Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
The Supreme Court heard a plea by journalist Sucheta Dalal seeking a mechanism to inform legal heirs of deceased depositors about dormant, unclaimed bank deposits. During the hearing, RBI submitted that the UDGAM portal enables users to search for such deposits across multiple banks, raising questions about whether it fully addresses outreach to heirs.
Assam and West Bengal’s 2026 assembly election results have ignited debate over the role of Muslim voters and whether administrative reforms tilted the outcome. Critics argue that constituency mapping, upgraded electoral rolls, and aggressive campaign tactics may have influenced results by reshaping voter access and visibility, even as supporters frame these steps as modernization.
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BJP’s win in West Bengal ends the Trinamool Congress’s long rule, driven by more than anti incumbency. Voters’ concerns over corruption, combined with administrative and organisational changes, helped reshape public sentiment. The BJP also relied on targeted social engineering and internal reforms to weaken the TMC’s long-established stronghold and consolidate support.
SRF Ltd reported an 11% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 582.02 crore for the quarter ended March. Alongside the results, the company said it will invest Rs 2,300 crore to set up a new plant in Odisha, signaling a major expansion plan even as it delivers stronger earnings for the quarter.
Microsoft, Google, and xAI are partnering with the US government to provide early access to newly developed AI models. The Center for AI Standards and Innovation will evaluate the systems to assess national security risks before they’re released to the public. The effort is aimed at measuring advanced AI capabilities while identifying potential harms ahead of time.
The Enforcement Directorate has issued a lookout notice against Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas after he allegedly evaded multiple summons tied to a money laundering probe. The move is intended to prevent him from leaving India. ED claims the investigation involves alleged financial irregularities connected to land grabbing and sand smuggling.
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Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has surged to 108 seats in Tamil Nadu’s 234-member Assembly, ending more than five decades of Dravidian rule. Vijay won from Trichy East and Perambur, putting him on track for a historic actor-turned-CM role, though forming a government may hinge on post-poll alliances. Meanwhile, the resurfacing “CM 2026” car-plate chatter adds to the momentum.
Palantir’s shares surged after the company reported an 85% revenue jump in Q1 2026, beating expectations and raising its outlook to $7.65 billion. The US business more than doubled, driving growth that now outpaces Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. With unusually strong margins for a software-focused firm, investors are scrambling to reassess how far this AI-led rally can go.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal rejected TMC chief Mamata Banerjee’s claim that she was physically assaulted during counting. He said he verified the allegation with the District Election Officer and found no evidence of such an incident, noting the absence of a formal complaint or FIR.
Scientists say solar farms may be harming migrating birds and bats by using reflective surfaces that mimic lakes. This creates a phenomenon called polarized light pollution, which can disorient wildlife, draw them toward risky areas, and increase collisions. The research urges smarter solar designs and better site planning so clean energy expansion doesn’t come at the cost of biodiversity.
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An IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh was evacuated after a passenger’s power bank caught fire moments after landing at Mohali. Smoke spread through the cabin, but the crew contained the flames quickly. All passengers were evacuated safely, though a few sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.
Krutrim, often billed as India’s first GenAI unicorn, is shifting its focus toward cloud services after layoffs and slower product development. The move highlights the gap between ambitious AI model plans and the real cost, time, and market readiness needed to sustain cutting-edge GenAI in India.
Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is set to change as TVK leader Vijay will take oath as Chief Minister on May 7. His party emerged as the single largest after the assembly elections, ending the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK. The win also highlights Vijay’s unusual journey from cinema to politics, now leading the state.
A federal court ruling could let millions of Americans claim COVID-era refunds tied to tax returns from 2019 to 2022. The IRS COVID Refund Deadline 2026 Claim is set for July 10, 2026, and may cover not just amounts paid but also penalties and interest assessed during the COVID-19 period. Many eligible taxpayers reportedly still don’t realize they could receive money back.
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Dutch quantum processor startup QuantWare has raised $178 million in new funding, with Intel Capital among the backers. The investment is set to expand QuantWare’s production capabilities as quantum computing aims to deliver dramatically faster data processing. With the sector projected to grow into a multi-trillion market over the next decade, the deal signals accelerating efforts toward real-world deployment.
India has announced faster processing of FDI proposals from China and other land-bordering nations by designating 40 manufacturing sub-sectors for clearance within 60 days. The list includes rare earth magnets and electronics, aiming to accelerate domestic production. Despite quicker approvals, Indian citizens must retain majority ownership and control, alongside new reporting guidelines for these investments.
Dolly Parton has opened up in a candid video about her health, saying she is undergoing treatment and responding well, but that dizziness and other side effects have slowed her down. She also mentioned recurring kidney stones and ongoing immune and digestive issues. With recovery as the priority, she canceled her Las Vegas residency.
