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India's foreign exchange reserves dropped by $7.511 billion to $681.384 billion in the week ending May 22, marking a second consecutive weekly decline. This decrease follows a significant fall in the previous week, with the reserves now under pressure due to the Middle East conflict and RBI's currency market interventions.

Oil prices remained elevated as markets awaited confirmation of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, with Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel. Asian shares rose, led by Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high, though caution persisted regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on global energy markets.

Japan faces a growing crisis with nine million empty homes, or akiya, due to population decline, inheritance issues, and costly demolition. Tax incentives encourage owners to leave properties standing, leading to decay and potential risks for communities. Many of these vacant homes are unsellable or unrentable.

Indian students can now apply for fully funded 2027 MEXT scholarships in Japan, covering undergraduate, research, diploma, and specialized training. These prestigious opportunities offer financial support for tuition, living expenses, and travel. Deadlines vary by program, with applications closing soon for some categories. Eligibility criteria and application procedures are detailed.

Nintendo is increasing the retail price of its Switch 2 console in several markets due to rising memory chip costs and changing market conditions. The company forecasts a decline in Switch 2 sales for the upcoming fiscal year, expecting to sell 16.5 million units, down from 19.86 million previously. This decision comes as manufacturing expenses rise, impacting Nintendo's financial outlook.

Asian equities traded mixed as the AI and tech rally cooled, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng inching up while Shenzhen and Shanghai fell. Wall Street also saw a softer mood, with the S&P 500 retreating from a record high and chipmakers leading declines. Oil prices remained elevated due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The PM wants us to use public transport, shift to electric vehicles, work from home, take fewer vacations abroad, and reduce gold purchases. The reason isn't as sudden as you might think

Sony faces a significant $765 million impairment loss linked to game developer Bungie, primarily due to underperformance of titles like Destiny 2 and Marathon. This write-down signals a reassessment of Bungie's value, impacting Sony's operating income despite overall company growth. The future success of Bungie's roadmap is now crucial for regaining value.

Asian markets showed mixed trading as AI stock momentum waned, oil prices stayed high, and inflation worries persisted. Japan's Nikkei saw a slight gain, while South Korea's Kospi recovered some losses. Concerns over stalled US-Iran talks and hotter US inflation data contributed to investor caution across the region.

Gamers face rising console prices as Sony and Nintendo grapple with a global memory chip shortage. Fueled by AI data center demand, chip costs have surged, forcing Nintendo to hike the Switch 2's price to $499.99 and Sony to increase the PlayStation 5 to $649.99. These increases are expected to continue impacting the industry.

India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a significant drop of $7.794 billion, reaching $690.693 billion in the week ending May 1. This decline, primarily driven by a fall in foreign currency assets and gold reserves, follows a previous decrease. The central bank's intervention in the forex market to support the rupee is a key factor behind this trend.

President Trump's evolving stance on Taiwan ahead of his summit with Xi Jinping sparks concern. Despite a large arms sale, Trump has questioned Taiwan's role in semiconductor business and sought payment for protection. Analysts fear Taiwan could be a bargaining chip, though US officials maintain policy remains unchanged.

The Indian rupee hit a historic low against the US dollar, pressured by corporate demand and soaring crude oil prices. Authorities are considering measures like incentivizing foreign currency deposits and easing tax rules for overseas investors to boost dollar inflows.

Japan's Princess Mako renounced her royal status to marry commoner Kei Komuro, embracing a life of normalcy in Connecticut. The couple, now parents, live a financially independent life, far from the scrutiny of the imperial household. Mako, an art historian, and Kei, a lawyer, have prioritized love and family over royal duties and luxury.

India's central bank significantly boosted its gold reserves, bringing back 104 metric tonnes domestically between October 2025 and March 2026. This move, amid global geopolitical tensions and a decline in foreign currency assets, saw gold's share in forex reserves rise to 16.7%. Globally, central banks are increasingly repatriating gold, reflecting a growing trend towards bolstering national sovereignty.

Asian markets navigated a cautious trading session Friday, influenced by ongoing Iran conflict uncertainties and stalled US-Iran talks. While some indices saw modest gains, others dipped, reflecting investor unease. Rising oil prices added to market anxiety, with analysts predicting continued volatility. Attention also turned to currency markets, particularly the Japanese yen, and upcoming central bank policy decisions.