U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 90-day halt on his sweeping tariff hike aimed at most nations, an apparent softening of a trade policy that had upset otherwise calm global markets. But it still continues to hit China hard: the announcement disclosed that its planned steep tariff of 104 percent on Chinese imports would be raised instead to a whopping 125 percent.
China Faces the Heat
Trump has raised the tariff on Chinese imports, first to 104%, and then, somewhat absurdly, to 125%. He claimed these tariffs were long overdue and justified by what he called a long history of Chinese trade exploitation and a lack of respect for global trade rules.
China lost no time to reply. Within hours, it slapped an 84 percent tariff on U.S. goods, escalating tensions in a situation that looks ever more like a trade war. This latest confrontation follows earlier rounds of tariff retaliation and adds additional strain to a relationship that was already defined by suspicion and economic rivalry.
Global Fallout and Market Whiplash
The very first imposition of Trump’s all-encompassing tariffs had prompted big sell-offs in all the main stock exchanges around the world. Yet, after the 90-day delay was announced on these tariffs, at least for now, the price for several shares shot back up.
The Dow Jones gained nearly 3,000 points. That’s close to an 8 percent increase. The S&P 500 was up by over 9 percent. And would you believe it, the tech-heavy Nasdaq was up more than 12 percent in just one day?
Even with this rally, analysts are still uncertain. Trump’s tariffs on steel, aluminum, and certain drugs are still making the rounds. And there are more and more questions being raised about the potential fallout for the Indian pharmaceutical industry, which supplies almost 40% of the generics U.S. consumes. This could be Trump’s next target.
Harsh Rhetoric, Unpredictable Strategy
Trump’s language has garnered even his supporters’ criticism. He asserted that global power brokers are pleading to negotiate, and he used the most basic expressions imaginable to convey their enthusiasm. This, of course, is just how the guy talks, but it led some voices on Trump’s right flank to question whether his papal visit part two is really what America needs right now.
Although his tone is confrontational, Trump insists that his approach serves American workers and not the interests of multinationals. Even allies, though, are starting to wonder whether his aggressive trade agenda is worth the long-term cost.
Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest in four years, with both dropping 16% in just a week. The drop was set off by China meting out a retaliatory 84% tariff on U.S. oil, just as the Trump administration was pushing its own aggressive 104% tariff hike. Brent now goes for USD 60.35 a barrel, while WTI hovers near USD 57.23 after a sharp midweek drop that saw it lose as much as 7%.
In the current context, the main challenges emerge from the following factors:
1. Mounting global risks (climate change, food insecurity, pandemics etc.) are not being sufficiently funded.
2. Debt vulnerability and restructuring are not being adequately addressed.
3. Global growth is increasingly dependent on the Bank’s scale.
4. Resource mobilization for transforming investment landscapes is not generating enough funds.
5. The private sector, often seen as a game changer, is nearly missing in action.
Global Demand Fears, Policy Uncertainty Compound Pressure
The market’s selloff is a direct consequence of the intensifying concerns about a downturn in worldwide growth and a softening demand for oil. Ever since Trump’s tariff announcement on April 2, the price of oil has dropped by almost 20 percent, its worst five-day slide since early 2022.
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley analysts have reduced their 2025 oil forecasts, estimating that by year’s end the Brent price will be around USD 62 and WTI around USD 58. In fact, they see the oil market weakening further, into 2026 and beyond, as a plentiful global supply, coupled with some anticipated softness in demand, works to keep prices down.
MCX Crude at Key Technical Levels
As per the commodity analyst Gyan Ranjan Singh, the MCX crude oil broke a major support level around INR 4,975 and has formed a descending triangle, a bearish continuation pattern. Our Momentum indicators show RSI near 21 (deeply oversold), while the increased volume during the breakdown confirms bearish control.
The next crucial support level has been defined by Singh at INR 4,666, with near-term stability possibly being found around INR 4,800–4,870. Despite the dismal technicals, the formation of an oversold setup gives room for a tactical recovery scenario if confirmation signals come in.
Tactical Bullish Setups for Short-Term Traders
The oversold condition offers an opportunity for traders to take short-term bullish positions and bet on recovery. Traders might look for an entry point between 4,800 and 4,870, with a stop-loss set at 4,600. If we go back to when the stock was in the 5,380 to 5,535 range, that kind of target might be considered a reasonable upside.
Candlestick reversal patterns or RSI divergence should be waiting for swing traders to initiate positions. Yet volatility is what it is. Hence, we must manage risk. In swing trading, this can translate into using smaller position sizes and employing trailing stops in order to navigate the resistance zones the price attempts to rebound from.
