Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Mitsubishi is preparing to launch a new SUV later this year that’s Pajero-sized, aiming to revive interest in the legendary off-roader. Marketed as a “true cross-country SUV,” it’s expected to deliver rugged performance and serious off-road ability. The timing follows Mitsubishi’s joint venture in India, fueling speculation about a broader brand return.
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) praised the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for including esports medal winners and their coaches in its Cash Incentive Program. The decision marks a major policy shift for India’s competitive gaming ecosystem, aligning esports achievements with mainstream sports recognition and support for athletes and training staff.
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Indian Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been inducted into the International Hall of Fame at the US Army War College, the third Indian Army chief to receive the honor. During a US visit, he met faculty and students, toured key facilities, and held academic discussions—underscoring growing India-US defense cooperation.
Mumbai is home to 35.4% of India’s ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) population, highlighting a major shift in where wealth is being created and retained. India’s UHNW class has expanded rapidly and is expected to grow further, with Mumbai’s luxury real estate market benefiting from strong domestic demand.
Motor cab and three-wheeler sales have been running hot for the past five months, supported by rising Vahan registrations. With people returning to travel and pent up demand coming through, taxis and e rickshaws are sharing the momentum, helping both commuters and automakers. Travel and tourism’s rebound is expected to keep the trend going.
India’s broadcast sector may soon face a sweeping regulatory overhaul. TRAI is set to review pricing, distribution, and platform rules after the New Tariff Order drew criticism over affordability and transparency. The proposed reset is also meant to reflect shifting consumer viewing habits and rising competition from streaming platforms, which have disrupted traditional broadcast economics.
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Central government employee bodies including NC-JCM and AIDEF say they’re running into technical glitches while submitting memorandums for the 8th Pay Commission. They’ve asked for an extension of the submission deadline to May 31, 2026, arguing the portal issues could block timely filings. But the Pay Commission is reportedly holding firm on the April 30 deadline.
Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Assembly elections saw an unusually high voter turnout of 84.69 percent, drawing fresh political interpretation. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said the strong participation reflects widespread anti-incumbent sentiment against the DMK government. He also praised the Election Commission for enabling a smooth voting process, even as debates over the turnout’s meaning intensify.
Vanuatu is turning to the International Court of Justice as sea levels rise and stronger cyclones batter islands, wiping out coral reefs and threatening communities. John Warmington describes his reef as a “coral graveyard.” The court’s forthcoming advice on countries’ climate duties could become a landmark step toward accountability for major emitters.
Indian markets extended losses with the Nifty and Sensex closing lower on Monday, but select stocks bucked the trend. Wockhardt surged, Vascon Engineers hit the upper circuit, Reliance Power gained, and Vodafone Idea rose. Meanwhile, Firstsource Solutions and Jindal Stainless declined, highlighting a mixed trading session driven by company-specific momentum.
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A Mumbai employee acquitted of bribery charges won a partial legal victory but still failed to get full back wages for his suspension. The Bombay High Court held that a criminal acquittal does not automatically entitle an employee to full pay, particularly when the suspension arose from allegations tied to involvement in criminal proceedings.
Suzlon has launched 5 MW and 6.3 MW wind turbines in Europe as the continent moves into a repowering phase. The company expects rising demand from both repowering existing wind farms and building new projects, pointing to substantial untapped wind potential. Suzlon’s bet focuses on deploying higher-capacity equipment to capture that growth.
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians reignited their IPL 2026 rivalry at Wankhede Stadium, but the headline moment came off the field. CSK players wore black armbands as a mark of tribute to pacer Mukesh Choudhary’s mother, who passed away following a long illness. The gesture added a sombre tone to the match day atmosphere.
Covid-linked absenteeism is disrupting factory operations, with a managing director warning that if attendance doesn’t return to normalcy, output will be hit hard. A leading garment exporter says it has around 15,000 employees across six Bengaluru units, and large-scale non-attendance is already roiling production schedules and factory planning.
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Indian benchmark indices opened lower on Friday, pointing to an absent Santa rally as momentum remains weak and foreign fund outflows continue. Nifty slipped at the start of trade, with experts suggesting the market’s trajectory could improve later as the 2026 Union Budget, future trade deals/FTAs, and company earnings collectively drive gains into the first quarter of CY2026.
Adani Power has formed a new company, Rawatbhata-Raj Atomic Energy, to broaden its nuclear power push. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Atomic Energy Ltd, underscoring the group’s long-term commitment to atomic energy. The move adds to India’s expanding nuclear capacity, with private players increasingly taking a role in generation plans.
A governance settlement mechanism meant to close serious lapses is now under scrutiny as proxy advisory firms raise concerns about Damodaran’s board appointment. Damodaran sharply criticizes the firms, questioning their relevance, the structure of their arguments, and their reliance on recommendations from a seven-year-old working group report.
