Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Hyundai Motor India shares rose nearly 5% in spite of a 22% year-on-year drop in Q4 FY26 net profit to Rs 1,256 crore. Revenue grew more than 5% and the board recommended a Rs 21 per share dividend. Brokerages kept “Buy” calls, citing upcoming model launches and strong export momentum as key reasons for optimism.
India’s growth is projected to cool in FY27 to 6.7% as the lift from recent tax cuts fades and crude oil prices rise. BMI warns these pressures could weigh on consumption and investment while nudging inflation higher. With weak economic momentum already visible, an Iran-linked oil shock and a potentially weaker monsoon add fresh downside risks.
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Goldman Sachs has delayed its outlook for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, now forecasting cuts only in December 2026 and March 2027. The bank cites higher energy prices tied to the Iran conflict, which it expects to keep inflation above the Fed’s target for longer. The move signals increased caution as policymakers weigh inflation persistence against cooling growth risks.
BJP has retaliated to Rahul Gandhi’s attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity, saying Gandhi wrongly portrays it as failure. The BJP argues Modi is urging conscious decisions for national interest rather than demanding sacrifices. It also criticizes Congress for prioritizing power over nation building, sharpening the party clash on economic messaging.
Tata Consumer Products is positioning itself for double digit growth by 2027, banking on its popular brands and wide product portfolio. The company plans selective, smart price adjustments to offset rising costs, while easing coffee prices and stable tea costs provide additional support. With investors increasingly confident, the strategy aims to keep momentum despite market pressures.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan accused the Centre of driving India’s fuel crisis by allegedly stopping crude oil purchases from Russia under pressure attributed to Trump. Speaking in Chennai, he said Modi’s recent “seven appeals” to citizens amid the West Asia crisis sounded like a cover for potential petrol price hikes. The party also claimed the government plans to raise fuel costs.
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As West Asia tensions drag on, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said a full truce is still far away and could spill into India’s economy. Echoing PM Narendra Modi, he urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and adopt cost-cutting steps like more work from home. With India heavily dependent on energy imports, officials stress the need to stay prepared despite relative policy stability so far.
Two cheetahs from Botswana were released into Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park after completing their quarantine under Project Cheetah. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav oversaw the move, which is designed to strengthen wildlife conservation and boost the reintroduction of cheetahs in India. With this release, India’s total cheetah population has risen to 57.
Gold slipped 1.2% to about $4,657.89 an ounce as stalled U.S.–Iran peace talks boosted crude oil prices. Instead of lifting gold, the oil-driven inflation worry appears to be steering markets toward higher-for-longer interest rates. With gold increasingly reacting to rate expectations and energy costs, investors are watching whether oil’s rise keeps pressuring prices.
A US citizen repatriated from a cruise ship affected by hantavirus has tested mildly positive, the health department says. The passenger is being kept in a biocontainment unit as a precaution while officials arrange transfer. Along with other US evacuees from the Canary Islands, the individual will go to a specialized center in Nebraska for further assessment and care.
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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has unveiled the ‘One Case One Data’ initiative to unify court information across high courts, district courts, and taluka courts for smoother case management. Alongside it, the Supreme Court website now hosts an AI-powered chatbot called ‘Su Sahay’, marking a push toward more accessible, digital support for citizens and court users.
The Indian rupee is weakening broadly across global currencies, falling as much as 25 percent in a year against nine major peers, not only the US dollar. Analysts link the slide to rising oil prices that pressure inflows and to foreign investor outflows. Further rupee volatility is expected, shaped by crude moves and geopolitical risks.
SBI shares slid more than 3% on Monday and have now dropped 10% across two sessions, even after the bank reported a 6% year-on-year rise in Q4 standalone net profit to Rs 19,684 crore. Net interest income grew 4% and provisions fell sharply, but softer net interest margins after the March-quarter update dented sentiment.
Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Secretary Nishant Warwade says the e Vikas fertiliser system has reached 1.3 million farmers so far. He claims it has reduced long queues at procurement points and nudged farmers toward need based fertiliser use rather than habitual over application. The move is positioned as a behavioural change tool alongside distribution improvements.
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IIT Roorkee released the JEE Advanced 2026 admit cards on May 16. Candidates can download the hall ticket from jeeadv.ac.in using their login credentials. The exam is set for May 18 and will include two papers. Officials also stress carrying both the admit card and a valid photo ID. JoSAA counselling is expected to begin on June 2.
Tata Consumer Products shares jumped around 7% after reporting a better-than-expected Q4, with consolidated net profit up 21% year-on-year. The earnings beat was driven by strong performance in the India-branded business. Brokerages including Morgan Stanley, Motilal Oswal and Elara Capital stayed positive, citing scope for healthy growth, margin expansion and further upside for the FMCG firm.
