Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Bitcoin has climbed to a three month high as reports of de escalation in US Iran hostilities boost investor confidence. Risk appetite has spilled into broader markets, while gold prices appear to soften as some investors rethink allocations. Traders are now watching whether rising ETF inflows could push BTC higher toward fresh targets.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Kolkata to finalise Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister and cabinet. He is set to chair meetings with legislative party leaders and MLAs ahead of Saturday’s oath-taking ceremony. The event will draw Chief Ministers from 20 states, and the newly appointed CM is expected to visit Writers’ Buildings and the Vidhan Sabha.
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Australian shares dropped 1.5% on Friday, wiping out earlier gains as renewed US Iran tensions dented global risk appetite. Miners and banks led the fall, while Tabcorp slid further amid money laundering investigations. The market setback also arrived despite a busy week for the Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate moves.
SoftBank has reportedly cut its target for an OpenAI margin loan by 40%, bringing it down to about $6 billion, according to Bloomberg News. The move signals a more cautious approach to funding the next phase of OpenAI-linked initiatives, even as demand for AI investment remains high. Details on the terms and timing are still emerging.
Coforge shares surged 6% after its Q4 results, with the stock gaining about 16% over three days. Net profit and revenue came in strong, while brokerages reiterated bullish “Buy” calls. Investors are pointing to fresh deal wins, an expanding order book, and expectations that the Encora acquisition will add meaningful growth momentum ahead.
US prosecutors are investigating a Thai firm, OBON Corp, accused of smuggling billions of dollars worth of Super Micro Computer servers packed with advanced Nvidia chips. Reports say the shipments were routed through Southeast Asia and headed to China, with Alibaba Group Holding listed as an end customer. The case could raise alarms over high tech export controls and sanctions evasion.
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A cruise ship outbreak of hantavirus has reportedly killed three passengers and sickened others, triggering fears of a new pandemic. WHO experts say the concern is understandable, but the transmission route differs sharply from COVID-19: hantavirus is mainly linked to exposure to infected rodents and their droppings, not easy person-to-person spread through the air.
The Supreme Court refused bail to a Delhi University student accused of inciting violence during a Noida industrial workers’ protest. The bench asked the student’s counsel to approach the Allahabad High Court, citing the mounting burden in the apex court, where around 93,000 cases are pending. It also issued notice to Uttar Pradesh police over an alleged torture claim.
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai reacted sharply to Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s move to promote himself to Field Marshal after Operation Sindoor, calling India’s reaction “amusement.” He emphasized that Indian forces have carefully identified terror launch pads, training camps, and supporting infrastructure along the Line of Control and even across the International Boundary.
Google is internally testing “Remy,” an always-on AI agent aimed at becoming a proactive 24/7 personal assistant. Unlike standard chatbots, it can monitor information, learn user preferences, and carry out complex tasks independently. The trial is reportedly limited to Google employees, with a possible debut at Google I O 2026—an early sign of “agentic” AI going mainstream.
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An Indian passenger with a confirmed 2AC berth faced a hefty railway penalty after boarding from a station different from the one listed on her ticket. Railway staff marked her original seat as vacant, and the case underscores strict rules around updating boarding details before train charts are prepared. Travelers are advised to correct official boarding points to avoid fines and travel disruptions.
India’s NCLT has admitted an insolvency petition against Prime Focus Ltd filed by Reliance Alpha Services Pvt Ltd over a disputed Rs 353.79 crore claim. Prime Focus has challenged the move by approaching the NCLAT, arguing against the petition. The company says its VFX and post production operations continue as usual while the legal battle plays out.
The IMD expects the Southwest Monsoon to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 20. With forecasts pointing to below average rainfall, farmers face uncertainty as the kharif sowing window starts in June. Timing and uneven rain distribution could delay planting of pulses and oilseeds, with potential knock-on effects for food inflation.
Adobe has leased 158,000 sq ft of office space at Max Square in Noida, underscoring the city’s rising pull for large tech and corporate tenants. The move comes after AML RightSource’s big lease earlier this year, as Noida’s improving commercial infrastructure and an upcoming international airport fuel demand for “flight to quality” office space.
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Global equities are taking a more optimistic view as investors price in easing geopolitical tensions and move past recent volatility. But Peter Cardillo warns that persistently high oil prices could keep inflation elevated, reducing the chances of quick rate cuts. That may force central banks to stay hawkish longer than markets expect.
Kerala’s next Chief Minister decision is set to be finalized on Sunday as the Congress high command in Delhi weighs the UDF victory outcome. Party sources point to KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan as leading contenders, with intense consultations, lobbying in the background, and growing protests and internal rebellion buzz shaping the final call.
