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.

Amritsar's renowned gold ornament industry is set for a modern overhaul, with leaders advocating for advanced training institutes to empower youth. Industry bodies met with MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar, seeking support for professional courses to equip young people with new skills, modernize family businesses, and create fresh career paths in the global gems and jewellery sector.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ageas, a Belgian insurer, is prioritizing growth in India, aiming for a top-10 life insurance position and remaining open to inorganic opportunities. The company emphasizes a localized operational model and sees significant potential in India's evolving insurance market, particularly in protection and retirement segments.

India and New Zealand have signed a 'once-in-a-generation' trade pact, granting Indian exporters duty-free access to New Zealand. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion in five years and includes a $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand. Both nations are optimistic about the pact's potential to boost economic growth and cooperation across various sectors.

New Delhi called the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste” after the US president endorsed an anti-India statement by American radio host Michael Savage, a move that has also triggered widespread backlash among Indian-Americans

Luxury labels are navigating uncharted waters in the Middle East, as recent regional conflicts have drastically shaken up sales and tourism trends. The bustling malls and airports of Dubai, once thriving hubs of luxury shopping, are now seeing a notable downturn in visitors and revenue.

LIV Golf’s future is now uncertain as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reviews its support after heavy financial losses, according to the Financial Times. The league has struggled with profitability, media deals, and player stability. While no final decision has been made, this review could change the future of LIV Golf and impact the global golf landscape.

Lagos swelters under a brutal heatwave, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices that make air conditioning and generators unaffordable. Millions face sweltering commutes and sleepless nights as temperatures climb. Experts link the rising heat to climate change, urban density, and generator emissions, while traders prioritize survival over health warnings amid the crisis.

UK visa costs are set to increase from April 8, 2026, as announced by the British High Commission in India. These changes aim to streamline and digitize the immigration system, ensuring a secure and efficient service. Specific visa categories, including Visit, Study, and Work visas, will see price adjustments, with no cap on application numbers.