Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Pakistan cricket’s financial crisis is worsening as the PCB issues legal notices to partners over billions in unpaid dues. PSL teams are also pressing for their revenue shares, while money remains stuck across multiple levels of the league’s financial chain. The strain is especially acute after a major broadcast partner is reported to owe about PKR 4.5 billion, disrupting the PSL’s model.
Prada’s latest collection has sparked a fresh controversy in India over Kolhapuri designs, reviving a debate that began a year ago after allegations of copying. Now, as the luxury label tries to manage the fallout, its steps are coming under intense scrutiny, highlighting how quickly cultural and design disputes can escalate online and in public discourse.
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The Criminal Investigation Department has taken over the probe into the shooting death of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Rath was killed in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, two days after the BJP’s election win, with his driver also injured. Investigators seized a four-wheeler with a fake number plate from the spot.
Former Arvind Fashions MD & CEO Shailesh Chaturvedi has launched Neopolis Brands and is in talks to raise Rs 100 crore from investors including Ashish Kacholia. The venture aims to assemble global fashion accessory brands for India, starting with a planned partnership to bring Italy’s Carpisa bags to the market.
AU Small Finance Bank said the RBI has approved Kotak Mahindra Bank to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.99% in the Mumbai-headquartered lender. The move follows an exchange filing by AU SFB confirming the regulator’s clearance for the stake acquisition, setting the stage for Kotak’s expansion into small finance banking within defined ownership limits.
Radico Khaitan has resumed liquor exports to the Gulf after shipments were halted in March and April amid regional conflict. The company says deliveries are restarting gradually, while growth in other markets such as Africa and Asia-Pacific helped cushion the slowdown. The move comes after Radico Khaitan logged record export sales in the previous fiscal year.
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Global health authorities are scrambling to locate passengers who disembarked the cruise ship MV Hondius before a hantavirus outbreak was officially confirmed. Three people have reportedly died from the virus so far. With the ship expected to dock in Spain, officials are working to prevent further spread by repatriating or quarantining passengers on arrival.
India’s government is set to strengthen its export tax refund scheme by extending it for another five years and boosting funding. The move targets exporters hit by geopolitical strain linked to the Middle East crisis and rising shipping costs, aiming to keep trade flows resilient and help Indian companies compete globally despite higher logistical pressures.
An Indigenous actress, Q’orianka Kilcher, has filed a lawsuit alleging James Cameron and The Walt Disney Company used her likeness without authorization in the Avatar franchise. Variety reports the complaint includes claims of unauthorized depiction tied to the actress’ identity. The case could put spotlight on how blockbuster franchises license or replicate real people’s images.
BlackRock, the world’s largest money manager, is reportedly set to invest in a dollar bond being issued by a unit of India’s Shapoorji Pallonji Group this month. Two people familiar with the transaction said the investment is part of a specific bond deal, underscoring growing foreign interest in Indian dollar debt.
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Indian stocks rallied sharply as hopes of a US Iran peace deal eased fears over crude prices, helping sectors battered by inflation. Despite intraday volatility, market expert Neeraj Dewan expects more upside, pointing to strengthening domestic earnings. He highlights mid and small caps as key opportunities, with selective bets on defence, realty and NBFCs for long-term growth.
Telangana’s Registration and Stamp department is preparing a major revision to property registration values, with projected increases of 20% to 100% across the state. The change is meant to narrow the gap between government valuations and prevailing market prices, with western Hyderabad localities like Kokapet and Gachibowli expected to face higher hikes. Officials also expect a sizable rise in registration revenue.
Venus Remedies says it has secured Argentina marketing approval for Ceftriaxone, a key antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. The authorization is a major milestone in the company’s Latin America expansion, with Argentina highlighted as an important market for critical care therapies. The move strengthens Venus Remedies’ international presence and its focus on more accessible anti-infective treatments.
Elon Musk says xAI will be dissolved as a standalone company and absorbed into SpaceX’s expanding AI operation, rebranded as “SpaceXAI.” The shift could alter the future of Grok and Musk’s broader AI strategy just as SpaceX deepens its partnership with Anthropic, giving Claude access to SpaceX’s Colossus supercomputer.
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Indian exporters are outperforming, but the cash from those wins is arriving late. Extended transit and receivable cycles, worsened by currency volatility, are pressuring working capital. Even with policy interventions, a sizable credit gap remains, limiting firms’ ability to fund longer trade cycles—raising the risk that competitiveness erodes despite strong export momentum.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay is poised to become Tamil Nadu’s next Chief Minister, but will need to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is reportedly prioritising a stable government, while TVK supporters are urging an immediate swearing-in. Vijay claims support from 112 MLAs as other parties weigh options.
Markets are staying elevated as investors lean more on AI-driven growth and strong corporate earnings than on geopolitical tensions, according to Mark Matthews. He points to unusually strong tech results as a key support for recent highs, even with Middle East uncertainty. Matthews also flags India as attractive thanks to improving valuations and ongoing FII buying.
