Author: Sreelatha M

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SC allows US lenders on Byju’s creditor panel

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea by Byju Raveendran, allowing US lenders to be part of Byju’s’ creditor panel.

The ruling strengthens the position of lenders in the ongoing insolvency proceedings of the embattled edtech firm.

Raveendran had challenged the inclusion of these lenders, but the court rejected his arguments, paving the way for their participation in key decisions related to the company’s future.

The move is seen as a setback for the founder, as creditors gain greater influence over restructuring and recovery plans.

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Beyond

Siemens delivers first freight locomotives to Indian railways

Siemens Mobility has delivered the first set of high-powered electric freight locomotives to Indian Railways, marking the start of a major upgrade in the country’s cargo transport system.

This delivery is part of a €3 billion project under which Siemens will supply 1,200 locomotives over the next several years. The rollout has now moved from planning to real-world operations, with the first engines already entering commercial service.

These new locomotives, known as D9 engines, are among the most powerful ever used by Indian Railways. They can run at speeds of up to 120 km/h and carry much heavier loads than older engines. This means goods can be moved faster and more efficiently across long distances, helping improve the overall logistics network.

To support the new fleet, a maintenance facility has also been set up in Visakhapatnam. This is the first of four such depots planned across the country. These centres will ensure the locomotives are regularly serviced and kept in top condition over their long operating life.

What makes these engines stand out is the use of advanced digital technology. They are equipped with systems that can monitor performance in real time and predict maintenance needs before problems occur. This helps reduce breakdowns and keeps trains running on schedule.

The project is also significant for India’s manufacturing sector. Most of the locomotives are being built within the country, supporting local industry and creating jobs. It aligns with the government’s push to boost domestic production.

Also Read: GameStop makes surprise $56 bn bid for eBay

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Technology

Zuckerberg, Chan back $500mn plan to model human cells

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are investing $500 million into a new scientific initiative led by the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, aimed at using artificial intelligence to better understand how human cells function.

The project, part of Biohub’s broader “Virtual Biology” effort, seeks to build advanced AI models that can simulate human cells. These digital models are expected to show how cells behave in both healthy and diseased states, helping scientists study biological processes in a faster and more detailed way.

Researchers believe this could significantly change how medical science works. Instead of relying only on lab experiments, scientists could run computer-based simulations to test ideas, understand diseases, and explore treatments. This approach could save time, reduce costs, and accelerate discoveries.

The five-year programme will focus heavily on building tools and collecting large-scale biological data. A major portion of the funding will go into generating high-quality datasets, which are essential for training accurate AI models. The initiative will also support collaborations with research institutions globally, allowing scientists to share and use data more effectively.

However, creating detailed models of human cells is a complex task. Current data is limited, and understanding the full behaviour of cells requires massive amounts of precise information. Biohub plans to address this gap by investing in better data collection and open scientific collaboration.

The long-term goal is ambitious, to improve understanding of diseases and eventually help develop better treatments or even cures. While results may take time, experts say this marks an important step toward combining AI with biology.

At the same time, the initiative raises questions about how sensitive biological data will be managed. Ensuring privacy, transparency, and ethical use will be critical as the project grows.

Also Read: Epigamia appoints Ritesh Gauba CEO, elevates Goel

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Beyond

Rupee slides to ₹95.31, hits fresh record low

The Indian rupee fell sharply on May 5, 2026, slipping to ₹95.31 against the US dollar and nearing its record low levels. The currency has been under consistent pressure due to a mix of global and domestic factors.

A key trigger for the fall is the surge in crude oil prices, which have risen to around $114 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Concerns over supply disruptions, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed oil prices higher. For India, which depends heavily on oil imports, this means higher demand for dollars, putting pressure on the rupee.

At the same time, a stronger US dollar has added to the weakness. Global investors are moving towards safer assets, leading to capital outflows from emerging markets like India. This has further weakened the rupee.

Foreign fund outflows and increased dollar demand from importers have also contributed to the decline. The Reserve Bank of India is likely keeping a close watch and may step in to limit excessive volatility.

Analysts expect the rupee to remain under pressure in the near term unless oil prices ease and global tensions stabilise.

