Business

Saudi Arabia remains an OPEC heavyweight despite waning influence, as rivalry with the UAE deepens over economic interests and regional politics, particularly in the Red Sea region

Anant Mukesh Ambani has urged Colombia to suspend plans to cull 80 invasive hippos, proposing their relocation to Vantara with full funding, scientific management, and lifelong care, pending required international approvals

Gold and silver prices fell up to 2% on the Multi Commodity Exchange amid US-Iran tensions and rising crude oil prices above $110. Weak global cues and profit booking pushed both metals lower despite strong long-term returns

India’s Oil India Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, with partners, discovered oil and gas in Libya’s Ghadames Basin, boosting India’s global energy footprint and supporting efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce crude import dependence

First LNG shipment since the West Asia conflict appears to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, signalling easing tensions. The tanker Mubaraz heads toward China, raising cautious optimism for global energy flows despite ongoing US-Iran geopolitical uncertainty 

Mumbai markets opened lower as Sensex and Nifty slipped amid rising oil prices and foreign outflows. Weak global cues, inflation concerns, and cautious sentiment weighed on investors, despite selective gains, while domestic support remained limited and volatility persisted through session 

India and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union will hold the next round of FTA talks in June in Moscow, focusing on non-trade issues, as India seeks to diversify exports and strengthen economic ties with member nations

China said its “all-weather” ties with Pakistan remain strong and steadily growing as President Asif Ali Zardari visits China. Both sides aim to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership during diplomatic talks marking 75 years of ties

India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement boosting exports, investment, and skilled mobility. India gains 100% duty-free access to NZ, while New Zealand secures selective market entry. The pact strengthens Indo-Pacific trade ties and targets $20 billion investment inflows

Sun Pharma Chairman Dilip Shanghvi described the Organon acquisition as both exciting and worrying due to its size and debt burden, while expressing confidence in repayment and highlighting expansion into China and biosimilars as key strategic gains

Nippon Life India Asset Management reported a 29 per cent rise in Q4 profit to Rs 384.48 crore, driven by higher income and market share gains. The company also announced a final dividend, taking total FY26 payout to Rs 21.50 per share

UltraTech Cement reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 3,000.02 crore in Q4 FY26, driven by strong sales volumes and demand. The company also announced a special dividend and highlighted growth despite global challenges and cost pressures

India and New Zealand signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), described as India’s first women-led negotiation deal. It grants 100% duty-free access for Indian exports, boosts investment, and expands opportunities for students, professionals, and key sectors

Mahindra Holidays reported a 43 per cent decline in Q4 FY26 profit to Rs 41.49 crore despite higher revenue, due to rising expenses and one-time impacts. Annual profit also fell, while international operations remained under pressure

Global venture capital funding more than doubled to USD 330.9 billion in Q1 2026, driven by AI megadeals. India is expected to benefit from rising AI investments, although adoption remains nascent, according to a KPMG report

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