Category: 1 Minute-Read

Categories
1 Minute-Read

India’s FDI relaxation supports US, EU funds

India has eased its foreign investment rules under Press Note 3 (PN3), allowing minority stakes of up to 10% from countries sharing land borders, without prior government approval.

The move benefits US and EU institutional funds that previously faced restrictions due to indirect Chinese ownership. Key sectors now see a 60‑day fast-track approval process, cutting delays for foreign capital.

This change could unlock stalled investments, boost startups, and accelerate growth in tech and manufacturing, while maintaining security checks. Analysts view it as a strategic step to attract global funds to India’s market.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

CBI arrests bitcoin scam accused trying to flee India

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ayush Varshney, co-founder of Darwin Labs Pvt Ltd, while he attempted to leave for Sri Lanka.

He is the first major arrest in the GainBitcoin cryptocurrency scam, which allegedly defrauded thousands of investors of nearly ₹20,000 crore through promises of high returns via cloud-mining and MLM schemes.

Varshney was detained at Mumbai’s international airport after a Look Out Circular was issued, and the CBI continues to probe the case, tracing funds and pursuing other key suspects still at large.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Reliance silent after Trump’s $300bn refinery claim

Donald Trump has announced a proposed $300-billion oil refinery project in Texas, saying India’s Reliance Industries would support the investment. The refinery is planned at the Port of Brownsville and would be built by America First Refining. Trump described it as a major energy project that could boost US oil refining capacity.

However, Reliance has remained silent about the announcement and has not confirmed any involvement in the project. The company has not responded to media queries, creating uncertainty about the deal. Analysts say the lack of official confirmation has raised questions about the scale and details of the proposed investment.

 

 

 

 

Categories
1 Minute-Read

PM Modi unveils ₹10,800 cr projects in Kerala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹10,800 crore in Ernakulam, Kerala. The initiatives aim to improve infrastructure, boost industries and strengthen transport and energy sectors in the state.

Among the major projects is a polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, expected to support petrochemical industries and create jobs. The Prime Minister also inaugurated road projects, including the widening of stretches of National Highway 66, and launched a floating solar power project at West Kallada to promote renewable energy in Kerala.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Apple now produces 25% of iPhones in India

Apple has ramped up iPhone production in India, assembling around 55 million units in 2025, a 53 % increase from the previous year. This means one in four iPhones worldwide now comes from India.

The company is producing all versions of the latest iPhones, including Pro models, as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on China amid trade tensions.

Government incentives and a growing local supplier network have made India a major hub for Apple, strengthening its global supply chain.

 

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Strategy expands Bitcoin holdings with major purchase

Strategy Inc. has added more Bitcoin to its balance sheet, continuing its aggressive investment strategy in the cryptocurrency market. The company recently purchased 17,994 bitcoins worth about $1.28 billion, at an average price of around $70,946 per coin.

With this latest purchase, the company’s total holdings have increased to about 738,731 bitcoins, making it the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency.

The firm has consistently treated bitcoin as a long-term treasury asset. Despite market volatility and criticism from some analysts, the company continues to accumulate bitcoin, betting on its long-term value and growing institutional acceptance.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Mumbai founder says AI can slow some tasks

A Mumbai entrepreneur has sparked a debate about how artificial intelligence affects work. Mustafa Yusuf shared that some simple tasks that used to take 30 minutes now take two hours with AI.

At the same time, more complicated tasks that once took hours can now be done in about 30 minutes. He called this the “AI productivity paradox,” showing that AI doesn’t always save time.

Many people online agreed, saying AI’s usefulness depends on the type of work, speeding up some tasks but slowing down others when extra editing or corrections are needed.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

No immediate rise in petrol, diesel prices

The government has decided not to raise petrol and diesel prices immediately, even though global crude oil prices have crossed $100 per barrel. Officials said the situation in international oil markets is being closely monitored before any decision on fuel price changes is taken.

For now, oil marketing companies are likely to absorb the higher cost of crude instead of passing it on to consumers. The rise in global oil prices has mainly been driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have increased concerns over supply disruptions.

Authorities also said that India currently has enough fuel stocks, ensuring stable supply across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
1 Minute-Read

China consumer inflation rises in February

China’s consumer prices increased in February, helped by higher spending during the Lunar New Year holiday. Data showed the country’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.3% from a year earlier, marking the fastest rise in more than three years. Prices for services such as travel, dining and tourism increased as people spent more during the festive period.

However, price pressure at factories remained weak. China’s Producer Price Index (PPI) fell 0.9% year-on-year, though the decline was smaller than in the previous month. Economists say the data indicates some improvement in consumer demand, but the economy still faces challenges from weak industrial activity and slow domestic recovery.

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Karnataka to remove liquor price control

The government of Karnataka will remove its control over liquor prices from April 2026 under a new excise policy. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that alcohol companies will be allowed to decide the prices of their products instead of the government fixing them.

The state will introduce a new tax system based on the alcohol content in beverages and reduce price categories from 16 to eight to simplify the process. Officials say the reform will make the system more transparent and encourage competition among brands. Karnataka, with cities like Bengaluru, is one of India’s largest liquor markets.