Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Embassy Office Parks REIT said it will raise Rs 9,000 crore in debt, while also lifting FY26 distribution to unitholders by 10% to Rs 2,394 crore. The company declared Rs 616 crore for the March quarter, bringing last fiscal year’s total distribution to about Rs 2,396 crore. Investors will now watch how the borrowing supports future assets and yields.
A two-vehicle collision on Highway 2 in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, left one man dead and three others injured. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while another suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Two passengers were hurt but their injuries were not life-threatening. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash.
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Indian authorities have deported Mohammad Salim Dola, an associate in Dawood Ibrahim’s drug network, from Türkiye after he was apprehended in Istanbul. Intelligence agencies are now interrogating him before he is handed over to Mumbai Police. The move signals a major boost for India’s anti-narcotics efforts and raises fresh leads for ongoing investigations.
Indianna Carroll, daughter of NRL legend Mark Carroll, has earned a place with the Las Vegas Raiders cheer squad, the Raiderettes, for the 2026-27 season. After years of dedication, her NFL dream finally came true. Carroll previously came close to joining the Dallas Cowboys cheer squad, and her father hailed her achievement as a proud family moment.
West Bengal’s 2026 election battle between TMC and BJP may hinge on CPI(M)’s vote share. Analysts describe the Left’s revival as an X-factor that could pull voters away from BJP, changing the dynamics of the contest. But the key question is whether voters will once again view the CPI(M) as a credible alternative—or stick with familiar options.
Flipkart, in partnership with Axis Bank and PayU, has launched biometric authentication for Axis card payments using Face ID or fingerprint on Android and iOS devices. The move replaces SMS OTP checks, aiming to speed approvals and reduce failed attempts and fraud risks like SIM-swap, using device binding and issuer-side biometric verification.
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Thai AirAsia says it will reduce seat capacity by about 30% in May and June after jet fuel prices surged and mid-year travel demand weakened. The airline plans to optimize domestic flight frequencies and has temporarily suspended or cut services on Indian routes, citing high operating costs, while other markets remain comparatively stable.
European stocks opened subdued as investors balanced a heavy calendar of central bank meetings and corporate earnings with uncertainty from stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations. With markets watching for policy signals and fresh profit outlooks, traders stayed cautious, reflecting how diplomacy and corporate guidance are steering sentiment this week.
Exporters met Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to flag rising compliance costs, testing requirements and persistent MSME hurdles in getting goods out of India. Goyal backed industry concerns, urging firms to better use existing trade pacts to expand market access. The ministry’s push targets $2 trillion in exports by 2030, building on a record $860.09 billion in 2025-26.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said India has zero tolerance for drug syndicates and their “kingpins” after Salim Dola, described as a key figure behind Dawood Ibrahim’s drug empire, was deported to India. Shah highlighted the role of narcotics agencies and framed the move as part of a wider crackdown on narcotics networks.
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Germany’s 10-year bond yield edged to a two-week high as oil prices climbed and the Strait of Hormuz stayed effectively shut. Traders appear to be positioning for a scenario where weak growth and high inflation persist longer than expected, keeping upward pressure on yields.
In South Mumbai, four members of a family died after eating biryani and later consuming watermelon late at night. As their health rapidly deteriorated, doctors reported that the victims’ kidneys were severely impacted. While authorities are investigating the cause, doctors indicated there are less chances that watermelon was behind the deaths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, during Sikkim’s 50th year of statehood celebrations. The projects cover infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism, and agriculture—aiming to drive holistic and inclusive growth across the state.
Maharashtra ATS is investigating an attack on two security guards in Mira Road. The accused, Jabar Zubair Ansari, allegedly targeted them based on religion and reportedly wrote in handwritten notes that he wanted to join ISIS. Officials say he may have been radicalized online and are scrutinising his digital devices for possible cross-border links.
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Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada has released AP EAMCET EAPCET 2026 hall tickets. Candidates can download admit cards from the official website. The hall ticket is mandatory for entry to exam centres. Engineering exams run from May 12 to May 15 and May 18, while agriculture and pharmacy exams are scheduled for May 19 and May 20.
HSBC keeps a Buy on Eternal but cautions growth may be uneven, pointing to intensifying quick commerce competition as a key risk for Blinkit. The broker warns premium pricing and mounting market-share pressure from aggressive rivals could trigger near-term volatility. Still, HSBC expects strong long-term value with sizable EBITDA growth and potential upside of 40–50% over the coming years.
The Supreme Court said every religious institution must function with norms and modalities, not anarchy, while hearing pleas challenging discrimination against women at Sabarimala. A nine-judge bench stressed that the right to manage religious affairs cannot be used to justify unchecked actions. Regulation is permissible only within constitutional limits, including safeguards against discrimination.
