Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Indian IT shares fell sharply on Tuesday, dragging the Nifty IT index down 3.7% to a three-year low. The selloff followed reports of OpenAI making a major push to speed AI adoption, fueling fears that the move could disrupt traditional software services business models and margins for established players.
India’s share of global market capitalization has fallen under 3%, pressured by a prolonged bearish run and heavy foreign portfolio investor outflows. Even with the slide, the country remains fifth globally with a market cap of about $4.9 trillion. However, Taiwan and South Korea are closing the gap quickly, signaling faster shifts in global investor preference.
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Former NBA center Jason Collins has died at 47 after a battle with glioblastoma, his family confirmed. Collins made history in 2013 as the first openly gay player in the league, using his platform to push for inclusion. Tributes highlighted his courage and advocacy, while his family thanked fans and supporters for their help during treatment.
Ahead of travel to China, President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s military has been decimated and insisted the US will win a potential war “peacefully or otherwise.” He said the US blockade is “100% effective,” as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also criticized NATO, escalating rhetoric at a sensitive moment in regional security.
After four months of improving consumer demand, executives warn that rising crude oil prices, supply disruptions, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for austerity could derail the recovery. They expect the impact to be most severe in electronics, where higher costs and weaker discretionary budgets may quickly slow buying.
US Senator Lindsey Graham sharply attacked Pakistan’s role as a broker between the US and Iran, amid reports that Islamabad may have allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airbases. The remarks come as the Pentagon said the Iran war has already cost about $29 billion, raising fresh questions over regional loyalties and intelligence cooperation.
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The CBI has taken charge of the NEET 2026 paper leak investigation after days of state-level probe activity. More than 150 candidates, along with friends and parents, have already been questioned. Authorities suspect a Rajasthan-Haryana-Maharashtra network involved in distributing alleged leaked questions, prompting the case handover for deeper scrutiny.
Donald Trump called for Barack Obama’s arrest on Truth Social, accusing him of treason and reviving claims that the Obama administration spied on Trump’s 2016 campaign. In the same burst, Trump attacked media coverage and revisited disputed claims about the 2020 election, while also sharing military imagery tied to Iran.
Harvey Weinstein’s third trial over allegations of rape involving actor and hairstylist Jessica Mann entered closing arguments in New York. The defense portrayed Mann as unreliable and questioned the credibility of her account, while prosecutors argued she was manipulated. Both sides laid out sharply different versions of a relationship that began in 2013, setting up a high-stakes jury decision.
Equity mutual fund inflows dipped 5% to Rs 38,440 crore in April, but buying remained broad across categories. Flexi cap funds posted their highest-ever monthly inflow, while smallcap and midcap also attracted strong money. Sectoral and thematic funds, however, saw moderation as investors grew more selective amid market volatility.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, 29, died in Los Angeles after authorities responded to an emergency call. Investigators are reportedly looking into a possible overdose, with drug paraphernalia allegedly found at the scene. Clarke’s agency and the Grizzlies organization shared messages of grief, while the exact cause of death remains under review.
Indian markets slid for a fourth straight session as pressure weighed on realty and jewellery stocks. Despite the broader weakness, ONGC and Vedanta advanced after government royalty cuts improved sentiment. Tech Mahindra also stood out among the day’s biggest movers, underscoring how policy-driven cues can spark sharp stock swings even amid continuing selloffs.
A new study suggests that older women’s muscle strength—measured by grip strength and how easily they can stand from a chair—can strongly predict longevity. Researchers found lower mortality risk among participants with greater strength, even after accounting for physical activity and other health factors. The findings point to practical, at-home screening that may help flag risk earlier than traditional measures.
Nahid Rana’s career-best 5-40 spearheaded Bangladesh’s 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test. Pakistan, chasing 268, were bowled out for 163, with Rana’s breakthrough spell after tea proving decisive. Bangladesh set the target by declaring their second innings at 240-9, then tightened the screws to secure a commanding win.
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Alleged paper leak concerns are back for NEET-UG 2026, with the NTA under renewed scrutiny. The K Radhakrishnan Committee, formed after the 2024 NEET-UG crisis, proposed major reforms to strengthen exam integrity, but key measures—especially functional CCTV surveillance—still appear incomplete. The delay in implementing recommendations is reigniting questions about the NTA’s preparedness.
Jordan Spieth tees up his 10th bid for the career Grand Slam at this week’s PGA Championship, determined to break a nine-year major win drought. After nine previous attempts without completing the Slam, his best finish at the PGA was a third-place showing in 2019. Now he’s back with another shot at golf’s rarest milestone.
Wall Street edged lower as hotter than expected U.S. inflation and ongoing Middle East tensions weighed on investor sentiment. With CPI at a three-year high, traders are increasingly pricing in the Federal Reserve keeping rates steady for longer. While strong earnings offered some support, the inflation shock and geopolitical risk kept markets cautious.