Bank of Baroda shares rose more than 2% after the lender reported Q4 consolidated net profit of Rs 5,616 crore, up 11.2% year on year. Growth was driven by a 9% increase in net interest income. But the quarter also saw a 16% drop in non-interest income, raising questions about earnings quality for investors.
Indane LPG customers receiving subsidised cylinders are now getting warning messages that trigger a verification process. Oil firms are cross-checking consumer details with Income Tax records, and households with taxable income above Rs 10 lakh could lose the subsidy permanently. Customers get just seven days to respond if they believe the information is wrong, aimed at redirecting benefits to eligible families.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to use fuel judiciously and delay purchases has triggered a backlash from Congress, which alleges the government is effectively signalling austerity. Congress argues the message diverges from official claims and may be preparing the public for tougher economic decisions as global pressures mount. The party also criticized Modi’s energy security approach.
India delivered a stunning recurve showing at the Shanghai Archery World Cup, beating leading teams in the women’s competition. China’s Li Mengqi dominated the men’s individual recurve, then added mixed team gold. In the compound mixed team event, the spotlight shifted again as American archers claimed top honors, reshaping the medal tally.
Tamil Nadu politics is already roiling less than a day after Vijay took oath as Chief Minister. Republic sources say 36 of AIADMK’s 47 MLAs are poised to extend support to the TVK government, sparking fears of an internal revolt. As Edappadi K Palaniswami’s leadership comes under pressure, SP Velumani is reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to take over, potentially reshaping the party and the state’s alliances.
The RBI is widely believed to have intervened in the foreign exchange market to limit the rupee’s fall after it slid to around 94.9650 per US dollar. Traders point to renewed oil price strength and rising Middle East conflict worries, which are worsening the economic outlook and spilling over into stocks and bond yields.
State Bank of India reported a record profit above ₹80,000 crore, even as investors worried about net interest income and margin pressure. Chairman CS Setty said net interest margins have likely bottomed out and should stabilize around 3%. SBI also pointed to strong deposit growth and expects 13–15% loan growth across segments in FY27, while watching global risks closely.
In 1916, Polish scientist Jan Czochralski’s lab accident—dipping his pen into molten tin—helped inspire a breakthrough in crystal growth. His Czochralski method made it possible to create highly pure silicon crystals, a foundation for semiconductor manufacturing. That quiet advance now underpins the chips running smartphones, computers, and even vehicles, long after his own struggles.
The Department of Posts aims for a Rs 4,000 crore revenue increase this year, building on a Rs 2,100 crore rise in the previous fiscal year. Officials say post offices are being reshaped into profit centers, with operational changes like 24-hour delivery and longer hours, alongside tighter accountability and performance monitoring to sustain growth.
A mentally unstable youth reportedly climbed into the historic Badi Deg at Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan and was filmed sitting inside the ceremonial cauldron. But within seconds, the situation turned violent, and the youth was brutally assaulted by the crowd rather than escorted out calmly. The CCTV footage has triggered widespread outrage and calls for action.
Mumbai Indians are officially out of the IPL 2026 playoffs after another disappointing campaign. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene addressed the season’s struggles with both bat and ball and the disruptions caused by injuries to key players. He also explained the call to use an inexperienced bowler in the final over after the loss to RCB.
LIC invested nearly $2 billion in 10 companies in Q4 FY26, adding names like Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, and TCS. The purchases came even as markets faced volatility and growing fears about AI disrupting business models. Several of LIC’s selected stocks fell significantly during the same quarter, raising questions about how the insurer is timing risk and opportunity.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Hardik Pandya is sidelined due to a back issue, missing a second straight IPL 2026 match. With Pandya out, Suryakumar Yadav captained as MI’s playoff hopes ended after a narrow loss to RCB. Jayawardene also pointed to MI’s inconsistent season form.
Global equity markets are holding up despite geopolitical worries and expensive oil, with investors leaning on economic resilience driven by AI powered earnings growth. Tech and semiconductor stocks are leading in South Korea and Taiwan, while US markets post broad gains. India’s outlook looks shakier, given its higher dependence on imported oil.
A bizarre crash near the Surrey–Delta border in British Columbia has gone viral after a Suzuki GSX-R 40th Anniversary motorcycle ended up hanging about 20 feet above a traffic signal pole. Police say the bike collided with a BMW, leaving it suspended high overhead. The rider survived but suffered serious injuries, while witnesses shared startling photos online.
Auto industry executives say ELV compliance rules have turned the sector non-compliant after a policy shift barred the use of other steel scrap for meeting requirements. With the FY26 scrap target missed by 70%, companies warn that rising future targets may be impossible without revisiting the policy, calling the current approach unrealistic and unworkable.
India’s women’s recurve archery team clinched World Cup Stage II gold in Shanghai, toppling hosts China after a tense shoot-off. The win marks India’s first World Cup gold in five years and sets a confidence boost ahead of the Asian Games. Deepika Kumari also matched a national milestone with her 12th World Cup medal, prompting pride from Anand Mahindra.
