Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group is investigating irregularities in NEET UG 2026 after the NTA received reports of question sets circulating before the May 3 exam. A circulated set reportedly had 400+ questions, with 100+ biology and chemistry items matching the actual paper closely. Investigators say similar materials also emerged in Maharashtra, expanding the probe.
Facing concerns about a widening import bill and pressure on foreign exchange reserves, government sources said there are currently no plans to restrict international card usage or increase import duties on precious metals like gold. The clarification comes amid heightened attention on forex stability, but officials indicate no immediate policy tightening for outbound spending or gold inflows.
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Cases reported from Bhopal and Indore point to an alleged organized network targeting women through identity deception, digital blackmail, and coercion, with investigators describing a repeating pattern. Authorities say the schemes appear coordinated across locations, raising concerns about how perpetrators manipulate trust and digital access to force victims into harmful situations.
Abakkus Mutual Fund, led by Sunil Singhania, has crossed Rs 5,000 crore in assets under management and surpassed one lakh unique investors. Launched in December 2025, the fund house credits its fast growth to investor confidence, a disciplined research-led investment process, and an emphasis on trust and transparency—turning momentum into a major AUM milestone quickly.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said India’s Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system will bring barrier-less toll collection that cuts operating costs to 3-4% from 12-15%. Speaking at the Mundka–Bakkarwala launch in Delhi, he cited expected annual fuel savings of about Rs 295 crore, lower travel time, improved logistics efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions by 81,000 tonnes.
By May 2026, more than 92,000 tech jobs have disappeared, with April bringing the worst layoffs in two years. Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are cutting headcount, blaming AI-driven efficiencies and past over-hiring. Yet the same companies are pouring money into AI expansion, underscoring a shift where fewer roles may remain even as spending rises.
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Crude oil supertankers have reportedly disabled tracking systems while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint amid intensifying US-Iran tensions. At least three Very Large Crude Carriers navigated “dark,” transporting Iraqi and UAE oil to reduce the risk of detection during potential threats. The move highlights how shipping security is tightening while trade continues.
AMFI data shows equity mutual fund inflows fell 5% month-on-month in April, dropping to Rs 38,440 crore. After a relatively active period for markets, the decline points to a softer appetite among investors for new equity allocations, at least in the latest month’s flow data.
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to cut edible oil consumption, warning that rising imports are draining foreign exchange and leaving India exposed to global shocks. SEA says India imports nearly 60% of its edible oil needs and spent about Rs 1.61 lakh crore on imports in 2024-25, with West Asia tensions, El Nino and tighter global supplies likely to push costs higher.
Chennai-based mutual fund distributor Muthukrishnan Dhandapani, who manages Rahul Gandhi’s investments, says he stopped taking new clients about ten years ago. The advisor claims this decision likely cost him a tenfold rise in income, but he chose a strictly professional approach—avoiding favours and valuing contentment over scaling his business.
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Sindhuja Microcredit has raised a $5 million funding round led by overseas investors Abler Nordic along with Gawa Capital and Oikocredit. The fresh capital will strengthen the company’s capital base and support expansion plans. By the end of March, the microfinance lender’s gross loan portfolio reached Rs 1080 crore, underlining its growing scale.
Central government employees are worried that the New Pension System leaves their retirement corpus exposed to market swings. The All India NPS Employees Federation has asked for an assured pension for 8th Pay Commission workers, proposing a guarantee of 50% of last-drawn salary plus DA, arguing the current NPS-linked payouts can fall short—particularly for those with shorter service or lower pay.
The LPG carrier Tara Gas, linked to prior Iranian cargoes, is transiting the Strait of Hormuz while declaring Indian crew and ownership. Fully laden and moving via a Tehran-approved route, it underscores how ships use declared identities and sanctioned pathways to navigate out of the Persian Gulf during heightened blockades and enforcement pressures.
Samsung Electronics and its labour union are holding crucial talks to prevent a May 21 strike at the world’s largest chipmaker. The walkout could disrupt global semiconductor supply chains. The dispute hinges on performance-based bonuses: workers want a bigger share of profits, while management warns higher payouts may hurt long-term sustainability. It’s also the company’s second strike threat.
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Apple Corps Ltd plans to open a seven floor Beatles fan experience in London in 2027 at the band’s former headquarters. The building is tied to major moments, including the recording of Let It Be and the Beatles’ final public performance. Visitors will reportedly access rooftop areas, studio spaces, and extensive archives, with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr praising the project.
RCB stunned Mumbai Indians with a nail-biting two-wicket win in IPL 2026’s 54th match in Raipur. Paced by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s four-wicket haul on May 11, the win set up renewed momentum for his India aspirations. R Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s tactical edge, describing how he repeatedly pressures batters, hinting at a potential comeback call.
