Google announced a $15 billion investment in India over five years, establishing its largest AI hub outside the US in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the plans with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the hub as combining gigawatt-scale compute capacity, a new international subsea gateway, and large-scale energy infrastructure. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian unveiled the project in New Delhi. Bharti Airtel partnered with Google to build the purpose-built data center and Cable Landing Station. Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh called it a strategic advantage, saying Visakhapatnam will become a global connectivity and AI powerhouse, providing India's digital backbone for next-generation IT infrastructure.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is contemplating a significant increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating tensions in the already strained U.S.-China trade relationship. He emphasized that there is currently no reason to hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing ongoing trade imbalances and policy disagreements. Trump’s remarks reflect his continued hardline approach toward China, focusing on protecting American economic interests. Analysts warn that a major tariff hike could disrupt global supply chains, impact international trade, and heighten economic uncertainty amid existing geopolitical and financial challenges between the two nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that from November 1, the United States will impose an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese imports, alongside new export controls on critical software. He stated the move aims to curb Beijing’s “unfair trade practices” and protect American industries. The decision is expected to escalate tensions between Washington and Beijing, potentially disrupting global supply chains, particularly in electronics, EVs, and manufacturing sectors. Economists warn the tariff war could trigger price hikes and market volatility ahead of the U.S. elections. (PC: PTI)

India’s brewing excellence shone at the Asia Beer Challenge 2025, with Devans Modern Breweries Ltd. and Kimaya Himalayan Beverages LLP winning six awards. Kimaya’s BeeYoung Beyond clinched Gold in the International Style Pilsner category, while BeeYoung Crafted Strong earned Silver in Strong Lager. Devans’ Godfather Super Strong 8% won Gold in Strong Lager, with Six Fields Blanche and Six Fields Cult securing Silvers in Witbier and Dubbel Wit categories. Godfather Luxury Lager took Bronze in Tropical-Style Light Lager. The competition, judged via blind tasting by Asia-based beer buyers, underscores India’s growing presence in premium and craft beer segments across Asia’s booming market. (PC: Brewer World)

Ragini Das, co-founder of the recently shuttered professional women's network Leap.club, has been appointed as the Head of Google for Startups in India. This new role marks a full circle for Das, who had previously been rejected by the tech giant 12 years ago. After her startup, Leap.club, paused its operations in June, Das found a role at Google that aligned with her experience in the startup ecosystem. In a LinkedIn post, she expressed her excitement to support Indian startups with her new role. (PC: X)

Luxury automaker Aston Martin has ventured into premium parenting products by launching an exclusive baby stroller in collaboration with renowned British brand egg. The high-end stroller merges Aston Martin's iconic design philosophy with egg's expertise in luxury childcare products, targeting affluent parents seeking premium mobility solutions for their infants. The collaboration represents Aston Martin's strategic brand extension beyond automotive into lifestyle luxury goods, following the success of other premium car manufacturers in diversifying their product portfolios. The stroller features sophisticated styling cues inspired by Aston Martin's legendary sports cars while maintaining egg's focus on comfort, safety, and functionality. This partnership marks a significant entry into the luxury baby products market, where discerning parents increasingly seek premium alternatives that reflect their lifestyle aspirations and brand preferences.

President Trump announced 100% tariffs on all branded or patented pharmaceutical products starting October 1, 2025, unless companies build manufacturing plants in the US. Indian pharmaceutical giants faced sharp declines Friday morning as Cipla dropped 1.91%, Sun Pharma fell 3%, Dr Reddy's declined 1.50%, and Zydus Lifesciences plunged 3.22%. Alkem Laboratories also dropped 2.26%. The Nifty Pharma index fell 1.40% to 21,669.80 points. The tariff announcement particularly impacts Indian firms who supply affordable generics covering nine out of ten US prescriptions. This move threatens both manufacturers' revenues and low-cost medicine availability in America, as the US imported nearly $233 billion worth of pharmaceutical products in 2024. (PC: X & Getty Images)

The Trump administration's sharp increase in H1B visa fees was expected to boost outsourcing to India as companies seek cost-effective alternatives. However, this anticipated surge faces potential disruption from new legislation. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio has introduced the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act in the US Senate this month. The Republican-sponsored bill could significantly dampen the expected rise in Indian outsourcing if enacted in its current form. This legislative development represents a dual approach to restricting foreign employment practices - both through increased visa costs and potential legal barriers to offshore outsourcing. The proposed act signals continued political pressure on companies utilizing international workforce solutions, potentially reshaping global business strategies. (PC: The Telegraph)

Indian IT stocks plummeted up to 6% on Monday following H-1B visa turmoil. Tech Mahindra led losses, opening 6% lower at Rs 1,499 from previous close of Rs 1,533. The selloff followed Trump administration's proclamation hiking H-1B visa fees to $100,000 with one-day deadline, causing panic among visa holders. However, clarification emerged that this applies only to new applicants as one-time payment, not renewals or existing holders. Nifty IT fell 2.54% to 35,648 by 9:30 AM, with all 10 sectoral stocks declining. Major losers included Persistent Systems, LTI Mindtree, and Mphasis. Analysts expect knee-jerk reactions but note reduced H-1B dependence could provide relief for IT companies.

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran expressed optimism that the 25% penal tariff imposed by the United States on certain Indian imports will likely be withdrawn after November 30. Speaking at a Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry event in Kolkata, Nageswaran stated the duties on certain products are expected to be withdrawn after November 30. The CEA noted that both the original reciprocal tariff of 25% plus the penal tariff of 25% were not anticipated, believing geopolitical circumstances may have led to the second 25% tariff. This signals potential easing of trade restrictions amid ongoing India-US negotiations and improving bilateral ties, offering relief to Indian exporters affected by these additional duties. (PC: Finance Veda & Mint)