Indian insurance sector experiences slow growth in April, with private insurers and LIC reporting mild de-growth. Private entities see 2% YoY growth, while public entities see low single-digit growth due to high base and volatile market. Companies facing profitability concerns and shifting focus to higher ticket size policies. HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential, SBI Life, and LIC all see slow growth.
India's leather industry is thriving after the recent trade deal with the EU, which eliminated tariffs and improved cost competitiveness. This is expected to boost India's exports and help domestic companies gain a larger share of the EU's $100 billion leather and footwear import market.
Maharashtra is implementing a pilot program, GROW, to protect migrant sugarcane workers and their families by connecting sugar mills, government schemes, and local civil society. The program aims to prioritize the health, safety, and economic participation of women workers and is supported by various government departments, sugar mills, and civil society organizations.
SUV manufacturers are pushing for relaxed emission limits under CAFE-3 norms, despite previously opposing it for small cars. Mahindra & Mahindra warns of penalties, while Tata Motors supports a softer framework for larger vehicles. Maruti Suzuki believes SUVs have more room for improvement, but the industry shows a wide gap in emission data across vehicle categories.
India's exports of agricultural and processed food products increased by 3.3% to $20.99 billion in the April-January period of the current fiscal. However, the value of rice exports, which make up the largest share in the country's agri-products exports basket, declined by 7.5% due to geopolitical tensions and competition from Pakistan.
Air India and IndiGo are shifting their focus to shorter, more affordable routes in Asia due to a weak rupee and increased demand for budget-friendly trips. This trend is expected to continue, with a particular surge in demand for Southeast Asian countries. Air India is adding more flights to Singapore and other Asian destinations, while IndiGo is expanding its presence.
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) is set to launch a dedicated EV production line at its Gujarat plant in July to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in both domestic and export markets. The line will have a capacity of 2.5 lakh vehicles per year and will produce eVitara and Urban Cruiser Ebella, as well as future EVs from the Toyota-Maruti joint venture.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the aircraft carrying Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar crashed due to fire damage to both flight recorders. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident, following ICAO standards. The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed near Baramati airport due to low visibility and lack of navigational aids.
Ola Electric's shares hit a record low of ₹27.36 on NSE after weak Q3 results and a strategic shift to energy storage. The stock has fallen over 64% from its IPO price of ₹76 and its market capitalisation has dropped from ₹69,000 crore to ₹12,280 crore. Citi and Emkay Global downgraded the stock to 'Sell' and Kotak Securities warned of a deeper crisis ahead.
According to Bank of America's analysis, India's trade deficit has hit a 3-month high, but there is optimism for improvement in the near future. The recent tariff reduction are expected to balance the deficit. While the services sector is providing some relief, the increase in gold and silver imports is a concern, which may be addressed by the removal of penalties and reduced tariffs.
Bill Gates' attendance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 has sparked controversy due to his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. While his name was initially displayed, it has now been removed from the event's website. Indian MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has praised the Ministry of Electronics & IT for taking action and removing Gates' name.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Bengaluru, the 'Silicon Valley of India,' this week, accompanied by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya and former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai. The visit sparked discussions about the opening of the US consulate in Bengaluru, which was eventually announced.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for tech enthusiasts, it’s rapidly reshaping the American workplace, former presidential candidate Andrew Yang warned in a recent newsletter. According to Yang, AI is already taking over tasks that used to require skilled professionals, from designing websites to analysing financial reports.
A high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island ended in tragedy as a targeted shooting left two dead, three critically injured, and the shooter, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident was caused by a family dispute and may have been influenced by mental health issues.
According to The Indian Express' exclusive report, three private sector contenders --- Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, a Larsen & Toubro-led consortium, and a Bharat Forge-led consortium --- have been shortlisted to design and develop prototypes of India’s proposed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the country’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter programme.
Jefferies, a global brokerage, maintains a 'Buy' rating for GMR Airports with a target price of Rs 125, indicating a potential upside of 33%. The company's strong earnings performance, growth in non-aero business, margin expansion, and future projects such as the Bhogapuram airport project support this bullish stance.
The DNPA held a panel discussion on "AI and Media" at the AI Impact Summit, stressing the responsible use of AI in newsrooms. Senior leaders from major news organizations attended, emphasizing accountability, fact-checking, and fairness in AI-powered news. The dialogue also discussed the potential and challenges of AI, such as revenue models and transparent partnerships with tech platforms.
