Elon Musk’s Starlink is poised to offer satellite internet in India with 80-90 times more capacity than rivals Reliance Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb. With infrastructure in place, including three gateways in Mumbai, Pune, and Indore, Starlink awaits regulatory approval to launch. Its planned second-generation satellite constellation could expand to 30,000 units. Meanwhile, Jio-SES and Eutelsat-OneWeb have secured permissions but await spectrum allocation. Starlink has committed to setting up a network monitoring center in India and complying with security norms. India's space sector is projected to reach $44 billion by 2033.

Indian American student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, went missing on March 6 while walking on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Despite extensive searches using drones, helicopters, and naval units, she remains unaccounted for. Her family has urged authorities to declare her dead. Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Minnesota student, was last seen with her and is under police supervision but not a suspect. He claims they were pulled by a strong tide but he brought her ashore. US officials insist it is a missing person’s case, not a criminal investigation.

The Sensex rose over 400 points before settling 326.28 points higher at 74,496.23, while the Nifty 50 gained 107.50 points, surpassing 22,600. Banking and financial stocks, including ICICI Bank and Zomato, led the rally. Broader markets saw gains in smallcaps and midcaps, though volatility remained high. Analysts noted domestic economic improvements, including a rebound in GDP growth and lower inflation, but cautioned that global headwinds like tariff wars and foreign fund outflows could limit sustained gains. Markets are expected to trade in a range without a sharp breakout.

The United States has announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move that could significantly impact India's aluminum industry, which exported approximately $820 million worth of these products to the U.S. in 2024. While India's steel exports to the U.S. are relatively minimal, the aluminum sector faces substantial risks. This decision may lead to a surplus of global steel and aluminum, potentially resulting in dumping in markets like India, thereby pressuring domestic prices and affecting local producers. Analysts warn that such protectionist measures could disrupt global trade dynamics, leading to retaliatory tariffs and increased competition from countries like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Tesla has expressed concerns over potential retaliatory tariffs resulting from President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies. In a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, Tesla highlighted that previous U.S. trade actions led to increased tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) exported to affected countries, thereby impacting U.S. exporters disproportionately. The company emphasized challenges in sourcing certain parts domestically, even with efforts to localize supply chains, and advocated for a phased implementation of new trade measures to allow businesses time to adapt. Additionally, the trade group Autos Drive America, representing major foreign automakers, echoed these concerns, warning that broad-based tariffs could disrupt U.S. production, elevate consumer prices, reduce vehicle model availability, and potentially lead to job losses across the supply chain.

President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on all U.S. steel and aluminum imports took effect on March 12, 2025, aiming to protect domestic industries. In response, the European Union plans to impose tariffs on up to €26 billion of U.S. exports, while Canada announced C$29.8 billion in retaliatory tariffs, targeting metals, computers, and sports equipment. Canada's Finance Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, stated, "We will not stand idly by while our iconic steel and aluminum industries are being unfairly targeted." The escalating trade tensions have unsettled markets, with investors fearing a potential recession. Trump has threatened further tariffs if the EU proceeds with its countermeasures, stating, "Whatever they charge us, we're charging them."

India's retail inflation declined to 3.61% in February 2025, marking a seven-month low and falling below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) medium-term target of 4%. This decrease is primarily attributed to a significant drop in vegetable prices, leading to a food inflation rate of 3.75%, the lowest since May 2023. The easing inflation provides the RBI with the opportunity to implement further rate cuts to stimulate economic growth. Economists anticipate a 25 basis points reduction in the repo rate during the April policy meeting, with potential for additional cuts in subsequent months. The RBI had previously reduced the key interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% in February, the first cut in nearly five years.

Elon Musk’s Starlink is in discussions with Airtel and Jio to collaborate on satellite-based internet services in India. This move aims to boost internet accessibility in remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking. Experts suggest that Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet can bridge India’s digital divide, enhancing rural education, healthcare, and e-commerce. However, regulatory approvals and pricing remain key challenges. If successful, this partnership could revolutionize India’s internet landscape, providing seamless connectivity even in the most underserved regions. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel’s involvement could also ensure widespread adoption and integration with existing telecom networks.

Airtel has signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink's satellite internet to India, pending regulatory approval for Starlink's services. This partnership will allow Airtel to sell Starlink equipment, provide services to businesses, and extend connectivity to rural schools, health centers, and remote areas. Additionally, both companies plan to integrate Starlink into Airtel's network and use Airtel’s infrastructure in India. Airtel's existing collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite internet will be complemented by Starlink, expanding internet access in underserved regions. This collaboration aims to provide high-speed connectivity across India.  

US President Donald Trump has halted his proposal to raise tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium imports to 50%, just hours after threatening the increase. The existing 25% tariffs will remain in effect and are scheduled to take effect on March 12. The change in stance follows a move by the Canadian province of Ontario to suspend a 25% electricity charge on certain US states, responding to Trump’s tariff threats. This development highlights the continued trade tensions between the US and Canada, with both countries concerned about the potential economic repercussions.