A devastating aviation tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Tuesday as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding into the premises of BJ Medical College. The aircraft, en route to London, failed to gain proper lift and descended into the student hostel complex, resulting in the deaths of five medical students and injuring several others. The crash has not only shocked the aviation community but also left the medical fraternity and nation mourning young lives lost in a preventable disaster.

Following India’s crushing 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, legendary footballer Bhaichung Bhutia launched a scathing critique of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), accusing it of systemic failure. Bhutia, a former national team captain, directly called for AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey’s resignation, citing administrative disarray, corruption allegations, and poor decisions like recalling a retired Sunil Chhetri. India now sits at the bottom of Group C, with its path to the 2027 Asian Cup in jeopardy.

The Indian rupee appreciated by 7 paise to settle at Rs. 85.46 against the U.S. dollar during early trade on Thursday, buoyed by a softening greenback, declining global crude oil prices, and positive sentiment in domestic equity markets. However, persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows tempered further gains. Market participants now await the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which could provide critical cues for near-term currency movements. While the dollar index weakened due to dovish expectations around U.S.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA is set to significantly ramp up its sourcing from India, aiming to increase the share from the current 30% to 50% for its global operations. The announcement came from Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, during a bilateral engagement with Indian business leaders. As India strives to expand its manufacturing footprint within GDP, Sweden is positioning itself as a supportive partner.

In a significant move, Wipro's promoter group, through its Azim Premji Trust, sold 18.05 crore shares—amounting to a 1.72% stake—in an open market transaction valued at Rs 4,674.77 crore. Despite the sizable sale, Wipro’s shares appreciated by over 1.6% on both the BSE and NSE, indicating investor confidence. The shares were sold at an average price of Rs 258.99 each, with Prazim Traders and Zash Trader, both part of the promoter group, purchasing the sold shares.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Bhupender Gupta for the position of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NHPC Limited. Gupta, who currently serves as Director (Technical) at THDC India Limited, a subsidiary of NTPC, was one of several candidates who underwent the interview process. The recommendation marks a significant move for NHPC, India's largest hydropower development organization, as it continues its transition into renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Amid renewed efforts to deepen economic ties, India and the European Union are exploring the contours of a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) that targets both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, emphasized that both India and the EU are currently hampered by excessive regulation and would mutually benefit from a more open trade architecture.

State-run Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) has announced a bold Rs. 2,000 crore investment plan over the next five to six years aimed at significantly expanding its mining footprint. This capital expenditure, largely focused on the Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh, is part of HCL’s broader strategy to triple its ore production capacity to 12.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by FY2030-31. The investment underscores India's push to boost domestic copper production amid rising demand from critical sectors including infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Bhupender Gupta for the position of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NHPC Limited. Gupta, who currently serves as Director (Technical) at THDC India Limited, a subsidiary of NTPC, was one of several candidates who underwent the interview process. The recommendation marks a significant move for NHPC, India's largest hydropower development organization, as it continues its transition into renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Three former officials of Brightcom Group Ltd (BGL), including two ex-compliance officers and an independent director, have collectively paid Rs. 35.4 lakh to settle a case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) concerning alleged financial reporting irregularities spanning six financial years from 2014–15 to 2019–20. The individuals submitted settlement applications without admitting or denying guilt. As part of the agreement, all three are barred from engaging with BGL or its affiliates for periods ranging from one to two years.