Indian pharmaceutical stocks saw a sharp drop on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump signaled that a new wave of tariffs on drug imports might be coming. The Trump thumbs-up for tariffs rattled investor confidence and sent the Nifty Pharma index down 1.7 percent in early trade. This also had the effect of dragging the broader Nifty 50 down with it, as that index slipped 0.52 percent.
Each stock in the 20-member pharma index was down, painting the sector with a broad brush of negativity following the announcement. Gland Pharma, Lupin, and Zydus Lifesciences saw the sharpest descent, with their stocks dropping between 3% and 5%. Sun Pharma and Cipla, leading names in the market, weren’t spared either, with their stock prices falling 1.69% and 1.87%.
India’s Generics Exports at Risk
One of the world’s biggest suppliers of off-patent pharmaceuticals, India, sends a considerable chunk of its pharmaceutical exports to the United States. Nearly a third of the drugs that India sells abroad go to the U.S., whose longstanding low- or no-tariff regime has made it a welcoming market.
At present, Indian pharmaceutical firms have mostly unfettered access to selling their drugs in the American market, while the United States exports to India a vast array of goods, including around a billion dollars’ worth of drugs, on which India imposes tariffs of about 10%. Any US tariffs imposed on Indian drug companies in retaliation for not allowing US firms into the Indian drug market would likely be offset by reduced Indian tariffs on American drugs. The net effect would be a lowering of the prices of medicines for Americans.
Trump Pushes for Domestic Production
At the National Building Museum in Washington, Trump gave a speech urging change to the pharmaceutical supply chain. He wants the drugmakers to manufacture in the U.S., instead of shipping stuff in from overseas. “Tariffs on pharma will be there because we don’t make our own pharma drugs; they are made in another country. The same packet in the US is priced at USD 10 or more. We are going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon. The advantage we have is, we are very big market. Very shortly, will announce a major tariff on pharma, and when these companies hear that, they will leave China and other countries because most of their products are sold here. And they will be opening their plants here,” he said.
Trump proposed that new import tariffs would be so hefty that they would push companies out of places like China and India and back into US manufacturing centers. He did not provide a specific timeframe, but he hinted that a big pharma tariff announcement was coming soon, and that ratcheted up worry on Wall Street.
What This Means for Investors
The immediate selloff across pharma counters highlights the fragility of Indian drugmakers in relation to changes in US trade policy. The share prices of pharma companies fell in reaction to Trump’s remarks, and his potential influence on US government policy is now most acutely being felt in that sector. The vulnerability of drugmakers to a Trump-led sea change in US trade relations was made clear in the immediate post-election period, highlighted by today’s sharp reaction to comments by the president-elect.
In the coming weeks, analysts anticipate sustained upheaval in pharmaceutical equities, especially those with significant stake in the US generics space. For the moment, risk-off sentiment has taken root, with many portfolio managers seeking to recalibrate away from export-dependent names and to hunker down in more domestically oriented, policy-resilient holdings.
The Reserve Bank of India‘s decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points has created renewed worries for depositors and savers, even as borrowers greet the decision with smiles. Over the last two months, the repo rate has been trimmed by a total of 50 basis points, a cut that is a signal change in the RBI’s stance even as inflation remains muted and growth remains fragile. There is no question that this is a benign development for those who have taken loans, both in terms of getting new funds and for those who are repaying old loans. But what this means for Fixed Deposit (FD) holders is another matter.
In response, banks have started to modify their deposit schemes. Kotak Mahindra Bank was the first to take such action, paring down fixed deposit rates by as much as 15 basis points across some tenures. As of April 9, 2025, the bank offers rates across various tenures that range from 2.75% to 7.30% for the general public and 3.25% to 7.80% for senior citizens.
Senior Citizens and Conservative Investors Take a Hit
People reliant on set incomes, especially older adults, are likely to take the hardest hits from this shift. Such investors have usually counted on the safe, dependable returns of term deposits.
As more banks align with the RBI’s direction, rates will likely keep sliding. HDFC Bank has already lowered its FD returns, discontinuing its high-interest schemes that previously offered up to 7.40% for longer terms. In recent days, Bandhan Bank, Yes Bank, and Equitas Small Finance Bank have also trimmed their FD rates.
