Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Kodiak AI announced a $100 million fundraising round at a steep discount, triggering a sharp selloff that sent its shares down 37% after earnings. The update also included other notable developments, such as a new commercial contract and a pilot program in Canada, alongside a collaborative effort. The market reaction suggests investors questioned the pricing and runway implications.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who stepped in after Bob Iger earlier this year, is reportedly focused on building a unified “super app.” The goal: streamline how audiences access Disney’s services by consolidating experiences into a single platform, potentially simplifying sign-ins and navigation across content, features, and related offerings.
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Russia says it destroyed 347 Ukrainian drones in an overnight strike spanning more than 20 regions, including Moscow, according to its Defense Ministry. Officials call it Ukraine’s second-biggest aerial attack since the all-out invasion began over four years ago. The highest toll came last March, when Ukraine launched 389 drones.
Pit, an AI startup launched by former founders of European scooter giant Voi, is drawing major momentum from Silicon Valley. Backed by a16z, Pit has become the latest Stockholm rising star, with the firm reportedly leading the startup’s $16 million seed round. The funding signals growing investor interest in European AI teams with real-world operational experience.
The Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st Test in 2026 starts Friday at 9:30 AM IST at Shere Bangla National Stadium, available live in India on FanCode. The pitch is expected to help fast bowlers early, setting up early movement and pace. However, weather forecasts point to a possible rain interruption, adding uncertainty to the five day contest.
In Odisha, a man died on Thursday after police said a mob allegedly beat him over accusations of molestation and attempted rape involving two women. Authorities reported that four accused have been arrested in connection with the incident. Police are investigating the circumstances around the allegations and the mob’s actions, as questions arise over due process.
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Air travel looks set to cost more this summer as airlines grapple with rising jet fuel prices and ongoing supply disruptions. To offset higher costs, many carriers are reducing flight schedules and lifting ticket prices, especially during peak travel demand. Experts warn the global fuel crisis could keep passenger fares under pressure throughout the busy season.
A cybercrime group calling itself ShinyHunters says it has hacked Instructure again, this time by defacing login pages for several schools that use the company’s platforms. The attackers reportedly inserted an extortion message, turning everyday access points into a threat. The claims raise new concerns for K-12 and higher education security around widely used learning tools.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has criticized Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for not allowing Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a government and prove its majority on the Assembly floor. Shivakumar argued that checking the mandate in Raj Bhavan is the wrong approach, urging TVK to present its numbers directly in the House.
The EU says the war’s hit to Europe’s tourism sector has been limited so far, as airlines rely on hedges to buffer costs. But the situation is shifting: jet fuel prices have jumped nearly 84% since the Feb 28 US Iran war began. Airlines caution that aircraft or fuel supply shortages could surface within weeks, threatening travel plans.
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A suspected Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has reportedly killed three people. The WHO has confirmed five cases and flagged three additional suspected infections, intensifying concerns about how the rodent-borne virus could spread in close quarters. Authorities are now focused on symptoms, containment, and whether passengers should be taking extra precautions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel eliminated a Hezbollah Radwan force commander in Beirut, calling it a message to Israel’s enemies that “no terrorist is immune.” In a video released by his office, Netanyahu framed the strike as a direct warning: anyone threatening Israel’s state would face death for their actions.
After Novo Nordisk’s innovator semaglutide patent expired in end-March, over a dozen Indian firms launched generics. In April, these generics sold about ₹44 crore in total, with Torrent emerging as the fastest mover, grabbing around 38% market share. The sprint signals intensifying competition in GLP-1 diabetes and weight-management drugs.
Gusto says it has reached $1 billion in actual revenue, a milestone it emphasizes is based on real income rather than ARR projections. The figure, if sustained, signals stronger financial traction and could make the payroll and HR platform a more credible candidate for a future public-market push.
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The mother of a slain aide, Rath, says her son was killed after “provocative and vindictive” statements by Trinamool Congress leaders during pre-election rallies. She claims the rhetoric provoked the attack that ended with Rath being shot dead in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, on Wednesday night, amid intense political grief and accusations.
Railways is planning AI cameras on rolling stock, but new orders are on hold as surveillance standards keep evolving. IP-based video surveillance norms were first set by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation in 2018, then amended seven times, most recently in June 2025. The latest spec defines CCTV recording for post-event analysis inside and outside trains.
OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT safety features with a new Trusted Contact safeguard for situations where conversations may indicate possible self-harm. The aim is to provide quicker, more human support when a user’s messages cross certain risk thresholds, reducing delays and helping connect people to assistance sooner.
