Business

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and stressed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open during talks in Beijing. The summit also focused on trade, Taiwan, energy security, fentanyl controls and broader US-China relations

The Enforcement Directorate froze ₹526 crore in bank deposits and seized gold and cash after raids on online gaming firm Gameskraft in a money laundering case. Three founders were arrested, with allegations linked to cheating, fraud, and real-money gaming operations

Sunil Bharti Mittal said he plans to hand over Bharti Airtel leadership to the next generation and aims for Bharti Telecom to regain a controlling stake. He also outlined long-term strategies for stake consolidation, Airtel Africa expansion, and sustained shareholder returns

Ranbir Kapoor has purchased a Rs 3.31 crore land parcel in Ayodhya’s The Sarayu project by House of Abhinandan Lodha. The development, on the Sarayu riverbank, reflects rising interest in Ayodhya’s real estate boom amid its growing religious and tourism significance

HFCL announced a Rs 230 crore investment to set up a defence manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Satya Sai district. The plant, expected by December 2027, will produce multi-mode hand grenades and similar systems, boosting the company’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

Indian equity benchmarks ended higher for a second straight session on Thursday, driven by gains in pharma, healthcare, banking and metal stocks. Investor sentiment improved amid expectations of policy support for the rupee and optimism surrounding the Trump-Xi meeting.

Eli-Lilly has launched India’s first disease-modifying Alzheimer’s drug, donenemab, under the brand name Lormalzi. Approved by the CDSCO in 2025, the treatment aims to slow cognitive decline in early-stage patients, though high costs and healthcare limitations may affect accessibility.

Two India-bound LPG vessels, Symi and NV Sunshine, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened US-Iran tensions. Despite diplomatic stalemates between Washington and Tehran, the transit signals a gradual resumption of energy shipments through this critical maritime chokepoint

The rupee fell to a record low of 95.86 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday amid rising crude oil prices and escalating West Asia tensions. Traders said geopolitical uncertainty and energy market volatility continue to pressure the Indian currency and investor sentiment.

Gold and silver prices declined on Thursday after the government increased import duty to 15 per cent, triggering profit booking in precious metals. Despite volatility, analysts remain cautiously bullish on gold and silver due to safe-haven demand and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in global markets 

Cisco will cut fewer than 4,000 jobs globally as part of a restructuring plan focused on artificial intelligence and high-growth technologies. The company cited stronger AI-linked demand, raised its outlook, and reported quarterly revenue growth while expanding investments in security, silicon and optics

Indian equity markets traded higher despite rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions, led by gains in pharma and banking stocks. Sensex and Nifty climbed over 0.6 per cent, while IT shares lagged amid rupee concerns, FPI selling pressure and global market uncertainties

Inox India Ltd reported a 15 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 75.23 crore in the March quarter of FY26, driven by higher income. The company’s quarterly revenue also rose significantly compared to the corresponding period last year

Crude oil futures rose by Rs 29 on the Multi Commodity Exchange as traders increased positions amid firm spot demand. Global crude benchmarks, including Brent and West Texas Intermediate, also traded higher during Wednesday’s session, supporting the positive trend in domestic futures markets

Think tank GTRI has said the sharp rise in gold and silver import duties could increase imports routed through Dubai under the India-UAE CEPA agreement, while also creating larger tariff advantages and arbitrage opportunities for precious metal traders and importers

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council has urged the government to consult industry stakeholders following the hike in gold import duty, warning that higher duties could increase smuggling, raise exporter costs and worsen liquidity pressures, especially for MSMEs in the jewellery sector

A CMR report found that while awareness and interest in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems remain high among Indian consumers, concerns over reliability in Indian driving conditions and limited understanding of the technology are slowing wider adoption despite growing focus on vehicle safety

Benchmark equity indices slipped into negative territory on Wednesday after early gains as rising crude oil prices, persistent geopolitical tensions and foreign fund outflows dampened investor sentiment. Concerns over inflationary pressures and the prolonged US-Iran standoff also weighed on global markets.

The rupee recovered 16 paise from its record low in early trade on Wednesday amid expectations of weaker US dollar demand following higher import tariffs on gold and silver. However, elevated crude oil prices and global dollar strength continued to weigh on market sentiment.

India increased gold and silver import duties to 15 per cent to curb rising imports and protect foreign exchange reserves amid the West Asia crisis. The move follows PM Narendra Modi’s austerity appeal as soaring oil costs, a weak rupee, and inflation intensify economic pressure on the country

Indian equity markets opened flat amid mixed global signals and easing crude oil prices. Investors remained cautious over the West Asia crisis, FII selling, and macroeconomic concerns. Defensive sectors gained traction, while analysts advised gradual accumulation of quality banking stocks during market declines

The Prime Minister’s appeal for austerity reflects growing concern that the Iran conflict is emerging as an economic threat capable of driving up inflation, fuel prices and household costs across India

Piyush Goyal urged Indian industry to treat global disruptions as a wake-up call for self-reliance, productivity and innovation. He emphasised reducing import dependence, accelerating EV adoption, leveraging AI, and boosting exports to strengthen India’s economy amid global uncertainty

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories reported an 86 per cent decline in consolidated profit after tax for the March quarter at Rs 221.3 crore, mainly due to lower generics sales in North America. The company, however, recorded growth in India and European generics businesses