Madhya Pradesh’s cabinet has cleared a Rs 38,555 crore plan aimed at upgrading roads, strengthening agriculture, and scaling IT manufacturing. Alongside the funding push, the government will set up a State Traders’ Welfare Board to tackle trader concerns, with district-level committees to support local businesses and improve economic activity.
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After the 2026 Assam Assembly elections delivered a disappointing result for Congress, state president Gaurav Gogoi conceded full moral responsibility for the party’s performance. Speaking in Guwahati, he urged leaders to introspect, accept the setback, and prepare for organisational changes as he pitched the idea of a “new Congress” to rebuild and recover.
The Bombay High Court has dismissed a bribery case filed by the Lilavati Trust against HDFC Bank MD Sashidhar Jagdishan. The court said the complaint appeared to be a reaction to the bank’s efforts to recover more than Rs 65 crore and noted strained ties among hospital trustees. It held there was no justification for the bribery allegations.
Scientists report that common fool’s gold, or pyrite, contains lithium—an unexpected twist for a mineral long dismissed as worthless. The finding could reshape lithium supply by turning overlooked deposits into an additional source, potentially cutting reliance on new mining. If confirmed at scale, this could help meet demand for batteries and renewable-energy storage with less environmental disruption.
Gaurav Gogoi’s high national profile failed to deliver in Assam’s assembly elections, resulting in a major defeat. Congress also saw its state performance decline, suggesting voters leaned toward local connections rather than political legacy. The result spotlights a bigger shift: party organization may matter more than individual prominence for Congress’s future in Assam.
England fast bowler Ollie Robinson says he’s aiming for a Test recall after receiving positive feedback from head coach Brendon McCullum and national selector James Taylor. Robinson has performed strongly in England’s domestic season, and the encouragement has fueled his belief that a return to the Test side could be within reach if he continues his momentum.
A shocking incident shows how a Morse code message can manipulate an AI system into executing a high-value crypto transfer, draining $200,000 in seconds. The case highlights a growing threat at the AI finance intersection: when bots are given direct access to wallets, even indirect prompt or signal attacks can trigger real-world financial actions fast, leaving security gaps exposed.
Congress candidate Motab Shaikh clinched victory in West Bengal’s Farakka Assembly seat, overturning a rare electoral reversal after his name was deleted from the voter rolls during a special revision. An appellate tribunal later restored his eligibility. Shaikh won by 8,000+ votes, even as the BJP dominated the West Bengal Assembly elections with 207 seats, leaving Congress at just two.
A record FII sell-off of ₹1.92 lakh crore is pressuring large-cap banks and IT, but domestic investors are rotating into cash-rich names like Tata Technologies and Exide Industries. Analysts say the shift signals “self-funded growth” and “strategic insulation” as Indian portfolios try to reduce exposure to global currency swings and energy disruptions.
The US has issued a hard warning to Iran over behavior in the Strait of Hormuz, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth calling Iran the aggressor. Washington is launching Operation Project Freedom to protect safe passage through the strategic waterway and says it will respond with significant retaliation if Iran continues harassing ships.
Indian government bonds stabilized on Tuesday as bargain hunters stepped in, halting a five-session decline in the benchmark 10-year. The buying interest came even after renewed U.S.-Iran attacks, which initially raised concerns about oil-driven inflation. However, oil prices did not extend higher, helping yields steady and sentiment improve for traders.
After BJP’s historic third consecutive win in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted a handwritten note from a month earlier where he predicted a result “one seat better than the best.” His post credited the outcome as a people’s “blessing,” underscoring how closely his early estimate matched the final tally.
Women voters turned out strongly in West Bengal’s assembly elections, with BJP’s welfare promises and emphasis on women’s safety drawing notable attention. TMC’s flagship scheme faced tougher competition, while concerns over employment and recruitment scams also influenced choices. Analysts say the pattern could signal a broader shift in how parties craft outreach and win key constituencies.
Harley Davidson is unveiling a new turnaround plan, Back to the Bricks, aimed at reversing profit pressure by cutting costs and pushing more affordable motorcycles. The company also plans to strengthen its dealer network and roll out new offerings like the Sprint, alongside a revived Sportster. The effort targets cautious consumer spending amid broader economic strains.
Farmers are waiting for the PM Kisan Samman Yojana 23rd installment, expected around June to July 2026, with beneficiaries receiving Rs 2,000. The payout is tied to eligibility under the landholding scheme and requires mandatory e-KYC and Aadhaar linkage to ensure funds reach the right farmers without delays.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin resigned after a dramatic Assembly election defeat, submitting his resignation to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who accepted it. With the DMK vacating the Secretariat, attention shifts to the new regime as TVK, led by Vijay, emerged as the single largest party. Stalin has pledged to regroup as a “strong opposition” despite the one-sweep loss.
