Uttar Pradesh government has approved a significant interim hike of approximately 21% in minimum wages for workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, effective April 1. This decision follows widespread factory worker protests. New monthly wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in these regions have been revised, with the CM urging employers to ensure…

Food inflation, based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), was 3.87% (provisional) for March 2026 on a year-on-year basis. The rate was slightly higher in rural areas at 3.96%, compared to 3.71% in urban regions.

The Indian rupee rebounded strongly, gaining 151 paise to 93.19 against the US dollar after the Reserve Bank capped banks’ net open positions. Despite this regulatory intervention, underlying pressures from foreign fund outflows, a firming dollar, and high crude oil prices persist, impacting equity markets as well.

Indian markets concluded the week on a positive note, with the combined market value of the top ten companies surging by over Rs 1.87 lakh crore. Bharti Airtel emerged as the leading gainer, adding Rs 58,831 crore to its valuation. This uptrend was supported by easing geopolitical tensions and a positive risk sentiment.

Wipro’s shares tumbled as profit dipped and the IT firm projected a subdued outlook, citing cautious client spending. Revenue growth in its core IT services remained sluggish, raising concerns about persistent challenges. Despite a share buyback, weak guidance and margin pressures overshadowed positive deal bookings, leading to a significant year-to-date stock decline.

The United States is set to host an Indian delegation this month, signaling renewed momentum in bilateral trade talks. This follows a productive meeting between US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is in the US to review trade, defense, and technology ties.