The Economic Times

Trump Tariffs Refunds: Importers and their brokers will be able to begin claiming refunds through an online portal.

Indian consumer sector investment declined in FY26. Investors are now favoring smaller, diversified deals over large bets. Deal volume, however, increased significantly. This indicates a market shift towards sustainable growth and operational discipline. Mega deals are absent, but early-stage funding shows resilience. Companies focus on filling gaps rather than just scaling up.

Bank credit growth is set to outpace deposit expansion in fiscal 2027. Analysts predict credit will grow 12-14% while deposits rise 10-12%. This trend follows a pattern where credit has consistently grown faster than deposits for over a decade. Revised liquidity norms may help manage this gap. Declining CASA ratios are a concern, impacting bank profitability.

The Indian government is taking action against non-profits holding unused foreign funds. Registrations are being cancelled for organizations that have not utilized foreign donations received years ago. A new bill aims to further tighten controls, potentially freezing funds and restricting asset management for these entities. This signals a shift towards greater accountability in the non-profit sector.

In an ambitious bid to redefine air travel, Air India is revamping its passenger experience. Customers will soon enjoy upgraded cabins on older jets as well as state-of-the-art aircraft, accompanied by the launch of exclusive airport lounges. These enhancements are tailored to draw in premium travelers, with the ultimate goal of boosting revenue and driving profit growth.

Microfinance lending rates are rising for the poorest borrowers. This is happening despite a government credit guarantee scheme designed to lower these rates. Microfinance companies cite their own increased borrowing expenses as the main reason. They are paying more to banks for funds. This trend is impacting the cost for end borrowers.

Bengal's election campaign intensifies as Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee directs party workers to reach out to all voters. Cadres are instructed to explain government schemes and development work. They are also told to remain vigilant on polling day, monitor EVMs, and report any intimidation.

Sajjan Jindal, Business Leader of the Year, shares his four-decade journey. He built JSW with passion and bold decisions. Jindal emphasizes stakeholder care and corporate governance for young entrepreneurs. He expanded into cement and paints, seeing potential beyond steel. Takeovers are a key growth strategy. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence will be presented on April 25.

Global geopolitical tensions are impacting new technology center openings in India. While the number of new centers slowed, existing ones are expanding. Experts predict continued growth in greenfield centers if uncertainties ease. The GCC ecosystem is steadily rising, driven by new capabilities in AI and product engineering.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a special development package for Chennai. This initiative focuses on improving urban infrastructure and creating future job opportunities. Key promises include enhanced drinking water supply and a new cultural center. The plan also aims to expand the Chennai Metro Rail and invest in a dedicated hub for artificial intelligence and related technologies.

Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs reported over 3,400 deaths in the recent conflict with the US and Israel. This announcement follows a two-week ceasefire, with the latest toll indicating 3,468 martyrs lost. Previous reports had cited slightly lower figures, while a US-based agency estimated over 3,600 fatalities, including civilians and military personnel.

The Supreme Court has officially concluded the hearings related to the Additional Tier-1 bond write-down of Yes Bank, with a verdict now on the horizon. This case follows the bank's dramatic near-collapse back in 2020, leading to an aggressive write-down of 8,415 crore in bonds, sparking a flurry of legal action from aggrieved investors.

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust is raising 2,600 crore through a qualified institutional placement. Major investors like IFC, Whiteoak Capital, HDFC Life Insurance, Axis Max Life Insurance, and PPFAS Mutual Fund are participating. The funds will support acquisitions and debt repayment. This move strengthens the REIT's growing portfolio of operational assets.

West Bengal faces heightened election scrutiny. The Election Commission has marked 55 constituencies as expenditure sensitive. This year, 100 observers are deployed, the highest number across poll-bound regions. Seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies have surged. Several border areas and urban centers are under close watch to ensure fair elections.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended a senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation official and a consultant linked to Reliance Industries. The arrests stem from an alleged bribery case involving 2.5 lakh for drone import approvals. The DGCA deputy director-general is accused of demanding payment for granting permissions. The consultant is also associated with a drone manufacturing firm.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Kolkata businessman in a money laundering investigation. The probe targets a criminal syndicate operating in the poll-bound state. Searches were conducted at the businessman's residence and that of a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner. The case is linked to alleged organized criminal activities and illegal fund generation.

