Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
China’s foreign ministry confirmed that an oil products tanker carrying Chinese nationals was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. The ministry said it is deeply concerned about vessels affected by the continuing Middle East conflict. Details on damage or casualties weren’t fully disclosed, but the incident highlights how regional tensions are spilling into global shipping routes.
A Delhi court upheld an order for a man to pay interim maintenance to his estranged wife and daughter, rejecting his plea that he was unemployed. The judges said a woman’s education cannot be used to deny support and stressed that able-bodied men cannot evade responsibility. Interim maintenance, the court noted, protects dependents’ dignity while legal proceedings continue.
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DMK has asked the Lok Sabha Speaker to change its seating arrangement after its alliance with Congress ended. DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi wrote that it is inappropriate for DMK MPs to sit with Congress members. The request follows Congress backing TVK during government formation in Tamil Nadu, escalating tensions after the alliance unwind.
India is spearheading its BRICS chairship push to strengthen MSMEs across member nations, focusing on improving access to finance and expanding fintech-driven credit. BRICS partners are exchanging approaches to tackle persistent funding and growth barriers for small businesses. The effort is designed to build more competitive MSME ecosystems that can spur investment, productivity, and job creation globally.
TVK chief Vijay is set to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday evening to discuss government formation. The meeting will be his third with the governor this week as he seeks to stake a claim to form the next government. Vijay is expected to present his case and outline why TVK should lead the formation talks.
State Bank of India has declared a dividend of Rs 17.35 per share for FY26. The record date is May 16, with payment scheduled for June 4. In earnings, Q4 profit rose 6% year over year to Rs 19,684 crore on lower provisions. FY26 profit grew 12.88% to Rs 80,032 crore, with softer margins but sharply improved asset quality.
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EPFO 3.0 is expected to let subscribers withdraw PF advances via UPI and ATMs by end of May 2026, cutting settlement delays from weeks to seconds. The upgrade is pitched as “instant” credit, but withdrawals through these digital channels will be capped at 50% and a 25% balance retention rule will still apply. EPFO says 95% of claims are already automated.
During an Enforcement Directorate raid in Mohali, people allegedly threw bags packed with Rs 500 notes from a ninth-floor window in a luxury high-rise. The ED was investigating influential builders accused of fraudulent land use license procurement and cheating investors. Police and officials seized at least one bag containing about Rs 21 lakh, while raids and questioning continued.
Hyundai Motor India’s March quarter net profit fell 23% year-on-year to Rs 1,221 crore, even as revenue rose 5% to Rs 18,452 crore. The automaker logged its highest-ever quarterly domestic sales and flagged an expansion in manufacturing capacity. For FY27, it plans to launch two new models and has declared a Rs 21 per share dividend.
The European Commission said airlines must continue honoring passenger protection rules even as the Iran conflict affects jet fuel. EU officials ruled the disruption is not severe enough to excuse compensation for flight cancellations. Only localized fuel shortages can justify exceptions, while retroactive charges such as fuel surcharges remain banned.
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Early partial results from England’s local elections point to a sharp setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour, with losses in areas once viewed as Labour turf. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is winning hundreds of local council seats in the north and making gains from the Conservatives in places like east London, fueling claims the vote is a proxy test of Starmer’s popularity.
Senior DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi reiterated her party’s opposition to the governor’s office, saying it naturally clashes with the political interests of Tamil Nadu. Her comments come as the state faces uncertainty after a fractured election outcome, with no single party commanding a clear majority. Kanimozhi stressed that the people’s mandate remains supreme, even amid ambiguity.
Amid the West Asia crisis, India’s oil marketing companies have not fully passed oil price increases to consumers. To cushion them, the central government slashed excise rates, creating a sharp revenue hit. Reports say this decision is pressuring the government’s finances by roughly Rs 14,000 crore every month, even as OMCs remain focused on affordability.
The Delhi High Court said it will appoint amici curiae to represent AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak in the CBI plea challenging their discharge in the Delhi excise policy case. The court flagged that the respondents were not appearing in the proceedings, and it has scheduled a detailed hearing next week.
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Dilip Ghosh, an ex RSS organiser from the Andaman, is credited with turning the BJP into a major grassroots force in West Bengal. Over a decade, he focused on cadre building and booth-level expansion, creating the party’s political depth that later translated into major electoral gains across the state.
Titan Company shares surged 7% to a fresh 52-week high after strong Q4FY26 results. Profit rose 35% year-on-year while income climbed 46%, driven largely by jewellery demand. Watches and eyecare delivered steady growth, and a declared dividend boosted sentiment, helping the stock extend momentum to the top of its recent trading range.
