Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Japan’s Nikkei ended higher as AI-related shares turned the session around. Tokyo Electron erased early losses to finish 0.14% higher. Advantest swung back after dropping as much as 1.5%, eventually edging 0.26% lower, highlighting how quickly sentiment shifted among AI-linked equities.
As India’s interest rates rise, savings accounts are being reshaped from simple transaction tools into higher-yield options. Banks such as IDFC FIRST Bank are offering better returns, forcing customers to rethink keeping cash “idle” in low-return accounts. The result: savers are pushed to manage balances more actively and weigh opportunity costs more carefully.
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Digg is launching a new AI-driven news experience, pitching it as a way to follow the most influential voices and elevate stories worth real attention. In an email to beta testers, the company frames the shift as a more curated alternative to today’s noisy feeds—prioritizing impact and relevance over volume. The beta details aim to set expectations for how AI will select news.
Peacock is betting on the fast-growing microdrama boom, announcing two unscripted Bravo microdramas for streaming inside the Peacock app. The move follows rivals like ReelShort and DramaBox, which have built massive audiences on short episodic stories. Details on format, cast, and release timing are still coming, but the strategy is clear: win attention with bite-sized drama.
Japanese snack maker Calbee will temporarily switch 14 popular potato chip products to black-and-white packaging from May 25. The company says the move is driven by concerns over supply disruptions and the availability of naphtha, a key Middle East–imported input used for printing ink. Calbee is aiming to keep shipments stable despite disruptions.
Influencer Orry says he is not moving past his earlier spat with Sara Ali Khan as he gears up for Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. Ahead of the Rohit Shetty hosted season, Orry took a fresh swipe at Sara by referencing her film Simmba, adding another twist to their public back-and-forth.
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Four workers at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant’s Thermal Power Plant area collapsed after inhaling fumes from a suspected gas leak on Monday afternoon. They received immediate first-aid and were rushed to a hospital. Doctors later confirmed the workers were out of danger and discharged them, while authorities review what caused the leak.
Battery-recycling and energy-storage startup Redwood Materials is moving closer to its next phase by hiring Deepak Ahuja, the former Tesla finance chief. The appointment reunites him with ex-Tesla CTO JB Straubel. Despite the leadership shakeup, Ahuja indicates it’s “too early” to discuss an IPO, signaling a focus on execution before any public-market plans.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu says the company is bringing employees back to the office to improve practical collaboration and experiential learning. While he admits remote work can handle some tasks, he argues that in-person interaction drives better innovation, especially for R&D work. Still, he hints Zoho will move toward a partial WFH model later.
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges people not to buy gold, India’s gems and jewellery sector is asking the government to strengthen the Gold Monetisation Scheme. Industry bodies argue that mobilising idle gold from homes and recycling it can help address foreign exchange pressures, while avoiding the livelihood risks they say come from deferring gold purchases.
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The New York Times’ Wordle is moving beyond the browser, with the publisher partnering with a TV broadcaster for an entertainment-based game show. The deal marks the Times’ first TV collaboration and reflects its broader strategy to stabilize revenue as print keeps shrinking, doubling down on digital subscriptions and new media formats.
AI compute demand is pushing data center builders toward orbit, but Cowboy Space’s plan faces a brutal constraint: too few rockets are available, and the launches are still prohibitively costly. The company just raised $275M to build space-based data centers, aiming to meet demand despite the spaceflight supply crunch.
Waymo says it will recall nearly 3,800 robotaxis in the US after identifying a self-driving software issue that could prompt vehicles to enter flooded roads. The problem is tied to specific models of Waymo’s automated driving systems. The company is preparing a permanent fix and is also dealing with separate investigations linked to other incidents.
Global energy markets are moving into a structurally tighter phase as crude oil and refining have been underinvested for years. Even as renewables expand, grid constraints remain and downstream product shortages are beginning to show. Analysts warn this could translate into a multi-year squeeze across crude supply chains, refining capacity, and energy products worldwide.
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FAIMA has demanded accountability over allegations of a NEET-UG 2026 paper leak after the Centre announced the exam will be re-conducted. The government has also referred the matter to the CBI for a comprehensive probe. FAIMA said it supports NEET aspirants and called for clear responsibility and timely action to restore trust in the exam process.
JSW MG Motor India is strengthening its footprint in Nepal through a strategic distribution partnership with the Golchha Organization. A new MG dealership has opened, showcasing models like the MG Hector, MG Windsor, and MG Comet. The move aims to improve sales reach while building a stronger local service and aftersales ecosystem for a smoother ownership experience in Nepal.
TikTok has launched an ad-free subscription plan in the UK, letting subscribers browse without seeing ads. The company also says it will not use their data for advertising purposes, aiming to separate personal activity from ad targeting. The move tests whether users will pay to avoid ads and whether regulators and privacy expectations are reshaping social platforms’ revenue models.