Voters in Coimbatore are shifting their support away from the BJP. Some students who were inspired by K Annamalai are now considering voting for actor-politician Vijay. Former volunteers who worked for Annamalai are also stepping back. However, some party loyalists continue to campaign for the BJP, believing the party is paramount.

India's peak power demand surged to nearly 239 GW on April 18, the highest this summer, driven by rising temperatures and increased cooling loads from air conditioners and agriculture. This figure surpasses last year's peak, and with heatwave conditions predicted, further electricity consumption increases are expected, with the power ministry projecting a peak demand of 271 GW this year.

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that international flights will resume from Mashhad Airport starting Monday. This marks the beginning of a phased reopening of Iranian airspace, with transit flights and eastern airports being prioritized. Travelers can now purchase tickets for international routes to and from Mashhad.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is advocating for a unified national industrial land bank. This initiative aims to create an online system simplifying land acquisition for factories. The proposed system will offer comprehensive land details. Reforms include standardized impact assessments and faster acquisition processes. Uniform stamp duty is also recommended to streamline investments across states.

London police are probing potential Iranian involvement in recent arson attacks targeting Jewish sites. The UK Chief Rabbi warns of a growing campaign of violence. A pro-Iranian group has claimed responsibility for some incidents. Counter-terrorism units are actively investigating these threats. Authorities are vigilant about hostile Iranian activity within the UK. These events highlight a concerning escalation of tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Trinamool and Congress for allegedly conspiring to defeat the Women's Reservation Bill. He addressed rallies in West Bengal's tribal regions, accusing the ruling party of betraying women. Modi promised financial assistance and the creation of Lakhpati Didis if the BJP forms the government, highlighting women's empowerment.

Violence against women and children is a major election issue in Tamil Nadu. The opposition alleges the DMK government is soft on crime and that drugs are freely available. Concerns over safety are widespread. The DMK is trying to win over female voters with promises of increased financial aid.

Jasmin Lawrence and Eric Murphy have welcomed daughter as Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence become grandpas.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the 10-day truce with Israel must be mutual, vowing retaliation for any Israeli attacks. He criticized the US for dictating truce terms and condemned direct negotiations with Israel as humiliating for Lebanon. Qassem also expressed gratitude to Iran for its support.

On overall credit expansion, the survey said lenders are positive and anticipate continued momentum in non-food credit. The survey, which covered 24 banks across segments, was released on Sunday.

The Finance Ministry is set to discuss customs warehousing benefits for imported battery storage systems. Industry groups have raised concerns about the MOOWR scheme creating an uneven playing field. Consultations with power and renewable energy ministries are planned. The government is examining potential misuse and policy gaps. A decision will align with India's energy security goals.

The labour ministry of India is charting a new course by investigating a multi-manager framework for its latest social security initiative aimed at gig and platform workers. The EPFO is likely to manage the provident fund components, while various fund managers will look after pension allocations.

Films designed to provoke polarizing social media debates are proving to be an effective post-release marketing strategy. By tapping into uncomfortable social truths, these movies sustain audience attention and drive incremental footfalls through online arguments. This phenomenon is particularly evident in urban centers where social media significantly influences public consciousness and viewing habits.

Indian banks are preparing for a quantum computing future. The finance ministry has asked public sector banks to explore quantum-resistant encryption. This move aims to secure financial systems against future threats. Experts warn quantum computers could break current encryption. India's National Quantum Mission is also building a quantum communication network.

Global business surveys this week will reveal the escalating impact of seven weeks of Middle East conflict on growth and inflation. Initial data from Australia to the US is expected to show deterioration, particularly in Europe, raising concerns about potential stagflation. Policymakers are cautiously awaiting these figures to inform interest rate decisions.

Shreveport Louisiana Mass Shooting: The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old and some of the children were related to the suspect, as per reports.

India and Germany are set to sign a defence industrial cooperation roadmap. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit will focus on joint development and production of weapon systems. Discussions will also cover cyber security, artificial intelligence, and drones. A defence investor summit is planned to boost collaboration and investment in the defence sector.