Also Read: Gold near ₹1.5 lakh, Silver around ₹2.65 lakh

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Corporate

Sensex falls 300 points, Nifty slips below 24,050

Indian stock markets ended lower on May 5, 2026, as weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions kept investors on edge. The Sensex fell about 300 points, while the Nifty slipped below the 24,050 mark, with selling pressure visible across most sectors.

The mood on Dalal Street was clearly cautious, with more stocks declining than advancing. Banking, metal, and auto stocks were among the biggest losers, dragging the indices down. Shares of IndiGo and Tech Mahindra were notable laggards, reflecting weakness in aviation and IT segments. Metal stocks also saw selling, as concerns over global demand and higher costs weighed on sentiment.

On the brighter side, a few stocks managed to stand out despite the overall weakness. Tata Technologies surged after reporting strong earnings, while Wockhardt and CAMS also posted solid gains. These pockets of strength suggest that investors are still willing to bet on companies with strong fundamentals or positive news.

The broader decline was largely driven by global factors. Rising tensions in the Middle East have made investors nervous, especially as they pushed crude oil prices higher. For India, which imports most of its oil, this raises concerns about inflation and economic stability. Adding to the pressure, the Indian rupee weakened further against the US dollar, making imports more expensive and dampening market sentiment.

Sector-wise, almost all major indices ended in the red, showing the widespread nature of the sell-off. Even though a few defensive and mid-cap stocks showed resilience, the overall tone of the market remained subdued throughout the session.

This drop comes just a day after markets had shown some strength, highlighting how quickly sentiment can shift in response to global developments.

Also Read: Air India to review CEO, cost cuts at May 7 meet

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Corporate

Netweb shares drop 7% despite strong Q4 results

Shares of Netweb Technologies fell nearly 7% on May 4, even though the company reported strong performance for the March quarter. The decline reflects investor concerns beyond headline earnings.

Netweb posted impressive growth in Q4, with revenue rising sharply year-on-year and profits also increasing significantly. The company continues to benefit from rising demand for high-performance computing, data centres, and AI-driven solutions. On paper, the results signalled a strong business outlook.

However, the market reaction was negative. One of the key concerns was a decline in operating margins. Although the company remained profitable, margins were slightly lower compared to last year, indicating rising costs or pressure on pricing. This made investors cautious about future profitability.

Another factor was the stock’s high valuation. Netweb shares had rallied strongly in recent months, driven by optimism around the tech sector. With expectations already high, many investors chose to lock in gains after the results were announced.

There were also signs of moderation on a quarter-on-quarter basis. Revenue and earnings showed some slowdown compared to the previous quarter, which added to concerns about near-term growth momentum.

Market experts say such corrections are common when stocks run ahead of fundamentals. Even strong earnings may not be enough if valuations are stretched or if there are concerns about margins and future growth.

Despite the fall, analysts remain positive about the company’s long-term prospects. Netweb operates in a fast-growing segment, supported by increasing demand for advanced computing technologies.

Also Read: Tata Trusts to review Tata Sons board changes

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Beyond

₹37,500 cr plan to boost coal gasification projects

The government is preparing a major ₹37,500 crore push to promote coal gasification projects, as it looks to make better use of India’s coal reserves while reducing dependence on imports. The proposal is expected to be taken up by the Union Cabinet soon.

Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into a cleaner gas, which can then be used to produce fuels, fertilisers, and chemicals. Instead of burning coal directly, this method allows it to be used in a more efficient and less polluting way.

The main goal behind the plan is to reduce India’s reliance on imported fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and key inputs such as urea. By using locally available coal, the government hopes to improve energy security and support domestic industries at the same time.

To encourage companies to invest in this technology, the government plans to offer financial incentives. Reports suggest that each project could receive support of up to ₹3,000 crore, making large-scale investments more viable for both public and private players.

The move is also part of a broader effort to shift towards cleaner energy solutions. While coal continues to play a major role in India’s energy mix, gasification is seen as a smarter way to use it with lower emissions. The government has set a long-term target of significantly increasing coal gasification capacity by 2030.

Officials believe the new scheme will simplify earlier policies and make it easier for companies to participate. A more streamlined approach is expected to speed up project approvals and implementation.

The plan comes at a time when global energy markets remain uncertain, with fluctuating prices and supply concerns. By focusing on domestic resources, India is aiming to become more self-reliant and less vulnerable to external shocks.