Novartis says it is expanding how India contributes to its global drug development. The company is shifting more early stage research to India while doubling down on innovative medicines. With plans to bring additional new medicines to market soon, the move signals deeper long term commitment to India’s healthcare ecosystem and its workforce.
Skills Secretary Debashree Mukherjee said large industries could be allowed to engage apprentices up to 25% if they already met the 15% requirement in the past three years. Firms would also need to pay at least 30% above the mandated minimum rates and retain employment for at least 35% of apprentices, tying expansion to outcomes.
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The CID brought three accused before a local court in North 24 Parganas in the Chandranath Rath murder case. After a detailed submission by Public Prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee, the court granted the investigating agency 13 days of police custody. The administration remains on high alert as the high-profile case continues to unfold.
Assam has seen a major political reversal as the BJP led NDA clinches a third consecutive term, ending the long era of Congress dominance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to make history as the first non Congress leader sworn in for a second straight term. The win signals a durable shift in the state’s electorate.
China’s marriage registrations have fallen to a decade low, with official data showing a 6.2% drop in the first quarter compared with last year. The current level is roughly half of what it was in 2017, highlighting how shifting social and economic realities are accelerating demographic concerns for the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to defer gold purchases for the next year, a rare request in a nation where the metal is both a savings habit and a tradition. Market watchers say the appeal targets a key concern: rising gold imports that drain foreign exchange reserves by boosting dollar demand during uncertain global conditions.
PM Narendra Modi has urged India to conserve foreign exchange as oil prices rise and the rupee weakens. Policymakers are revisiting steps to attract dollar inflows and reduce outflows, including greater use of diaspora deposits, easing select capital account rules, and tighter control on imports—aimed at stabilizing FX reserves and the currency.
Online Instruments (India) has filed draft IPO papers with SEBI for a public issue that includes a fresh raise of up to Rs 750 crore plus an offer for sale of 57.1 lakh shares by promoters. The Bengaluru-based company says funds will go toward debt repayment, working capital, acquisitions, and other corporate needs, with Rs 160 crore specifically earmarked to repay debt.
The Supreme Court has allowed Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leaders to file fresh petitions related to West Bengal election outcomes. The move comes after concerns that in some constituencies, voter deletions from revised electoral rolls linked to SIR may have been larger than the winning margins. The court’s observation follows a dispute over the Election Commission’s voter roll revision and points affected parties toward election-law remedies.
Indian-born, non-binary anthropologist Q Manivannan has won a seat in Scotland’s Parliament, representing the Scottish Greens on a “kinder politics” agenda. The victory was made possible after a rule change allowing visa holders to stand for election. Manivannan, a queer Tamil immigrant, says he will focus on care, solidarity, and stronger representation for marginalized communities at Holyrood.
Bihar is set for a major connectivity push as Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the Navin Kishore Sinha Path, a key road project. The move is part of a broader infrastructure transformation plan, with new cities and upgraded transport links in the pipeline. Patna’s connectivity is expected to see a significant boost as these projects roll out.
Trisha Krishnan turned heads after attending Thalapathy Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as Tamil Nadu CM. She was seen seated with Vijay’s parents, while Vijay’s wife Sangeetha and the kids were notably absent. Soon after, Trisha shared a cryptic post about “Love Is Always Louder,” reigniting dating and relationship rumours amid their ongoing court dispute.
The Madras High Court has reserved its decision on a plea seeking to restrain a TVK MLA-elect from taking oath in Tamil Nadu. The TVK candidate won the Tirupattur seat by a single vote. The DMK runner-up, having sought a recount after losing narrowly, argued both sides in court, with the final ruling still pending.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked citizens to stay calm and avoid panic amid a West Asia crisis, as supply chain concerns grow. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for behavioral changes, including cutting back on petrol use, to limit excess foreign expenditure. Singh said the government’s steps will strengthen self-reliance and support energy security.
India’s semiconductor mission is accelerating. Two plants are already operational, while the third is set to start production in July and a fourth facility is expected to be up by November-December. Alongside chip manufacturing, India is also expanding data centers and AI-related production—aiming to strengthen resilience against global economic headwinds.
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has urged India’s Labour Ministry to issue an advisory making work from home mandatory for the IT sector. The union points to Prime Minister Modi’s call for fuel conservation and argues that IT firms maintained strong productivity remotely during the pandemic. NITES says WFH would reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.
TVK leader Selvi S. Keerthana, elected MLA from Sivakasi and appointed minister-designate, reached the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly intending to take the oath. But she realized she hadn’t brought her MLA election victory certificate, required by the Pro-Tem Speaker for formal swearing-in. Her swearing-in was deferred as a result, delaying her start in the proceedings.
