global business arm

Swiss pharma major Novartis is sharpening its strategy in India as a pure-play innovator across core therapy segments, including cardiovascular, oncology, and immunology. The company is moving further up the value chain in India, with early scientific discovery and Phase I studies beginning to take shape.

Prada, once burdened by over a billion dollars in debt, experienced a dramatic turnaround following the 2006 release of "The Devil Wears Prada." This cultural phenomenon propelled the brand into mainstream consciousness, shifting perception from niche luxury to a symbol of power.

Blackpink's Lisa commanded the 2026 Met Gala red carpet with a stunning, avant-garde gown designed by Wun. The semi-sheer, sequined dress featured two extra mannequin arms emerging from her shoulders, holding a dramatic veil.

The plan aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening India’s capabilities in satellite communications, particularly in LEO systems, as reliance on foreign providers raises strategic and security concerns.

President Trump described US naval actions enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports as "like pirates," highlighting the profitable seizure of ships and cargo. He also cited military action against Iran's nuclear program to protect the region and noted internal divisions within Iran's leadership complicating negotiations.

Claire's has abruptly closed all 154 of its UK and Ireland standalone stores, resulting in over 1,300 job losses. The teen jewellery giant's decades-long high street presence collapsed due to a combination of online shopping shifts, rising costs, and financial struggles.

Tech layoffs in 2026 have already surpassed 92,000 jobs across 98 companies, making it the worst year for tech employment since the post-pandemic bust. Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Snap, Oracle, and Block are among the biggest names cutting staff, with AI infrastructure spending cited as the primary driver. But beneath the efficiency narrative lies a more complicated story—one of overhiring, debt, and a workforce reckoning that's far from over.

O2C Division Hit Hard By Rising Costs, Supply Chain Disruptions

A high-stakes legal battle is underway in Oakland as Elon Musk sues OpenAI's Sam Altman and Microsoft, alleging a betrayal of the AI company's founding nonprofit mission. Musk claims the shift to a for-profit model enriched leaders and investors, deviating from the original goal of benefiting humanity. The trial could significantly impact OpenAI's future and the AI industry.

Japanese firm ONESTRUCTION and Indian Institute of Science-backed DataKaveri have partnered to integrate construction data into urban AI platforms. This collaboration aims to unlock valuable building information, previously lost after project completion, for use in smart city applications and digital twins across India and Japan.

Ageas, a Belgian insurer, is prioritizing growth in India, aiming for a top-10 life insurance position and remaining open to inorganic opportunities. The company emphasizes a localized operational model and sees significant potential in India's evolving insurance market, particularly in protection and retirement segments.

India and New Zealand have signed a 'once-in-a-generation' trade pact, granting Indian exporters duty-free access to New Zealand. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion in five years and includes a $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand. Both nations are optimistic about the pact's potential to boost economic growth and cooperation across various sectors.

New Delhi called the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste” after the US president endorsed an anti-India statement by American radio host Michael Savage, a move that has also triggered widespread backlash among Indian-Americans

Luxury labels are navigating uncharted waters in the Middle East, as recent regional conflicts have drastically shaken up sales and tourism trends. The bustling malls and airports of Dubai, once thriving hubs of luxury shopping, are now seeing a notable downturn in visitors and revenue.

LIV Golf’s future is now uncertain as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reviews its support after heavy financial losses, according to the Financial Times. The league has struggled with profitability, media deals, and player stability. While no final decision has been made, this review could change the future of LIV Golf and impact the global golf landscape.

Lagos swelters under a brutal heatwave, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices that make air conditioning and generators unaffordable. Millions face sweltering commutes and sleepless nights as temperatures climb. Experts link the rising heat to climate change, urban density, and generator emissions, while traders prioritize survival over health warnings amid the crisis.

UK visa costs are set to increase from April 8, 2026, as announced by the British High Commission in India. These changes aim to streamline and digitize the immigration system, ensuring a secure and efficient service. Specific visa categories, including Visit, Study, and Work visas, will see price adjustments, with no cap on application numbers.

Wipro has secured a significant deal with Singapore-based Olam Group, valued at over $1 billion, including an $800 million committed spend. This eight-year agreement will see Wipro deliver AI-powered transformation services across Olam's global 'farm-to-fork' value chain. Additionally, Wipro is acquiring Olam's IT and digital services arm, Mindsprint, for $375 million.

Having tasted blood, Iran is not going to go back to free naval passage. Other countries may well follow suit

European Union energy chief Dan Jorgensen stated that energy prices will remain high for the foreseeable future. He noted that even if peace is achieved tomorrow, a return to normal levels is not expected soon. The EU is preparing measures to assist families and businesses. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian gas.

With tensions rising near the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb — another maritime chokepoint — is coming into focus over fears that it could become the next shipping lane to be targeted, especially with the entry of the Houthi group into the current conflict. For India, the repercussions will be significant

KPMG UK is cutting nearly 600 roles in its audit division and around 120 in advisory, citing tougher market conditions and unusually low staff turnover. The proposed redundancies, potentially affecting up to 440 audit staff, aim to right-size operations. This move highlights broader cost-cutting pressures across professional services firms.

India’s Rs 1,350 crore sports celebrity endorsement market is undergoing a dramatic transformation as elite athletes like Shreyas Iyer, Neeraj Chopra, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan break away from traditional agencies to assert control over their own brands and careers. By seeing themselves as businesses, these athletes are forming in-house offices and management firms, resulting in endorsement deals that are often up to three times more lucrative than before.

The company turning 50 on April 1 isn't really one company. It's five—stitched together by a logo, a stubbornness about design, and the world's most expensive refusal to die.