Shrinking Margins, Changing Liquidity Dynamics
The relatively stable nature of savings deposit rates, accounting for around 30% of deposit share, has dampened the overall transmission of the policy rate cuts to the depositors, according to the State Bank of India. But with CASA deposits declining and banks being under pressure to manage liquidity, even these rates may not hold steady for long.
SBI observes that term deposit rates are impacted in a much stronger way than lending rates. This starts to compress the net interest margins for banks, a kind of no-man’s-land indicator that could signal at least two broader trends. One is what’s happening on the funding side. Since term deposits are generally less liquid than demand deposits and there is still a healthy growth in demand deposits, banks could be moving towards a structure where they pay less for the funds they are using to make loans.
As fixed deposit rates are expected to fall even more in the coming months, analysts suggest that investors should take the time to secure high-yield rates. Vijay Kuppa, CEO of InCred Money, said that locking in current FD offers is a good strategy for investors, much more so, he said, if inflation remains low and future interest rate cuts are seemingly on the horizon.
Imagine millions of eyes glued to screens, roaring stadiums, and social media buzzing with every boundary and wicket; this is the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025, a branding goldmine. With record-breaking viewership on TV and digital platforms, IPL isn’t just a cricket league; it’s a marketing revolution that transforms brands into household names overnight.
Why? Because where attention goes, money follows. And in 2025, IPL owns attention. With viewership smashing records of 137 cr+ fans tuning in across TV and digital brands, don’t just get eyeballs; they get an emotional connection with an audience that lives and breathes cricket. From startups looking for explosive growth to legacy brands aiming to stay relevant, every marketer wants a piece of the IPL magic.
And the best part? It works. Brands that play the IPL game right don’t just get seen, they get remembered, loved, and talked about for years.
So, how exactly does IPL turn brands into superstars in 2025? Let’s break it down.
The Viewership Goldmine – Understanding IPL’s Unparalleled Reach
A Multi-Screen Entertainment Juggernaut
With JioHotstar, and YouTube streaming matches in 4K with near-zero latency, IPL has transformed into a 360-degree entertainment experience. Fans no longer just watch, but they engage, react, and share in real-time, turning every match into a nationwide trending event.
Peak concurrency crosses 35 million+ during high-stakes matches
Average watch time exceeds 100 minutes per user, which is far higher than OTT originals
Second-screen engagement skyrockets, with 1.5X more social media mentions than other sports
Brands Are Creating Emotional Connections
IPL isn’t just about reach, but it’s also about resonance. The tournament’s electrifying moments include last-ball thrillers, viral celebrations, and meme-worthy commentary that creates perfect branding opportunities where ads don’t feel like interruptions, but part of the excitement.
Example: Dream11 leveraged IPL’s title sponsorship to become synonymous with fantasy sports, achieving 90% brand recall among cricket fans.
Dream 11 IPL Advertisement
Digital Viewership – The Streaming Revolution Continues
JioHotstar, the official digital streaming partner for IPL 2025, has reported unprecedented numbers within the first few matches of the tournament:
40% growth in digital viewership compared to IPL 2024’s opening weekend.
137 crore views were recorded in just the first few matches.
Peak concurrency hit 3.4 crore viewers, making it one of the most-watched digital sports events ever.
Total watch time of 2,186 crore minutes, an all-time high for IPL streaming.
The rise in Connected TV (CTV) consumption has also played a crucial role in digital expansion. There was a 54% rise in CTV viewership, indicating a shift in audience behavior toward larger screens for a more immersive experience.
With JioHotstar introducing 4K streaming, multi-angle viewing, AI-driven match insights, and regional language commentary in over 12 languages, digital engagement is expected to set new records.
Television Remains a Powerhouse
Despite the rapid rise of digital platforms, traditional television remains a stronghold for IPL viewership. Star Sports, the official broadcaster, has seen a 22% increase in viewership compared to IPL 2024.
25.3 crore TV viewers tuned in during the opening weekend.
2,770 crore minutes of watch time generated, demonstrating the IPL’s immense reach.
39% growth in average Television Rating (TVR) for the first three matches compared to last season.
Television remains dominant in rural and semi-urban India, where communal viewing families watch together and screenings at public venues continue to thrive.
Advertising and Social Media – The Ultimate Marketing Gimmick
IPL Advertisements
With the tournament’s ever-growing viewership, brands invest heavily in IPL 2025 advertising. The total projected ad spend across television, digital, and social media is estimated to exceed INR 6,000-7,000 crore.
INR 850 crore is expected to be spent on social media advertising alone, capitalizing on IPL’s massive online engagement.