India has no plans to increase import duties on gold and silver, a government source said Monday. The reassurance comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to avoid buying gold for a year, citing concerns linked to the Iran war. The move suggests policy may focus on demand restraint rather than higher trade taxes for the precious metals.
Vodafone Idea shares surged nearly 10% on Monday, hitting an intra-day high of ₹12.36 after rising from Friday’s ₹11.24 close. The move comes amid upbeat sentiment linked to Vodafone Group Plc mulling measures to strengthen the capital base of its India business, sparking investor hopes for additional support.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, co-developing with Defence & Aerospace, has enabled the Indian Army to receive the indigenous ULPGM loitering munition. The system uses an Imaging Infrared seeker and can be launched from UAVs, allowing it to strike both stationary and moving targets—signaling a new precision capability for future battlefield operations.
Markets are bracing for a prolonged energy shock as high crude oil prices and geopolitical risks drag on global activity and hit India’s economy. Madhavi Arora says policymakers will need to focus on external balance and currency management, while gradual fuel price increases may follow. The fiscal cost is already stretching the government’s book, leaving investors watching for next steps.
West Bengal’s new Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is reportedly considering a move to the Soujanya complex in Alipore, a high-security residence built for chief ministers but long left unoccupied. The Public Works Department is assessing whether it fits his use. If approved, the move would mark a notable change in the state’s political geography.
India’s cumulative ethanol supplies have crossed about 515 crore litres in the first half of ESY 2025-26, according to the latest data. Maize has emerged as the biggest feedstock, signaling a shift in how biofuel volumes are being supported as the program scales up and demand grows.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati urged Uttar Pradesh to use cabinet expansion to directly benefit the poor, labourers, farmers, youth and women. She cautioned that if the changes don’t translate into security and justice for weaker sections, people may view it as just a political adjustment rather than real protection.
India’s forces reportedly hit 11 Pakistani air bases in a coordinated wave on 10 May, including Nur Khan near Pakistan’s top command in the Islamabad Capital Territory. The report challenges Pakistan’s version of a mutually honour-preserving ceasefire, pointing instead to procurement activity and the reality of where strikes landed, reshaping the post-situation narrative.
Facing rising crude oil prices and a weakening rupee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to practice austerity to shield foreign exchange reserves and contain inflation. He called for reducing fuel consumption, postponing gold purchases and cutting edible oil use, framing the message as a collective sacrifice to stabilize the national economy.
India and Peru are set to restart free trade discussions in June, with officials suggesting a deal could be wrapped up by year end. Peru is also in talks with India over critical minerals, while Indian firms are seeking steadier copper supplies. With India’s copper demand projected to surge, the negotiations could reshape access to key raw materials.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged down 0.1% to 62,666.57 after briefly flashing an all-time high of 63,385.04. The Topix index rose 0.23% to 3,838.26. The retreat highlights renewed investor caution as Iran conflict concerns resurface across global markets, nudging sentiment even amid earlier momentum.
Maleesha Kharwa, an 18-year-old from Mumbai’s Dharavi, has risen from local beginnings to international modelling stardom. After a producer spotted her potential, she landed campaigns for premium brands and earned features in top fashion magazines. Now she turns visibility into impact, using her platform to inspire others and give back to her community.
Ennismore has opened its first hotel in India, the Roswyn in Mumbai, featuring 109 suites. The lifestyle hospitality group is entering a fast-growing market where analysts say India’s economic momentum is shifting traveller preferences toward luxury experiences. Ennismore’s move also signals more high-end openings across the country planned through 2031.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower was fined after using audible obscenity during the team’s tense IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians. The incident came at a crucial point as the game swung rapidly. RCB eventually pulled off a thrilling last-ball win, while MI’s defeat leaves them eliminated from the playoff race.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi revisited India’s 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, framing them as proof of India’s talent and efficiency for the world. He credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership for demonstrating national strength and highlighted “Operation Shakti” as a symbol of growing self-belief. Modi said the tests marked India’s entry into the club of nuclear-armed states.
Australian shares fell as banks weighed on sentiment and biotech leader CSL plunged 16% after cutting its full-year 2026 outlook. The company also flagged a $5 billion impairment, dragging the healthcare index 6.5% to an over eight-year low. Broader risk appetite was further dented by rising US-Iran tensions influencing global markets.
West Bengal will transfer land to the BSF for border fencing within 45 days, CM Suvendu Adhikari said. The government also announced immediate steps for Ayushman Bharat and the Census process, alongside implementing multiple central schemes. It further outlined administrative reforms and promised action against corruption and political violence as the measures roll out.
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