Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan is stuck as delays mount and a piracy leak reportedly derailed its OTT plan. Prime Video allegedly backed out of a ₹120 crore deal after the movie surfaced online, forcing the producers to revise terms and absorb additional costs, adding to uncertainty around its next release timeline amid pending censor clearance.
A protest by villagers blocked the Navale Bridge in Pune, halting traffic on the Pune-Bengaluru highway for hours and leaving vehicle queues stretching about two kilometres. The action followed outrage over the alleged sexual assault and murder of a 4-year-old. Pune Rural Police arrested the accused and an FIR was filed by the victim’s mother under multiple IPC and POCSO sections.
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Alex Zanardi’s death has brought attention back to his most defining moment after a 2001 crash left him with both legs gone. Instead of focusing on what he lost, he declared, “Who cares about my legs? I am alive.” That mindset fueled a remarkable comeback, propelling him to Paralympic success and global resilience.
NHAI has rolled out India’s first stop-free, barrier-less toll system on NH-48 in Gujarat. Using an MLFF framework, the approach removes physical toll barriers and minimizes human intervention so vehicles can move through toll locations without stopping, aiming to reduce delays and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
The Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in West Bengal’s Falta on May 21 following clashes between BJP and TMC supporters in the area. The decision comes after polling-related tensions and disruptions, prompting the ECI to re-conduct the vote at the affected location. The repolling date aims to restore fairness and ensure the outcome reflects voters’ will.
American construction unions have moved into the spotlight of AI infrastructure, partnering with major tech firms to build large data centers. The deal is creating construction jobs and lifting union membership, while unions back tech-friendly policies and push back against local and political opposition. The result is a new, blue-collar force shaping the AI buildout narrative.
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Tesla earned over $500 million last year from Elon Musk’s other businesses. xAI contributed roughly $430 million, while SpaceX added about $143 million. The reported revenue links Tesla to services tied to AI chatbots and energy storage, with additional xAI-related revenue showing up for Tesla earlier this year.
Netflix has delayed Greta Gerwig’s long-awaited Narnia project, based on The Magician’s Nephew, aiming for a bigger theatrical push in 2027. The move suggests a warming relationship with movie theaters and a broader strategy to blend streaming reach with traditional cinema impact, using a high-profile franchise as the centerpiece.
Four school teachers were killed in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh after a massive pine tree uprooted in a severe storm and crashed onto their moving vehicle in the Ani subdivision. Police said strong winds during the storm directly felled the tree, leaving the victims dead on the spot. The incident highlights the dangers of extreme weather in hilly areas.
CBI has arrested fugitive Kamlesh Parekh after his extradition from the UAE to India in connection with a decade-old bank fraud case worth Rs 2,672 crore. Parekh is accused in the Shree Ganesh Jewellery House case and had been facing CBI charges. Authorities say the arrest marks a major breakthrough after years of efforts to bring him back.
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Ahead of the May 4 vote count in Assam, Congress and its allies held a pre-count meeting urging workers to stay vigilant and disregard exit poll forecasts favouring the BJP-led NDA. Party leaders said they do not trust the Election Commission, alleging bias, while insisting they have planned for counting day. The alliance is pushing to secure a significant number of seats.
In Meerut’s Lisari Gate area, a woman was found dead with her throat slit using a paper cutter after she objected to her husband’s extramarital affair. Police initially suspected an unknown attacker, but investigators say the husband tried to disguise the killing as a robbery to cover his tracks. Authorities have registered the case and launched further inquiry.
Warren Buffett, 95, drew a standing ovation at Berkshire Hathaway’s first shareholder meeting since CEO succession. Speaking under new leader Greg Abel, Buffett said Abel is “doing everything I did and then some,” signaling high confidence in the handoff. The upbeat tone followed strong first-quarter results and a major jump in Berkshire’s Apple investment value.
France is pressing India and the European Union to add enforceable, actionable provisions to their free trade agreement talks, focusing less on tariffs and more on non-tariff barriers. Minister Delegate Nicolas Forissier said the urgency is to tackle practical trade frictions so the agreement becomes a true win-win rather than just a paper deal for both sides.
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China’s Commerce Ministry has issued an injunction blocking U.S. sanctions against five Chinese oil refineries, including Hengli Petrochemical. The U.S. Treasury accused the firms of buying oil from Iran. China argues the measures violate international law and says the ruling prevents the U.S. from recognizing or implementing the sanctions.
New Delhi will see key provisions of the Jan Vishwas Act effective from May 15. The reform targets the criminalization of minor violations across multiple laws, shifting many cases away from jail terms toward civil penalties and administrative measures. By making punishments more proportionate, the Act aims to encourage compliance while reducing unnecessary punitive action.
Spirit Airlines has shut down operations, the first collapse tied to the Iran war amid a spike in jet fuel prices. The U.S. government announced a relief plan for affected travelers and the airline’s 17,000 employees. Major carriers are capping ticket prices and offering reduced fares, while employee support includes job-interview opportunities.
