Global olive oil major Deoleo has appointed Vishal Sarin as General Manager for its India operations, signaling a renewed strategic focus on one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. The leadership transition comes at a time when premium edible oil consumption is expanding across urban India, driven by rising health awareness and evolving dietary preferences. Sarin is expected to spearhead brand growth, distribution expansion and market penetration initiatives.

Ride-hailing major Uber Technologies Inc. has received a renewed operating license in Karnataka from the state transport authority, providing regulatory clarity in one of India’s most significant mobility markets. The approval from the Karnataka State Transport Authority ensures the company can continue its services across the state under established compliance norms. The renewal follows heightened scrutiny of aggregator platforms and signals a stabilizing regulatory environment for app-based mobility operators.

Yamaha Motor Company has introduced the XSR155 in a new Metallic Black finish in India, strengthening its presence in the premium entry-level motorcycle segment. The neo-retro model blends classic styling cues with modern engineering, targeting urban riders seeking performance and aesthetic distinction. Powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled engine with advanced valve timing technology, the motorcycle is positioned to compete in the growing lifestyle two-wheeler category.

MRF Ltd. has announced an investment of Rs. 5,300 crore in a new greenfield manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its long-term growth strategy and capacity expansion plans. The proposed project is expected to enhance production capabilities, generate employment and strengthen the company’s domestic and export footprint. The move reflects sustained confidence in India’s automotive demand outlook despite cyclical volatility in raw material prices and global trade dynamics.

India’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a sharp increase of $19.4 billion, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The substantial rise bolsters the country’s external position at a time of heightened global volatility and currency market fluctuations. The accretion was driven by gains in foreign currency assets, valuation effects and possible central bank interventions. A stronger reserve base enhances India’s ability to manage exchange-rate pressures, stabilize capital flows and cushion against external shocks.

Precious metals surged sharply as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East triggered a flight to safety across global financial markets. Gold climbed to multi-week highs, while silver posted strong gains, reflecting renewed investor demand for traditional safe-haven assets. The rally comes amid heightened uncertainty following military confrontations in the region, which have rattled equities and commodities alike. Market participants are recalibrating risk exposure, shifting capital toward assets perceived as stores of value.

Global crude oil markets rallied sharply, climbing nearly 9 percent after escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran heightened geopolitical risk across the Middle East. Brent crude approached USD 80 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark prices rose to USD 72.79. Despite the spike in international benchmarks, retail petrol and diesel prices in India are not expected to increase in the immediate term, according to industry sources.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced that 98.44 percent of Rs. 2,000 banknotes in circulation at the time of withdrawal have been returned to the banking system, marking one of the most comprehensive currency phase-outs in recent years. The update reflects the steady progress of the central bank’s calibrated liquidity management strategy following its decision to withdraw the high-denomination note. While the note remains legal tender, its presence in active circulation has diminished sharply.

Air India has announced a significant leadership reshuffle within its engineering division as part of its broader transformation agenda under the Tata Group. Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Sisirakanta Dash will assume the newly created role of Group Chief Strategy Officer – Engineering from April 1, focusing on long-term capability building and infrastructure expansion. Jeremy Yew, a seasoned aviation engineering executive with over two decades of experience, will take charge of day-to-day engineering and maintenance operations.

Non-banking financial companies focused on gold-backed lending are projected to deliver improved profitability in the coming fiscal year, supported by sustained demand, operational efficiencies and historically low credit losses. Industry estimates suggest average return on managed assets could rise to between 4.25 percent and 4.5 percent, reflecting strengthened balance sheets and favorable asset quality trends. Despite intensifying competition from banks and diversified NBFCs, the gold loan segment remains structurally resilient due to its secured nature and short-tenor profile.