Cochin Shipyard's share price increased by 6% as it won a major defence contract worth Rs 5,000 crore to build five Next Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy. The company also received an order for two Green Tugs and announced a second interim dividend for FY26. However, its Q3FY26 results showed a decline in net profit.
An Indian man living in the United States without legal status has been taken into custody by immigration authorities after being accused of serious crimes, including sexually assaulting a child under 13.
Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Minister Javed Ahmed Rana confirmed that the Shahpur Kandi dam, located on the Punjab-J&K border, will be completed by March 31, and excess water from the Ravi River will be stopped from flowing into Pakistan. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which gives India full rights to the Ravi, Beas, and Satluj rivers, was suspended after the 2025 terror attack.
The New York Times recently ran a piece that makes one thing clear. The fight over H-1B visas is no longer just about jobs. In some places, it has turned into open anger toward South Asians, especially Indians.
Traveling to the US is getting trickier for Canadians. More visitors from Canada are facing delays and extra checks at the border. In 2025, fewer Canadians visited the U.S. compared to 2024. Statistics Canada shows that in January 2026, return trips from the US dropped by 26.8% compared to the same month last year.
The UNESCO report on India's AI ecosystem notes its strengths in talent and policy, but also highlights gaps in inclusion, governance, and sustainability. It suggests mapping AI risks, improving coordination between central and state governments, and expanding data-sharing. The report also stresses the importance of building public trust and awareness in the AI sector.
At Davos, Nikhil Kamath and Yuval Noah Harari discuss the fragility of institutions, the importance of storytelling in human cooperation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on governance and shared truth. They warn of a shift towards personality-driven politics and emphasize the role of trust in both finance and geopolitics.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act by releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The files mention hundreds of influential individuals, including government officials and tech moguls. The duo clarified that redactions were made for valid reasons and the mere mention of a person does not imply guilt.
BharatGen, a non-profit organization, will launch a multilingual foundation model at the India AI Impact Summit, backed by significant funding from the Indian government. The model includes reasoning, coding, and mathematics capabilities and will be available for developers and enterprises to fine-tune.
The Sensex and Nifty rebounded after a three-day decline, with the Sensex gaining 650.39 points and the Nifty gaining 211.65 points. Despite a negative gap at the opening, the market bounced back in the second half due to selective buying in heavyweight stocks. Investor wealth increased by Rs 3.12 lakh crore, but market breadth remained negative.
The US and India are set to lower tariffs on each other's imports, with a reduction to 18% from 25%. Additional tariffs on Indian goods will also be reduced from 50% to 18%. The interim agreement will be finalized next week by India's chief negotiator. Plans to establish trade deals with the UK and MERCOSUR are underway, while talks with Canada will resume under a new government.
The unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above increased to 5% in January, with a wider gender gap. Rural areas experienced a rise in unemployment due to seasonal factors, while urban areas remained steady. The labor force participation rate and worker population ratio declined, particularly for women. Data was gathered from 3.73 lakh individuals in both rural and urban areas.
ISB has been named the top business school in India by the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2026. Its PGP program has been ranked the best in the country for the sixth year in a row. Factors like salary increase and strong alumni network have helped ISB climb the ranks. Other Indian b-schools, including IIM Bangalore, have also seen an improvement in their rankings.
AI is accelerating cybercrime as attackers use it to speed up reconnaissance, generate phishing messages, and assist in malware development. However, it can also be a defender's advantage as it helps automate routine tasks and scale campaigns faster. Cybersecurity teams are deploying AI to counter these developments and monitor networks continuously.
The unemployment rate in India increased to 5% in January, with both rural and urban areas seeing a rise. This was due to seasonal factors and a decrease in female labor participation. The worker population ratio also dropped after six months of growth. These findings were from the Periodic Labour Force Survey by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
India's wholesale price inflation reached a 10-month high of 1.81% in January, driven by higher prices of basic metals, manufactured goods, and food and non-food items. This was a significant jump from the previous month's rate of 0.83%. The rise in vegetable prices and a sharp increase in core inflation also contributed to the overall inflation, while fuel and power remained in deflation.
Torrent Power has acquired Nabha Power, a coal-fired power plant operator in northern India, for Rs 6,889 crore. This will increase Torrent's operational capacity to 6.4 GW and mark their entry into the high-growth power market of northern India. L&T, the previous owner, will receive Rs 3,661 crore from the sale.
