Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), a leading public sector lender, has strongly refuted widespread rumors suggesting the closure of its ATM network amidst geopolitical tensions. In a formal statement, the bank assured customers that all 3,497 ATMs across its network remain fully operational and urged the public to rely on verified communication channels. The clarification follows speculative social media chatter triggered by rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Taiwanese technology leader BenQ has unveiled a bold roadmap to double its India revenues and touch Rs. 2,000 crore by 2028, propelled by surging demand in the home entertainment segment, increasing digital penetration in education, and a strategic foray into healthcare technology. The company aims to sustain a 30% CAGR over the next few years by focusing on home projectors, interactive flat panels, and monitors. In line with India’s manufacturing ambitions, BenQ is also ramping up local production and contemplating its own manufacturing facility.

Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer FDC Ltd has initiated a voluntary recall of more than 60,000 bottles of its Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution in the United States, following a manufacturing defect identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The issue pertains to a faulty container mechanism that prevents proper drug dispensing. Classified as a Class II recall, the defect is considered unlikely to cause serious health risks but may result in temporary or reversible side effects.

PVR INOX, one of India’s leading cinema chains, has announced that its theatres will continue to operate normally while adhering to government advisories and safety protocols amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The company emphasized its commitment to the well-being of both patrons and staff and assured its readiness to take further actions as instructed by authorities. CEO Gautam Dutta expressed solidarity with the nation during this critical period, stressing the company’s resilience and readiness to adjust operations in response to evolving circumstances.

Swiggy, the prominent food delivery and quick-commerce platform, has reported a significant rise in its consolidated net loss for the March quarter, reaching Rs. 1,081.18 crore, up from Rs. 554.77 crore in the same period last year. This sharp increase is attributed to the company's aggressive investment strategy in quick commerce and customer acquisition. Despite the widened losses, Swiggy's revenue surged to Rs. 4,410 crore, and its operational efficiencies led to improved EBITDA margins.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is reeling from the economic effects of ongoing military tensions between India and Pakistan. Over the past three days, equity investors have faced losses amounting to Rs. 820 billion, exacerbated by volatility and uncertainty in the market. Despite initial losses, the KSE-100 index showed signs of recovery, climbing by 799.65 points on Friday.

Indian equity benchmarks witnessed a sharp selloff on Friday, shedding over 1% each, as escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan unnerved investors. The Sensex plunged by 880 points, while the Nifty lost 266 points, both pressured by growing fears of a military confrontation after India's preemptive strikes and Pakistan's attempted retaliation. Despite a strong earnings season and continued foreign institutional investment, anxiety over the conflict’s trajectory cast a shadow on market sentiment.

Gold prices saw a significant increase in the national capital on Friday, climbing Rs 480 to Rs 99,730 per 10 grams, as geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan spurred demand for safe-haven assets. This uptick in prices was further supported by other global uncertainties, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel's strategic moves in Gaza. Additionally, silver prices also saw a rise, reflecting similar market sentiment.

Air India has extended its suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, until May 25, 2025, following a missile attack near Tel Aviv airport on May 4. The carrier, which is the only Indian airline operating direct flights to the Israeli city, initially halted services until May 6, then extended the suspension twice. Passengers holding valid tickets during this period will be given the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund. The decision highlights ongoing concerns for passenger safety in the region amid escalating security threats.

The H5N1 avian flu, which has caused widespread devastation in poultry populations, has now spread to dairy cattle in the Mountain West region of the United States. The virus, known for its lethality in birds, has been confirmed in cattle across several states, including Arizona and Idaho. Though human cases are rare, the virus poses a risk to those with direct exposure to infected animals. Federal testing protocols have helped limit its spread, while the CDC continues to monitor the virus.