Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Stocks ended a turbulent session lower as soaring crude prices and a hawkish Federal Reserve rattled risk appetite. Against this backdrop, individual movers stood out, with HDFC Bank, Adani Total Gas, and Infosys seeing notable share action. Sector-wide selling in autos and IT compounded pressure, widening the gap between gainers and losers.
Australia kicked off the trend in late 2025 with a ban aimed at shielding children from social media pressures and harms. Regulators cite risks like cyberbullying, social media addiction, and exposure to predators—concerns now driving other countries to consider similar restrictions. The policy wave is reshaping how platforms will handle youth access and age verification.
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Clean energy startup Ecoil raised $2.5 million in a funding round led by Fundalogical Ventures. Founded in 2019 by Sushil Vaishnav and Kirti Vaishnav, Ecoil collects used cooking oil from restaurants and hotels, manages it, and converts it into biofuel. The fresh capital will help expand operations, upgrade its technology platform, and grow its footprint across major Indian markets.
Aster DM Healthcare has earmarked Rs 96 crore to expand the women and children facility at Aster Whitefield Hospital in Bengaluru. The upgrade is set to significantly raise inpatient capacity, aiming to strengthen specialized maternity and pediatric services for better maternal and child health outcomes in the region. The company also signals continued growth in Bengaluru.
India’s ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra says PM Modi and President Trump share a deep, trust-based relationship that is translating into practical cooperation. He points to expanding work across defense, trade, and critical minerals, arguing the partnership supports India’s transformation agenda toward Viksit Bharat 2047 and aims to lift growth and prosperity.
VAST Data has raised $1 billion in a fresh funding round, pushing its valuation to $30 billion—up sharply from $9.1 billion in 2023. The data storage and AI infrastructure company attributes the surge to soaring demand for AI compute and storage. The new capital will support global expansion and further technology development, underscoring the sector’s rapid momentum.
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Indian Railways wants to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 using a mix of electrification, renewables, and water conservation. But it also plans to meet about half its net-zero target by planting 3 billion trees. The catch: carbon offsetting through plantations is increasingly questioned worldwide over whether it reliably delivers long-term emissions cuts.
GST rates and procedures can change after GST Council meetings during the year, but legal statute changes only arrive through the Finance Bill during Parliament’s Budget session. That means businesses planning compliance and pricing may see surprises around the same window—especially as import duties are also rationalized—shifting tax treatment when the law is rewritten.
JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar approved a refreshed list of national office bearers, naming a new vice president and retaining key roles like national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha and treasurer Alok Kumar Suman. The headline absence is Kumar’s son Nishant, who was not included in the appointments, while several prominent leaders were elevated as general secretaries and national secretaries.
On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, families of those killed say the grief hasn’t eased. Pakistan-backed terrorists took 26 lives, leaving households without their breadwinners and rewriting everyday survival. Survivors describe how the incident continues to haunt them, insisting they will “not forget till my last breath,” even as they try to rebuild amid unanswered trauma.
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Economist Kenneth Rogoff says Donald Trump’s tariff push may appear to be reshaping global trade, but it likely won’t last once other countries learn how to hit back effectively. He ties US economic risks to dollar dominance, sanctions, and unsustainable debt, arguing no single currency can replace the greenback and forecasting slower US growth.
A parliamentary panel warns of a managerial crisis across Central Public Sector Enterprises, saying many operate without full-time CMDs and face funding strains. It also notes a severe shortfall of independent directors, raising concerns over oversight and accountability. The panel urges action including revisiting dividend policies and speeding up leadership appointments to improve competitiveness.
Resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike after a resident doctor was terminated in a case linked to a viral video alleging assault. Support from doctors’ organisations across many hospitals has kept OPD services shut in most places, while remaining open only with very limited staffing. The action follows a mass leave the day before the strike began.
Logi-fintech firm 1Pay says it can bring structure to India’s vast, fragmented trucking ecosystem by leveraging the widespread adoption of FASTag. The company’s growth plan banks on digital payments and better fleet operations, but it also has to compete in a crowded field where other players are pushing similar logistics-tech digitisation.
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BitDelta India has launched as an FIU registered VDASP, positioning its institutional grade VDA infrastructure for India’s expanding crypto market. The platform highlights strong security and compliance, with unified INR trading and advanced technology. Its stated goal is to expand trust driven participation beyond major metro cities, focusing on reliability and regulated access.
A 21-year-old daughter of a senior IRS officer was found dead at her Amar Colony residence in southeast Delhi when her parents were out for a morning walk and gym. Police say a preliminary probe indicates she may have been sexually assaulted before being strangled to death, with investigators alleging a mobile phone charging cable was used.
At least two Iranian crude tankers, Hero II and Hedy, have reportedly bypassed the Persian Gulf blockade and reached the Arabian Sea. Despite US restrictions, shipping data suggests a wider fleet has moved roughly 9 million barrels. Many Iran-linked vessels continue to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, often “going dark” by switching off tracking systems to avoid detection.