India has turned into a net exporter of finished steel for the first time in the fiscal year ending March 31. The country shipped 6.6 million metric tons, up 35.9% year on year, while imports dropped 31.7%. Crude steel production also rose strongly, signaling momentum in domestic output and supply.
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A Chennai woman living in Sweden has compared everyday life and monthly finances for a family of three across India and Sweden. Her account highlights how India can feel comfortable with household help, while Sweden stands out for work life balance and social security. The post has ignited debate on what “quality of life” should really mean.
PhonePe says it has reached 50 million registered merchants, marking a major push to bring more Indians into digital finance. The app is expanding beyond payments with services like loans and tools for small businesses, aiming to boost accessibility in smaller towns. The scale-up highlights how merchant growth is becoming the base for broader financial offerings.
Google has signed a classified AI deal with the U.S. Department of Defense, enabling Pentagon use of its AI models for sensitive government work. The contract allows “any lawful government purpose” and includes safeguards related to domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, but it does not give Google veto power over how the military makes decisions.
Iran has flagged the Strait of Hormuz as a major digital chokepoint, warning that submarine cables there are vulnerable to accidental damage from ship anchors and fishing gear, as well as possible sabotage. These links carry about 99% of global internet traffic, making any disruption a direct threat to the digital economies and connectivity of Gulf countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is committed to “Act East, Act Fast” for India’s northeast, calling it “Ashtalakshmi.” In Sikkim, he outlined a tourism boost driven by better connectivity, including new expressways and a ring road, alongside eco-wellness and adventure tourism plans. He also flagged upgrades to sports infrastructure in the state.
D2C ethnic fashion brand House of Chikankari has raised ₹25 crore in a Series A led by Cap Alpha Ventures. The funding will expand its product portfolio, strengthen omnichannel sales with an offline retail push, and grow internationally. Founded in 2020, the brand claims 9 lakh+ monthly sessions, ships to 20+ countries, and supports 10,000+ women artisans.
HSBC has cut its India equity exposure and increased its focus on South Korea, pointing to Korea’s sharp earnings growth. The bank says India’s earnings recovery is genuine but gradual, and its stance remains long-term bullish. HSBC frames the move as tactical rather than structural, urging investors to stay optimistic and target emerging Indian sectors.
Germany’s military says it will not award new contracts to Palantir at this time, citing serious concerns over granting industry staff access to national databases. A senior cyber official told Handelsblatt that such access is currently “inconceivable,” even as Palantir’s AI system is preparing for long-term use by the US Pentagon.
Varun Beverages shares kept climbing after strong Q1 CY2026 results, delivering double-digit growth across profit, revenue and volumes. Brokerages like Jefferies and Motilal stayed upbeat, pointing to sturdy demand, margin resilience and growth driven by international markets. Still, competition intensity and shifting input costs remain key risks investors will watch.
A new lithium operation in western Finland is the first in Europe designed to cover the full chain of lithium production, from mining through refining. Ore is crushed at the site, processed into a sand like concentrate at a nearby concentrator plant, then shipped for battery quality lithium hydroxide production—potentially tightening Europe’s supply for batteries.
TMC has issued a sharp warning to IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, deployed as a police observer in Diamond Harbour during the ongoing elections. The backlash follows Sharma’s viral video in which he issued stern warnings over alleged voter intimidation, igniting a fierce BJP-TMC faceoff. The dispute now centers on how election duty and warnings are handled on the ground.
As West Bengal enters phase 2 of the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, Kolkata’s meteorological office has issued an orange alert for rain, gusty winds, lightning, and thunderstorms across several districts. Forecasts also point to a drop in temperatures, bringing some relief from recent heat. The update comes on the day of a high-stakes TMC vs BJP showdown.
Noida International Airport has received approval for its Aerodrome Safety Plan from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, clearing a major hurdle toward starting flight operations. The airport is now coordinating with airlines to lock in a date for commercial services, with a focus on a safe and smooth rollout after its recent expat CEO replacement.
HyugaLife, a protein and supplements marketplace, raised ₹100 Cr in a Series A led by IvyCap Ventures, with First Bridge Fund joining. The funding will bolster AI-driven personalisation, expand its dark store network, and launch an offline presence. The 2021 startup says it offers 10,000 products from 450+ brands, backed by its H-Tested authenticity programme using NABL and FSSAI-aligned labs.
Under the new Income Tax Rules 2026 starting April 1 2026, PAN will be mandatory for multiple high value transactions, including buying motor vehicles over Rs 5 lakh, opening demat accounts, and investing in mutual funds above Rs 50,000. Form 97 replaces Form 60, but its use is drastically curtailed, leaving fewer cases where PAN can be avoided.
India’s ambitious FTAs with partners including the UK and Oman are entering a make-or-break phase. After deals are signed, businesses now face the harder work of ratification, implementation and securing real market access. Geopolitical tensions add extra friction, and early benefits may go first to larger firms while others wait for trade flows to catch up.