Influencer collaborations are a key strategy, with 315,000 cricket-related posts generating 3.2 billion engagements during IPL 2024, and are expected to increase significantly this year.
A major FMCG brand’s ‘Hashtag Stamina Cup’ campaign has already reached 350 million views with a 14% engagement rate, demonstrating the power of IPL-themed digital marketing.
Sponsorships and Revenue Boom
JioStar, the joint entity handling IPL’s television and digital broadcasts, has taken a strategic approach to ensure widespread engagement.
Target: One billion viewers across TV and digital platforms.
32 sponsors are already on board, making IPL 2025 one of the most lucrative seasons ever.
Projected INR 4,500 crore in advertising revenue, fueled by high demand for premium ad slots.
Reliance Jio has introduced a hybrid monetization model for IPL streaming. While users on INR 299+ prepaid plans continue to enjoy free IPL access, Jio has implemented subscription-based access beyond a certain watch time limit. This strategy is designed to balance user acquisition with revenue generation, ensuring sustainable digital streaming growth.
Jio’s Hybrid Streaming Model – A Game Changer
How is IPL 2025 affecting player sponsorships and endorsements?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has significantly influenced player sponsorships and endorsements, reflecting the league’s expanding commercial appeal.
Increased Player Endorsements
High-Profile Signings: The IPL 2025 auction witnessed record-breaking bids, underscoring the league’s financial growth. Notably, Rishabh Pant was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Such substantial investments enhance players’ marketability, attracting premium endorsement deals.
Rising International Interest: Australian cricketer Mitch Owen’s exceptional performance in the Big Bash League has garnered attention from IPL franchises, positioning him for lucrative sponsorship opportunities. His anticipated involvement in the IPL is expected to elevate his global profile, making him more appealing to brands seeking international ambassadors.
Team Revenue Surge: Franchise sponsorship revenues in IPL 2025 are projected to increase by approximately 15–20% compared to the previous season. This growth indicates a robust commercial environment that benefits both teams and players through enhanced financial opportunities.
Diverse Brand Partnerships: Teams have secured sponsorships across various sectors. For example, Punjab Kings reported a 25% growth in sponsorship revenue, with new partners including Spinner, Kingfisher, Freemans Measuring Tools, and Kshema General Insurance. Such collaborations not only boost team revenues but also elevate player visibility, leading to potential individual endorsements.
Strategic Brand Engagements
Integrated Marketing Approaches: Brands are shifting from traditional visibility to more integrated marketing strategies within the IPL ecosystem. The competition in the beverage sector exemplifies this trend, with companies like Campa Cola securing significant sponsorship deals to enhance brand presence.
These strategic partnerships often involve players as brand ambassadors, further intertwining player endorsements with corporate marketing objectives.
In summary, IPL 2025 has fostered a dynamic environment where player sponsorships and endorsements are thriving. The league’s financial growth, coupled with strategic brand engagements, continues to elevate players’ marketability, resulting in mutually beneficial partnerships between cricketers and corporate entities.
Beyond the Field: Brand Collaborations and Engagement
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content: Bringing Fans Closer to the Action
Streaming platforms have tapped into the demand for intimate, off-the-field content, giving fans an inside look into their favorite teams and players. For instance, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) launched “KKR Unfiltered,” a docuseries providing fans with unprecedented access to practice sessions, pre-match strategies, and candid locker-room moments.
This initiative mirrors the success of sports documentaries like Formula 1’s Drive to Survive, offering a deeper connection to the sport beyond match highlights.
KKR Unfiltered
Influencer Partnerships – The New Face of Cricket Marketing
Influencers and digital creators have become key players in IPL’s marketing ecosystem. Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants have collaborated with popular social media personalities such as Danish Sait, Shubham Gaur, and Taran Singh to create humorous, relatable, and interactive content that keeps fans engaged.
These collaborations often include live match reactions, comedic skits, and exclusive player interactions, making social media a parallel entertainment stream alongside the matches themselves.
Brands have also recognized the power of influencer marketing during IPL. Beverage giants and sportswear brands have enlisted cricketers and digital creators to promote their products through viral trends, challenges, and giveaways, leveraging the tournament’s massive online reach.
Royal Challengers Bangalore collaboration with Danish Sait
Gamification and Interactive Campaigns – Making Every Fan a Player
One of the most exciting brand engagement strategies during IPL 2025 has been gamification. Brands are turning IPL viewing into an interactive experience by allowing fans to predict match outcomes, participate in trivia, and win prizes.
