Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Sanjay Dutt’s upcoming film Aakhri Sawal was slated to release today, May 8, but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withheld clearance due to concerns around its storyline. With the CBFC certificate finally approved, the release and promotions can restart, though the exact date has been pushed from the planned window.
UFC 328 returns to Newark’s Prudential Center with two championship fights headlining the night. Middleweight title holder Khamzat Chimaev takes on former champ Sean Strickland, while flyweight champion Joshua Van defends against Tatsuro Taira. The full card features additional key matchups, and fans in the US can watch live on Paramount+.
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DRDO has successfully completed the first flight trial of TARA, India’s indigenous glide weapon system, off the coast of Odisha. TARA is designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided strike weapons, improving accuracy and lethality against ground targets while keeping costs lower. Defence experts see the test as a major step toward greater self-reliance in indigenous weapon technology.
India’s labour market is quietly being re-engineered as agriculture slowly loses ground, according to an SBI Research report built on the latest PLFS 2025 unit-level data. The study suggests employment and work participation are moving in step with the country’s broader economic transition, reshaping where people work and how labour markets function.
Hero Realty has secured Rs 1,200 crore in debt from IndusInd Bank to fund its expansion drive. The firm has also set up a Rs 1,000 crore platform with HDFC Capital Advisors for housing projects across tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Expansion includes the National Capital Region and other states, with development spanning over 6 million square feet.
Corporate card startup Ramp is reportedly negotiating a fresh $750 million funding round at a valuation above $40 billion. The deal is expected to be co-led by existing investors Iconiq Capital and GIC, after Ramp raised $300 million in November. If finalized, it would signal strong investor appetite despite the company already securing major capital recently.
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Delhi government has served eviction notices to residents of nearly 310 houses near the Yamuna floodplain in Old Delhi. The notice, issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, cites recurring flood risks and public safety concerns. The action follows earlier government plans to build a flood protection wall along a vulnerable Ring Road stretch to curb Yamuna flooding.
Shakti Pumps reported strong revenue growth, but costs climbed faster, dragging Q4 profit down 65% year on year. Earnings per share fell sharply, and the stock is also down over the past year. Even as the board proposed a dividend, institutional investors trimmed holdings, signaling lingering caution from the market.
India’s electric vehicle sales jumped 75.14% in April 2026, led by Tata Motors which posted a 77.17% rise in electric passenger vehicles. Electric two-wheeler sales climbed 60.73% with TVS topping the segment. Electric three-wheelers grew modestly, while electric commercial vehicle sales more than doubled, signaling broad-based adoption.
Tamil Nadu Congress has cautioned against “betrayal” of the mandate and manipulation as talks over government formation continue after a hung assembly verdict. Backed by five Congress MLAs, the alliance currently totals 112 seats—six short of the 118 needed for a majority in the 234-member assembly—while fears grow over potential constitutional fallout.
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BSE’s March quarter looked stellar, with net profit up 61% year-on-year to Rs 797 crore and revenue rising 85% to Rs 1,564 crore. Yet the share price fell, even as some analysts raised targets up to Rs 4,570. Ratings diverged, with Nuvama staying bullish while Jefferies remained cautious on growth and risks.
A hantavirus outbreak has been reported on the Dutch luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, where five cases and three deaths were confirmed, including two Indian crew members. Passengers from 28 countries were aboard when dozens disembarked before the outbreak was officially confirmed. WHO says hantavirus spreads through close contact, not like COVID-19, and it is not considered a pandemic.
Jefferies says uncertainty over management succession at HDFC Bank is acting as a major drag on India’s banking sector valuations. Even with strong underlying fundamentals, the overhang is keeping benchmark valuations muted. The brokerage expects earnings and valuation recovery if there is clarity on leadership timelines and tensions in West Asia ease.
India’s earnings season is pointing to a recovery that is real, but not dramatic. FMCG is getting a rural demand lift, yet growth remains modest. PSU banks have cleaner balance sheets, but net interest margins are under quiet pressure. Power and EMS demand stays strong, though profit durability may hinge on raw material costs and intensifying competition.
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EU lawmakers and member states have agreed to ban AI systems that generate sexualized deepfakes, targeting humiliation and exploitation. The rollout of high-risk AI rules has been pushed to late 2027 and 2028, aiming to give businesses time and encourage innovation. The bloc is also tackling cybersecurity risks tied to increasingly advanced AI models.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested three founders of online gaming platform Gameskraft—Deepak Singh, Prithvi Raj Singh, and Vikas Taneja—under the PMLA. The move follows raids and a money laundering case tied to alleged fraud. ED had earlier frozen their bank accounts as part of its investigation, signaling the probe is widening beyond initial allegations.
Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals meet in Jaipur with both teams level at six wins from ten matches, setting up a tight mid-table battle. Gujarat arrive on a three-match winning streak, backed by dependable batting, while Rajasthan look to turn momentum into the next leap up the table. The contest could swing rankings quickly.
Indian government bonds fell as fresh US Iran tensions lifted oil prices, tightening expectations around India’s inflation and growth. Investors are also closely tracking a new 10-year debt sale, viewing the auction results as the next key signal for bond yields. With oil risk feeding macro concerns, traders are waiting for direction from the auction.
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Zyphra has released ZAYA1 8B, an open reasoning mixture-of-experts model with 8 billion parameters and just 760 million active. It matches bigger rivals on benchmarks, including AIME 2025, and was trained end to end on AMD Instinct MI300 GPUs. The model uses “Markovian RSA” to think longer without context overflow and ships under Apache 2.0 for immediate commercial use.
Toyota expects its net profit to fall 22% in the coming fiscal year, blaming the drag from US tariffs. The automaker previously reported a 19.2% profit decline for 2025-26, but says it has stayed resilient thanks to higher sales volumes and price adjustments, supported by strong product competitiveness.
Prince Yadav of Lucknow Super Giants credited his crucial wicket of Virat Kohli for momentum, but said the win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru mattered far more than personal milestones. With a strong season and guidance from senior players, Yadav’s breakthrough spell was also praised by Rajat Patidar, underscoring LSG’s collective approach in IPL 2026.
Christian televangelist and Daystar co-founder Joni Lamb has died at 65 after major health struggles, according to her ministry. Her passing has sparked tributes to her faith and resilience, but also confusion online after followers reacted sharply to what she posted last, with some calling it creepy or distasteful despite her message of spiritual perseverance.
Bitcoin slipped below $80,000 after a sharp rally, as investors booked profits and leveraged positions were liquidated amid escalating Iran US uncertainty. Even as price weakened, spot Bitcoin ETFs still pulled in about $1 billion, signaling steady institutional demand. The market appears to be consolidating, with traders watching upcoming economic data for direction.
Adani Group’s green-powered data center investments are reshaping how investors view its energy businesses, turning them into India’s AI infrastructure proxy. As plans for AI-ready capacity expand alongside rapidly rising electricity demand, Adani’s energy stocks have outperformed the broader market. The result is a new trade narrative that links power generation to the AI boom.
Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya has alleged he was removed from an advertisement due to his skin colour, calling out a persistent bias in Bollywood. He also questioned why the industry often boxes performers into “character actor” labels instead of giving them wider, lead roles. The claims spark fresh debate on racism and representation in mainstream media.
Ola Consumer has turned free cash flow positive in H2 FY26, signaling a sharp turnaround after a year of restructuring. The cab aggregator moved to a zero-commission driver subscription model and shifted toward higher-margin revenue streams. The improvement comes even as competition intensifies, highlighting the resilience of its new business structure.
Paytm’s parent One 97 Communications gained around 2% after investors cheered the fintech’s first full year of profitability. Shares rose to an intraday high of ₹1,219.10 as brokerages like Goldman Sachs and Citi kept Buy or Outperform ratings, pointing to stronger revenue momentum and growing payments market share even as regulation continues to reshape the landscape.
Salaried workers may not notice any pay slip change yet because India’s new labour codes are being rolled out unevenly across states. Some provisions like ESI coverage can shift sooner, but the bigger impact on in hand salary—especially PF contributions—has been delayed. Employers are planning transitions around annual reviews rather than immediate salary revisions.
Thermax shares jumped about 8% to a new 52-week high after its strong Q4FY26 performance. Profit rose 19% year-on-year to Rs 244 crore, supported by resilient revenue growth and a sharp increase in order inflows. Investors also cheered dividend recommendations, including a special payout tied to the company’s 60th anniversary, while the order book signals better future visibility.
Shell posted its strongest quarterly profit in nearly two years, beating expectations as refining and energy trading benefited from Iran-related geopolitical tensions. The company also increased shareholder payouts. Still, investors cooled off as concerns grew over declining production and whether the trading gains can be sustained, especially after the results release.
A probe claims Pakistan’s ISI-linked module planned attacks on a historic Delhi temple, a popular dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway, and a Haryana military camp. Interrogation of nine arrested operatives allegedly revealed reconnaissance of these locations, with plans to target security personnel and cause mass casualties, while some UP police stations were also reportedly targeted.
The US Consulate in Kolkata has introduced priority visa appointment slots for parents aged 50 and above who are visiting children legally residing in the United States. The initiative is designed to cut down waiting times by letting eligible travelers secure interview dates more quickly, easing scheduling pressure for older applicants and families planning trips.
India has launched a Rs 5,659-crore Mission for Cotton Productivity to reverse declining farm yields, improve seed quality, and cut rising import dependence. The plan leans on technology upgrades, stronger research, and traceability across the cotton chain, aiming to restore the country’s competitiveness and long-term global leadership position.
