC Venugopal is also in the mix. Beyond the candidate selection, the party is reportedly discussing how key portfolios will be shared with its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League, adding another layer to the race.
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In 1932, Arthur Compton’s cosmic-ray experiments using a cloud chamber uncovered a particle that matched an electron’s mass but flipped its electric charge. The striking image offered early experimental proof of antimatter, challenging existing assumptions about matter. The discovery didn’t just change physics—it also laid groundwork for modern medical imaging such as PET scans.
The government is considering adding a mandate for firms to spend at least a minimum amount on design under ECMS rules. The move could reshape how companies plan budgets, reporting, and compliance for design-led work. The proposal is part of today’s ETtech Top 5 updates, alongside other tech and policy developments.
Coinbase announced layoffs affecting about 14% of its workforce, with CEO Brian Armstrong pointing to a weak crypto market and AI’s ability to help smaller teams deliver more. The company plans to reorganize to stay resilient across future market cycles and position itself for the next wave of crypto adoption. Armstrong also addressed key support areas including severance, healthcare, and ongoing assistance.
Hero MotoCorp reported strong Q4 earnings for the January–March quarter of FY26, with profit rising 30% year-on-year to Rs 1401 crore. The company also posted record revenue and announced a dividend of Rs 75 per share, signaling improving performance even as investors watch demand trends and pricing dynamics.
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National Stock Exchange of India has declared a Rs 35 per share dividend for FY26, including a special Rs 10 payout. The announcement comes alongside 8% profit growth and a 22% rise in revenue, supported by stronger transaction income and EBITDA gains, even as some annual income trends remained mixed.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has opened an investigation into Shein, focusing on how the fast-fashion retailer transfers European users’ data to China. The DPC says the matter is a strategic priority, and notes it has previously fined TikTok for similar concerns. Shein says it is committed to complying with data protection laws as the probe unfolds.
Aadhar Housing Finance posted a 27% jump in Q4 profit to Rs 311 crore, backed by stronger loan disbursements and continued business expansion. Assets under management rose 20%, while asset quality remained stable, easing concerns even as the lender scales. The company said it expects growth to continue, supported by planned branch expansion.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has refuted caretaker Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that she was physically assaulted. Agarwal said no such incident occurred, challenging the allegation amid the BJP’s landmark West Bengal assembly victory with a 207-seat majority. The denial adds pressure to the post-election narrative as parties trade claims and counterclaims.
The Union Cabinet has approved three large railway projects worth over ₹23,437 crore, projected to add nearly 900 km to the Indian Railways network. The expansion is designed to ease traffic congestion, increase capacity, and strengthen connectivity across multiple states. It is also expected to speed movement of essential goods and lower logistics costs for the broader economy.
RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta said India could consider lowering its inflation target and narrowing the tolerance band, but only if robust growth and stable inflation persist over the next five years. Still, ongoing global shocks might force the central bank to keep the current flexibility. The final call will follow changing economic conditions.
The Centre has approved Karnataka to supply sunflower seeds for the 2026 rabi season, safeguarding farmers’ access to the minimum support price. It has also increased the procurement limit for gram in Maharashtra, expanding buying capacity. Together, the decisions aim to reduce price risk for farmers and strengthen the procurement pipeline ahead of the rabi sowing cycle.
After the Malayalam industry mourned actor Santhosh K Nayar’s death in a May 5 car crash, another film-related tragedy has emerged. Tamil star Jiiva’s father and producer RB Choudhary reportedly died in a road accident in Udaipur. Authorities have yet to confirm the crash cause or the condition of others involved. His funeral is expected to be held in Chennai soon.
The Union Cabinet has cleared two new semiconductor units under the India Semiconductor Mission, with investments totaling over Rs 3,900 crore. Crystal Matrix Limited will focus on advanced display components, while Suchi Semicon is set to expand India’s chip manufacturing capacity. Additional semiconductor projects in the pipeline are expected to come online in 2026 and 2027, accelerating domestic production.
New thermal and imaging studies are reigniting the Great Pyramid of Giza construction debate. Researchers say the stones may have been moved using integrated edge ramps rather than external methods. Advanced scans also suggest internal spaces, feeding fresh theories about how the pyramid rose. The idea is promising but still needs testable confirmation.
Vodafone Idea Limited announced leadership reshuffle ahead of May 5, 2026. Kumar Mangalam Birla will assume the role of Non-Executive Chairman, while Ravinder Takkar will step down from chairman and move to Non-Executive Vice Chairman, with both continuing as directors. The change points to a renewed governance direction for the telecom operator.
Meta Platforms says it is expanding new protections for teen accounts, rolling them out to 27 European Union nations and Facebook users in the United States. The move comes amid growing global pressure to better protect children online. Meta will use advanced AI to help identify underage accounts and reduce the risk of misuse.
The Asian Development Bank says India’s growth outlook remains strong even amid global uncertainty, but warns that sustained reforms are crucial to improve business and trade. Inflation is flagged as a major risk that could shape interest-rate decisions. The ADB also points to renewable energy and targeted subsidies to strengthen resilience, while urging skill-building to capture AI gains.
