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Beyond

G7 warns as oil tops $110

The G7 ( Group pf 7) has signalled readiness to act as oil prices surged above $110 per barrel, following escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Officials warned that the conflict could disrupt global energy supplies if fighting near the Strait of Hormuz continues, a key route for roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil shipments.

The sharp jump in oil prices sent shockwaves through global stock markets. Major indices in Asia and Europe, including Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, fell steeply as investors worried about broader economic fallout from the energy squeeze.

During an emergency virtual meeting, G7 finance ministers said they were ready to take “necessary measures” to stabilise energy supplies. This could include tapping strategic oil reserves, though no immediate release was announced as further coordination with international partners is required.

Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, cautioned that global oil markets are under significant stress. Disruptions in production and shipping have heightened the risk of supply instability, he said, urging governments to monitor the situation closely.

The rise in oil prices is expected to increase fuel costs for consumers and add pressure on inflation, already a concern for many economies. Analysts warn that if the conflict continues, prices could climb even higher, affecting households and businesses worldwide.

The rise in oil prices is expected to push up fuel costs for consumers and add inflationary pressure in economies already grappling with uncertainty. Analysts caution that if the conflict continues, prices could climb further, affecting households and businesses worldwide.

Also Read: IMF Chief warns West Asia conflict could boost inflation

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Leaders

IMF Chief warns Iran conflict surging inflation

The head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that rising tensions in West Asia could push up global inflation if the conflict leads to a sustained increase in oil prices.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said the ongoing crisis in the region is already creating uncertainty in energy markets and could have wider economic consequences. Speaking at an international symposium hosted by Japan’s finance ministry in Tokyo, she urged policymakers to prepare for unexpected developments.

Georgieva cautioned governments and central banks to “think of the unthinkable” as geopolitical tensions remain unpredictable. She said policymakers should remain vigilant and be ready to respond quickly if the situation worsens.

According to the IMF chief, a sharp rise in oil prices could translate into higher inflation globally. She noted that if oil prices increase by about 10 per cent and remain elevated for a prolonged period, it could add roughly 0.4 percentage points to global inflation.

Energy markets have been particularly sensitive to developments in West Asia because the region plays a crucial role in global oil supply. Any disruption to production or shipping routes could quickly affect energy prices worldwide.

One key concern for markets is the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass. Any disruption along this route could lead to further volatility in global energy markets.

Georgieva said the global economy has shown resilience in recent years despite multiple shocks, including the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. However, she warned that prolonged instability in West Asia could once again challenge economic recovery and complicate efforts to control inflation.

She added that governments and financial institutions should continue monitoring the situation closely and prepare policy responses if needed.

The IMF is currently assessing the possible economic impact of the conflict on different countries. Georgieva said the organisation will provide a clearer analysis in its upcoming global economic assessments, which will examine how the crisis could influence growth, inflation and financial stability in the months ahead.

Also Read: Sedemac Mechatronics IPO subscribed 2.68 times

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Corporate

Flipkart shifts headquarters to India ahead of IPO plans

E-commerce company Flipkart has moved its headquarters from Singapore back to India, a step widely seen as preparation for its planned initial public offering (IPO). The move aligns the company’s corporate structure with its main market, where most of its business operations are based.

The company confirmed that it has completed the shift of its holding structure to India. With this change, Flipkart Internet Private Limited, the group’s India entity, will become the main holding company for its operations. The restructuring is expected to simplify regulatory processes and support the company’s future listing plans.

Founded in Bengaluru in 2007, Flipkart had earlier moved its headquarters to Singapore to attract global investors and operate under a more favourable tax and regulatory environment. However, with India’s capital markets expanding and investor interest in technology companies growing, the company has decided to bring its base back to the country.

The relocation is closely linked to Flipkart’s long-term plan to go public. The company is reportedly preparing for a possible IPO in the coming years, which could become one of the largest listings in India’s technology sector. While the timeline and valuation have not yet been finalised, industry analysts believe the move will help the company navigate domestic listing rules more easily.

Flipkart is one of India’s largest online retail platforms and plays a major role in the country’s fast-growing e-commerce sector. The company competes with global players such as Amazon in the Indian market.

The firm received a major boost in 2018 when US retail giant Walmart acquired a majority stake in the company in a deal worth about $16 billion. Since then, Flipkart has continued to expand its operations across categories including electronics, fashion and grocery.

Also Read: Iran crisis affects LPG supply in major Indian cities

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Beyond

Iran crisis affects LPG supply in major Indian cities

Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have begun to affect liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply in several Indian cities, disrupting availability of commercial cylinders used by restaurants, hotels and small food businesses.

Cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata have reported delays in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, raising concerns among the hospitality sector. Industry representatives said prolonged supply disruptions could affect operations of eateries and food outlets that rely heavily on LPG for daily cooking.