Zepto’s “Superover Campaign” is a prime example. This campaign integrates live match action with user participation, allowing fans to make predictions about the next over or match result and win discounts, merchandise, or exclusive experiences. The interactive format has led to increased app engagement and created a deeper connection between consumers and the IPL experience.
Zepto’s Superover Campaign
IPL-Themed Promotions – When Cricket Meets Commerce
Swiggy – IPL Themed Promotions
IPL fever doesn’t just stay confined to stadiums and screens—it extends to brands across multiple industries. Food delivery apps, restaurants, bars, and e-commerce platforms have all launched exclusive IPL-themed promotions to capitalize on the cricket frenzy.
Food delivery giants like Zomato and Swiggy have introduced special IPL combos, offering discounts during match hours.
E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart are running “IPL Flash Sales” with cricket-themed merchandise, mobile deals, and home entertainment offers.
Malls and sports bars across major cities have set up live screening events, offering discounts on drinks and exclusive giveaways for patrons dressed in IPL jerseys.
Additionally, travel brands have jumped in on the action. Airlines and travel companies are offering match-day travel discounts for fans flying to cities hosting IPL matches, along with hotel tie-ups for premium game-day experiences.
Increased Investment from Foreign Brands
The IPL’s growing international prominence has attracted substantial investments from foreign brands and investors:
Team Ownership Stakes: Investors from around the world have acquired stakes in IPL franchises, reflecting the league’s global appeal. For example, four IPL team owners have invested in The Hundred teams in England, indicating cross-border interest in cricket franchises.
Sponsorship Deals: The IPL 2025 has secured sponsorships from various multinational companies aiming to tap into the league’s vast viewership. Notably, the beverage sector has seen intensified competition, with companies like Campa Cola securing significant sponsorship deals.
Sponsorships That Steal the Show
Major brands compete fiercely to associate themselves with IPL teams and events. Dream11, Jio, and Swiggy Instamart are prime examples of brands that have gained massive exposure by being key sponsors. Dream11, the fantasy sports platform, saw a 60% surge in user engagement after becoming the title sponsor. By leveraging the massive reach of IPL, these brands cement their place in consumers’ minds.
One of the biggest success stories is Vivo, which became the IPL title sponsor in 2016 and again in 2018. The Chinese smartphone brand used IPL as a springboard to dominate the Indian smartphone market. By leveraging extensive TV ads, team sponsorships, and exclusive in-game promotions, Vivo saw a strong increase in sales and brand recall, making it a household name in India.
Similarly, Pepsi, as the title sponsor in 2013, solidified its connection with Indian youth by integrating engaging digital campaigns and high-energy commercials, reinforcing its position as a trendy, youthful brand.
Another notable example is Cred, which leveraged IPL to revolutionize its brand identity. By creating humorous and quirky ad campaigns featuring former cricketing legends, Cred turned heads and became one of the most talked-about brands during IPL seasons. This innovative approach resulted in a surge in app downloads and consumer engagement, proving that IPL provides the perfect platform for brands to make a lasting impact.
Conclusion
IPL has been a record-breaking year in 2025, with record viewership, hyper-engaged fans, and innovative digital strategies, and it has established itself as the premier stage for brands to shine.
From Dream11’s fantasy sports dominance to Cred’s viral wit, from Vivo’s market takeover to Pepsi’s youth appeal, IPL sponsorships don’t just offer visibility but they also create legacies. As we look ahead, one prediction seems certain: the brands that will dominate tomorrow are those smart enough to invest in IPL today. Because in this high-octane marketing derby, you either play to win or get left in the pavilion.
FAQs
Which brands sponsored IPL 2025?
For IPL 2025, major sponsors include Tata, My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay, and brands like Dream11, Jio.
Which IPL team has most fans in India?
The Mumbai Indians (MI) are widely considered to have the most fans in India. Their large fan base is attributed to the team’s consistent success in the IPL, with multiple championship wins, as well as their strong presence in major cities across the country.
Acclaimed actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn has partnered with luxury spirits house Cartel Bros to launch ‘The Glen Journeys Pioneer Edition, ‘ a premium 21-year-old Highland single malt scotch whisky. This exclusive release marks a significant milestone in India’s luxury spirits landscape. The Pioneer Edition boasts a robust 48% ABV, presented in an elegantly crafted oak-finished cask with intricate inlay detailing. This limited release will be available through select travel retail channels worldwide, catering to discerning connoisseurs and collectors. While travel retail prices for the 21-year-old single malt are forthcoming, The GlenJourneys will also offer three non-age statement expressions: Rum Cask, Bourbon Cask, and Sherry Cask. These variants will be priced between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000. This launch underscores Cartel Bros’ commitment to delivering exceptional luxury spirits experiences, further elevating India’s premium whisky segment.
