Why is Trump calling for Hormuz blockade and how will it impact India, Iran, US

US President Donald Trump has said America will begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, after peace talks with Iran fell apart in Pakistan.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu explains why Udhayanidhi Stalin's attacks on "sanathanam" have not caused outrage among Tamil Nadu's Hindus. He attributes this to a linguistic nuance where "sanathanam" is unfamiliar to locals, unlike more common terms tied to Hinduism.

As fears grow over rising oil prices and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has tried to reassure India that Moscow will continue protecting New Delhi’s energy interests no matter how intense Western pressure becomes. 

IndiGo issues travel advisory due to adverse weather conditions at Delhi airport, with thunderstorms and gusty winds predicted by India Meteorological Department on May 13 and 14. Light rain and thunderstorms expected on May 14, with temperatures at 38-40 degrees Celsius. IndiGo assures minimal disruptions and urges passengers to stay updated.

Donald Trump’s pick to lead the US Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, has officially been confirmed by the US Senate after a closely fought vote that reflected the deep political divide in Washington. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit, marking Tehran’s first major diplomatic outreach to India since the US-Israel war with Iran broke out more than two months ago. 

India, the second-largest gold importer, raised import duty on gold from 6% to 15% to reduce domestic demand and control rising import costs. The Reserve Bank of India holds 880.52 tonnes of gold, while Indian households possess 30,000 tonnes worth $5 trillion. The government has frequently revised the import duty, with the latest increase in 2022.

Lord’s Mark Industries has introduced India's first AI-powered renal care system, centered on the Renalyx Machine. The CE-certified machine is made in India and serves as the platform's hardware base. It employs AI-based clinical intelligence, operational management, and remote patient monitoring to enhance treatment uniformity and reduce human mistakes.

The Indian government plans to increase exports by 15.8% to reach $1 trillion this year. Minister Piyush Goyal believes this is achievable through FTAs, state support, and business initiatives. Labor codes have been implemented and digitization is a priority. India has signed 9 FTAs and is in talks for more. Tamil Nadu ranks highest in logistics performance according to the LEADS report.

Cabinet approves 0.4%-8% increase in MSP for 14 major kharif crops, with paddy seeing a modest 3% hike for the second consecutive year. Surplus of rice stocks signals farmers to diversify into more remunerative crops like pulses and oilseeds. Concerns over heatwaves and below-normal monsoon may impact kharif crop, while regulated increase in paddy MSP to Rs 2441/quintal could affect farmers.

Arsenal and Manchester City are in a tight race for the Premier League title, with Arsenal holding a 5-point lead but City having a game in hand. The upcoming fixtures, including a must-win for Arsenal against Burnley and Crystal Palace, will determine the winner in the next 11 days. City faces a tougher path with games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. A tie-breaker scenario is possible.

India is experiencing a significant shift in its digital landscape due to the combination of cloud usage, AI, digital payments, and a connected population. This has prompted a reevaluation of infrastructure with a focus on scalability, edge computing, and sustainability.

The entry of AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic into the enterprise services market poses a threat to traditional Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. These companies, which relied on outsourcing, are now facing competition from AI companies offering business outcomes directly to enterprises.

The trucking and logistics sector in India is worried about the impact of rising crude oil prices and potential diesel price hikes. A report suggests that even a small increase in diesel prices could greatly affect transporter margins and cash flows. State-run oil companies are facing losses and a diesel price hike could cause inflation in other sectors.

The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹37,500-crore incentive scheme for coal gasification projects to reduce India's import dependence on LNG, ammonia, methanol, and other industrial feedstocks. The scheme aims to support gasification of 75 million tonnes of coal, catalyze investments of ₹2.5-3 lakh crore, and strengthen long-term energy self-reliance.

Kia India introduces BaaS financing for the MY26 Kia Carens Clavis EV, the first EV in India to offer this. The programme allows separate financing for the vehicle body and battery, reducing upfront costs. Two battery pack options and cosmetic updates are available. Multiple lenders partner to offer flexible vehicle financing of up to 60 months.

Amul, a leading Indian dairy brand, has announced a price increase of Rs 2 per litre for several of its milk products, effective May 14. This will impact popular variants such as Amul Gold, Taaza, Cow Milk, and more. The hike is expected to affect daily household expenses amidst rising food and living costs. More updates to follow.

