India

BMW Group India has announced a price increase of up to 2 percent across its vehicle portfolio, effective April 1, as it seeks to mitigate rising input and logistics costs alongside currency depreciation. The adjustment will apply to both BMW and MINI models, reflecting broader pressures faced by the luxury automotive segment. Despite strong demand and a robust product lineup, the company is aligning pricing with macroeconomic realities.

HDFC Bank faced an unexpected governance development as former chairman Atanu Chakraborty stepped down citing ethical concerns, triggering uncertainty among investors and stakeholders. The bank’s leadership, led by CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, has sought to reassure markets, emphasizing institutional stability and denying any systemic issues. Board members expressed surprise at the resignation, noting the absence of detailed allegations.

Nirmala Sitharaman has announced measures to strengthen India’s energy and agricultural supply chains amid geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. With LPG imports impacted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government is accelerating domestic production to ensure uninterrupted household supply. Simultaneously, authorities have confirmed adequate fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season and plans for timely imports for the Rabi cycle. In a significant fiscal move, the government will also clear Rs.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed on Friday that India will maintain its fiscal discipline for FY26 despite introducing the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants, amounting to Rs 2.81 lakh crore across 61 grants. Addressing the Lok Sabha, she assured members that these additional allocations remain within the government’s fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP for 2025–26, while setting a lower target of 4.3 per cent for FY27.

Mankind Pharma has acquired the rights to the Rivotril brand from Roche for the Indian market, marking a strategic expansion into chronic and specialty therapies. Rivotril, a widely prescribed formulation of clonazepam, is used in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The deal grants Mankind Pharma exclusive authority to manufacture, market, and distribute the product across India.

India’s ceramic tile industry is facing renewed financial pressure as geopolitical tensions in West Asia disrupt exports, supply chains, and production economics. The sector, valued at approximately Rs. 53,000 crore, is projected to record a 1–2 percent decline in revenue this fiscal year, marking a second consecutive downturn. Export disruptions—particularly in the Middle East, a key market—have intensified due to logistical bottlenecks and rising freight costs following regional instability.

Bharat Gas customers across India can now book LPG cylinder refills conveniently through multiple digital platforms, eliminating the need to visit gas agencies physically. BPCL, the distributor of Bharat Gas, offers several options including IVRS calls, SMS, WhatsApp, the Bharatgas mobile app, and its official website. Once a booking is made, customers receive an SMS confirmation containing the booking reference and expected delivery schedule.

India’s equity markets experienced a turbulent week, with the benchmark BSE Sensex falling 4,354.98 points (5.51%) and the NSE Nifty 50 dropping 1,299.35 points (5.31%). Investor sentiment was dampened by rising crude oil prices, escalating inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The combined market capitalisation of India’s top 10 companies shrank by Rs 4.48 lakh crore, with HDFC Bank witnessing a decline of Rs 61,715 crore, making it one of the biggest losers.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey emphasized the deepening and resilience of India’s capital markets in a media briefing, even as global economic uncertainties continue to influence market dynamics. Pandey urged retail investors to avoid impulsive reactions to short-term fluctuations, emphasizing patience and long-term strategies. 

India’s basmati rice exports are expected to remain stable in the current and next financial year despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Export volumes are projected to grow by up to 2 percent from the 6.06 million tonnes recorded in FY25. While shipments to Iran—traditionally a major buyer—may decline due to regional uncertainties, rising demand from markets such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen is expected to offset the impact.