The Trump administration is poised to implement substantial tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, aiming to address issues like border security and drug trafficking. Effective March 4, these measures include a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% levy on Chinese products. Experts caution that such tariffs could escalate consumer prices on essentials including gasoline, avocados, and iPhones, as importers often transfer increased costs to shoppers. Additionally, industries like automobile manufacturing may face challenges due to disrupted supply chains and heightened production expenses. There is also a risk of retaliatory tariffs from affected nations, potentially igniting a global trade war that could hinder U.S. exports and economic growth.

The BAM Awards 2025, held at The Dilly in London on February 27, celebrated excellence in British Asian media. HereandNow365 emerged as the biggest winner of the evening. The agency secured multiple accolades, including ‘Agency of the Year’ and ‘Creative Excellence in Media’, while its founder, Manish Tiwari, received the BAM Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Asian Media.   Tiwari was honored by Fiji’s High Commissioner H.E. Jovilisi Suveinakama and BBC’s Jo Sherlock, who also served as a judge for the event. In his speech, Tiwari reflected on the historical journey of Indians in the diaspora, tracing their migration to Commonwealth nations in the 18th and 19th centuries and how their presence laid the foundation for today’s British Asian media landscape. He highlighted his personal experience of arriving in the UK 25 years ago, emphasizing that he never had to alter his name or accent to succeed. His agency, HereandNow365, founded two decades ago, was built on this inclusive foundation.   The agency’s impact was widely recognized, particularly for its Dabur Vatika Gender Pay Gap campaign supporting ethnic minority women. The ‘Creative Excellence in Media’ award honored its campaigns on Zee, Sony, Sunrise Radio, and Lyca, including TV and radio ads featuring Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and singer Hans Raj Hans.

Ola Electric has laid off over 1,000 employees and contract workers in its second round of job cuts in four months. The move affects charging infrastructure, customer relations, and sales as the company automates operations. Ola posted a 50% rise in losses for Q4 2024, while its stock has fallen 60% since its August IPO. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal had set a 50,000-unit sales target for breakeven, but February sales hit just 25,000 units. Ola says restructuring aims to cut costs and improve margins, though consumer complaints and competition continue to challenge its market position.

Financial expert Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," has echoed Elon Musk's concerns about the U.S. economy, highlighting systemic issues within the monetary system. In a recent post on Musk's platform, Kiyosaki criticized America's escalating debt, which includes obligations from social programs like Medicare and Social Security, totaling over $230 trillion when combined with the national debt of $36 trillion. He cautioned that if major bond purchasers like Japan and China cease their investments, it could lead to soaring inflation and a potential collapse of both the U.S. economy and the dollar. Despite Bitcoin's recent drop to $85,000—a 22% decrease from its January peak—Kiyosaki views such downturns as buying opportunities, advocating for investments in Bitcoin, gold, and silver over traditional currency.

Elon Musk's Tesla has finalized plans to establish its presence in India by securing showroom locations in Mumbai and New Delhi. In Mumbai, the company has leased a 5,000-square-foot space in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a prominent business district near the city's airport. Similarly, in New Delhi, Tesla has chosen a location in the Aerocity area, close to the international airport, also encompassing approximately 5,000 square feet. These showrooms are intended for the sale of imported electric vehicles and will not serve as service centers. This strategic move follows recent discussions between Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling Tesla's commitment to entering the Indian market despite previous challenges related to high import tariffs. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Delhi that the EU and India aim to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) this year. A deal of this scale would be the largest of its kind globally. Talks, relaunched in 2021, face hurdles in agriculture and manufacturing but are progressing. The EU is also exploring a security and defense partnership with India. As U.S.-EU trade tensions escalate under Trump’s policies, Brussels seeks stronger Indo-Pacific ties. With $135 billion in bilateral trade, India and the EU are deepening collaborations in AI, semiconductors, and clean technology.    

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has retained the interest rate on provident fund deposits at 8.25% for 2024-25, as confirmed by sources. This rate was increased from 8.15% for 2023-24, reversing a decrease to 8.1% in 2022-23, the lowest in over 40 years. The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) has proposed this rate, which now awaits approval from the Finance Ministry. Once approved, over 7 crore EPFO subscribers will see the updated rate credited to their accounts. The EPFO interest rate has varied over the years, reflecting broader economic conditions.

Russia's state seizures of foreign firms' assets, including U.S. and European companies like Glavprodukt and Carlsberg, offer a stark warning to those considering returning under a potential Trump-inspired thaw in relations. These assets have been placed under "temporary management," yet many businesses, including Glavprodukt, report lasting losses and diminishing control. Moscow's intention to restore ties with Western firms remains uncertain, with no clear plan for returning assets. The Russian state's takeover strategy, which includes shifting ownership to regime loyalists, has thus far been damaging for the companies involved, with little chance of reversal.

Tata Motors' stock has dropped 44%, erasing Rs 2 lakh crore in market value, primarily due to weak demand for its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) division in key markets like China, the UK, and the EU. The company faces challenges from increasing competition and potential U.S. import tariffs on European cars. Despite these hurdles, analysts see a potential buying opportunity, citing attractive valuations and the possibility of a JLR recovery. CLSA upgraded the stock, forecasting a 40% upside, while BNP Paribas maintains a cautious outlook, acknowledging the stock's current consolidation phase.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Amrut Distilleries has introduced 'Amrut Expedition,' India's oldest and rarest single malt whisky, priced at ₹10.5 lakh per bottle. This exclusive release is limited to just 75 bottles worldwide, making it a coveted collector's item. The whisky has undergone a unique 15-year maturation process, spending eight years in European Sherry casks and an additional seven years in American ex-Bourbon casks, resulting in a deep, complex flavor profile. Each bottle features a diamond-cut design with gold engravings and includes a handcrafted silver peg measure. The packaging, a blend of metal and wood, took six months and five prototypes to perfect. Amrut Expedition is available in select markets, including India, the USA, the UK, Europe, Dubai, Singapore, and Australia.