Sun Pharmaceutical has made a bold $13 billion bid for US firm Organon & Co., signaling its biggest push to shift from generics toward branded and innovative medicines. Sun is competing with other bidders for Organon, and a successful deal would effectively merge Organon into Sun Pharma, reshaping its global ambitions.
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Children born in New Zealand after January 1, 2006 are not automatically citizens. Their citizenship or visa outcome depends on the parents’ legal status at the time of birth. If neither parent is a New Zealand citizen, the child may be granted a visa linked to the parents’ valid visa, subject to confirmation from Immigration New Zealand.
Indian markets ended higher but muted, with weakness in autos and IT limiting upside. OFSS was among notable decliners, while Waaree Energies surged to a Rs 1 lakh crore market cap milestone. Jupiter Wagons and Aurobindo Pharma also rallied, offsetting declines as BSE finished lower.
A blast at a firecracker facility in Mundathikode in Kerala’s Thrissur district has left at least six people dead and over 40 feared injured. Firecrackers and raw materials for making them were stored at the site, and the first blast was reported around 3:45 pm. Local authorities are investigating the cause and response.
Australia has resumed accepting TOEFL scores for visa applications after a temporary pause. ETS says TOEFL remains valid following revisions that take effect from July 25. Previously, Australia’s Home Affairs had paused TOEFL iBT and relied on alternatives such as IELTS, PTE, Cambridge English, and OET. The testing format was also adjusted, including a shorter duration, to improve efficiency.
A video showing BJP leaders, including MP Anurag Thakur, eating fish curry while campaigning in West Bengal has gone viral. The clip reignited attention on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that a BJP government would stop fish and egg consumption in Bengal. The exchange is adding fuel to political rhetoric ahead of the state elections.
Expanding nuclear power seems like an obvious route to reliable, always-on zero-emissions electricity, but opposition in Europe, Japan, and the US persists. Despite that resistance, the momentum for new nuclear construction is shifting to Asia, with China, India, and South Korea leading, while Russia and Turkey also add more plants.
SteamPRO has raised Rs 3.8 crore in seed funding to roll out spa-grade steam showers for premium homes. The startup’s pitch focuses on rejuvenation benefits while highlighting sustainable water usage, aiming to upgrade home wellness without compromising efficiency. The fresh capital is expected to accelerate product development and market entry.
President Donald Trump extended the US-Iran ceasefire as a looming deadline approached, injecting brief optimism that talks could resume. But uncertainty remains: VP Vance’s Islamabad trip was paused amid Iran’s hesitation, while the US naval blockade continues. Tehran says negotiations won’t move forward unless the blockade is lifted first, leaving the deadlock unresolved.
Bitcoin is trading near $66,510 as geopolitical tensions add pressure and a massive $14 billion options expiry heightens short-term volatility. Analysts say there’s no clear trend reversal yet, but bullish momentum could target $75,000 if the current pressure eases. Still, broader crypto market structure appears stable despite recent declines in major coins.
Netflix already enjoys an edge with Indian viewers who love international series, but it is now reshaping its approach to win in a cutthroat OTT market. The streaming giant’s emerging India playbook is being described as a “masala mix,” targeting rivals like Disney+Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video with a more calculated content blend.
A senior US military official overseeing nuclear and chemical safety, Andrew Hugg, has been placed on administrative leave after a covertly recorded video appeared online. The footage allegedly shows him discussing sensitive national security information—linked to Iran operations, nuclear protocols, and security risks—with an unidentified stranger. The US Army has launched an investigation and is reviewing what was shared.
Gold rose as oil prices eased and the US extended its ceasefire with Iran, boosting risk sentiment. Investors weighed a softer inflation outlook linked to weaker oil against persistent geopolitical uncertainty. The move highlights how commodities are reacting not just to energy costs, but also to shifting Middle East risk and policy signals.
India’s ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, says economic growth and prosperity are the main engines behind India’s transformation. He cites sustained 7 percent-plus GDP growth, governance reforms, and infrastructure expansion—including digital progress—while warning about a widening global “control regime” that could affect countries’ autonomy and development priorities.
A Kerala High Court ruling says the survivor of a joint bank locker does not automatically acquire complete ownership of the contents. The court held that a properly executed Will by one co-holder can prevail over the “either or survivor” clause. That means locker assets may legally be bequeathed to third parties, changing how families distribute funds after a co-holder’s death.
Indian equities have trailed global peers over the past year, hurt by soft earnings, elevated valuations, and foreign investors trimming holdings. The picture may be improving incrementally as valuations look more reasonable and policy reforms, along with global shifts, could draw fresh flows. Analysts suggest a potential rebound within 12 months, with attention turning to specific sectors.