TCS and AMD have joined forces to introduce the advanced Helios AI architecture in India. This collaboration will provide a 200 MW AI-ready data center blueprint and speed up data center development in the country. The Helios platform, utilizing AMD technology, is specifically designed for large AI workloads and offers exceptional performance and efficiency.
As February 2026 approaches, millions across India await the crescent moon that will officially mark the beginning of Ramadan. While astronomical calculations point to one date, tradition may lead to another.
Kunal Nayyar, famous for his role on Big Bang Theory, uses his free time to pay off medical debts for struggling families through GoFundMe. With a net worth of $45 million, he believes it is his responsibility to give back. He also supports causes like funding scholarships for acting students and helping low-income students pursue STEM fields.
Controversial rapper Kanye West has announced his upcoming trip to India through his media company, Yeezy. The 'Ye Live Concert' will be held on March 29, 2026, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Fans can visit YEINDIALIVE.COM to learn more and prepare for the music mayhem.
Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again left the party in an awkward spot. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Aiyar made sharp comments about senior Congress leaders, including Shashi Tharoor, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera.
The Chinese New Year is a time of prosperity and luck, celebrated by millions across the globe. This year, it commemorates the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of transformation and restlessness. As a 60-year cycle, it represents a "double fire" intensity, bringing dynamic change and intense passions. Wishing loved ones a happy New Year, may it bring clarity, success, and a sense of belonging.
Ola Electric's share price hits record low of Rs 28.81 after Q3 revenue decline and 'Sell' rating from Emkay. Sales volume and market share also decrease, raising concerns about operations and debt. Company implementing cost-cutting measures and working to improve operations, but stabilization may take time.
A fire at a chemical plant in Rajasthan's Bhiwadi has claimed the lives of at least seven people. The incident occurred in the Khairthal-Tijara district and videos of the firefighting efforts have been circulated online. Multiple bodies have been recovered from the site and the situation is still developing.
The dream of "coming back home" is a common dinner table topic for many Indians living abroad. We often think that if someone strikes it rich in Canada or the US, they’ll eventually pack their bags, build a massive bungalow in their hometown, and live like royalty. But the reality is different.
BEL and Safran have joined forces to create a joint venture called Project HAMMER, which will serve as a technology partner for producing, supplying, maintaining, and repairing guidance kits for weapons. The venture will have equal ownership and a board structure, with a focus on the HAMMER project. The initial share capital is Rs 1 lakh, but may increase as needed.
Australian influencer Drew Pavlou accused singer Billie Eilish of getting him deported from the US after her "stolen land" speech at the Grammys. A viral post joking about moving into Eilish's mansion led to Pavlou being questioned for 30 hours at LAX and he claims her legal team may have been involved.
KFin Technologies reports modest profit growth in Q3FY26, with a net profit of Rs 92 crore. Revenue growth remains strong at 28% year-on-year, driven by international and other investor solutions. Margins show slight compression due to new labour codes, but the company is expanding its footprint and securing new mandates.
US Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel J. Paparo on Sunday praised India’s military response during Operation Sindoor, calling its execution impressive and measured.
69-year-old Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor attributes his success and fit physique to his deep-rooted insecurity. This drive has kept him relevant in the ever-changing industry and has been the foundation of his career, providing stability for his family. As he gears up for the release of his new action film, Subedaar, on March 5, this emotion continues to motivate him.
Magnum Ice Cream Company has made an open offer to acquire 26% stake in Kwality Wall’s India at a fixed price of Rs 21.33 per share for a total consideration of Rs 1303.03 crore. This follows the demerger of Kwality Wall’s from Hindustan Unilever and the share purchase agreement between Unilever and Magnum. Once the deal is complete, Magnum will become the promoter of Kwality Wall’s.
Shahid Kapoor's latest release, O'Romeo, has successfully crossed the Rs 30 crore mark in India, making it a significant post-pandemic milestone for the actor. The film, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and co-starring Triptii Dimri, saw a steady upward trend over its opening weekend, with a slight dip on Sunday due to the India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup match.
The US Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General have sent a letter to Congress stating that the Department of Justice has released all files related to the Epstein scandal, including names of government officials and high-profile individuals. However, confusion arose as the supposed "Epstein list" of clients does not exist according to Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony.