9, May 2026
Tamil Nadu Government Formation Delayed as TVK Awaits VCK Support!

Chennai, May 9 (BNP): Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s much-anticipated swearing-in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is reportedly facing a delay amid uncertainty over crucial alliance support. Though TVK has emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, the party is still short of the required majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

According to reports, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday evening and submitted signatures of 116 MLAs, falling two seats short of the 118-seat majority needed to form the government.

The delay is primarily linked to the pending formal support letter from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Raj Bhavan sources stated that the Governor is awaiting official confirmation from VCK before making any announcement regarding government formation.

Earlier, there were indications that both VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) would support TVK, potentially taking the alliance tally to 120 seats. However, the political equation shifted after IUML denied extending support to Vijay and reaffirmed its alliance with the DMK.

VCK leaders have reportedly assured that their support letter may be submitted on Saturday after party MLAs return to Chennai. Reports also suggest that ongoing negotiations over ministerial positions, including VCK’s demand for the Deputy Chief Minister post for party chief Thol Thirumavalavan, may have contributed to the delay.

Meanwhile, TVK has already secured support from Congress, CPI and CPI(M), with the Left parties formally submitting their letters of support on Friday.

In another development, AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran met the Governor and extended support from his party’s lone MLA to AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami.

The political situation in Tamil Nadu remains tense as all eyes are now on the VCK’s final decision, which could determine the formation of the next government in the state.

9, May 2026
Nifty, Sensex End Week Higher as Easing Crude Prices and Stronger Rupee Boost Sentiment

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed the week on a positive note, with benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex recording strong gains amid improving investor confidence. Market sentiment remained upbeat throughout the week, supported by easing global crude oil prices, a strengthening rupee, and encouraging global market trends.

Nifty, Sensex End Week Higher as Easing Crude Prices and Stronger Rupee Boost Sentiment

The decline in crude oil prices offered relief to investors, easing concerns around inflation and import-related costs for the Indian economy. At the same time, the rupee’s appreciation against the US dollar further strengthened market confidence and supported foreign investor sentiment.

Buying activity was witnessed across major sectors, particularly banking, IT, and automobile stocks, which contributed significantly to the market rally. Analysts noted that stable domestic fundamentals and improving global cues helped maintain positive momentum in equities during the trading sessions.

Market participants are expected to closely monitor upcoming economic data, global commodity price movements, and policy signals from central banks for further direction in the weeks ahead.

9, May 2026
This Mother’s Day, ControlZ Helps You Gift Her the iPhone She Deserves

New Delhi, May 09: She’s always put everyone else first; this Mother’s Day is about putting her first. Celebrating the strength, care, and everyday moments that define motherhood, ControlZ is encouraging consumers to choose a gift that reflects genuine appreciation-  a premium iPhone that brings together aspiration, performance, and everyday relevance.

Smartphones today are central to how we stay connected, manage our lives, and capture moments that matter. An iPhone, in particular, has long been seen as one of the most aspirational devices- a product that represents quality, reliability, and a sense of pride. This Mother’s Day, ControlZ is making it easier to gift that experience, enabling moms to own and enjoy a device they truly deserve.

Whether it’s staying connected with loved ones, managing daily routines, or preserving memories, an iPhone seamlessly integrates into every aspect of modern life. Beyond functionality, it is a thoughtful gesture, one that acknowledges her role, her aspirations, and the standards she holds for herself.

Yug Bhatia, Founder of ControlZ, said “Mother’s Day is about making her feel valued in a way that truly resonates. An iPhone has always been one of the most desirable products, something many aspire to own. This is an opportunity to give her that experience a gift that aligns with her expectations and makes her feel special.”

This Mother’s Day, ControlZ encourages consumers to move beyond conventional gifting and choose something that is both meaningful and enduring; a device that brings together aspiration, utility, and thoughtful intent.

9, May 2026
Tally Education Crosses 1 Million Learners, Strengthening Employer Trust in Job-Ready Talent

May 09, Bengaluru: As India’s skilling ecosystem increasingly focuses on employability and job readiness, Tally Education, the education arm of Tally Solutions, has crossed 1 million learners. This milestone marks a significant step in building a job-ready workforce in accounting and finance across India, backed by certifications that employers trust and hire from.

India’s skilling outcomes have long been constrained not just by access to learning, which is abundant and getting more so in the AI era, but by employer trust in credentials. Tally Education’s certification operates as an employer-trusted signal at the point of hiring. This is particularly relevant in MSMEs formalising under GST and digital compliance, a segment where most of India’s incremental jobs will be created over the next decade.

This milestone also reflects the scale at which learners are engaging with Tally’s structured, outcome-driven skilling that translates into real employment opportunities. Though it represents only a part of Tally’s wider impact, with generations of professionals having built careers and businesses by learning and working on Tally over the years, long before formal certification pathways were introduced in 2016 through Tally Education.

