National / The Times of India
ICAI will review Gensol Engineering and BluSmart Mobility's FY24 financial statements due to misconduct allegations. This decision follows SEBI's market ban on Gensol's promoters for fund siphoning. The FRRB will assess compliance, and irregularities may lead to disciplinary action and referral to regulatory authorities, while the ministry of corporate affairs considers action against Gensol.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized China's export-driven economic model as unsustainable, harming both China and the global economy. He defended President Trump's tariffs as a means to foster deeper collaboration and address policy choices that have weakened US manufacturing.
Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has closed the Attari Integrated Check Post, a key trade route with Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Misri announced the closure, allowing only returnees until May 1, 2025. The move, impacting trade worth Rs 3,886.
Boeing's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, confirmed that China has ceased taking delivery of its aircraft due to escalating trade tensions and tariffs imposed by both Washington and Beijing. Consequently, Boeing will actively seek alternative buyers for these planes, including the 737 MAX, originally intended for Chinese airlines. Despite this setback, Boeing reported a narrower-than-expected loss and plans to increase aircraft production.
Donald Trump seems to be softening his stance on the trade war with China. He hints at lowering tariffs, but Beijing isn't responding. China is showing resistance and preparing to operate independently. Experts suggest Trump's shift reflects domestic pressures. The situation is described as an economic war. A summit between Trump and Xi Jinping appears unlikely due to distrust.
Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened a high-level security meeting to bolster security across Punjab and ensure the safe return of stranded residents from Kashmir. Uttar Pradesh has also issued a high alert, directing heightened vigilance, especially in sensitive areas and border districts, with increased security measures at key sites and transportation hubs.
Luxury goods exceeding Rs 10 lakh, including handbags, watches, art, and yachts, will now incur a 1% tax collected at source (TCS), effective from April 22. This measure, introduced in the Finance Act 2024, aims to enhance the income tax department's ability to track high-value purchases by mandating PAN details.
Gold prices have breached the Rs 1 lakh mark and investors are wondering - is this the right time to buy gold or should they be booking profits? What's the gold rate outlook for this year and will the rally last? Experts weigh in:
RBI's new guidelines empower minors to manage finances, allowing those above 10 to independently operate accounts with bank-set limits. Accounts can be opened by any minor through a guardian, including the mother. Banks may offer internet banking and debit cards based on risk assessment. Upon reaching adulthood, updated account details are required, ensuring a smooth transition and continued financial responsibility.
The European Union has fined Apple and Meta for violating the Digital Market Act (DMA), imposing penalties of 500 million and 200 million euros, respectively. Apple is penalized for restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper options outside the App Store. Meta faces fines for forcing users to consent to personalized ads or pay to avoid them.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that all Indian banks migrate their net banking facilities to the exclusive '.bank.in' domain by October 31, 2025. This initiative aims to combat rising online payment fraud and enhance trust in digital banking services by ensuring customers can easily identify authentic banking websites.
Indian and US officials have commenced formal discussions in Washington on a proposed bilateral trade agreement, aiming to resolve outstanding issues across 19 chapters. The US seeks enhanced market access and lower tariffs, addressing its trade deficit with India, which reached USD 45.7 billion in 2024.
The World Bank has lowered India's GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 6.3%, citing global economic headwinds and domestic policy uncertainties. The IMF also revised its projection downward to 6.2%. Across South Asia, growth projections have been broadly reduced, with the region expected to grow at 5.8% in 2025.
China has expressed a renewed interest in trade negotiations with the United States, stating that dialogue is preferred over confrontation despite ongoing tariff tensions. While Beijing is prepared to defend its interests, it cautions against exerting maximum pressure while seeking cooperation. This message signals a strategic openness to de-escalation, contingent on mutually agreeable terms, amid concerns about global financial instability.
To mitigate the impact of potential tariffs, market diversification strategies are essential. Indian pharmaceutical firms can explore opportunities in regions such as Europe, Africa, and Latin America, focusing on high-margin products while optimizing their supply chains.
Elon Musk-led Tesla views India as a promising market but is concerned about the 100% tariffs on imported automobiles, which create customer anxiety. Despite securing showroom locations and advertising job positions, the company is carefully evaluating the timing of its entry.
With gold prices soaring to a record 1 lakh per 10 grams, Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) investors are contemplating selling. Those who invested in 2017 are seeing returns of 221%. Financial experts advise maintaining 10-15% of portfolios in gold for stability.
Bitcoin's market capitalisation has surged past Amazon, reaching $1.857 trillion and becoming the sixth-largest asset globally. This rally, fueled by increased institutional investment and spot ETF inflows, has propelled Bitcoin to $93,546.
President Xi Jinping has criticized tariffs. He said that tariffs undermine the global economic order. This statement comes amid tensions between China and the United States. Earlier, Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports. China retaliated with duties on American goods. China opposes deals at its expense. Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the UK and EU to defend multilateral trade.