Ukraine has significantly increased medium range drone strikes aimed at Russian logistics, troop concentrations, and air defenses located dozens of kilometers behind the front lines. The tempo has more than doubled since March, reflecting a push to disrupt supply chains and erode Russia’s ability to sustain operations while Kyiv expands its domestic defense capabilities.
India’s growth outlook is at risk as a prolonged West Asia crisis could push GDP growth below 6.5 per cent, CII President Rajiv Memani cautioned. He pointed to oil prices staying elevated beyond USD 100 per barrel as a key drag on economic activity, while interest rates are unlikely to ease quickly. CII also called for targeted support for MSMEs.
Facing a decisive Trinamool Congress rout in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, Mamata Banerjee rejected the results, alleging the Election Commission “hijacked” the polls. She claimed around 100 seats were “stolen” from TMC and also alleged physical assault by officials at a counting centre, triggering sharp political backlash.
NHPC has begun commercial operations for the fourth unit of its 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, a landmark for India’s largest hydro undertaking. With four units now producing, the company is moving toward commissioning the remaining units, accelerating progress on a major clean power project with national-scale significance.
Amazon plans to buy a new HVAC system for its commercial buildings, aiming to cut energy consumption by improving how humidity is controlled. The approach is based on a Nobel Prize referenced dehumidification method, shifting cooling and moisture management to reduce waste. The move could lower operating costs and carbon impact if the technology performs at scale.
Fresh from winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India have again retained the No. 1 spot in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the team’s performance underlines its continued dominance in the shortest format, keeping its top position as other sides battle to close the gap.
Nearly a year after India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian Tom Cooper has now described India’s action as a clear-cut military victory, pointing to what he says was India’s decisive advantage during the confrontation.
Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi pledged to function as a proactive opposition after a significant defeat, saying the party will foreground people’s issues and keep a close watch on the BJP government. Taking moral responsibility for the alliance’s performance, he indicated that a detailed review of election results will follow soon, alongside plans to strengthen the party and reconnect with voters.
Trump’s “Project Freedom,” meant to lower global oil prices by using the US Navy to clear the Strait of Hormuz, is producing the opposite effect for India. With military escalation keeping Brent crude above $108, analysts warn of a “flight to safety” trade that could push the rupee toward ₹98 per dollar and trigger a major energy shock by late 2026.
Larsen & Toubro has declared a Rs 38 per share dividend for FY26 and set May 22 as the record date. The company also reported mixed Q4 performance, with a slight profit decline alongside solid revenue growth. Strong order inflows and continued international expansion helped support its annual outlook, with a focus on future technology-led growth.
The Karnataka High Court has stayed a police complaint filed against election officials in Sringeri, tied to claims of postal ballot malpractice after the May 2023 assembly elections. Following a court-ordered recount that reportedly changed the result, CM Siddaramaiah alleged criminal wrongdoing involving the BJP candidate and others. The HC’s order blocks the case from proceeding for now.
Coforge reported a fourth-quarter profit that more than doubled to Rs 612 crore, driven by higher order intake and rising revenue. The Indian IT services firm said robust deal wins helped sustain momentum, reflecting improved demand and stronger execution. Investors will now watch whether the current pipeline converts into continued growth in the next quarters.
Delhi Metro has approved indigenously manufactured platform screen doors for stations across its upcoming Phase IV and Phase V corridors, aligning with the Centre’s push for at least 75% local manufacturing. Full-height PSDs will be installed at underground stations for better safety and climate control, while half-height doors will be used on elevated stretches.
Aerospace components maker ITP Aero is investing Rs 453 crore to set up a new manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, Telangana. The plant is expected to be operational by 2027 and will produce commercial aviation engine components while creating 350 skilled jobs initially. The move further strengthens Telangana’s growing aerospace and defense ecosystem.
Vijay has been unanimously elected leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) legislature party after securing the single-largest majority in Tamil Nadu. With reports suggesting TVK is in contact with Congress and Left parties, as well as possibly the PMK, political speculation is rising over whether Vijay could be next in line for the Tamil Nadu CM post.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises has filed a Delhi High Court suit against Nykaa, alleging the beauty ecommerce firm used Zee’s copyrighted Hindi songs in Instagram reels to promote products without proper permission. Zee argues Meta licensing covered only non commercial use, while Nykaa’s promotional content targeted its follower base. The company seeks ₹2 crore in damages, with the next hearing set for May 26.
The UAE has imposed flight restrictions on specific air routes after it successfully defended against Iranian missiles and drones. Emergency security measures are now active, with flights limited to designated entry and exit points. Notably, airspace had been declared clear just days earlier, making the sudden change raise new concerns for travelers and airlines.
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