Iran has created a new regulatory authority to control maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, introducing checks and fees for incoming vessels. The move is raising concerns for international shipping firms as tensions continue and Tehran reviews recent US proposals. Still, investors are balancing the risk with renewed hopes that diplomacy could ease the standoff.
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A new US driver assistance safety benchmark has been introduced, and the 2026 Tesla Model Y is the first vehicle to meet it. The rating applies specifically to Model Y units assembled on or after November 12, 2025, meaning earlier builds won’t automatically qualify. Tesla’s latest result sets a new reference point for future vehicles and software updates.
India’s new safe harbour framework for IT and ITeS is triggering fresh tax dilemmas for multinational firms and GCCs. The regime sets lower acceptable margins, pushing companies with existing Advance Pricing Agreements to decide whether to opt out. Others with pending APA applications are waiting for guidance on how their cases will fit the new rules.
Antarctica’s tourism is surging, pulling in more than 80,000 visitors, but experts warn the boom could bring contamination and disease risks. A recent hantavirus outbreak underscores the threat, while scientists predict visits could triple. Strict curbs are in place to protect the fragile ecosystem from invasive species and illness, even as the continent’s allure continues to draw crowds.
The Supreme Court ruled that electricity consumers are not liable for tariff charges tied to a power plant that has stopped supplying electricity. Restoring an earlier order against Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd., the court held that consumers should not be forced to bear costs of plants that are no longer operational. The decision is a major relief for power consumers facing legacy tariff claims.
The Delhi High Court has sent a music copyright dispute between Zee Entertainment and JioStar India to mediation, directing both sides to pursue an amicable settlement. Zee had alleged unauthorized use of its music. Until mediation concludes, the court barred JioStar from using Zee’s licensed works, with the next hearing set for July 23.
Perplexity has launched Personal Computer on the Mac platform for everyone, expanding access to its AI agent experience. The update aims to move beyond chat by placing AI agents directly on your desktop, ready to help with real work. If you’ve wanted Perplexity’s agent approach without platform limits, this release is the on-ramp.
The S&P 500 finished lower as semiconductor stocks including Intel and Arm Holdings retreated, reversing earlier gains. Uncertainty around U.S.-Iran peace talks weighed on risk appetite, even after a strong AI- and tech-led quarter. Investors also kept an eye on chip supply concerns and geopolitical tensions, while oil prices edged down and Nvidia and Microsoft posted gains.
Karnataka wants to become a major hub for commercial space innovation, backed by a DeepTech Decade vision for its SpaceTech sector. The plan includes setting up common testing facilities and manufacturing parks to cut time and costs for startups and MSMEs, strengthening India’s fast-growing new-space ecosystem.
US mortgage rates have risen to 6.37%, driven by global tensions and renewed inflation worries. Higher borrowing costs are pushing up monthly payments, while demand for homes is cooling as affordability worsens. Experts warn the rates could remain elevated for some time, meaning buyers may face a tougher market before conditions improve.
Foreign remittances to Kerala are staying resilient even as West Asia faces unrest. Bank deposits linked to non-resident Indians, including Federal Bank and South Indian Bank, are growing. Analysts point to a weaker rupee that increases rupee value of remittances. Inflows are expected to continue unless job losses hit the Middle East, though a prolonged conflict could become a long-term risk.
The Supreme Court will examine whether GST applies when companies pay municipal bodies for restoring roads after utility work. It comes after a Gujarat High Court ruled these reimbursements are not taxable services. Now the apex court has asked Torrent Power to respond to a GST department appeal challenging that interpretation.
The Supreme Court has appointed former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to mediate a dispute involving the RK Family Trust, which holds a stake in Sona Comstar. The court asked all parties to approach the process with an open mind. The case will return to hearing in August after the mediator submits a report.
Rising operational costs and persistent supply chain disruptions tied to the West Asia conflict are hitting smaller FMCG players disproportionately. With budgets tight and procurement harder, many smaller brands struggle to keep shelves stocked and maintain pricing power. Meanwhile, larger corporations can adapt more quickly and use the disruption to expand their market influence.
The Enforcement Directorate has begun probing employee stock options (ESOPs) offered by foreign firms to Indian workers. The investigation focuses on whether such ESOPs were misused to launder money and circumvent foreign remittance rules. Experts warn that fake or manipulated ESOP arrangements could help hide overseas funds or push remittances beyond permissible limits.
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said interest rates are likely to remain unchanged for an extended period, citing major economic uncertainty. She warned that inflation could become a persistent mindset for consumers and businesses, noting that people have effectively endured about a decade of inflation within just five years—making it harder for policy makers to reset expectations.
India is shifting toward mustard oil as global prices of palm and soybean oils climb. Conflict-driven supply disruptions in West Asia and rising biofuel demand are raising costs, and a weakening rupee makes imported oils even more expensive. At the same time, record domestic mustard production supports the switch, easing availability for consumers.
