Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
The BHIM app has integrated TransUnion CIBIL’s consumer CIBIL Score and Credit Information Report, letting users view and track credit details within the app. Access works on customer consent, and the article explains how to check your score and raise a dispute if any information is inaccurate—aiming to make corrections simpler and faster.
With tensions rising across West Asia, tech companies and global capability centers are activating business continuity plans. Work-from-home policies, travel advisories, and temporary office closures are being rolled out to reduce disruption. India is increasingly positioned as a stable hub for global operations, while firms also prioritize employee well-being and operational resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty.
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India’s GST collection for November has reached Rs 1,45,867 crore, up 11% year-on-year. The Centre transferred Rs 33,997 crore to CGST and Rs 28,538 crore to SGST from IGST through regular settlements. After these transfers, Centre and States recorded Rs 59,678 crore in CGST and Rs 61,189 crore in SGST, alongside Rs 17,000 crore released as GST compensation to States and UTs.
Buy now pay later is surging as both consumers and businesses lean into flexible payments. The trend accelerated last year when pandemic-era online shopping expanded from essentials to nearly everything, normalizing pay later options. With demand rising, payment providers and retailers are increasingly integrating these plans into mainstream commerce.
Finance Minister said the government is prepared to handle any global development as India’s economic revival becomes unmistakable. He projected that recovery will keep India among the fastest-growing large economies and said the momentum is likely to continue into the next fiscal. The remarks underscore confidence in domestic turnaround even amid global uncertainty.
Microsoft 365 users reported a major outage earlier, but the situation eased quickly. According to Downdetector, complaints dropped from about 17,000 earlier to just 136 by 5.38 p.m. ET. Downdetector aggregates user reports from multiple sources, suggesting Microsoft’s productivity platforms recovered rapidly after disruption.
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Zerodha co founder Nithin Kamath says the firm has spent only about Rs 10 lakh to develop the platform so far. He argues that investor pressure for quick exits isn’t there, letting the company focus on what it deems best for customers—even if it costs short term business. He highlights Zerodha’s no spam and no tracking approach.
The National Commission for Women has launched an investigation into alleged sexual harassment at a Tata Consultancy Services BPO unit in Nashik. An NCW fact-finding committee will visit the facility on April 17 for an on-site inquiry, and is set to interact with alleged victims, police, and company officials to gather details.
In Kolkata, a sculptor is building lifelike memorial statues of departed family members, creating detailed, full-size replicas that families commission at significant cost. The niche business blends art and remembrance, turning personal grief into a lasting, tangible tribute and pointing to a growing market for memorialization services.
A year after the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir’s tourism industry remains under pressure as hotel occupancies hover well below 50 percent. While booking queries are reportedly increasing, operators say traveler confidence is still fragile. Industry leaders are calling for stronger government support and a sharper safety focus to convince visitors and restart the recovery in the valley.
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IIM Ahmedabad wrapped up final placements for the PGP Class of 2026, placing students across 26 cohorts and multiple industry sectors. The private equity, venture capital, and asset management cohort stood out with a 45% jump in offers. Strong hiring was also reported in management consulting and investment banking, with Boston Consulting Group emerging as the top recruiter.
Marriott International says India is becoming one of its most important growth markets for branded residences. A Westin Residences project in Gurugram, developed by Whiteland Corporation, is underway with premium homes designed to blend hospitality-led living and wellness. Marriott is positioning the move as central to its long-term residential strategy, betting on sustained demand.
A BJP delegation led by Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju met the Election Commission seeking stringent action against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The complaint targets Kharge’s “terrorist” remark aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP called it outrageous and an insult to the people’s mandate, urging the EC to act firmly so such rhetoric is not repeated.
India’s Trusted Traveller Programme is now live at 13 airports, giving eligible Indian citizens and OCI cardholders access to automated e-gates. The free service uses biometric verification on both departure and arrival to speed up immigration clearance. Officials say it will cut long queues and improve passenger flow for frequent flyers and outbound/inbound travelers.
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Dave Clark, the former CEO of Amazon’s worldwide consumer business, will start as CEO of a San Francisco based logistics company on September 1. He will take the new role roughly two months after stepping down from his Amazon post in July. The move signals a high profile shift from big tech retail operations to logistics leadership.
The Gauhati High Court has rejected Congress leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail plea linked to allegations involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife. Criminal cases were filed by Sarma’s wife. After the Supreme Court directed Khera to approach the Gauhati High Court, the petition was heard and the HC has now refused relief.
Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab will close for 18 months as it undergoes a major restoration focused on interior refurbishment. Paris-based Tristan Auer will lead the upgrade, with the goal of modernizing the hotel while preserving its original design. The temporary closure is expected to impact the luxury property’s role in Dubai’s tourism scene.
