Tariffs Spark Coffee and Vanilla Supply Worries

India's electronics manufacturing is finding ways to source rare earth metals without relying on China, as stated by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. China's recent halt on exports of these crucial elements, like gallium and germanium, highlights their monopoly in this sector. However, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that Indian industries could adapt and find alternatives, thanks to global efforts to diversify supply chains post-Covid. With government support and incentive schemes, the electronics sector in India is poised for rapid growth, showcasing India's potential as a reliable player in global manufacturing.

The excitement is building as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling IPL match at Wankhede Stadium. A key spotlight is on young South African batter Dewald Brevis, who is set to make his debut for CSK against his former team. Brevis has been brought in as a replacement for the injured Gurjapneet Singh for a hefty ₹2.2 crores. Known as 'Baby AB' for his similar batting style to AB de Villiers, Brevis has made waves in T20 cricket and was a standout performer in the U19 World Cup. With impressive stats in both T20 and first-class cricket, fans are eager to see how he will perform in this high-stakes match.

Cities worldwide are taking steps to reduce driving and improve air quality, despite some pushback from residents and businesses. Recent data from cities like New York, London, and Paris reveals that measures like charging fees for entering city centers and lowering speed limits can alleviate congestion. For instance, New York's congestion pricing has led to shorter travel times, while Paris has seen improved air quality and fewer accidents after implementing lower speed limits. Cities are finding that limiting fossil-fueled vehicles helps clean the air, demonstrating the importance of innovative urban policies for better living conditions.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has updated its guidelines to ease the GST registration process for taxpayers. Recent complaints indicated that applicants faced unnecessary demands for documents and clarifications. The new instructions aim to prevent harassment while ensuring that only essential documents are requested. For instance, applicants will only need to provide basic proof of their business location and constitution. The CBIC emphasizes that officers should not raise irrelevant queries. The timeline for approving applications has also been streamlined, with approvals within 7 working days for straightforward cases.

India's non-life insurance sector is facing a slowdown, particularly in health insurance, which is the largest segment. In FY25, the growth rate dropped to 6.21% from 12.77% the previous year. Rising premiums, influenced by medical inflation and high claim rejections, have made consumers hesitant to purchase health policies. Notably, government health insurance schemes saw a 12.17% decline in premium income. Insurers are now focusing on younger, healthier customers to maintain profitability. The average healthcare cost has surged, leading to increased claims and further complicating the market's recovery.

London is hosting crucial talks this week that could decide the future of the Ukraine war. Ukraine’s defense minister is largely in agreement with a ceasefire plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump. This plan, which was introduced in Paris, is said to be about 90% acceptable to Ukraine. However, there are concerns over territorial issues in the ceasefire deal. The U.S. aims to finalize a comprehensive ceasefire and is prepared to engage with Russia to see if a deal can be reached. If Russia rejects the plan, Europe may have to take on more responsibility for security.

Bollywood has seen a troubling trend of film failures, and filmmaker Vikram Bhatt believes it’s time for a change. He highlights the importance of making films that appeal to the masses instead of focusing on niche markets. Bhatt points out that during COVID, audiences lost their habit of watching movies in theaters, which affected the industry. He praises the South Indian film industry for its mass appeal, emphasizing the need for a sense of urgency in storytelling. He suggests that filmmakers should focus more on quality content rather than star power to attract viewers back to theaters.

All banks in India, both public and private, will close on the fourth Saturday of April and for Gauri Puja. As the month ends, there are only two holidays left for bankers, which are regional and won't affect banks nationwide. April 29 marks Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti, a holiday in Himachal Pradesh. While bank branches will be closed, customers can still access digital services like UPI and ATMs unless specified otherwise. However, transactions involving cheques and promissory notes will be unavailable during these holidays. Online fixed and recurring deposits can still be made.

Pakistan has admitted to preventing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav from appealing after a critical ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2019. The ICJ had granted Jadhav the right to consular access and ordered Pakistan to reassess his death sentence. However, Pakistan's Defence Ministry indicated that the court's order only addressed consular access, not the appeal rights. Jadhav, a former Navy officer, was abducted from Iran and arrested in Balochistan in 2016. Since the ICJ's intervention, he has had limited consular access. The case highlights ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over justice and human rights.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently discussed with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick how President Trump's tariffs might affect iPhone prices. The conversation highlights concerns over potential price increases for consumers due to these tariffs. Experts warn that products like iPhones could be significantly impacted by the taxes. Additionally, the Trump administration has announced a series of tariffs that have caused uncertainty in the global economy. While Apple chose not to comment, the administration emphasized that no exemptions were granted to any company, ensuring that firms continue to manufacture more in the U.S.