Indian banks are gearing up for robust double digit corporate credit growth this fiscal year, driven by faster demand from infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and data centre projects. Lenders including SBI and Bank of Baroda report healthy loan pipelines, signaling an upbeat outlook for business lending. Yet, sustaining the momentum hinges on managing liquidity pressures.
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Airlines report weak forward bookings and cautious growth plans as Indians reconsider overseas travel amid high airfares and a weaker rupee. The shift follows calls to postpone foreign holidays, yet large-scale cancellations have not hit operations hard. Instead, carriers and tourism stakeholders are redirecting attention toward boosting domestic travel, banking on its wider economic ripple effects.
Vodafone Idea’s board will meet on May 16 to discuss a fundraising plan that could bring in fresh capital via equity and warrants. The debt-heavy telecom operator is seeking stronger financial footing to fund network upgrades and stay competitive. The decision could signal a critical next step for its turnaround and ability to meet operational and repayment pressures.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City feel no added pressure despite a must-win clash with Crystal Palace. With City five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and only three games left, dropping points could let Mikel Arteta’s side clinch the title. Guardiola insists the team’s mindset remains steady as the season nears its decisive stretch.
Electric two-wheeler companies are moving toward higher prices as costs rise and supplies get disrupted. Firms including Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy cite expensive raw materials and lingering supply chain constraints. The surprise pressure comes from demand for AI infrastructure, which is affecting availability of certain critical components for EV production, likely hitting consumers soon.
US President Donald Trump said Cuba is seeking assistance from the United States and that discussions with Havana will follow. The remarks come after Trump previously warned Cuba was next, referencing US actions after Venezuela. His administration has imposed financial sanctions, travel restrictions, and a fuel blockade, while both US and Cuban officials were unavailable for comment.
Rani Kapur has moved the Supreme Court seeking to bar Priya Kapur from handling affairs of the RK Family Trust and five related businesses. The plea lands as the court prepares a mediation process, with Rani alleging Priya is pursuing an unlawful takeover of family resources. The dispute could hinge on who controls the trust during talks.
Canara Bank reported a 10% dip in net profit last quarter, driven mainly by treasury losses. The lender says it will lean on core income to protect net interest margins while funding stays healthy. Management expects advances to grow 11-12% and deposits 9-10% this year, with asset quality holding up through a low slippage ratio.
US stocks finished lower as hotter-than-expected inflation and escalating US-Iran tensions hit investor sentiment. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped from record levels, led by weakness in tech, while the Dow was comparatively steady. Rising oil prices and expectations that inflation may stay higher further dented hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts and boosted bets on additional rate hikes.
Across India, bridal jewellery counters are seeing a sharp surge as customers rush to finalize purchases earlier than planned. Jewellers link the spike to growing uncertainty after austerity messaging from PM Narendra Modi and fears that import duties or GST on gold could rise. For many shoppers, gold’s cultural weight and potential price jumps outweigh waiting.
The Nasdaq 100 tumbled more than 2% in Tuesday trading, extending its sharpest sell-off in weeks as April CPI confirmed inflation is no longer cooling. The rise pushed CPI to its highest level since May 2023, rattling investors and weighing on the Dow and S&P 500. Traders now face growing uncertainty over rates and market direction.
India has launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, a 1.5 billion initiative designed to strengthen domestic maritime trade by cutting reliance on foreign insurers. The pool comes with a sovereign guarantee meant to keep insurance coverage continuous for vessels. First insurance covers have already been issued to key entities, signaling immediate support for India’s expanding maritime sector.
Retail inflation rose to a four-month high of 3.5% in April, driven mainly by higher food prices and a rebound in gold and silver. Economists warn more inflation pressure could follow, even as expectations grow that the Reserve Bank of India will keep its policy rate unchanged. With inflation nearing the RBI’s target, rate hikes may take a breather for now.
A viral post claims Air India has cancelled all international flights until July 2026. But the airline has not grounded its global operations. Instead, it has temporarily reduced services on specific routes as costs rise and geopolitical tensions persist. Flights to key destinations are still operating, though some long-haul sectors are seeing lower frequency.
A major private hospital group has warned that a reimbursement cap under the Central Government Health Scheme is straining finances for hospitals treating advanced cancer. The cap on life-saving immunotherapy drugs is pushing essential medicines beyond affordability for many CGHS beneficiaries, according to the association, which says nine specific drugs are now out of reach and may limit access to treatment.
Donald Trump is heading to China aiming for a tangible win ahead of the midterms, even as West Asia remains a volatile backdrop. The talks are expected to focus on rare earth supply and tech goods, but any progress will depend on both sides balancing economic demands with domestic political needs, limiting the odds of sweeping breakthroughs.
