Business

India’s inland waterways cargo hit a record 145.84 MMT in FY25, while passenger traffic surged sharply. The government plans to expand operational waterways, boost coastal shipping, and double modal share by 2047, strengthening infrastructure, efficiency, and logistics capacity nationwide

Sun Pharma will acquire US-based Organon & Co in an all-cash deal valued at USD 11.75 billion. The acquisition will strengthen its global presence, expand women’s health portfolio, and position the company among the top 25 pharmaceutical firms worldwide

India’s passenger vehicle wholesale volumes rose 16 per cent in March 2026, driven by strong demand and GST cuts, while FY27 growth is projected at 4 to 6 per cent. Utility vehicles continue to dominate, with exports also showing healthy growth

Hyderabad-based Sigma Advanced Systems has signed a seven-year ₹3,800 crore agreement with Rolls-Royce to supply precision aerospace components. The deal strengthens its India–UK manufacturing footprint and provides long-term revenue visibility and global engineering opportunities.

In the absence of clear oversight, scammers exploit both the opacity and the hype associated with digital assets

The India–New Zealand FTA is set to boost India’s leather sector, with zero tariffs enhancing exports. Piyush Goyal said the industry could reach $50 billion by 2030, leveraging manufacturing strength and global market access

India advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to partially open airspace, while assisting evacuation of 2,445 Indians via land routes. Gulf carriers continue limited flights to India as regional aviation gradually stabilises under safety restrictions

India’s peak power demand touched a record 256.11 GW amid rising temperatures and increased use of cooling devices. Experts warn demand may rise further as heatwaves intensify, with the power ministry projecting a peak of 270 GW this summer

The Central Information Commission upheld denial of RTI data on India’s oil imports from Russia, citing commercial confidentiality and strategic interests, while directing Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell to improve transparency and disclosures on its website

A national body representing gig workers has urged the government to introduce enforceable heatwave protections under the social security law. It has proposed cooling breaks, safety measures, and accountability norms to protect workers from extreme heat conditions

Seven of India’s top-10 most valued companies lost over Rs 2 lakh crore in market value last week amid weak market sentiment. Reliance Industries and TCS led the decline, while select firms like SBI and Hindustan Unilever posted gains

Axis Bank reported a slight reduction in its workforce at the close of FY26, attributing the decline to productivity gains from sustained technology investments. Managing Director Amitabh Chaudhry emphasised that the headcount optimisation reflects the bank’s long-term digital transformation strategy rather than targeted cuts.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced a ₹2,500 crore defence manufacturing plant by Adani Group in Kolaras, Madhya Pradesh, expected to create 2,000 jobs and boost industrial growth while strengthening India’s defence production capabilities

India’s envoy Naveen Srivastava met Nepal’s Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha in Kathmandu to discuss energy cooperation, cross-border projects, and regional connectivity. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to sustainable development amid ongoing India–Nepal power and transmission agreements

India’s electricity demand hit a record 252.07 GW as a severe heatwave increased cooling usage. Experts warn demand may rise further, while the government plans capacity additions to meet growing needs driven by weather conditions and changing consumption patterns

Gold prices fell 0.34 per cent for the week amid profit booking, though late recovery was seen on US–Iran talks and Fed rate expectations. Silver gained on Friday, but both metals remain range-bound amid geopolitical uncertainty.

CDS Anil Chauhan held key talks with US and UK military leaders, strengthening strategic alignment on Indo-Pacific security, technology cooperation, and global challenges, while signalling plans to expand bilateral and tri-service defence engagements and operational coordination

Indian equity markets declined nearly 2 per cent this week as West Asia tensions, a sharp rise in crude oil prices, and heavy IT selling weighed on sentiment, even as strong domestic institutional inflows helped limit deeper losses amid continued volatility.

Rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key maritime chokepoints expose India’s supply chain vulnerabilities

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, the retail arm of Reliance Industries, reported a 11.83% rise in gross revenue to Rs 3.70 lakh crore in FY26, while expanding its store count beyond 20,000. Profit after tax rose 11.73% to Rs 13,842 crore, supported by strong growth in hyperlocal commerce, FMCG, fashion, and grocery segments. J

Reliance Industries Ltd reported a 12.5% decline in net profit for the March quarter, with earnings at Rs 16,971 crore compared to Rs 19,407 crore a year earlier. The downturn was driven by weakness in its oil and chemicals segment, offsetting gains in telecom and retail.

Despite expanding health insurance coverage, the government’s promise of a financial safety net is eroding due to spiralling medical costs and persistently low public health spending 

Paytm Payments Bank has been barred from conducting any banking business, and the RBI will move the high court to initiate its winding up

Paris airport operator’s stake in the airports business arm of the GMR Group to drop from 32.3 per cent to 25 per cent after deal completion