Women startup founders get just ₹4 for every ₹100 raised by men: Report

Kalaari Capital’s “₹4 Problem” finds Indian women founders get only ₹4 per ₹100 men raise. Despite 1.7x growth in girls in STEM and 2x women JEE registrants, women remain underrepresented as founders and VC partners (16% vs 38% analysts). Pattern-matching bias skews capital, hiding opportunity.

Amid escalating US‑Iran‑Israel conflict, multiple tankers were hit in Gulf waters and Iranian drones entered Azerbaijan, snarling Hormuz shipping. Refineries cut runs, Iraq cut output, BP evacuated staff. Oil and gas prices surged as LNG flows faltered, Qatar paused output.

CRISIL warns Middle East/Hormuz tensions are lifting Brent ($82–84) and LNG ($24–25), pressuring India’s CAD, inflation, and earnings. LNG/crude users and CGDs may suffer; upstream oil and shippers gain; LPG impact limited.

Politico says the US is prepping for a months-long Iran conflict, with CENTCOM seeking added intel staff and air defenses through September. Objectives remain unclear. Trump had suggested 4–5 weeks. Cheaper counter-drone tech eyed; Israel warns ~$3B/week economic hit.

Global pop icon Ricky Martin will headline a high-energy pre-match show before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Fresh off beating England, India chase history as first to defend the title and first host to win.

After a record low 92.30/USD Wednesday, the rupee rebounded 0.6% to 91.61, leading Asia, as RBI sold $5–6bn via state banks. Oil- and risk-off pressures eased; Iran headlines aided sentiment. RBI also bought govt bonds, nudging the 10Y yield to 6.64% from 6.67%. Outlook tied to oil and geopolitics.

At the Raisina Dialogue, US Dep. Sec. Christopher Landau said Washington won’t repeat China-era economic advantages with India, signaling caution in trade talks. He offered energy cooperation amid Mideast disruptions as India diversifies partners; US tariffs on Indian goods fell to 18%.

Meta says contractors review data shared with Meta AI from Ray‑Ban glasses to improve service, with filters to protect privacy. Reports claim Kenya reviewers still see sensitive info due to failed blurring. Glasses add AI, Hindi and UPI Lite; priced from ₹22,500 in India; under 100k sold.

UNIQLO India targets ~44% FY26 growth; parent Fast Retailing sees revenue +10.3% to ₹2.21T and profit +10.7% to ₹36,000cr. India to be sourcing hub (30% local vs 15–20%). Expanding in metros (17+ stores), 15% margins. FY25 sales ₹1,175.5cr (+44%). Online ~15% revenue, +40%, no marketplaces.

Trump told Axios he must be “personally involved” in choosing Iran’s next leader and rejects Mojtaba Khamenei, calling him “unacceptable,” likening his role to alleged influence in Venezuela and Maduro’s capture. US officials deny regime-change aims. 

NHAI-backed Raajmarg Infra InvIT launches a ₹6,000 crore IPO (Mar 11–13, 2026; ₹99–100/unit) to fund SPVs and asset payments, supporting road monetisation. Portfolio: 5 road assets (260 km; ₹9,500 cr) with ROFO for 1,500 km. NHAI to take 15%; ₹1,260 cr from EPFO, SBI Life; growth projected.

Equifax: Gold loan disbursals jumped 94% YoY to Rs 8.16T in Q3 FY26; PSBs held ~46% share, NBFCs rose 189%, signaling preference over other credit. Overall disbursals +40% YoY; AUM +13%. Personal loans +34% (PSBs led). Shift to

MF equity buying fell to ₹10,381 cr in Feb (3-yr low) on softer inflows, SIP dip and volatility. FPIs turned positive; funds raised cash for corrections. Outlook split; BAF equity up to 54.9%.

SEBI’s Feb 26, 2026 rule lets AMCs run value and contra funds if portfolio overlap ≤50%. Value buys undervalued for mean reversion; contra backs sentiment turnarounds. Both diversify but can lag bull runs; contra is more volatile.

AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu plans ₹25,000 for second+ births to raise TFR from 1.5 to 2.1, with a population policy due by April. The state scrapped a two-child bar for local polls as southern leaders, incl. TN’s Stalin, warn of ageing, NFHS-5 low fertility, and delimitation impacts.

Chandigarh State Commission partly allowed a home insurance claim: internal leakage damage was covered (not excluded seepage), awarding Rs 3.86 lakh plus interest as insurer failed to prove exclusion. Theft claim was rejected for delayed FIR. 

Three ECB policymakers warned a prolonged US‑Iran war could lift eurozone inflation and sap growth, clouding the ECB outlook. Baseline assumes a short conflict, but energy price risks echo 2022. If extended, higher inflation and weaker activity complicate rates; no change eyed Mar 18‑19.