Kidnapping survivor and advocate Elizabeth Smart says 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, missing since January 2026 from her Tucson home, could still be alive. Smart points to past cases where victims were found years later. Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, and investigators believe she was taken against her will, as the mystery continues.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata to steer the BJP’s next leadership decision in West Bengal. The party’s legislature party meeting is scheduled for 4 PM, where the leader of the legislative group will be elected, setting the stage for the BJP’s swearing-in ceremony after its historic 207-seat landslide victory.
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As standard US visa and work authorization processing gets slower, many applicants say they have no practical choice but to pay for premium processing. The once optional service is increasingly viewed as a necessity to prevent job loss or status disruption, with people in multiple visa and employment categories facing escalating waits and added costs.
A U.S. trade court ruled President Donald Trump’s 10% temporary global tariffs are “unjustified” under a 1970s trade law, dealing a legal blow to the strategy. However, the ruling blocks the levies for only two private importers and the State of Washington, leaving most tariffs intact as Trump readies talks with China’s Xi Jinping.
MAMI’s latest iPhone program is giving emerging Indian filmmakers a new creative constraint: tell fresh stories using an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Four short films filmed across varied Indian locations lean into mobility, intimacy, and bold experimentation, showing how cinematic form can evolve when the tool stays the same.
Shares across major Tata Group firms turned negative on Friday after the Tata Trusts board meeting was postponed from May 8 to May 16. TCS fell more than 1% intraday, while Tata Motors CV, Tata Steel, and Tata Power also traded lower, signaling investors are watching leadership decisions closely ahead of the rescheduled meeting.
Stellantis is deepening its partnership with China’s Leapmotor to accelerate EV output in Europe. The automaker will manufacture the Leapmotor B10 electric SUV in Spain under the Opel brand. Looking ahead, Stellantis plans to produce additional Leapmotor models at its Villaverde plant starting in 2028, while the firms explore shifting ownership of the site into their joint venture.
As West Bengal braces for the first BJP government, sources say the party is weighing an unprecedented cabinet structure with two Deputy Chief Ministers. The plan is unfolding alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Kolkata visit for a high-stakes meeting with newly elected BJP legislators, suggesting the party is locking in both power distribution and political messaging early.
Uber and Nvidia executives say some companies are discovering that replacing workers with AI can be more expensive than expected. They point to token-based pricing that inflates usage costs, sometimes surpassing what employee salaries would cost. Despite mounting bills from AI providers, investment in automation continues, sparking debate over whether AI truly delivers cost savings at scale.
India’s startup boom is accelerating as fresh companies cross the $1 billion unicorn mark. Skyroot Aerospace, a space technology firm, and KreditBee, a digital lending platform, are among the newest entrants. The streak points to rising investor appetite and faster digital adoption across very different sectors, from deep tech to consumer finance.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has released a stunning 360-degree natural-color panorama from the rim of Jezero Crater, a spot nicknamed “Crocodile Bridge.” Built from 980 photos, the image highlights some of the oldest rocks in the solar system and is expected to sharpen scientists’ understanding of Mars’ early geological past and hidden history.
Air India is weighing sweeping cost cuts as the Iran war strains aviation demand and finances. The airline is reportedly considering furloughs for nontechnical staff, reduced pay for senior executives, lower bonuses, and a sharp drop in capacity—cutting flights by more than 20% over the next three months.
The West Asia conflict is denting demand for entry-level motorcycles in India, with Bajaj Auto expecting growth to fall sharply from over 20% to about 7-9%. At the same time, electric scooters are accelerating as fuel prices and rising commodity costs push consumers toward EVs. Bajaj Auto’s Chetak sales are surging, signaling a tougher road ahead for petrol bikes.
Political drama in Tamil Nadu is deepening as a senior BJP leader says only time will show who forms the next government, hinting Congress could face embarrassment. The Governor has asked TVK chief Vijay to prove majority support, as reports suggest negotiations are ongoing for possible AIADMK support and power-sharing arrangements.
Tamil Nadu’s Assembly race is tightening fast, with TVK-led alliances holding 112 seats—just six short of the 118 majority mark. Meanwhile, talk of a DMK-AIADMK collaboration could lift their combined count to 116, leaving them two seats away. Backchannel negotiations are fueling rapid shifts in expectations ahead of the final outcome.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a Caribbean tour, said India helps “de-risk” the international economy. He cited IMF projections that India will contribute about 17% of global growth in 2026. The minister added that India is still the fastest-growing major economy, supported by strong momentum and stabilising domestic inflation.
ESET has uncovered the CallPhantom scam on Google Play, finding 28 fraudulent Android apps that promised call history, SMS, and WhatsApp call logs for any number. Over 7.3 million users downloaded them. Instead of real records, the apps generate random call data and charge users through official or third-party payments, complicating refunds. Google removed the apps after ESET reporting.
Anthropic unveiled “dreaming,” a new capability in its Claude Managed Agents that reviews an agent’s past sessions and curates reusable playbooks so performance improves over time. The company also put “outcomes” and multi-agent orchestration into public beta, aiming to make AI agents more accurate, self-correcting, and scalable for real enterprise work.
