Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Meesho says its AI tools, including PRISM and Vaani, helped lift customer engagement and drive sales as it upgraded technology across its marketplace. In the March quarter, the e-commerce firm reported an 88% drop in losses and a 47% year-on-year rise in revenue from operations. The results underscore a strategy focused on improving user experience and marketplace efficiency.
IAN Group, via IAN Alpha Fund, led a $6 million round in BigEndian Semiconductors, betting on security-first AI Vision SoCs for edge computing. The fabless startup plans capital for design, hiring, and tape-out cycles, while building Taiwan partnerships to connect design to manufacturing. The move targets India’s reliance on imported Chinese surveillance chips and tightening trusted standards.
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Some wealthy US families accelerated gifting to claim temporary tax advantages before new rules were expected to change. But lawmakers later made those benefits permanent, turning the early rush into regret for some. Experts caution that unwinding gifts is difficult, yet legal and financial options may still help certain households adjust.
Mamata Banerjee says she will approach the Supreme Court alleging poll rigging in West Bengal’s recently concluded Assembly elections. Her move follows her refusal to resign as chief minister after the BJP’s historic win in the state. Banerjee’s challenge could escalate the post-election dispute into a major legal showdown with swift scrutiny on election conduct and results.
Two stray dogs entered a third-floor flat in Greater Noida West as the house help was cleaning, with a two-year-old toddler asleep inside and the mother in the washroom. The incident has sparked fresh safety concerns for residents and renewed debate about how housing societies manage stray dog movement and prevent such intrusions.
India’s economic growth is forecast to cool to 6.6% in FY27, driven by external shocks including energy supply disruptions and higher oil prices. A new S&P outlook warns that reaching the Viksit Bharat target by 2047 will hinge on faster reforms in energy and food security, including a comprehensive energy storage policy to blunt future volatility.
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Kerala’s Congress led UDF win has instantly shifted celebrations into a tense leadership race for the single Chief Minister seat. Three contenders are KC Venugopal, VD Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala, each pushing their claim as the coalition calculates power sharing and political momentum after the election result.
Kyndryl, a major software and IT services firm, has unveiled a new cost-saving plan alongside job cuts. The company expects annual pretax profit to come in below Wall Street estimates, with a goal of significantly lowering operating costs by fiscal 2028. Shares fell sharply on the news, even as demand for IT services remains resilient.
With Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) still short of numbers to form government in Tamil Nadu, CV Shanmugam of AIADMK has reportedly floated support and an alliance idea. Once a key ministerial figure under J Jayalalithaa and closely linked to Edappadi K Palaniswami, Shanmugam’s move highlights fresh coalition maneuvering after election losses.
Apple has agreed to a $250 million class-action settlement in the US after claims it misled customers about Siri and Apple Intelligence features for iPhone 16 series. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, alleges certain advertised AI capabilities weren’t available at launch, impacting buyers of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models purchased between June 2024 and March 2025.
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A new survey suggests many kids can bypass age verification systems with little effort, even as age-check rules tighten worldwide. The finding points to weaknesses in common verification approaches and raises concerns for app makers, platforms, and regulators trying to protect minors. The mustache trick underscores how easily some systems can be gamed.
In Bloxham, Oxfordshire, tunnels long dismissed as legend are now under serious investigation. A local society formed in 2024 documented underground passages, and a later 2026 find uncovered animal bones that point to a much older origin than the medieval period. Researchers are now trying to date the bones and map the network, hoping it may reach Roman or earlier history.
President Trump is defending a ballooning budget for a new White House ballroom, saying the total will remain below $400 million despite growing scrutiny. His comments arrive alongside a Republican-led effort to push a $1 billion allocation for the Secret Service, raising questions about whether some funds could be tied to the ballroom’s construction.
The BCCI has moved the IPL 2026 finals from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing hurdles tied to local administrative requirements. The decision also comes amid political pressure over ticket privileges involving MLAs and MPs, according to reports. Karnataka’s Deputy CM suggested the stadium size may have factored into the choice, raising questions about how venue logistics and political influence intersect.
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India and Japan have signed agreements to deepen cooperation in quantum science and health research, including medical devices. The partnership targets joint R and D to push advances in science, technology, and innovation. By combining strengths, both countries expect to unlock new opportunities and strengthen academic and industrial collaboration across these cutting-edge areas.
A viral tip claims placing a coin on your Wi Fi router can boost internet speed. But experts say it does nothing, because Wi Fi performance depends on precise antenna design and signal behavior, not random metal objects. Worse, it could interfere with hardware or ports, risking damage. The penny appeal persists due to a misunderstanding of how wireless signals work.
