Author: Staff Writer

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Beyond

Venezuela oil flows to India despite US crackdown

Venezuela is sending large volumes of crude oil to India again, with multiple supertankers heading towards Indian refineries, even as the United States steps up action against ships linked to the sanctioned trade.

The renewed flow signals a comeback for Venezuelan oil in India after years of disruption caused by US sanctions. Indian refiners, which had earlier reduced purchases, are now receiving cargoes through long-haul shipments routed via complex logistics networks. These cargoes are typically transported by very large crude carriers (VLCCs), allowing suppliers to move substantial volumes in a single voyage.

However, the trade faces growing scrutiny. In a recent enforcement move, US forces boarded a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as part of Washington’s wider crackdown on what it calls illicit oil shipments. The operation reflects tighter monitoring of vessels suspected of helping Caracas bypass sanctions through opaque ownership structures, ship-to-ship transfers and disabled tracking systems.

The US has been targeting such networks since late 2025, warning that even international waters will not shield sanctioned cargoes from action. The move highlights the geopolitical risks surrounding the revived oil trade and could complicate logistics, insurance and payments for buyers.

For India, the return of Venezuelan crude offers an opportunity to diversify supplies and access heavier grades that are well-suited for complex refineries. It also helps processors optimise costs at a time of volatile global prices. But refiners remain cautious, as any tightening of enforcement could disrupt deliveries or raise compliance risks.

Venezuela, which holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, has been trying to rebuild exports despite sanctions that have sharply curtailed its output and market access. India was once among its biggest customers, and the latest shipments suggest both sides are testing ways to restore that trade.

Also Read: Nvidia plans AI laptop chips launch in 2026

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Technology

Nvidia plans AI laptop chips launch in 2026

Nvidia is preparing to launch a new range of artificial-intelligence-focused laptop chips in the first half of 2026, marking a major expansion beyond its traditional graphics processor business.

The upcoming processors are expected to be built on Arm architecture and will combine CPU and GPU functions into a single chip. This integrated design aims to deliver high performance while using less power, making it suitable for thin and lightweight laptops.

The new platform is being developed to run advanced AI features directly on the device. This means tasks such as real-time translation, content creation, smart assistants and image processing can work faster without depending heavily on cloud computing. Running AI locally also improves data privacy and reduces latency.

With this move, Nvidia will enter the laptop CPU market and compete more directly with long-time PC chip leaders Intel and AMD. The launch is expected to be part of a broader industry shift toward so-called AI PCs, computers designed to handle artificial intelligence workloads on the device itself.

The chips are also likely to benefit from Nvidia’s strong AI software ecosystem, which is widely used by developers and enterprises. This could make it easier for laptop manufacturers to introduce AI features in their products.

For the PC industry, the entry of Nvidia into the CPU space could reshape competition by adding a powerful new player with deep expertise in AI computing. For Nvidia, it represents a strategic step toward becoming a full-platform computing company rather than just a GPU supplier.

While the company has not announced an exact launch date, industry reports suggest that laptops powered by these processors could begin appearing in the market sometime in 2026.

Also Read: US hits Indian solar imports with 126% duty

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Beyond

US hits Indian solar imports with 126% duty

The United States has imposed a preliminary countervailing duty of up to 126% on solar cell imports from India, alleging that Indian manufacturers benefited from government subsidies that gave them an unfair pricing advantage in the American market.

The decision follows an investigation by the US Department of Commerce into whether Indian solar producers received financial support that allowed them to sell their products at lower prices than domestic manufacturers in the US. The probe found that multiple subsidy programmes, including incentives linked to manufacturing and export promotion, enabled Indian firms to undercut American competitors.

The duties are provisional and will be reviewed before a final determination is made. However, the move is expected to significantly impact Indian solar exports to the US, one of the key overseas markets for the country’s renewable energy equipment.

The tariff varies by company, with some exporters facing the full 126% levy. If confirmed in the final ruling, the measure could sharply reduce the price competitiveness of Indian solar cells and modules in the US market.

The development comes at a time when India and the US are engaged in negotiations to deepen trade ties, and it could become a contentious issue in bilateral discussions. Industry observers say the decision may disrupt supply chains and slow the growth of India’s solar manufacturing sector, which has been expanding under government-backed production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.

Indian exporters have argued that the support they receive is aimed at building domestic manufacturing capacity and is consistent with global clean energy goals. They also point out that India is an important player in the global transition to renewable energy and that trade restrictions could raise costs for solar deployment.

The US International Trade Commission will now examine whether the imports have caused material injury to American manufacturers. A final decision on the duties is expected later this year.