Pahalgam's tourism is slowly reviving after a devastating attack last year. However, several tourist spots remain shut, affecting hundreds of pony wallas. Their earnings have drastically reduced. Hotel occupancy is low, and tourist stays are shorter. Security measures led to the closure of many sites. Authorities are working to reopen these areas, promising a return to normalcy.

Punjab Kings secured a commanding 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab Kings posted a record 254 runs, driven by exceptional batting performances. Lucknow Super Giants' chase fell short despite some strong individual efforts. This win propels Punjab Kings to the top of the table. Lucknow Super Giants remain in the eighth position.

Israel and Argentina have launched direct flights connecting the two nations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei announced the new route. This initiative aims to deepen economic cooperation, facilitate business, and encourage tourism. The flights will make travel between the countries faster and more accessible.

India and Sri Lanka initiated conversations about a new oil pipeline, aiming to enhance energy cooperation. They also delved into topics like advancing bilateral relations, collaborative housing developments, and the challenges faced by fishermen. This visit underscored India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, emphasizing its proactive role in regional issues.

Iran has not yet decided if it will join new talks with the United States. Local media reports suggest the atmosphere is not very positive for negotiations. Iran's state news agency points to US demands and contradictions. A US blockade on Iranian ports is cited as a precondition by some sources. Prospects for fruitful talks remain unclear.

A post by Nitin Kaushik highlights a common issue in Indian households: a large portion of wealth is tied up in real estate and gold, leaving very little liquidity. He points out that while people own valuable assets, these often generate low returns and cannot be easily accessed in times of need. The key takeaway from his post is the need to shift towards assets that offer both growth and income, rather than relying heavily on those that simply sit idle and depend on price appreciation.

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust is raising Rs 2,600 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement. Major investors include IFC, Whiteoak Capital, HDFC Life Insurance, Axis Max Life Insurance, and PPFAS Mutual Fund. The funds will support acquisitions and debt repayment. This fundraising follows significant capital raised since 2023. The REIT has expanded its operational assets considerably.

India is pushing for quick progress on a key energy hub project in Sri Lanka. The proposed oil hub in Trincomalee is a strategic initiative involving India and the UAE. Officials met in Colombo to discuss accelerating the project. This development comes as global energy supplies face disruption. The hub aims to enhance regional energy security and cooperation.

A woman from Delhi quit her 9 LPA corporate job to pursue content creation full-time and earned over 1.5 lakh in her very first month. While sharing her journey online, Anshika highlighted that the switch was not impulsive and came after careful planning, including building income streams, savings, and networks. She also pointed out the less-discussed challenges of the field, such as inconsistent earnings and delayed payments, urging others to think practically before leaving stable jobs.

Gold demand during India's Akshaya Tritiya festival remained subdued as record prices curbed jewellery purchases, despite a slight increase in investment demand. Consumers shifted towards gold coins, with overall buying volume lower, though value spending was higher due to elevated prices. This reflects a changing trend of price-sensitive buyers purchasing throughout the year.

An Iranian-origin businesswoman with US permanent residency has been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. Shamim Mafi is accused of brokering arms deals involving Iranian drones, bombs, and ammunition for Sudan. Prosecutors state these transactions were linked to Sudan's ongoing civil conflict. Mafi allegedly used an Oman-registered company and routed deals through Turkey and the UAE to evade US detection.

Singer Jasmine Sandlas has opened up about her past struggle with alcohol addiction. She began drinking at 23, seeking external support during a difficult period. Family dynamics and personal heartbreaks contributed to her reliance on alcohol. With her mother's unwavering support, Sandlas embarked on a journey to recovery. She now feels reborn after overcoming her addiction.

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Rishi Raj Singh, a director at political consultancy firm I-PAC. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged hawala transactions and money laundering. The agency previously arrested another I-PAC director, Vinesh Chandel, in connection with the case.

As the T20 series against South Africa unfolds, India grapples with setbacks after two consecutive defeats. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur champions the spirit of togetherness, urging her squad to come back stronger and embrace a winning mindset. With a focus on refining both death-over strategies and powerplay tactics, the team is ready to turn things around.