Value 360 Communications’ Rs 41.69 crore IPO concluded on May 6, 2026, attracting an overall subscription of 1.19 times. The company, which provides integrated communications and marketing solutions, will list its shares on the NSE Emerge platform on May 11. The issue received participation across all investor categories.
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The Trump administration is reviewing a proposed change to the US “duration of status” rule that could limit international students to a four year maximum. Under current rules, F-1 students can typically stay as long as they remain enrolled and eligible. The draft also affects J-1 exchange visitors and some foreign media, as university enrollment of foreign students has declined.
Paytm says it will not pursue an NBFC licence, choosing a partnership model for lending instead. The decision follows the RBI cancelling Paytm Payments Bank’s licence. Despite the regulatory setback, Paytm reported a consolidated profit of Rs 183 crore in the fourth quarter, marking a strong turnaround, while revenues also rose.
A rift is reportedly forming within Tata Group as Noel Tata opposes a public listing of parent firm Tata Sons. Ahead of forthcoming Reserve Bank of India rules, two trustees plan to bring a listing proposal to an upcoming board meeting, positioning it as a move toward transparency and rigor. The Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a minority shareholder, could gain if the listing proceeds.
InCred Holdings, parent of NBFC InCred Financial Services, has filed its updated draft red herring prospectus with SEBI. The proposed public issue includes a fresh share sale of up to ₹1,250 crore and an offer for sale of up to 9.9 crore equity shares. Proceeds will mainly strengthen InCred Finance’s capital base and back onward lending. Several investors are set to offload shares via OFS.
Despite Bhooth Bangla’s box office rise past ₹100 crore in 20 days, crew members and vendors are alleging non-payment. Reports say payments have not been made for months, with claims totaling close to ₹48 lakh. One vendor reportedly says Ektaa Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms Limited owes around ₹30 lakh, accusing the production of prioritising certain vendors over others.
Gold’s long-standing safe-haven reputation is under renewed pressure, with prices reportedly slipping despite heightened concern around the ongoing Iran conflict. A Morgan Stanley note points to a mismatch between investors’ expectations of gold during geopolitical stress and the market’s actual reaction. The development raises questions about whether gold can still reliably hedge fear in the current cycle.
Oil prices rebounded on Thursday after a sharp selloff, with Brent crude rising above $102 a barrel. Investors focused on uncertainty around Middle East peace talks after President Trump questioned the timing and likelihood of face-to-face negotiations with Tehran. Supply tightness for summer demand and lower U.S. inventories are adding upward pressure.
SRH assistant coach James Franklin stressed that IPL bowlers must deeply understand aggressive batting strategies, praising how SRH plans and executes with precision. He cited Pat Cummins’ key dismissal of Priyansh Arya as an example of how match-changing moments can hinge on bowling intent. Meanwhile, PBKS coach Sairaj Bahutule blamed dropped catches but praised Cooper Connolly’s century.
A new Planet of the Apes movie is in development, with Matt Shakman attached to direct an original story. The project is separate from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Josh Friedman is writing the script. Plot details are currently being kept under wraps, even as the franchise rides the momentum of Kingdom’s success.
SRH beat Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 as Ishan Kishan powered a blistering 55 off 32, smashing four sixes and two fours. The innings came with multiple lifelines, including a dropped catch that nearly ended the rampage. After the match, Kishan didn’t hold back, roasting PBKS’ fielding and daring them to catch up.
Kolkata-based Emami is set to acquire a 60% stake in IncNut Digital, the company behind beauty brands Vedix and SkinKraft, in a deal valued at Rs 321 crore. Emami plans to purchase the remaining stake over the next four and a half years, signaling a long-term push into the fast-growing skincare and wellness segment.
Kerala’s government school reopening is drawing near, but a KBPS union warns of a looming textbook delay. The union says a significant paper shortage is holding up printing, including essential front covers and the final batch of books. With the academic year set to begin soon, students and families may face uncertainty over when textbooks will actually arrive.
Indian consumers are tightening their spending, prioritising essentials and upgrading day to day experiences while postponing big-ticket purchases, Deloitte says. Shoppers are increasingly chasing value and quality rather than impulse decisions. At the same time, interest in electric vehicles is rising, suggesting households may be planning for future technology even as they remain cautious now.
Bihar’s cabinet has been expanded as Nitish Kumar moved to the Rajya Sabha. BJP secured the biggest share with 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13. Among the new faces is Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar’s son, entering the cabinet for the first time after JD(U) workers urged him to join politics.
A former OpenAI technology chief testified in Elon Musk’s lawsuit, warning the company faced collapse amid its leadership turmoil. She accused CEO Sam Altman of sowing distrust among top executives while OpenAI raced ahead to develop and broadly deploy its AI systems. Another former board member raised concerns that major ChatGPT releases moved without proper oversight, adding to pressure on OpenAI’s future direction.
