An Indian court ruling that found Google liable for trademark infringement could have significant consequences for the country's digital advertising industry. The decision arose from a case involving bathroom fittings manufacturer Hindware, whose trademarked name was allegedly used by competing companies as a Google advertising keyword.
In its May 22 judgment, the Delhi High Court directed Google to pay damages of approximately $31,600. The court held that Google's advertising practices enabled competitors to bid on the "Hindware" trademark and display targeted advertisements, effectively allowing the commercial use of the brand name without the trademark owner's permission.
The court observed that Google's AdWords system permits the sale or auction of trademarked terms as keywords without authorization from the trademark proprietor. Google responded by stating that it complies with applicable local laws and, when it believes legal orders are overly broad or inconsistent with its policies, it presents its position through the appropriate legal channels.
The ruling has sparked widespread discussion among lawyers, business leaders, and brand managers. Many see it as a landmark decision that could alter how online advertising platforms handle trademarked keywords. Among those welcoming the judgment was Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath, who said his company had faced similar challenges and that the ruling provides a potential legal remedy.
Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, also praised the decision, arguing that businesses invest heavily in building brand recognition only to have others capitalize on those efforts by bidding on their trademarks. He suggested the verdict could fundamentally change the economics of online advertising for a large number of businesses in India. The case is particularly significant given India's importance as one of Google's key global markets.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Mumbai cab drivers have expressed concern after the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was increased by ₹2 per kilogram, raising the retail rate to ₹86 per kg. Drivers say the hike will further squeeze their earnings as passenger fares have remained unchanged despite rising operating expenses. The increase comes amid worries over global energy supplies linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The latest revision has added to the financial burden on taxi operators, many of whom say their incomes have not kept pace with mounting costs.
Speaking to ANI, cab driver Faiz Khan said the higher CNG rates are making it increasingly difficult for drivers to make ends meet. He noted that while fuel prices have gone up, fare rates have remained the same, reducing their ability to earn a sustainable income. Another driver, Maan Singh Nikam, criticized the repeated increases in CNG prices, saying they are directly affecting drivers' livelihoods. He argued that fare structures have not been revised despite multiple fuel price hikes, leaving drivers with lower take-home earnings.
Driver Shakeel Ahmed echoed similar concerns, stating that customers are unwilling to pay higher fares even as fuel costs continue to rise. According to him, the growing gap between operating expenses and fixed fares is making it harder for drivers to maintain their income levels. CNG prices in New Delhi were also raised, increasing by ₹2.61 to ₹102.12 per kg. The latest revision marks the fourth consecutive increase in the capital this month.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday criticized the Centre's reported move to deploy Air Force vehicles for transporting NEET examination papers, arguing that the measure would not address the root cause of paper leaks. Calling it a mere "show," he alleged that the country's education system has come under the influence of an examination mafia.
In a post on X, Kejriwal questioned the effectiveness of the decision, saying that using Air Force vehicles would not prevent leaks and accusing the government of lacking the intent to tackle the problem. He claimed that meaningful reform would require collective action rather than symbolic measures.
In a video message, Kejriwal argued that examinations around the world are conducted without such extraordinary transportation arrangements and accused the government of focusing on optics instead of systemic solutions. According to him, paper leaks would continue unless deeper issues within the examination system were addressed.
The former Delhi chief minister also referred to the case of Vedant, a Class 12 student who had raised concerns on X regarding alleged discrepancies in his physics examination paper. Kejriwal claimed that the student was targeted online and alleged that such reactions were aimed at protecting those responsible for irregularities in the education sector.
Kejriwal criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over reported disruptions during the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026. His remarks followed reports of technical glitches at several examination centres on Friday, which led to delays and sparked concerns among students and parents. Responding to a post by AAP leader Atishi about difficulties faced by candidates at a test centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal wrote on X that the country needs an educated prime minister.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@ArvindKejriwal.
The government has assigned Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh the additional responsibility of heading the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) following the completion of DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat’s extended tenure on 31 May 2026. According to an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Singh will continue serving as Defence Secretary while also taking over as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO. The arrangement has been approved to ensure uninterrupted leadership at one of India’s key defence research institutions.
Dr Kamat, who assumed charge as DRDO Chairman in 2022, served two additional one-year extensions during his tenure. As his term comes to an end, the government has opted for an interim leadership arrangement by entrusting Singh with the organisation’s top role until a permanent successor is appointed. The move is aimed at maintaining continuity in DRDO’s ongoing programmes and preserving momentum in critical defence technology and research projects.
The Personnel Ministry also announced similar interim appointments in other departments. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has been given additional charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences following the retirement of M. Ravichandran on 31 May. Her appointment is intended to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the ministry, which oversees key areas such as climate science, oceanography and disaster management.
Minority Affairs Secretary Srivatsa Krishna has been assigned the additional responsibility of Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities after the retirement of Alka Upadhyaya on 31 May. These appointments reflect the government’s approach of ensuring smooth administrative transitions by temporarily assigning senior officials to oversee multiple responsibilities until permanent appointments are made.
Rajesh Kumar Singh’s appointment assumes significance at a time when India is accelerating efforts to strengthen defence capabilities, expand indigenous weapons development and enhance strategic preparedness. Holding both the Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman positions places him in a unique role that could facilitate stronger coordination between defence policymaking and technological innovation. His tenure in the additional role is expected to attract considerable attention as DRDO continues advancing programmes central to India’s goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defence technology.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian Navy maintained constant pressure on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, forcing the Pakistan Navy to remain confined to its ports. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika naval museum in Lucknow, he praised the Navy's preparedness and role in the operation launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. Singh said the museum, developed jointly by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, would serve as a centre of inspiration and a major tourist attraction. He also highlighted India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities and announced plans to bring a submarine to the museum site in the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
On Saturday, Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran were progressing positively and that a deal to end the conflict was largely in place. Just a day later, the United States carried out strikes in southern Iran. By Thursday, Trump had shared a draft peace proposal for the Iran conflict with allied nations. As the future of a US-Iran agreement remains uncertain, Jonathan Freedland speaks with Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group to explore why Trump has repeatedly shifted his approach to ending the war.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has kept its GDP growth forecast at 2–4%, supported by stronger-than-anticipated economic performance in the first quarter. At the same time, core inflation eased more than expected in April. Economists caution that geopolitical uncertainties and weaker external demand continue to pose risks. Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman discuss the strength of Singapore’s economy and its outlook for the coming months with Jeff Ng from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey respond to reader questions on whether Andy Burnham could outperform Keir Starmer, whether Makerfield matters more for Reform UK than for Labour, and whether the UK could realistically rejoin the EU.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
One method used to support wildlife conservation is to permit wealthy hunters to legally kill a small number of animals in exchange for very high fees. Supporters say the money helps protect habitats and fund conservation work. However, critics argue that this practice is ethically questionable and resembles neocolonial exploitation of African wildlife resources.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
