Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A new study challenges the “10,000 steps a day” rule, suggesting you may need far fewer to keep weight from creeping back after dieting. Researchers analyzed thousands of adults and identified roughly 8,500 daily steps as a key threshold for maintaining weight loss. The takeaway: walking isn’t only for shedding pounds, but for protecting progress long term.
Veteran BJP leader Tapas Roy has taken the oath as pro-tem Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, administered by Governor R.N. Ravi. Roy will oversee the swearing-in process for newly elected legislators as the House moves into formal proceedings under constitutional rules and regulations. The development is seen as a notable political milestone for the BJP in the state.
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Spotify has launched “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s),” a personalized anniversary feature that turns your listening history into a nostalgia-packed recap. Inside the app, users can see their joining date, first-ever streamed song, most-played artists, and top tracks from their entire time on the platform. It’s built as a fresh companion to Spotify Wrapped for the brand’s 20th anniversary.
The National Testing Agency has cancelled NEET UG 2026 amid allegations of a paper leak. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the process for a re-examination will begin immediately, with a new schedule to be announced within seven to 10 days. He also assured no additional fees will be charged and original fees will be refunded.
A Pakistan Air Force delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed is visiting Dhaka as Bangladesh deepens cooperation with Islamabad. The talks include advanced pilot training and possible acquisition of JF-17 fighter jets. Both sides also agreed to expand joint efforts to curb drug trafficking and money laundering through coordinated operations and capacity building.
Wispr AI Inc., which builds advanced voice dictation tools for tech professionals, is reportedly in talks for a major funding round. The potential investment of about $260 million could more than double its valuation to roughly $2 billion. Menlo Ventures is expected to lead the financing, signaling strong investor confidence in voice-to-text productivity software.
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Srinagar Police have intensified their anti-narcotics drive under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, registering 101 cases and arresting 143 accused. The operation also seized heroin, charas, ganja and psychotropic tablets, using a multi-pronged approach that mixes enforcement, regulation and public outreach across Kashmir communities.
Political consultants have moved from behind-the-scenes support to shaping Indian election campaigns end to end, including strategy, candidate selection, and outreach. Their rise is now provoking resentment within parties, with recent election defeats sharpening accusations that consultants are “hijacking” party structures and weakening grassroots ties—leaving leaders to question who truly controls democracy.
The US Pentagon is reportedly using Anthropic’s AI system, codenamed Mythos, to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and address software vulnerabilities. The surprising part: the deployment is reportedly paired with plans to gradually reduce or end reliance on the firm, indicating a short-term partnership meant to solve immediate security gaps before longer-term sourcing changes.
MTAR Technologies’ March-quarter earnings surged more than 200% to Rs 44 crore, driven by 67% revenue growth and better operating efficiency. The precision engineering firm saw higher product sales alongside expanding demand across clean energy, aerospace, defence, and strategic manufacturing. The results signal strong momentum as profitability improved alongside top-line growth.
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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has directed state ministers to seek formal clearance from the CMO before any air travel, aiming to cut fuel use and government spending. The move follows West Asia energy supply disruptions tied to ongoing conflict there, and aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s broader austerity push. Ministers must now follow a tighter approval process for official trips.
President Donald Trump says Cuba is asking for help, signaling imminent discussions that could mark a shift in US approach. The statement comes as Trump prepares for a diplomatic visit to China, where Cuba’s future may be raised. The US has maintained a tight grip on Cuba through sanctions, even as China continues to pressure the US on the matter.
Samsung is rolling out a One UI 9 beta built on Android 17, with the first wave slated for the Galaxy S26 series later this week. The update promises expanded personalisation, stronger accessibility, new creative tools, and tighter security features across eligible devices, though early access is expected to be limited and staggered rather than universal.
The European Union is preparing new rules aimed at shielding children from addictive and manipulative social media design. The European Commission plans to propose a Digital Fairness Act later this year, targeting harmful features that keep young users engaged. The goal: reduce risks to children’s wellbeing by limiting practices that exploit attention and vulnerability.
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The viral ‘Immortal Snail’ meme has escaped the comment sections and landed as a bizarre desktop game. Built around its psychologically unsettling one-life premise, the game turns online debates about survival strategy and loopholes into an actual challenge. Fans of the meme now have to test theories fast—because the “immortal” part isn’t a free pass.
The IMF has urged Pakistan to take swift and strict action against trade-based money laundering ahead of the FY 2026-27 federal budget. The IMF flagged concerns about suspicious financial activity and noted gaps in how beneficial ownership information is shared, pressing Pakistan to strengthen financial oversight mechanisms before budget decisions come due.
Researchers from King’s College London and Trinity College Dublin say they’ve developed cyclotrialumane, a new aluminium compound that could act as a substitute for pricey platinum and palladium in industrial catalysts. Published in Nature Communications, the finding points to potentially cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable manufacturing—if scaled beyond the lab.
