An empowered group of officials has begun assessing demand and supply chains to mitigate the impact of the West Asia conflict. The government is prioritizing food and fuel availability, exploring alternative import sources and potential duty cuts to stabilize prices. Efforts are underway to secure LPG supplies, with a focus on diversifying from West Asian
Oil prices dropped significantly on Wednesday. This followed a US proposal to Iran and a slowdown in regional hostilities. Brent crude fell 3%. Gold and silver prices saw a substantial increase. This rally in precious metals reflects reduced fears of energy supply disruptions and potential inflation.
Infosys is significantly expanding its healthcare and insurance sectors in the US through two major acquisitions. The company is acquiring Optimum Healthcare IT for up to $465 million to enhance its provider segment presence. Additionally, Stratus will be acquired for up to $95 million to strengthen its P&C insurance capabilities and AI-driven transformation services.
The World Trade Organization’s ministerial meeting in Cameroon will focus on reforming the 30-year-old body. The US and EU aim to expand talks to new issues and recognize plurilateral agreements, while India will advocate for farm trade reforms and preserve the WTO’s core principles, prioritizing small farmers and policy space for developing economies.
Indian banks face a growing funding gap as credit expansion outpaces deposit growth. Lenders are turning to certificates of deposit, a wholesale funding source, to meet loan demand. This shift reflects changing household savings patterns and strong credit appetite across various sectors. Banks are also reallocating capital from government securities to support lending activities.
British Airways is set to reward pilots with bonuses up to 1% of their salary for cutting carbon emissions. Pilots must collectively reduce CO2 by 60,000 tonnes above 2025 levels to earn the payout, starting next year. This initiative, focusing on fuel-saving practices, aims to address rising oil prices and climate pressures, with a union