Economic offences in Indian cities are rising fast, averaging 117 daily cases in 2024 compared with 86 in 2018. The biggest share comes from forgery, cheating, and fraud—often in the Rs 1–10 lakh range—while bigger scams also continue to surface, pointing to widening financial crime risks.
India’s top military officials have asserted that no terrorist safe haven in Pakistan is secure. They say India will decide the timing and method of any strike, and that terrorism will face consequences without “misadventure” going unanswered. The officials pointed to Operation Sindoor as setting a new response standard, crediting indigenous weapon systems and claiming Pakistan suffered major losses.
The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme has generated jobs for over 36 lakh people and helped set up more than four lakh new businesses. Implemented by KVIC, the initiative reportedly spent its entire budget. Notably, many of the new enterprises are in rural areas, strengthening local economies and supporting more balanced growth across regions.
The Trump administration is reportedly inviting top CEOs from companies including Nvidia, Apple, and Exxon to join President Trump on an upcoming China visit to meet Xi Jinping. The delegation signals heightened focus on major commercial openings, with potential deals likely driving attention as negotiations begin before the trip.
Elon Musk’s lawsuit is thrusting OpenAI’s safety track record into the spotlight, raising a bigger question: can any CEO be trusted to handle “superintelligent” AI responsibly? As legal scrutiny ramps up, the debate shifts from intent to evidence—how systems were tested, monitored, and safeguarded when stakes are existential.
Qualcomm shares jumped about 15% as investors cheered an AI partnership with OpenAI, fresh Snapdragon chip launches, and stronger-than-expected earnings. The company is also betting big on expanding AI capabilities across smartphones, data centers, automotive technology, and advanced computing. With momentum building, traders are now focused on what Qualcomm’s next AI roadmap will deliver.
Tamil Nadu’s rasigar mandrams show how fan culture became political power, echoing the legacy of MGR. The growth of actor Vijay’s fan club into TVK highlights a repeatable playbook: grassroots mobilization, sustained community engagement, and organizational reach that can translate celebrity loyalty into political careers and influence.
FIFA is struggling to sell 2026 World Cup media rights in India as expected deal values come in far below early projections. Experts say broadcasters are wary after overspending on cricket and facing a weaker advertising environment. With demand softening, FIFA may have to scale down its expectations to align with a subdued local market.
Indian banks have activated business continuity plans to protect staff in West Asia as Iran US tensions raise security concerns. With government guidance to assess risks and provide support, some banks have moved key wholesale activities to India, running parts of the work remotely. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, prioritizing business continuity and staff well-being.
Paris Saint-Germain are headed to a second straight Champions League final under Luis Enrique’s blueprint of structure and sacrifice. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have emerged as central figures as PSG continue turning big moments into decisive wins, including their standout victory over Bayern Munich. Now they’re aiming to defend their title.
Bumble is moving away from its swipe-first experience, according to CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. The shift appears to point toward an AI-led dating model, building on Bumble’s work such as an AI dating assistant called Bee. Wolfe Herd has long argued that AI can be a “supercharger” for relationships, and this change suggests it’s becoming central to Bumble’s strategy.
The Centre has launched a new incentive scheme that offers priority access to a 3000 crore SASCI pool for states that show fiscal discipline. Better debt management, tighter borrowing practices, and improved fiscal transparency will be key criteria. The move is designed to strengthen fiscal governance and improve debt sustainability across states while incentivising responsible budgeting.
The US Justice Department’s antitrust chief has warned dealmakers against using AI disruption as a catch all excuse during merger reviews. Any claim that AI will fundamentally change competition must be supported by real evidence. Companies are urged to engage with the division early, and the DOJ says it will not tolerate misleading statements, even if an AI narrative seems tempting.
Donald Trump said he would not pay over $1,000 for a World Cup ticket, warning that such high prices could keep many Americans from attending. He argued that his supporters should still be able to go. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing as requests for the 2026 tournament surge far beyond past editions.
Blackstone and BlackRock both reported lower values for their private credit funds in the first quarter, driven by markdowns on loans extended to struggling companies. The biggest pressure came from the software sector, where investors increasingly worry that AI is reshaping—or damaging—traditional business models. The update signals tightening credit conditions for riskier private lending.
India’s worsening heatwaves are driving power demand to record highs, putting pressure on the grid during peak hours. Renewable energy is increasingly covering parts of that spike, but limited storage capacity and weak grid flexibility threaten reliability. The result: meeting demand during extreme heat depends not just on more renewables, but faster, scalable storage and smarter grids.
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