Beyond Financial News

5,000-year-old civilization buried beneath the world’s largest continuous sand desert.

Blackstone Group is foraying into India’s rapidly growing housing property market, marking a strategic shift after leading the country’s commercial property space, with clear focus on the mid-income and premium segment of the market to begin with, said persons familiar with the plan. While the global alternative asset management firm has already established itself as India’s largest office and logistics landlord, and expanded aggressively into data centers, the proposed acquisition of listed company Kolte Patil Developers, marks its first big bet on housing market. «The plan goes beyond investment to building execution and development capabilities, with no capital constraints for growth. Previously, assets were acquired and consolidated, as seen with Nucleus Office Parks, Horizon Industrial Parks, and Nexus Select. In contrast, the strategy for housing focuses on establishing the platform first and then adding assets,» said one of the persons mentioned above.

Ever faced a dilemma so confusing that no amount of advice could help you decide? Ancient Greek philosophy might hold the key. Two contrasting yet deeply insightful perspectives—Philia Sophia (the love of wisdom) and Philia Nikia (the love of victory)—have shaped debates, decision-making, and even entire belief systems for centuries. Understanding these two concepts can give you a powerful edge in resolving conflicts, making decisions, and setting your priorities in life.

NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore launched into space last June, they expected an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Instead, they found themselves trapped in orbit for nine months after their spacecraft was deemed unfit for return. Now, their long-awaited rescue mission has finally arrived, as SpaceX’s Crew-10 has docked with the ISS to bring them home. While the world watches their imminent return, one looming question remains—what happens when astronauts spend nearly a year in space and suddenly re-enter Earth’s gravity? Experts warn that the effects could be both physically and mentally overwhelming.

quick commerce has caused a significant decline in the sale of food, beverages and confectionery in urban centers, as 52 per cent of physical store retailers reported experiencing the drop, according to a report by global consulting firm PwC. The report says that beyond food, personal care (47 per cent) and household cleaning (33 per cent) are also experiencing significant sales reductions. This suggests that quick-delivery models are more disruptive for consumables that consumers frequently purchase in-store.

According to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, the top diplomats «agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia.» The statement gave no details on when the next round of US-Russia talks, which are being hosted by Saudi Arabia, would begin. Rubio also updated Lavrov on military activity in the Middle East, where US forces carried out deadly strikes Saturday against Huthi rebel targets in Yemen, the statement said. Despite recent tensions between President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv has agreed in principle to a US-brokered 30-day unconditional ceasefire if Moscow halts its attacks in eastern Ukraine.

Radar Online, the 55-year-old superstar is reportedly channeling her emotions into a powerful musical comeback—one that insiders believe will be her own version of Lemonade, Beyoncé’s infamous tell-all album about Jay-Z’s infidelity. After a turbulent relationship with Affleck, 52, which saw the rekindling of their 2000s romance only to end in yet another failed marriage, Lopez is wasting no time wallowing in regret. Instead, she's back in the studio, allegedly assembling an army of A-list songwriters and producers to craft an album infused with themes of «strength, courage, and perseverance.»

The success stories of Spanx and Skims have made shapewear quite hip—and it’s true for India, too. A Google search for “shapewear in India” results in hundreds of options, including shapewear specialists like Dermawear, startups like ButtChique and The Active Story that started in 2020 and 2023, respectively, intimatewear labels like Nykd by Nykaa Fashion, older brands like Zivame and Clovia, international brands like Marks & Spencer and smaller brands in online marketplaces. There are tummy tuckers, sari shapewear, bodysuits, shaping dresses, 4-in-1 shapers for the stomach, hips, back and thighs, and colours that go beyond the beige, with prices starting from `250 to `7,000. So, is everyone wearing shapewear? Not as many as should, says Abhishek K Kumar, CEO of Dermawear. “In comparison to the global usage of such products, we have only scratched the surface. India still has a long way to go to adapt shapewear in daily life, which underscores the opportunity the market presents.” He that is not keen on loose petticoats and pinching drawstrings. It entered the shapewear segment with high-compression garments targeting occasion wear; that is close to 10% of its portfolio now. She says, “Today, shapewear has moved from thicker fabrics to high-compression thin fabrics. It is also being looked at beyond occasion wear.” She says people now want outerwear with shaping function, like a knit top that shapes the abdomen.

Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker plans a trip to New Hampshire—a critical early primary state—fueling speculation about his ambitions. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently visited Iowa, engaging with Democrats frustrated by Trump-era policies and congressional inaction, signaling his national aspirations despite Iowa’s diminished role in the primary calendar. Though no official campaigns exist, potential contenders are leaving deliberate clues. Operatives and donors dissect travel schedules, policy speeches, and fundraising appearances for hints of presidential intent. New Hampshire Democratic Chair Raymond Buckley notes that early outreach—like Pritzker’s planned visit—resonates with activists eager to shift focus beyond Trump’s divisive legacy. However, challenges loom: The Democratic National Committee won’t finalize early primary states until 2026, complicating strategy. Meanwhile, midterm elections in 2026 remain the immediate priority, even as whispers about 2028 grow louder.

Rohit Singhania, Co Head — Equities, DSP Mutual Fund, recommends investors approach ELSS funds as regular flexi-cap investments since these funds aren't constrained by market-cap restrictions. «The three-year lock-in period can also serve as a useful behavioural hack, encouraging investors to remain patient and disciplined. Investors should shift their mindset—from viewing ELSS purely as a tax-saving tool to recognizing it as a meaningful long-term investment,» he says.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. OTT Tarun Tahiliani, a luxury prêt label by designer Tarun Tahiliani, opened its first-ever store inside Gurugram's Grand View High Street complex, last month. Designed to reflect the brand’s ethos of modern minimalism, the store’s interiors offer an immersive retail experience and houses a collection, including gilets, capes, soft jackets, belted kaftans and dresses, with brand's signature elements such as jewel printing and chikankari.

Shankar Sharma has stirred discussions on social media by advising individuals to avoid stock market investments. His comments, shared on X (formerly Twitter), have gained traction, especially during ongoing market volatility.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Online-first food brands selling gourmet and premium snacks and groceries like healthy chips and organic fruits and vegetables are increasingly eyeing expansions through offline retail to tap into the bulk of India’s consumers who still prefer buying essentials at physical retail stores.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Tata Motors Ltd, India’s largest electric car maker, is considering new petrol and diesel models, besides extending the life of existing fossil fuel-driven variants, as the adoption of battery-powered mobility slows in key markets, including the US and UK. The country's third largest carmaker, in its interaction with analysts on Tuesday, also acknowledged that competition has increased in the EV segment, especially from JSW Group’s MG Windsor in India.

Retail inflation fell to a 7-mth low of 3.6% in February, driven by falling vegetable prices, official data showed on Wednesday. But the pre-Holi gains are likely to be short-lived with heatwaves predicted in the country as early as March. Vegetables have been the main driver of inflation in the last 12 months, and the correction is set to reverse when winter stocks run down.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The 18th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League kicks off in a week’s time at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. In the 2024 season, streaming partner JioCinema had recorded a 57% growth in IPL viewership compared to the previous year.

Piyush Goyal on Thursday urged the creative industry to take India's story to the world and contribute further to the economic growth. He emphasised putting trust and authenticity at the centre of their work and taking responsibility and accountability for the output they generate.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The International Energy Agency said the macroeconomic conditions underpinning its oil-demand projections have worsened over the past month due to global trade tensions, and that it sees a bigger-than-anticipated supply surplus if OPEC+ raises output beyond April. “New U.S.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: There is unanimity on the need to reduce the goods and services tax (GST) on health and life insurance premia from 18%, but consensus eludes on what the final rate should be: nil, 5% or 12%.

Scopely has agreed to buy Niantic's gaming business, including the mobile hit Pokemon Go, for $3.5 billion. Scopely, which is owned by a unit of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, will also acquire Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now from Niantic, along with the teams working on them, the Saudi company said in a statement on Wednesday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. Niantic's games encourage players to go outside and explore their neighbourhoods to receive in-game rewards.

Specialty chemicals manufacturing startup Scimplify has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Accel and existing investor Bertelsmann India Investments. The round also witnessed participation from UMI, 3one4 Capital and Omnivore. This brings the company’s total funding to around $54 million. The fresh capital will drive the Bengaluru-based company’s global expansion, enabling it to scale exports beyond the 16 countries it currently serves while strengthening its presence in life sciences, crop sciences, and industrial chemicals.