Connecticut residents using certain electric services could see lower electricity bills starting May 2026 as a new rule provides automatic monthly savings. The amount of relief depends on the specific company, and while discounts will apply, the overall bill may not fall dramatically. Future charges can also change based on actual costs and later updates, limiting how much households ultimately save.
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AI chipmaker Cerebras Systems is reportedly preparing a blockbuster initial public offering, seeking to raise up to $4 billion. The plan values the company at about $40 billion amid booming demand for AI infrastructure. Cerebras is expected to begin marketing its shares soon, with major financial institutions reportedly leading the transaction.
IBM has rolled out new AI-powered features for the Scuderia Ferrari app ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. Built on IBM watsonx, the update adds an AI Companion for conversation-style guidance, a Game Center with quizzes and leaderboards, and an upgraded Race Center with richer timelines and real-time driver insights—aimed at engaging Ferrari’s massive global Tifosi base.
In Karol Bagh, New Delhi, KB Chaat has turned a simple leftover moong dal batter into an eggless vegetarian omelette called moonglet. Started by the vendor’s father in 1970, the stall now serves about 200 moonglets each day, drawing regulars for the crispy, flavorful chaat alongside other favorites.
A 13-year-old boy, Amrit Kushwaha, was found critically injured and later died after allegedly being stabbed to death over a dispute in his village Soni Kheda, Agra. Reports say the violence began after the child was accused of plucking a watermelon from his own field. The case has sparked fear, anger, and tense conditions in the area as police investigate the attackers’ identities and motive.
An IMF working paper says Indias digitalisation of public administration has raised productivity in MSMEs, with the biggest gains in states that rolled out more reforms. The study credits simpler digital systems for reducing compliance costs, improving transparency, and enabling faster growth for smaller firms—while also helping narrow productivity differences across the country.
Anthropic is reportedly in talks to buy AI inference chips from UK startup Fractile, signaling a push to secure specialized hardware for running models at scale. The deal could help Anthropic improve performance, reduce inference costs, and strengthen supply options beyond its current chip partners, if negotiations lead to a finalized agreement.
India has extended the minimum import price (MIP) on virgin multi-layer paper board at ₹67,220 per metric tonne until September 30, 2026, as per an official notification. The policy sets a price floor for imports, aiming to manage market impact and support domestic producers while keeping the protection in place for an additional period.
As West Bengal assembly election counting approaches, Mamata Banerjee told TMC counting agents she expects a decisive victory, dismissing exit polls as misleading. Her comments come amid repolling in two constituencies in South 24 Paraganas after BJP’s Amit Malviya alleged voters were prevented from choosing the party candidate at several polling booths in Falta.
Berkshire Hathaway reported stronger Q1 operating profit even as economic headwinds pressured its consumer-facing businesses. Led by Warren Buffett and CEO Greg Abel, the conglomerate built nearly $400 billion in cash, struggled to land large deals, and stayed a net seller of stocks. Segment results were mixed across insurance, rail, and retail.
The Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat Police Station, Gautam Das, was suspended after a viral social media photo showed him holding a firearm. The development follows a complaint lodged by TMC, prompting the authorities to act quickly. Chameli Mukhopadhyaya has been appointed as the new OC, while election-related inquiries under the Election Commission are also expected to proceed.
The Met Gala is seeing unprecedented security preparations as authorities classify the event as high-risk. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is expected to be surrounded by armed officers, advanced surveillance and drones, with strict restricted zones to control access. Officials are also preparing for potential demonstrations tied to geopolitical conflicts and labor-related activism amid escalating global tensions.
The US Navy seized two tankers carrying Iranian crude in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to denounce the action as “armed robbery on the high seas.” Donald Trump escalated the rhetoric, saying the US Navy was acting like “pirates.” With tensions running high and no quick end to the broader Iran standoff in sight, the incident deepens the standoff at a critical shipping chokepoint.
Tata Power, Keppel, and Tata Realty are partnering to deploy a large Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) system at Chennai’s Intellion Park. Using 12,100 TR of cooling capacity, the project is set to go live in October 2026 on a 15-year contract, with expected energy reductions of about 20%. The centrepiece is a patented AI-ML Operations Nerve Centre that enables real-time monitoring and predictive optimisation, strengthening a low-carbon ecosystem powered by green supply.
An UP court has rejected a BJP functionary’s plea seeking Rahul Gandhi’s voice sample in a defamation case. The matter relates to alleged objectionable remarks made by Gandhi in 2018. Gandhi had surrendered earlier and was granted bail. The case will return for the next hearing on May 11, after which the BJP leader plans to file a revision plea.
