Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
India’s IMD will continue using statistical models for monsoon forecasts, but the Ministry of Earth Sciences is increasing its focus on dynamic modeling. The move signals a push to improve forecast realism and potentially accuracy, while keeping familiar statistical approaches in place during the monsoon season transition.
OpenAI and Microsoft are deepening their cybersecurity partnership as AI-driven attacks rise. The companies plan to deploy advanced artificial intelligence tools to strengthen defenses, with OpenAI’s models made accessible to Microsoft. In return, Microsoft will apply its cybersecurity expertise to protect OpenAI’s systems and help safeguard customers, aiming to stay ahead of evolving cyber risks.
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Speaking on Economic Times, Prakash Javadekar asserted that the government’s commitment to press freedom and the autonomy of public broadcasting is “absolute.” On digitisation, he said decisions on stage three and stage four will be taken only after considering multiple factors, signaling a cautious, step-by-step approach rather than an immediate rollout.
Alberta will start charging a $135 fee for foreign worker profile submissions under its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program from April 7, 2026. The Worker Expression of Interest profiles, previously free, will now cost money to file. If candidates are selected, they must still pay a separate $1,500 fee for the full application.
Delhi’s World Book Fair is back at Pragati Maidan, unfolding across the city’s vast exhibition halls. Held once every two years, the 2016 event marks the fair’s 20th edition—turning a regular literary gathering into a milestone celebration. Expect a wide-ranging mix of publishers and readers, all under one roof for limited days.
After widespread outrage over Donald Trump calling India a “hellhole,” the US embassy says Trump clarified his remarks in a new statement. Embassy officials report Trump praised India, describing it as a “great country” and emphasizing the relationship with a close friend. The reversal marks a rapid shift amid political and diplomatic backlash.
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Diageo’s plan to fully exit RCB is being compared with India Cements’ slower CSK demerger approach, as both moves shape how much value shareholders ultimately capture. With RCB reportedly valued at about USD 2 billion, investors are watching whether United Spirits’ strategy will mirror the “stake-for-shareholders” playbook or follow Diageo’s faster exit logic.
India’s insurance regulator has rolled out a common empanelment system that asks all general insurers to onboard hospitals together under standardized terms and rates. Modeled on PMJAY-style empanelment, it could reshape bargaining power, reduce billing variation, and pressure insurers’ hospital costs. But the real impact on premiums and claims depends on adoption and contract enforcement.
Gunfire erupted in a Louisiana mall food court after a fight between two groups, leaving 10 people injured, including bystanders. Police responded quickly and secured the area, but some suspects escaped and remain at large. Investigators are reviewing video evidence and urging the public to come forward as the search continues and the circumstances are pieced together.
Dabur India has appointed Herjit S. Bhalla as chief executive officer for its India business, effective April 23, 2026. The company will shift Mohit Malhotra to the global CEO role. Bhalla most recently held a senior position at Hershey Company, marking another high-profile leadership rotation in India’s consumer goods sector.
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Godrej Industries Group has announced a leadership transition at Godrej Agrovet, elevating Burjis Godrej as chairperson. His father, Nadir Godrej, is set to step down after decades in leadership. Burjis will also join the Godrej Industries board as a non-executive director, signalling a wider succession plan across the group.
Wipro reported a 2% YoY dip in March-quarter net profit to Rs 3,502 crore even as revenue climbed 8% to Rs 24,236 crore. The IT services business grew sluggishly, with revenue up just 0.6% sequentially. Amid cost pressure and declining operating margins, Wipro approved a Rs 15,000 crore share buyback, aiming to reassure investors.
JSW Steel and South Korea’s POSCO Group have formed a joint venture to build a new steel plant in Odisha with capacity of 6 million tonnes per annum. The partnership underlines deepening strategic ties between the two steel majors, and supports JSW Steel’s expansion plans as India and South Korea move to strengthen industrial cooperation during the South Korean President’s visit.
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Project Dhadkan—a free heart screening initiative—has identified over 100 children with congenital heart defects. Sixteen have already undergone surgery, and more procedures are planned. Experts warn many such conditions go undetected at birth, making early screening and treatment vital for children to lead normal lives.
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Air India has unveiled the first retrofitted Boeing 787-8, complete with new cabin interiors and a refreshed livery. The aircraft was extensively upgraded at Boeing’s facility in California as part of a $400 million fleet modernization plan. The revamped jet adopts Air India’s latest widebody three-class configuration, signaling a broader rollout across the fleet.
Mutual fund SIP inflows climbed 8% to an all-time high of Rs 32,087 crore in March. Equity fund inflows surged 56%, led by flexi cap schemes. But the mood flipped for safer bets: debt mutual funds saw a sharp outflow of Rs 2.94 lakh crore, with liquid funds registering the biggest redemptions—signaling a clear shift in investor sentiment.
