Nestle has urged India to consult food manufacturers while developing front-of-pack warning labels for products high in sugar, salt and fat, arguing industry participation could help ensure the rules are scientifically sound. The comments come amid growing public anger after Reuters reported that Coca-Cola, Nestle and industry groups opposed India’s proposed warning-label measures, which the government later dropped. India’s Supreme Court has criticised delays and called for front-facing warning labels. Health activists oppose industry involvement, arguing it could weaken public-health policy. Nearly 80% of products in India’s more than $100 billion packaged food and beverage market could be considered high in fat, sugar and salt. Consumers have also criticised differences between products sold in India and European markets. (PC: fity.club)

The NCLT has approved a repayment plan for Zee founder Subhash Chandra that will allow creditors to recover around Rs 6.5 crore against admitted claims of Rs 22,006.57 crore. The plan, backed by creditors holding 80.81% of the voting share, results in a haircut of nearly 99.97%. Several lenders opposed the proposal, including LIC Housing Finance, which had claimed more than Rs 1,322 crore. The tribunal said it could not replace the commercial decision of the majority of creditors with its own judgment. The case arose from Chandra's personal guarantee for a Rs 170-crore loan.  

Air India and Bhutan's national carrier Drukair have entered an interline partnership, allowing passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines under a single ticket. The arrangement will also enable baggage to be transferred to the final destination through Delhi. Air India passengers can travel to Paro and connect to Bumthang, Gelephu and Yonphula, while Drukair passengers gain access to Air India's domestic and international network through Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. The airlines said the partnership will improve connectivity, offer more travel options and strengthen links between India, Bhutan and destinations beyond. (PC: Business Today)

India’s egg prices have risen 35-40% over the past year as increasing diversion of maize to ethanol production raises poultry feed costs. Eggs now cost about ₹7 each ex-farm, while retail prices are around ₹8.50-₹9. Maize, which accounts for 65-70% of poultry production costs, has climbed to nearly ₹26,500 per tonne from ₹14,000 three years ago. Nearly 37% of India’s maize production is now going to ethanol distilleries, while maize-based ethanol output has risen from about 1 million tonnes in 2022 to around 17 million tonnes currently. With winter demand expected to increase, poultry executives anticipate further egg-price rises. India’s maize imports also hit a record 1 million tonnes in FY25. (PC: X)

Air India is seeking around $1.5 billion in fresh funding from owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Reuters reported. The airline is seeking the money as it faces rising losses and a costly turnaround plan. Air India and Air India Express posted combined losses of $2.33 billion in the year ended March. Singapore Airlines owns about 25% of Air India. The proposed funding could be provided in stages, with both owners expected to contribute. Air India has also faced problems from airspace restrictions, disruptions to international routes and the impact of last year’s deadly crash. Talks are still ongoing.

Four Indian companies have been sanctioned by the US for allegedly helping Iran trade and transport oil, as Washington expands its economic pressure campaign under “Operation Economic Outcast”. The measures target entities accused of facilitating Iranian petroleum sales through shipping, financial and trading networks. The US Treasury has warned that businesses and banks continuing to deal with Iran could face further action. The sanctions come as Washington seeks to isolate Tehran economically and pressure its trading partners. The move could raise concerns for Indian firms with exposure to Iranian oil and related business networks. (PC: HT)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a €320 million acquisition of Germany-based Porsche AG’s automotive and industrial-consulting arm, MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH. The deal will be anchored by a five-year partnership between TCS and Porsche worth €1.25 billion, strengthening TCS’ AI-transformation strategy and its position among European automotive and industrial customers. TCS will acquire 100 per cent of MHP’s shares within the next three to four months. The digital-transformation, AI and SAP-transformation-focused consulting firm recorded €742 million in turnover in calendar year 2025 and employs approximately 4,500 people. The acquisition will expand TCS’ presence across Germany, Romania, the UK, the US, India and Mexico, while deepening its strategic relationship with Porsche. (PC: Santosh V Perumal _12549)

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, aiming to improve returns for farmers amid weak domestic prices. The government changed wheat exports from “prohibited” to “free”, covering wheat, durum, flour, maida, semolina and atta. India had imposed the ban in May 2022 to control rising domestic prices and protect food security. The decision follows record wheat production of 120.65 million tonnes and buffer stocks of nearly 49 million tonnes. Officials said adequate supplies are available to meet domestic demand. Fresh Indian exports could also provide additional supplies as disruptions affect wheat shipments from Russia and Ukraine. (PC: India Today)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a strategic partnership with German sports car maker Porsche AG to deliver AI services across Porsche’s mobility value chain. Under the agreement, TCS will acquire 100% of Porsche’s management and IT consulting subsidiary, MHP Management-und IT-Beratung GmbH, for €320 million, or about Rs 3,575 crore. Porsche has also signed a five-year strategic agreement with MHP and TCS worth €1.25 billion, approximately Rs 13,967 crore. As part of the partnership, TCS will establish an AI Mobility Centre of Excellence for Porsche. The centre will focus on driving innovation across manufacturing, engineering, operations and customer experience, strengthening the technology partnership between the two companies and accelerating innovation. (PC: X)

Tata Group’s next chairman will face the difficult task of managing a $300 billion conglomerate amid a leadership crisis and growing differences between Tata Sons and Tata Trusts. N Chandrasekaran’s resignation has created uncertainty over succession, strategy and major investments in semiconductors, EV batteries, e-commerce and Air India. The new leader will also need to address losses in several new businesses while managing Tata Consultancy Services’ changing role as the group’s main cash generator. Experts say restoring alignment between Tata Trusts and Tata Sons, reassuring investors and clearly communicating the group’s future strategy will be among the new chairman’s biggest challenges. (PC: BBC)