The supply pressure comes as global energy markets remain volatile due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements from the Gulf region, making domestic supply vulnerable to disruptions in the international market.

To manage the situation, the central government has taken steps to ensure adequate availability of cooking gas in the country. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production for domestic consumption.

Officials said the move is aimed at stabilising supply and preventing shortages in the domestic market. The government has also instructed oil marketing companies to prioritise household LPG supply over commercial demand to ensure that domestic consumers do not face any major disruptions.

In addition, authorities have extended the minimum waiting period for booking an LPG refill from 21 days to 25 days. The measure has been introduced to prevent panic buying and hoarding of cylinders during the current period of supply pressure.

Industry experts said commercial establishments are more likely to face short-term supply challenges as available LPG is redirected toward domestic consumption. However, the additional production ordered by the government is expected to ease the situation in the coming weeks.

The government is also exploring alternative import options to maintain steady LPG supplies. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and further steps may be taken if required.

Also Read: Oil prices drop below $90, airline stocks rally

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Beyond

Oil prices drop below $90, airline stocks rally

Global crude oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday, slipping below the $90 per barrel level after recent spikes caused by tensions in the Middle East. The decline came as market sentiment improved following signals that the conflict involving Iran could ease, reducing fears of major disruptions to global oil supply.

Comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict could end soon helped calm markets. His remarks raised hopes that the situation may not escalate further, which led to a drop in oil prices and improved investor confidence.

The fall in crude prices triggered a rally in airline stocks, particularly in India. Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of the airline brand IndiGo, rose sharply during the session. Budget carrier SpiceJet also saw its shares surge as investors reacted positively to lower fuel costs.

Airline companies are highly sensitive to movements in oil prices because aviation turbine fuel forms a large part of their operating expenses. When crude prices fall, airline fuel costs decline, which improves profitability prospects for the sector.

Crude prices had surged earlier amid fears that escalating tensions in the Middle East could disrupt supply from the region, one of the world’s largest oil-producing areas. At one point, oil prices had moved close to $120 per barrel, triggering concerns across global financial markets.

However, the recent decline in prices has brought relief to investors and several industries that depend heavily on fuel. Lower oil prices can help reduce operational costs for sectors such as aviation, transportation and logistics.

The drop in crude prices also lifted global equity markets. Major Asian indices, including Japan’s Nikkei 225, South Korea’s Kospi, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, traded higher as investors welcomed the easing energy price concerns.

Market experts say oil prices are likely to remain volatile as geopolitical developments continue to influence supply expectations. Any fresh escalation in the Middle East could quickly push prices higher again.

Also Read: Rupee falls to record low of 92.35 against dollar

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Beyond

Rupee falls to record low of 92.35 against dollar

Rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar, touching 92.35 in recent trading sessions as global economic factors and rising crude oil prices put pressure on the currency.

In the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee weakened sharply during the session and hit the new all-time low of 92.35 against the dollar. The fall reflects growing pressure on emerging market currencies amid global uncertainty.

One of the key reasons behind the rupee’s decline is the rise in international crude oil prices. India imports a large share of its crude oil requirements, and higher oil prices increase the country’s import bill. This leads to higher demand for dollars to pay for imports, which in turn weakens the rupee.

The strength of the US dollar in global markets has also contributed to the fall. Investors often move their funds to the dollar during periods of uncertainty, as it is considered a safer asset. As demand for the US currency rises, other currencies including the rupee tend to weaken.

Foreign fund outflows from Indian equity markets have further added to the pressure on the rupee. When foreign investors sell Indian assets and withdraw money from the market, demand for dollars increases, pushing the rupee lower.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have also influenced currency movements. Rising tensions in the region have led to volatility in global financial markets and a surge in crude oil prices, both of which affect the Indian currency.

However, the rupee showed a slight recovery in early trade on the following day. It opened stronger at around 92.11 against the US dollar, supported by some improvement in market sentiment.

Currency experts say the rupee may continue to remain volatile in the near term.

Also Read: Gold slips to ₹1.61 lakh, Silver falls to ₹2.79 lakh

Categories
Beyond

Gold slips to ₹1.61 lakh, Silver falls to ₹2.79 lakh

Gold and silver prices witnessed a slight decline in early trade on Tuesday, reflecting a minor correction in the bullion market after recent gains. The price of 24-carat gold slipped by ₹10 to ₹1,61,670 per 10 grams, while silver dropped by ₹100 to ₹2,79,900 per kilogram.

The price of 22-carat gold also fell marginally by ₹10, bringing it down to around ₹1,48,190 per 10 grams. Despite the small dip, gold continues to trade near record levels following strong demand in recent weeks.

Across major Indian cities, gold prices remained largely steady with only slight variations. In cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, 24-carat gold was priced at around ₹1,61,670 per 10 grams. In Delhi, the price was slightly higher at about ₹1,61,820 per 10 grams. Chennai and Kolkata recorded relatively higher prices, with gold trading above ₹1,63,000 per 10 grams.