In response to the growing demand for job-ready talent in accounting and finance, the organisation has since expanded access to learning through a strong network of academic and skilling partners, anchored in certification that employers across sectors trust at the point of hiring, ensuring learners not only acquire skills but also demonstrate real-world job readiness.

Today, it reports an average placement rate of approximately 75% across its certified learners, and crucially, the strongest concentration of that reach is in Tier II and Tier III markets, where formal employment opportunities are limited. Many of these learners are entering the workforce as first-generation professionals, accessing employment opportunities across sectors such as BFSI, retail, and MSMEs.

This is supported by a robust ecosystem of over 3,600 partners, including colleges, training institutes, government skilling missions, and CSR/NGO programmes, across more than 500 towns and cities. Through this network, it continues to enable access to both learning and employment opportunities at scale.

Speaking on the milestone, Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions, said: “For years, people have learned Tally in many different ways, but the real challenge was giving employers confidence in those skills. Our focus has been on building that trust through certification, so businesses can hire with confidence and learners can enter the workforce better prepared. This milestone reflects how that shift is playing out at scale.”

Bhuwaneshwari B, Executive Vice President, Tally Education, added: “Learners today are looking for clear outcomes, whether it is a job, career progression, or entrepreneurial opportunity. Our approach has been to support this journey end-to-end, combining accessible learning with credible certification that employers trust.”

Looking ahead, Tally Education plans to deepen its investment in the same model, expanding employer-aligned certification depth, growing its partner network into more towns and government skilling programmes, and strengthening the connection between learner outcomes and the formal accounting and finance workforce that India’s MSME economy is building. As the country’s economy continues to formalise, Tally Education’s continued focus on employer-trusted credentialing positions it as a foundational contributor to India’s evolving skilling architecture.

 

8, May 2026
KPIT Co-Founder Ravi Pandit Dies at 71

May 8 (BNP): KPIT Technologies has announced the passing of its Co-Founder and Chairman, Dr. S.B. (Ravi) Pandit, who died in Pune on Friday at the age of 71, according to a regulatory filing by the company.

Dr. Pandit was a key architect in building KPIT Technologies into a global mobility-focused technology firm. Under his leadership, the company grew its international presence across 15 countries and established itself in areas such as automotive software, autonomous driving, electric mobility, and clean energy solutions.

Beyond his corporate role, he was actively involved in public policy, sustainability, and social development initiatives. He co-founded institutions like Pune International Centre and Janwani, and contributed to research and policy work through the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE).

Pandit also played an important role in industry bodies, serving as President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) and participating in various committees of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where he contributed to discussions on industry growth and policy development.

Following the news, KPIT Technologies shares were trading 1.37 per cent higher at ₹732.50 on the BSE on Friday. The stock has seen significant movement over the past year, touching a 52-week high of ₹1,433 and a low of ₹625.

In its latest earnings update earlier this week, the company reported a 33 per cent year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to ₹163 crore for the March quarter, compared to ₹245 crore in the same period last year. Despite the drop in profit, the company recorded a 12 per cent rise in revenue, reflecting steady business growth in its core segments.

8, May 2026
Gold and Silver Gain Up to 1 pc as Geopolitical Tensions Lift Safe-Haven Demand

May 8 (BNP): Gold and silver prices traded higher on Friday, gaining up to 1 per cent in domestic and international markets, as renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran boosted demand for safe-haven assets.

Gold and Silver Gain Up to 1 pc as Geopolitical Tensions Lift Safe-Haven Demand

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (June 5 contract) opened at ₹1,52,672 per 10 grams, slightly higher than the previous close of ₹1,52,261. During the session, the metal strengthened further, touching an intraday high of ₹1,53,103 before trading at ₹1,52,853 per 10 grams, up 0.38 per cent.

Silver futures (July 3 contract) also opened on a stronger note at ₹2,59,999 per kg compared to the previous close of ₹2,58,540. The metal extended its gains through the day, rising to an intraday high of ₹2,62,723 before trading at ₹2,61,666 per kg, up over 1 per cent.

Market analysts said gold continues to show steady upward momentum, supported by sustained buying interest. They noted that a firm move above the ₹1,53,000 level could further strengthen bullish sentiment, while key support is seen near the ₹1,52,000–₹1,51,600 range.

For silver, experts pointed out that prices have remained strong after opening above the ₹2,60,000 mark. A breakout above the ₹2,64,000–₹2,66,000 resistance zone could pave the way for further upside, while support is placed around ₹2,56,000.

In global markets, precious metals also gained. COMEX gold rose 0.28 per cent to $4,725 per ounce, while silver edged up 0.17 per cent to $80.30 per ounce.

The rally was driven by heightened tensions in West Asia after reports of renewed conflict-related developments involving the US and Iran, raising concerns over regional stability and supply risks. At the same time, Brent crude rose nearly 3 per cent to $102.89 per barrel, while US WTI crude climbed 4 per cent to $98.64 per barrel, reflecting broader market unease.

