Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Apple has accused India’s Competition Commission of overstepping by requesting the company’s financial data in an antitrust case tied to the iPhone app market. The dispute escalates as Apple simultaneously challenges India’s penalty framework in court, arguing the regulator has exceeded its authority while pursuing enforcement actions.
The Delhi High Court has stayed a GST appellate tribunal order requiring Tata Play to deposit ₹450 crore for alleged profiteering. The tribunal found Tata Play did not pass on benefits of reduced tax incidence to consumers even after getting additional input tax credit. Tata Play has challenged the conclusion, arguing that no such benefit was due. The matter will be heard further.
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The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh pass is scheduled to begin in June, sending 500 pilgrims to Tibet in 10 batches. The Ministry of External Affairs has chaired a key meeting to finalize preparations, and the MEA is expected to soon release the exact dates and pilgrimage protocols for travelers.
India has outlined a long-term plan to expand its domestic shipping fleet by procuring 437 vessels through 2041-42. The approach mixes local shipbuilding for parts of the order while initially importing highly specialized ships such as VLGCs and VLCCs. Officials say the goal is to build homegrown technology and skills, not just add tonnage.
The Delhi government is inviting technology companies and research bodies to propose AI solutions for several public services, including governance, healthcare, education, air-quality monitoring, and mobility. Firms will showcase AI tools to support possible pilot projects, aiming to boost efficiency and improve service delivery across government departments.
Salesforce says it will crowdsources its AI roadmap by inviting customers to influence what the company builds. The approach is based on a simple bet: if one large enterprise has an AI problem or need, others will likely face the same challenge. The result is a more customer-driven development cycle for future AI features.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ladakh to inaugurate India’s first international exposition of Lord Buddha’s sacred Piprahwa relics, timed with Buddha Purnima. The exhibition showcases ancient remains associated with Gautama Buddha discovered at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, as local leaders called for confidence-building measures in the region.
US markets closed out April with a dramatic surge: the Dow gained a record 500 points while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also finished firmly higher. Traders pointed to a mix of blowout earnings, resilient economic data, and cooling oil prices. Yet attention remains split, with investors also watching Iran developments and Apple’s upcoming after-bell report.
A fresh political faceoff has erupted in Karnataka over the Jal Jeevan Mission. Union Minister V Somanna accuses the state of slow progress and poor fund utilization despite substantial Centre allocations. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah counters that the Centre provided little support and released funds late, fueling delays. The dispute spotlights competing claims on the program’s funding and outcomes.
Uber is outsourcing key upkeep for its Lucid Motors robotaxi fleet to Hertz via a newly formed affiliate, Oro Mobility. The fleet management firm is set to handle cleaning, charging, and repairs across multiple mobility segments, reducing operational friction for Uber’s autonomous expansion. The move signals how quickly robotaxi programs are turning to established fleet services.
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The Reserve Bank of India is accelerating the onshoring of its bullion reserves, aiming to bring nearly 77% of its gold home by March 2026. RBI has already repatriated a large portion and the decision follows global concerns about holding sovereign gold abroad after recent events, with several countries moving to return their reserves.
Meta Platforms reported better-than-expected Q1 earnings, yet its stock fell more than 10% and wiped out about $170 billion in market value. Investors focused on a sharper AI spending forecast for 2026, worrying that higher costs could pressure future profitability. Despite strength in user growth and advertising, the outlook for spending outweighed the upbeat quarter.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says India’s forthcoming free trade agreements will expand export opportunities and generate lakhs of jobs. He points to a recent pact with New Zealand as a key example, citing a USD 20 billion investment. Together, the agreements are expected to open fresh markets for Indian industries and strengthen trade growth.
VC firm 137 Ventures has raised over $700 million to invest in growth-stage startups. The fund comes as the company expands its bet beyond early winners, with a portfolio that includes SpaceX, Anduril, and Hadrian. The raise positions 137 Ventures to deploy capital across multiple rounds as it grows its new and existing fund strategies.
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Elon Musk faced sharp cross-examination in his lawsuit against OpenAI, where he alleges the company abandoned its nonprofit mission to enrich itself. OpenAI says Musk is instead seeking control and is driven by bitterness over his departure. The trial is ongoing as Musk pursues major damages and a return to nonprofit status.
Heavy rains have battered Bengaluru, with seven deaths reported in a single flooding incident. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a review of disaster preparedness, while the Lokayukta initiated a suo moto case and warned officials. An engineer has been suspended and notices issued as authorities clear debris, fill potholes and desilt drains to prevent further tragedies across Karnataka.
Infosys has appointed Nitin Paranjpe as non-executive vice chairman, effective immediately. Paranjpe currently leads HUL as non-executive chairman and serves as non-executive vice chairman of Heineken NV. He will support Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani in guiding the board and strategic agenda, while Nilekani said he will continue as chairman as needed.
