Anna Mathew

In a major shift in global energy dynamics, the UAE is set to exit Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries from May 1, potentially reshaping how oil supply is managed worldwide. The move could give the UAE more flexibility to increase production, which may eventually ease global crude prices. For India, a heavily import-dependent economy, this could mean some relief on fuel costs and inflation. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, continue to keep markets volatile. The real impact will depend on how quickly supply stabilises and how global demand evolves.

India is rolling out major changes to LPG cylinder booking and delivery from May 1. With OTP-based authentication becoming mandatory, longer booking intervals, and eKYC requirements for some users, the new system aims to curb leakages and improve distribution efficiency. But for consumers, it also means stricter rules, longer waits, and adapting to a more controlled supply system amid rising price pressures.

India has declined to share detailed, company-wise data on crude oil imports from Russia under the RTI Act, citing commercial confidentiality and strategic concerns. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), under the Oil Ministry, rejected the request, and the Central Information Commission upheld the decision. The case underscores the ongoing tension between transparency and strategic sensitivity in India's energy policy.

AI giant Nvidia is sharply expanding its India presence with its largest office lease yet in Bengaluru. The company has taken up 7.6 lakh sq ft at Bagmane Capital's Memphis South Tower in a ₹1,230 crore, 10-year deal, signalling a major push into AI research and development. As demand for AI chips surges globally, India is emerging as a key hub for engineering, data centres, and semiconductor innovation—reinforcing Bengaluru's position at the centre of this transformation.

India and South Korea have signed a series of key defence agreements to deepen military cooperation, expand joint production and strengthen ties in emerging areas like AI, cyber and autonomous systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held high-level talks in Seoul, where both sides reviewed strategic ties across maritime security, technology partnerships and defence manufacturing. With defence exports nearing ₹40,000 crore and ambitious targets ahead, the visit signals a major step in India's efforts to boost indigenous capabilities and global partnerships.

A fresh wave of layoffs across major U.S. tech companies is triggering panic among Indian professionals on H-1B visas. From Meta to Amazon and LinkedIn, job cuts driven by AI restructuring are putting thousands at risk — not just of losing income, but their right to stay in the United States. Under current rules, laid-off H-1B workers typically have just 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the country.

China's tightening supply chain controls are now raising fresh concerns for India's fast-growing electronics manufacturing sector, as New Delhi pushes to strengthen its role in the global China+1 strategy. Industry executives have approached the Centre, warning that Beijing's new regulatory curbs could disrupt manufacturing decisions, slow expansion plans, and complicate supply chains for companies operating in India.

The Centre has launched a major new framework under NMP 2.0 to unlock and monetise surplus government-owned land across India. The move replaces decades-old fragmented rules with a single system for identifying, valuing, transferring and commercially using public land assets held by ministries, Railways, defence establishments and state-run companies. The new policy could help generate non-tax revenue, fund infrastructure expansion and redevelop ageing public assets — while also raising bigger questions around how India plans to unlock the economic value of unused government land.

Indian exporters are racing to recover millions paid under tariffs imposed during Donald Trump's administration after a US Supreme Court ruling declared them illegal. But fresh legal challenges are clouding refund timelines, leaving companies uncertain over when—or if—their money will be returned.

India and United States have begun crucial trade talks in New Delhi, aiming to finalise an interim deal. Negotiations will focus on tariffs, market access and a broader bilateral trade agreement. The outcome could reshape economic ties as both sides navigate shifting global trade dynamics.