Pakistan got a much-needed financial boost this week after receiving $2 billion from Saudi Arabia. The country’s central bank confirmed the money came in on April 15, giving some relief at a time when pressure on foreign exchange reserves has been building.
India's IT industry has a strong global position in delivering customized software solutions, with projected revenue of $300 billion by FY26. However, concerns about technological disruption and the rise of AI raise questions about the country's role in the global technology ecosystem.
Nestle India's March 2026 quarter results saw a rise in net profit and revenue, driven by Nescafé's double-digit growth in value and volume. This was due to lower coffee prices and the rise of coffee chains and ready-to-drink formats. The brand's rural expansion and focus on premiumization also played a role, but rising input costs may lead to price adjustments for its products, including Nescafé.
The BMW M440i Convertible is a practical 'family supercar' with four seats, ample luggage space, and impressive speed. It may not be as flashy as a Lamborghini, but it still turns heads. The spacious and practical cabin makes it suitable for a couple with kids. With a 374 hp engine, it can go from 0-100 km/h in just over 5 seconds and has a comfortable suspension for city driving.
Maruti Suzuki, India's top carmaker, will debut in the three-row EV market with its new YMC electric MPV. The company aims to maintain its lead in the people-mover segment by entering the EV space. The YMC, launching in 2026, will share components with the eVitara and focus on family buyers before expanding to fleet use. Rivals like BY are also vying for the three-row EV market.
India's thermal power capacity addition in FY26 fell short at 73% due to delays in equipment supplies and land acquisition, despite peak electricity demand and reliance on coal-based generation. With only 29% of planned additions completed in FY25 and an estimated 6 GW to be added in FY27, the gap between rising demand and slower thermal capacity addition is a major concern.
The introduction of commodity bourses on an experimental basis in FY25 has led to a rise in sales of farm goods by FPOs. In FY26, over 100 FPOs have sold agricultural commodities worth Rs 700 crore on the NCDEX platform. This has formalized agricultural trade and expanded selling options for farmers beyond traditional mandis.
MI and RCB are set to clash in a crucial match, with other teams hoping for a Mumbai win. RCB holds the key to the final playoff spot and a loss would benefit the league. A win for RCB would secure their place, but a loss would create a four-way tie at 12 points.
The government is under pressure due to rising expenses and low revenue growth. To tackle this, the Income Tax Department has instructed officers to boost tax recovery, monitor non-compliant taxpayers, and manage demands better. Special teams will focus on top arrear cases and analyze tax trends.
India and Oman will be discussing remaining issues and setting a date for their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to take effect. Chile's Minister of Foreign Affairs will also be in New Delhi to discuss trade and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides are actively working on concluding negotiations, with a focus on critical minerals.
SIP contribution in February hits record high at Rs 32,087 crore, but growth in number of accounts slows down for second year. Direct investments decline and 4.28 million SIP accounts mature/close/pause. Assets per SIP account increase, showing committed investors. Decline in accounts reflects market cycle psychology as new investors are cautious due to increased uncertainty.
CSK must win against LSG in their must-win match to secure a spot in the top four of IPL 2026. LSG, led by breakout star Prince Yadav, have been a formidable team and could potentially spoil CSK's chances. CSK needs to win three of their remaining four matches to secure a playoff spot.
PM Modi's diplomatic tour to UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy aims to strengthen energy security, economic partnerships, and strategic ties amidst global uncertainty. The UAE visit will prioritize safeguarding energy supplies and strengthening ties.
Indian-born transgender immigrant Q Manivannan made history by becoming the first non-binary person to be elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the pro-independence Scottish Greens. However, their success was met with controversy due to their immigration status and previous social media history. The relaxation of rules allowed them to qualify as a candidate.
On May 10, Tamil Nadu witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of its 13th Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as "Thalapathy." In his debut speech, Vijay emphasized his humble origins and promised to fulfill his pre-election pledges. He also thanked the public for their love and support, especially the younger generation who call him "Vijay Mama."
Sridhar Vembu, CEO and founder of Zoho Corporation, criticized Tamil Nadu politics for demonizing the BJP and called for a focus on grassroots development rather than alliances with suppressive parties. He also praised BJP's alliances in other states and advocated for nurturing passionate youth leadership to revive the party in Tamil Nadu.