Zepto's CEO, Aadit Palicha, addressed his controversial work-life balance comment, describing it as a 'stupid idea' on a recent podcast. He emphasized Zepto's intense, results-oriented culture, acknowledging it's not for everyone but ideal for ambitious individuals. Palicha also reflected on the company's near-death experience during the funding crisis and urged Indian startups to pursue larger ambitions.
The U.S. reciprocal tariffs on China are set to cause major disruptions to global supply chains, forcing American companies to explore alternative suppliers. Electronics is one of the key sectors for India to gain with India's exports valued at nearly USD 14 Bn.
India's private sector experienced robust expansion in April, reaching an eight-month high driven by strong demand and a surge in foreign orders, particularly for manufactured goods. The Composite PMI climbed to 60.0, signaling the strongest growth since August, with manufacturing hitting a one-year high. New export orders soared, boosting output and employment across both manufacturing and service sectors.
Gold rate today: Gold futures at MCX faced profit booking after hitting a record high, opening lower at Rs 95,457/10 grams, while silver also declined. Domestic precious metals closed positively on Tuesday, contrasting with mixed international market performance.
While excessive sugar is detrimental, it's not the sole dietary concern regarding cancer risk. Cancer is complex, and so is the relationship between food and health. While sugar does play a role, it's far from the only concern. Instead of eliminating single items, it's wiser to improve overall eating patternsbecause what's eaten regularly could either be feeding health or feeding cancer.
Asian markets experienced gains following reassurance from President Trump regarding Jerome Powell's position and positive signals on trade from Treasury Secretary Bessent. US markets rebounded strongly, fueled by corporate earnings and Elon Musk's focus on Tesla, despite IMF's global growth forecast downgrade. Bond markets stabilized, while crude oil prices and the euro saw increases.
Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Wednesday. While BSE Sensex went above 80,200, Nifty50 was above 24,350.
Stock market recommendations: Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers' DVP Mehul Kothari recommends buying SJVN, IDBI Bank, and Krsnaa Diagnostics.
The IMF has expressed concerns about the negative effects of trade tensions on the global economy, revising its growth forecast downward to 2.8%. India's growth projection has also been reduced to 6.2% due to global uncertainty, despite robust private consumption in rural areas. Intensified trade wars and policy uncertainty pose significant downside risks, potentially leading to financial instability.
In a shocking incident, 28 tourists were killed in a terrorist attack near Pahalgam, J&K, marking the deadliest such event since 2019. The Resistance Front, linked to LeT, claimed responsibility. The attack, coinciding with significant international visits and heightened tensions with Pakistan, evoked memories of past massacres.
Gold futures on the MCX surged, surpassing 1 lakh/10 grams, mirroring gains in international markets where prices exceeded $3,500/ounce. The rally is fueled by factors including the US Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates, a weaker dollar, and global trade uncertainties.
Mahindra Finance reported a 9% decline in standalone profit, reaching Rs 563 crore in the March quarter, impacted by increased provisions. While net interest income rose by 9% to Rs 2,156 crore, driven by loan book growth, a narrower interest margin and higher credit costs affected the bottom line. The lender maintains a comfortable capital adequacy ratio and liquidity buffer.
President Trump has intensified his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates further, sparking concerns in financial markets. The legal grounds for Trump to remove Powell are unclear, particularly regarding his role as chair. While firing Powell entirely would likely face legal challenges, the situation raises significant questions about the independence of the central bank.
US stock markets rebounded strongly on Tuesday, with major indices like the Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 all posting gains exceeding 1%. This surge occurred as investor sentiment improved, overshadowing earlier concerns about interest rates and earnings volatility. Commodity prices also saw an increase, while the VIX indicated reduced investor anxiety.
The IMF's April 2025 World Economic Outlook revised India's 2025 GDP growth to 6.2%, down from the previously projected 6.5%, due to increased trade tensions and global uncertainty stemming from US tariff policies.
Moon Beverages, a prominent Coca-Cola bottler in India, is contemplating an IPO to fuel its ambitious growth plans, aiming to double its revenue in the next three to four years. Backed by the MMG Group, the company is expanding production capacity with new plants and acquisitions, including recent operations in Jharkhand.
Fueled by trade tensions with the US, a wave of patriotic investing is surging across China. Citizens are investing in the stock market to support their country, focusing on sectors aligned with China's national agenda. This surge reflects a unified effort to stabilize markets amidst trade war uncertainties, with both retail and state investors contributing to the cause.
With Navi Mumbai Airport's inauguration imminent, the Adani Group is set to upgrade Mumbai's CSMIA. Cargo facilities will temporarily close from August 16, 2025, to facilitate airside improvements, including new taxiways. Private and charter flights will shift to Navi Mumbai, paving the way for CSMIA's ambitious redevelopment plans, including a new Terminal 1.