Shree Cement reported Q4 consolidated PAT of Rs 526 crore, down 8% YoY, despite revenue growing 10% to Rs 6,101 crore. The company declared a Rs 70 per share dividend. While profitability dipped year-on-year, volume gains and expanding RMC operations helped improve performance sequentially, signaling resilience beneath the headline numbers.
The Centre has cleared an emergency credit line of Rs 5,000 crore for airlines as ATF prices surge amid the Middle East crisis. The move targets financial stress caused by higher fuel costs and related operational pressures, providing temporary relief while airlines manage the impact of volatile energy pricing and airspace changes.
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The giant A-23A iceberg, floating since 1986, is now nearing its end as bright aquamarine meltwater pools spread across its surface. Scientists say the blue spots show the ice is weakening and breaking apart after its long drift in the Southern Ocean. Researchers are monitoring the collapse closely as a stark, visible reminder of climate change at work.
BJP’s DN Jeevaraj was sworn in as an MLA after a High Court ordered recount of postal ballots in Sringeri. The recount, triggered by legal action, upheld his election on May 3, three years after the original assembly polls. CM Siddaramaiah termed it foul play as the long-delayed confirmation finally took effect.
Glasgow’s Mitchell Library is showcasing John James Audubon’s “The Birds of America,” hailed as the world’s priciest printed book. The rare, hand painted work is valued in the millions and features 1,037 bird species. Originally a personal gift, it has since become a global cultural treasure, inspiring films and drawing collectors for its enduring blend of art and science.
Wall Street opened higher on Wednesday as optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement and continued enthusiasm for artificial intelligence buoyed sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all rose at the opening bell, extending a recent winning trend driven by geopolitical hopes alongside AI-led market confidence.
South Indian Bank reported 19% higher Q4 profit, rising to Rs 408 crore, largely due to a sharp decline in provisions. The bank’s operating profit and other income were weaker, but improving asset quality and healthy growth in advances and deposits helped stabilize performance and strengthen investor sentiment.
India’s Sports Ministry says the ban on bilateral sports ties with Pakistan will continue. At the same time, it clarified that Pakistani athletes will be allowed to participate in international competitions held in India, keeping multi-national events exempt. The move preserves restrictions on direct India Pakistan sporting relations while opening doors for global tournament participation.
Three passengers have died after a hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship, with five additional people confirmed or suspected to be infected. Experts are investigating a rare cluster linked to the Andes strain, which officials say can spread between humans. Still, the World Health Organization says the threat to the general public is low.
India has confirmed it is in discussions with Vietnam regarding the potential sale of the BrahMos missile system. The development signals strengthening defence cooperation and could reshape regional security dynamics if negotiations progress. Details on timelines, scope, and pricing were not provided in the brief confirmation, leaving room for speculation on what a potential package may include.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav says the party has ended its association with political consultancy firm I-PAC, blaming fund constraints rather than recent election outcomes. The SP had roped in I-PAC for a short period ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, but the arrangement could not be sustained due to financial limits.
President Donald Trump issued a sharp ultimatum to Iran, saying the US will end Operation Epic Fury and lift a naval blockade on Iranian ports if Iran agrees to current negotiations, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. If Iran rejects the talks, Trump warned bombing would restart at far higher intensity than before, escalating regional tensions.
Beer makers say a demand boom is colliding with rising production costs and a tightening glass-bottle supply. Brewers are urging state governments to allow a 15 to 20% beer price increase and to speed up settlement of pending financial dues. Industry players argue the bottleneck in packaging is constraining output and squeezing margins.
Bajaj Auto posted a standalone net profit of Rs 2,746 crore for the March-ended quarter, up 34% year-on-year from Rs 2,049 crore. Revenue also rose 32%, signaling stronger operating momentum. Alongside the earnings, the company announced a Rs 150 per share dividend, adding immediate value for investors.
A Ghaziabad MBA student has filed a criminal complaint alleging deceit, coercion, and torture tied to an “organized conversion network.” She claims she was taken to multiple madrasas across Muzaffarnagar and Meerut and pressured to convert to Islam. The complainant has urged police to form a Special Investigation Team and probe the allegations naming Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui.
US gas prices are edging toward 5 dollars per gallon, squeezing drivers nationwide. While only a handful of states still post fuel under 4 dollars, Oklahoma ranks lowest. Cheaper options persist in parts of the Midwest and South, but experts warn that global tensions are pushing costs higher across the country, impacting everyone at the pump.
Mindspace Business Parks REIT has raised Rs 500 crore through a 10-year NCD issue, priced at a 7.63% coupon. The offer was fully subscribed by an insurer. The funds will be used to refinance existing debt, improve cost predictability, and strengthen long-term financial stability supported by strong credit ratings.