Silver prices also edged lower during the session. The white metal declined by ₹100 to ₹2,79,900 per kilogram in the domestic market. However, prices remain elevated compared with earlier levels, reflecting strong investor interest in precious metals.

The recent movement in bullion prices comes after a sharp rally driven largely by global uncertainties. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed investors toward safe-haven assets such as gold and silver. During times of uncertainty, precious metals often attract higher demand as they are considered relatively stable investments.

At the same time, fluctuations in the US dollar and global commodity markets continue to influence domestic bullion prices. Market experts note that small corrections are common after a strong rally, as some investors choose to book profits.

Also Read: Sensex surges 800 points, Nifty reclaims 24,200

Categories
Technology

Samsung leads global TV market for 20 years

Samsung Electronics has been confirmed as the world’s number one TV brand for 20 consecutive years, a milestone reflecting its consistent innovation and broad product range. The company continues to hold the largest share of global TV shipments, beating competitors in both units sold and market reach.

Samsung’s success comes from a diverse lineup of QLED, Neo QLED, and smart TVs, catering to both premium and budget segments. Features such as HDR support, AI-powered picture enhancement, voice control, and integrated streaming apps have made Samsung TVs popular among a wide range of consumers.

Analysts credit Samsung’s market leadership to its focus on technology innovation, quality, and understanding evolving viewing habits. Even as rival brands expand aggressively, Samsung has maintained its top position thanks to strong distribution networks and a global presence across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The company also invests heavily in R&D, preparing for next-generation technologies like 8K resolution and enhanced AI displays, aiming to keep users engaged with high-quality entertainment experiences.

Also Read: Rajputana Stainless IPO opens at ₹10 cr anchor funding

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Leaders

RBI clears Anup Kumar Saha for Kotak Board

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as a Whole-time Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, strengthening the bank’s senior leadership team.

The bank announced that the central bank granted its approval earlier this month, allowing Saha to officially take up the role on the bank’s board. His appointment is part of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s efforts to further strengthen its management team as it continues to expand its retail and digital banking businesses.

Saha brings more than three decades of experience in the financial services sector. Before joining Kotak Mahindra Bank, he worked with Bajaj Finance, where he held several senior positions. He also briefly served as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Earlier in his career, Saha spent several years at ICICI Bank, gaining extensive experience in consumer lending, retail banking and financial services. His experience across both banks and non-banking finance companies is expected to help Kotak strengthen its consumer-focused businesses.

At Kotak Mahindra Bank, Saha will oversee key areas including consumer banking, marketing and data analytics. These divisions are central to the bank’s strategy as it focuses on expanding its customer base and improving digital banking services.

Industry experts say leadership changes like this are becoming increasingly important in India’s banking sector as competition grows and financial institutions invest more in technology and data-driven services.

Saha had earlier joined Kotak Mahindra Bank’s senior management team as a Whole-time Director (designate), subject to regulatory approval. With the RBI now giving its formal clearance, the appointment process has been completed.

Kotak Mahindra Bank believes Saha’s experience in building large-scale financial businesses and driving innovation will help the bank strengthen its retail banking operations and improve customer engagement.

Also Read: Tata Power, Salesforce partner to boost clean energy

Categories
Corporate

Tata Power, Salesforce partner to boost clean energy

Tata Power has partnered with Salesforce to build an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital platform aimed at strengthening India’s clean energy ecosystem. The collaboration is expected to help expand renewable energy services and improve how energy solutions are delivered to customers.

Under the partnership, Tata Power will use Salesforce’s AI and cloud technologies to manage and streamline its clean energy operations. The new system will help the company analyse large amounts of data, automate processes and improve customer interaction across its renewable energy businesses.

The collaboration will focus mainly on areas such as rooftop solar installations, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and smart home energy solutions. By using advanced data tools and automation, the companies aim to make these services easier to access and more efficient for consumers and businesses.

Officials said the AI platform will also help Tata Power better track energy usage, improve service response time and provide personalised solutions for customers. This could help households and companies manage their electricity consumption more effectively while adopting cleaner energy sources.

The partnership is also expected to support faster growth of Tata Power’s renewable energy projects across the country. By using digital tools, the company plans to simplify operations, improve planning and scale up its clean energy offerings.

India has been focusing on expanding renewable energy as part of its climate goals. The government aims to increase the share of clean energy in the country’s power mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Industry experts say digital technology and artificial intelligence can play an important role in achieving these targets by improving efficiency in energy production and distribution.

For Tata Power, the collaboration is part of its broader strategy to transform into a leading clean energy company. The firm has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio through solar power projects, EV charging networks and distributed energy solutions.

Salesforce, which provides cloud-based software and AI tools, said the partnership will demonstrate how digital technology can help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.

Also Read: China consumer inflation rises in February