global business arm

UK's Prudential plc is acquiring a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance for Rs 3,500 crore, gaining operational control and marking a strategic reset for its India business. This move allows Prudential to deploy a wider product suite and leverage Bharti's domestic reach, aiming to boost insurance penetration in India.

President Trump embarks on a crucial three-day visit to China, set to engage in high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Discussions will span critical global issues including the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, AI, and nuclear weapons. Business leaders are accompanying Trump, signaling a focus on trade and potential new deals, as both nations navigate complex economic and security landscapes.

Swiss pharma major Novartis is sharpening its strategy in India as a pure-play innovator across core therapy segments, including cardiovascular, oncology, and immunology. The company is moving further up the value chain in India, with early scientific discovery and Phase I studies beginning to take shape.

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Naina Lal Kidwai, Chanda Kochhar, Shikha Sharma were all leading some of the country’s largest financial institutions. Today, a striking number of global capability centres run in India by American, European and British banks and financial services firms are led by women. These centres span everything from core banking technology and risk management to advanced analytics and operations, supporting some of the world’s largest financial institutions and increasingly shaping how they function globally

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

Prada, once burdened by over a billion dollars in debt, experienced a dramatic turnaround following the 2006 release of "The Devil Wears Prada." This cultural phenomenon propelled the brand into mainstream consciousness, shifting perception from niche luxury to a symbol of power.

Xi dealt with Trump as his equal, pitting Beijing’s grand strategic concerns against Washington’s transactionalism. Yes, both sides outwardly agreed on some issues. But Beijing is playing a long game

Taiwan, a flashpoint in US-China rivalry, is increasingly central to global tensions. President Xi Jinping's "Thucydides Trap" warning highlights the risk of conflict as China rises. The island's strategic importance in semiconductors and trade, coupled with historical crises, underscores the escalating danger of miscalculation.

Blackpink's Lisa commanded the 2026 Met Gala red carpet with a stunning, avant-garde gown designed by Wun. The semi-sheer, sequined dress featured two extra mannequin arms emerging from her shoulders, holding a dramatic veil.

The plan aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening India’s capabilities in satellite communications, particularly in LEO systems, as reliance on foreign providers raises strategic and security concerns.

President Trump described US naval actions enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports as "like pirates," highlighting the profitable seizure of ships and cargo. He also cited military action against Iran's nuclear program to protect the region and noted internal divisions within Iran's leadership complicating negotiations.

Tech layoffs in 2026 have already surpassed 92,000 jobs across 98 companies, making it the worst year for tech employment since the post-pandemic bust. Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Snap, Oracle, and Block are among the biggest names cutting staff, with AI infrastructure spending cited as the primary driver. But beneath the efficiency narrative lies a more complicated story—one of overhiring, debt, and a workforce reckoning that's far from over.

Claire's has abruptly closed all 154 of its UK and Ireland standalone stores, resulting in over 1,300 job losses. The teen jewellery giant's decades-long high street presence collapsed due to a combination of online shopping shifts, rising costs, and financial struggles.

A high-stakes legal battle is underway in Oakland as Elon Musk sues OpenAI's Sam Altman and Microsoft, alleging a betrayal of the AI company's founding nonprofit mission. Musk claims the shift to a for-profit model enriched leaders and investors, deviating from the original goal of benefiting humanity. The trial could significantly impact OpenAI's future and the AI industry.

O2C Division Hit Hard By Rising Costs, Supply Chain Disruptions

Japanese firm ONESTRUCTION and Indian Institute of Science-backed DataKaveri have partnered to integrate construction data into urban AI platforms. This collaboration aims to unlock valuable building information, previously lost after project completion, for use in smart city applications and digital twins across India and Japan.