The Indian central government has reduced its total expenditure by approximately 60,000 crore in FY26, below its revised estimate, to successfully achieve the fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), according to the latest data from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring weak global trends, as escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear facility, pushed crude oil prices higher. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 18, 2026.
Air India has deferred annual salary increments for its staff by at least one quarter and urged a "relentless focus on costs" due to external headwinds like the closure of Pakistan airspace, West Asia conflict, rupee depreciation, and a significant surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, though the airline has assured there will be no layoffs.
Indian IT stocks have seen a significant decline of up to 33 per cent year-to-date in 2026, largely due to artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting traditional outsourcing models, leading analysts to predict a challenging FY27 for the sector despite some cushion from rupee depreciation.
If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Delhi Police have arrested five individuals for allegedly running an interstate cyber fraud syndicate that used mule bank accounts to launder money across India and abroad. The investigation revealed links to international handlers and the use of cryptocurrency to route funds.
Fintech giant Paytm reports a consolidated profit of Rs 183 crore in Q4 FY26, marking a significant turnaround driven by its core payments business, growth in loans, and consumer-side profitability. The company is also prioritising investments in AI and has ruled out applying for an NBFC licence.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has expressed caution regarding 'extreme volatility' risks stemming from the West Asian conflict, which could impact global oil demand and the company's margins, while also noting that near-term retail consumption demand may remain sensitive to macro conditions. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, in the annual report, remained silent on the timeline for Jio Platforms' anticipated public listing, stating the group will 'continue to evaluate strategic pathways'.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is focusing on building AI infrastructure, including India's first AI-focused data centre, as AI becomes a core operating foundation for enterprises globally.
The University of Gloucestershire is looking for international student-athletes for funded study and training opportunities in the UK.
While the West Asia conflict has led to a drop in patient footfalls, hospitals are seeing higher realisations as international patients increasingly travel for complex, high-end procedures.
'The role was of a father, which was a bit unflattering. I thought I would get typecast with this show.' 'Today, after doing five seasons, I feel extremely lucky that I did it.'
ITC reported a 6.1 per cent year-on-year growth in its consolidated adjusted net profit from continuing operations, reaching ~5,469.74 crore in the January-March quarter (Q4FY26), primarily fuelled by strong performances in its cigarettes and non-cigarette fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses.
A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.
A 45-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh allegedly died by suicide due to financial stress related to his daughter's upcoming wedding. Police investigations suggest the man was under significant pressure due to his inability to afford the marriage expenses.
Kanpur police have exposed a large-scale fake degree racket, arresting two individuals allegedly involved in supplying forged educational documents across multiple states. The operation uncovered fake marksheets, migration certificates, and degrees from various universities, raising concerns about the integrity of academic credentials and potential implications for employment and admissions.
A Belagavi court has remanded Shivaanand Neelannavar, the alleged kingpin of a multi-crore ponzi scheme, to 10 days of CID custody for further investigation. The case involves an alleged fraud of nearly Rs 1,000 crore and affects around 35,000 investors.
The Uttar Pradesh government is accelerating compensation for farmers affected by recent adverse weather, including storms, fires, hailstorms, and excessive rainfall.
'We are targeting a 2.5x to 3x increase in valuation by FY31.'
Former Mohun Bagan president Swapan Sadhan Bose, known as 'Tutu Babu', has died at the age of 79 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He played a key role in shaping Mohun Bagan in the modern era, including the merger with ATK.
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait to win the national league crown, defeating Inter Kashi in a thrilling final. Under coach Oscar Bruzon, the team overcame early setbacks and showed resilience to secure the title, marking a defining moment for the club and Indian football.
Jewellery majors Titan Company and Kalyan Jewellers reported robust Q4 FY26 results, with Titan's consolidated revenue surging 81 per cent year-on-year, largely propelled by a sixfold increase in bullion and digital gold sales. Despite strong top-line growth, Titan's gross and operating profit margins faced pressure due to the higher share of lower-margin gold products and increased marketing expenditure.
From Manavalan to Kannan Srank, a tribute to the unforgettable Salim Kumar who made generations of Malayalis laugh with his signature humour.
PepsiCo India plans a significant investment of Rs 5,700 crore by 2030 to enhance its production capabilities, focusing on its concentrate plant in Madhya Pradesh, a unit in Assam, and land acquisition in Tamil Nadu to expand its snack business footprint in South India.
The Iran conflict led to a sharp correction in Reliance Industries Ltd's (RIL's) share price, which has been partially reversed by a rebound.
Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.
Infosys shares experienced a significant drop, hitting a 52-week low, after the company announced its Q4FY26 results and provided a modest revenue growth guidance of 1.5-3.5 per cent in constant currency for FY27, falling below market expectations and raising concerns about AI-led deflation and margin pressures.
Amul and Mother Dairy, India's largest dairy product retailers, have increased milk prices by Rs 2 per litre, marking the second such hike in 13 months. This move is expected to intensify inflationary pressures, already fuelled by global conflicts, and will impact household budgets across the country.
Markets face risk of a prolonged bear phase as oil shocks and geopolitical tensions test inflation, growth and investor confidence globally, points out Debashis Basu.
Mukesh Ambani, Asia's second richest man, has not drawn a salary from Reliance Industries for the sixth consecutive year, with dividends from his extensive shareholdings serving as his primary source of income.
Virat Kohli has emerged as the highest earner in IPL history, grossing Rs 230 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders leads franchise valuations at over Rs 19,200 crore.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced incentives for families to encourage larger families and reverse the state's declining population trend.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd reported a 22.22 per cent decline in consolidated profit after tax to Rs 1,255.63 crore in the March quarter, primarily due to higher expenses, despite an increase in total revenue from operations.
Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of football, going from playing in a Florida high school to representing his country at the World Cup. His journey involved overcoming cultural challenges and excelling in both the United States and Europe, ultimately leading to his selection for the Ivory Coast national team.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in India for a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, where discussions will focus on the escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on global energy supply chains.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a 6.9 per cent GDP growth for the current financial year, citing concerns over commodity prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from the West Asia crisis.
Several non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are observing an increase in early-stage delinquencies within their micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) loan portfolios, primarily driven by supply chain disruptions and escalating raw material costs exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Global brokerage firm Jefferies has reiterated its 'Buy' rating on Paytm, stating that the company's growth engine and profitability will remain intact despite regulatory action on its associate entity Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL). The company has maintained its price target of Rs 1,350, implying an 18 per cent upside.
An FIR has been registered against unknown individuals for allegedly sending fraudulent messages in the name of e-commerce platform Udaan, promising cash rewards and disrupting its operations.
UPI transactions reached 22.35 billion in April, marking a 25 per cent increase compared to April 2025. UPI now accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and is live in eight countries.
