PM Modi’s assurance to Indians and veiled swipe at Trump ahead of 50% tariff deadline

PM Narendra Modi promises to safeguard the interests of farmers, cattle-rearers, and small-scale industries despite pressure from countries driven by economic interests. He encourages citizens to support "Made in India" products. The US, led by President Trump, has been imposing high tariffs on Indian imports, with a new 50% tariff set to take effect on August 27.

Reliance Industries' Anant Ambani launched Vantara University, the first global university for wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences. The ceremony, conducted in Hindu traditions, announced scholarships for marginalized students and aims to position India as a global hub for wildlife. The university seeks to nurture a new generation dedicated to protecting all forms of life.

India's electricity consumption reached a record high of ~149 billion units in March 2026, but growth slowed to 1.7% year-on-year due to unseasonal rains and weaker industrial momentum. Despite this, demand is expected to remain strong with estimated growth of 5.5-6.5% in FY27. The moderation was largely weather-led, with above-normal rainfall reducing cooling demand.

Google receives over 3 million job applications every year, so, how can you get your resume selected? Hear it out from company's head of recruiting, Brian Ong.

Shapoorji Pallonji Group Chairman Mistry reiterates the need for listing Tata Sons, stating it is necessary for public interest and will reinforce corporate governance. The SP Group has full faith in the government and RBI to act decisively on the matter. Mistry believes listing will deepen transparency and accountability

Technology-led startups are providing fast delivery of construction materials within 2-24 hours, driven by the demand for reliability and faster turnaround. This is due to the importance of timely delivery in maintaining project timelines. B2B buying behavior is shifting towards smaller, more frequent purchases, and investor interest in this sector is increasing.

The banking system has seen a surge in liquidity due to government spending and maturing securities, reaching a four-year high of Rs 4.57 lakh crore. However, this may decrease due to upcoming tax outflows and reversal of VRR. The WACR has eased to 5.08%, but the RBI may not conduct variable rate reverse repo auctions due to the situation in West Asia.

Founder of Jaypee Group, Jaiprakash Gaur, supports Adani Group's selection by lenders to acquire bankrupt Jaiprakash Associates. He praises Adani's leadership and the fair process conducted by the Committee of Creditors. Vedanta Group, who initially offered a higher bid, challenges the decision, with the Supreme Court directing NCLT to prioritize their case.

The government's Modified Udan scheme has a budget of Rs 28,840 crore to build 100 new airports and 200 helipads in the next 10 years. It aims to shift focus from subsidies to airport development, but the first phase has not shown significant results. The new scheme addresses infrastructure issues, but faces challenges such as weak traffic and sustainability.

Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has resigned amidst an inquiry into allegations of cash found at his residence. Despite his denial, impeachment proceedings were initiated in 2025 after cash was allegedly found at his Delhi residence. His resignation now shifts focus to the ongoing inquiry and parliamentary process.

Actor Rajesh Kumar's failed farming venture and Rs 2 crore debt became the foundation of his unexpected passion for organic farming. Despite facing hardships, he persisted and inspired his sisters to quit their high-paying jobs and join him in Bihar. After setbacks and financial struggles, Rajesh has managed to reduce his debt to Rs 20 lakh and is now balancing acting and farming both.

Jio-BP, a joint venture of Reliance Industries and British Petroleum, saw a rise in petrol and diesel sales in March. CEO Akshay Wadhwa stated that despite global supply disruptions, there will be no increase in fuel prices. The company has 2,000 retail outlets in India and has not restricted fuel sales. Oil prices have also increased due to concerns over Saudi Arabian supplies

Nifty IT index falls 3% as major tech stocks see broad-based sell-off, with TCS, Infosys, and mid-tier firms like Coforge and Mphasis dropping around 3%. However, Wipro manages a marginal gain. The sharp fall is attributed to cautious signals from TCS earnings, concerns around AI disruption, and global tech shifts.

CLSA has changed its stance on Indian equities, stating that the worst phase for the market may be over. The firm has updated its India portfolio with stocks that can benefit from a recovery cycle and improved sentiment. The recent ceasefire news may be a positive sign, but volatility may persist in the short term. The macroeconomic impact may still be felt.

Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship store in India, named 'Beauty Wonderland', in collaboration with Nykaa. The store offers a personalized and immersive experience with makeup, skincare, and fragrance, including artistry services and a dedicated bridal beauty section. This marks a significant milestone in the brand's expansion into India's premium beauty market.

A 21-year-old Pakistani man living in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has pleaded guilty to attempting to commit ISIS-inspired acts of terrorism at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. He planned to carry out a mass shooting on the anniversary of Hamas attacks but was stopped by undercover officers. He now faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Humayun Kabir, former TMC leader and current head of AJUP, is caught in a political storm after a video of him discussing plans to hurt Mamata Banerjee and gain minority votes surfaces. TMC demands an ED probe, while Kabir denies allegations and blames TMC for trying to malign him. AIMIM ends alliance with Kabir's party.

