Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A Brazilian study has reexamined microscopic fossils in 540-million-year-old rocks and concluded the structures were formed by ancient bacteria and algae, not early animals. Using advanced imaging and chemical analysis, researchers say the preserved cellular details indicate microbial communities in shallow Ediacaran oceans, overturning long-held interpretations of the planet’s earliest life.
Jio Platforms, Reliance Industries’ digital arm, has appointed Akash Ambani as managing director for five years starting April 9, 2026. The move was unanimously approved by the board and filed with the MCA. It comes as the company reportedly reworks its IPO route and pricing, with analysts valuing Jio Platforms between $200 billion and $240 billion.
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CBSE declared Class 12 results for 2026 on Wednesday, but reactions turned sharply negative as students, parents, and some educators flagged a steep drop in overall pass percentage and questioned individual score outcomes. Social media is now buzzing with complaints about the digital evaluation system, with many alleging discrepancies and demanding clarity on how marks were awarded.
Scientists have revived a 24000 year old bdelloid rotifer from Siberian permafrost, a microscopic “zombie worm” that can withstand freezing, starvation, and even reproduce without a partner. The breakthrough underscores how resilient life can be in extreme conditions, while also raising new worries that thawing Arctic permafrost could awaken ancient microbes and mobilize stored carbon.
India’s gold and silver import duty hike is expected to hit jewellery sales volumes by 10–15% initially, jewellers say. Still, they believe demand will remain resilient thanks to gold’s cultural and investment pull. Consumers may shift toward lighter designs as prices rise. The government also wants to save foreign exchange and drive domestic recycling of idle gold.
Early stage deals dominated India’s startup news on 13 May 2026. Instafix raised ₹7.55 crore pre-seed for rapid smartphone repairs. Nivasa Finance secured ₹25 crore seed to expand affordable housing lending. In public market spillover, Groww’s lock in expiry triggered block deals worth ₹5,326 crore, while Jio Platforms named Akash Ambani MD ahead of its IPO.
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Anant Raj Ltd is exploring a demerger of its data center business, with a dedicated committee set up to assess the proposal. The company has also appointed Anish Sarin as a Director. With reported strong financial growth and a strengthened balance sheet, the move could signal a sharper focus for investors on its data centre strategy.
Bharti Airtel reported Q4 FY26 consolidated net profit of Rs 7,325 crore, down 34% year-on-year, even as revenue grew 16% to Rs 55,383 crore. The telecom firm recommended a final dividend of Rs 24 per share and pointed to strong performance across India and Africa, while also investing in digital lending and AI initiatives.
Copper prices are surging in 2026, pushing COMEX above $6.50 per pound and copper futures past $14,000 per ton. The move is increasingly tied to AI data center construction, not just standard manufacturing demand. China’s factory recovery, sulfuric acid shortages in the Middle East, and tighter mine supply are intensifying a global copper crunch.
India’s Cabinet has approved a Rs 20,667 crore semi high speed rail corridor linking Ahmedabad and Dholera in Gujarat. Designed for 200 kmph operations, the project will be the country’s first to use indigenous technology, aiming to slash travel time while improving regional connectivity and accelerating development around the new corridor.
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The rupee has hit a record low as investor outflows and an oil-driven energy shock tied to the prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict intensify pressure on India’s economy. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut, economists have cut growth forecasts, lifted inflation expectations, and warned the current account strain could keep the rupee under sustained selling pressure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly cut his domestic travel convoy to just two vehicles, a step also followed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The move is being linked to an austerity push focused on fuel conservation and sustainable practices, echoing Modi’s calls to reduce fuel and even gold usage. Ministries are now considering similar fuel saving measures.
Gold jumped nearly 6% to around ₹1,63,000 for 24K and silver climbed about 6.2% to roughly ₹2,96,910/kg in India on 13 May 2026. The main trigger: the government more than doubled import duty to 15% from 6%, adding a 10% customs duty and 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. Markets also watched global safe-haven cues and US dollar moves.
Cruise passengers aboard the MV Hondius may have limited options after a hantavirus outbreak. Oceanwide Expeditions could face liability if authorities find gross negligence behind the voyage conditions. Instead of easy access to local courts, all claims must be filed in the Netherlands, where families of passengers who died can also pursue legal action.
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Kia India has launched a Battery as a Service (BaaS) programme for its Carens Clavis EV, aiming to cut the upfront cost of going electric. Instead of paying full battery cost upfront, customers can split vehicle and battery expenses through a new financing approach. Kia also claims access to 15,000 charging points via its K-Charge platform on the MyKia app.
Pune Police have detained a woman linked to the NEET paper leak and handed her to the CBI for further investigation. The leak forced cancellation of the undergraduate medical entrance exam, leaving over 22 lakh aspirants waiting for a new exam date and counselling schedule. Authorities say the probe will focus on how the paper was compromised.
