Bhavye Khetan, a UC Berkeley graduate, ignited a debate about startup funding by creating a fake founder persona. He secured responses from 27 VCs, with four requesting calls, despite having no product or pitch. Khetan's experiment highlights concerns that pedigree and buzzwords may overshadow substance in venture capital evaluations.
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India and the US are progressing towards a bilateral trade agreement, even as the impact of a US court order on potential tariffs is assessed. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the advancements alongside ongoing trade deal negotiations with the EU at the CII's Annual Business Summit 2025.
The Income Tax Department has released the Excel utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4. This is for the Assessment Year 2025-26. Taxpayers can now file returns for income earned in financial year 2024-25. The deadline for these ITR forms is extended to September 15. Individuals and HUFs with income up to Rs 50 lakh can use these forms.
India has exempted Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) from certain foreign portfolio investment rules to attract long-term capital and strengthen financial ties. This move allows PIF's various arms to invest independently in Indian equity markets, bypassing the previous 10% ownership cap. It aims to boost Saudi Arabia's $100 billion investment plan in India, particularly in energy and infrastructure sectors.
The RBI maintains its cautious stance on cryptocurrency, citing potential risks to financial stability and monetary policy, despite the Supreme Court's view against a ban. A government committee is currently reviewing the matter. The RBI has also introduced a new regulation-making framework emphasizing public consultation, impact analysis, and regular reviews to adapt to evolving conditions.
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee convened amidst expectations of a policy rate cut to bolster economic growth, influenced by global uncertainties. Analysts anticipate a 25-50 bps reduction in the repo rate, currently at 6%, following previous cuts. Experts believe easing rates will stimulate consumer spending, investment, and credit flow to MSMEs.
Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is planning to significantly increase its sourcing from India and may even establish a final assembly line if it secures a firm order for 200 aircraft from Indian clients. Currently, Star Air is the sole Indian airline using Embraer planes. The company is in talks with Air India, IndiGo, and several startups for potential orders.
The OECD has downgraded its global economic growth predictions due to the escalating trade war spurred by US tariffs. The revised forecast indicates a slowdown to 2.9% for both 2025 and 2026, impacting the US significantly with reduced growth projections and rising inflation. The organization urges countries to seek agreements to avoid further trade fragmentation.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) initially withdrew Rs 8,749 crore from Indian equities in early June amid global uncertainty. However, a significant shift occurred after the RBI's unexpected 50 basis points rate cut, boosting investor confidence.
Yes Bank shares plunged 7.4% to Rs 21.55 following reports of a 3% equity stake changing hands via block deals, potentially involving a PE investor.
Airbus reports IndiGo and Air India are among its top three global customers with substantial aircraft backlogs. While facing delivery delays, Airbus sees supply chain stability returning, aiming to increase A320 production.