Hyderabad’s luxury residential market is heating up as HNIs and Ultra HNIs reportedly invested Rs 8,562 crore in FY2026. The surge is concentrated in Kokapet, Nanakramguda, and Manchirevula, signaling a shift toward the city’s expanding high-end ecosystem. For investors, it points to where demand is likely to deepen and how luxury pricing may move.
As AI changes hiring and workplace expectations, institutions are moving from vague intent to verifiable capability. AI certifications are emerging as a benchmark, and structured programs like ET AI-Ready help colleges and universities assess curriculum, faculty strength, and supporting infrastructure—so graduates meet the demands of an AI-driven job market.
Indian investors are increasingly moving money abroad, driven by weaker domestic market returns, ongoing foreign fund outflows, and the rupee sliding to record lows. Overseas investments in equities and debt jumped 60% year-on-year to more than $2.2 billion in the 11 months through February, signaling a growing push for diversification outside India.
Sir David Attenborough marked his 100th birthday with a legacy that rewired how the world sees nature. From early classics like Zoo Quest to blockbuster landmarks like Planet Earth, his documentaries reached millions and helped fuel environmental awareness. Even at a century old, he continues to urge people to protect wildlife and cherish the natural world.
With Europe’s summer travel rush approaching, Fragomen warns that Schengen visa appointments are seeing limited availability as demand rises. Travelers are urged to plan well ahead, not just for earlier booking, but also because the new Entry Exit System may slow processing at airports and border crossings. Expect tighter timelines and possible delays during peak season.
Market veterans including David Roche warn investors may be underpricing the long-term fallout of the Middle East energy crisis. While AI spending and US resilience support bullish views, declining oil reserves and tighter supplies raise the odds of shortages, higher logistics costs, and insurance blowouts. Those pressures could translate into a sharp global GDP contraction.
Adobe has inaugurated its seventh India office in Noida, adding a new campus for more than 700 employees across engineering and customer-facing roles. The expansion underscores how central India has become to Adobe’s AI-led roadmap and innovation. With over 8,000 employees, India is now Adobe’s largest workforce outside the United States.
The Middle East war is rippling into Indian living rooms, pushing up furniture input costs as shipping disruptions hit supplies of key materials like foam and lacquer. Manufacturers are absorbing some of the higher bills for now, while buyers grow more cautious. To cope, firms are shifting toward value-focused products and smarter sourcing, even as premium furniture demand stays resilient.
Heavyweight bank stocks like HDFC Bank and Axis Bank pulled the Nifty Bank index down nearly 440 points, extending market weakness. Analysts cite sentiment pressure from rising oil prices alongside FII outflows. With momentum cooling, attention is turning to near-term support and resistance levels that could decide whether the selloff stabilizes or accelerates.
GVFL has led a $3 million investment in enterprise blockchain engineering firm Antier Solutions, its first institutional funding after more than a decade of bootstrapped growth. The company, headquartered in Mohali, runs platforms like EduBlock Pro for tamper-proof exam workflows and Programmable Money Infrastructure for tokenisation and institutional financial operations, targeting expansion across government and BFSI.
The murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has reignited scrutiny of a troubling pattern of deaths involving close figures. Reports claim that over 13 years, three aides connected to Adhikari were found dead, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding each incident and intensifying political and security concerns in West Bengal.
Sakana AI says its RL Conductor turns a small 7B model into an “orchestra conductor” that dynamically routes tasks across GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and open-source workers. Instead of hardcoded pipelines like LangChain, it learns coordination via reinforcement learning—cutting tokens and API calls while boosting reasoning and coding benchmark scores. The tech now powers Sakana Fugu’s enterprise API.
A.P. Moller-Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc says the Iran war is adding about $500 million in costs every month, largely tied to higher oil-related expenses. Clerc indicated the carrier will pass these increased costs to customers, while Maersk maintains its financial forecasts for 2026 despite the disruption.
Fresh controversy has erupted in Kerala’s Wandoor constituency after posters targeting senior Congress leader KC Venugopal and MLA AP Anil Kumar appeared in multiple locations. The development comes as the UDF’s Kerala Assembly win puts the chief minister selection under a spotlight, with reports of growing disagreements and protests across the state.
Nintendo says it will raise the price of its Switch 2 across Japan, the US, and Europe, citing continued increases in component costs. The move comes with a sharp warning that net profit for the current year could drop significantly, despite a strong prior fiscal performance. Consumers may feel the shift immediately at launch and in upcoming retail pricing.
During peak tax season, NPCI has expanded the UPI payment limit for verified categories, including income tax, allowing transactions up to ₹5 lakh per day. While most users still face the standard ₹1 lakh daily UPI cap, the higher threshold aims to simplify digital tax compliance and reduce dependence on net banking for larger payments.
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