Canada has introduced special temporary immigration measures from April 1, 2026 through November 30, 2028 for international students, foreign workers, and visitors affected by natural disasters. The program provides an extended six-month window to restore or extend immigration status, helping people keep work and study on track. Fee exemptions also apply for foreign emergency workers.
CBSE has issued a stern warning to Class 10 and 12 board exam evaluators, asking them not to share any confidential exam-related information on social media. The board cautioned that such posts can be misleading or factually incorrect, potentially creating confusion among students, parents, and other stakeholders. CBSE also hinted that legal action could follow violations.
US mortgage rates continued falling for the third straight week, with the 30-year fixed rate sliding to 6.23%—its lowest since mid-March. Treasury yields eased, supporting the move, but housing activity remains subdued as affordability pressures and uneven demand persist, while inflation and geopolitical risks keep volatility in play.
With the April 22 U.S. Iran ceasefire deadline approaching, Iranian professor Mohammad Marandi warns diplomacy is stuck. In an exclusive interview, he says Tehran has no plans to resume talks in Islamabad, citing deep distrust in the Trump administration and accusing both sides of continued ceasefire violations. The window for a breakthrough appears to be closing fast.
Indian government bonds inched higher in a choppy session as traders balanced firmer crude oil prices against rising uncertainty. Caution was driven by the prospect that a key truce could expire this week, keeping risk appetite muted. With signals still mixed, bond moves stayed modest rather than directional as markets waited for clarity.
Ahead of the first anniversary of the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army recalled Operation Sindoor. The terrorist strike, backed by Pakistan, killed 26 civilians as attackers entered a village near the tourist spot. The Army urged terrorists not to cross India’s boundaries, tying the remembrance to an unmistakable deterrent message.
Indian benchmark indices tumbled for a third straight session as rising Iran Israel and US tensions spooked investors. The Nifty fell over 2% and the Sensex shed nearly 1,500 points, with metals, auto and oil stocks dragging sentiment lower. Amid broad losses, a handful of names such as LTTS and IFCI managed to gain, highlighting stark stock-specific moves.
A new EU anti-deforestation law set to take effect in January 2025 is forcing Indian coffee exporters to meet strict sourcing rules. Large firms like Tata Coffee and ITC are already preparing, but smaller growers worry about meeting proof and compliance requirements—raising the risk of delays, higher costs, and market access trouble.
India can generate wind and solar at increasingly low costs, but renewables still cover only a little above a fifth of the country’s electricity needs. With demand rising steadily, the transition will require a dramatic, unprecedented increase in renewable capacity to move fast enough toward a greener energy system—meaning fossil fuel reliance may last longer.
India has been placed on the Athletics Integrity Unit’s list of nations facing an “extremely high” risk of doping, alongside Russia. AIU chair David Howman warned that while the doping situation has long been high-risk, India’s domestic anti-doping programme is not strong enough relative to that threat.
Bitcoin surged to nearly $95,000 as softer US inflation data held steady and geopolitical worries pushed investors toward safe havens. Ethereum and leading altcoins also climbed sharply. Market analysts point to improving liquidity and easing selling pressure, suggesting the broader crypto bid may still have room to run if risk appetite persists.
WeWork India has signed a long-term lease for more than 204,000 sq ft of office space in Pune’s Wakad area. The flexible workspace firm will occupy five floors at Phoenix Millennium Tower 3, with monthly rents beginning at ₹73 per sq ft. The deal underscores fast-growing demand for managed workspaces in emerging Pune hubs.
A new report flags India as one of the most talent-constrained markets worldwide, with 82% of employers saying they struggle to find the right person. That compares with a global average of 72% and is even more severe than several developed economies, underscoring a structural hiring crunch that could reshape hiring and wages.
Corporate boards are taking a bigger role in talent management, moving beyond CEO succession toward broader leadership development. A new survey finds boards spend substantial time on talent strategies, but many CHROs still view them mainly as governance bodies. Gaps in preparing future-ready leaders, internal readiness, and leadership sponsorship are leaving organizations short on measurable performance gains.
Canada has launched a new immigration pathway aimed at attracting highly skilled workers, including specialized military recruits. The government says its existing system has become unsustainable and is being overhauled. Under the plan, foreign military applicants will fall into a new skilled recruits category that can include doctors, nurses, and pilots, alongside traditional defense roles.
Anlon Healthcare shares seemed to plunge nearly 90% in a single session, but the move was driven by price adjustments after a 1:1 bonus issue and a 1:5 stock split. The company’s market capitalisation remains unchanged, while the corporate actions aim to improve liquidity. Investors are urged to look beyond the headline fall and check the event details.
USCIS has wrapped up H-1B selection for FY2027, fully filling the 85,000 annual quota. Employers have been informed and petition filings will open April 1, 2026. The biggest shift: a weighted lottery that favors higher wage offers, replacing the older random selection approach—meaning pay could now decide who gets in.
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