A cruise boat carrying 35–40 passengers overturned on the Bargi river in Jabalpur district after a sudden storm, officials said. Four people drowned while others were reportedly rescued as emergency teams rushed to the site. The incident has raised questions about safety checks and boat operations during rough weather on inland waterways.
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The Mines Ministry has approved 58 companies under a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to expand recycling of critical minerals. Part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, the plan is designed to build domestic capacity to process materials from lithium-ion batteries, e-waste and industrial scrap, cutting import reliance while supporting clean energy and manufacturing.
A dental practice software maker has patched a security bug that exposed patients’ medical records. While the vulnerability is now fixed, the patient who discovered the issue says escalating the problem wasn’t straightforward—highlighting how difficult responsible disclosure can be for everyday users and how quickly data risks can surface.
Actor Sonali Kulkarni shared her ordeal after a piling rig collapse in Mankhurd triggered a massive traffic jam on the Mumbai Pune route. The accident, which killed a police constable, plunged eastern suburbs into severe congestion, leaving commuters stuck for hours with limited updates, turning an ordinary commute into a public ordeal.
The US Commerce Department says the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index rose in line with market expectations in March. With inflation data coming in as forecast, the reading offers President Donald Trump a potential lift at a time when his approval ratings have reportedly fallen sharply. Traders and policymakers will now watch whether the trend persists.
A Flipkart-Counterpoint study finds AI features now heavily influence smartphone buying in India, with nearly 89% of users saying they care about AI capabilities. Buyers are increasingly guided by user experience rather than raw specs, treating AI as a baseline even in mid-range models. Affordability remains decisive, and many choose EMI while design and color sway decisions too.
Dronetech startup ideaForge has bounced back after three straight quarters in the red, posting a net profit of ₹59.9 crore in Q4 FY26 (March 2026). Operating revenue jumped 6X year-on-year and 3.5X quarter-on-quarter to ₹141 crore, driving the turnaround despite total expenses rising 84% to ₹92.8 crore. FY26 losses narrowed 73% to ₹17 crore on 40% revenue growth.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Golders Green following an attack but was met with boos and angry protests. The incident has heightened fears over rising hate crimes against Jewish communities. While the government promises added security and action, critics say responses are too slow and not strong enough, fueling fresh tensions across the country.
US jobless claims dropped sharply to under 200,000, even as economic headwinds intensify. Elevated oil prices tied to the war in Iran and a notable monthly jump in consumer prices are raising costs. The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged amid uncertainty. Employers still added jobs in March, but labor market stress is showing.
Popular Korean actor Park Dong-Bin, known as “Juice Uncle,” was found dead at his unopened restaurant in Jangdong, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi. He was 56. Police say investigators have not yet confirmed any signs of homicide or other criminal activity. An acquaintance reportedly discovered his body and alerted authorities, as the cause of death is still under probe.
X is rolling out a rebuilt advertising platform powered by AI, aiming to accelerate revenue growth after a challenging stretch. The company says the update is designed to improve how ads are delivered and targeted, leveraging AI to increase performance. The rollout signals a renewed push to strengthen ad business and regain advertiser confidence.
Haj 2026 airfare will rise by about Rs 10,000 per pilgrim as global Aviation Turbine Fuel prices spike. The Haj Committee of India negotiated to keep the increase to roughly USD 100 per pilgrim, limiting the impact. Still, opposition leaders call the extra charge unjust, while the government says it protected pilgrims from a larger burden.
Indian Hotels Company Limited has expanded its premium homestay brand amã Stays & Trails by signing a cluster of 10 bungalows in Port Blair. Located near Manjery beach, the property aims to bring an island stay experience with facilities including a restaurant, gym, spa, and pool—marking the brand’s entry into the coastal destination.
Today’s Chanakya Exit Poll 2026 projects a BJP-dominant script in West Bengal, while Assam is forecast to stay in its favor. In Tamil Nadu, DMK is expected to retain power, but TVK could emerge as a serious challenger and outpace AIADMK. Kerala looks tightly contested between UDF and LDF, signaling a close fight rather than a clear wipeout.
President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war and fixing issues at home such as immigration and energy. Trump also alleged Merz is interfering with international efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear threat, arguing that those actions make the world safer.
India and the UK are deepening cooperation through the Technology Security Initiative, a pact aimed at critical and emerging technologies. The effort is designed to strengthen and secure supply chains while supporting economic growth, with collaboration already spanning AI, quantum, biotechnology, and health tech. Joint innovation projects are underway to boost both nations’ technological capabilities.
