Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Kazakhstan has issued a fresh decree aimed at attracting international investors and highly skilled professionals. The policy introduces a Golden Visa scheme and reforms residency rules, shifting toward an incentive-driven approach to make the country more appealing for global talent and capital inflows. The move signals Kazakhstan’s push to strengthen its position in international migration and business.
ICE has detained South LA chef Carlos Lool, triggering fears of deportation and major uncertainty for his restaurants, La Granja Rotisserie and Fuego Rotisserie, along with the jobs tied to them. The arrest followed an investigation connected to an alleged parole violation. Family, staff, and supporters are now organizing legal support as questions mount over what happens to the businesses next.
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Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), with teams from multiple states, says it has uncovered a highly coordinated inter state network behind the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak. Investigators report arrests across regions as they track how the purported paper was copied, distributed, and circulated before May 3, expanding the scope of the exam scam probe.
Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad meet in Ahmedabad on May 12 at 7:30 PM IST with both teams tied on 14 points, battling for the IPL 2026 top spot. GT arrive on a four-match winning streak but must navigate SRH’s dangerous batting unit. Here’s the probable XI, head-to-head, pitch and weather outlook, and match viewing details.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to review the economic effects of the government’s austerity appeal. Pawar says the appeal has triggered unease among citizens and businesses, and stresses restoring public confidence and stability. He also called for wider political consultation on decisions made in national interest.
Spotify is rolling out a Wrapped-style recap that offers a fresh look at your listening habits beyond the usual yearly highlight. The feature surfaces a key metric: the number of unique songs you’ve listened to so far. It’s designed to make your music preferences feel more tangible by quantifying how broad—or niche—your taste has been.
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Startup Dessn just raised $6M to create AI-powered design tools that integrate directly with production codebases. The pitch: move beyond mockups and prototypes by generating design assets that align with how software is actually built and deployed. Investors are betting teams can speed up iteration while reducing translation gaps between design and engineering workflows.
India hit back at China after reports suggested Beijing backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, warning that countries shielding terror infrastructure must consider reputational fallout. The MEA said the claims match earlier knowledge and defended the operation as a calibrated response to the Pahalgam terror attack, framing it as a necessary security measure.
Sydney Sweeney’s Euphoria Season 3 storyline has triggered massive online backlash after Cassie Howard’s OnlyFans pivot, fetish-coded performances, and explicit scenes went viral. Critics say the series trades emotional depth for shock value, while others argue it’s deliberately satirizing internet outrage and performative celebrity behavior—turning the controversy into part of the point.
Garmin has introduced the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, new GPS running smartwatches aimed at beginners and active runners. The Forerunner 70 focuses on first-time fitness journeys, including daily suggested workouts, while the Forerunner 170 targets broader training needs. Garmin says both models will be available in India in June after formal rollout steps.
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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has warned its “party comrades” after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay shut down 717 state-run liquor shops within 500 metres of schools, places of worship, and bus stands. In a post on X, the party urged strict restraint, including banning banners and posters that could hinder public movement—signaling tighter controls beyond liquor regulation.
TikTok is moving beyond showing content and into completing transactions, aiming to let users book trips they discover in-feed. By turning its discovery engine into a transaction layer, the platform can keep people engaged longer while creating fresh revenue opportunities for its new owners across travel and commerce.
Tourists in Nepal’s Sauraha, the gateway to Chitwan National Park, arrived expecting safe jeep drives—not a sudden showdown. Shocking video shows massive one horned rhinos charging with surprising speed, as daily life across the high street grinds to a halt for several intense minutes. The clip underscores how quickly wildlife can upend human routines near protected areas.
Tata Power’s consolidated net profit for Q4 FY26 fell 4% year-on-year to Rs 996 crore, while revenue dropped 13%. The quarter’s softness contrasts with a strong full-year performance: FY26 saw Tata Power achieve its highest-ever annual PAT of Rs 5,118 crore, supported by renewables, solar manufacturing, and transmission and distribution.
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Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has backed Vinesh Phogat in the midst of her comeback controversy, urging the WFI and the government to let the three-time Olympian take part in trials for the Senior Open Ranking Tournament 2026 in Gonda. Malik said the move is necessary for Phogat to prove herself through the proper selection process.
The NEET UG 2026 exam was cancelled after a whistleblower tipped off the NTA about leaked “guess papers” before the controversy erupted. The CBI has registered an FIR and is probing whether the leak originated in Pune and spread via WhatsApp and Telegram groups, including a network allegedly dubbed “Private Mafia,” as NTA leadership discussed the prior warning.
The rupee has extended its slump as oil prices surge, dragging down currencies across oil-importing economies. Brent crude has jumped nearly 50% since the Iran war began, raising import costs and worsening outflow pressure. The Philippine peso and Indonesia’s rupiah are also under strain, with the rupiah hitting a record low, as traders watch for central bank action.