Brussels Airport faced temporary disruption after a gas leak during nearby construction forced authorities to close access roads to the terminal. Officials urged passengers to use rail only, noting the airport railway station remained operational. Direct train services from Brussels city centre and other major Belgian cities continued, offering a quick alternative to keep travelers connected.
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Satya Nadella testified in Elon Musk’s lawsuit in California, defending Microsoft’s $13 billion OpenAI partnership. Nadella said Musk never personally contacted him to oppose Microsoft’s investment. He also criticized OpenAI’s board over Sam Altman’s ouster, arguing the relationship was driven as a commercial deal, not charity—turning the focus back on Microsoft’s role.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told the CII Annual Business Summit India has no fuel shortage and said LPG production has been scaled up to 56,000 tonnes. Yet he cautioned that global pricing is squeezing oil companies’ profitability, warning of fiscal strain that could limit how long OMCs can carry losses.
Researchers at UCSF report discovering a new human cell, DSC4, present only in the first weeks after conception. They suspect it helps guide how the placenta connects to the mother’s blood supply and that DSC4 is linked to a receptor responsive to cannabinoids. The work could eventually shed light on pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
India’s exam pipeline is repeatedly derailed as national-level tests face cancellations, postponements and re-examinations. NEET UG 2026 has been called off amid concerns over paper leaks and cheating, while other recruitment and entrance exams have been postponed due to operational and technical failures. The pattern spans CUET-related glitches, recruitment disruptions, and high-profile disputes across years, eroding trust and timelines.
Thailand is reviewing visa rules across major visitor categories with a focus on “quality” tourism rather than higher volume. The government is considering scrapping the 60-day visa-free scheme for tourists and introducing tougher screening, including background checks and proof of sufficient funds, aiming to balance travel benefits with national security concerns.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has started his second term as Assam chief minister, signaling continuity for the BJP’s Northeast dominance. The strategist turned strongman points to ongoing development and welfare schemes, alongside an emphasis on land rights. Yet his previous tenure also drew sharp criticism over controversial measures, setting a tense tone for what comes next.
Fractal Analytics’ shares hit a BSE all-time high after Q4 profit more than doubled, with net profit rising 109% YoY and revenue up 17% to ₹886.3 crore. For FY26, profit grew 30% and gross margin expanded to 47%. The company is restructuring around enterprise AI, lifting R&D, while emphasizing margin-first growth despite sector concentration risks.
ASK Curated Luxury Asset Fund I has invested Rs 63 crore in Ananda Nilaya, a luxury villa project by a Goa-based developer in Arpora, North Goa. The development will offer 28 villas and is projected to generate up to Rs 360 crore in revenue, highlighting a high-stakes push into premium real estate.
Discord has launched Nitro Rewards, a new perk program for paid Nitro subscribers. The deal adds access to the base tier of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost, alongside discounts from gaming brands like Logitech and SteelSeries. Discord is positioning Nitro Rewards as a value booster for gamers, bundling subscription benefits with existing Microsoft content.
NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled after investigators uncovered a multi-state paper leak network allegedly using WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels linked to coaching circles. Officials say the leak originated in Nashik, Maharashtra, and spread widely, including a Telegram channel called “Private Mafia” with nearly 400 members. Rajasthan’s SOG reportedly found a handwritten “guess paper” with 60 questions matching the exam word-for-word, with at least 45 arrests.
Mercedes-Benz says it is upgrading India’s role from a support hub to a strategic innovation center. HR and IT are being treated as core drivers of productivity and organisational transformation, while local teams are empowered to handle complex, high value work such as AI and process transformation. The company expects faster development and scaling by leveraging India’s technical talent and agile ecosystem.
Gold prices are rising on May 12, 2026, with major jewelers listing higher 22k rates. The move comes after a push to reduce gold purchases for a year to support India’s foreign exchange reserves. Now IBJA is urging policy changes to better use household gold, including allowing gold lending and borrowing to keep demand in check while unlocking value.
The National Testing Agency has cancelled NEET UG 2026 nearly nine days after the exam was held on May 3. The decision was approved by the Government of India following investigative findings and inputs from central agencies regarding alleged irregularities. A fresh NEET will be conducted on newly announced dates, with further steps expected soon for candidates and counselling.
Resonia, the transmission infrastructure company, has appointed Aditya Mittal as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mittal brings more than 15 years of experience from Siemens and Siemens Energy and will report to CEO Prashant Sinha. His mandate is to strengthen Resonia’s financial foundation, improving decision-making and governance as the company prepares for its next growth phase.
Gold exchange traded funds saw a sharp rebound in April, with inflows rising 34% to Rs 3,040 crore and assets under management also increasing. Silver ETFs, however, continued to lose investors for the third month in a row. Notably, the shift happened even as gold prices stayed largely steady, pointing to changes in fund demand rather than price swings.