Chanchalguda Central Prison introduces "Feel the Jail" program to educate citizens about India's correctional system. Participants will experience prison life for 12 or 24 hours, including staying in recreated cells, eating inmate meals, and following routines. The initiative also features a prison museum and raise funds for inmate welfare, inspired by a similar program in Sangareddy.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services has given a ‘Neutral’ rating to ONGC with a target price of Rs 275, citing stagnant production, sales growth, and a decline in profits. The company may see a one-time boost from royalty reforms, but projected declines in EPS and total income indicate a tough road ahead.

PM Modi's push for frugal measures due to increasing oil prices and tensions in West Asia has raised the question of whether companies can refuse work-from-home despite calls for reduced travel. Though India lacks a law for remote work, the new labour codes acknowledge hybrid employment. Yet, the final decision rests with the employer, with only a few exceptions for disabled employees.

TVS Motor, one of India's leading auto majors, reported a 17.5% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 819.55 crore in Q4FY26. The company's revenue from operations also saw a significant increase, reaching Rs 15,052.73 crore. Two-wheeler sales saw a jump of 28%, with scooters outselling motorcycles. Electric vehicle sales also grew by 51% and three-wheeler sales by 65%.

JM Financial has downgraded Vikram Solar to 'Reduce' and reduced the target price to Rs 195 from Rs 202 due to declining margins and operational pressures in Q4 FY26. EBITDA margins and EBITDA per watt saw a significant decrease, while rising raw material costs and reduced order book visibility were also cited. JM Financial has revised its outlook for the company.

India's Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh successfully guided the country through the 2008-09 global financial crisis by implementing a balanced approach that included monetary easing, liquidity support, and targeted fiscal stimulus. This approach helped India avoid a severe recession and achieve a strong recovery, with GDP growth reaching 8.5% by 2010-11.

According to Fort Bend Focus magazine, Dhanani Private Equity Group crossed the $2 billion mark in cumulative acquisitions by the end of 2024, a figure that represents the total value of every deal the company has closed over fourteen years. ( Not a single asset or personal net worth.)

Jefferies maintains 'Buy' rating on Swiggy, but slashes price target to Rs 415 from Rs 440 due to caution over industry structure and profitability. Despite this, the price target implies 60% upside. Swiggy's stock has plummeted to 52-week lows and declined over 8% in the last 5 days after reporting missed earnings and significant FCF burn.

A new express train is set to improve rail connectivity between Purvanchal and Delhi, making travel easier and more direct. It will pass through important cities in Uttar Pradesh and end at Anand Vihar in Delhi. A high-speed Bullet Train project is also in the works to connect major cities and reduce travel time significantly.

The Namo Bharat rapid rail services in Meerut have improved travel time, but last-mile connectivity remains a major issue for commuters. To address this, NCRTC is planning to build dedicated UPSRTC bus terminals near key stations. This will save time, reduce dependence on expensive private transport, and improve traffic flow and safety around the stations.

Air India is making temporary adjustments to its international operations for three months due to high jet fuel prices and longer flying times. This is the second round of cuts, with multiple routes being suspended and frequencies being reduced. The airline denies cancelling all international flights due to fuel shortages.

The newly appointed Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has formed a government under his party, TVK, breaking the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK. However, questions arise about funding the promised welfare schemes, which could cost the state nearly Rs 1 lakh crore annually.

President Trump refuted false reports that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was not invited to the China summit, clarifying that Huang is in fact on Air Force One. Trump called the report "fake news" and listed the top US executives, including Huang, accompanying him to China. The summit takes place amidst ongoing tensions between the US and China over AI technology.

The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on 13 individuals and an Indian pharmacy for trafficking fentanyl to the US. This comes after previous sanctions on two Indian nationals for collaborating with US-based traffickers. Fentanyl is considered a "Weapon of Mass Destruction" by the Trump administration.

N Rangasamy, the veteran leader of the All India NR Congress (AINRC), was sworn in as Chief Minister of Puducherry for a record fifth term. The ceremony was attended by top NDA leaders, including BJP National President Nitin Nabin.

PM Modi leads by example in conserving fuel amid global energy disruptions caused by the Iran war. His convoy size has been significantly reduced while incorporating electric vehicles, in line with his call for citizens to cut fuel consumption and use public transport.

Tamil Nadu Government's newly formed TVK party led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will face a crucial floor test in the Legislative Assembly today. With support from Congress, IUML, VCK, CPI, and CPM, TVK's coalition has reached the majority mark of 118 seats.