India’s monsoon outlook is benchmarked against the Long Period Average, but the story is messier than the acronym suggests. The IMD’s forecasting process, who sets the benchmark, and how consistent past forecasts have been all matter—especially since markets respond to April updates even though the monsoon season begins in June.
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With the US Federal Reserve signaling just one interest-rate cut this year and the Bank of Canada keeping rates unchanged, policymakers are confronting a tough tradeoff. While growth risks are in focus, officials must decide whether to ease borrowing costs or hold firm—underlining how tightly linked global policy decisions now are.
In the alleged sexual harassment case involving TCS’ Nashik unit, the prime accused has moved for bail. In court, he argued that the complaint was filed out of the victim’s frustration over “one-sided feelings” and at times due to alleged parental pressure. The claim raises new questions about how the complaint originated and what evidence will be examined next.
The Centre is in discussions with Assam Petrochemicals and GNFC to secure methanol supply for India’s pharmaceutical sector. With West Asia-linked disruptions hitting global supply chains, officials are also focusing on logistics and distribution to prevent shortages. The move aims to stabilize availability of a key input for pharma production even as shipping and regional flows remain uncertain.
Experts warn that disruptions from the Iran conflict could take months for global pharmaceutical supply chains to stabilise. Active pharmaceutical ingredients, the key raw materials used to manufacture medicines, are expected to see only gradual relief. The delayed recovery may contribute to longer-lasting cost pressures across the medicines ecosystem, depending on how quickly routes, contracts, and inventories normalise.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary won the trust vote comfortably in the 243-member Assembly, signaling the NDA’s unity after the political transition triggered by Nitish Kumar’s resignation. The session featured a sharp exchange with Samrat Choudhary and Tejashwi Yadav, but the CM secured support to formally consolidate his position as Bihar’s leadership reset concludes.
FanCode has secured exclusive India broadcast rights to golf’s three biggest Majors: the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open. It’s the second consecutive year the platform positions itself as the “home of golf,” offering live and on-demand viewing. A bundled annual pass is also available, further strengthening FanCode’s push in global sports content.
Ahead of the Union Budget process, the Finance Ministry has invited suggestions from industry and trade bodies on possible changes to duty structures, tax rates, and the broadening of the tax base. The communication covers both direct and indirect taxes and asks stakeholders to provide economic justifications for proposed changes.
Sweden is drafting an immigration reform that could allow deportation if migrants are judged not to meet an “honest living” standard. The proposal would target issues such as unpaid debts and benefit fraud, tying continued residency to responsible conduct. Rights groups warn it may weaken legal equality and restrict freedom of expression as the rules are applied.
From Assessment Year 2026-27, India’s new income tax return forms will ask for extra details when claiming deductions for political donations under Section 80GGC. Taxpayers must disclose the political party’s name and PAN, including for donations made via banking channels or UPI, to improve transparency and traceability of contributions.
CGHS beneficiaries can now opt for Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima, designed to widen coverage with cashless treatment across a broad hospital network. The plan offers sum insured options of Rs 10 lakh or Rs 20 lakh. AYUSH treatments are covered 100%, while modern treatments are covered at 25% or 100% depending on an added rider—raising the question of whether the cover is truly free for everyone.
The Reserve Bank of India is tightening customer protection through new rules aimed at stopping mis-selling of financial products and curbing coercive loan recovery practices. The RBI is also proposing a compensation framework for small value fraudulent digital transactions, seeking to make the financial system safer and more accountable for consumers nationwide.
Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro show revenue declines even as deal pipelines stay healthy, pointing to slow conversion of deals into billed revenue. Analysts also warn that AI is reshaping buyer expectations, intensifying competition and pushing firms into more discounting. The result: growth may look strong upfront, but monetisation is lagging across the sector.
Zerodha is expanding its Coin platform into a broader passive wealth management hub, adding fixed deposits alongside existing offerings like mutual funds, NPS, and insurance. The firm is also looking at distributing bonds, positioning Coin as a single place for investors who prefer non-active management of their money.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das says the global economy is entering a fresh storm, with financial markets across countries thrown into turmoil. He notes stress is showing up across equity, bond and currency segments. Despite the global volatility, Das adds that economic activity in India remains stable, offering some cushion for the domestic outlook.
NPS pensioners and family pensioners will now receive the Fixed Medical Allowance directly into their bank accounts. The transfer is automatic, removing the need to submit medical bills. The change is designed to simplify claims and ensure timely support for eligible retirees and their families under the NPS framework.
When Iran-war disruptions tightened LPG supply, Indian households increasingly turned to induction cooktops, creating a sudden spike in demand. That shift raises a harder question than “can consumers adapt”: can India produce induction cooktops at scale quickly and reliably. The article argues energy security hinges on many overlooked supply-chain details, not just end-user choices.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday responded to the controversy around his alleged “terrorist” remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has already issued a detailed clarification. Speaking to reporters, Kharge insisted, “I clarified my statement in Chennai,” as the political dispute continues to draw attention and reactions.
