India is pushing for a steel export quota worth nearly $900 million in the UK market to resolve a dispute that has delayed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). New Delhi argues that Britain's planned steel import restrictions, including a sharp cut in tariff-free quotas and higher duties on excess imports, could hurt Indian steel exports despite the trade pact. India wants a quota matching its recent export levels to the UK. Officials have also raised concerns over the UK's upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with both sides continuing negotiations to break the deadlock. (PC: The Indian Express)

Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut in two separate deals worth a combined $2.7 billion, marking a major change for the global pizza chain. The company will sell Pizza Hut’s operations outside mainland China to LongRange Capital for $1.5 billion, while Yum China will acquire the China business for $1.2 billion. The move follows years of weak sales and rising competition in key markets. Alongside the sale, Yum Brands approved an additional $4 billion share buyback program. The company said the deal will help sharpen its focus on faster-growing brands such as KFC and Taco Bell and support future technology investments.  

India's merchandise exports climbed to a record high of $45.2 billion in May 2026, registering an 18% year-on-year increase driven by strong shipments of engineering goods, electronics and petroleum products. However, the country's trade deficit widened to $28.2 billion as imports rose more sharply by over 20% to $73.4 billion, fuelled by higher crude oil prices and increased purchases of petroleum products. Government data showed that while export growth remained robust despite global uncertainties, rising import bills continued to put pressure on the trade balance. Economists say sustaining export momentum will be crucial for India's external sector outlook.  

The US-Iran war has significantly altered India's trade patterns, forcing businesses and policymakers to adapt to disruptions across West Asia. As traditional trade routes faced uncertainty, countries such as Oman emerged as important alternative suppliers and logistics hubs for Indian imports. The conflict also pushed India to diversify sourcing, reduce dependence on vulnerable routes, and explore new trade opportunities in regions including East Africa. Analysts say the geopolitical crisis highlighted the need for supply-chain resilience and strategic diversification. While a recent peace agreement has eased some concerns, the war has already left a lasting impact on India's trade strategy and economic planning.  

Indian stock markets ended sharply higher on Monday, with the BSE Sensex climbing 736 points and the Nifty 50 closing above the 23,850 mark. The rally was driven by optimism over the US-Iran peace framework, which eased geopolitical tensions and pushed global oil prices lower. Falling crude prices are seen as positive for India's economy and helped lift investor confidence. Broad-based buying was witnessed across sectors, while the rupee also strengthened against the US dollar. Analysts said improving global sentiment and lower bond yields added further support to the market rally.  

Global oil prices dropped sharply on Monday after Pakistan announced a framework agreement between the US and Iran that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route. Brent crude fell 4.3% to $83.55 a barrel, while US crude slipped 4.9% to $80.74. US President Donald Trump welcomed the development, posting "let the oil flow!", while Iran also confirmed that a deal had been finalised. However, analysts warned that uncertainty remains, as clearing the waterway and restoring normal oil shipments could take several weeks or even months.  

SpaceX made history on June 12 with the largest initial public offering (IPO) ever, raising $75 billion and debuting on Nasdaq at a valuation of about $1.77 trillion. Investor demand was several times higher than the available shares, pushing the stock sharply higher in early trading and lifting the company’s market value above $2 trillion. The surge propelled founder Elon Musk past the $1 trillion net-worth mark, making him the world’s first trillionaire. While investors celebrated the landmark listing, critics raised concerns about wealth inequality and the company’s lofty valuation. SpaceX says the capital will support ambitious projects, including advanced space exploration and future Mars settlement plans. (PC: Reuters)

For the first time in at least 26 years, no Indian company is among the top 10 constituents of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, a key global benchmark for investors. HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries have slipped to 11th and 12th positions, while India's overall weight in the index has fallen to a six-year low of 10.87%. Analysts say the shift reflects growing global preference for artificial intelligence and technology stocks. The decline could reduce passive foreign fund inflows, adding pressure on India's markets as rising crude oil prices and global uncertainty weigh on investor sentiment. (PC: ai)

State-owned oil companies have increased aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for domestic airlines by around 10 per cent. Jet fuel will now cost about Rs 115 per litre, up from Rs 104.9 earlier.   Oil companies have also introduced a voluntary fixed-rate plan that allows airlines to lock fuel prices for up to three years. The move aims to protect airlines from sharp changes in global oil prices caused by tensions in West Asia.   The government has approved a Rs 10,000-crore price stabilisation scheme to support the plan. Officials say the measure could help reduce sudden increases in airfares for passengers.

Air India is considering a new ticket option that would allow domestic passengers to travel without paying for onboard meals. Under the proposed “No Meals” category, passengers who do not want food during their flight could choose a lower-priced ticket. The airline may first introduce the option on select short domestic routes if it receives approval. Passenger response will help decide whether the scheme is expanded to more routes. The proposal is currently under review and is not being considered for international flights. At present, Air India provides meals to all passengers on both domestic and international services.