Boeing has initiated a global workforce reduction, resulting in the layoff of approximately 150 to 180 employees at its Boeing India Engineering Technology Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the company's global workforce by 10%, equating to around 17,000 positions, amid financial challenges and production issues with its 737 MAX aircraft. Despite these layoffs, India remains pivotal to Boeing's operations, with nearly 6,500 employees based at BIETC facilities in Bengaluru and Chennai. The company emphasizes that the layoffs have been strategically implemented to minimize disruption to customers and maintain safety and quality standards. (PC: News18 & Boeing)

In light of the impending April 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, senior U.S. officials are set to visit India to engage in critical trade discussions. Trump has expressed concerns over India's high tariffs on American goods and anticipates substantial reductions. During a recent interview, he stated, "I believe they're...probably going to be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us." India's Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, has been in Washington to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement aimed at averting these reciprocal tariffs. Both nations are working to address issues related to tariff and non-tariff barriers, with the goal of finalizing the first phase of the agreement by the end of 2025. (PC: Fortune India & Bizz Buzz)

India is set to become the world's consumption capital, driven by rising incomes, workforce expansion, and changing household structures, according to a report by Angel One. Consumption accounts for 56% of India's GDP and is projected to double by 2034. India's savings are expected to jump 10-fold to $103 trillion by 2047, unlocking massive spending potential. Tax cuts in the union budget could boost GDP by 1%. Consumer electronics, apparel, and experiences will see the fastest growth. With more Gen Zers than the U.S. population, India’s consumption boom is set to reshape global markets.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he anticipates India will significantly reduce its tariffs on American goods. In a recent interview, Trump stated, "I believe India is probably going to be lowering those tariffs substantially." This development follows his earlier criticisms of India's high import duties, referring to the nation as a "tariff king" and highlighting the substantial trade imbalances between the two countries. Trump emphasized that if India does not adjust its tariffs by April 2, the U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs equal to those India levies on American products. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further criticized India's trade practices, noting a 150% tariff on American alcohol and a 100% tariff on agricultural products.

On March 17, 2025, India and New Zealand officially restarted negotiations on a long-stalled free trade agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral trade, which currently stands at over $1 billion. The agreement is expected to benefit key sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technology, and tourism. India's Trade Minister, Piyush Goyal, stated that the pact could increase trade tenfold in the next decade. The renewed discussions signal a commitment to economic cooperation and a stronger strategic partnership between the two nations.

Elon Musk’s Starlink is poised to offer satellite internet in India with 80-90 times more capacity than rivals Reliance Jio-SES and Eutelsat OneWeb. With infrastructure in place, including three gateways in Mumbai, Pune, and Indore, Starlink awaits regulatory approval to launch. Its planned second-generation satellite constellation could expand to 30,000 units. Meanwhile, Jio-SES and Eutelsat-OneWeb have secured permissions but await spectrum allocation. Starlink has committed to setting up a network monitoring center in India and complying with security norms. India's space sector is projected to reach $44 billion by 2033.

Indian American student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, went missing on March 6 while walking on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Despite extensive searches using drones, helicopters, and naval units, she remains unaccounted for. Her family has urged authorities to declare her dead. Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Minnesota student, was last seen with her and is under police supervision but not a suspect. He claims they were pulled by a strong tide but he brought her ashore. US officials insist it is a missing person’s case, not a criminal investigation.

The Sensex rose over 400 points before settling 326.28 points higher at 74,496.23, while the Nifty 50 gained 107.50 points, surpassing 22,600. Banking and financial stocks, including ICICI Bank and Zomato, led the rally. Broader markets saw gains in smallcaps and midcaps, though volatility remained high. Analysts noted domestic economic improvements, including a rebound in GDP growth and lower inflation, but cautioned that global headwinds like tariff wars and foreign fund outflows could limit sustained gains. Markets are expected to trade in a range without a sharp breakout.

The United States has announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move that could significantly impact India's aluminum industry, which exported approximately $820 million worth of these products to the U.S. in 2024. While India's steel exports to the U.S. are relatively minimal, the aluminum sector faces substantial risks. This decision may lead to a surplus of global steel and aluminum, potentially resulting in dumping in markets like India, thereby pressuring domestic prices and affecting local producers. Analysts warn that such protectionist measures could disrupt global trade dynamics, leading to retaliatory tariffs and increased competition from countries like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Tesla has expressed concerns over potential retaliatory tariffs resulting from President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies. In a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, Tesla highlighted that previous U.S. trade actions led to increased tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) exported to affected countries, thereby impacting U.S. exporters disproportionately. The company emphasized challenges in sourcing certain parts domestically, even with efforts to localize supply chains, and advocated for a phased implementation of new trade measures to allow businesses time to adapt. Additionally, the trade group Autos Drive America, representing major foreign automakers, echoed these concerns, warning that broad-based tariffs could disrupt U.S. production, elevate consumer prices, reduce vehicle model availability, and potentially lead to job losses across the supply chain.