Chinese Markets Crash: Trade War Fears Grow!

Google is gradually replacing its Assistant with the new AI chatbot, Gemini, on Android devices. In this shift, smartphone makers like Motorola and Samsung are looking to introduce Perplexity as a new default digital assistant. Reports suggest that Motorola plans to offer Perplexity as a preloaded option on its upcoming Razr phones, along with a unique user interface. Additionally, Samsung is considering investing more in Perplexity, which could increase its valuation to $18 billion. This comes after the AI startup raised between $500 million and $1 billion recently.

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, with companies like OpenAI and Google unveiling impressive new models that enhance usability and problem-solving abilities. OpenAI recently launched its GPT-4.5 model along with the o3 and o4-Mini, which excel in coding, math, and visual tasks. These new models aim to create a comprehensive AI ecosystem, allowing for intuitive interactions. Industry leaders note that these advancements are not just about improved performance but also about making AI more accessible and capable of complex reasoning. As competition heats up, these innovations promise to change how we use AI in our daily lives.

The ongoing US-China trade war is causing uncertainty for India's leading IT companies, TCS and Wipro, regarding their annual salary increases. This reflects how global economic tensions can impact even the services sector. The World Trade Organization predicts a lower growth rate for global services trade, which is concerning for India, a major player in commercial services exports. With a strong growth in 2024, the forecast has dampened due to trade war effects, particularly on travel and investment services. This situation highlights the delicate balance between global trade dynamics and domestic economic conditions.

A significant legal clash between Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) and Honasa Consumer Ltd has concluded with a peaceful resolution. The Delhi high court ordered HUL to modify a controversial advertisement for its Lakmé sunscreen, which Honasa claimed unfairly targeted its products. HUL must remove certain claims and adjust packaging colors in the ad. The dispute centered on the claim that the Lakmé sunscreen labeled as an “online bestseller” actually provided lower sun protection than advertised. This case highlights the fierce competition in India's growing sun care market, where consumer understanding of SPF remains low, posing both opportunities and risks for brands.

Gensol Engineering Ltd's shares dropped sharply by 5%, reaching a yearly low, after SEBI accused its promoters of misusing company funds. The stock fell to ₹123.65 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, matching its 52-week low. SEBI's investigation revealed that Gensol had raised ₹975 crore for electric vehicle purchases but diverted funds for personal expenses, including a luxury apartment in Gurugram. Promoter brothers Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi have been barred from company directorships, and a forensic audit has been initiated. Credit rating agency ICRA also downgraded Gensol's rating due to concerns over its governance and liquidity.

The ongoing trade talks between India and the US are based on clear data and facts, as stated by Indian officials. The US's new 26% tariffs on India focus mainly on goods and overlook the growing services trade, where the US has an edge. In the past few years, American service exports to India have significantly increased, reaching $40.26 billion in 2024. Furthermore, experts argue that the trade figures can be misleading, with claims of a $100 billion trade deficit by the US not aligning with Indian data showing it under $45 billion. The rise of American companies in India, particularly in digital advertising, highlights the complexities of this trade relationship.

Inflation in India has reached a multi-year low, leading to expectations that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) might cut interest rates by 50 basis points in June and August. A report from SBI Research suggests total cuts could surpass 100 basis points due to a shaky economic environment. The GDP growth forecast for 2026 is estimated at 6.3 percent, hinting at a slowdown. The RBI recently lowered the repo rate from 6.25 percent to 6 percent, marking two consecutive cuts. Lowering interest rates can boost economic growth and make loans more affordable, which is vital for consumers and businesses alike.

Gold prices have soared to a record high of ₹95,435 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange, driven by a weakening dollar and rising global uncertainties. This marks the first time gold has crossed the ₹95,000 mark, reflecting a 2.12% increase from the previous close. Silver also saw significant gains, reaching ₹96,965 per kg. Experts attribute this surge to ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic instability, particularly due to US President Donald Trump's trade policies. Investors are flocking to gold as a safe investment, pushing predictions for future prices even higher.

Apple is making significant strides in India, assembling 20% of its iPhones locally. This move has led to a 60% increase in production compared to last year, with an estimated value of $22 billion worth of iPhones produced in the country for the financial year 2024-25. The shift is part of Apple's strategy to reduce reliance on China, especially after pandemic-related disruptions. Most iPhones are being assembled at Foxconn's factory, with support from Tata Group. This growth aligns with the Indian government's push to boost manufacturing, as Apple's market share in India approaches 8%, with sales nearing $8 billion.