Crypto markets swung sharply as nearly $23 billion was wiped out in hours. Bitcoin fell below $81,000 after failing to push through a key resistance area near $83,600, flipping sentiment from bullish to cautious. The total crypto market cap slid to about $2.67 trillion, leaving investors hesitant and unsure whether any immediate rebound can hold.
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The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps foiled an infiltration attempt in the Krishna Ghati sector of the Line of Control near Poonch on Tuesday. Alert troops detected suspicious movement about 300 metres inside Indian territory and responded quickly, neutralising one intruder. Officials said the action prevented any breach of the LoC.
NEET UG 2026 has been cancelled amid allegations of a question paper leak. Gujarat minister Praful Pansheriya told students they will not need fresh registration or pay any new fees for the rescheduled exam. Meanwhile, the Centre has ordered a CBI probe into the irregularities, adding to last year’s NEET disruption as NTA tries to rebuild trust.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City expects Crystal Palace to act “professional” when selecting their team for the season’s final-day visit to Selhurst Park against Arsenal. Guardiola’s comments come with the title potentially hanging in the balance, three days after Palace’s scheduled matchday context, underscoring how every decision could shape the championship outcome.
Spotting a stinging insect nest before anyone tries to remove it can be the difference between a routine fix and a dangerous incident. Bees, wasps, and hornets nest differently and defend with different levels of aggression. A mistaken ID—especially based on nest shape—can trigger multiple stings and even severe allergic reactions.
US stocks fell sharply after the CPI inflation report showed a 3.8% rise, the highest in three years. The Dow slid over 307 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted losses. Treasury yields rose and the dollar strengthened, with tech stocks retreating as investors priced in the possibility of longer Federal Reserve rate cuts being delayed amid rising oil prices and Iran related tensions.
The Pentagon said the US cost of the war with Iran has climbed to nearly $29 billion, up from a $25 billion estimate given at earlier testimony. The updated figure arrives as President Donald Trump faces intensified scrutiny over the conflict’s impact, including concerns about military readiness and the strain on resources.
President Donald Trump shared AI-generated images on Truth Social showing targeted U.S. strikes on Iranian military assets, framing them as a high-tech display of dominance. The move raises alarm that the current ceasefire could be fragile, suggesting the administration is laying public groundwork for a possible return to active combat operations rather than a sustained pause.
Nazara Technologies’ Q4FY26 revenue fell 23% to Rs 398 crore, yet net profit surged more than 13x to Rs 56 crore. The swing was driven largely by Rs 1,098 crore in other income tied to subsidiary sales. Meanwhile, gaming revenue rose 78% to Rs 278 crore, becoming the company’s biggest revenue contributor.
India will host this week’s BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Alongside efforts to strengthen BRICS resilience, innovation, and cooperation, ministers are expected to address global and regional fallout from the West Asian conflict affecting Iran and the UAE, plus priorities for sustainability and reforms in global governance.
India’s Statistics and Programme Implementation Ministry has moved the release of provisional GDP estimates and fourth-quarter GDP to June 7 each year. The change is designed to allow more complete inputs from companies and government sources, improving data quality and bringing reporting timelines closer to global standards. The ministry says the update will make GDP figures more reliable.
Bangladesh registered their first-ever home Test victory over Pakistan in Dhaka, winning the opening match by 104 runs. After posting a lead, Bangladesh bowled with intensity and bundled Pakistan out for 163 in the second innings, sealing a landmark triumph at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium. The result hands Pakistan another painful setback on foreign soil.
Waymo has issued a software recall for its robotaxis, aimed at improving safety when vehicles encounter flooded areas. The change makes the system more cautious around floodwater, reducing how confidently the cars proceed in those conditions. Waymo says a “final remedy” is being developed, implying further fixes beyond the current update.
Scientists say the 800-year-old Chinese practice baduanjin could meaningfully lower high blood pressure. A new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found the gentle blend of slow movements, breathing, and meditation improved blood pressure at levels similar to brisk walking and even some medications. Researchers suggest it may be a low-cost, accessible option for many people.
U.S. markets are looking past near-term turbulence as forecasts suggest the S&P 500 could extend its rally into 2026. The catch: Middle East tensions are disrupting global energy flows, keeping inflation pressure elevated. Experts point to a potential “ray of hope,” arguing growth and market positioning may cushion shocks even if costs stay firm.
Iran is signaling confidence that it can outlast an under-pressure Donald Trump during peace negotiations with Washington. Analysts say Tehran believes threats of military action by Trump and Israel no longer carry the same leverage, but that defiance could also trigger renewed clashes and intensify domestic tensions inside Iran.
