5.4% GDP Growth Not a Sign of Slowdown: Nirmala Sitharaman

Google is under pressure from investors to deliver results from its massive investments in artificial intelligence, especially as competition heats up. The company's search and advertising sectors are facing scrutiny from antitrust regulators, adding to its challenges. As anticipation builds, Google is preparing for its I/O conference, which will take place in Mountain View, California, next week, with a keynote scheduled for May 20. This event could be crucial for the company to address investor concerns and showcase its AI advancements.

Apple is aiming for a groundbreaking redesign of the iPhone that features a continuous glass loop, creating a sleek and futuristic appearance. This concept has been in the works since 2019, but turning this vision into reality is proving challenging due to various technological hurdles. If Apple successfully launches this design, 2027 could become a turning point in the company's innovative journey. However, the success of this ambitious project will hinge on overcoming these technical issues and how well consumers respond to the new pricing and features.

Bill Gates recently stated that his Gates Foundation will shut down by 2045. He criticized Elon Musk for harming children in poor countries by slashing the USAID budget. Gates claimed that Musk, who is also a senior adviser to former President Trump, acted without understanding the consequences of his actions. The cuts have led to critical aid being halted, putting life-saving food and medicines at risk. Gates highlighted the severe impact, including the cancellation of support for a hospital in Mozambique that helped prevent HIV transmission from mothers to babies. He urged Musk to witness the suffering caused by these budget cuts.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is closely monitoring the increasing activity of individual traders in equity index derivatives, despite recent rule changes. In October 2024, SEBI introduced six measures to improve this trading framework due to a significant rise in trading volumes, which led to many investors facing losses. Although individual participation decreased by 12% compared to last year, it has increased by 77% from two years ago. SEBI is making adjustments to ensure investor protection and market stability, including relaxing position limits for index options, while strengthening surveillance systems to prevent manipulation.

The United States and China have reached a significant agreement to reduce reciprocal tariffs as part of efforts to ease their ongoing trade war. In talks held in Geneva, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that both countries agreed to suspend certain tariffs for 90 days, aiming to lower existing tariffs by 115%. China will set tariffs on US goods at 10% while halting additional tariffs for now. This deal is crucial as the two largest economies had imposed steep tariffs on each other, which affected global markets. Interestingly, this trade tension has led to India benefiting as US buyers are increasingly turning to Indian suppliers.

In a recent debate, Ranveer Allahbadia made strong statements about India's position against Pakistan, emphasizing that India acts only in self-defense. He showcased evidence of Pakistan's ceasefire violations and criticized the narrative that India seeks global sympathy. Allahbadia highlighted India's achievements, like exporting vaccines and technology, claiming that India's economy is significantly stronger than Pakistan's. He stressed that while average Pakistanis desire peace, their country is controlled by military forces that have historically harmed both nations. Ultimately, he reiterated that India is not the aggressor but is fighting against terrorism that Pakistan exports.

The Indian stock market is set for a cautious start as the benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are predicted to open lower on Tuesday. After a strong rally on Monday, where Nifty 50 closed above 24,900, the trends suggest a slight dip today. Analysts indicate that Nifty has shown bullish momentum and might see resistance at 25,200 while finding support around 24,600. The Bank Nifty also performed well, closing significantly higher and indicating strength. Traders are encouraged to adopt a 'buy-on-dips' strategy, as the overall market trend remains positive.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18 is set to resume on May 17 after a brief suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. With a ceasefire now in place, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aims to finish the league smoothly. However, a major challenge lies in the availability of foreign players, most of whom have returned home. Fortunately, Cricket Australia has expressed support for Aussie players considering a return, but the decision rests with each individual. The World Test Championship final is scheduled shortly after the IPL, adding urgency for players to decide soon.

As more people use AI chatbots for information, traditional search engines still lead the way—at least for now. A recent study shows that visits to the top 10 AI chatbots in 2024 were just 2.96% of search engine traffic. In March 2025, daily visits for search engines hit 5.5 billion, while chatbots only attracted 233.1 million users, highlighting a significant gap. Despite the rise of AI, Google maintains a stronghold with an 87.57% market share in search. The study warns that a decline in search engine usage could threaten SEO professionals and marketers, urging them to adapt to changing trends.

