Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
A tense standoff over transit through the Strait of Hormuz is leaving oil shipments at risk. Shipowners are seeking guarantees they consider necessary to cover extreme dangers, while charterers say the burden is impossible to absorb. With the chokepoint remaining a flashpoint, the disagreement threatens to disrupt pricing, insurance terms, and future routing decisions.
Europe’s top securities regulator says cyber threats are rising sharply as AI capabilities advance, creating faster and harder-to-stop risks for financial markets. The watchdog is urging stronger defenses and deeper oversight of critical technology providers, while closely tracking high valuations and potential sell-offs. It also flags mounting challenges in regulating crypto activity and calls for more centralized EU supervision.
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The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹12,980 crore Sovereign Maritime Fund to insure Indian-flagged, India-bound and India-originating vessels. The decision is designed to improve maritime trade resilience, lower dependence on foreign insurers, and protect shipping operations as global uncertainties keep rising.
India’s cement industry is gearing up for infrastructure and housing demand, and some companies are improving earnings through cost efficiencies. But investors are watching a tougher reality: supply capacity is growing faster than demand, keeping pricing under pressure. The result is a persistent mismatch risk, leaving cement stocks lagging despite the construction boom.
Luxor Writing Instruments wants to double exports from India as part of a larger push to turn the country into a manufacturing hub. Managing Director Pooja Jain Gupta says the company’s 2022-23 turnover was Rs 750 crore, with exports contributing roughly 30% of revenues—giving it a strong base to scale output for global markets.
Tech Mahindra’s IT services arm reported a 16% jump in Q4 net profit to Rs 1,354 crore. Revenue stood at Rs 15,076 crore, rising 4.7% sequentially and 12.6% year-on-year. The company attributed the performance to large deal wins and growth across communications, BFSI, technology, and media and entertainment despite a tepid macro environment.
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Indonesia’s shift to use palm oil for biofuels is set to challenge India’s food security, since India relies heavily on edible palm oil imports from Indonesia. With domestic production constrained by climate, India may have to scramble for alternative sourcing to avoid shortages and price spikes.
Groww is seeing a spike in trading activity as foreign investor selling and global tensions rattle markets, even while the company reports strong profit and revenue growth. The surge appears to be fueling short-term platform activity, but sustained FII outflows could weigh on new user growth and slower asset inflows over the medium term.
A newly found 17th century map has identified the exact spot of William Shakespeare’s only purchased home in London, placing it near the Blackfriars Theatre. The discovery, made by scholar Lucy Munro, is being hailed as a major breakthrough for understanding Shakespeare’s life in the capital and where he might have drafted some of his last plays.
Indian government bonds pared most of their losses on Monday as inflation came in softer than expected, drawing late-session value buyers. The move eased worries about rising price pressures after oil surged following the collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks, as traders recalibrated expectations for future inflation and interest-rate direction.
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Russia’s central bank has already sold about 21.8 tonnes of gold in 2026, or roughly 22,000 kilograms, according to a Kitco report citing regional reporting. The move is linked to a widening budget deficit, reported at $61.2 billion by end-March, as Moscow seeks funds amid mounting fiscal pressure.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has asked the Department of Financial Services to amend the Nationalized Banks schemes and set up FSIB as a single entity. After Finance Minister approval, a government resolution will be issued to centralize recommendations for appointing whole time directors and non-executive chairpersons across banks and financial institutions.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook will step down on September 1, 2026, ending his 15-year tenure that helped steer the company into a roughly $4 trillion valuation era. Cook will become executive chairman, while John Ternus is set to take over as CEO. The leadership change marks a major shift for one of the world’s most influential tech firms.
The US Department of Labor has proposed major H-1B wage rule changes designed to narrow pay gaps by lifting foreign worker compensation by roughly $14,000 a year. The plan revises a four-tier wage benchmark system, which would affect new H-1B applications and reduce concerns that employers use cheaper labor, especially in tech roles.
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A new analysis warns that after years of steady declines, US greenhouse gas emissions may level off as Trump administration policies shift toward expanding fossil fuels and limiting renewables. The report argues that restrictions on clean energy and support for fossil fuel development could blunt earlier progress and stall the downward emissions trend.
As the US government shutdown stretches past a month, day-to-day life is being reshaped: federal services at major landmarks stay shut, Capitol-area operations continue under guard, and the FAA orders flight cuts at dozens of airports. Lawmakers are working through weekends seeking a deal, while emergency support groups ramp up to fill gaps for affected communities and travelers.
The Centre has rolled out model rules for agroforestry that simplify permissions for farmers seeking to fell trees on farmland. The framework is designed to expand tree cover, support climate targets, and help double farmer incomes by integrating trees into regular farming while boosting traceability. It also aims to create a legal, export-ready timber supply chain.
