India Increases Edible Oil Import Tax to Protect Farmers

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has placed five stocks on its trading ban list as of April 22, due to their trading volumes exceeding 95% of the market-wide position limit. This means traders can only reduce their positions and cannot create new ones during this ban period. However, these stocks can still be traded in the cash market. On a brighter note, the stock market saw a significant boost recently, with the Sensex rising over 855 points, primarily driven by strong performance in the banking and IT sectors. This rally reflects a recovery from previous losses linked to tariffs imposed by the US.

The Bollywood film "Kesari Chapter 2," featuring Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, had a strong opening but faced a significant drop in box office earnings. On its fourth day, the movie saw a 61.75% decline, earning just ₹4.59 crore after a successful weekend where it grossed ₹21.75 crore. Despite positive growth over the weekend, experts suggest that the film must perform well in the following days to maintain its momentum. Based on the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the movie has generated interest but needs to sustain its audience to continue thriving in theaters.

In T20 cricket, the top order usually scores the most runs, but the Titans' top three batsmen have taken this to a new level. They are performing exceptionally well, closely resembling the successful Chennai Super Kings from the past. All three players—Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler—have scored over 300 runs with impressive strike rates. Sudharsan currently holds the Orange Cap with 417 runs, averaging over 50. The Titans are on track to break records if their performance continues. However, if they fail together, it will test the team's middle order and bowling strength.

Don Pettit, NASA's oldest astronaut, made a successful return to Earth on April 20 after an impressive 220 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). At 70 years old, he participated in a crucial seven-month science mission, having launched on September 11, 2024. Alongside two Russian cosmonauts, Pettit orbited Earth over 3,520 times before landing in Kazakhstan. NASA reported that he is recovering well and will undergo routine medical checks. This remarkable journey adds to Pettit's extensive experience, having previously completed multiple spaceflights and significant experiments on the ISS.

Aadit Palicha, the CEO of Zepto, believes Indian talent is exceptional and crucial for startup success. In a discussion with Y Combinator’s Garry Tan, he shared insights on the rapid growth of quick commerce in India. Palicha emphasized that although he initially underestimated local talent, he found that Indian engineers match their American counterparts. Many successful internet startups are choosing to set up in Bangalore due to this talent pool. However, Palicha remains humble about Zepto’s success, stating they are far from achieving their ultimate goals and have decades of work ahead.

The Reserve Bank of India has taken a significant step by allowing children over 10 years old to open and manage their own savings and term deposit accounts. This new rule, communicated to banks, aims to empower minors with financial independence. They can operate these accounts without needing a guardian, although banks will ensure that the accounts maintain a positive balance. Additionally, banks can offer services like internet banking and debit cards based on their policies. This initiative not only encourages financial literacy among young people but also requires banks to adapt their policies by July 2025.

Bitcoin has made headlines again, soaring to $88,000 on Monday, marking a 4.3% increase in just one day. This surge is notable as U.S. stocks continue to fall, with the Dow Jones hitting new lows. The current economic climate, influenced by Donald Trump's tariff decisions, has also led to a significant drop in the U.S. dollar, which is trading at a three-year low. Despite this impressive rise, Bitcoin is still far from its all-time high of $110,000 earlier this year, as profit-taking by investors led to a decline in its value shortly after.

The Indian stock market is on the rise, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining 1.3% recently due to strong performances from major private banks and increased interest from foreign investors. Since April 9, these indices have jumped nearly 8%. Despite global uncertainties, India stands out as a resilient economy, expected to grow at 6% even when others slow down. Foreign investors have poured in over Rs 10,824 crore in just two days, focusing on sectors like finance, telecom, and real estate. With large private banks setting new records, the market seems poised for further growth.

US Vice President Vance's visit to India marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations. Arriving in Delhi with his family, he will visit Jaipur and Agra before departing on April 24. During discussions with Prime Minister Modi, they launched the India-U.S. COMPACT initiative, focusing on military partnership, trade, and technology. Both leaders expressed optimism about the US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement, which aims to boost job creation and economic growth in both countries. This agreement is seen as a pathway to enhance trade and collaboration, benefiting workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs alike.