Indian engineering exports surged past $10 billion in February 2026, recording double-digit growth despite geopolitical tensions and global economic slowdown. Shipments gained momentum across key destinations, with China emerging as a standout market as volumes doubled. Strong performance was also seen in other major regions including Saudi Arabia and the UK, helping sustain the export rebound.
Even as hiring sentiment stays shaky, several top non-engineering colleges in India report a strong placement season for the Class of 2026. Institutions such as St Stephen’s College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Loyola College, Christ University and St Xavier’s College say offers increased and salary packages rose, signaling demand for talent despite broader job-market worries.
The Allahabad High Court held that a wife can be evicted from a flat if the husband sells his sole-owned property, even while a matrimonial dispute is ongoing. In the case, the wife failed to prove co-ownership with documentary evidence. The court ruled the transfer valid because the apartment belonged exclusively to the husband.
AI company Anthropic is reportedly seeking a senior executive in London to secure major data centre capacity across Europe. The move supports its push to expand infrastructure beyond the US, targeting both established European AI hubs and emerging regions. The appointment is positioned as a key step to power Anthropic’s next-generation AI systems as its compute buildout accelerates.
Mumbai airport will suspend flight operations for six hours on May 7 as both runways close from 11 am to 5 pm for essential pre-monsoon maintenance. The annual work is intended to keep landings and take-offs safe during the monsoon period, and airlines have adjusted schedules in advance. The airport operator says the repairs are vital for airside infrastructure.
Film financing in India remains structurally tough: financiers typically enter at the earliest, highest-risk phase, while returns arrive years later amid major uncertainty. Observers say the risk-reward balance has worsened, making the model look better on paper than in practice. CineNow’s Rs 1,350-crore Film-Tech approach aims to rebalance that equation by changing how risk is managed and capital is deployed.
Singapore has brought an AI-enabled teddy back on sale after a recall tied to concerns from a sex-chat scare. In trial runs, researchers from PIRG tested the toy’s conversation abilities and say that when they introduced the topic of “kink,” the AI engaged in ways that raised alarm over how these products handle sexual content.
Classic Legends co-founder Anupam Thareja says the company wants faster growth by leaning into scrambler motorcycles, pitching them as the “SUV of motorcycles.” The firm has already launched new Yezdi and BSA scrambler models and plans four more this fiscal year. It also targets expanding its dealership network to 500 by FY27.
GST Appellate Tribunals (GSTAT) are designed to hear appeals against orders from GST appellate or revisional authorities. While this structure aims to improve dispute resolution, the question remains whether it can meaningfully reduce the swelling backlog of GST-related cases, given how disputes move through multiple decision layers before reaching GSTAT.
Indian major ports cleared a major milestone in 2025-26, moving over 915 million tonnes of cargo and surpassing the annual target. The haul reflects 7.06% year-on-year growth, indicating improved efficiency and a steady expansion trend. The momentum is backed by a significant rise in capital expenditure, supporting capacity and performance gains.
SBI General Insurance has launched Health Alpha, a customizable health plan that introduces an industry-first add-on for OPD benefits linked to gym and sports injuries. The policy offers options for unlimited sum insured, along with features such as a 10x cumulative bonus. Buyers can tailor coverage and waiting periods, with a welcome discount for early purchase.
Proptech startup Helium has raised Rs 5 crore from investors including Kunal Shah and Albinder Dhindsa. The company will use the funding for product development and marketing, running a rental model where it leases homes directly from owners and pays security deposits upfront. Tenants pay a deposit linked to their credit profile, reshaping how deposits are priced on the platform.
India’s GCC sector is grappling with a widening gap in specialized skills while talent increasingly moves to newer hubs offering higher packages. Younger professionals are also choosing roles with purpose and fast-changing work environments, pushing GCCs to overhaul hiring and retention strategies. Remote work and GCC expansion into Tier-II and Tier-III cities are adding fresh complexity—forcing more employee-centric approaches to win the talent war.
Bengaluru-based Unimech Aerospace and Manufacturing has signed definitive agreements to acquire Hobel Bellows, a specialist manufacturer of metallic bellows and flexible tubing components. The deal is positioned as a key move to strengthen Unimech’s precision engineering capabilities and build a globally competitive platform in engineered components.
HCLTech reported a 4.2% YoY rise in Q4 net profit to Rs 4,488 crore, but management pointed to macro uncertainties weighing on tech spending. The company also flagged AI-led automation as a potential headwind for FY27 revenues, estimating impact of 2–4%. HCLTech said it aims to counter this slowdown through more projects and demand capture.
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