England must chase 254 vs India in the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede to stay alive. Success would set a new tournament record, beating England’s 230 vs South Africa in 2016, and become their highest T20I chase. Other top WC chases: SA 208 (2007), India 196 (2026).

Nothing launches Phone 4a and 4a Pro with Snapdragon 7-series chips, 6.78–6.83in AMOLEDs, 5,080mAh batteries, 50MP triple cams incl. 3.5x periscope, Glyph lighting, 50W fast charge. Prices Rs 31,999–45,999; sales Mar 13–27. Also debut: Headphone (a) with LDAC, ANC, and up to 5 days battery.

Sarvam AI launched the Sarvam Startup Program to help early-stage startups in India build with its generative AI stack. Benefits include 6–12 months of API credits, production-ready infra, priority engineer support, and STT/TTS/translation/chat/doc APIs for 22+ Indian languages.

Sanju Samson smashed 89 off 42 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi vs England, after a 97* vs WI, boosting India’s title defence. With Ishan Kishan (39 off 18) he set a record 94-run stand for India in WC knockouts. His seven sixes took him to 76, surpassing Yuvraj, now 7th-most for India.

India seeks US marine insurance and possible naval escorts to secure Gulf oil amid Hormuz turmoil. It’s boosting US/Russian supplies, curbing refinery exports, and may reprioritize gas after Qatar LNG halted. Talks span Sonatrach, ADNOC, Total, Vitol, Trafigura, plus IEA and OPEC.

Metlife’s GCC leased 75,000 sq ft in Embassy REIT’s Oxygen Business Park, Noida, at ₹41.84 lakh/month (₹56/sq ft). Five-year term with 15% hike after year 3; total ~₹26.61 crore. Adds to its 291,000 sq ft there. Move echoes strong office demand as vacancy falls to 10.8% in 2025.

Many investors overlook corporate fixed deposits, which can yield 1–2 percentage points more than typical bank FDs. A Paisabazaar table compares private companies’ FD rates with their credit ratings, helping investors assess potential returns alongside associated risk.

Embassy REIT raised ₹1,400 crore via 10-year NCDs at 7.49%, fully subscribed by a leading life insurer. Rated AAA/Stable (CRISIL, CARE), the issue extends debt maturity. With a prior ₹2,000 crore raise, FY26 10-year funding totals ₹3,400 crore; NCD investor base now 23+.

Motilal Oswal bought 1.65% in Zelio E-Mobility via a Rs 9.8 cr block deal at Rs 280. Shares rose to ~Rs 338, valuing the e-2W/3W maker at ~Rs 716 cr. Listed Oct 2025 (IPO Rs 78.3 cr). H1 FY26: revenue Rs 134.8 cr, PAT Rs 11.9 cr; FY25: revenue Rs 172 cr, PAT Rs 16 cr. 350+ dealers in 20+ states.

Using LIC annuity math, the author shows why retirees need large corpuses. A ₹10 crore annuity, adjusted for 6% inflation, survivor benefit, compound escalation, and taxes, nets ~₹33.7 lakh in year one (~₹2.8 lakh/month), affording ~₹36k rent—implying ~₹12 crore for a modest 2BHK retirement.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed condolences on Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, New Delhi’s first official response. PM Modi urged restraint and an immediate halt to the US‑Israel–Iran war, now in day six, amid heavy casualties, strikes in Lebanon, Israel and Iraq.

ACB names Ibrahim Zadran T20I captain, replacing Rashid Khan, after a poor T20 World Cup. Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Ishaq dropped; Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Ahmad Malik in. In ODIs, Shahidi stays captain; Zia Ur Rahman debuts; Fareed returns. 

Rubbing tired, itchy eyes feels soothing by stimulating nerves, tears, and the vagus nerve, but repeated pressure can cause corneal damage, raise keratoconus risk, and spread infection. Address dryness, allergies, or strain instead. Use lubricating drops, cold compresses and screen breaks.

India Ratings: Auto upcycle maturing. PV growth to slow to 3–5% in FY27 (FY26 +11.8%), UVs lead. Two-wheelers top FY19 in FY26, then 6–8% in FY27; premium drives. CVs +5–8%. Ancillaries +8–10%, exports up; neutral.

Florida’s public universities paused new H‑1B hires through Jan 5 while the Board of Governors reviews program costs and use; current H‑1B employees aren’t affected. Spurred by Gov. DeSantis’s claims of visa abuse, the move mirrors Texas’s freeze. Over 600 approvals were issued last year.

US‑Iran conflict is spilling into US immigration: shattered travel via Gulf hubs and suspended consulates are stranding H‑1B/L‑1 workers, jeopardizing jobs and status. Attorneys advise avoiding travel, tracking I‑94, filing timely extensions, and employer flexibility as H‑1B cap season runs.

