Author: Aruna Kaim

Finding a reliable laptop that handles daily tasks without blowing your budget can be tricky. With so many options promising similar specifications, the real-world experience often comes down to keyboard comfort, display quality, and sustained battery life. Whether you are a student attending online classes, a professional tackling spreadsheets, or simply looking for a smooth video streaming experience, these shortlisted laptops deliver dependable everyday performance, sturdy designs, and excellent value for money. 5 Factors to Consider Before You Buy Processor: Aim for at least an Intel Core i3 (13th Gen/Core 3) or AMD Ryzen 5 for smooth multitasking and long-term…

A Hong Kong-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the New Champion, made a sudden about-turn in the Gulf of Aden just before reaching the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The move highlights growing supply chain vulnerabilities and insurance hurdles for crude oil shipments originating from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu. Key Takeaways Sudden Change of Course: Chartered by a Chinese buyer to pick up Saudi crude from Yanbu, the empty supertanker idled near the chokepoint before turning back and sailing east toward Asia at ~16 knots. Insurance Constraints: Industry sources suggest that several shipping insurers have recently halted coverage for…

At a panel discussion during Anvayaa Elder Care’s 10th anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad, industry leaders and experts highlighted evolving trends in geriatric healthcare, insurance coverage, and senior living models in India. Key Highlights Evolving Geriatric Insurance: Dr. Adesh Kumar Jampulkar, Vice President of Liberty General Insurance, noted that over the past 5 to 6 years, Indian insurers have introduced specialized policies covering specific geriatric conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Demographic Push: The surge in non-communicable diseases—including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and arthritis—coupled with India’s aging population, is driving an increased need for long-term care and frequent hospitalization. Integrated Senior…

Mumbai-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) Protium Finance is in exclusive, advanced negotiations to acquire mid-market commercial lender Clix Capital. Both companies are aiming to finalize legal agreements and documentation by August. Deal Details & Valuation Estimated Valuation: Clix Capital is expected to be valued between ₹1,900 crore and ₹2,200 crore (equivalent to 1.2x–1.5x its book value). Investor Exit: The acquisition will enable Aion Capital Partners—a joint venture between Apollo Global Management and ICICI Bank—to complete the final exit from its maiden $825 million fund. Potential Co-Investor: Protium may partner with impact-focused investment manager Lightrock ($6 billion AUM) to complete the…

India could receive $80 billion to $85 billion in total foreign currency inflows, driven by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) special Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] incentive scheme, according to an SBI Research report. SBI Research revised its scheme-end FCNR deposit target upward to $65–$70 billion (from an earlier projection of $40–$45 billion), citing rapid deposit mobilization led primarily by public sector banks. Inflow Highlights & Milestones 45-Day Outperformance: Total capital raised within 45 days of the scheme launch exceeded the total mobilization achieved during the entire three-month FCNR window in 2013. $20.72 Billion Raised (As of July 17,…

US private equity giant Bain Capital is in advanced negotiations to acquire a 25% stake in IndusInd General Insurance (formerly Reliance General Insurance) from IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), the investment arm of the Hinduja Group. If finalized, this transaction would represent Bain Capital’s maiden investment in India’s insurance sector, expanding its Indian financial services portfolio, which already includes Axis Bank, 360 ONE WAM, L&T Finance, Adani Capital, and Manappuram Finance. Key Financials & Deal Details Estimated Valuation: The transaction values IndusInd General Insurance at ₹16,000 crore (~$1.9 billion). Investment Size: Bain Capital is expected to deploy ₹4,000 crore to…

Holding company Tata Sons reported a 22% year-on-year surge in standalone net profit for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, driven by higher investment gains and solid dividend income from its core operating companies. Key Financial Highlights (FY26) Standalone Net Profit: ₹31,961 crore (up ~21.8% from ₹26,232 crore in FY25) Standalone Revenue: ₹42,367 crore (up 9.1% year-on-year) Recommended Dividend: ₹1,10,717 per share Consolidated Group Revenue: ₹16.24 lakh crore (up 7.8%) Consolidated Group Net Profit: ₹1.71 lakh crore (up 52%) Combined Group Market Cap: ~₹39 lakh crore (up from ~₹13 lakh crore in FY20) Performance Breakdown: Gems & Drags While…

French labor regulator DRIEETS Île-de-France has imposed a €175,000 fine (approx. ₹2 crore) on Indian IT giant Infosys over non-compliance issues related to its employee working-time recording system. Key Highlights Regulatory Findings: The labor authority cited compliance shortcomings in Infosys’ time-tracking mechanism, specifically pointing out issues with its reliability, auditability, and monitoring capabilities for certain employee categories. Timeline & Disclosure: Infosys received official notification of the penalty on July 24, 2026. The company stated that the brief delay in its regulatory disclosure was due to verifying details and determining appropriate next steps. Financial Impact: Infosys reassured stakeholders and investors that…

Titan Company Ltd announced at its 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) that Noel N. Tata will retire as Vice-Chairman in November 2026, adhering to the Tata Group’s mandatory retirement policy as he turns 70. Key Highlights Reason for Exit: In line with Tata Group governance policy, executives step down from non-executive board roles upon reaching age 70. 23+ Years of Service: Titan Chairman S. Vijayakumar acknowledged Tata’s visionary leadership and strategic guidance, noting that this was his last AGM as Vice-Chairman. Shareholder Reappointment: As part of corporate compliance under Section 152(6) of the Companies Act, Tata was reappointed by rotation…

Escalating geopolitical friction in the Middle East has pushed crude oil prices higher and driven U.S. Treasury yields to multi-month peaks. The dual pressure of energy-driven inflation and rising borrowing costs is prompting investors to evaluate whether the broader Wall Street rally can sustain its momentum. Key Drivers Shaking Investor Sentiment 1. Energy Supply Disruptions Crude Price Surge: Brent crude recently breached $100 per barrel following military actions and ongoing supply chain disruptions in critical trade corridors like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Inflationary Spillover: Although crude prices temporarily pulled back, sustained high energy costs threaten to…