The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has commenced its bi-monthly monetary policy review, with expectations mounting for a 25 basis points (bps) cut in the key interest rates. The anticipated rate reduction comes as inflation moderates, and the global economy faces pressure from trade tariffs, particularly in light of the ongoing U.S.-India tariff tensions.

The case of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya has taken a significant turn, as he claims that Indian banks have already successfully recovered assets worth Rs 14,131.6 crore—more than double the amount owed by him. Mallya, who fled India in 2016 amidst accusations of defaulting on loans worth over Rs 9,000 crore, has drawn attention to the success of Indian authorities, particularly the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in recovering assets tied to his financial wrongdoing. This marks a pivotal moment in the broader fight against economic crimes in India.

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency platform WazirX, its parent company Zettai Pte has announced that 93% of users affected by a cyber attack, which saw losses exceeding USD 230 million, have voted in favor of a proposed restructuring scheme. This move signals the platform's efforts to recover lost assets and resume its operations, pending approval from the Singapore High Court. The support from creditors highlights the shared confidence in WazirX's recovery plan and the platform's potential return to the cryptocurrency trading scene.

In a recent move, the Indian government has announced an increase in the excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre. This hike raises the excise duty on petrol to Rs 13 per litre and diesel to Rs 10 per litre, as per an official notification released on Monday. Although the order did not specify its impact on retail prices, industry sources have indicated that it may not lead to an immediate rise in consumer fuel prices. Instead, the adjustment in excise duty could potentially offset price reductions due to a decline in international oil prices.

Tata Steel, one of India's largest steel producers, has reported a slight dip in its consolidated steel production for the final quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q4 FY25). Despite this, the company saw growth in several regions and verticals, particularly in its Indian operations, bolstered by an expanding domestic demand for steel. The company is currently navigating a transitional phase in its UK operations, which contributed to a 5% drop in its total production.

The imposition of aggressive tariffs by former US President Donald Trump has sent ripples through the global stock markets, affecting economies like India's that rely heavily on exports, particularly in sectors like IT services. As stock markets around the world adjust to the ripple effect of these tariffs, concerns over a global recession grow. In India, a nation historically well-positioned within the global IT landscape, the immediate impact has not been as severe.

The global stock market is in the midst of a volatile phase, driven by growing concerns over a potential trade war sparked by US tariffs, domestic inflation data, and crucial central bank decisions. As the US ramps up its tariff measures and inflation figures loom large, investors are bracing for a turbulent week ahead. In India, markets are expected to react to both the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy decisions and the evolving global economic landscape, which has been impacted by the US's escalating trade policies.

Indian Idol Season 15 concluded on a high note, with Manasi Ghosh emerging as the winner, securing a new car and Rs 25 lakh in prize money. The finale, which aired this past weekend on Sony Entertainment Television, was a spectacle of musical brilliance, with Manasi’s consistent and emotional performances capturing the hearts of millions of viewers. Her victory solidified her place as a rising star in the music industry, following an intense competition that saw remarkable performances from all the top finalists.

In an innovative move aimed at addressing the growing demand for high-quality managed rental housing, Tribeca Developers has launched its new platform, Trilive. Focused on the burgeoning rental housing market in India, Trilive's debut project involves the acquisition of 650 studio apartments in Andheri, Mumbai. The company aims to provide investors with a unique opportunity to earn attractive returns, while addressing the needs of the country’s working professionals.

The recent escalation in trade tensions between the United States and China, marked by US President Donald Trump's imposition of 34% tariffs on Chinese exports, is expected to exacerbate the economic slowdown in China. This could reduce China's GDP by 2 to 2.5 percentage points, according to Larry Hu, the Chief China Economist at Macquarie. As the tariffs deepen the rift between the two largest economies in the world, the ripple effects are likely to spread across global markets, influencing not only trade flows but also China's domestic economic strategy.