As AI deals get tougher, Indian IT companies are pushing “forward-deployed” engineers onsite to turn AI proposals into real products. Infosys and Cognizant are ramping up, but the talent pool is thin and costs are rising. Accenture remains ahead, leaving a high-stakes race: who builds the team first could decide which clients stay loyal.
Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was hit outside a federal press conference building in Berlin with red liquid believed to be tomato ketchup. The assault reportedly occurred shortly after he spoke to journalists and sharply criticised the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran. A viral video shows the moment as the public dispute escalates abroad.
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Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of failing on fuel and fertiliser security, citing declining production and worsening import dependence. He also invoked remarks by Murli Manohar Joshi on the “Vishwaguru” rhetoric, arguing the government is deflecting criticism with talks around delimitation. The row highlights fears over India’s ability to secure essentials.
The ongoing West Asia conflict is disrupting India’s tourism and aviation sectors, with tourist arrivals dropping sharply. Airlines are changing routes, leading to higher fares and longer journeys, while hospitality businesses are also taking a hit, including restaurant closures and reported losses. Industry bodies warn the impact could deepen as uncertainty persists.
India’s clean energy ministry is reviewing petitions from solar manufacturers and developers contesting a new mandate requiring domestically made solar cells starting in June. Industry groups warn the country lacks enough local capacity, which could trigger supply shortages, higher module prices, and delays in renewable energy projects unless the rule is revised or phased.
Equity mutual fund inflows in March jumped to their highest level in eight months, underscoring steadfast domestic investor demand despite market turbulence. Higher local buying helped offset recent foreign fund outflows. The biggest surprise was a sharp rise in SIP contributions, which reportedly reached record levels, reinforcing the growing role of disciplined monthly investing.
Bharti Group is reportedly in talks to sell up to 85% of its life insurance business to Prudential Plc for an estimated ₹7,000–8,000 crore. If completed, the transaction would effectively end Bharti’s presence in the life insurance segment, while Prudential looks to deepen its footprint in India’s expanding market. Due diligence is currently underway.
India is among several emerging economies rethinking Covid response as a new wave looms. With immunization around 45% and antibody surveys indicating much of the population has already been infected, experts argue the next surge may be less severe than earlier outbreaks. The shift is pushing policymakers toward targeted strategies rather than one-size-fits-all measures.
India’s prime residential market kept surging in 2025, pushing prices up year-on-year and shrinking how much home buyers can purchase with $1 million in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Yet all three cities improved their global luxury housing rankings, signaling continued wealth creation and strong demand for premium locations despite tighter affordability.
India’s Viksit Bharat push by 2047 is at risk if the country continues leaning on imported fossil fuels. The argument: clean energy is essential not just for climate goals, but for economic stability and global influence. Progress in non-fossil power and green hydrogen must be accelerated, with stronger storage and “firm” clean power to secure energy sovereignty and developed-country status.
Oil and LPG supplies across Karnataka are reported to be stable, with Indian Oil Corporation saying there is no petrol or diesel shortage. Domestic LPG deliveries are improving following a March 2026 spike, while commercial LPG is being routed to essential services first. Authorities are actively checking hoarding as CNG use rises and Auto LPG demand is met.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Modi government’s fuel management, alleging crude oil and gas production has declined. He accused the government of stopping new LPG connections, leaving Indian ships stranded, and pointed to a fertiliser shortage hurting both citizens and farmers. The party says the cumulative impact is forcing people to suffer amid growing shortages.
India’s drug regulator has accelerated pharma innovation by cutting approval timelines by more than half. Clinical trial approvals will now take about 120-135 days, while marketing authorisations are cleared in under 150 days. The reforms also remove certain pre-clinical approval requirements, aiming to strengthen ease of doing business and speed product delivery.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah told West Bengal rallies that Congress will not cross double digits in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and that the party will struggle to win in Bengal. He also predicted Mamata Banerjee will be out of power by May 4, while promising governance upgrades, industrial revival, and action against infiltration if BJP wins.
Reliance Industries is reportedly set to file draft IPO paperwork for Jio Platforms in May, a move delayed from March after market downturns. The revised draft could include full fiscal year earnings, offering investors a clearer snapshot. If it proceeds, the listing may become India’s largest-ever IPO, depending on regulatory approvals and market conditions.
India’s Finance Ministry is preparing discussions over customs warehousing benefits under the MOOWR scheme for imported battery storage systems. Industry groups warn the policy could tilt the market against domestic players, prompting concerns about misuse and gaps in implementation. The government plans consultations with the power and renewable energy ministries before deciding how the move fits energy security goals.
Boeing has started formal certification trials of a revised engine anti-ice design for its 737 aircraft, according to Air Current. The work centers on updating how engines prevent ice buildup in adverse conditions, with trials carried out on the 737 MAX test aircraft. The outcome will determine the path to certification and rollout.