Dubai’s key ADNOC Gas processing complex is set to return to full capacity only by 2027, pushed back by attacks and wider Middle East instability. The operator reported a 15% income drop amid regional disruption and market pressures. Economists warn that a Strait of Hormuz blockade could rack up additional losses, delaying full restoration further.
Euro zone bond yields surged as optimism around a U.S.-Iran peace deal faded, leaving investors to price in three European Central Bank rate hikes this year. Higher oil prices and fresh geopolitical uncertainty weighed on sentiment, while German inflation held at 2.9% in April—adding pressure to expectations for tighter ECB policy.
Vedanta shares jumped around 4% after the government reduced royalty rates on crude oil and natural gas production. The cut is expected to lower operating costs for the company’s Rajasthan assets and give a boost to upstream exploration. Brokerage CLSA highlighted the potential upside, while investors are also watching for the listings of Vedanta’s demerged entities.
Moody’s Ratings has cut India’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 6%, lowering it by 0.8 percentage points. The agency cites weak private consumption, slower capital formation and industrial activity, plus higher energy costs. Moody’s also pegged 2027 growth at 6%, down from earlier estimates, warning that global and domestic pressures continue to weigh on momentum.
More than 21,000 pilgrims completed the Char Dham Yatra using helicopter services since April 22, according to Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority. The authority relied on an advanced monitoring system to support safe operations. Shuttle routes from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi carried 17,976 passengers, while chartered flights transported 3,974 pilgrims.
Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao derided Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request that citizens “spend less,” targeting calls to curb fuel and gold consumption. He argued instead that India’s business leaders should step up. Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao defended the stance, citing the need to conserve foreign exchange amid global fuel price swings and saying India has managed better.
After allegations of a widespread paper leak, India’s Union Education Ministry cancelled NEET-UG 2026 late Tuesday evening. The government said it will announce re-exam dates shortly, but the move has triggered intense backlash from parents and aspirants. Many are questioning how the process allowed a leak to escalate, turning preparation years into sudden uncertainty.
Rahul Gandhi attacked West Bengal’s recent appointments, alleging they were driven by the BJP with the Election Commission’s involvement. Using the phrase “chor bazaar,” he implied a perverse incentive structure where larger wrongdoing leads to larger rewards. The remark escalates Congress’s political pressure on state governance and election-linked institutions, setting up sharper confrontations ahead.
Tata Technologies says customers are committing to fresh product cycles, helping strengthen loyalty and accelerating demand. The company is ramping up investments in automotive and industrial segments after securing a key vehicle development contract. It expects double-digit revenue growth this fiscal year, signaling stronger execution and tighter alignment with customer timelines across new launches.
Twelve staff members at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands were placed in six-week precautionary quarantine after handling samples from a patient potentially infected with hantavirus. The case follows an outbreak traced to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with growing worry over the Andes strain spreading beyond its original setting.
The Indian Army has launched the community radio station “Sangam 88.8” in Rajouri’s Doongi block, aiming to strengthen local culture while expanding opportunities for border-area youth. The station shares crucial information and government schemes and also gives children a platform to showcase talents—an outlet created to address the limited prospects in remote regions.
Venmo is rolling out its biggest makeover in years, but the real story may be behind the scenes. PayPal is restructuring to spin Venmo off as a standalone business unit, a move observers say could set up a sale. Adding fuel, reports claim Stripe is interested in buying PayPal outright.
India’s retail property market is gaining momentum, with Q1 leasing activity reaching about 3.1 million sq ft. Limited availability of new mall space is pushing retailers toward high streets and alternative formats, underscoring the sector’s resilience. Looking ahead, a large pipeline of retail developments is expected to expand organized retail and draw more investment.
Korea’s biggest manufacturers are backing Config, positioning the startup as the “TSMC of robot data.” Instead of building robots, Config focuses on providing the high-quality training and operational data robots need to learn, adapt, and function reliably. The backers argue that better data—not just better hardware—is the fastest path to making robots truly useful.
Social Security May 2026 payments are rolling out in a staggered schedule tied to birth dates, a system used since 1997. SSI recipients got their checks on May 1. Retirement, disability, and survivor benefits land on May 13, May 20, and May 27, with exact timing determined by birth month.
Australian shares fell for a third straight day as banks led the downturn. Investors turned cautious ahead of a federal budget expected to emphasize spending cuts and reforms. Sentiment was further pressured by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent rate hike aimed at tackling persistent inflation. Some sectors, including infrastructure and healthcare, held up better, but the broader market stayed nervous.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Development Authority to halt all activities on the Yamuna flood plains at Sur Ghat, including parking and commercial use. Citing the area’s ecological sensitivity and its Zone-O classification, the court restricted religious and commercial activities and asked for alternative parking arrangements outside the flood plains for devotees.
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