Jefferies' report discusses the effects of market volatility on various sectors and identifies opportunities and risks in exchanges, asset management, insurance, and wealth management. The brokerage firm recommends investing in companies with strong market activity or stable earnings, such as Groww, Star Health, SBI Life, Nuvama, and ICICI AMC.

IPL 2026 has seen a shift in power with record-breaking totals and the emergence of early frontrunners in the playoff race. RCB and PBKS are leading the pack, while RR sits comfortably at the top of the points table. Young talent has shone for DC, while LSG's rookie Mukul has been a game-changer. RR, PBKS, and RCB are the top three gainers in the points table.

Trump's loyal MAGA supporters have abandoned him after his involvement in the US-Iran conflict. Criticism from right-wing influencers like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly has fueled discontent among his followers. Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling his former allies "nut jobs" with "low IQs." His once loyal supporters are now expressing frustration and disappointment on social media.

A California sheriff's deputy, identified as 60-year-old David Morales, was killed while serving an eviction notice in Porterville. The suspect, Morales, opened fire on deputies, hitting one who later died at a local hospital. The incident occurred at around 10:20 am local time and authorities have not released the officer's name yet.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will take oath as Rajya Sabha MP today, after resigning from the Bihar Legislative Council. BJP President Nitin Nabin has stated that there are no differences in the NDA over the appointment of a new Chief Minister. Kumar, who has been the longest-serving CM of Bihar, first took office in 2005 and is considered a trusted leader by all parties.

Melania Trump denies any connection to Jeffrey Epstein and asserts that she was not a victim. She met her husband before encountering Epstein and urges Congress to hold public hearings for victims to speak under oath. Her statement, delivered in the White House, brings attention to the handling of the case by the Trump administration, despite their efforts to move on.

LSG's Mukul Choudhary, bought for just Rs 2.6 crore, proved to be the hero in the match against KKR. Despite the expensive top and middle order failing, Choudhary's unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, including 7 sixes, led LSG to a miraculous victory. This performance highlights the importance of intent over pedigree, as Choudhary's strike rate of 200.00 becomes the highest for an LSG.

The revised draft of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) rules is set to benefit small car makers such as Maruti Suzuki and Renault by easing emission reduction requirements for entry-level vehicles. The latest proposal lowers targets for lighter cars, while tightening requirements for heavier ones.

WPP's CFO Joanne Wilson plans to tie agency fees to business outcomes, following global trends and a study by WFA and MediaSense. Industry leaders support this shift, but challenges like attribution complexities and limited data transparency may hinder its adoption in India. This new model has potential, but further obstacles may arise.

The war in West Asia has led to a 40% rise in international bitumen prices, affecting India's heavy reliance on imports for road construction. Minister Nitin Gadkari proposes using eco-friendly alternatives like bio bitumen, rubber dust, and waste plastic to reduce imports. With 15 companies obtaining its patent, the production of bio bitumen is expected to increase.

Novo Nordisk's cheaper version of semaglutide has caused a significant drop in the market share of rival drug tirzepatide. This is due to the flood of cheaper generic versions of semaglutide after its patent expired. Novo has also reduced prices of its obesity and anti-diabetic drugs to match Indian drugmakers. Analysts predict a stabilisation of the market in a few months.

The government has implemented strategies to ensure the availability of essential petrochemical inputs for the pharmaceutical industry, including increasing domestic sourcing and removing customs duty on 40 products. Despite global disruptions, drug prices and supply remain stable, with relaxed quality control norms.

Wipro, a top IT company, plans to announce a buyback of equity shares at a board meeting on April 15-16. The decision, along with fourth-quarter results, will be revealed to the public and investors on April 16. This will be Wipro's sixth buyback in 10 years, aimed at boosting EPS and return ratios. The buyback could improve investor sentiment and stabilize the company's declining stock price.

The April 9 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants sparked a debate on umpiring consistency due to a controversial catch by LSG's Digvesh Rathi. Despite evidence showing Rathi's foot touching the boundary cushion, the on-field umpire ruled it as OUT without referring to the Third Umpire. This decision has been heavily criticized.

The West Asia war has caused a decrease in onion prices in Lasalgaon, Nashik due to the impact on crop prospects and exports. However, with the arrival of rabi crops, prices are expected to stay low. The government is offering export incentives and has approved procurement of onions to create a buffer.

Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri arrived in Doha for a two-day visit amid disruptions in oil and gas flows due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. This visit is crucial for securing energy supplies as India heavily relies on imports, particularly from Qatar. The crisis has also highlighted India's exposure to the Gulf, with significant impacts on its oil, gas, and LPG supplies.