Google DeepMind's CEO, Demis Hassabis, has made a bold prediction that new AI models could help eliminate all diseases. During a CBS interview, he explained that the traditional process of developing drugs takes about ten years and costs billions, but AI could shorten this to just months or even weeks. This revolutionary change could significantly improve human health. Hassabis believes that curing all diseases might be achievable within the next decade, as AI has already mapped millions of protein structures, completing what would have taken a billion years of research in just one year.

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank shares soared to all-time highs after they reported impressive earnings. HDFC Bank's net profit for the March quarter rose 7% to ₹18,835 crore, while ICICI Bank's profit increased by 15.7% to ₹13,502 crore. These results prompted Motilal Oswal to raise its earnings estimates for both banks. The banking sector is showing strong growth and positive sentiment as the Nifty Bank Index climbed 1.9%, outperforming the Nifty 50. Analysts believe Indian banks are shielded from global trade issues due to their limited international dealings and solid financial health. Overall, the outlook for these banks remains optimistic.

India is on the brink of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), and empowering women in this field is vital for transformation. Kirthiga Reddy, a prominent figure in the tech industry and the CEO of Verix, has launched AI Kiran, a platform set to uplift Indian women in AI. Scheduled to launch on April 21, AI Kiran focuses on creating a supportive community through funding, mentorship, and learning opportunities. Despite women being more numerous than men in STEM courses, they hold only a small percentage of AI roles. This initiative aims to change that, reaching out to a million women over the next year and ensuring they play a significant role in shaping AI technology.

Cities worldwide are tackling traffic and air pollution, sparking debates about personal freedom and costs. New data from cities like New York, London, and Paris suggests that measures like congestion charges and lower speed limits can effectively reduce traffic and improve air quality. For instance, New York's congestion pricing has led to shorter commute times, while Paris has seen a 12% improvement in air quality after lowering speed limits. Despite initial concerns about economic impacts, these initiatives are showing promising results, indicating that urban areas can lead the way in reducing emissions and enhancing public health.

Infosys, a major IT company, has terminated over 240 trainees for not passing internal assessment tests. Despite multiple preparation sessions and attempts, these trainees failed to meet the required criteria for the apprenticeship program. However, Infosys is offering them free upskilling courses through NIIT and UpGrad to help them prepare for future job roles. Additionally, terminated employees will receive one month's salary, a relieving letter, travel assistance, and accommodation until they leave. In financial news, Infosys reported a revenue increase to ₹40,925 crore and a slight rise in profits, highlighting a solid performance in the IT sector.

Gold prices are always a hot topic, especially in India where it holds cultural significance. On April 21, 2025, the prices for 18K, 22K, and 24K gold varied across different cities. Understanding these prices is essential for buyers and investors alike. The data showcases how gold remains a valuable asset in the market. For those looking to invest or purchase gold, being aware of the current rates can help make informed decisions. This article breaks down the latest gold prices across various cities, ensuring you stay updated.

In a significant crackdown, GST officers have uncovered 25,009 fake companies involved in fraudulent input tax credit (ITC) claims worth ₹61,545 crore during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Over the last two years, a total of 42,140 fake firms were identified, leading to ₹3,107 crore recovered from blocked ITC and 316 arrests. The government has tightened GST registration processes to prevent such fraud, enforcing physical verification and Aadhaar authentication for risky applicants. With stringent measures in place, including penalties for fake ITC claims, officials aim to protect the economy from these illicit practices.

For many Indians dreaming of a trip to the United States, the visa interview can be a nerve-wracking hurdle. With new policies tightening interview requirements, more applicants face in-person scrutiny, raising the stakes for approval. Atlys, a travel tech startup, has launched an AI-powered U.S. Visa Mock Interview tool designed to help applicants prepare. This innovative tool simulates real interview conditions, using data from experienced U.S. consulate officers. Users receive instant feedback on their performance, making them four times more likely to get a visa. As the demand for U.S. visas grows, this tool can be a game-changer for hopeful travelers.

The Supreme Court of India is deeply troubled by comedian Samay Raina's jokes that seemed to mock blind people and a baby needing an expensive injection for spinal muscular atrophy. The court expressed its concern, stating it is "really disturbed" by such comments and plans to investigate. The case arose after the Cure SMA Foundation highlighted the high costs of life-saving medications, like a ₹16 crore injection, making them inaccessible for many families in India. This situation forces many to rely on crowdfunding for essential health treatments, a reality Raina appeared to make light of, stirring significant backlash.