Page 17 - BS Premium

Hike in pump prices unlikely for now even as Brent tests $120 per barrel

Oil prices spike past $100 amid Iran war and supply cuts, raising fears of a sharply higher import bill, inflation and current account deficit for India

West Asia crisis: Nasscom warns tech firms of cybersecurity threats

Nasscom has urged tech firms to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks as West Asia conflict heightens risks, advising measures ranging from credential resets to DDoS readiness and supply-chain audits

Women-led startups saw 9% funding drop in 2025, says Tracxn report

Deal activity also fell significantly, with the number of funding rounds dropping 29 per cent from 2024

Missing half in India's growth puzzle: Female labour participation just 42%

Over 125 million women in India with secondary or higher education are outside the labour force

7 years on, ₹8,700 crore Odisha strategic oil reserve project awaits land

Public-sector firm seeks help from Independent MLA to start work

West Asia conflict: With crude at $100, OMCs to face margin pressure

The retail prices of petrol and diesel currently stand at ₹94.77 per litre and ₹87.67 per litre, respectively, in Delhi, compared to ₹110.04 per litre and ₹98.42 per litre, respectively, in Nov 2021

West Asia war: Refiners asked to maximise LPG output for local consumption

Facing supply risks from the West Asia conflict, the government has ordered all refiners to channel full C3-C4 streams into LPG production to ensure adequate supply for households

India's urban reset: What 16th FC report, Budget 2026-27 mean for cities

Record Finance Commission grants promise greater fiscal autonomy for cities, but sharp cuts in central schemes shift the burden of urban transformation to states and municipalities

Excise policy changes across states positive for listed liquor majors

Instead of steep hikes, states are relying on licence fee increases, reserve price revisions, and recalibration of tax

How India can kick the West Asian oil habit by boosting ethanol use

Surplus ethanol capacity and rising geopolitical risks revive calls for higher blending targets as India weighs E30, flex fuels and even E50 to bolster energy security

Supply disruption, high input costs likely to hit fertiliser companies

Agrochemical stocks fell sharply as tensions in West Asia threatened supply chains and raised raw-material costs, with analysts warning of higher fertiliser prices, subsidy needs and margin pressure

India's World Cup triumph creates fresh endorsement pitch for brands

India's T20 World Cup victory has sparked a surge in endorsement interest for rising cricket stars as brands look beyond legacy icons and tap the next generation of marketable athletes

FinMin asks banks to step up efforts to reduce delays in IBC cases

At a review meeting, the finance ministry directed public sector banks to minimise adjournments and speed up CIRP filings, aiming to accelerate NCLT admission and resolution timelines

Power Arcade: New-age electronic warfare

The latest military weapons from around the world

A glide bomb to hit targets from afar

Equipped with pre-fragmented or penetration-blast warheads

Redefining aerial combat

The 'eagle on arm' concept aims to build drones for frontline soldiers

Experts urge strong defence base

Dependence on critical foreign technologies constrains strategic choices

The Iran quagmire

The US pressure has cast a shadow on India's strategic bet on the Chabahar Port

CONFLICT ZONE: Yemeni civil war

A drone-and-missile theatre

Stitching a shield

India's capabilities need a unified architecture