Cameron Green has been cleared to play as an all-rounder for KKR in today's match against Lucknow Super Giants. He has not bowled in the IPL 2026 due to a back injury and pressure as the most expensive overseas player. His return gives KKR a strategic edge and allows them to play an additional overseas player.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a crucial factor in the ongoing war, with Iran's control over the maritime chokepoint shifting the focus from its nuclear power. As a ceasefire is agreed upon, the question remains whether the shipping waterway is still open. Iran's decision to halt oil tankers and provide alternative routes due to Israel's strikes in Lebanon has caused confusion.

KKR strategically excludes Muzarabani for Green and Powell due to overseas slot limit and need for spin and batting depth. This could backfire if LSG's openers perform well. Today's match will feature four overseas players for KKR.

India and the US are working towards finalizing an interim trade deal, with a delegation from India visiting Washington later this month. The deal aims to reduce tariffs and address trade imbalances, but has faced challenges due to recent events such as the US Supreme Court's ruling on country-specific tariffs.

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the financial restructuring of MSEDCL, including the bifurcation of the company and an IPO for one of the new entities. The plan also includes issuing long-term bonds worth ₹32,679 crore to address existing financial liabilities. The state aims to enhance the power distribution sector and improve MSEDCL's operational efficiency.

Volkswagen India is set for growth above industry standards by launching new products and focusing on premiumization. The refreshed Taigun will be released this month, with one new product every quarter. The company is aware of portfolio gaps and plans to address them strategically.

Morgan Stanley India expects a 24% rise in Sensex index by year-end, with potential targets of 107,000 and 76,000 points. Strong stock performance, attractive valuations, and earnings growth support this prediction. However, concerns about high oil prices, tight monetary policy, and US recession loom. Policy reforms offer a glimmer of hope amidst these challenges.

Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal virtually met with key partners in West Asia, including the UAE and GCC, to enhance trade relations. Due to war-related disruptions, the UAE, the second largest export market for India, has been using alternate routes and ports.

Ola Electric's stock saw a 20% rise for the second day, hitting the upper circuit at ₹36.32 on NSE, amidst a dip in the market due to West Asia tensions. The surge is attributed to the launch of their new lithium iron phosphate cell for future products. Despite obstacles, the company has recorded a 150% growth in electric two-wheeler sales and has made progress in their operations.

Mercedes-Benz India had a successful year in FY26, selling 19,363 vehicles, a 2% increase from the previous year. The top-end luxury segment, including models like S-Class and Maybach, saw a 16% growth and contributed 27% to overall sales. However, the entry-level luxury segment declined by 18%.

India's non-life insurance industry experienced a 9% rise in gross direct premium income in FY26, fueled by the health insurance segment after the GST rate cut. Public sector insurers held a 37% share, while private players saw growth with a 19% increase in premiums. The government's GST exemption on individual health policies further contributed to the industry's overall growth.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a strong Q4 performance with a 12.2% YoY jump in net profit and 9.6% YoY revenue growth. The company also announced salary hikes across grades and a final dividend of Rs 31 per share. TCS's annualized AI revenue crossed $2.3 billion in Q4 and the company reported strong deal wins with a TCV of $12 billion. The company's client count valued at $100

India has shown economic resilience and growth through structural reforms, policy discipline, and innovation, despite global challenges like the COVID pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Its focus on diversification and flexibility in supply chains, strategic autonomy, and digitalization have made it a global leader in sectors like mobile phone production and generic medicines.

Jefferies predicts steady growth in financial sector despite tensions in West Asia. NBFCs expected to see improved profitability in upcoming quarter. Key stocks to monitor include Cholamandalam Investment, Shriram Finance, Mahindra Finance, LIC Housing Finance, Can Fin Homes, Aptus Value Housing, and Bajaj Finance. Management commentary on future growth should also be considered by investors.

Zoho, founded by Sridhar Vembu, has reported a 17.8% growth in revenue, reaching Rs 12,313 crore in FY25. Despite this, the company's profit remained flat due to increased expenses. Zoho's main sources of income are its IT management and business application software, with Zoho Suite contributing 57% of its revenue. North America is its largest market.

Premier Energies, a leading solar module manufacturer in India, has received orders worth Rs 2,577 crore for 1,600 MW of solar cells and modules. The contracts were awarded by top domestic companies, indicating trust in the company's manufacturing and execution abilities. The company's order book is growing, with plans to increase cell capacity to 10.6 GW by September 2026.

Dalal Street sees sharp turn with Sensex and Nifty slipping into red, major losses seen in key stocks and sectors. Investor sentiment turns cautious due to ceasefire disruption and global uncertainties. Profit booking after previous session's strong rally, rise in crude oil prices, weak global market cues, and increase in market volatility also contribute to the fall.

Young couple stranded in remote village panics as husband has work deadline, but students with high-end laptops save the day. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister promotes free laptop scheme for students. In another ad, a family laments about rising costs and urges people to think before voting. Parties in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry spending heavily on digital ads.