Today, Mumbai witnessed the exclusive launch announcement as, The GlenJourneys marks the arrival of a limited release single malt scotch whisky that embodies adventure, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The limited Pioneer’s Edition provides an exclusive chance for a select few to own a piece of whisky history before it arrives in India.
India Launch – The Cask Series to Follow This August
While the flagship 21-year-old single malt debuts globally, Indian whisky lovers can look forward to the brand’s Cask Series, scheduled for release in August 2025. This special collection of cask-aged single malts will highlight the unique finishes and expressions designed specifically for the Indian market. Further details on the cask types, expressions, tasting notes, and limited edition bottlings are expected to be revealed by the end of August.
“The GlenJourneys is a culmination of passion and artistry, a tribute to the untamed spirit of the Highlands,” states Mr. Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz, Mansionz, and Co-founder of Cartel Bros. “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a collection that transcends the ordinary, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience.”
From the first sip to the lingering finish, each moment with The GlenJourneys is an expedition of flavor. Driven by the expertise of Cartel Bros, the makers of The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky and the leadership of co-founders Mr. Mokksh Sani, Mr. Jitin Merani, Mr. Rohan Nihalani, Mr. Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Mr. Neeraj Singh.
The GlenJourneys, crafted in the Scottish Highlands, is a 21-year-old Single Malt whisky that embodies the essence of its rugged origins. Aged exclusively in hand-selected American oak casks, it is smooth, complex, and deeply evocative, shaped by time and nature. It opens with velvety vanilla sweetness and ripe fruit, leading into a palate that is silky, layered, and luxuriously mellow. The journey concludes with a long, lingering finish, where subtle whispers of smoke remind you of the untamed wilderness from which it was born.
“Bringing The Glen Journeys 21‑year‑old Highland single malt to life has been a journey of passion and precision,” said Mr. Ajay Devgn. “Every detail of the brand reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. With this collaboration with Cartel Bros we offer an exceptional whisky to connoisseurs worldwide, starting with the introduction of the 21-year-old single malt whisky in travel retail channels across the world.”
Cartel Bros. has long been a force to reckon with in the world of fine spirits, pushing boundaries, redefining luxury, and elevating whisky culture. With the resounding success of The Glenwalk, they established themselves as curators of excellence, known for their relentless pursuit of perfection. Cartel Bros. has successfully activated its operations in more than 50 cities across 12 Indian states, with a growing presence in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with rapid expansion plans in other international regions soon.
Now, with The GlenJourneys, they introduce a whisky that is both an homage to tradition and a bold step into the future. Every drop reflects their commitment to craft, their understanding of the modern connoisseur, and their passion for creating expressions that stand the test of time. As Cartel Bros. expands its legacy, The GlenJourneys stands as a statement of luxury, rarity, and refinement, setting a new standard for India’s growing ultra-premium whisky scene.
About the GlenJourneys
The GlenJourneys is a 21-year-old exclusive single malt Scotch whisky crafted by Cartel Bros., the creators of Glenwalk, and co-founded by Ajay Devgn. Aged in hand-selected American oak casks, this limited-edition whisky delivers a rich, smooth, and complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, ripe fruit, and a lingering whisper of smoke.
According to media reports, the union administration intends to introduce an incentive programme later this year to promote the recycling of 24 essential minerals, such as cobalt and lithium. According to a media outlet, the sops can be in the form of production-linked incentives (PLI) or “subsidies on capital expenditure”. The plan aims to increase India’s capacity to recycle lithium-ion batteries and is expected to run for four to five years. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which has a total budget of INR 16,300 Cr, was approved by the Union Cabinet in January of this year. Accordingly, 24 minerals have been designated by the government as “critical” to achieving the nation’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions goals by 2070. Additionally, INR 1,500 Cr has been allocated by the mission to provide incentives for the establishment of recycling facilities. To uncover India’s vital mineral reserves, VL Kantha Rao, the secretary in the ministry of mines, made a pitch on April 8 for an exploration licence regime.