TVK MLA R Seenivasa Sethupathi has approached the Supreme Court after a Madras High Court decision restricted his voting rights in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The move threatens the ruling alliance’s ability to maintain its majority, raising fresh stakes for coalition power amid election-season scrutiny and legal uncertainty over assembly voting privileges.
An analysis of Tamil Nadu’s recently appointed ministers finds that 50% have criminal cases, while 30% face serious allegations. About 20% of the ministers are crorepatis, with the Chief Minister listed as the wealthiest. The cabinet’s average assets reportedly add up to a striking Rs 126 crore, raising fresh questions on who’s in charge.
Ahead of Tamil Nadu’s floor test, a faction of AIADMK has decided to ally with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s TVK. The move follows poor showings in recent elections and deepening internal dissent, with critics alleging AIADMK leaders have been working toward ties with the DMK. The split could reshape the political math for the government’s challenge.
RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale hit back at DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma, saying it will not disappear. He compared Sanatan to an eternal banyan tree that cannot be wished away, arguing it reflects India’s spirit and worldview rather than just a religious practice. Hosabale also claimed Sanatan can stay fresh while embracing modernity.
Global bond markets are rattled as US Treasury yields surge to around 5% amid rising oil prices and persistent inflation concerns. Those pressures are shifting expectations for US interest rates, making investors reconsider the odds of Federal Reserve rate cuts. UK bond markets are also under strain, reflecting broader unease across major economies.
Farooq Abdullah has opposed an alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that such a move could sharply reduce government revenue and create practical challenges. The debate in the region continues to pit public welfare claims against concerns about economic impact, with supporters and critics weighing whether prohibition is the right approach or if regulation would be a better path.
Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines is looking to build ships in India and expand into roll-on roll-off terminals, aiming to strengthen inland logistics. The move is designed to reinforce MOL’s position in shipping automobiles from India, with the country identified as a priority region for growth. The company is also weighing broader investments that could reshape its regional transport network.
India has warned that countries supporting terrorist-linked alliances can suffer reputational damage on the world stage. The message intensified after reports surfaced that Chinese engineers have been involved in Pakistan’s military aircraft initiatives under Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of External Affairs said such partnerships can erode trust and prestige internationally, raising fresh diplomatic pressure.
Community Bank disclosed a cybersecurity incident after customer information was shared with an AI app. The exposed data included customers’ names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The bank, serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, says it discovered and reported the issue as it investigates potential impact and works to secure systems going forward.
The central government says it has fully operationalised four new labour codes, merging 29 laws into a simpler framework that balances worker protections with business needs. Officials believe the move will improve coordination between labour and industry. Now, the ministry plans a comprehensive employment policy to steer future job creation and workplace regulation.
CEA Nageswaran says the West Asia crisis should be treated as a balance of payments stress test for India. He links FY27 priorities to keeping the current account healthy, securing financing, and curbing currency depreciation—because pressures from external shocks can quickly feed into CAD, inflation and exchange rates. A separate push to settle payments to micro and small firms also supports working capital.
The NEET UG 2026 has hit another controversy as allegations of examination paper leaks swirl around the National Testing Agency. The criticism echoes earlier troubles in 2024 and other 2026 failures, including power disruptions and incorrect answer keys. As scrutiny grows, students and stakeholders are demanding answers and stronger safeguards before results and admissions timelines are affected.
Gujarat Titans delivered a ruthless all-round show, beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs to leap to the No. 1 spot in the IPL points table. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar set a solid platform with half-centuries, then Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder struck hard as the Titans’ bowlers restricted SRH to just 86 runs.
Early-stage venture firm A* Capital, founded by Kevin Hartz, has closed its third fund, Fund III, with $450 million. The milestone underscores renewed appetite for early bets, as the firm prepares to deploy capital into new startups and follow-on opportunities. With a sizable third vehicle now in hand, A* signals ambition to scale its deal pipeline and track record.
Parents in California have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT gave advice that contributed to their son’s accidental fatal overdose. The complaint claims the bot encouraged combining dangerous substances. It also notes the incident occurred before OpenAI launched a new health advice platform. OpenAI says it is strengthening safety measures.
India’s AMCA fifth-generation stealth fighter programme is moving into a pivotal stage, with the government expected to issue an RFP next month. The bid invitation will go to three shortlisted, private sector-led consortia, marking a notable shift toward involving industry more directly in advanced defence manufacturing and accelerating the programme’s path forward.
A top South Korean policymaker floated the idea of a citizen dividend funded by AI profit taxes, triggering sharp market volatility. Traders feared a fresh corporate levy on AI companies. The proposal was quickly clarified to target excess tax revenue rather than imposing a new charge, helping stocks recover partially. The episode highlights how AI-linked fiscal ideas can move markets fast.
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