Berkshire Hathaway’s cash pile has surged to about $380 billion after Warren Buffett’s exit, with Greg Abel now steering the company. Reports suggest Berkshire is holding back on investments and selling portions of its stock portfolio. Analysts are now focused on what comes next, weighing dividend boosts versus a renewed push into energy and faster business growth.
US President Donald Trump sparked fresh backlash after attacking Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Florida speech. He used harsh language, calling her “phony” and “despicable,” while also repeating an allegation about her personal life. The remarks have reignited criticism over offensive rhetoric targeting Muslim lawmakers and intensified debate over political discourse in the US.
Thyssenkrupp AG and Jindal Steel International have paused discussions on selling a stake in Thyssenkrupp’s steel unit. The companies said the deal assumptions have changed, pointing to restructuring momentum at the steel business and a more favourable regulatory environment in Europe. That creates better growth prospects even as energy costs remain high.
Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham has missed out on the Premier League for this season, ending the promotion push. Ipswich Town, backed by U.S. investment group Gamechanger 20 Limited and featuring pop star Ed Sheeran as a minority shareholder, has secured promotion to England’s top tier. The race flips fortunes as Wrexham’s Premier dream has to wait.
Aldi has issued a salmonella alert after at least 34 people across 13 states reported illness. Health officials traced the outbreak to exposure involving backyard poultry. The poultry involved can include common farm and yard birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys, raising concerns beyond the products themselves.
Prasoon Joshi has been appointed as Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said. The appointment places the creative industry veteran at the helm of the organisation that oversees major public media platforms, drawing attention to what changes he may bring in programming, governance and public communication priorities.
Dindayal Gupta, founder and chairman emeritus of Dollar Industries Limited, died on Saturday at 88 due to age-related ailments. He founded the hosiery company in 1972 and grew it from humble beginnings into a major apparel manufacturer, reaching revenues above Rs 1,700 crore. Gupta is survived by his wife, four sons, and grandchildren.
CEA V Anantha Nageswaran says India should create strategic buffers to withstand the ongoing energy shock linked to the West Asia crisis. He warns the disruption is the most severe in recent times, urging timely preparation to protect supply stability and reduce the impact of volatile global conditions on India’s energy security.
Four contract labourers were killed in a coal washery accident at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Munidih, Dhanbad. Initial reports say coal powder and slurry collapsed suddenly while loading was in progress, trapping workers under debris. Rescue operations are underway as officials assess the site and investigate what caused the failure.
President Trump has signaled interest in the government taking over or holding stakes in some US companies, framing it as a financial win that can strengthen the economy and enhance national economic security. The thinking also aims to improve competitiveness against China—an approach that contrasts with traditional Republican skepticism toward government ownership. Yet the proposal did not translate to Spirit Airlines.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing for three months after an alleged abduction, and investigators are still piecing together what happened. DNA samples taken from the crime scene have been sent to the FBI, while witnesses reported seeing a man outside her home before she disappeared. Ransom letters were reportedly sent to media outlets, and her family is urging authorities to provide proof of her well-being.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui opened up about his early Bollywood struggle, recalling financial hardship and repeated rejections before his breakthrough in Gangs of Wasseypur. He said he survived on Parle-G biscuits and described the emotional shock of being fired from projects just before shooting. Yet he kept honing his craft, even practicing dialogues publicly, driven by sheer determination.
Iran says it has proposed a pathway to de-escalate tensions, including reopening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade, while delaying nuclear talks for later discussions. President Donald Trump rejected the offer, saying he cannot accept Iran’s demands. The rejection lands after weeks of energy supply disruptions and renewed pressure in the region.
Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Harsh Deep Chhabra as Head of Strategy and New Business. He joins from Godrej Consumer Products Limited, signaling a fresh push toward planning and growth. The move underlines how major media companies are strengthening leadership teams with cross-industry experience to drive future commercial priorities in India’s entertainment market.
Tightened US naval curbs in the Strait of Hormuz have sharply reduced Iran’s oil exports, leaving the country with shrinking routes and surging inventories. Iran is responding by cutting production in a controlled manner and leaning on floating storage to keep barrels moving, drawing on years of experience managing sanctions and supply disruptions.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown uncertainty over MS Dhoni’s return for Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians, suggesting the former captain may not play. Ashwin also hinted that Mumbai’s Rohit Sharma could be sidelined due to injury, as both franchises enter the game in a high-pressure must-win situation.
The US has warned shipping firms against paying Iran for “safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, alleging Iran charges fees for detours. The move comes alongside US pressure on Iranian ports and wider tensions. In parallel, imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi’s health is reported at high risk, after President Trump rejected an Iran proposal to end the war.
After Spirit Airlines ceased operations, JetBlue is moving to help stranded travelers with $99 rescue fares. The airline says it will cap fares and expand capacity, adding more flights from Fort Lauderdale and San Juan. JetBlue also plans new destinations to preserve regional connectivity and keep travel costs down for affected passengers.
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