After a record Mahakumbh rush kicked off 2025, Indian aviation spiralled into a string of shocks. A deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad revived fears of flying, while IndiGo’s near-grounding added fresh panic. The year’s crisis mood also echoed beyond airlines, following violence in Pahalgam that disrupted tourism and escalated tensions with Pakistan.
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MMRDA has secured 216 acres in Raigad for the Mumbai 3.0 project, taking a step forward with a participatory development model. Landowners will be offered multiple compensation choices, as the plan targets a new economic hub with upgraded infrastructure. The project is projected to boost employment and attract investment, reshaping the region’s urban future.
Marvell shares rose after a report said it is in talks with Google to develop two AI chips. The Information, citing people close to the discussions, suggests Marvell could supply a memory processing unit to complement Google’s tensor processing unit, alongside a new TPU designed to run AI models. The report points to a potential expansion of Google’s custom AI hardware.
Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung has resigned, saying ethics and “moral responsibility” forced his exit. The move comes as an investigation targets alleged links between Gurung and businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is being scrutinized for money laundering offences, raising fresh questions over governance and political accountability.
Adani Energy Solutions Limited reported a 32% year-on-year jump in adjusted full-year profit to ₹2,393 crore for FY ending March 31, 2026. The company also delivered record performance with EBITDA of ₹8,726 crore, driven by execution in transmission and smart metering, alongside commissioning of key infrastructure projects. Its smart metering rollout reached 1 crore installations.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius says the country expects to finalize an $8 billion submarine cooperation agreement with India within the next three months. The project is led by German warship maker TKMS and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. Negotiations have been underway for several months, with both sides now moving toward signing the pact.
A new survey finds nine in 10 Indian professionals believe AI improves their productivity, alongside growing optimism about career and business growth. While flexibility expectations are evolving, economic pressures are rising: many respondents say higher costs could drive them to take second jobs. Employers face the challenge of maintaining trust and collaboration in a hybrid setup.
With NEET back in the spotlight, ET compares how countries handle post-school entrance exams. The US and UK lean toward flexible SAT-like formats, while China and South Korea run high-stakes, single-window tests. Across many systems, exams are increasingly computer-based, emphasizing attitude and aptitude over rote recall, with models also examined from Singapore, Russia, and others.
China controls most of the refining of rare earths used in chips, clean energy systems, and advanced manufacturing, even though deposits exist elsewhere. That concentration gives Beijing major leverage, raising supply-chain and geopolitical risks for Europe and other Western economies. Now governments are scrambling to secure access and reduce dependency, with industrial planning tied to mineral strategy.
Indian Railways has released the RRB NTPC 2025-26 notification for 8,860 Non-Technical Popular Category posts. Registrations for graduate candidates started October 21, while undergraduate notifications are due October 27. The recruitment will run through multiple Computer Based Tests and role-wise skill tests, and candidates may get a partial fee refund after the first exam stage if eligible.
KKR-backed Baby Memorial Hospital plans to acquire about a 60% stake in Unimed Healthcare, the parent company of Hyderabad hospital chain Star Hospitals, for around ₹1,800 crore. The deal would give Baby Memorial controlling interest, expanding its footprint in the regional healthcare market while consolidating ownership at the parent level.
Thailand’s Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has announced revised visa, legalisation, and consular service fees for Indian applicants effective April 27, 2026. The changes apply to tourist, non-immigrant, SMART, and long-term visas, plus passport and document services, with fees rising across categories from ₹2,500 for transit visas to up to ₹1,40,000 for long-term residency permits.
The Supreme Court reiterated that India’s insolvency framework under the IBC is not meant for routine debt recovery. It cautioned that insolvency proceedings carry serious consequences and should be invoked only where there is genuine financial hardship, not as a convenient alternative to recover dues. The ruling is expected to shape how courts assess misuse of insolvency filings.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has notified new PAN correction forms for updating PAN-related details. Individuals must use PAN CR-01 while non-individuals will file PAN CR-02. The changes take effect from April 1, 2026, with both online and offline submission options. Applicants must submit accurate PAN details and a copy of their PAN card, and Aadhaar is mandatory for most users.
Fifteen hours of Iran US talks in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough, with divergent aims and outside Israeli interference undermining hopes of a meaningful deal. A fragile ceasefire is holding, but its durability remains doubtful. Negotiators zeroed in on Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles, while both sides stuck to positions described as non negotiable.
The Broadband India Forum (BIF) says the Department of Telecom’s new framework for captive private 5G networks leaves key questions unanswered on spectrum pricing. While the rules indicate a renewable 10-year permit for an application charge of Rs 50,000 and no entry or licence fees, BIF argues the pricing picture is still hazy for businesses seeking spectrum directly from the government.