India’s NaBFID plans to raise about $500m for its first equity-focused AIF at GIFT City, expanding beyond debt to back infrastructure. Talks with IFSCA are ongoing. It recently took a $125m HSBC foreign-currency loan. Funds may be raised in tranches over 6–9 months; terms pending.

The T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal sees India face England at Mumbai’s Wankhede on Thursday, with a spot vs New Zealand at stake. Powerplay returns are mixed: India 399 runs/14 wkts in 7 games; England 360 runs, ~2 wkts/game. With openers misfiring (IND 111, ENG 84), India hold a slight edge.

West Indies remain stranded in Kolkata after T20 World Cup exit, with coach Daren Sammy venting as West Asia turmoil disrupts flight routes. ICC is juggling complex logistics; a London charter is considered. 

Rajasthan budget: ₹2,000 cr for school infra (₹200 cr for 1,500 classrooms/labs; AI labs in 1,000 schools), ₹323 cr for sports/Anganwadis; capex ₹53,978 cr; ₹5,000 cr peri-urban water, ₹800 cr crop-loan subsidy; 28 lakh PMAY-G homes by 2029; 4 lakh jobs.

Russia says the US and Israel provoked Iran into regional strikes to pull Gulf Arab states into a wider war, after US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Putin offered to relay Gulf concerns to Tehran. Moscow deplored human and material losses from Iran’s drone and missile attacks.

England face India in the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal at Wankhede, seeking a repeat of their 2022 triumph and a record third title. Despite inconsistency, X-factors stand out: Will Jacks (191 runs, 7 wkts), captain Harry Brook (228, a Super 8 ton), Adil Rashid (11), Liam Dawson (10).

ASUS launches V501 desktops, AiO V400 in India: V501MV (15L) and V501SV (9L) from Rs 42,990; AiO V470 at Rs 71,990 and V440 at Rs 67,990. V501 offers up to Intel Core 7 240H, 64GB DDR5, quiet thermals; AiO up to Core 3, 8GB, HDMI In/Out. Rolling out Mar–Apr via ASUS stores, e-shop, Amazon, Flipkart.

India chase back-to-back T20 World Cup titles as they meet England in the 2026 semifinal at Wankhede. Despite patchy form, India’s hopes rest on emerging match-winners: in-form Sanju Samson, strike spinner Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan, the volatile Abhishek Sharma, and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

PM Narendra Modi met Finnish President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi during Stubb’s state visit, including a keynote at the Raisina Dialogue. Talks aim to boost India‑Finland ties, trade and people links, and coordination on regional, global and multilateral issues. Stubb will also visit Mumbai.

Apple stagger-launched new hardware ahead of its Mar 4 event: iPhone 17e, iPad Air (M4), MacBook Air (M5), MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max), Studio Display, Studio Display XDR, and entry-level MacBook Neo (A18 Pro). Still rumored: iPad 12th gen, updated Mac Studio, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini.

OPPO will add Android Quick Share–Apple AirDrop interoperability to the Find X9 series via a March update, co-developed with Google and MediaTek, enabling secure cross-platform sharing. OPPO will also launch the Find X9s in India and take the Find X9 Ultra global with Hasselblad-backed imaging.

Kurds, a 30–40 million stateless people across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, have long faced repression and conflict. Key groups include PKK, PJAK, KDPI and others. Autonomy in Iraqi Kurdistan; pivotal vs ISIL in Syria. New alliance amid US-Iran tensions; Iran strikes bases in Iraq.

As conflict in West Asia disrupts oil and LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, Indian energy firms including Petronet LNG, Mangalore Refinery and Gujarat Gas have invoked force majeure. Here’s what the clause means, why it is being triggered, and how supply risks are driving prices higher.

Great Eastern Shipping shares jumped up to 6% after it agreed to buy a 2014-built 81,094 dwt Japanese Kamsarmax, funded via internal accruals, for delivery by Q1 FY27. Fleet rises to 41 with near-100% utilization. VLGC Jag Vishnu sale due Q4 FY26; Q3 FY26 profit +37% to ₹813 cr, sales +18%.

Investor Jim Rogers says geopolitical shocks fade but a major U.S. market correction looms, so he’s holding USD cash. He’s long-term bullish on gold and silver, wary of AI stock hype, upbeat on India (no positions) and China, favors commodities—especially agriculture—and sees oil above $100.

Realme Narzo Power launches in India at Rs 27,999 (8/128) and Rs 29,999 (8/256), on Realme and Amazon. Specs: 6.8-inch FHD+ 144Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 7400 Ultra, Android 16, 50MP+8MP, 16MP, 10,001mAh with 80W, IP66/68/69, Gorilla Glass 7i. Offers: up to Rs 4,000 off, 4‑yr battery warranty.