Also Read: Rupee stands flat at 90.94 vs dollar

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Beyond

Gold at ₹1.61 lakh, Silver near ₹2.85 lakh

Gold prices in India rose further on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with the precious metal holding above the ₹1.60-lakh mark, while silver traded close to ₹2.85 lakh per kilogram in the futures market. The gains were supported by firm global trends, a weaker rupee and continued safe-haven demand.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures inched up by about ₹10 to trade around ₹1,61,790 per 10 grams, maintaining the strong levels seen earlier this week. In the physical market, retail prices also remained elevated across major cities. Silver futures, however, showed mild volatility and were last quoted at around ₹2,84,900 per kg, slightly lower by about ₹100 from the previous close.

In the domestic bullion market, 24-carat gold continued to trade at premium levels in key centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The average retail price of 24K gold stayed above ₹1.61 lakh per 10 grams, while 22K gold hovered around ₹1.48 lakh. City-wise variations were marginal, reflecting a broadly uniform trend across the country.

The rise in gold prices is largely in line with firm international markets, where persistent geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over global trade policies have boosted demand for safe-haven assets. A softer rupee against the US dollar has further pushed up domestic bullion rates, making imports costlier and supporting local prices.

Silver, though slightly down in the day’s trade on MCX, continued to remain at historically high levels in the physical market, tracking strength in industrial demand and global price momentum.

Market experts say investors are increasingly turning to gold as a hedge against volatility in equities and currency movements. The sustained rally is also being closely watched by jewellers and retail buyers, as high prices may influence demand ahead of the upcoming wedding and festive season.

Also Read: Sensex rises 560 points to 88,200, Nifty climbs to 25,580

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Corporate

Anthropic lets employees sell up to $6 bn in shares

AI company Anthropic has launched a major share sale for its employees and former staff, allowing them to sell up to $5–6 billion worth of company stock. The move lets workers access some of the value they have helped create without waiting for an IPO or company sale.

The share sale is based on a valuation of around $350 billion, close to the level from Anthropic’s recent $30 billion funding round, which valued the company at roughly $380 billion. This reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s AI technology and growth.

Only employees who have worked at Anthropic for at least a year can participate. The shares will be sold to outside investors, not the company itself, and the total amount sold will depend on how many staff choose to take part.

This type of secondary stock sale is increasingly common among high-value tech startups. It allows employees to cash out some of their equity while keeping the company private. Similar plans have been used by companies like Stripe, SpaceX, and OpenAI to reward employees and retain talent in competitive AI and tech markets.

Anthropic has grown rapidly, attracting major investments and expanding its AI products and customer base. By letting employees sell shares now, the company gives them an early opportunity to benefit financially from their work, something usually only possible after a public listing or company acquisition.

Company officials have not publicly commented on the details of the share sale, and the final terms may change as the process continues.

Also Read: Amazon opens second-largest Asia office in Bengaluru

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Corporate

Sensex falls over 1,000 points, Nifty slips below 25,450

Stock markets fell sharply on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with the BSE Sensex dropping 1,050 points to close near 84,300 and the Nifty 50 slipping below 25,450. The decline reflected weak global cues, especially from the US and Asian markets, and domestic caution ahead of weekly futures and options expiry.

The sell-off was broad-based but concentrated in technology and metal stocks. Major IT firms, including Infosys and TCS, fell up to 6%, while metals companies like Tata Steel and JSW Steel also saw sharp losses. High-beta and cyclical sectors bore the brunt of investor selling, as market sentiment remained risk-averse.

On the upside, some defensive sectors provided relief. Energy and gas stocks, led by BPCL, Reliance Industries, and ONGC, gained amid positive sector-specific news and strong domestic demand expectations. These stocks cushioned the overall impact on the indices but could not offset the heavy losses from the broader market.

Analysts said a combination of global macroeconomic uncertainties, concerns over US trade policies, and mixed domestic economic signals contributed to the decline. Market participants also noted that volatility is likely to persist, with investors closely watching corporate earnings, policy updates, and upcoming economic data for cues.

The trading session highlighted a clear sectoral divide: while cyclical and tech-heavy stocks faced intense pressure, energy and commodity-related names attracted selective buying. Investors were seen rotating funds into defensive areas, reflecting caution in the current market environment.

Also Read: Sensex rises 480 pts, Nifty tops 25,700

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1 Minute-Read

Prestige Group secures ₹115 cr co‑branding deal for Bellandur Metro

The Prestige Group has signed a ₹115 crore, 30-year deal with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to co‑brand the upcoming Bellandur Metro Station on the Outer Ring Road.

The station will be renamed “Prestige Bellandur Metro Station”, with upgrades including improved commuter facilities. The agreement gives Prestige naming rights, commercial space, and advertising opportunities, and plans include a future footbridge connecting the station to Prestige Lakeshore Drive.

The partnership reflects a growing trend of private investment in metro infrastructure to enhance stations and generate non-fare revenue, while benefiting daily commuters.