Biocon’s fourth-quarter net profit fell 63% year-on-year, driven by exceptional one-off charges that weighed on the numbers. Despite the shock, the company’s core businesses expanded, supported by the integration of its biosimilars and generics operations. The firm said it will focus on improving profitability and delivering long-term value, recommending a final dividend of Rs 0.50.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says the biggest workplace shakeup from AI won’t be the technology itself, but people who don’t adapt. He predicts that “pure” people managers and employees resistant to change will struggle most. Chesky argues leaders need to evolve into “hybrid people managers,” staying hands on with technical work and understanding project context to thrive in the AI era.
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Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran said the party will not align with any group to form a government, even after securing just one seat. Meanwhile, Vijay’s TVK is seeking support and Congress has offered conditional backing. VCK, CPI(M), and CPI are also considering support, potentially helping TVK cross the majority mark.
Even after West Bengal’s Assembly was officially dissolved and the BJP’s landslide win became clear, Mamata Banerjee kept presenting herself as Chief Minister on X. The continued use of the “Honourable CM” identity spotlights a clash between constitutional outcomes and social media optics, raising questions about defiance, timing, and control of the political narrative.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay Thalapathy’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has reportedly reached the majority needed to form government in Tamil Nadu. Sources say TVK’s position improves further with support from Congress as well as VCK, CPI(M), and CPI, reshaping the coalition arithmetic and bringing TVK closer to power.
Former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam has resigned from a special Election Commission tribunal that hears appeals over names removed from electoral rolls. Appointed among 19 former judges, Sivagnanam previously ordered reinstatement of a Congress candidate’s name, a decision later tied to that candidate winning an election from Farakka.
India topped the world in remittance inflows in 2024, pulling in $138 billion, according to the latest figures. The amount is supported by a diaspora of about 19 million and a decade-long rise in outbound work. The report also flags a shift toward high-skilled migration, especially in technology and healthcare, reshaping where earnings originate.
Swiggy says its FY26 Q4 loss narrowed to Rs 800 crore, down from Rs 1081 crore a year earlier. The company also reported a 45% year-on-year revenue jump, signaling improving demand. While the turnaround looks encouraging, the next question for investors is whether growth can translate into healthier profitability going forward.
France’s transport minister says major flight cancellations are unlikely this summer even as Europe faces jet fuel shortage risks. Philippe Tabarot says airlines are reluctant to disrupt peak travel weeks because revenues are highest then, though some have cut capacity slightly. The government is also preparing aid, while European authorities push for solutions to avoid broader aviation disruption tied to Middle East fuel imports.
Hyderabad police are investigating the murder of Tanuja Ranjan, 55, the wife of former IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray. She was found dead at her home in Prashasan Nagar, Jubilee Hills. Authorities are hunting a domestic help and potential accomplices, raising fears of a targeted attack amid the area’s tight-knit elite community.
India’s state-run oil companies reportedly incurred losses of about Rs 30,000 crore, even as fuel and LPG prices were held steady during a global energy disruption. The move helped ensure uninterrupted supplies for consumers. Government excise duty cuts further cushioned the financial blow, setting India apart from countries where retail fuel prices jumped sharply.
Kalyan Jewellers reported a blockbuster March quarter for FY26, with net profit more than doubling to Rs 409.5 crore. Revenue from operations jumped 66.2% to Rs 10,274.9 crore, alongside strong EBITDA growth. The firm also recommended a final dividend of Rs 2.50 per equity share, citing solid performance from international operations and its Candere platform.
Titan Company posted a modest 5.4% year-on-year rise in Q4 consolidated net profit to ₹771 crore as revenue jumped 22% to ₹11,472 crore. The jewellery business faced margin pressure from record-high gold prices and a consumer shift toward gold coins, while watches and eyewear delivered a brighter performance.
After TMC’s devastating loss in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, cracks are widening inside the party. Former ministers and senior leaders have begun publicly challenging the leadership, alleging organisational arrogance, high-handed decision making, controversies around candidate ticket distribution, and a widening gap between top leadership and grassroots workers. The BJP’s landslide has intensified internal blame and factional tensions.
Gold and silver prices rose this week as markets reacted to US Iran ceasefire signals and positioned themselves ahead of the US nonfarm payrolls report. Gold led gains and was on track for a weekly increase, while silver, platinum, and palladium also climbed. Analysts warn the trend could remain choppy as geopolitics and interest rate expectations shift.
India’s National Institute of Virology chief says reported hantavirus infections in two Indian nationals aboard a cruise ship do not signal an immediate public health threat. Health officials believe the cases are isolated, noting hantavirus typically does not spread easily from person to person. With adequate lab capacity for diagnosis, authorities stress rodent control and sanitation to prevent further risk.
Teaching job aspirants in Patna took to the streets to protest a delay in the notification for the BPSC TRE 4.0 recruitment exam. The candidates marched from Patna College toward Dak Bungalow Chowraha but were stopped by police near Gandhi Maidan, who used mild force to disperse the crowd. Aspirants say they are still waiting for the announcement for over 46,000 posts.