Faircent.com has lowered the minimum interest rate on unsecured personal loans to 9.99%. The move intensifies competition in India’s peer to peer lending space, raising the question of whether other platforms will respond with similar pricing. For borrowers, the rate drop could mean cheaper credit, while lenders may have to balance margins, risk, and demand.
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With the National Stock Exchange’s IPO approaching, three state-run general insurers stand to benefit from their combined NSE stake valued around ₹11,500–₹12,000 crore. The expected result: a near one percentage point improvement in solvency ratios, strengthening their balance sheets and financial resilience.
ICAI has laid out a roadmap focused on reaching net zero and also working toward carbon-neutrality, using ESG frameworks as the engine. Ahead of an upcoming ESG Conclave, discussions will cover sustainability reporting, sustainable investing and green finance, plus ESG ratings, supply chains, and the circular economy—signaling a broader push to standardize how businesses measure and act on climate goals.
Indian students are increasingly reconsidering US plans as H-1B approvals face a high-demand bottleneck against fixed annual caps. With long-term residency now hinging on administrative timelines and statistical odds, graduates say uncertainty is reshaping career decisions, pushing more to explore alternative pathways or delay immigration timelines.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has issued a customer alert for planned system maintenance on December 21, 2025. Between 3:30 am and 4:30 am IST, mobile banking, net banking, UPI and other payment services will be unavailable. However, ATM withdrawals under Rs 20,000 will not be affected, so customers are urged to plan transactions outside the window.
A Delhi court ordered an ACP-monitored probe into a sexual harassment FIR against Hero Future Energies CEO Srivatsan Iyer after police acknowledged major investigation gaps. The court noted that he was not examined and that he had reportedly left India, prompting directions for his interrogation and stricter supervision over the inquiry.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the electoral bonds scheme introduced in 2018 is unconstitutional, saying it violates the right to information and free speech. The court’s decision overturns the government’s claim that bonds would improve transparency by replacing cash donations. Here’s a timeline of how the scheme evolved from 2018 through 2024 and why it ultimately failed in court.
India’s broadcast industry is locked in a prolonged battle over television tariff rules first rolled out in 2019. What began as a regulatory change has evolved into a survival fight for broadcasters and related stakeholders, as the industry pushes back on how costs, pricing, and consumer impact are being handled. The dispute highlights widening pressure on traditional TV economics.
India’s GST treatment of Online Information and Database Access Service (OIDAR) is rooted in a tax levy introduced in 2001 under the earlier service tax regime, then widened in 2016 to bring more digital services under tax. The Budget 2023-24 further broadens the scope, tightening how data access and related online services are classified for GST.
India’s biggest startup investors, including SoftBank and Prosus, are recalibrating their India strategy. Instead of relying mainly on large late-stage funding, they’re moving toward tech infrastructure and commerce joint ventures. In today’s AI-led market, deals are getting smaller and less frequent, while investors are more willing to step in as active collaborators and operators.
Union Minister V Somanna, MP Basavaraj Bommai and MP Yaduveer Wadiyar have slammed Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that Congress’s opposition to a constitutional amendment seeking 33% women’s reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies has harmed Karnataka’s interests. The leaders claimed the political stance undermines the state’s opportunity to secure greater representation for women.
Donald Trump has warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Britain could face big tariffs if the UK withdraws its 2% digital services tax. Trump calls the measure unfairly targeting American tech companies. The UK introduced the tax in 2020, and it has drawn criticism from both Trump and Joe Biden, putting UK-US trade ties under pressure.
UltraTech Cement has crossed 200 million tonnes of production capacity in India, reinforcing its dominance in the local market. The milestone also cements its position as the world’s largest cement producer outside China. With expansion underway, the company is targeting 240 million tonnes by FY28, signaling aggressive growth despite a competitive sector.
The US has extended sanctions relief for Russian seaborne oil by 30 days, responding to requests from vulnerable countries including India. Officials say the step is meant to ease supply disruptions and help cool rising energy prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The extension is expected to support stability in global oil markets while uncertainty continues.
The IEA warns that global LNG markets will stay tight until 2027 as Middle East conflict disrupts supply and pushes back new capacity. Shipping disruptions have removed nearly 20% of LNG supplies, driving price spikes. With Europe reducing gas demand and Asia shifting fuels, further delays in Qatar’s infrastructure could deepen supply shortfalls.
New Zealand is revising its Post-Study Work Visa starting late 2026, offering clearer guidance on which qualifications qualify and what jobs graduates can pursue. The updated rules aim to widen access, including for diploma holders, so more international students can secure relevant work experience after completing their studies.
Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent country, signing mutual recognition agreements with the breakaway region. It is the first such recognition by any country in more than 30 years since Somaliland separated from Somalia, marking a potential shift in diplomatic standings across the Horn of Africa. The move is poised to influence future international recognition debates.