IndusInd Bank has revealed a significant issue affecting its finances, with a report from PwC indicating a negative impact of ₹1,979 crore on its net worth. This accounts for a 2.27% decrease as of 2024. The bank is currently undergoing an external review to address discrepancies related to derivative deals. It plans to reflect these impacts in its financial statements for the fiscal year 2024-25 and is taking steps to improve its internal controls. Concerns have also been raised about the bank's previous knowledge of these discrepancies and whether it complied with accounting standards.

The US Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, announced that the central bank will be patient and wait for a clearer economic outlook before changing interest rates. He warned about the risks of tariffs leading to higher consumer prices while slowing down economic growth and potentially hurting jobs. Powell referred to the current tariff plans as unprecedented for businesses, highlighting the uncertainty they bring. He also noted that the US economy is near full employment and inflation may head towards the Fed's target of 2%. However, the larger-than-expected tariff increases might create lasting economic issues, resulting in weaker growth, higher unemployment, and faster inflation.

The IPL season is heating up, with Rajasthan Royals struggling at the eighth spot after winning only four out of seven matches. In contrast, Delhi Capitals have surged to the top of the points table with 10 points. Gujarat Titans hold the second position, closely followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, each with 8 points. The race for individual honors also intensifies, with Nicholas Pooran leading the Orange Cap standings with 357 runs. Meanwhile, Noor Ahmad from Chennai Super Kings dominates the Purple Cap race with 12 wickets. As the competition continues, fans are eager to see how teams will perform in the upcoming matches.

The US' Internal Revenue Service is considering revoking Harvard University's tax-exempt status. This decision comes after President Donald Trump criticized the university for not complying with government demands in exchange for federal funding. He labeled Harvard a "joke" and suggested it should lose its special tax status for promoting what he calls harmful ideologies. Harvard, however, stands firm, stating that no government should dictate its educational policies. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for other elite institutions and their funding.

The new financial year FY26 has begun, and it's time for taxpayers to decide between the old and new income tax regimes. Choosing the right option depends on your income level and investments. For those in higher tax brackets with fewer deductions, the new regime is often better. While the old regime offers a standard deduction of ₹50,000, the new one offers ₹75,000. However, taxpayers are not required to switch to the new regime; it's a default option. Most deductions are not available in the new regime, except for specific sections. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your taxes.

Shikhar Dhawan's recent meeting with Shri Dhirendra Shastri Ji has inspired many, showcasing the importance of faith in his life. Dhawan, known for his remarkable cricketing career from 2004 to 2024, shared his experience on social media, highlighting the calm aura of Bageshwar Baba. His posts went viral, resonating with fans who appreciated his humility and connection to spirituality. Over the years, Dhawan has excelled in various formats, scoring impressive runs in Tests, ODIs, T20s, and IPL, establishing himself as a key player in Indian cricket. His journey reflects not just talent but also a strong personal belief system.

Infosys, one of India's leading IT companies, is set to reveal its fourth-quarter financial results on April 17. Investors and analysts are eager to see how the company's performance stacks up against expectations in a challenging economic environment. As the anticipation builds, it's essential for stakeholders to stay informed and consider expert advice before making any investment decisions. The results could impact the company's stock and overall market sentiment. Keep an eye on this important announcement that could shape the future of Infosys and the IT sector in India.

Apple made headlines when its main Indian suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, shipped nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones to the U.S. in March. This record shipment was a strategic move to avoid tariffs imposed by President Trump. To ensure they had enough iPhones for the U.S. market, Apple ramped up production in India and used cargo flights to transport 600 tons of devices. Even though the U.S. government set a 26% duty on imports from India, it was much lower than the tariffs on China. This operation has made Foxconn’s total shipments from India to the U.S. reach $5.3 billion this year.

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, is reportedly developing a new social network to compete with Elon Musk’s X and Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram. While details remain scarce, the platform is said to focus on ChatGPT's image generation capabilities and could either be a standalone app or integrated with the existing ChatGPT application. The motivation behind this move is uncertain, but it may be linked to the popularity of OpenAI's new image generator that creates anime-style images. As ChatGPT's user base rapidly expands, OpenAI’s venture into social media could reshape online interactions. However, this shift may face challenges due to the current regulatory landscape in social media.