The Karnataka High Court has ordered the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to petitions challenging the arrest of Gameskraft founders in a money laundering case. The ED alleges the founders lured players into real-money games and laundered about Rs 250 crore. The court’s notice signals scrutiny of the ED’s actions as the legal challenge moves forward.
Winter rabbit burrows do more than shelter their owners. Underground tunnels trap moisture and keep temperatures stable, creating perfect conditions for mites and other parasites to survive between hosts. Now researchers using thermal cameras can map these burrows in detail, showing how a simple hole can shape survival for rabbits and the tiny “unwelcome guests” living off them.
Drinking water all day and producing around six litres of urine doesn’t automatically mean healthy kidneys. Doctors say kidneys normally conserve water, so extreme thirst and large urine volumes can point to problems like Diabetes Insipidus, where the body can’t properly regulate water. Persistent symptoms should be checked to find the real cause.
A senior government official has questioned why leading companies are struggling to attract young talent, pointing to the sluggish response to the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS). The initiative offers internships and financial support to youth aged 18 to 25. The official urged firms to rethink how they engage smart young candidates and to improve internship quality.
An eight-year-old boy exploring rocks in Israel’s Ramon Crater discovered a carved fragment of a statuette dating back about 1,700 years. The artifact, likely linked to Roman or Nabataean religious figures, was reportedly found along the ancient Spice Route. Researchers say the find underscores how intensely goods, ideas, and cultures moved through the region long ago.
UIDAI has issued updated Aadhaar enrolment and correction rules for 2026, widening the list of documents accepted for enrolment. The changes also simplify the process for children and other vulnerable groups, while making foreigner-related requirements clearer, including Aadhaar validity timelines for OCI, LTV, and other categories. The update is designed to modernize Aadhaar and improve accessibility.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards held military drills in Tehran as US President Donald Trump warned the Middle East ceasefire could collapse. The exercises were designed to boost combat readiness amid perceived threats, while the conflict—now over two months old—continues to disrupt global trade and keep markets on edge.
Fresh fossil evidence is reshaping how scientists picture the adult T rex. While some of its smaller relatives likely had filament-like coverings, new skin impressions from the neck, pelvis, and tail point to scales. Researchers argue the dinosaur’s massive body may have reduced the need for heavy insulation, like elephants, revealing a more complicated evolution than popular imagination.
Germany is rolling out an “active cyberdefence” approach as online attacks keep rising. Under proposed laws, security services would be able to respond by targeting attacker infrastructure rather than only monitoring or blocking. Officials say AI is accelerating cybercrime, making it more professional and harder to deter. The plan aims to protect German firms and critical infrastructure.
US stocks opened lower on Tuesday as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq weighed a hotter-than-expected April inflation print and growing uncertainty over the Middle East conflict. Investors appeared to dial back expectations for a fast resolution even as they recalibrated interest-rate bets, pushing sentiment cautiously down at the start of the session.
Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, signaling a potential comeback after he missed selections in recent Brazil squads. The move follows Neymar’s recent encouraging performances and sets the stage for an intriguing final-team selection ahead of the tournament.
TSMC has approved a capital budget of over $31 billion to expand chip production, aiming to meet accelerating demand tied to AI and high-performance computing. The plan also includes major investment in its US operations. In a bid to capitalize on the tech boom, the company says shareholders will benefit through a higher dividend payout.
A 9-year-old boy in New Mexico uncovered a 1.2-million-year-old stegomastodon skull after tripping in the desert. The discovery shows how major paleontological breakthroughs can happen beyond formal digs, driven by everyday observation and proper reporting. Researchers say the find adds valuable evidence to the region’s ancient history and underscores the importance of treating suspected fossils responsibly.
US consumer inflation rose to 3.8% year-on-year in April, up from 3.3% in March, aligning with expectations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics said the jump reflects economic spillover from the Iran war, with energy prices playing a key role. The data signals tighter pressure on prices even as growth worries simmer globally.
DMK has urged the Madras High Court to act after raising concerns that postal votes could be mixed up between two different constituencies named Tiruppattur—one in Sivaganga and another near Vellore. In a separate development, the court is set to restrain a TVK MLA from voting in an assembly floor test. The DMK spokesperson also hit BJP remarks and questioned the central government’s handling of the NEET question-paper leak, citing student wellbeing.
Keystone Realtors is targeting Rs 10,000 crore in pre-sales by 2029-30 after reporting Rs 4,022 crore for FY25, up 33% year on year. The surge is attributed to steady project launches and aggressive business development. The firm also plans to expand into Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, emphasizing disciplined execution and long-term value creation.
Instructure, the maker of the Canvas education platform, says it reached an agreement with hacking group ShinyHunters after a recent breach. The reported deal covers stolen student and school data, with ShinyHunters confirming deletion and no further targeting of Instructure customers for payment. Separately, the US House Homeland Security Committee has requested a briefing from Instructure on the intrusions.
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