A new mouse study suggests common artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and stevia may change gut bacteria and metabolism in ways that can persist across generations. Even offspring with no direct exposure could show these biological shifts, challenging the idea that these substitutes are long-term neutral. Researchers say human studies are urgently needed to confirm the findings.
Arm Holdings rallied after reporting strong quarterly earnings and delivering upbeat guidance that signaled accelerating demand for its AI-focused chip designs. The company also pointed to momentum in next-generation data center CPU platforms, helping fuel renewed investor confidence. The move underscores how fast AI infrastructure demand is translating into measurable results for key semiconductor IP providers.
The Supreme Court has referred the Sunjay Kapur family estate dispute to mediation. Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud will oversee talks between Rani Kapur, Priya Kapur, and Sunjay Kapur’s children. The estate is valued at nearly Rs 30,000 crore, and a disputed will is at the centre of the conflict, with allegations it leaves the entire property to Priya Kapur.
Assam’s new BJP-led NDA government will take oath on May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend the ceremony. Authorities are already preparing for heavy security coverage and traffic management around the event. The swearing-in follows the NDA’s strong performance in the recent elections, setting the stage for a new term in the state.
Recove has signed an MoU with Maharashtra to develop a plastic recycling ecosystem under a broader circular economy plan. The effort will begin with a Rs 35 crore facility in Jalgaon, designed to process about 1,100 tonnes of plastic every month. The move targets scaling recycling infrastructure and strengthening supply chains for waste recovery.
Tamil Nadu’s political suspense deepens as TVK chief Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar twice in two days to stake a claim to form the government. Despite the meetings, he reportedly left unsatisfied. With the assembly hung, DMK and VCK have criticised the Governor’s approach. Arlekar, a long-time RSS-BJP figure, currently holds additional charge of the state.
Ahead of RCB’s IPL 2026 match against Lucknow (LSG), former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has advised the franchise to alter its opening combination. He suggested Virat Kohli should open alongside Devdutt Padikkal, arguing that RCB’s current opener setup needs a rethink after recent changes involving Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt.
Despite a late start and rising expedition costs, hundreds of climbers are heading to Mount Everest. The Khumbu Icefall route, vital for reaching the upper climbs, was delayed and now cuts beneath a hazardous serac. Leaders are urging extreme caution after past deaths tied to falling ice, underscoring the objective danger as climbers push on.
Blue Dart’s insights point to a key drag on e commerce margins in India: return to origin shipments, not customer returns. As reverse logistics shifts from a mere cost centre into a lever for customer trust and retention, companies that streamline pickups, processing and re routes can protect profitability while keeping delivery experiences intact.
CarTrade’s Q4 FY26 consolidated net profit surged 53.6% year on year to ₹70.8 crore, lifting operating revenue 19.8% to ₹203.1 crore. Costs also increased, up 7.1% to ₹145.8 crore. Still, the company saw a mild quarterly dip: revenue fell 3.1% from the previous quarter, even as profit climbed 15.1%.
Celina Jaitly shared an emotional video from Austria where she visited the grave of her late son, Shamsher. In the post, she described the trauma she says she is experiencing amid her divorce from Peter Haag. Jaitly alleged she has been denied contact with her three other children despite joint custody and claimed the divorce papers were served under false pretences.
Bangladesh’s new government is seeking Chinese involvement in the Teesta River restoration project after talks between its foreign minister and China’s counterpart in Beijing. The project’s proximity to India’s sensitive Siliguri Corridor has drawn concern in New Delhi. India had earlier offered technical help for the Teesta basin, but water sharing remains a sensitive fault line in bilateral ties.
IBM and Yotta announced a partnership to deliver an agentic AI platform for enterprises and government in India. The solution will run IBM watsonx Orchestrate on Yotta’s Shakti Cloud and integrate IBM Sovereign Core for “sovereign” operations. It targets regulated rollout by providing continuous compliance monitoring, audit-ready evidence, and governed AI execution across business workflows.
A US fighter jet damaged the rudder of an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, alleging the vessel tried to breach a US blockade. The strike came even as an official ceasefire was in place and negotiations for a war-ending agreement continued. US Central Command says several warnings were issued before the action.
Indian IT firm Mphasis has filed a lawsuit in a US court against rival Coforge, alleging Coforge hired Mphasis executives and accessed confidential client information. Mphasis is seeking an order preventing the executives from working on shared client accounts, along with damages and legal costs, escalating competition in the services market.
MBDA and the Indian Air Force have signed an agreement to set up a local facility for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling IAF’s MICA missiles. The IAF will operate the hub, while MBDA will supply the required machinery, tools, and training. Officials say the project strengthens India’s self-reliance drive and improves missile sustainment and operational readiness.
Amazon Prime Video is integrating Amazon MX Player to form what it calls India’s largest originals streaming platform, bundling free and paid content. The company says the unified service will combine SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD in one destination, targeting wider audience reach and creating new scale for advertisers seeking cross-format video inventory.
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