Prateek Yadav, son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, passed away at 38 after falling critically ill. He was married to BJP leader Aparna Bisht Yadav and was rushed to Lucknow's Civil Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The government's decision to raise import duties on precious metals has brought attention to key jewellery stocks like Titan Company, Kalyan Jewellers India, PC Jeweller, Senco Gold, and Thangamayil Jewellery. This follows PM Modi's call for austerity and concerns over imports, foreign exchange reserves, and global commodity prices.

As the war involving the US, Israel and Iran drags on, two countries heavily dependent on Gulf energy, Iraq and Pakistan, have quietly reached separate arrangements with Tehran to keep oil and gas moving through the Strait of Hormuz. The deals, first reported by Reuters, show how much control Iran now holds over one of the world’s most important shipping routes. 

A growing trend of anti-immigrant harassment targeting H-1B workers at their homes and workplaces has prompted immigration attorneys to issue urgent guidance on how foreign nationals should respond, and what legal protections they actually have. 

A leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper, discovered through a forwarded WhatsApp message, resulted in the cancellation of the exam affecting 22 lakh students. The NTA has handed over the case to the CBI for investigation as the leak involved over 100 questions and spread through multiple states. The investigation is ongoing.

The Devil Wears Prada sequel is a hit in Indian cinemas, earning Rs 23 crore in 12 days. The film's strong opening and consistent performance demonstrate Indian audiences' interest in character-driven Hollywood comedy-dramas. The original's returning cast and nostalgic appeal have also contributed to its success, making it one of the most successful recent releases.

Domestic equity markets continue to decline for the fourth consecutive day, with the benchmark and Nifty 50 dropping significantly. The IT sector takes a major hit, while rising crude oil prices raise inflation concerns and potential interest rate hikes. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran also add to the market's downfall. Prime Minister Modi urges citizens to remain cautious.

Emkay Global maintains a ‘Buy’ rating on Waaree Energies with a target price of Rs 4,260, praising its unmatched scale and leadership position, de-risked global distribution and supply chain, and aggressive backward integration strategy. The company's strategic growth in the US market and diversification into a full renewable platform also create significant advantages.

The DMRC is planning a new metro corridor between the Dhansa Bus Stand and Nangloi, which will make daily travel easier and more comfortable for people in West and South-West Delhi. The 11.86 km line will have 9 modern stations, providing direct connectivity to key residential and developing areas. This will reduce travel time and traffic congestion, making everyday travel simpler.

Trump and Xi will meet this week with top US officials and tech CEOs, including Musk and Cook. The combined net worth of these CEOs is $870 billion. However, Huang, a close AI advisor to Trump, will not be present, potentially hindering Nvidia's attempt to sell AI chips to China.

AIADMK rift intensifies as faction announces support for Vijay's TVK government in Tamil Nadu. The rebel faction, led by senior leader CV Shanmugam, rejects any possibility of aligning with DMK and asserts that the party's focus now is on rebuilding after electoral defeat. The support from AIADMK could prove crucial for Vijay ahead of the crucial floor test in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

JCD Prabhakar has been chosen as the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly by Chief Minister Vijay's new government. With a low-profile and extensive experience, he is known as an old-school Chennai politician with strong connections across parties. His selection reflects the desire of the new political force, TVK, to have experienced leaders managing the Assembly.

For years, software developer Andrew believed experience was supposed to open doors. Instead, after sending out more than 2,000 job applications and hearing almost nothing back, he says he’s starting to feel “plain NOT HIREABLE.” 

Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia, California, has resigned and pleaded guilty to serving as an illegal agent for China in the United States. She admitted to promoting pro-Chinese propaganda and acting as a government agent. Wang faces up to 10 years in prison for posting articles on her website and sharing them with the Chinese community.

South Central Railway has extended the special train service between Narasapur and SMVT Bengaluru to ease the heavy rush on this busy route during the peak travel season. The train will run on June 26 and 27, 2026, and will stop at important stations along the way. This extra service is expected to improve ticket availability and make the journey more convenient for passengers.

Uttar Pradesh strengthens rail connectivity in eastern region with new passenger train between Dohrighat and Aunrihar. The train will halt at important towns and villages, improving access to work, education, and other needs. Boost to connectivity in Mau and Ghazipur, expected to reduce travel difficulties and bring economic benefits. Train to be extended to Varanasi, benefiting pilgrims.

The oil and gas sector is facing mixed trends as upstream companies like ONGC and Oil India are seeing a rise in stock prices while oil marketing companies are struggling. The government's decision to rationalize royalty rates for upstream companies is a major development, but OMCs are facing under-recoveries and losses due to unchanged fuel prices.