India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is reshaping the IT hardware landscape, attracting global giants like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer to manufacture laptops domestically. The initiative offers 4-6% cash incentives on incremental sales, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, which accounted for over $9 billion in 2023/24. The government has approved incentives for 27 IT hardware manufacturers, targeting $42 billion in production. Local firms like Dixon Technologies plan to meet 15% of domestic laptop demand by FY26. An import management system requires companies to register laptop and tablet imports, signaling a push towards self-reliance and bolstering India's position in the global electronics market. (PC: Vecteezy)

China has cautioned nations seeking exemptions from U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump not to compromise Chinese interests. The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that appeasement won't ensure peace and warned against deals that sacrifice others for temporary gains. This follows reports of the U.S. urging trade partners to reduce imports from China in exchange for tariff relief. While Trump has paused certain tariffs for 90 days, he has increased duties on Chinese goods up to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. exports. China labeled the U.S. approach as "hegemonic politics" and called for global unity against unilateral bullying to uphold international fairness and justice. (PC: Investopedia & The Diplomat)

On April 21, 2025, gold prices in India soared to unprecedented levels, with MCX gold peaking at ₹96,747 per 10 grams, marking a ₹1,493 surge from the previous close. This places gold just ₹3,253 shy of the ₹1,00,000 milestone. In major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, 24K gold reached ₹98,350 per 10 grams, while 22K gold surpassed ₹90,000 for the first time. Silver also witnessed a significant rise, with prices hitting ₹1,01,000 per kg in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. Notably, MCX gold is now more expensive than silver, a rare occurrence. These surges are attributed to global economic uncertainties and heightened safe-haven demand. (PC: Business Today & The Financial Express)

A Boeing 737 MAX jet, originally designated for China's Xiamen Airlines, has returned to Boeing's Seattle facility due to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. The aircraft, bearing Xiamen's livery, was among several awaiting delivery at Boeing's Zhoushan center. However, recent tariffs—145% by the U.S. on Chinese imports and 125% by China on U.S. goods—rendered the delivery financially unfeasible. With a market value near $55 million, the aircraft would incur significant duty costs under the current tariff regime. It's unclear whether Boeing or Xiamen Airlines initiated the jet's return. This incident highlights the breakdown of the aerospace industry's long-standing duty-free status and adds to Boeing's challenges amid ongoing trade disputes. (PC: Reuters)

Elon Musk is set to visit India, signaling potential advancements for Tesla, Starlink, and SpaceX in the country. Tesla's entry has been hindered by high import tariffs, but discussions are ongoing about establishing local manufacturing to benefit from tax incentives. Starlink has partnered with major telecom providers Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to offer satellite internet services, aiming to enhance connectivity in remote areas. These collaborations are contingent upon regulatory approvals. Additionally, Musk's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores mutual interests in technology and sustainable development, potentially easing Starlink's compliance with India's data localization and security requirements. (PC: DriveSpark & News18)

Elon Musk has announced plans to visit India later this year, following a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion focused on potential collaborations in technology and innovation. Musk expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating it was "an honour" to speak with PM Modi and that he looks forward to the visit. This development comes as Tesla prepares to launch its electric vehicles in the Indian market, with plans to begin sales in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore by the third quarter of 2025. The visit is expected to further strengthen India-U.S. ties in the tech and clean energy sectors. (PC: India Today)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has emerged as the world’s second-largest IT services company, reporting over $30 billion in revenue and a brand valuation of $21.3 billion. CEO K. Krithivasan congratulated employees in a company-wide note, crediting the milestone to innovation, agility, and customer focus. He introduced the concept of a “Perpetually Adaptive Enterprise” as the next growth mantra. To strengthen leadership, TCS appointed Aarthi Subramanian as President & COO and Mangesh Sathe as Chief Strategy Officer, effective May 1. This marks a pivotal moment for India’s tech sector and reinforces TCS’s global influence in IT services. (PC: Times of India)

Indian stock markets staged a strong rebound on Thursday, with the Sensex soaring 1,508.91 points to 78,553.20 and the Nifty climbing 414.45 points to 23,851.65. Early losses led by IT stocks reversed as banking and financial services stocks saw strong buying interest. Zomato, Sun Pharma, and ICICI Bank were among the top gainers. Analysts attributed the rally to easing volatility, improving FII flows, and optimism around U.S.-India trade talks. Expectations of better margins for financials due to changing deposit rates also played a role. Investor sentiment remains upbeat despite global trade concerns and early market jitters. (PC: India Today)

India has expressed concern over recent trade measures taken by Bangladesh, including the closure of three key land ports and a ban on the import of yarn from India. These actions have disrupted long-standing trade ties between the two countries. While some perceived India's suspension of a transshipment facility for Bangladeshi goods as retaliatory, New Delhi clarified that it was due to port congestion. With Dhaka also resuming direct trade with Pakistan, India remains cautious and is prioritizing diplomatic dialogue over retaliatory action to resolve the tensions. (PC: Times of India)

India has become the first country to recover fully from the market losses triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff announcement. On April 15, the NSE Nifty 50 index surged 2.4%, regaining levels seen before the tariffs were signed. Experts credit India's resilience to strong domestic investment, minimal Chinese exposure, and rising manufacturing capabilities. While global markets reel from the US-China trade war, India is seen as a safe investment haven. Lower interest rates, falling oil prices, and potential US-India trade deals have also boosted investor confidence, signaling India's growing strength as a global economic player.