Indian parents are increasingly taking trips without their children, shifting from decades of family-first travel to solo or friend-based journeys. The change is driven by a focus on comfort, safety, and simpler planning. Travel businesses are noticing demand from older adults seeking independence, and these travelers are redefining post-family life with more enriching experiences.
A cyberattack on the Canvas learning platform disrupted academic operations at universities across the US, Australia, and Europe. Stanford and Yale, among others, said student data such as names and email addresses may have been exposed. A cybercrime group claimed responsibility, underscoring how vulnerable education systems are to escalating attacks and portal outages.
Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York during the International Migration Review Forum. Singh delivered India’s national statement, stressing digital innovation in migration governance and urging a more effective United Nations. The Indian Mission also commemorated Operation Sindoor, underscoring India’s engagement on migration-related priorities.
Wall Street is bracing for renewed volatility as US Treasury yields hover near 5 percent, with investors debating whether 30-year rates can stay above that level. Rising oil prices and a resilient US economy are stoking inflation concerns and potentially lifting borrowing costs globally. Traders are also recalculating expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
Anke Gowda, once a Karnataka bus conductor and later a retired sugar factory worker, has transformed a childhood dream into Pustaka Mane in Mandya. The 16,000 sq ft public library now houses about 20 lakh books, growing from one man’s vision in a book-deprived village into a sprawling knowledge space that turns personal sacrifice into community learning.
A federal judge ruled that US immigration enforcement officers’ instructions for making civil arrests without warrants fall short of probable cause standards. Judge Beryl A. Howell said the materials should not be used as guidance, especially on assessing flight risk. The decision comes amid a lawsuit challenging arrests carried out during immigration sweeps.
KPIT Technologies founder and chairman S B Ravi Pandit died on May 8, 2026. He launched KPIT in 1990 and later steered it to become a global player in automotive software, electrification, and mobility solutions. Under his leadership, KPIT worked with major automakers to develop advanced technologies shaping the transition to EVs and connected vehicles.
Instructure has placed its Canvas learning platform into maintenance mode after a cybersecurity incident disrupted access for many schools and universities. Some users reported being redirected to an unauthorized message that was allegedly linked to the cybercriminal group ShinyHunters. The company says Canvas is now available for most users, but services were impacted long enough to disrupt learning across multiple institutions.
Canada’s privacy watchdog is demanding urgent cybersecurity upgrades at the Canada Revenue Agency after more than 42,000 tax accounts were breached since 2020. The reports say criminals used stolen credentials to log in and then altered account details to file fraudulent returns and claim benefits. The agency is now rolling out new security measures to better protect taxpayer data.
The UAE reported responding to a missile and drone attack hours after the US said it stopped attacks on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident further tests a US Iran ceasefire that has largely held since April 8, after failed talks hosted by Pakistan to end the conflict that began Feb 28.
The WHO has confirmed five hantavirus cases and three deaths aboard the Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic. Investigators link the infections to the Andes strain and believe the outbreak likely started after a bird-watching trip in South America. Despite the severity onboard, WHO says the risk to the wider public remains low, though additional cases are still possible.
DRDO and the Indian Air Force carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off Odisha’s coast, as the Defence Ministry said. The indigenous glide system is designed to enhance low-cost unguided warheads by converting them into precision-guided weapons, aiming to extend reach with improved accuracy.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) in New Delhi has earned AACSB accreditation, widely seen as a top global benchmark for business education. The multi year, rigorous review reflects the school’s focus on academic quality, learner success, and societal impact—now placing LBSIM among just 6% of business schools worldwide.
ASEAN leaders met in Cebu, Philippines to respond to the economic shock from the Iran war. They’re drafting contingency plans to keep fuel and food supply stable, including coordinated emergency fuel sharing and diversifying oil sources. The summit also focuses on protecting more than a million ASEAN citizens working across the Middle East, with safety measures a central part of talks.
New York Fed President John Williams said global demand for U.S. Treasury debt remains strong even as federal borrowing rises. He attributed the resilience to ongoing confidence in the U.S. economy and the reliability of Treasuries as a safe, liquid investment, especially as geopolitical risks continue to cloud investor sentiment.
Kerala’s Congress CM race is playing out publicly, with supporters rallying behind V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala. While AICC observers meet MLAs and gather inputs, the final call is said to rest with the Congress high command in New Delhi, with an announcement expected by Sunday, turning party politics into street-level campaigns.
Jefferies projects Sensex weekly options on BSE could scale up to match Nifty’s by FY29, backed by robust derivatives momentum. Still, the brokerage cautions that valuations look stretched and risks tied to regulation and product concentration remain. While it expects growth, it keeps BSE on a cautious Hold stance, signaling investors to tread carefully.
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