The Centre has granted a two-year exemption allowing four Chinese-linked power equipment manufacturers with factories in India to participate in government tenders for critical power projects. The companies—TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India and Taikai Electric (India)—have been exempted from public procurement restrictions introduced after the 2020 India-China border clash. The Finance Ministry clarified that the exemption, issued on June 24, is valid only for two years and will not set a precedent for other firms. The move aims to support India's expanding power transmission network and growing renewable energy infrastructure. (PC: The Indian Express)

Asian stock markets witnessed a broad sell-off, with Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi leading declines as investors reacted to mounting pressure on AI-related technology stocks. Rising semiconductor production costs and concerns over stretched valuations triggered heavy selling across chipmakers and major technology firms. The weakness spread across regional markets, erasing recent gains and dampening investor sentiment. Analysts said uncertainty surrounding AI demand, higher manufacturing expenses, and profit-booking in high-growth technology shares fueled the downturn. The market decline highlights growing concerns that the rapid AI-driven rally may be facing increased volatility and valuation pressures. (PC: Getty Images)

Global companies including Amazon, Google, ABB and AirTrunk have announced multi-billion-dollar investments in India, reinforcing confidence in the country's rapidly growing economy. The investments will support expansion across cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data centres, renewable energy, manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Amazon and Google are strengthening their cloud and AI capabilities, while AirTrunk is expanding hyperscale data centre capacity. ABB plans to enhance industrial automation and electrification solutions. The fresh commitments are expected to generate thousands of jobs, accelerate technological innovation and strengthen India's position as a global hub for digital services, advanced manufacturing and sustainable infrastructure development. (PC: Reuters)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered multiple suspected financial irregularities during searches at premises linked to Rajesh Exports in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Investigators said the company failed to provide records for foreign transactions and documents related to a claimed ₹1,035 crore investment in African mines. The ED also flagged nearly ₹3,000 crore in opaque trade set-offs, a 40% mismatch in gold stock records and suspected share manipulation. It further noted that the company's Managing Director reportedly received a monthly salary of only ₹17,000 despite revenues of ₹7.7 lakh crore. The investigation under FEMA is ongoing. (PC: The Indian Express)

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani announced plans to develop 10 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2035, positioning the conglomerate among the earliest private players to enter India’s nuclear energy sector following the passage of the SHANTI Bill in 2025. The group has already identified land for the project and aims to support rising demand for clean, round-the-clock power. Adani also highlighted a ₹2 lakh crore expansion plan to reach 45 GW power capacity, a 5,000 MW hydropower partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation, and major investments in aerospace, defence, ports, data centres and digital infrastructure across India. (PC: Business Standard)

Iran is rapidly seeking to revive oil exports to Asia after the US granted a 60-day sanctions waiver, allowing Tehran to approach refiners in India, Japan, South Korea and other markets. Around 68 million barrels of Iranian crude and condensate remain on tankers, with over 80% lacking confirmed destinations. While India is geographically well-positioned to receive cargoes within days, refiners remain cautious due to uncertain US policy, existing supply contracts, insurance and shipping constraints, and ongoing geopolitical risks. Analysts believe China will remain Iran’s primary buyer, while India could emerge as a second-wave customer if sanctions relief proves durable and attractive discounts materialise for refiners. (PC: Reuters)

Global oil prices fell below $80 per barrel as easing geopolitical tensions and growing expectations of a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz improved market sentiment. Brent crude dropped below $80 for the first time since March, while WTI traded near $76. The decline follows progress in a US-Iran framework agreement that could restore normal shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors. However, the International Energy Agency warned that OECD strategic oil reserves have fallen to their lowest level since 1990 after repeated emergency releases. The IEA also lowered its global oil demand outlook for 2026, citing higher fuel costs, trade disruptions and continuing uncertainty. (PC: CNN)

Swiss watchmaker Tissot has identified India as one of its most important growth markets, with the country expected to become its third-largest globally. Rising incomes, a young consumer base, and increasing demand for premium products have fueled strong sales growth. Tissot has expanded its presence through more than 400 retail outlets, exclusive boutiques, and a dedicated e-commerce platform. CEO Sylvain Dolla said India’s digitally savvy and aspirational consumers are reshaping the luxury watch industry. As Swiss watch exports to China slow, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for high-end timepieces. (PC: Tissot)

Indian equity markets closed higher on Thursday as easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude oil prices lifted investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex gained 254 points, or 0.33%, to settle at 77,409.98, while the NSE Nifty rose 82 points, or 0.34%, to close at 24,168. Markets drew support from the US-Iran peace agreement, which eased concerns over global energy supplies, while Brent crude remained below $80 per barrel. Buying in banking, defence and consumer stocks led the rally. IndiGo, Trent, NTPC and Bharat Electronics were among the top gainers, while IT stocks such as Infosys and Tech Mahindra declined. (PC: X)

Turkish aviation entrepreneur Can Çelebioğlu has described India’s decision to revoke security clearances for Celebi’s Indian subsidiaries after Operation Sindoor as a devastating blow, saying the company lost a $500 million business “overnight.” India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the clearances on May 15, 2025, shortly after hostilities between India and Pakistan ended. Celebi, which had operated in India for over a decade and provided airport ground-handling and cargo services, was forced to halt operations across multiple airports. The company has challenged the decision legally, while Indian authorities have maintained that national security considerations were the primary factor behind the action.