The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Government of Pakistan have entered a critical phase of discussions aimed at finalizing the fiscal blueprint for FY2025–26 under the ongoing USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Although high-level policy meetings began on May 19, outcomes remain pending, prompting a delay in the federal budget announcement. Key areas under negotiation include tax reforms, fiscal consolidation, monetary tightening, and energy sector restructuring.

India’s renewable energy sector has experienced exponential growth over the past decade, with installed green power capacity soaring from 75.52GW in 2014 to 232GW in 2025, positioning the country as a global leader in clean energy. Solar and wind capacities have multiplied manifold, complemented by a burgeoning domestic solar manufacturing industry that aims to achieve 150GW of solar module production by 2030.

In a political climate as volatile as Bihar’s, personal narratives often intertwine with public personas. Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, recently found himself in the eye of a media storm following a viral social media post professing a long-standing relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav. The post, which briefly appeared on his verified Facebook page, was later disowned by Yadav, who claimed his account had been hacked.

India has officially surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to recent data and statements from senior government officials. With a nominal GDP nearing USD 4.19 trillion, the country is now positioned just behind the United States, China, and Germany. This milestone underscores India’s remarkable economic ascent over the past decade, marked by structural reforms, increasing domestic consumption, and robust policy direction.

Schloss Bangalore Ltd, the operator of India’s iconic Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, has successfully secured Rs. 1,575 crore from anchor investors ahead of its highly anticipated Rs. 3,500 crore initial public offering (IPO). The anchor round drew enthusiastic participation from a mix of heavyweight domestic mutual funds and prominent global institutional investors, reflecting strong confidence in the hospitality brand's growth trajectory. The IPO, opening to the public from May 26–28, will help the Brookfield-backed company pare down debt and fund corporate initiatives.

A recent World Bank study has revealed stark disparities in Pakistan’s fiscal system, highlighting the General Sales Tax (GST) as the single largest contributor to increased poverty. The study, titled The Effects of Taxes and Transfers on Inequality and Poverty in Pakistan, concludes that indirect taxation disproportionately burdens low-income households, with GST accounting for more than 7% of pre-tax household spending. In contrast, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) emerged as the most impactful tool for reducing inequality.

Xiaomi has taken a historic leap in the global tech race by launching its first homegrown flagship processor, the XRING O1, alongside a suite of advanced consumer devices in China. The announcement, which included the debut of the Xiaomi 15S Pro smartphone and Pad 7 Ultra tablet—both powered by the XRING O1—signals a dramatic shift in Xiaomi’s long-term strategy toward technological independence.

Transrail Lighting, a Mumbai-headquartered EPC major in the power transmission and infrastructure space, reported a stellar financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 2025. The company registered a 27% year-on-year growth in Q4 consolidated net profit to Rs. 126.57 crore, propelled by a sharp rise in operational revenues. Full-year profits surged over 40% to Rs. 327 crore, underscoring Transrail’s operational resilience and strategic focus.

India’s primary capital market is set for a renewed burst of activity as four companies prepare to launch initial public offerings (IPOs) worth more than Rs. 6,600 crore in the final week of May. Hospitality major Schloss Bangalore, logistics player Aegis Vopak Terminals, stainless steel tube manufacturer Scoda Tubes, and power solutions provider Prostar Info Systems are each set to test investor appetite.

Novak Djokovic has solidified his place among tennis immortals by securing his 100th career ATP title with a commanding victory at the Geneva Open. The triumph places him alongside legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as only the third man in the Open Era to reach the century mark in ATP titles. As the 38-year-old Serbian icon prepares to pursue a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam at the French Open, this latest achievement underscores both his longevity and dominance across every tier of elite competition—from Grand Slams to Masters and Olympic glory.