Indian-origin family loses sole earning member to heart attack in US, leaving behind wife and two children. Sunil Kumar Gundrai, a dedicated IT professional, worked tirelessly to build a better life for his family. GoFundMe campaign launched by NATS to support grieving family with a donations cap of $200,000. Currently at $60,000.
C Joseph Vijay, leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, will be sworn in as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister today. His party, along with key allies, has formed a coalition after winning a record 108 seats in the recent elections. Vijay is expected to prove his majority by May 13 and bring a major political shift in the state.
Hyundai is expanding its SUV portfolio in India with two new models set to launch this year. One will be a mid-size SUV positioned alongside the popular Creta, while the other will be a four-metre long electric SUV. The company aims to regain market share and attract buyers with aggressive pricing and high localisation levels.
The Venice Biennale, known as the 'Olympics of the art world', opened amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and controversy over the participation of Israel and Russia. Instead of a jury, visitors will vote for the best national pavilion and curated show, with winners announced on the closing day.
India's floral tourism is growing, with hotspots like Jammu & Kashmir's Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Meghalaya's cherry blossom festival, and Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers National Park attracting many visitors. Ladakh and Kerala are also developing their own flower-themed attractions.
Sheikh Mansour's ownership of Manchester City has brought immense success to the club, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. However, as the Abu Dhabi-backed project faces scrutiny beyond football and finance, questions arise about geopolitics, international regulation, and the role of sovereign wealth ownership in global sport.
Tata Motors is currently the leader in the electric car industry, but Mahindra is quickly closing the gap with the launch of new EV models. The difference in sales between the two companies has decreased to just 1,000 units from 18,000 in 2025. The competition is intensifying with new players like Maruti Suzuki, Vinfast, and Toyota, and upcoming EVs from Hyundai and Kia.
India is experiencing extreme heatwaves, with 95 cities among the hottest in the world. The health ministry has issued guidelines for state governments to monitor heat-related illnesses. High-risk groups include the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic diseases. Prevention measures include staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours, and wearing light clothing.
Summer brings an increase in stomach infections, with contaminated food and water being the main cause. Proper hygiene and safe food practices are key to prevention, along with staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. Probiotics can help restore gut health, but should be used as advised and not self-prescribed.
India's para athletes have shown remarkable determination and transformed their disabilities into success at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, winning 22 medals, including 6 gold. This was followed by a record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paris, solidifying India's position in the global para sports arena.
Vinesh Phogat, the richest wrestler in Indian sport, has overcome various obstacles in her career, including an Olympic disappointment and a political venture. However, the Wrestling Federation of India has barred her from participating in the Asian Games, disregarding her success, endorsements, and popularity. Vinesh's comeback ambition appears to be diminishing.
Indian teenagers have widespread access to smartphones and the internet, causing worries about their digital involvement and mental wellbeing. Countries like Australia, France, and South Korea are considering or enforcing social media bans for children under 16, while India's Karnataka state plans to do the same.
OpenAI has added AI pets to its Codex coding tool to make technology more approachable and less intimidating. While this shift reflects the trend of technology becoming more playful and emotional, it also raises concerns about commercialization and emotional attachment to highly powerful AI systems. The demand for software that feels like a friend is on the rise.
Cities worldwide are taking bold steps to combat climate change, with Amsterdam leading the way by banning advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products. This move aims to promote sustainable practices and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Other cities are also implementing similar bans and redesigning infrastructure to adapt to a warming planet.
Fashion is evolving beyond just style to include functionality, with brands like Harfun and Wacoal using advanced technologies and smart materials to create performance-driven and comfortable garments. The demand for functional fashion is increasing in India, as professionals seek versatile clothing for work and home.
The Lucknow Metro project's East-West Corridor (Line 2) will bring a major transformation in urban transport with fully driverless metro trains. Equipped with advanced technologies like UTO, CBTC, and AI-based predictive maintenance, the 11.165 km long corridor will have 12 stations and is expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel time.
East Coast Railway will add extra coaches to important trains between Howrah-Puri and Shalimar-Charlapalli from 9-15 May. This will ease the struggle for confirmed tickets and make journeys more comfortable for passengers.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai Superfast Train, set to launch in June, will run through major cities in Karnataka and reduce travel time between the two commercial hubs. The new train will provide faster, more comfortable, and reliable transport, benefiting daily and long-distance travelers. It will also enhance regional connectivity, providing improved access to major urban centers.