Zepto cofounder Aadit Palicha told YC Startup School that every rupee saved in the supply chain can ultimately return to customers. He outlined the company’s goal to become India’s top grocery delivery platform in 4–5 years, potentially as an “India’s own Amazon.” With a major IPO in preparation and active investor talks, the focus remains on early execution and operational efficiency.
For decades, a consignment route has quietly structured India’s gold and silver imports, nurturing a closed marketplace with limited transparency. Hundreds of tonnes change hands through entrenched channels, and the lack of open trading makes price discovery less effective—leaving buyers and regulators without clear signals of true market value.
Iranian crude exports kept moving through the Strait of Hormuz, with about 10.7 million barrels recorded as transiting and leaving the US Navy’s blockaded area between April 13 and April 21, according to Vortexa. The shipments involved six crude carriers, underscoring continued export flows despite US efforts to disrupt them.
New India Assurance is reshaping its strategy to reach India’s underinsured MSME ecosystem, focusing on accessibility rather than just reducing premiums. CMD Girija Subramanian says the company will introduce simpler products, explore parametric insurance in allied sectors, and prioritize speed in claims settlement to build trust and accelerate growth.
The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP of running “Operation Lotus” after seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, defected to the saffron party. AAP leader Sanjay Singh claimed the move was orchestrated by BJP. Chadha said the MPs chose “positive politics,” distancing from alleged party “crimes” and invoking constitutional provisions to merge.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will lay the foundation stone for ReNew Energy Global’s ₹5,400 crore solar manufacturing facility in Anakapalli. The 6 GW ingot and wafer unit is designed to strengthen domestic clean-energy supply chains and improve energy security, aligning with the state’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024.
The Union Cabinet has approved extending the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) scheme for five more years beyond March 2026, taking it forward to 2031. The government has allocated ₹1,800 crore for the continued programme, aiming to modernize systems for managing immigration and foreign nationals following a new law.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed out more than 61,000 appointment letters at the 18th Rozgar Mela, framing the move as part of a wider push for employment. He linked job creation to reforms, rising foreign investment and India’s expanding trade and mobility agreements, saying they can help skilled youth access global opportunities.
After pandemic-era disruption, Airtel has moved to hike telecom tariffs, a move seen as beneficial for the broader industry and crucial for Vodafone Idea’s recovery. With Vodafone Idea and Airtel pushing higher prices, the question now is whether Reliance Jio will mirror the tariff hikes—or quietly hold course to pursue its 500 million subscriber target.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a ‘Jan Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra’ in Lucknow after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, aimed at women’s reservation, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha during a special session. The BJP-led event will feature senior leaders, Deputy Chief Ministers, and large numbers of women protesting the delay.
Corporate canteens across India are grappling with an LPG supply crunch that is driving up costs and disrupting kitchen operations. To cope, food service providers are scaling back fuel-intensive dishes, moving to simpler menus, and in some locations reducing service hours. Employees are already noticing menu changes, while companies invest in alternative cooking infrastructure.
Raj Subramaniam has been elected to the FedEx Board of Directors and is set to step into the role of President and CEO of FedEx Corporation. He will retain his board seat as part of the transition. Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Express, and now moves up within FedEx’s leadership structure.
India and the central bank are reportedly in talks with Ant International to integrate UPI with Alipay+ for smoother cross-border payments. The plan would allow Indian travelers abroad to use UPI at merchants that are connected to Alipay+, reducing friction and improving payment convenience overseas. Sources say this could mark a major step for international usability of UPI.
Gold and silver ETFs jumped Tuesday, rebounding after a sudden 20% drop over two sessions. The recovery still faces headwinds: rising yields and tight liquidity continue to pressure bullion prices. Analysts say the dip may create longer-term accumulation opportunities because safe-haven demand remains strong amid ongoing geopolitical risks, but volatility is likely to persist.
The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) has secured Geographical Indication (GI) certification for 13 North East products and is now set to authorize 800 farmers to use these GI tags on processed certifications. The move, backed by the Ministry of DoNER, aims to help growers protect product identity and potentially improve market value for region-specific crops.
NASA’s Artemis Moon mission is delivering a major milestone—the first lunar step in decades—despite a tough backdrop of budget cuts and workforce reductions. The crew credits extensive ground support for making the mission possible, turning the achievement into a morale boost for a space program pressed by constraints. Artemis now signals a new chapter for lunar exploration.
Over the past decade, public sector banks have lost major ground in deposits, with their share dropping from 76.3% to 56.3%. Private banks, by contrast, have steadily absorbed the shift, rising from about 20% to nearly 35%—suggesting a growing preference among depositors, especially wealthier customers.
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