The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank near Spain amid competing accounts about what caused the disaster. Reports cite possible nuclear reactor cargo, US aircraft activity nearby, and contested Russian claims as investigators weigh findings. The incident has fueled speculation ranging from torpedo theories to broader NATO involvement, raising fresh security concerns over maritime routes and sensitive materials.
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India and Oman are set to bring their free trade agreement into force on June 1, 2026. The deal is expected to give India duty-free access to 98 percent of its exports to Oman, boosting trade ties. At the same time, India is pursuing a broader economic partnership with Chile, prioritizing critical minerals needed for electronics and auto supply chains.
OpenAI has formed partnerships with major European companies including Deutsche Telekom, BBVA, and Telefonica to give them access to its latest AI models. The goal is to help these firms strengthen their resilience by using advanced AI tools to detect, respond to, and defend against evolving cyber threats.
India’s NEET (UG) 2026 has been cancelled over alleged paper leaks, triggering a CBI inquiry and a re-exam. The disruption spotlights a wider pattern: top medical entry tests worldwide—from USMLE and MCAT to PLAB—are heavily contested, tightly controlled, and known for extremely demanding pass rates that sift only the most prepared candidates.
The Telangana High Court upheld a woman’s conviction in her husband’s death case but replaced her four-year jail term with a ₹500 fine. The court accepted that the stabbing occurred during a sudden quarrel, not with premeditation, and said returning her to prison was unnecessary despite the finding of guilt.
South Korea’s top official has floated a “national dividend” model that would tax AI-related profits from major tech firms and redistribute the excess to society. The move comes as a semiconductor boom has pushed earnings higher for companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, fueling debate over how AI gains should be shared.
An Indian tourist died in Phuket, Thailand, after four Indian visitors reportedly lost consciousness at a cafe. The incident on May 9 left three other tourists hospitalized. The Indian embassy says it is coordinating with Thai authorities and working with the victim’s family while monitoring developments, as investigators look into what caused the collapses.
Indian investors saw a “Black Tuesday” as panic selling drove the Sensex down over 1,500 points, wiping out more than Rs 10,00,000 crore of investor wealth in a single session. Market-cap losses on BSE-listed firms deepened, with total losses since the February war now exceeding Rs 60 lakh crore, sparked by worsening geopolitical signals and a “life support” warning tied to a West Asia ceasefire.
In a review of 16 Common Facility Centres (CFCs) under the ODOP scheme, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged concern that benefits were reaching too few artisans and ordered wider access. The plan pairs up to 90% government subsidy with training, modern machinery, design and testing, plus awareness drives, outreach tools, and a Citizen Charter at each centre.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories reported a sharp 86% year-on-year fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 221 crore for the March-ended quarter. Revenue also declined 12%, adding pressure to the business outlook. Despite the steep profit drop, the company announced a dividend of Rs 8 per share, offering a small positive for investors.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said containment efforts for a hantavirus outbreak are not over despite evacuations from a cruise ship off Spain’s Canary Islands. More than 120 passengers and crew were flown out after countries followed WHO guidance. He noted no signs of a wider outbreak yet, but warned cases could rise later due to the virus’s long incubation period.
India’s oil minister says state-run fuel retailers are racking up mounting losses because petrol and diesel are sold below market levels while pump prices stay largely unchanged. With global oil prices having surged, companies are taking the hit. Officials say full compensation would strain public finances, pointing to a bigger but inflation-aware pump price adjustment soon.
India’s luxury and retail map is shifting as Tier 2 cities draw global brands and premium malls, often outpacing bigger metros. A new study points to a parallel retail economy powered by rising local consumption and improving infrastructure in rapidly growing urban centers, signaling a fresh battleground for retailers seeking next-wave shoppers.
After NEET 2026 was cancelled, Arvind Kejriwal urged aspirants to protest, alleging the government’s negligence has enabled paper leaks. He claims collusion and favoritism, describing the situation as “political patronage” rather than a technical failure. Kejriwal suggests protests are the pressure tactic needed to force accountability and prevent further harm to students.
Iran now controls passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could persist long after the present conflict ends. Gulf exporters and buyers fear Iran could dictate oil and gas flows, raising price and supply risks. The United States is pushing back against the shift, while the wider region watches to see who gains lasting control of the world’s key chokepoint.
The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has demanded a time bound investigation into the NEET UG question paper leak, pressing for strict accountability over the decision to cancel the exam. FAIMA said the breach and subsequent cancellation have severely impacted lakhs of aspirants, and urged transparency and fairness in medical admissions to restore trust in the process.