Ravi Shastri has weighed in on Jasprit Bumrah’s disappointing IPL 2026 run, noting that mental fatigue could be behind his struggles. Despite featuring in all 10 matches for Mumbai Indians, Bumrah has managed only three wickets, raising concerns for a team currently sitting ninth with three wins and seven losses. The comments add a psychological lens to his form slump.
Seattle startup CopilotKit has reportedly raised a $27M Series A to help developers deploy app-native AI agents. The round is said to be led by Glilot Capital with participation from NFX and SignalFire, according to TechCrunch’s reporting. The funding underscores growing demand for tools that move beyond chatbots toward agents embedded in real applications.
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker disappeared from radar over the Strait of Hormuz, after squawking a 7700 distress code, with its transponder going dark. Despite flight tracking evidence, there is no debris, no official crash report, and no public statement from U.S. Central Command. The incident comes as Gulf tensions rise and could disrupt critical aerial operations.
Staffing and workforce solutions provider Quess Corp reported a consolidated profit of Rs 64.34 crore for the March quarter. The result highlights continued momentum for the company in a sector sensitive to hiring cycles. Investors will watch how the figure stacks up against expectations and what it signals for demand in the coming quarters.
The BBC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NABL to help Karnataka startups earn broader global recognition for their research. Firms at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre will get easier access to NABL accreditation, aiming to validate new products more quickly. The move could reduce time-to-trust by streamlining testing and recognition needed for wider adoption.
Thalapathy Vijay has turned political and won Perambur and Trichy East with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. But his former teacher, Vasantha, paints a very different picture from the actor’s aggressive on-screen roles. She recalls Vijay as shy, obedient, and helpful, highlighting his organizational skills and warm nature—qualities that now fuel her pride in his rise.
CSB Bank says it is getting cautious on gold loans as gold prices turn volatile amid geopolitical tensions. The lender expects slower growth and is reshaping its strategy toward wholesale and SME lending, using digital strengths to support the shift. It plans to keep credit growth steady, with conservative loan to value ratios to manage risk.
Major publishers have filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms in Manhattan federal court, accusing the company of using millions of books and journal articles without permission to train its artificial intelligence model, Llama. The plaintiffs are asking for monetary damages and class action status, signaling a fresh and fast-growing front in copyright fights over AI training data.
Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer has submitted the list of elected MLAs to the Governor, according to a statement from Raj Bhavan. The Governor congratulated the CEO for the smooth conduct of the polls, praising the overall implementation and election process. The submission marks a key administrative step following the assembly election results.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has sanctioned INR 1.67 crore for three national coaching camps in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Guwahati, beginning April 10. Designed as a unified high-performance setup for India’s top shuttlers, the move feeds into Asian Games 2026 planning and comes weeks ahead of the Thomas Cup 2026, tightening the competition calendar.
Despite days of heavy snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures, pilgrims continued arriving at Kedarnath Dham, with queue lines stretching longer as devotees waited to offer prayers. Local administration said it is making necessary arrangements to support safety and convenience for those visiting. Visuals from the spot show crowds persisting through harsh weather as winter conditions intensify.
India has retained its position as the world’s top remittance recipient, receiving about $137 billion, according to the UN’s World Migration Report 2026 by the International Organization for Migration. Mexico ranks second in the global list. The report highlights India’s consistent dominance in international money flows despite shifting migration patterns.
A clay pot found in 1938 near Baghdad, containing a copper cylinder and iron rod, ignited excitement about an “ancient battery.” Modern experiments show the setup can produce electricity, yet researchers say there’s no historical proof it was used for electrochemical power. The design may instead have been intended for a more ordinary storage or craft purpose.
The Union Cabinet has cleared Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 to help businesses hit by liquidity stress during the West Asia crisis. The plan provides credit guarantee coverage for both MSMEs and non-MSMEs, with direct support for the airline sector. The government says the move will help maintain operations, protect jobs, and keep domestic production running despite global disruptions.
Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 campaign has been underwhelming under Hardik Pandya, with the team winning just its third match of the season against Lucknow Super Giants. While qualification is still possible, doubts around captaincy performance are rising, and a new report is fueling talk that MI could consider a major captaincy change.
America’s trade deficit edged up in March as imports climbed on the back of fresh AI investments and stronger demand for automotive products. At the same time, US exports of crude oil and petroleum derivatives rose. The shift follows a recent Supreme Court decision tied to tariffs, adding uncertainty to how trade flows could change next.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his party’s historic win on May 4. Vijay said he expects Centre’s support during governance, while aiming to form the government backed by 108 MLAs. He also plans to approach the governor for time to prove majority on the assembly floor.
Shopify’s Q1 revenue rose 34% thanks to broad growth, but the company says it expects Q2 sales and profit to track analyst forecasts. That outlook points to easing demand for e-commerce services as retailers grapple with higher costs and tighter spending. Despite early momentum, Shopify now faces growth risks tied to economic uncertainty.
Delhi Police have busted a doctor-led NEET scam in Delhi NCR, arresting four people including a doctor for allegedly extorting Rs 20-30 lakh from parents by promising guaranteed MBBS admissions. Eighteen aspirants were rescued after being lured with “important exam questions.” The crackdown began after a tip-off from Surat and targeted a sophisticated fraud network ahead of NEET-UG 2026.
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