In a new "From Vision to Practice" webinar series by Pearl Initiative, Nisha Jagtiani, Board Member of the Landmark Group, discussed the company's governance journey. With family businesses making up a significant portion of the GCC economy, Nisha's insights on implementing robust governance structures and aligning family values proved valuable for others in the industry. She highlighted how governance has not only helped the Landmark Group navigate challenges but also fostered innovation and agility in a rapidly evolving retail market. The session drew a diverse audience and emphasized the importance of learning from lived experiences in family business governance.
Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturing company, has announced the appointment of Jürgen Westermeier as the President and Managing Director for India and South Asia. In his new role, Jürgen will be responsible for driving business across commercial aircraft, defence and space, and helicopters. He will also support Airbus' commitment to 'Make in India' by expanding the company's footprint and strengthening partnerships with suppliers. Jürgen brings with him extensive experience in procurement and strategic roles from his previous positions at BMW.
The US has issued an executive order with a 21-day ultimatum, targeting India for its oil purchases from Russia. While India seeks to balance firmness and diplomatic engagement, high-level visits to Russia and China are scheduled for the coming months. Pakistan Army Chief's second visit to the US in two months also signals a further deepening of the bond between the two nations. Additionally, the Central Vista Redevelopment Project launches with the inaugural of Kartavya Bhavan, aiming to modernize government infrastructure and enhance efficiency.
The Federal Aviation Administration has alerted Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 operators of a safety concern related to the use of substandard titanium in the manufacturing of Ram Air Turbine forward fittings. The material, believed to be sourced from China and supplied by key supplier Spirit AeroSystems, has significantly reduced strength and fatigue properties compared to the required Grade 5 alloy. The potential failure of the RAT during deployment has prompted the FAA to propose a mandatory “airworthiness directive” and received support from Boeing.
In response to the new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, Mahindra Group Chairperson Anand Mahindra has proposed two "strong steps" for India to turn this challenge into an opportunity. He argues that India should use this moment to create a positive outcome for itself, similar to the foreign exchange crisis of 1991 which led to major economic reforms. These steps include radically improving the ease of doing business and taking advantage of the current situation to shape a better future for India.
Amid speculations about the future of US-India trade relations, President Trump has announced additional punitive tariffs on imported Indian goods, specifically citing India's energy relationship with Russia. This comes after Trump's warning earlier this week, accusing India of profiting off of discounted Russian crude oil and selling it at a profit on the open market. The new tariff, which is expected to take effect in three weeks, adds to the already high duties on Indian imports, making India one of the Asian trading partners with the highest US tariffs.
President Trump's recent executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all Indian imports has garnered international attention, but overlooked is the fact that certain goods will be exempt from this hike. This exemption will have a positive impact on sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and raw materials. The exemptions include goods already covered by Section 232 tariff orders and items excluded by law, such as humanitarian and agricultural products.
Xiaomi's sub-brand Redmi unveils a new visual identity in India, with the Redmi 15 5G set to be the first phone to feature the updated branding. The new logo will feature all uppercase text in a bold red color and is an effort to reflect the company's evolving perception of its young and ambitious user base. With over 1.1 billion devices shipped globally and a revenue of $1 billion in India after just two years of entry, Redmi has established itself as a major player in the budget smartphone segment. This revamped branding is sure to create buzz ahead of the Redmi 15 5G's launch on August 19.
Despite the ongoing uncertainties surrounding US President Donald Trump's trade policies and potential for increasing tariffs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) chose to keep its policy interest rate unchanged at 5.5 per cent. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized the impact of rate cuts made since February 2025 is still unfolding, and the service sector is expected to continue growing. However, the prospect of external demand remains uncertain amidst ongoing tariff announcements and trade negotiations.
Despite a winning session on Monday, major indexes fell on Tuesday as concerns about tariffs and the economic outlook continue to weigh on investors. The ongoing trade dispute between the US and other countries has kept investors on edge, with a Thursday deadline looming for possible tariffs. In addition, a weaker-than-expected jobs report on Friday has raised concerns about possible stagflation, further adding to the cautious sentiment among investors. Meanwhile, companies such as Palantir, Pfizer, and Caterpillar reported positive earnings, while chip stocks, including Nvidia and Broadcom, saw declines. The 10-year Treasury yield has also increased, while the US dollar index remains steady.