Adani Power is reportedly seeking around Rs 8,000 crore in debt to finance its expansion. The proposed fundraising is said to include Rs 50 billion of public debt plus about Rs 30 billion in loans from a lender group led by State Bank of India. Details were shared by people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified.
New EU rules unveiled Wednesday target smoother cross-rail journeys by requiring operators to sell competitors’ tickets on their own websites and share booking data with platforms. The plan also tightens accountability: the company responsible for delays must reroute or reimburse travellers and may need to provide overnight accommodation, meals, and other assistance.
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The government has approved India’s first “desi” semi high-speed rail corridor under the Namo Bharat Train operations. The 134 km broad-gauge project will use indigenous technology and connect Dholera SIR with Ahmedabad, Dholera Airport, and Lothal NHMC. Designed for 220 kmph with operations at 200 kmph, it will feature 13 stations.
Brigade Enterprises reported its FY26 pre-sales dipped 5% to Rs 7,424 crore, attributing the slowdown to delays in securing necessary approvals and affecting fresh supply. Alongside the update, the board recommended a 1:3 fully paid-up bonus issue, pending shareholder and company member approval, offering investors additional equity despite softer sales momentum.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu says he will announce precautionary measures within two days to protect the state from the fallout of the West Asia conflict, including effects linked to a US-Iran war. He also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary gold purchases and foreign travel, saying collective restraint can support economic strengthening.
New analysis by a16z, drawing on an NBER working paper, finds that ebooks published on Amazon have roughly tripled since ChatGPT’s release. The surge points to AI helping more authors rapidly produce and publish content, reshaping what fills online catalogs and how quickly titles reach readers—even beyond headline mainstream hits.
Panic erupted at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur after a bomb threat reportedly demanded Rs 40 crore. Police cordoned off the area and searched for suspicious objects but found none. The caller was traced to Haryana and has been detained, with investigators bringing him to Jaipur for further questioning as the hospital grapples with the scare.
Nebius Group says revenue jumped to $399 million, nearly eight times higher, as demand for AI infrastructure and cloud services accelerates. The company is pouring money into GPUs and data center technology, betting on rapid capacity expansion. Analysts expect stronger data center growth, but warn that heavy capital spending could pressure profit margins even as shares rally.
The Bombay High Court allowed withdrawal of a writ petition contesting the Sir Ratan Tata Trust’s life trustee structure. The court held the petitioner lacked standing to bring the challenge. While the petition claimed the trust’s board composition violated new state laws and sought to overturn trust decisions, the case did not proceed on its merits.
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Google and Apple in a public interest litigation alleging that apps on their stores are being used to circulate obscene and pornographic content. A division bench directed both companies and the relevant authorities to take action and submit an action taken report before the next hearing in July, citing potential violations of the IT Rules.
After a stunning IPL surge, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has drawn major attention from AB de Villiers, who believes the batter should expand beyond T20 cricket. With 440 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 236.55, including two centuries, Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting against top pacers has sparked calls for a faster track into India’s national setup.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told India that all energy supply agreements will be completed, citing deep-rooted friendship between the two countries. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and emphasized that “unfair competition” will not disrupt Russia’s energy deals with India, signaling continuity amid external pressures.
Asia’s top trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu has been left out of India’s Asian Games shooting squad despite winning bronze at the World Championships and holding a world ranking of No. 6. The selection panel cited his performances in domestic trials, which were reportedly below the required standard, overriding his international success.
Gold and silver prices fell after stronger US inflation data dialed back hopes for interest rate cuts. A firmer US dollar further weighed on demand for bullion. Investors now look to upcoming producer price data and a Trump Xi meeting for new signals, as markets reassess inflation risks and geopolitical tensions that could sway gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
DMDK MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth attacked the Tamil Nadu government during a floor test, alleging horse-trading and raising serious transparency concerns. She also questioned why a special advisor was appointed. PMK’s Soumya Anbumani added pressure by demanding a caste survey for social justice and calling for total prohibition, highlighting widening governance and social issues in the state.
Attorneys for the US SEC and Elon Musk will argue for a $1.5 million settlement before a DC judge over Musk’s delayed disclosure of a 5% stake in Twitter. The SEC lawsuit alleges that by not reporting it promptly in April 2022, Musk avoided costs worth about $150 million. The hearing focuses on whether the settlement is acceptable and how it ends the dispute.
Lucknow police and medical teams are probing Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s step-brother Prateek Yadav’s death. An initial post-mortem report suggests a blood clot formed in his body and contributed to cardiac arrest. Investigators say the clot’s movement and resulting arterial and lung infection may have played a decisive role, with the funeral scheduled soon.