Also Read: Tata Trusts to review Tata Sons board changes

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Beyond

Tata Trusts to review Tata Sons board changes

Tata Trusts is set to hold an important meeting on May 8 to review its representation on the board of Tata Sons, in what could lead to notable changes at the top level of the group.

The discussions are expected to focus on possible changes to nominee directors appointed by the Trusts. One of the key developments under consideration is the potential exit of Venu Srinivasan from the Tata Sons board. At the same time, former Titan Company managing director Bhaskar Bhat is being considered for a board position.

Tata Trusts, which collectively hold a majority stake in Tata Sons, play a central role in shaping decisions within the Tata Group. Any changes in board representation are therefore seen as significant for the group’s overall direction.

The review comes at a time when there are differing views within the Trusts on certain strategic matters. One of the key issues being debated is whether Tata Sons should remain a privately held company or consider going public. While some members have supported the idea of listing, others have preferred to keep the current structure unchanged.

Apart from board composition, the meeting may also touch on broader governance issues, including leadership roles within the Trusts and long-term planning for the group. Reports suggest that even internal positions, such as the vice-chairman role, could be reviewed as part of this exercise.

The outcome of the meeting is being closely watched by industry observers, as it could signal how decision-making and influence are evolving within the Tata Group.

Also Read: Vietnam sees tourism boom with over 2 mn visitors

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Beyond

Vietnam sees tourism boom with over 2 mn visitors

Vietnam is witnessing a strong tourism rebound in 2026, with more than 2 million international visitors arriving in April alone. The steady inflow highlights the country’s growing popularity as a preferred travel destination in Southeast Asia.

Official figures show that Vietnam received around 2.03 million foreign tourists in April, taking the total number of international arrivals in the first four months of the year to nearly 8.8 million. This marks a significant rise compared to last year and reflects sustained growth in the sector.

One of the key highlights is the consistency in visitor numbers. Vietnam has now recorded over 2 million international arrivals for four consecutive months—an indication that the tourism recovery is not just strong, but stable.

Several factors are driving this growth. Improved flight connectivity, relaxed visa policies, and better tourism infrastructure have made travel to Vietnam easier and more convenient. In addition, the country’s mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions continues to appeal to a wide range of travellers.

Visitors are arriving from both traditional and emerging markets. Countries like China, South Korea, the United States, Japan, and Australia remain major sources of tourists. At the same time, markets such as India and Russia are showing rapid growth, supported by increasing travel demand and improved air links.

Industry experts say Vietnam is benefiting from changing travel preferences, with more tourists looking for unique experiences such as eco-tourism, local culture, and wellness travel. The country’s diverse offerings, from beaches and mountains to historic cities, make it an attractive choice for such travellers.

Compared to other destinations in the region, Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets. While some countries are seeing slower recovery, Vietnam continues to attract strong visitor numbers.

Also Read: OPEC plans small output increase amid gulf tensions

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Beyond

Gold near ₹1.51 lakh, Silver slips below ₹2.65 lakh

Gold prices in India remained mostly steady on May 4, 2026, while silver saw a noticeable drop, reflecting a mixed trend in the bullion market. Despite global uncertainties, gold continued to trade close to the ₹1.50–1.51 lakh mark per 10 grams for 24-carat purity, showing little movement compared to previous sessions.

Across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, gold prices stayed largely unchanged, with only minor differences due to local taxes and demand. The steady pricing suggests that buyers are still active, especially in the jewellery segment, but are also being cautious given the uncertain global environment.

In contrast, silver prices declined significantly during the day. The metal fell to around ₹2.64 lakh to ₹2.65 lakh per kilogram, with losses of up to ₹1,900 per kg reported in several markets. This drop highlights weaker demand and global pressure on silver prices compared to gold.

The difference in performance between gold and silver is largely due to their roles in the market. Gold, often seen as a safe-haven asset, continues to attract steady interest during uncertain times. Silver, which is more closely linked to industrial demand, tends to react more sharply to global economic concerns.

On the futures market, both metals showed some weakness. Gold prices slipped slightly, while silver recorded a sharper decline during intraday trading. Analysts say this reflects cautious sentiment among traders who are closely watching global developments.

Factors such as movements in crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty around interest rates are currently influencing the bullion market. Investors are waiting for clearer signals before making big moves, which is keeping gold stable but putting pressure on silver.

Also Read: Sensex rises 800+ points, Nifty tops 24,200