A top Iranian official has blamed the US and Israel for the disruption of global supply chains due to the West Asia conflict, stating that Tehran is not happy about the consequences faced by countries like India.
Bank of Baroda economists project India's GDP to grow 6.5-6.8 per cent in FY27 but warn that the fiscal deficit could overshoot the budgeted 4.3 per cent target, potentially reaching 4.7-4.8 per cent of GDP due to subsidy overruns, excise duty cuts, and oil marketing company losses.
Delhi Police have arrested four individuals involved in an interstate racket manufacturing and distributing counterfeit prescription drugs, uncovering an illegal processing unit in Delhi.
Police in Nanded, Maharashtra, seized nearly 5,000 'import quality' sharp-edged weapons from an abandoned godown, suspecting their potential use in organised crime.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. However, President Donald Trump remains cautious, vowing not to accept a 'bad deal' regarding Iran's nuclear programme and regional stability.
Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has declared that removing the BJP from power is her life's mission, alleging election rigging and vowing to support TMC workers. She announced a nationwide anti-BJP programme and protested against post-poll violence and government actions.
Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.
Delhi Police have dismantled a cyber fraud racket involving malicious mobile applications, arresting two individuals, including the alleged mastermind from Uttar Pradesh. The accused developed and supplied 'FUD' APK files to cyber fraudsters across the country, enabling them to gain remote access to victims' phones and siphon off money.
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.
India's leading passenger vehicle manufacturers are significantly increasing investments and factory capacities, alongside planning major product launches for FY27, driven by strong confidence in sustained domestic demand growth despite global geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks.
Delhi Police have dismantled an interstate illegal arms supply network linked to notorious gangs, arresting five individuals and seizing a significant cache of firearms and ammunition.
Punjab Police have dismantled an international drug smuggling module, arresting two individuals and seizing 10 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) and 4 kg of heroin.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower, snapping a two-day rally, as a spike in crude oil prices, triggered by reports of fresh US military operations in southern Iran, dampened investor sentiment and reignited fears of renewed energy supply disruptions.
Shares of power generation-related companies surged on Wednesday, with the BSE Power index hitting a new high of 8,497, driven by strong demand, robust order books, and significant capital expenditure announcements from key players like Hitachi Energy India, Adani Green Energy, and CG Power and Industrial Solutions.
State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) plans a significant capital expenditure of 25,000 crore for the financial year 2026-27, primarily for ongoing expansion projects. The company also stated that the recent 4-per-litre price hike in petrol and diesel has provided some financial relief amidst volatile crude oil prices and mounting losses.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted some 20 per cent of the global flows but even if it opens, damages to production facilities in the region will take time to repair, points out Sunita Narain.
'...would obesity still be a global epidemic?'
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to prioritise cases involving missing children and women, while also cracking down on narcotic substances and land-related crimes.
Delhi Police busted a counterfeit garment manufacturing racket in Naraina Industrial Area, seizing over 3,400 fake branded jeans, forged labels, and stitching machines.
Three individuals have been apprehended in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, for possessing over 15 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth Rs 2.70 lakh. The accused confessed to procuring the contraband from Odisha and distributing it to Bihar and other states.
The ongoing West Asia conflict is expected to severely impact the supply of affordable housing in India, as rising input costs further erode already thin developer margins. Fluctuations in crude oil and gas prices, coupled with higher freight costs, are driving up prices of essential construction materials like cement and steel, making new projects increasingly unviable for developers.
Delhi Police have dismantled a cyber fraud racket based in Mewat, arresting four individuals for allegedly impersonating Indian Air Force officials and defrauding businessmen using forged documents.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to introduce polymer banknotes to address the rising demand for currency, improve durability, and reduce production costs, with a pilot project expected soon.
India's pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased bulk drug prices, particularly for APIs from China, following the escalation of the West Asia crisis in March. While current inventories provide a temporary buffer, concerns are mounting over the availability of key solvents and feedstocks, potentially leading to manufacturing disruptions and shortages in specific drug categories.
South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.
Police in Mangaluru, Karnataka, have arrested six individuals in two separate incidents for allegedly selling narcotic substances, including MDMA and hydro weed ganja, to college students and young women.
Indian refiners are recalibrating their crude sourcing strategy due to supply disruptions in West Asia, leading to Venezuela and Brazil emerging as top five suppliers in April, replacing traditional sources like Iraq and the United States.
Telangana's anti-narcotics unit 'EAGLE' Force arrested five persons and seized 450 kg of ganja in two separate cases in Khammam and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts.
The Delhi High Court has asked a review committee to examine the blocking of the Cockroach Janta Party's X account, refusing to order its immediate unblocking but allowing the party's founder to appear before the committee.
'Wipro's challenge is not lack of ideas. In fact, some of its recent structural moves are arguably bolder than peers.' 'The problem is proving it can operationalise these bets faster and more consistently.'
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.
India has expressed serious concerns about the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on energy supplies and maritime stability, urging BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical challenges and unilateral sanctions.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including trade frictions and the war in Iran.
Donald Trump says several issues were settled during the final day of talks with Xi Jinping covering trade, tariffs, and diplomacy.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked by locals during a visit to Sonarpur, West Bengal, to meet families affected by post-poll violence.
The US-China rapprochement, however tenuous, is not without implications for India. Both China and Pakistan have become closer to the US, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
Police in Kerala have arrested a key suspect in a racket involving the supply of forged documents for organ donors and recipients. The accused, identified as Najeeb, was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh and is believed to have been planning to escape to Nepal. The investigation has uncovered a network involved in forging various official documents required for organ donation.
A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.
The CBI has arrested Naveen Kumar Singh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrest was made in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, following a coordinated effort with the UP STF and local police. The investigation continues to explore various angles, including arms supply networks and inter-district links.
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.