India is seeking a bigger say in shaping international standards for the fast-growing space sector, with global experts meeting in New Delhi for an ISO-focused discussion. Officials point to recent policy reforms and the creation of IN-SPACe as reasons India can influence how future space norms are written and implemented across countries.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC have signed a non binding MOU for a joint venture in Kumamoto to build next generation AI ready CMOS image sensors. Sony will hold majority control and run a new facility, pairing its sensor design strength with TSMC process and manufacturing expertise. The Japanese government is expected to back phased investments, alongside Sony’s Nagasaki expansion.
India’s southwest monsoon may be on track this year, with IMD forecasts pointing to heavy rainfall and storms across parts of southern India over the next week. Weather agencies say intensifying pre-monsoon showers and shifting atmospheric patterns over Australia are aligning in a way that could support timely monsoon onset, offering early relief from the heat.
Akasa Air has set up a new entity at Gujarat’s GIFT City to strengthen its aircraft financing and leasing operations. The company, Akasa Air Leasing IFSC Private Limited, is expected to help the airline access better funding terms while improving flexibility and lowering costs through an IFSC framework.
State Bank of India shares fell more than 6% to an intraday low of Rs 1,027 after the bank announced its Q4 results. Despite a reported 6% year-on-year surge in performance for the quarter ended March, investors pushed the stock down following the results and dividend update, raising questions about expectations and outlook.
Tamil Nadu’s post May 4 election stalemate continues as the DMK adopts a cautious wait and watch stance. Party leaders met to assess the political situation, align with alliance partners, and shape strategy amid swirling reports of potential historic pacts. DMK indicated it would present options if called by the governor, keeping all decisions pending the next move.
Gasoline prices are rising across the US, with the national average reaching $4.546 per gallon on May 8. California drivers face the steepest costs, while Oklahoma currently shows the lowest prices. Big gaps between states reflect differences in taxes, refining capacity, and local logistics, and experts expect the upward trend to persist.
The NTA has issued a CUET-UG 2026 advisory outlining what candidates can wear and carry for the computer-based exam. Light-coloured clothing and normal footwear are recommended, while transparent water bottles and certain articles of faith such as religious threads are permitted. Early frisking will be conducted, so candidates should follow the guidelines to avoid last-minute issues.
India’s new envoy Vikram Doraiswami has formally presented his credentials to China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei in Beijing. Doraiswami also took part in a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. He was warmly welcomed by Chinese officials on arrival, underscoring the importance both sides are placing on the envoy’s start of tenure.
BJP has hit back at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, calling him the “joker of Indian politics” after he questioned reports that US President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi over West Bengal election results. A BJP spokesperson alleged opposition parties are spreading misleading narratives about India’s electoral processes, escalating a diplomatic and political dispute.
Amazon Web Services reported a northern Virginia data center zone outage linked to high temperatures. The disruption affected services used by CME Group and Coinbase. Coinbase said its trading problems were caused by the AWS outage, while CME pointed to technical and latency issues. AWS is working to restore full service, but an exact timeline hasn’t been shared.
Krunal Pandya opened up on the weight of defending an IPL title, saying pressure is constant but must be met with simplicity. He also pointed to how modern batting demands constant innovation, including a calculated approach to bouncers. In IPL 2026, Lucknow Super Giants beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by nine runs, with Mitchell Marsh’s century proving decisive.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said the party’s high-level committee will meet this evening to assess Tamil Nadu’s political situation, including an approach from TVK for an alliance. He indicated the party will take a final call after the discussion among top committee members, as uncertainty grows across the state’s political landscape.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has asked the CPI to back TVK to form a secular government in Tamil Nadu, following Congress’ break with the DMK. CPI leaders are consulting allies, including the DMK, before deciding on support. TVK still needs additional seats to secure a majority, making the CPI’s stance crucial.
State Bank of India shares fell about 7% after its March quarter results showed margin pressure and weaker operating performance. Net interest margins contracted year-on-year and sequentially, while net interest income declined quarter-on-quarter. The bank’s operating profit also dropped versus prior periods, alarming investors as earnings pressure persisted.
Actor-politician Vijay congratulated Tamil Nadu Class 12 students on their results and urged those who failed to try again. His cryptic line about being “on the verge of victory” quickly went viral, with many linking it to both student hopes and the Tamil Nadu Vidyarthi Kazhagam party’s push for a new political setup.
Starting April 2025, the US rolled out multiple tariffs on Indian goods, with rates shifting between reciprocal measures and duties tied to India’s Russian oil purchases. Some actions were suspended or revised over time. The biggest twist came when US courts struck down parts of the reciprocal tariff system, changing the pressure on exporters and trade negotiations.
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