India and the United States began a new round of trade talks in Washington on Monday. The three-day meeting aims to complete the first phase of a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement. A 12-member Indian team led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain is holding talks with US officials. The discussions come after changes in the US tariff system. Washington introduced a temporary 10% tariff on imports from all countries. Indian officials said the deal may be “recalibrated and redrafted” so India is not placed at a disadvantage. India is also expected to raise concerns over two US trade probes under Section 301. (PC: HT)

In the ongoing TCS Nashik harassment case, accused Nida Khan plans to seek anticipatory bail from a Nashik court, citing her pregnancy among the grounds. She is named in one of nine FIRs linked to alleged sexual harassment and coercion involving employees of Tata Consultancy Services. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team led by Assistant Commissioner Sandip Mitke questioned her husband in Mumbra. Police said Khan is absconding, with three teams deployed to trace her. Authorities tracked a lead to a relative’s residence, but found it locked, with phones switched off. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the case serious, stressing efforts to uncover its root causes. (PC: X)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) said it received no complaints through its internal POSH or ethics channels from employees who later filed FIRs in the Nashik harassment case. The case involves nine FIRs and eight arrests over allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and religious targeting between 2022 and 2026. TCS CEO K Krithivasan stated the company has launched internal probes and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy. The development raises concerns about gaps in workplace reporting mechanisms, as multiple victims approached police directly instead of internal systems, even as investigations by authorities continue. (PC: India Today)

India’s trade team will visit Washington from April 20 for fresh talks as the US prepares new tariff rules. The team will be led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said both sides will discuss ongoing investigations and next steps. “We are looking at finalising the legal agreement,” he said. The talks come after US Section 301 probes into several countries, including India. The US has raised concerns over India’s trade surplus and excess capacity in sectors like steel and solar. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had earlier said talks would resume after clarity on US tariffs. (PC: X)

Tata Consultancy Services’s Nashik branch faces serious allegations after a male employee claimed sustained harassment, including religious coercion and personal abuse. The man alleged his team leaders forced him to offer namaz, recite the kalma, wear a skullcap, and mocked his Hindu beliefs. He said the abuse escalated into deeply offensive remarks about his childless marriage, including a suggestion to “send his wife.” The harassment allegedly began in 2022 and continued till March 2026. Multiple employees, including Tausif Attar and Danish Sheikh, have been named in FIRs linked to separate complaints by women. Police have registered nine cases and made several arrests. (PC: India Today)

Operations at Tata Consultancy Services’ Nashik office have been suspended as police probe serious allegations of sexual harassment and attempted religious conversion involving employees. According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, nine individuals have been named, with seven arrested and one absconding. Complaints include rape, workplace harassment, and coercive religious practices affecting multiple women and a male employee. Investigators suspect an organised pattern, examining funding sources and possible international links, with inputs sought from the NIA and ATS. The case has intensified scrutiny on workplace safety, internal oversight failures, and grievance redressal mechanisms within large corporate environments. (PC: News18)

The Indian rupee weakened sharply by 49 paise to 93.32 against the US dollar in early trade, pressured by surging crude oil prices and a stronger American currency amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The dollar index rose 0.38% to 98.81, reflecting global demand for the greenback. Uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz after inconclusive US-Iran talks drove oil prices higher, intensifying inflation concerns. Additionally, foreign fund outflows from domestic equities added downward pressure on the currency. Forex traders cited heightened volatility, risk aversion, and energy market disruptions as key factors behind the rupee’s decline in early trading hours. (PC: Reuters)

India’s equity markets opened sharply lower after US-Iran talks collapsed, triggering a surge in crude oil prices above $100 per barrel. The BSE Sensex fell 1,613.09 points (2.08%) to 75,937.20, while the Nifty 50 declined 1.92% to 23,589. The Nifty Bank dropped 2.27%, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across sectors. The sharp market reaction underscores investor concerns over geopolitical instability and rising energy costs impacting inflation and economic outlook. Elevated crude prices and global uncertainty weighed heavily on sentiment, driving volatility in equities, currency movements, and broader financial markets during early trading hours. (PC: X)

A US court has allowed a pre-motion hearing in the SEC case against the Adani Group. Billionaire Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani have sought dismissal of the lawsuit. The case is linked to a 2021 bond issue by Adani Green Energy. The SEC alleges securities fraud and claims investors were misled. The Adanis denied the charges and said the US court has no jurisdiction. They argued the deal took place outside the US and involved no wrongdoing. They also said there is no proof of bribery. The court will now hold a hearing to decide if the case should move forward. (PC: Reuters)

Global markets surged after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude fell sharply from $109.77 to $95.068 per barrel, while WTI dropped nearly $20, reflecting easing supply fears. Stocks rallied, bonds rose, and risk appetite returned as traders unwound panic positions. Oil prices had surged over 50% in March amid disruption fears after US-Israeli strikes and tanker route closures. The Strait, a key global energy chokepoint, carries nearly one-fifth of global oil. While markets welcomed the pause, analysts caution the relief may be temporary, with long-term stability dependent on ongoing negotiations. (PC: NDTV)