In a significant policy change, the Reserve Bank of India has upped its key interest rate to 5.50% with a 25 basis point hike, the first in nearly four years. This adjustment reflects a shift to a calibrated tightening approach, hinting at potential future increases. However, contrary to market expectations, no new liquidity measures were introduced.

Mumbai-Pune in 48 min, Delhi-Varanasi under 4 hours: 7 bullet train routes
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/delhi-varanasi-in-less-than-4-hours-mumbai-pune-in-48-minutes-chennai-bengaluru-in-over-1-hour-indian-railways-bets-on-seven-new-bullet-train-corridors-in-rs-16-lakh-crore-high-speed-push/articleshow/134783546.cms

Seven new bullet train corridors in works: In the coming years, Indian Railways is looking to make that a reality with seven new bullet train corridors in the works. Bullet trains typically operate at speeds of around 300 kmph, while some definitions of high-speed rail cover services operating at around 220-250 kmph.

AI regulation consultation paper next month, says IT minister Vaishnaw
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ai-regulation-consultation-paper-next-month-says-it-minister-vaishnaw-focus-on-safety-deepfakes/articleshow/134785844.cms

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for a Consultation paper on AI regulations to address specific concerns. The focus will include AI safety, deepfakes, user harm, and the need for skilling. The government aims to establish a regulatory framework while involving various stakeholders in the process. This initiative follows recent amendments in IT Rules to combat AI-generated harmful content more effectively.

India's GDP is booming, but stock market is crashing: What's going wrong?
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indias-gdp-is-booming-but-stock-market-is-crashing-whats-going-wrong/articleshow/134786666.cms

India is experiencing impressive GDP growth of 7.8%, while the World Bank revises its growth outlook to 7.1%. Yet, Dalal Street faces turbulence as benchmark indices suffer losses exceeding 1%. This is largely due to foreign investors offloading shares and rising bond yields globally, fostering a cautious sentiment in the market.

US sanctions Indian firms, individuals as Iran oil crackdown widens
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/operation-economic-outcast-us-sanctions-two-mumbai-firms-five-indians-over-alleged-iran-oil-trade/articleshow/134800174.cms

On Thursday, the United States targeted two Mumbai-based companies over their alleged oil trade involvement with Iran. The sanctions affected five Indian nationals connected to SSPL Solutions Private Limited and Samudra Marine Services Private Limited. These measures are part of a broader crackdown on Iran under 'Operation Economic Outcast'. The U.S. government aims to curb Iranian oil revenues fueling military and cyber activities.

GST Council scraps tax officers' arrest powers, eases refund rules
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gst-council-scraps-tax-officers-arrest-powers-eases-refund-rules/articleshow/134800724.cms

The GST Council has proposed major procedural changes to enhance business operations and tax compliance. These reforms aim to streamline registration, refunds, and input tax credit processes while lowering compliance costs. Additionally, the council will remove officers' powers for arrests under the GST framework. Processing of refunds will be expedited, with a goal to resolve claims within three days.

Starlink entry row: Is Ambani the real boss of India, asks Elon Musk
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/stralinks-india-entry-row-is-ambani-the-real-boss-of-india-asks-elon-musk/articleshow/134800745.cms

Elon Musk has raised concerns about regulatory obstacles facing Starlink's introduction in India. He claimed influential figures might be hindering the process and questioned if Ambani controls the situation. In response, India's government reaffirmed its fair and non-discriminatory approach, rejecting Musk's allegations. Other companies like Reliance Jio and Eutelsat OneWeb are also vying for approval to offer satellite services.

Perfect storm: Sensex slips amid rising oil, bond yields
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/perfect-storm-sensex-slips-amid-rising-oil-bond-yields/articleshow/134803327.cms