Empowering Private Entities
“Such a policy shift would shift the focus from passive ownership to active exploration,” Rao said at an event in New Delhi. He also added that the regime will “empower” private entities to conduct large-scale early-stage exploration for minerals like lithium and platinum group elements (PGEs), among others. Sanjay Lohiya, the ministry’s additional secretary, also affirmed that the government was committed to fostering an exploration ecosystem that was competitive, technologically advanced, and investment-friendly. The remarks take place when the Centre is making every effort to acquire vital minerals required for the switch to green energy. These metals, which are utilised in solar panels, semiconductors, cell phones, and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, are the fundamental components of contemporary technology.
Expanding India’s Capacity to Recycle Lithium-ion Batteries
The programme should contribute to increasing India’s annual lithium-ion battery recycling capacity from the present 75,000 metric tonnes. In February, the government eliminated customs duties on the trash and scrap of twelve essential materials, such as lithium-ion batteries and powdered lead, zinc, and cobalt, in an effort to increase availability. Some of these are necessary for the development of electric vehicles, which India is attempting to promote in order to lessen its dependency on fossil fuels. Although they only made about 2.5% of the 4.3 million cars sold in India in 2024, EV sales increased by 20% compared to just 5% for the entire auto industry. Due mostly to new launches, analysts predict that sales will quadruple to over 200,000 in 2025.
The repo rate was lowered by 25 basis points to 6% by the Reserve Bank of India. As a result, banks will have cheaper borrowing costs and be able to offer loans to individual consumers at reduced interest rates, which will lower loan instalment payments. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to lower the repo rate, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced on 9 April. This is the second time the central bank has lowered the repo rate this year. The interest rate that the RBI charges commercial banks on the funds it lends them is called the repo rate or purchase agreement rate. Therefore, banks frequently pass the savings on to customers when it is decreased.
The MPC reduced the repo rate from 6.5% to 6.25% during its most recent meeting in February 2025, which was the first rate drop since 2020. In an effort to increase credit flow and improve banking sector liquidity, the central bank recently lowered the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4%. In February, the MPC stuck to its neutral posture, which it had initially taken in October 2024. Because of its adaptability, the RBI can react to changing market conditions without being constrained by predetermined policy trajectories.
Commenting on the development, Rohit Garg, CEO and Co-Founder, Olyv stated, “The RBI’s 25 bps repo rate cut is a clear signal to support growth while maintaining vigilance on inflation. For India’s credit-starved MSMEs and middle-class borrowers, even a marginal reduction in borrowing costs can unlock meaningful financial relief. However, the real test lies in the speed and efficiency with which the financial system transmits this benefit to end consumers. Monetary policy can be a powerful enabler, but its real impact will depend on coordinated execution, structural reforms, and the agility of our financial institutions. The MPC’s stance reflects cautious optimism—acknowledging easing inflation trends while staying alert to global uncertainties such as volatile commodity prices, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in global monetary policy.”
Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Hampers the Global Economic Growth
According to the RBI Governor, the global economy is experiencing anxiety as the fiscal year gets underway. He further stated that the central bank is monitoring inflation risks that arise from these uncertainties. This occurs just a few days after the US administration of Donald Trump placed reciprocal tariffs on Indian products. The governor of RBI stated that the impact of trade frictions on global development will hinder domestic growth. Net exports may be impacted by higher tariffs. India is aggressively negotiating trade with the US government. He claimed that it is now hard to predict how global changes will affect growth. However, he claimed that the central bank had no worries about controlling domestic development.
RBI Governor Elaborating on Overall Pulse of Indian Market
According to the Governor manufacturing activity is reviving, and the agricultural sector’s prospects are still promising. The services industry is still resilient, he continued. With an increase in discretionary spending, urban consumption is increasing. He reported that bank and business balance sheets are “healthy” in the banking sector. The RBI Governor stated that the Monetary Policy Committee had taken note of the rapid decline in food prices and the fact that inflation is currently below goal. Real GDP growth is now expected to be 6.5%, a 20 basis point reduction from the GDP growth estimate for this fiscal year.
On April 8, Jio Finance, the non-banking financial company (NBFC) division of Jio Financial Services, announced that it has begun offering its clients a fully digitalised loan against securities (LAS) product. Jio Finance customers can now get loans up to INR 1 crore with interest rates as low as 9.99%, depending on their risk tolerance. On the National Stock Exchange, Jio Financial Services’ shares surged by almost 6%, closing at INR 225.49 on April 8. Customers may conveniently access short-term funds while maintaining the growth of their long-term investments, according to the company’s press release.