The US Justice Department has identified 12 cases of foreign-born individuals, including Indian native Debashis Ghosh, who are facing denaturalisation for serious offences such as war crimes, supporting terrorist groups, and sexual abuse. Ghosh, who is also under investigation for fraud, is among those flagged by the DOJ.
MCX, India's leading Commodity Derivatives Exchange, reported a massive 291% profit growth in Q4 FY26 with a consolidated net profit of Rs 529 crore. The company also saw a 205% YoY revenue growth and a 271% increase in EBITDA. Bullion, metal, and energy were the top growth drivers, and the company's focus remains on sustainable growth and diversification.
Liverpool FC has revised their ticket pricing plans due to pressure from fans, with a 3% increase for 2026/27 and a price freeze for 2027/28. This highlights the tension between rising costs and fan tolerance for price hikes, and the need for clubs to seek new sources of revenue beyond football.
The new suburban railway station between Thane and Mulund in Mumbai is expected to ease congestion, balance passenger load, and improve overall commuter convenience. The Railway Minister has granted in-principle approval for its construction, aiming to strengthen suburban rail connectivity and reduce pressure on existing stations.
A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles had a chaotic takeoff after hitting a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport. The pilot urgently reported the incident and an engine fire to air traffic control, with recordings of the panicked conversation being released on social media. The situation escalated as smoke appeared on the aircraft.
In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, Vijay's TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, but fell short of majority. The Congress party offered conditional support, and Vijay turned to Left parties and VCK to bridge the gap.
Delhi Metro has launched a 13.2 km corridor with 8 stations connecting Shastri Park and Mayur Vihar Phase III. This will benefit office workers, students, and families in East and North East Delhi. The new corridor is part of Phase V(B) and is expected to reduce traffic and improve connectivity between Central and South-East Delhi.
Trump's media company, which operates his social media platform Truth Social, suffered a huge net loss in the first quarter of 2023. With less than $1 million in sales, the company lost over $400 million due to non-cash losses and stock-based compensation. This news comes as Trump continues to threaten Iran amid ongoing violent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar, a living link to post-Independence nationalist movements, during his visit to Kolkata. He also attended the oath-taking ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as the first BJP CM of West Bengal.
Goa has been branded with the highest rape crime rate in India, surpassing all states. A total of 105 rape cases were reported, along with other offenses against women and children, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the state.
Goa government designates 82 lakh sqm as No Development Zones (NDZ) to safeguard fragile areas like Majorda and Gonsua from construction. NDZs aim to conserve natural resources, mitigate disasters, and preserve biodiversity.
A Delta Airlines employee died after a tug vehicle crashed into a passenger boarding bridge at Orland International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration has paused operations at Delta's station and an investigation is underway. No aircraft was involved, but passengers on Delta Flight 2593 were forced to evacuate.
Triumph's new Scrambler 400 X is a versatile and powerful bike that can handle obstacles with ease. Despite being taxed in the highest bracket, it maintains its premium status and off-road DNA. Its design features a 19-inch front wheel, handguards, and a dual-exit exhaust.
Centre to monetize public sector assets, including NTPC, Indian Oil Corporation, and Coal India, by listing fertiliser joint venture HURL for Rs 5,000-6,000 crore in FY27. The move comes amid concerns over global fertiliser and energy supplies and India's dependence on imports from West Asia.
Indian state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) are struggling with losses of Rs 30,000 crore every month due to stagnant fuel prices, despite a rise in crude oil costs. The government has reduced excise duty, but OMCs still bear a burden of Rs 14,000 crore monthly. The situation worsened with the ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The income tax department has improved its data analytics and risk assessment systems, resulting in automated alerts for discrepancies between the AIS and ITR. Taxpayers should check and fix any mismatches in the AIS, which may have errors due to incomplete reporting. The online feedback feature can be used to correct them. Accurate ITR filing is crucial to avoid potential tax issues.
The US court's decision to strike down temporary global tariffs imposed by Trump may delay India's bilateral trade agreement. While it signals adherence to multilateral trade norms, the US may still find ways to impose tariffs. The invalidated reciprocal tariffs have caused delays in the interim trade deal between India and the US. The ruling also limits relief for litigants.