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Beyond

Gurugram tops Mumbai with ₹24,000 cr ultra-luxury home sales

Gurugram has overtaken Mumbai to become India’s largest market for ultra-luxury homes, signalling a major shift in the country’s high-end property landscape. Homes priced at ₹10 crore and above saw record sales in the NCR city in 2025, both in terms of value and the number of units sold.

According to a recent industry report, Gurugram registered sales of around 1,494 ultra-luxury homes worth more than ₹24,000 crore during the year. This pushed it ahead of Mumbai, which has traditionally dominated the premium housing segment. The sharp rise highlights growing demand for spacious, high-end homes among wealthy buyers, including top executives, entrepreneurs and non-resident Indians.

Real estate experts say the trend is being driven by several factors. Gurugram offers larger apartments and villas, modern gated communities, and newer projects with luxury amenities. Compared to Mumbai, buyers also get more space at a relatively lower price per square foot. Improved infrastructure, proximity to Delhi, and the presence of major corporate offices have further boosted the city’s appeal.

Developers have responded with branded residences, penthouses and high-rise luxury projects, many of which were sold even before completion. Strong interest from NRI investors and high-income professionals has helped maintain steady demand despite high property prices.

Mumbai, while moving to second place, continues to see strong traction in its premium micro-markets such as South Mumbai and parts of the western suburbs. However, limited land availability and higher costs have made large luxury developments more challenging compared to Gurugram.

The report notes that the overall ultra-luxury housing segment in India is expanding rapidly, reflecting rising wealth and a post-pandemic preference for bigger, more exclusive homes.

Also Read: Bharti Airtel earmarks ₹20,000 crore for digital lending push

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Beyond

Fraud proceedings against Anil Ambani get Bombay HC nod

The Bombay High Court has cleared the way for banks to move ahead with fraud proceedings against industrialist Anil Ambani in connection with loans taken by Reliance Communications (RCom), delivering a significant setback to the businessman.

In its ruling, the court rejected Ambani’s plea that sought to stop lenders from acting on the fraud classification of the loan account. The bench held that there was no valid reason to interfere at this stage and allowed the banks to continue their action in accordance with the law.

The case relates to loans extended to Reliance Communications, which later turned into non-performing assets. Banks had classified the account as “fraud” under the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines and initiated steps against the company’s former director, Anil Ambani. Challenging this, Ambani had approached the High Court, arguing that the classification was unfair and that he was not given a proper opportunity to present his side.

However, the court observed that the principles of natural justice had been followed and that Ambani had already been granted opportunities for a hearing. It said the legal process could not be stalled merely on apprehensions and that the appropriate forum for raising detailed objections would be during the proceedings before the concerned authorities.

With the High Court refusing to grant relief, lenders are now free to continue with measures linked to the fraud tag, which could include further investigations and recovery actions as per regulatory norms.

The ruling is important because a fraud classification carries serious consequences, including restrictions on raising finance and potential legal action against the individuals involved.

Reliance Communications, once a major telecom player, has been undergoing insolvency proceedings after defaulting on massive debt. The latest court order adds another layer to the legal challenges faced by Anil Ambani, who has been contesting multiple claims from lenders over the past few years.

Also Read: EVs may lose zero-emission tag under CAFE-III

Categories
Beyond

EVs may lose zero-emission tag under CAFE-III

Electric vehicles in India may no longer be treated as “zero-emission” under the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III) norms, as the government considers a new method to measure their environmental impact.

At present, EVs are classified as zero-emission because they do not produce exhaust fumes. However, officials are now discussing whether they should be evaluated based on how much energy they consume and how that electricity is generated. This means emissions from power production used to charge EVs could also be taken into account.

The issue has reached the Prime Minister’s Office, which has stepped in to review the proposal after differences emerged between government departments and concerns were raised by the auto industry.

The new CAFE-III norms, expected to be implemented from 2027, will set stricter fuel-efficiency and carbon-emission targets for passenger vehicles. The aim is to push carmakers to improve overall efficiency across their vehicle fleets.

Some officials believe removing the zero-emission tag will create a fair and technology-neutral system that rewards real efficiency, whether the vehicle runs on petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric power. Others worry that such a move could slow down EV adoption by weakening the strong policy support the sector currently enjoys.

Automakers are also seeking clarity, as any major change in the rules could affect their future investments and product plans in the fast-growing electric-vehicle market.

The government is now looking for a balanced approach that supports India’s clean-mobility goals while ensuring the new norms are based on a more realistic assessment of emissions.

If the proposal is approved, EV makers will have to focus not only on selling electric cars but also on improving their energy efficiency.

Also Read: Nikhil Kamath’s podcast to feature Anthropic CEO