A commuter train collision near Jakarta has killed 14 people and injured 84 others, according to authorities. The crash reportedly began when the commuter train hit a taxi on the tracks, before it was struck again by another train. Rescuers have now completed the evacuation, working to free trapped passengers from severely damaged wreckage.
Gold prices in India rebounded sharply on Tuesday, with 24-carat bullion hitting around ₹1.53 lakh per 10 grams in major metros like Delhi and Mumbai. The rally is being driven by safe-haven demand as West Asia tensions continue. Silver, however, is lagging—slipping toward about ₹2.60 lakh per kg, showing a rare split in investor preferences.
Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, known for high-profile encounters, issued a stern warning in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas after complaints from the Falta constituency. He led raids and warned the family of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan amid accusations of voter intimidation, and also flagged irregularities in Khan’s security deployment. The incident is now drawing political heat ahead of the 2026 elections.
NASA has released a striking new composite image of the Pinwheel Galaxy Messier 101, combining observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. Roughly 25 million light-years away, the 170,000-light-year wide spiral galaxy appears in multi-wavelength detail, highlighting a vast stellar population estimated at nearly one trillion stars.
Maharashtra ATS says it recovered handwritten notes from Jaib Zubair Ansari’s home after his arrest, where he expressed a desire to join ISIS. Investigators claim the attacker framed the April 27 stabbing near Asmita Grand Mansion as his “first step” toward a terrorist organisation, raising concerns about lone-wolf radicalisation.
Several low-cost carriers including Ryanair, Transavia and Volotea are cutting flight schedules after jet fuel prices climbed sharply amid the Middle East war. Ryanair is reducing services to and from Berlin from October, pointing to overall high costs and taxes rather than directly naming fuel prices, signaling tighter capacity for budget travelers soon.
Germany’s academic exchange agency DAAD is redesigning its India strategy. Instead of focusing mainly on sending students to Germany, DAAD plans long-term partnerships with Indian institutions to expand joint research and academic collaboration. The agency is also encouraging more German students to study in India, aiming to strengthen durable ties between the two countries’ education ecosystems.
The 8th Pay Commission is holding a high-level meeting in New Delhi to shape a major salary overhaul for central government employees. Union groups are pressing for a fitment factor up to 4.0 and a minimum basic pay of Rs 72,000. More than 1.1 crore employees and pensioners are awaiting key recommendations after today’s discussions begin a three-day consultation process.
Jeet Adani argues that AI’s progress depends less on code and more on electricity, infrastructure, and execution. He points to India’s structural strengths—especially trust and delivery—plus growing green energy and data-center capacity. Visakhapatnam is emerging as a digital gateway, supported by the Adani Group’s $100 billion push into green power and data centers.
The Karnataka High Court has stayed newly tightened penalties imposed on solar and wind power producers for missing scheduled grid supply targets. The decision follows industry bodies arguing the federal framework is “unilateral.” For now, firms can continue under the older fee structure until the next hearing on June 10, delaying fresh financial risk.
Kerala actor Shiyas Kareem has been booked on charges including cheating and outraging a woman’s modesty, police say. A business partner alleges he failed to return a significant investment and later threatened her when she asked for her money back. The case is being investigated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with authorities yet to establish timelines and details.
The Centre is considering a mandate requiring companies in energy, telecom and financial services to host their core digital infrastructure only on Made-in-India sovereign cloud systems. Officials cite rising geopolitical risks and cybersecurity concerns, heightened after Microsoft briefly blocked Nayara Energy services linked to EU sanctions. Microsoft says an automated system wrongly assumed EU jurisdiction, and the move also aims to reduce foreign dependency.
Tata Steel shares jumped to a fresh record high after the Odisha High Court quashed state government demand notices worth nearly Rs 4,314 crore. The notices were tied to the company’s Sukinda Chromite Block, which Tata Steel had contested. The relief from the court decision appears to have triggered investor confidence and the sharp rise in the stock.
MobiKwik Systems shares spiked after the RBI approved its application to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company. The nod enables the company to launch MobiKwik Financial Services Private Limited, aimed at expanding regulated lending and rolling out new credit products. Market players see this as a major boost to its fintech platform strategy and future revenue potential.
Google has begun construction of its largest AI hub outside the United States, selecting Visakhapatnam as a key node in the plan. The company says the project will turn Vizag into an international subsea gateway to diversify connectivity beyond existing landings in Mumbai and Chennai, strengthening the resilience of India’s digital backbone and supporting greater economic security.
Suzlon Energy shares have rallied more than 51% over the past seven weeks following a sharp March downturn. Analysts attribute the rebound partly to rising temperatures, which lift power demand. Momentum indicators stay strong, but traders are alert to possible near-term profit booking. Attention is on key support and resistance levels, alongside growing foreign and retail participation.
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