Michelle Bachelet, a candidate for UN Secretary-General, urged urgent Security Council reform, arguing the body is paralysed and outdated. She called for broader representation across both permanent and non-permanent categories and vowed to push member states toward action if elected. The remarks land as India renews its long-running demand for a permanent seat.
Global attention is intensifying on China’s expanding surveillance capabilities and its repression of Uyghurs. The World Uyghur Congress spotlighted concerns as activists marked 36 years since the Baren Uprising, calling for justice. The scrutiny now extends to China’s new economic security framework, which many fear could further tighten global oversight and pressure.
Pernod Ricard SA, known for Absolut vodka and Chivas Regal whisky, has started preparations for a potential initial public offering of its Indian business, according to people familiar with the matter. The company’s next steps and timing are not yet clear, but the move signals renewed appetite for valuing and funding growth in India’s spirits market.
Three students died in basement flooding at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajendra Nagar, prompting fresh scrutiny of UPSC coaching safety. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi sealed basements of 13 centres, underscoring enforcement weaknesses. New guidelines now push for proper infrastructure and verified safety compliance before students pack in—because tragedy came from below.
Six companies with market caps above Rs 1,000 crore reported declining EPS for four consecutive quarters through June 2025. The repeated drop points to persistent pressure on profitability and weaker financial performance rather than a one-off setback. Investors may reassess earnings durability and cost control as the trend continues into the latest reporting cycle.
Anthropic has submitted a new filing to an appeals court ahead of oral arguments on May 19, responding to questions raised by the court and claims tied to the Trump administration. The company argues it cannot manipulate Claude once deployed inside classified Pentagon military networks, challenging attempts to frame Anthropic as fully controllable over AI in sensitive systems.
Canada has updated its business visitor category to clarify who can enter without a work permit. The guidance says listed activities are only illustrative, and applicants must show an international scope and that foreign sources provide primary payment. Documentation expectations are higher, including employer letters and evidence of personal funds, while final approval remains discretionary.
India’s homeopathy industry is witnessing a sharp jump in demand at home and abroad, driven by government quality initiatives. Experts point to the AYUSH Premium Mark and NABL accreditation as key credibility upgrades that strengthen quality assurance, build consumer and regulator trust, and help Indian manufacturers compete in stricter international markets.
Accenture is accelerating AI-focused acquisitions, signaling a shift for large firms that once stayed on the M&A sidelines. For Indian IT, deals in the AI era could expand market share, but they may also strain return on invested capital. The question now is whether Indian IT is willing to pay that ROIC trade-off and integrate faster than competitors.
Hyderabad startup Recykal is taking on India’s USD 100 billion, largely informal, cash-driven waste management market with a B2B digital marketplace. By enabling the sale and purchase of recyclables, it helps companies like Coca-Cola, Marico and Nykaa move toward plastic neutrality. Backed by investors including Morgan Stanley and Circulate Capital, Recykal is trying to make waste trading traceable and efficient.
JPMorgan has downgraded Indian equities to Neutral from Overweight, warning that the Nifty could fall to 20,500 in a bear-case scenario, suggesting around 15% downside. The bank says the long-term outlook is intact, but near-term pressure could come from elevated valuations, Iran-related uncertainty, energy disruption risk, and emerging earnings concerns as FY27 estimates are cut.
Euro zone short-dated government bond yields rose for a fourth straight day, driven by heightened tensions between Iran and the US in the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are increasingly pricing in additional hawkish interest-rate moves from the European Central Bank. Spiking oil prices are stoking inflation worries, reinforcing expectations that the ECB may keep rates higher for longer.
The government’s December 30 safeguard duty on cheap steel imports offered a quick boost to domestic players like Tata Steel, JSW Steel and SAIL. But the momentum faded as a CCI probe alleged that major steelmakers may have colluded on pricing, raising the possibility that competition rules were breached. The industry now faces a “one step forward, two steps back” scenario.
Support for a Tata Sons IPO is growing after Tata Trusts Vice Chairman Vijay Singh reportedly backed listing, following Venu Srinivasan’s earlier push. The group previously signaled it wanted to stay unlisted and consider alternatives to avoid going public, but increasing board-level backing suggests the IPO conversation is moving from idea to plan.
India’s IT sector is seeing a rise in replacement hiring as Gen Z professionals switch jobs faster. The churn is reshaping how firms recruit, onboard, train, and retain talent. In response, companies are leaning more on contractual roles and speeding up onboarding while investing in continuous reskilling to keep up with rapid workforce turnover.
Indian markets finished higher on Tuesday, lifted by strength in banks, auto and metals. Lloyds Metals jumped on expansion plans, but Ola Electric and IDBI Bank fell after brokerage cuts and divestment concerns. IT stocks remained weak as investors refreshed fears of AI-led disruption, keeping sentiment cautious even with the overall index up.
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