Apple, once a leader in China's smartphone market, is now facing tough competition. Its share dropped from 15.6% to 13.7%, placing it fifth behind local brands like Xiaomi and Huawei. In the first quarter of 2025, Apple shipped 9.8 million iPhones, a 9% decrease from the previous year. Xiaomi surged to the top, boosted by government subsidies that benefit budget-conscious consumers. These subsidies have expanded to include smartphones, encouraging shoppers to buy cheaper models. However, ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions may affect market demand and increase costs in the future.

OpenAI has introduced a government ID verification process for developers wanting access to its advanced AI models, likely aiming to limit competition from Chinese firms. This decision follows a report by Copyleaks which found that 74.2% of outputs from the Chinese AI model DeepSeek-R1 were similar to OpenAI’s work. The report raised concerns about transparency and ethical issues related to data sourcing. OpenAI stated that the verification is necessary to prevent misuse of its APIs. Once verified, developers can access various AI model summaries. The verification process supports identification from over 200 countries, although details on supported nations are not fully disclosed.

The Trump administration is planning to impose fees on Chinese ships docking at US ports, which could disrupt global shipping and escalate trade tensions between the US and China. These fees will be based on the volume of goods carried and will apply to all Chinese-built vessels. The initiative arises from concerns over national security related to Chinese shipbuilding. While this move may support the struggling US shipbuilding industry, it also raises concerns for American importers and farmers who rely on Chinese shipping for various goods. Critics argue that these fees could increase consumer prices and complicate trade.

Cities worldwide, like New York, London, and Paris, are testing ways to reduce traffic and improve air quality, despite concerns about personal freedom and economic impact. Early results show that measures such as congestion charges and lower speed limits are making a difference. For instance, New York's congestion pricing led to reduced travel times, while Paris implemented lower speed limits resulting in improved air quality and fewer accidents. Despite challenges, including pollution from non-vehicle sources, these cities are setting examples for others. The success of these initiatives suggests that urban areas can combat pollution effectively while encouraging public transport.

The Indian startup scene is undergoing a major shift. Surprisingly, no new unicorns—those billion-dollar startups—have emerged recently, raising questions about the current investment climate. Analysts suggest that this absence may reflect a maturing market, where investors are now more selective and cautious, focusing on startups that can demonstrate real profitability. Gaurav Dua from Mirae Asset Sharekhan points out that this slowdown is a natural correction after years of over-exuberance. Instead of rushing into new ideas, investors are reassessing previous investments. This period may not signal a decline but rather a time for strengthening foundations in the startup ecosystem.

Gensol Engineering, facing a severe crisis, saw its share price drop nearly 5% to Rs 117.50, reaching a 52-week low. The stock is now under strict surveillance due to financial mismanagement by its promoters, Anmol and Puneet Jaggi, who allegedly diverted Rs 262 crore meant for electric cars into personal expenses. The company has faced a staggering 87% decline in shares over the past year. Following regulatory actions, an independent director resigned, citing lack of clarity on the company’s debts. Gensol is now considering returning to its roots as a fleet operator for Uber in India, as it grapples with declining ride numbers in its EV cab service.

The sudden death of an Air India Express pilot from cardiac arrest after a Srinagar-Delhi flight has raised serious concerns. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, focusing on whether the pilot's illness was reported to Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) in time and if appropriate actions were taken by the crew. Conflicting reports suggest delays in medical assistance, with some claiming it took over half an hour, while the airport's medical team asserted they arrived within 10 minutes. The probe will also review the pilot's medical history and the airline’s precautions regarding flight health checks. This incident highlights ongoing issues around pilot fatigue and safety measures.

Great storytelling captivates us, whether through films or web series. As we enjoy these narratives, we often overlook the vital role of writers who create them. The article highlights the struggles writers face in the film and OTT industry, where they receive little recognition and pay compared to actors and directors. Despite their crucial contribution, many writers find it hard to make a living, juggling multiple projects to survive. The author hopes this reflection will encourage the industry to value good writing more, emphasizing that without strong scripts, even star-studded films can fail to engage audiences.