Google is making waves with its new video generator, Veo 2, which can create incredibly realistic videos by understanding real-world physics and human expressions. Excitement is building as the tech giant plans to introduce Video Overviews for its NotebookLM during the upcoming Google I/O event. These new features could either replace or enhance existing audio podcasts by adding visual elements. With the ability to generate clips lasting several minutes, we might see a blend of short video clips paired with lengthy audio narratives. Additionally, NotebookLM's Studio section is getting a fresh look with new options for users to share their resources.

Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy, is on a thrilling journey to revolutionize electric vehicle batteries with a new solid-state technology. This innovative battery could transform the auto industry by making electric cars faster to charge, safer, and more efficient than traditional gasoline vehicles. Despite facing numerous challenges in production, Huang's team has successfully created a prototype that has been tested in a Mercedes sedan, marking a significant milestone in their decade-long quest. With plans for mass production by 2028, this breakthrough could not only change consumer perceptions but also play a vital role in combating climate change.

Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation and India's Adani Group have teamed up to develop hydropower projects generating up to 5,000 megawatts. This partnership was formalized in Thimphu, with key signatures by both companies' leaders in the presence of Bhutan’s Prime Minister. The collaboration builds on an existing project and aims to enhance Bhutan's energy capacity while exporting clean energy to India. This initiative not only strengthens the bonds between Bhutan and India but also supports Bhutan's goal of increasing its renewable energy output significantly by 2040, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development and regional energy security.

Bill Gates has made headlines by revealing that his Gates Foundation will shut down by 2045. He sharply criticized Elon Musk for allegedly harming children in poorer nations by slashing the USAID budget. Gates emphasized that these cuts have dire consequences, leaving essential food and medicine to waste and endangering lives. He pointed out that the funding reductions have halted crucial healthcare services, like those that help prevent HIV transmission from mothers to babies in Mozambique. Gates expressed a desire for Musk to see the impact of these decisions on vulnerable children now facing health crises.

India has decided not to give any duty cuts on British wines and will only offer limited benefits on UK beer under the new free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK. This decision is important because it avoids pressure from the European Union, which is a major player in the wine market. While India will reduce duties on UK whiskey and gin over the next ten years, the local market for wine and beer is growing rapidly due to rising incomes and changing tastes. The Indian wine market is projected to reach USD 700 million by 2030, while the beer market is expected to grow to USD 15 billion by 2034. The FTA will take time to be finalized and implemented.

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is a crucial project for India, enhancing connectivity to remote Himalayan regions and strategically linking to the China border. This 125-km line features extensive tunneling and bridges, making it a safe travel option in areas prone to landslides. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) is leading the project, which is expected to be completed by December 2026. The railway line will not only aid in civilian travel but also facilitate the movement of military resources, ensuring national security. Furthermore, plans are underway to extend the line to major pilgrimage destinations, making it significant for both infrastructure and tourism.

The trading in equity index derivatives is still booming, even with new regulations from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Concerned about increasing individual participation, SEBI is reviewing trading activities. In October 2024, SEBI introduced measures to make this market safer, following a surge in trading volumes and many investors facing losses. Although individual trading is down 12% from last year, it has increased by 77% compared to two years ago. SEBI is committed to monitoring these activities closely and has proposed changes to enhance investor protection and risk management, ensuring smooth operations in the market.

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), showed remarkable leadership by convincing his overseas players to stay in India amidst rising tensions with Pakistan. Initially, many foreign players were scared and wanted to leave, especially Marcus Stoinis. However, Ponting, after stepping off his flight, reassured them with heartfelt words, calming their fears and encouraging them to focus on the IPL. His actions not only reflected his character but also helped maintain team morale. With a new game schedule from BCCI, PBKS is poised to continue its strong performance in the tournament, currently sitting third in the points table.

On May 12, gold prices saw a notable update with 24-carat gold priced at ₹94,690 per 10 grams and 22-carat gold at ₹86,799 per 10 grams. Silver is currently valued at ₹96,320 per kilogram. For those looking to invest in gold and silver, it’s essential to check local prices in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Remember, investing in precious metals can be tricky; always consult with certified experts before making any decisions. Stay informed to make the best choices for your investments!