Overall, safe-haven demand and geopolitical uncertainty continued to support precious metal prices across global markets.

8, May 2026
India’s Mining Sector Moves into “Mining 5.0” Era Driven by AI and Digital Transformation

May 8 (BNP): India’s mining industry is entering a new phase of transformation, often referred to as “Mining 5.0,” with a strong emphasis on digital technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence, according to a Deloitte–ICC report.

The report highlights that the sector is increasingly adopting integrated digital systems to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity across mining operations. Advanced technologies such as AI, data analytics, and smart monitoring tools are being used to modernise traditional mining practices and support more data-driven decision-making.

This shift marks a significant evolution from conventional mining methods to a more technology-led approach, where real-time data and automation play a central role in operations and resource management.

The report notes that digital transformation is expected to enhance operational transparency, reduce risks, and optimise resource utilisation. It also points to growing interest in sustainable mining practices, supported by technology-enabled monitoring of environmental impact and energy usage.

Industry experts believe that the transition to “Mining 5.0” will help India’s mining sector become more competitive globally, while also improving safety standards and operational efficiency.

The adoption of AI and integrated digital systems is expected to play a key role in reshaping the future of mining in India, making the sector more modern, efficient, and technology-driven.

 
8, May 2026
Rupee Weakens 25 Paise to 94.47 Against US Dollar on Rising Geopolitical Concerns

May 8 (BNP): The Indian rupee weakened on Friday, slipping 25 paise to close at 94.47 (provisional) against the US dollar, after posting gains in the previous two trading sessions. The decline came as fresh geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran weighed on investor sentiment.

Forex market participants said concerns intensified after reports of renewed conflict-related developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. While Iran accused the US of violating a ceasefire agreement, the US maintained that the ceasefire remained in place despite ongoing strikes and rising tensions in the region.

The uncertainty in the Middle East also impacted global oil markets. Brent crude prices, which had eased earlier to around USD 98 per barrel following hopes of a ceasefire, edged higher again to nearly USD 100 per barrel as investors reassessed the stability of supply routes and the possibility of prolonged tensions.

Traders noted that rising crude prices and geopolitical risks contributed to volatility in currency markets, keeping pressure on emerging market currencies, including the rupee.

Overall, sentiment remained cautious as global developments continued to influence currency movements and energy price trends.

8, May 2026
Archon PowerInfra Plans Expansion in Hydropower, Highways, and Public Infrastructure Development

Archon PowerInfra Plans Expansion in Hydropower, Highways, and Public Infrastructure Development

Archon Powerinfra has announced its future expansion plans with a strong focus on steady growth and quality project execution.

Speaking about the company’s vision, Kapil Sharma said that Archon Powerinfra believes in careful and planned expansion instead of fast diversification. The company aims to grow in sectors where it already has strong experience and technical capability.

Archon Powerinfra plans to increase its presence in the following areas:

  • Hydropower and river engineering projects
  • Infrastructure linked to power transmission
  • Roads and bridge construction
  • Large public buildings and infrastructure development

The company already holds qualifications for major government and infrastructure projects, including national highway projects worth up to ₹400 crore and building and infrastructure projects worth up to ₹300 crore.

Archon Powerinfra also plans to adopt modern technology in a practical and effective way. The company will gradually introduce digital monitoring and planning tools to improve project management, efficiency, and execution quality.

“Our focus is on long-term growth with strong execution standards,” said Kapil Sharma. “We want to build projects that create lasting value and support India’s infrastructure development.”

With this strategy, Archon Powerinfra aims to strengthen its position in the infrastructure sector while continuing to deliver reliable and high-quality projects across the country.

8, May 2026
Rising LPG and Tomato Prices Push Up Veg and Non-Veg Thali Costs in April: Crisil Report

May 8 (BNP): A rise in LPG prices along with a sharp increase in tomato rates led to higher costs for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis in April, according to a Crisil report.

Rising LPG and Tomato Prices Push Up Veg and Non-Veg Thali Costs in April: Crisil Report

The report observed that household food expenses were impacted by costlier cooking gas and seasonal spikes in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes. These factors together contributed to an increase in the overall cost of preparing a standard home-cooked meal during the month.

Vegetarian thalis saw upward pressure mainly due to higher vegetable prices, with tomatoes playing a key role in driving costs. Non-vegetarian thalis also became more expensive, influenced by increased fuel expenses as well as costlier input ingredients.

Crisil noted that revisions in LPG prices had a direct effect on kitchen budgets across households, adding to the overall inflationary pressure on daily food consumption.

While prices of some other food items remained relatively stable, fluctuations in essential commodities continued to shape monthly spending patterns for consumers.

The report highlights how changes in fuel and food prices together influence household budgets, reflecting the sensitivity of everyday meal costs to broader inflation trends.