Prosecutors in the Celeste Rivas case allege singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, stabbed the 14-year-old before using a chainsaw to dismember her in his garage. They also claim he bought items such as a body bag and a pool to dispose of remains. The court filing adds that the pair reportedly had a sexual relationship when Rivas was 13 and Burke was 18.
Roblox is tightening its platform controls in Indonesia for players under 16, including facial scanning for age verification. Unverified teens will have chat features turned off, while parents receive screen time controls. The company is also introducing kid-focused categories with limited communication, aiming to better protect younger users under Indonesia’s tighter social media restrictions.
The US economy grew at a modest 2% annual pace in the first quarter of 2026, rebounding from a weak 0.5% expansion following a federal shutdown. Government spending jumped, and business investment rose 8.7%, partly powered by artificial intelligence. But consumer spending slowed to 1.6%, leaving the growth mix mixed going into what may be a volatile period.
A rare 169-year-old signed letter by freedom fighter Tatya Tope has been discovered in Madhya Pradesh’s state archives during a digitisation drive. The document, bearing his signature, points to early planning and coordination for the 1857 Revolt, urging unity between sepoys and sardars and shedding new light on the mutiny’s hidden network.
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran says India can aim for a $30 trillion economy by 2047 if it sustains roughly 12% annual growth in dollar terms. He adds that higher growth must be supported by stronger technology capabilities and investment in frontier research, positioning these areas as key to maintaining momentum.
The NTA has started UGC NET June 2026 registrations for the exam in CBT mode across 85 subjects. The application window runs until May 20, with corrections possible from May 22 to May 24. Admit cards are expected by June 15, and the test is scheduled for June 22 to June 30. The exam supports JRF, Assistant Professor eligibility, and PhD admissions.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the BJP orchestrated exit poll predictions to demoralise Trinamool Congress workers ahead of the assembly elections. She claims the TMC will win more than 226 seats and accused central forces of acting as BJP agents during polling. Her remarks sharply challenge the credibility and intent behind the projections.
Seagate Technology’s STX shares have climbed roughly 130% this year, a move analysts attribute to its role in AI infrastructure. As hyperscalers expand cloud and AI workloads, they’re snapping up high-capacity storage to handle data-heavy operations. That surge in data center demand is improving Seagate’s margins and keeping the momentum strong.
Karnataka plans to set up 1,000 MW of data parks across Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru to accelerate industrial growth. A 500 MW project near Bengaluru is slated to run on solar power and treated water, while Mangaluru will host a large facility spanning 350 acres. The state says it will guarantee power and water for investors.
Pollster Today’s Chanakya projects a major BJP-led NDA victory in Assam, estimating it will win 102 ± 9 constituencies—well above the 64-seat majority needed in the 126-seat assembly. If the trend holds, the alliance could secure a comfortable mandate early, reshaping expectations for the state’s election outcome.
Hindustan Laboratories has received Sebi’s observations, bringing its IPO closer to reality. The offering will include a fresh issue as well as an offer for sale, with proceeds earmarked for working capital and general corporate requirements. Separately, RK Steel Manufacturing has also received regulatory approval for its IPO issue.
Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) has opened its first India R&D centre at IIT Hyderabad’s Technology Research Park. The facility will run joint projects in wireless power transfer for electric vehicles and scalable development routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, aiming to speed translation from lab to manufacturing. The company sees new standards and businesses for India and global markets through deep India-Japan collaboration.
A cruise boat carrying 31 people sank in the Narmada River near the Bargi dam area in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, killing at least four tourists, including three women. Rescue operations are underway as authorities respond to the incident. The full circumstances behind the sinking are still being investigated.
Karnataka has unveiled a draft excise policy aiming to reduce alcohol consumption by 8–9% over the next six years. The plan, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, shifts taxation toward beverage strength, introduces digital supply chain tracking, and simplifies licensing. It also targets illicit trade and proposes tighter outlet rules near sensitive zones to improve enforcement.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has stepped in to quell speculation over a leadership shuffle in Karnataka, clarifying that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue for now. Kharge said any decision would be taken only after discussions with senior party leaders and that the leadership is currently focused on the existing administration, amid ongoing internal lobbying.
Knot Dating CEO Jasveer Singh says many Indian startups are misusing AI during the boom, arguing that too many founders don’t understand the problem, user, or real solution. He calls it “lazy thinking” when AI becomes a buzzword instead of a tool, stressing that success depends on clear problem definition, strong data, and real-world context.
Heavy Bengaluru rains flooded Church Street and left Bookworm with thousands of water-damaged books, sparking an online backlash and sympathy wave. In response, netizens floated a “Wet Book Fair” concept to save remaining copies and involve the community in cleanup and redistribution. The flood has become a surprising test of how fast local book lovers can mobilize.
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