Details of LAS
With the help of LAS, a secured lending product, clients may use their investments, including stocks and mutual funds, to obtain loans at reasonable interest rates in as little as 10 minutes via an entirely digital process. The introduction of LAS is a component of Jio Finance’s overall digital strategy. This step aims to revolutionise how consumers access and engage with financial services, according to Kusal Roy, managing director and chief executive officer. This launch is an important milestone in the company’s goal to make financial services more customer-centric, efficient, and accessible, with a strong emphasis on innovation and user experience, Roy added.
Via its app, Jio Finance provides corporate funding, residential loans, and loans secured by real estate. Additionally, the app provides financial services like money transfers, savings accounts, digital gold, insurance, investment portfolio management, and universal payments interface (UPI) transactions.
Around 1100 Employees Would be Let Off
Over 1,100 employees will be let go by JioStar as the newly established joint venture between Viacom18 of Reliance Industries Ltd. and the India division of The Walt Disney Co. eliminates overlapping responsibilities as a result of the merger. According to media reports, the departures began a month ago and are not going to stop anytime soon. “The layoffs are scheduled to last until June. Corporate positions in the distribution, finance, commercial, and legal departments are the main targets of the job layoffs. Entry-level workers, senior managers, senior directors, and even assistant vice presidents are among those being laid off. Due to the Champions Trophy, Women’s Premier League (WPL), and Indian Premier League (IPL) being held back-to-back, sports have not changed as of yet. There have been notable layoffs at a number of regional entertainment channels, such as Colours Bangla and Colours Kannada.
The largest media firm in India was formed by the merging of Viacom18 and Disney’s Star India. JioStar is combining companies to increase efficiency and concentrate on high-growth verticals, including digital streaming and sports. Redundancies are unavoidable whenever two sizable enterprises with comparable operations combine, according to experts and industry observers.
In a social media post, Byju Raveendran, the founder of the edtech business Byju’s, said that the company has filed a formal complaint against those participating in a criminal conspiracy against it. Resolution experts Pankaj Srivastava and Dinkar Venkatasubramanian of Ernst & Young LLP, Rahul Agarwal, executive director at Ernst & Young, Lokesh Gupta, partner at EY, and GLAS Trust, the administrative and collateral agent for a consortium of lenders, are all the targets of the FIR. In order to assist Byju’s goals for international expansion, GLAS Trust Company LLC, serving as the administrative and collateral agent for a consortium of lenders, gave Byju’s Alpha Inc., a US-based subsidiary, a $1.2 billion term loan in November 2021.
Allegations Made by GLAS Trust Against Byju’s
According to GLAS Trust, Byju’s Alpha Inc. allegedly transferred over $533 million to a US-based hedge fund through a series of wire transfers that took place in April and July 2022 at the corporate debtor’s request. GLAS Trust filed for bankruptcy against Byju’s in India under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code after the edtech company violated some loan covenants. GLAS Trust and Aditya Birla Finance Ltd were included as major financial creditors on the Committee of Creditors (CoC) that was first established by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). But later on, the resolution professional (RP) eliminated both entities and reorganised the CoC. After this decision was contested, the NCLT reinstated them in January 2025, citing the RP’s wrongdoing and imposing disciplinary actions against him.
Raveendran’s Thumping Reply to GLAS
“FIR filed against those involved in a criminal conspiracy against BYJU’S: Pankaj, the RP who illegally handed over the insolvency process to Dinkar, Rahul & Lokesh from EY, who are the agents of GLAS, a collective of crooks,” Raveendran said, sharing a snapshot of the FIR filed in the X post. Raveendran posted a thumping response on social media, writing, “I am not a flower; I am the fire that will shatter GLAS.” “You have to suspend the offenders immediately if it’s the former. I will give a plethora of evidence. You have important questions to address. He shared a picture of himself from a previous event where he had won the award, writing, “It’s the least you can do to help the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 & 2020.” An EY whistleblower stated on LinkedIn on February 27, 2025, that the company had backed Glas Trust and worked against Byju’s interests. Using the post as proof, Raveendran claimed that EY collaborated with Glas Trust and Srivastava to sway Byju’s bankruptcy proceedings. The firm made choices that favoured the lenders over the company’s reorganisation and had access to a document that suggested criminal wrongdoing that was distributed to specific staff members.
Byju’s Settlement with BCCI
A separate INR 158 crore debt was sought to be settled by Byju’s founders with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The purchase was contested by GLAS Trust, which claimed that the money utilised belonged to the lenders it represented. The Supreme Court of India declared in October 2024 that the settlement was invalid. The Apex court made this decision because the settlement did not follow the correct legal process, and it ordered that the money be placed with the CoC overseeing Byju’s bankruptcy.