Care Ratings has downgraded Goswami Infratech’s NCDs after pointing to delayed fundraising, an extended redemption timeline, weak cash flows, and higher refinancing risk. The rating agency said the company’s holding structure and dividend reliance further limit buffers, though past refinancing success and strategic stakes offer some support to credit flexibility.
Within 24 hours of TMC’s crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal elections, security barriers were removed outside Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. The iron barricades and heavy police presence that had restricted public movement for years were withdrawn, reopening the Kalighat street to residents and bringing immediate relief to locals.
The Sensex jumped 940 points as six BSE 100 stocks touched 52 week highs, signaling strong bullish momentum. Adani Ports, Nestle India and Sun Pharma led the outperformance, with several shares gaining sharply over the month. The rally was driven by solid monthly performance and improving investor sentiment as the broader market climbed higher.
TVS Motor has unveiled an upgraded iQube S electric scooter with a larger 4.7 kWh battery, claiming a range of up to 175 km. The new variant is priced at Rs 1,37,142 and raises peak power to 5.9 hp. It also adds smartphone connectivity, advanced safety alerts, and comes with new color options.
The Union Cabinet has approved ECLGS 5.0, a new Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme aimed at easing credit access for MSMEs and airlines hit by disruptions tied to the West Asia crisis. The government expects up to Rs 2.55 lakh crore in credit support, including Rs 5,000 crore for airlines, backed by guarantees, capped lending rates, and extended repayment timelines.
Leader of Opposition and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has demanded strict action after a man allegedly hacked his brother’s wife to death in Ganjam district, with the victim’s three-year-old daughter present. Patnaik sent a letter urging CM Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure justice and accountability, highlighting the horrific nature of the crime.
Manipur Police have apprehended four Myanmar nationals carrying suspected heroin, marking a significant drug bust. In parallel, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla honored multiple security units with the Governor’s Unit Citation for exemplary service. The Governor highlighted their contribution to peace and order during challenging conditions, while the Chief Minister praised their humanitarian efforts.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reportedly is not convinced that Vijay Thalapathy’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has the required numbers to form the government. Sources say the Governor is seeking proof of MLAs, with TVK allegedly short of six. If the numbers are not verified, Vijay’s oath-taking move could be delayed.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has distanced itself from a probe into alleged black-market ticket sales connected to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) matches for IPL 2026. KSCA said it has no role in the distribution and pledged full cooperation, even as investigators examine how tickets may have been resold through unauthorized networks.
Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal spoke exclusively to Republic TV in his first-ever media appearance since joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. Reacting to the twin blast incidents reported from Jalandhar and Amritsar, he condemned the attacks as authorities step up security across Punjab, increasing deployments around key establishments and public areas while investigations continue.
Lufthansa is preparing for a disruptive summer as it fears fuel shortages could affect long-haul flying. The airline says it may add refuelling stops if destinations run low, after isolated incidents where airports lacked fuel. To offset higher fuel costs, Lufthansa is also cutting expenses and raising ticket prices, signaling tighter travel plans ahead.
India’s manufacturing sentiment remains positive heading into the final quarter of FY26, with output holding steady and domestic demand looking supportive. The FICCI survey points to rising raw material costs, yet investment intentions stay intact, and firms are moving toward capacity expansion. Still, geopolitical tensions and labour shortages could disrupt momentum.
Minister Jitendra Singh says India’s newly launched Research, Development and Innovation Fund is drawing strong interest from private players. Backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme targets high-risk, high-impact breakthroughs, with companies funding 50% of projects. More than 200 proposals are currently being assessed, pointing to growing momentum toward national self-reliance and economic security.
Speculation around Hardik Pandya’s fitness is intensifying after the Mumbai Indians captain reportedly did not travel with the team to Raipur for their clash against RCB. The update comes as MI picked up a big win over Lucknow Super Giants, fueled by Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, while Hardik missed the previous match due to a spasmodic issue.
Incoming Fed leader Kevin Warsh says curbing the release of Federal Reserve meeting transcripts could improve the quality of debate behind monetary policy. In an upcoming book, Warsh argues the transparency practice—used for decades—may actually weaken deliberations needed for better decisions, echoing his broader push to overhaul the Fed’s approach and structure.
Uber shares jumped about 9% in premarket trading after its first-quarter 2026 results beat Wall Street across the metrics investors track most: earnings, bookings, and EBITDA. With $53.7 billion in bookings ahead of forecasts, traders are reassessing whether Uber is moving into another strong growth stretch and what comes next for its growth story.
Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. The new leadership comes after Prasoon Joshi moved on to become head of Prasar Bharati. Vempati’s appointment signals a fresh phase for film certification decisions as the CBFC and its review processes remain central to India’s entertainment regulation.
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