Author: Sreelatha M

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Air India cuts overseas flights due to fuel costs hike

Air India has announced reductions in several international flights as soaring fuel prices and geopolitical tensions continue to increase pressure on airline operations.

The airline will temporarily reduce services on select overseas routes between June and August as rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs make operations more expensive. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has also affected global aviation by increasing fuel prices and forcing airlines to avoid certain airspaces, leading to longer flight routes and higher operating expenses.

According to reports, Air India has already reduced around 90 flights in May and plans to cut nearly 100 more flights over the next few months. Some international routes may see fewer weekly services, while a few sectors could face temporary suspension depending on demand and operational costs.

The airline clarified that reports circulating on social media claiming all international flights had been cancelled until July were false. Air India said international operations continue across major destinations, though some schedule adjustments are being made to manage costs more effectively.

Flights to certain sensitive destinations, including Tel Aviv, remain suspended because of security concerns linked to the regional conflict. Industry experts say airlines around the world are currently facing similar challenges due to the sharp rise in fuel prices and uncertainty in global markets.

Air India currently operates around 1,200 flights daily across domestic and international routes. However, a weakening rupee, rising crude oil prices and higher operational expenses have added financial pressure on long-haul international services.

Also Read: Centre hikes gold, silver import duty from 6% to 15%

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1 Minute-Read

Jewellers to meet PMO over gold buying concerns

India’s jewellery industry will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Office officials after his appeal urging citizens not to rush into gold purchases amid global uncertainty and high prices.

Industry bodies said the message has raised concerns about weaker demand, especially during the wedding season. Shares of listed jewellery companies also saw pressure after the appeal.

Jewellers told officials that gold remains a key household asset and warned that panic sentiment could hurt sales. However, they also admitted that high prices are already slowing demand.

The government said the aim is to prevent panic buying and ensure economic stability, not to discourage gold purchases.

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Corporate

Sensex falls over 450 points, Nifty slips below 23,700

Indian stock markets traded lower on Tuesday as weak global signals, rising crude oil prices and foreign investor selling hurt market sentiment. The BSE Sensex fell more than 450 points in early trade, while the NSE Nifty slipped below the 23,700 mark.

IT stocks led the decline, with Infosys, TCS, HCLTech and Tech Mahindra falling sharply during the session. Concerns over slowing global demand and weakness in international technology markets dragged the sector lower. The Nifty IT index was among the worst-performing sectoral indices of the day.

Investors also remained cautious because of rising tensions in the Middle East and increasing crude oil prices. Analysts said higher oil prices could raise inflation concerns for India and affect company earnings in the coming months.

Despite the weak market, a few stocks managed to post gains. ONGC and Oil India were among the top gainers as higher crude oil prices boosted sentiment in energy shares. Banking stocks such as SBI also saw buying interest and helped limit deeper losses in the market.

The broader market remained under pressure, with more stocks declining than advancing on both the BSE and NSE. Foreign institutional investors continued to sell Indian equities, adding to market volatility.

Several stocks remained in focus during the day. Shares of investment platform Groww attracted attention after reports said existing investors may sell stakes worth around Rs 4,750 crore through block deals. Dr Reddy’s and Waaree Energies also witnessed active trading.

Also Read: Noel Tata votes against key reappointments at Tata Trust

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Corporate

Royal Enfield becomes world’s third strongest auto brand

Royal Enfield has achieved a major global milestone by becoming the world’s third strongest automotive brand, ranking ahead of luxury names like Audi and Ferrari.

The recognition reflects how the iconic Indian motorcycle brand has grown from a domestic favourite into a globally admired name among biking enthusiasts. Royal Enfield is known for its strong customer loyalty, unique identity and growing international presence helped it secure the high ranking.

Over the years, Royal Enfield has built a strong emotional connection with riders through its retro-style motorcycles, riding culture and community-focused events. Popular models such as the Classic 350, Hunter 350 and Himalayan have attracted both young riders and long-distance touring enthusiasts across different markets.

The company’s success is also linked to its ability to modernise while keeping its classic identity intact. Though the motorcycles retain their vintage-inspired design, the brand has improved performance, comfort and technology to appeal to global consumers.

Royal Enfield’s rise shows how Indian brands are beginning to compete confidently on the world stage, not just through affordability but through strong brand value and customer experience. The growing popularity of mid-sized motorcycles internationally has also worked in the company’s favour.