Immigration New Zealand says a surge of scam calls is targeting international students and migrants. Fraudsters impersonate INZ officials, claim urgent visa problems, and pressure victims to share personal information or make payments. The warning urges recipients to hang up immediately and report any suspicious call activity, especially when callers demand quick action.
Ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping, Detroit’s automakers, unions, and bipartisan lawmakers are urging a hard line: reject any arrangement that would give Chinese car brands access to the U.S. market. The push reflects fears of renewed competition, jobs pressure, and leverage shifts—especially if the two leaders trade economic concessions around autos.
West Bengal’s new Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari kicks off his tenure with his first cabinet meeting at Nabanna. The agenda centers on allocating portfolios to ministers and discussing priorities with senior state bureaucrats. After the meeting, he is set to meet District Magistrates and senior police officials, marking the start of the government’s day to day administrative operations.
The investigation into the murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has advanced with the arrest of three sharpshooters. Authorities carried out a coordinated operation involving the West Bengal CID and police from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, signaling a broader crackdown tied to the case. Further details on the shooters and their links are expected as questioning continues.
Toyota has announced plans for a new car factory in Maharashtra that can roll out 100,000 vehicles a year. Production is expected to begin in the first half of 2029 at the Bidkin Industrial Area, with the plant set to produce a new SUV model. The project is estimated to generate about 2,800 jobs.
Market expert Sameer Dalal says India’s markets face headwinds as crude oil prices lift import costs, unlike the US which can benefit from exports. He cautions that FMCG margins may have already peaked due to higher logistics expenses, and upcoming Q1 earnings could disappoint as input costs rise and economic activity slows.
The Supreme Court quashed FIRs filed against a husband’s in-laws and sister in a dowry harassment case, holding there was no evidence they actively participated despite allegations about his second marriage. However, the proceedings against the husband will continue, as the court found specific claims of torture and dowry demands were made against him.
An Indian woman turned down a work-from-home offer after the hiring company demanded all-day webcam access and frequent screenshots every 10 minutes. Her viral question, “Hiring humans or robots?”, has sparked a wider debate on workplace surveillance, trust, and whether remote work is becoming as invasive and stressful as office monitoring—or worse.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered strict action against cattle smuggling and illegal cattle movement across the state. In his first major administrative directive after taking oath, he instructed all district police chiefs and senior law enforcement officers to take immediate action if smuggling through trucks is detected anywhere in West Bengal.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT, along with UIDAI, has issued a clarification denying reports that Aadhaar is being redesigned into a QR code only format. After social media posts and news coverage sparked confusion about changes to the physical card’s look, the government stated there is no change planned to Aadhaar’s physical format.
Shares of Titan and Kalyan Jewellers tumbled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to temporarily reduce non-essential gold consumption to protect foreign exchange reserves. Speaking in Hyderabad, he linked gold conservation to national strength as global oil prices rise. Traders said the comments, though not a formal ban, hit sentiment hard and could cool volumes during the wedding season.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, with Gianni Infantino arguing it boosts global representation and makes the event more of a shared “social” spectacle. Supporters see opportunities for debutants like Curacao and Jordan, while critics worry the extra spots reduce stakes and make it easier for teams to reach the knockouts.
Global investors are increasingly targeting South Korea and Taiwan as AI demand and semiconductor momentum lift equities sharply. Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing sit at the center of the rally, reflecting surging bets on chips powering AI infrastructure. The boost stands in contrast to other emerging markets, including India, where investors are confronting tougher headwinds.
IndiGo shares fell 4.4% after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to avoid non-essential foreign travel amid escalating West Asia tensions. At the same time, Brent crude rose toward $86 per barrel, raising expectations of higher Aviation Turbine Fuel costs. With fuel making up nearly 40% of operating expenses, investors also fear potential flight disruptions if the conflict drags on.
The Regional Weather Forecast Centre, Delhi, has issued a nowcast warning for light rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 50 kmph across Delhi and NCR within the next two hours. The alert follows similar showers earlier in the week. The IMD’s monthly outlook previously pointed to above-normal rainfall in May, while temperatures remain varied across regions.
New Zealand’s government has announced a mandatory citizenship test starting in 2027, prompting many migrants to apply earlier than planned. The test will include 20 questions on civic rights and democratic values. Supporters say it strengthens integration, but critics warn of added costs, language hurdles, and extra challenges for refugees and people with learning or accessibility needs.
Small traders around Kolkata’s BBD Bag are hopeful as the West Bengal government moves back to Writers’ Buildings after 13 years. They expect renewed footfall from the secretariat’s return, recalling how businesses suffered when the administration shifted to Nabanna. Tea stall owners, eateries, and shopkeepers say the change drained daily customers—and they want that rhythm back.
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