A new study suggests AI could contribute more than $500 billion to India’s economy by 2030, driven by business optimism about GDP growth. But adoption remains patchy, with many firms stuck in pilot mode. Hurdles like cloud infrastructure, poor data quality, and a widening skills gap could slow impact. India is also pushing a human-centric AI approach.
Knowledge Realty Trust announced a Rs 716.6 crore distribution to unitholders, alongside strong operational momentum in Q4 2025-26. The firm logged gross leasing of 1.1 million square feet in the quarter, lifting cumulative FY26 leasing to 3.5 million square feet. Portfolio occupancy climbed to 92 percent, signaling improving demand and momentum across its real estate portfolio.
Tencent reported a 21% jump in quarterly net profit to 58.1 billion yuan, crediting its heavy push into artificial intelligence. The company is racing to upgrade its models and may expand into startups, even as AI spending rises and weighs on margins. The latest results highlight how bets on AI are now translating into shareholder gains.
Indian refiners are preparing for a potential reduction in Russian oil imports as a US waiver set to expire this weekend nears. Geopolitical tensions tied to the Iran war have disrupted Persian Gulf supplies, pushing India toward more Russian crude in recent weeks—making the waiver’s end a high-stakes moment for sourcing and costs.
Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle division reported a strong Q4 showing, with standalone net profit rising 70% year over year to Rs 2,406 crore. Revenue also increased 22% in the March-ended quarter, signaling improved demand and operating performance. The results highlight how the CV business is accelerating even as broader market conditions remain mixed.
BJP has won big in Haryana’s municipal corporation elections, securing victories in Ambala and Sonipat while taking a commanding lead in Panchkula. Celebrations broke out as workers distributed sweets. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini credited the results to public trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, signaling strong momentum for the party ahead of future contests.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will travel by bus instead of a large VIP convoy during his upcoming Maharashtra inspection tour, trimming his convoy size by half. The step is intended to reduce fuel consumption, ease traffic, and limit public inconvenience, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity and energy-conservation push. Officials say it’s meant to lead by example as global energy concerns grow.
Sri Lotus Developers and Realty Ltd posted an 11% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 95.57 crore for the quarter ended March. Revenue surged to Rs 322.03 crore in Q4. For FY 2025-26, net profit grew to Rs 237.08 crore, while total income increased to Rs 818.71 crore, signaling stronger momentum across the year.
The Union Cabinet has cleared an upgrade plan for Nagpur International Airport by extending the land lease for MIHAN India Ltd under a public-private partnership. The approval allows GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd to run and modernize the airport, with passengers and cargo services expected to benefit from improved infrastructure and operations.
Knowledge Realty Trust, backed by Blackstone and India’s largest REIT, has raised Rs 500 crore through a private placement of 91 day commercial papers. The funds will support its expansion plans. The papers are scheduled to mature on August 11, 2026 and will be listed on the BSE’s wholesale debt market, signaling continued financing momentum for commercial real estate.
After PM Modi urged people and officials to postpone non essential foreign travel, India’s travel industry is looking inward to win back global attention. Executives say ‘Incredible India’ marketing should be ramped up and entry rules eased, including faster e visa processes, to attract more overseas tourists and strengthen foreign exchange despite disruptions to international travel.
In Maine, Christopher Knight disappeared into the woods in 1986 and lived undetected for 27 years, relying on stealth and cabin theft for survival. Known as “The Ghost of the Woods,” he avoided people and moved primarily at night. His isolation ended when law enforcement caught him during a theft, leading to arrest and widespread fascination.
Gaurav Kapoor Ventures has secured an exclusive mandate to manage sales for The Ruby, a 1 million sq ft LEED-certified Grade-A commercial tower in central Mumbai. The consolidated sales approach is designed to create a unified market position and curated buyer engagement, spotlighting standout features including sea views and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link vista.
AI firm Anthropic is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Stainless for more than $300 million. Stainless builds software that helps users access AI models more easily. The move comes as Anthropic also explores raising at least $30 billion in new funding, with its valuation potentially topping $900 billion.
Fans of ABC’s The Rookie received a long-awaited Season 9 release update, but it didn’t fully calm worries. After Season 8’s explosive finale, many expected the police drama to return in its typical fall schedule. Instead, comments from ABC executives suggest Season 9 could be pushed back, raising uncertainty for eager viewers.
Gold surged after India raised import duty from 6% to 15%, pushing up MCX and IBJA rates, influencing gold ETFs and increasing jewellery retailer prices. Experts urge existing investors to avoid panic selling and treat gold as an inflation and global-uncertainty hedge. For new buyers, they recommend staggered purchases rather than investing a lump sum.
Air India will temporarily suspend and reduce flights on multiple international routes from June to August 2026, citing airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices. The airline says the changes are meant to strengthen network stability and will provide affected passengers with alternate options. Even with the adjustments, Air India expects to keep operating over 1,200 international flights monthly.
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