Owned by Eicher Motors, Royal Enfield has steadily expanded into Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia in recent years. The company has increased exports, opened international showrooms and strengthened its premium positioning globally.

The ranking is being seen as a proud moment for the Indian automotive industry, especially since Royal Enfield managed to outperform several globally established luxury brands in overall brand strength.

Also Read: Nvidia CEO tells graduates to learn from failure

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Leaders

Gautam Adani connects AI growth to energy infrastructure

At the CII Annual Summit 2026, Gautam Adani said the next phase of global competition will be driven not by traditional industries but by control over energy systems, computing power, and data infrastructure. He described artificial intelligence as a defining force that will reshape geopolitics and economic strength.

He argued that energy and digital infrastructure are now inseparable, saying reliable power supply is essential for large-scale AI systems and data centres. According to him, countries that secure both clean energy and computing capacity will have a strategic advantage in the future.

Adani highlighted the idea of “compute sovereignty,” where nations develop and host their own AI systems and data infrastructure instead of relying on external providers. He warned that dependence on foreign systems in critical sectors like defence, healthcare, and finance could pose long-term risks.

He also stressed that the growth of AI will require massive expansion in electricity generation, especially from renewable sources. This, he said, makes energy transition not just an environmental goal but a strategic necessity.

The address reflected a broader push in India toward building domestic AI and data ecosystems, with large investments in hyperscale data centres powered by renewable energy.

Also Read: Nvidia CEO tells graduates to learn from failure

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Corporate

Sensex tanks 1,300 points, Nifty slips below 23,800

Indian stock markets witnessed heavy selling pressure on Monday as rising crude oil prices and renewed tensions in West Asia shook investor confidence. The BSE Sensex plunged nearly 1,300 points, while the NSE Nifty slipped below the 23,800 mark amid broad-based losses across sectors.

The sharp decline came after crude prices crossed $105 per barrel following fresh uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks. Investors worried that higher oil prices could increase inflation, weaken the rupee and raise costs for businesses and consumers in India.

Among the biggest losers were aviation, banking and consumer stocks. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, fell sharply on concerns over rising aviation fuel costs. Banking stocks such as State Bank of India and IndusInd Bank also came under pressure due to weak market sentiment and profit-booking.

Jewellery and retail stocks including Titan Company declined after concerns emerged over slowing consumer demand and higher import costs linked to rising crude oil prices.

However, oil exploration and energy companies moved higher as crude prices surged globally. Shares of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Oil India gained during the session as investors expected stronger earnings from higher oil realisations.

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar during trading, adding to concerns over imported inflation. Analysts said foreign investors also remained cautious due to global geopolitical uncertainty and volatile commodity prices.

Also Read: NTPC eyes huge nuclear power project in Bihar

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Beyond

NTPC eyes huge nuclear power project in Bihar

NTPC is planning a large nuclear power project in Bihar as India looks to expand its clean energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The proposed project is expected to come up in Bihar’s Banka district and could generate up to 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity once fully developed. The first phase is likely to include two nuclear reactors of 700 MW each, with room for future expansion.

Officials said NTPC’s nuclear subsidiary is currently carrying out a feasibility study to examine land availability, water supply and technical requirements for the project. The findings will later be submitted to the Department of Atomic Energy for further approvals.

The project is being viewed as an important step in NTPC’s efforts to diversify beyond coal-based power generation. While the company remains India’s largest thermal power producer, it has been increasing investments in renewable and nuclear energy as part of the country’s broader clean energy goals.

India aims to significantly increase its nuclear power capacity by 2047 to meet rising electricity demand while cutting carbon emissions. Nuclear energy is becoming increasingly important because it can provide stable power generation unlike solar and wind energy, which depend on weather conditions.

Officials said the Bihar government has shown support for the proposal, including assistance related to water allocation for the plant. Reliable water access is considered critical for nuclear power operations.

Apart from Bihar, NTPC is also exploring nuclear projects in several other states as it plans to build a stronger presence in the sector over the coming decades.

Energy analysts believe the project could bring major investment and infrastructure development to Bihar if approved. The plant is also expected to create employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases.