KKR’s IPL 2026 momentum has flipped dramatically after an underwhelming start that saw them lose their first five matches without a win. The IPL 2024 champions have since strung together four consecutive victories, pushing them back into contention for a top-four finish. Their next test comes against RCB on Wednesday, a match with playoff-defining weight.
NTA has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3 after allegations of a major paper leak in Rajasthan, and announced the test will be reconducted on fresh dates. The decision has ignited a wave of heartbreak, exhaustion, and anger online, with students also turning to memes as they face the prospect of restarting preparation.
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan has claimed that both DMK and AIADMK approached him with an offer for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s post. He says the move was linked to forming an alliance meant to keep C Joseph Vijay’s TVK out of power. Thirumavalavan adds that VCK considered the proposal internally and rejected it amid heightened political activity before the TVK government’s floor test.
AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran has expelled the party’s sole MLA, S Kamaraj, after he chose to support the ruling TVK government unilaterally. Dhinakaran called the move a betrayal of party workers and voters, removing the MLA from all party positions and primary membership. The fallout follows Dhinakaran’s earlier allegations of horse trading by TVK.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele has been voted Ligue 1’s Player of the Season for a second straight year, taking the honor late Monday night. The award adds to PSG’s remarkable run, marking the club’s 10th consecutive year claiming the top player spot in the league. The streak follows Kylian Mbappe’s five-year dominance before his move to Real Madrid.
A man has been arrested in Halifax after allegedly assaulting two police officers outside Halifax Regional Police headquarters. Police say the suspect resisted arrest and faces multiple charges, following responding to numerous weekend calls. In related news, a motorcycle driver was seriously injured in a separate collision as officers responded to incidents across the area.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has demanded strict legal action over the alleged assault and racial harassment of a woman from Assam in Delhi. He condemned violence and discrimination against people from the Northeast as unacceptable, urging the accused be met with the harshest consequences under the law. The statement raises pressure for swift justice and accountability.
The southwest monsoon is expected to reach the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Islands by the week’s end, signaling the start of India’s critical rainfall season. But the India Meteorological Department is forecasting below-average rainfall for the country overall, raising concerns for water supply and farm output. Crops such as paddy, pulses, and oilseeds depend on timely rains.
A fatal crash on the Mahabubnagar bypass road in Hyderabad left four people dead, including an infant. A Suzuki Hayabusa, reportedly speeding at about 160 kmph and possibly racing, collided with a car carrying passengers returning from a family gathering. The rider and pillion died instantly, while three car occupants later succumbed to injuries.
The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Centre and Prasar Bharati on a petition seeking directions to ensure FIFA World Cup 2026 matches are broadcast in India. The plea specifically asks for free-to-air coverage through public platforms like Doordarshan and DD Sports, setting up a legal push over access and distribution rights.
Israel has reportedly sent Iron Dome air defense batteries and personnel to the United Arab Emirates, a step aimed at countering potential Iranian attacks. The deployment further cements cooperation under the Abraham Accords. Emirati officials have indicated they see the move as likely to improve bilateral relations if threats materialize.
Copper has surged to fresh record levels globally, including a rise on India’s MCX, as supply disruptions collide with growing demand from electrification and AI-linked industries. Analysts point to tightening supply chains and geopolitical tensions as major catalysts. Even after a pullback, they argue technical strength plus supportive fundamentals may keep the bullish trend intact, making recent declines tempting for investors.
AI voice startup Vapi has reached a $500M valuation after Amazon Ring selected its platform over 40 rivals. The company says enterprise demand has surged, with its business growing tenfold since early 2025 as firms move customer support and sales calls to AI agents. The win signals accelerating adoption of voice automation in enterprise workflows.
India issued a stern response after reports alleged China was backing Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said responsible nations should assess whether attempts to shield terrorist infrastructure affect their standing and reputation. The remarks signal New Delhi’s pushback on external support claims tied to the operation.
Public sector banks hit an all-time high net profit of Rs 1.98 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, extending four straight years of strong performance. FinMin attributes the jump to improved asset quality, faster credit growth, and higher incomes. With capitalization also strengthened, these banks are expected to back India’s next phase of economic expansion.
Jewellery and real estate stocks plunged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to practice financial restraint. He advised postponing gold purchases and cutting back on discretionary travel, linking the push to fuel conservation amid geopolitical uncertainty and high energy costs. Investors quickly repriced companies exposed to household spending, driving a sharp sector-wide reaction.
Amazon has rolled out a new ultra-fast delivery option in the U.S., promising select items to arrive at customers’ doors in about 30 minutes. The service focuses on groceries, household essentials, and other everyday needs, aiming to cut wait times for last-mile shopping and raise the bar for competitors in rapid commerce.
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