margin pressure

IT giants Cognizant and Capgemini are now valued below their annual revenues, signaling investor wariness of mid-teen margins. AI's rise and slowing client spending pressure traditional models. While efforts are underway to adapt, concerns linger about sustained growth and margin improvement amidst these shifts and sector-specific challenges.

Trinamool Congress's Falta candidate, Jahangir Khan, announced he would not contest the May 21 repoll, citing the need for Falta's peace and development. This decision came after widespread electoral malpractice led to the repoll. The TMC stated Khan's withdrawal was a personal choice, while the BJP dismissed it as a tactic due to lack of support.

Indian consumers may soon face higher prices as wholesale inflation surges, driven by global conflicts impacting commodity and energy costs. While retail inflation remains soft for now, a widening gap between wholesale and consumer price indices suggests businesses will likely pass on increased production expenses, leading to costlier everyday goods and services in the coming months.

JP Morgan downgraded Tata Steel to neutral citing regulatory cost headwinds in the Netherlands and project delays. Investec maintained a buy on SAIL, impressed by strong Q4FY26 operational performance and positive volume growth outlook. Macquarie retained an underperform rating on Voda Idea, noting a subscriber decline and significant government dues.

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low against the US dollar on Wednesday, pressured by soaring oil prices and rising US Treasury yields. Geopolitical tensions and potential global rate hikes further weakened emerging market currencies. Analysts warn of continued pressure on the rupee, with forecasts revised upwards. Reserve Bank of India interventions helped curb the decline.

The move to up the gold import duty comes days after PM Narendra Modi appeals to citizens to avoid unnecessary gold purchases for a year. But is a hike in duties an effective way to curb consumption? We take a look:

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram became the first Indian to qualify for the Chess event at Esports World Cup 2026 after winning the Road to EWC qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta. The 26-year-old defeated Alexey Sarana in a dramatic Armageddon decider to secure qualification, USD 15,000 prize money, and a place in the main event scheduled from August 11-15.

Rising Expenses Threaten Fresh Wave Of Price Rise In Daily Essentials

Bhubaneswar's fuel rush is hitting vulnerable workers hard. Cab drivers, delivery agents, and small business owners face lost income and rising costs due to long queues and potential shortages. Experts warn this could inflate prices of essential goods, impacting the local economy. Authorities assure no immediate shortage, but uncertainty persists.

The IPL playoff race intensifies with three spots taken. Rajasthan Royals are in pole position for the final berth, needing just one win. Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders face tougher paths, requiring victories and favourable results from other matches to advance. Net run rate could prove crucial for several contenders.

Ola Electric significantly reduced its net loss to Rs 500 crore in the March quarter by sharply cutting expenses, despite a continued decline in revenue due to slowing electric scooter demand and increased competition. The company's total expenses nearly halved year-on-year, driven by reduced material and employee costs, as it focuses on automation and in-house manufacturing amidst market pressures.

Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 playoff hopes hinge on the Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru match. An RCB victory would simplify CSK's path to qualification, allowing them to control their destiny by winning their remaining two games. A PBKS win, however, would intensify the pressure and potentially lead to a Net Run Rate battle.

West Asia Conflict Triggers 30-50% Jump in API Prices, Hits Drug Margins

State Bank of India reported a 6% rise in Q4 FY26 net profit to Rs 19,684 crore, driven by improved asset quality and lower bad loans. Despite this, total income saw a slight decline, and net interest margins compressed, leading to a drop in operating profit and a subsequent fall in SBI's stock price.

Medicine shops across Odisha will shut for 24 hours on May 20, protesting online drug sales and alleged misuse of digital platforms. The Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association highlights concerns over "illegal" e-pharmacies, deep discounting by large firms, and potential public health risks like antimicrobial resistance. They demand withdrawal of temporary Covid-era notifications and fair competition policies.

Tata Steel reported a more than two-fold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,965 crore for the January-March quarter of FY26, driven by strong India operations and improved volumes. For the full fiscal year, net profit surged over three times to Rs 10,885.82 crore, with steel production and deliveries also seeing an increase.

Get ready for pricier meals as India's restaurants and delivery apps plan a 5-10% food cost increase from next week. Soaring fuel prices, coupled with LPG shortages and staff issues, are forcing businesses to pass on rising transportation, packaging, and input expenses. This move disrupts annual pricing cycles, impacting dining out and delivery costs.

The 2026 NFL season opens with an unusual Wednesday kickoff as the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots, followed by a historic international clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. Week 1 stretches across multiple days, highlighting the league’s expanding global footprint. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs face a demanding schedule after a difficult 6-11 season, with Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from an ACL injury shaping early expectations. With tough road games and key home fixtures, the Chiefs’ season hinges on fitness, timing, and consistency in a highly competitive AFC landscape.

Higher Cost Of Diesel, Raw Materials, Packaging & Transport All Fuel Price Rise

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant expressed frustration after his team's ninth loss. He stated the team is still good despite missing the playoffs. LSG lost to Rajasthan Royals after failing to defend a high score. Pant acknowledged the need for experience in crucial moments. He also defended tactical decisions made during the match.

Indian markets experienced a significant downturn last week, with the top 10 most valued firms losing Rs 3.12 lakh crore. Geopolitical tensions, a weakening rupee, and rising inflation, exacerbated by surging crude oil prices, drove the decline. Reliance Industries saw the steepest fall, while Bharti Airtel was the sole gainer among the giants.

Mumbai Indians were knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race after a heartbreaking last-ball loss to RCB. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted MI were “not good enough” and lacked consistency throughout the season. He defended youngster Raj Angad Bawa for bowling the tense final over and said injuries and forced team changes hurt Mumbai’s campaign as RCB climbed to the top of the table.

The race for the final IPL playoff spot intensifies with five teams vying for one berth. Rajasthan Royals are best positioned, needing just one win, while Punjab Kings control their destiny. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings require victories and favorable results elsewhere. Every remaining match significantly impacts the playoff picture.