Also Read: Nintendo hikes switch 2 prices despite strong sales

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Leaders

Nvidia CEO tells graduates to learn from failure

Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of Nvidia Corporation, delivered a personal and motivational message to graduating students at Carnegie Mellon University, encouraging them to accept failure as an important part of success.

Speaking at the university’s commencement ceremony, Huang shared lessons from his own journey building Nvidia into one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Instead of focusing only on achievements, he spoke openly about challenges, pressure and setbacks, telling students that difficult moments often shape people the most.

Huang said many people spend their lives trying to avoid failure, but real growth comes from learning how to handle it. He encouraged graduates to remain curious, take risks and continue learning even when things do not go according to plan.

The Nvidia chief also spoke about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and how it is changing industries across the world. From healthcare and education to robotics and business, Huang said AI will transform the way people work and live. Because of this, he believes adaptability will become one of the most important skills for the next generation.

He reminded students that no career path will remain predictable for long and said people must be ready to constantly learn new skills. According to Huang, success in the future will depend not only on intelligence or technical knowledge, but also on resilience and the ability to adapt quickly.

His speech gained wide attention online as Nvidia continues to play a central role in the global AI boom. The company’s AI chips power many of the world’s leading artificial intelligence systems, helping Nvidia become one of the most valuable technology firms globally.

Students and professionals connected strongly with Huang’s message because of its honest and relatable tone. Rather than presenting success as perfect or effortless, he described it as a journey filled with uncertainty, mistakes and continuous learning.

Also Read: PM Modi urges pause in gold buying

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Beyond

Gold at ₹1.52 lakh, silver at ₹2.74 lakh

Gold and silver prices saw a small decline on Monday after a sharp rally in recent weeks, offering slight relief to buyers amid record-high rates. In the domestic market, 24-carat gold slipped ₹10 to ₹1,52,340 per 10 grams, while silver prices fell ₹100 to ₹2,74,900 per kilogram.

Despite the minor dip, prices continue to remain near historic highs as global tensions and inflation fears keep investors interested in safe-haven assets like gold and silver. Analysts say uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran talks and rising crude oil prices are continuing to influence precious metal markets worldwide.

Higher oil prices have increased concerns that inflation could stay elevated for longer, reducing hopes of early interest rate cuts by major central banks. This has kept gold prices supported even as the market witnessed mild profit booking on Monday.

In India, bullion demand has also come into focus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged citizens to avoid unnecessary gold purchases for a year. The appeal is aimed at reducing pressure on the country’s import bill and foreign exchange reserves, as India imports a large portion of the gold it consumes.

However, jewellers believe demand linked to weddings and festivals is unlikely to slow significantly. Gold continues to hold emotional and cultural importance for Indian families, especially during marriage seasons where jewellery purchases remain customary.

Also Read: Sensex crashes 1,050 points, Nifty slips below 23,900

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Corporate

Sensex crashes 1,050 points, Nifty slips below 23,900

Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp selloff on Monday upon opening, as rising global crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and persistent foreign investor outflows rattled investor confidence. The BSE Sensex plunged over 1,050 points during intraday trade, while the NSE Nifty50 slipped below the crucial 23,900 mark.

The decline came after international crude oil prices surged past the $100-per-barrel level following uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations. Since India depends heavily on oil imports, the spike in crude prices raised concerns over inflation, fiscal pressure, and economic growth.

Market heavyweight Reliance Industries came under strong selling pressure due to worries over rising input costs and weaker consumer sentiment. Banking stocks including HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank also dragged the indices lower as investors turned cautious amid global uncertainty. Aviation shares, particularly IndiGo parent InterGlobe Aviation, declined sharply as higher fuel prices threatened profitability.

Auto and consumer stocks remained under pressure throughout the session, reflecting fears that inflationary trends could weaken demand. Broader market sentiment also stayed negative, with midcap and smallcap stocks witnessing widespread selling.

However, oil exploration and energy companies bucked the trend. ONGC and Oil India traded higher as rising crude prices are expected to improve their revenue outlook. Select defensive sectors such as utilities and energy also showed relative resilience amid the broader market weakness.

Foreign institutional investors continued their selling streak, adding pressure on the rupee, which weakened further against the US dollar. Analysts believe continued volatility in global energy markets and geopolitical developments could keep Indian equities under stress in the near term.

Also Read: Palki Sharma starts a digital media global news platform