India’s aviation sector is preparing for a massive passenger surge, with forecasts pointing to around 500 million flyers annually by 2030, and even a potential leap to one billion by 2047. Growth is driven by rising passenger demand, planned fleet expansion, and accelerating airport and infrastructure investments as India positions itself as a stronger global aviation player.
Drugmaker Granules says it will tighten internal oversight following a warning from the US FDA. The company, one of the world’s biggest paracetamol makers and a key active pharmaceutical ingredients player, earns a large share of revenue from the United States—making compliance scrutiny especially consequential for future supply and sales.
Gold loan fintech startups are changing gears after RBI tightened norms that disrupted their earlier loan-sourcing model. Firms like Indiagold and Oro are obtaining NBFC licenses and arranging debt funding to build direct lending loan books, while also weighing co-lending partnerships. The move aims to restore growth momentum as service-provider routes face tighter scrutiny.
French spirits giant Pernod Ricard says it has not decided on listing its Indian subsidiary, while weighing strategic options to enhance shareholder value. Pernod Ricard India is a major player in alcobev, and the company expects strong momentum in a market it calls its second-largest globally by value. Growth is supported by India’s premiumisation trend.
India’s primary market is bracing for a strong 2026 IPO calendar despite caution from D-St. Multiple large issuances are expected, including Jio Platforms, National Stock Exchange, Zepto, PhonePe, Manipal Hospitals and SBI Funds Management. While the number of deals may dip, the total value could still reach around Rs 1 lakh crore, keeping momentum in the market.
State Bank of India shares extended their rally, climbing more than 9% over the past two days on the BSE and pushing the stock to a record high. The move translated into a staggering gain for investors, with wealth rising by about Rs 15,000 crore in just a short span—fueling fresh interest in the banking counter.
Thai rice prices have recorded their sharpest jump in over two years, as rising fuel and fertilizer costs tied to the Iran conflict squeeze farm economics. Even if tensions ease, experts expect higher input costs to linger, raising the risk of weaker rice output later. The ripple effect could tighten rice supplies across parts of Asia and lift food prices.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 not to release its docu-series “Lawrence of Punjab,” after Punjab Police flagged potential public order risks. The move follows concerns that the series could glorify gangster culture and influence youth negatively, potentially undermining law enforcement efforts and ongoing efforts to maintain public peace.
WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund has waived exit loads on fresh investments in most equity and hybrid schemes, aiming to boost liquidity and decision-making flexibility. The change does not apply to liquid and arbitrage funds. Importantly, only new purchases benefit—existing units continue to carry their older charges.
Air China has resumed a Delhi to Beijing nonstop service, while China Eastern Airlines restarted links between Kunming and Kolkata. IndiGo has also expanded flights to Shanghai and Guangzhou. The surge in capacity is expected to boost travel and trade between India and China, following recent policy adjustments designed to ease economic ties.
Gurugram law enforcement has reportedly dismantled a counterfeit Mounjaro operation, placing two people in custody. Authorities say the ring imported raw materials from China and manufactured the injections at a private home, supplying illicit diabetes and obesity drugs. Eli Lilly issued a statement after the Gurugram drug racket was exposed, underscoring growing concerns about counterfeit GLP-1 medications.
Debt mutual funds logged record outflows of Rs 2.9 lakh crore in March, driven by sharp redemptions in overnight funds. Overnight funds saw redemptions of Rs 40,227 crore, followed by money market funds with Rs 29,207 crore outflows and low-duration funds posting Rs 25,227 crore in withdrawals. The figures underline rising investor caution in the debt space.
A report suggests the government could introduce a new income tax bill in the Budget 2025 Parliament session. The proposed direct tax code aims to simplify and streamline complex income tax laws so they’re easier for ordinary taxpayers to understand, with a possible roadmap that includes cutting tax rates and reducing exemptions.
Alkem Labs, an Indian drug maker, is preparing for a top management shift. CEO Vikas Gupta, who has led the company for nearly three years, is expected to leave in the coming months. Gupta previously worked at Cipla before joining Alkem and brings deep experience in India’s pharmaceutical market. The company has not detailed a successor yet.
The Indian rupee fell in all five trading sessions, posting its steepest week-on-week loss since September 2022. The slide was driven by renewed fears that a U.S.-Iran ceasefire could unravel, which disrupted energy flows and sent oil prices higher again—raising pressure on currencies and trading sentiment.
The Iran conflict has driven plastic prices up by about 40%, raising costs for common items like bottled water. As manufacturers absorb some impact and pass the rest downstream, consumers feel the pinch through higher prices. Analysts suggest the rise could cool within four to six months if peace returns, offering a potential path back to normal costs.
An initial probe into Vedanta’s power plant blast in Sakti, Chhattisgarh, says excessive fuel accumulation in the boiler furnace triggered a pressure build-up that led to the explosion. The incident killed 20 people and has prompted an FIR against Vedanta and its contractor, alleging negligence in maintenance and operational standards, while investigations continue.
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