The Reserve Bank of India will soon release new Rs 20 banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, featuring the signature of Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The design and security features remain consistent with existing notes. Malhotra assumed office on December 11, 2024. Existing Rs 20 notes and Rs 1 notes remain legal tender.

Dalal Street witnessed a significant rally following the Indo-Pak ceasefire, adding over $300 billion to investor wealth. The Sensex and Nifty climbed, fueled by foreign and domestic fund inflows, a fall in retail inflation, and expectations of RBI rate cuts. Smallcap and midcap stocks outperformed, with defense and railway sectors experiencing substantial gains.

Indian IT firms like Infosys and Wipro have seen median salary growth of around 30% since FY21, reaching approximately Rs 10 lakh. Global companies Cognizant and Accenture experienced increases of 12% and 17.5% respectively. However, growth rates have generally declined across the industry, influenced by factors like competitive intensity and inflation.

India's exports saw a boost of 9.1% in April, reaching $38.5 billion. However, the trade deficit increased to $26.4 billion. Imports also rose significantly, up 19% to $64.9 billion. The US became a major destination for exports. China remained the top source of imports. Petroleum and electronics imports also contributed to the increased import numbers.

The IEA has marginally increased its 2025 global oil demand growth forecast to 740,000 bpd, up from 730,000 bpd, citing easing trade tensions and lower crude prices. While US tariffs initially sparked economic concerns, subsequent pauses have improved the outlook. Despite this, macroeconomic uncertainty persists, impacting consumer and business sentiment.

The Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, a subsidiary of Turkey's Celebi Aviation, citing national security concerns. This action will disrupt ground handling operations at key airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The decision follows growing unease within the security establishment regarding Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan, particularly after recent events.

OPEC projects India to lead global oil demand growth in 2025 and 2026, significantly surpassing China. Driven by a robust economy and government support, India's oil consumption is expected to rise to 5.74 million bpd in 2025 and 5.99 million bpd in 2026. Diesel and infrastructure expansion are key drivers, with Russia being the top crude oil supplier.

Global stock markets mostly declined on Thursday. Oil prices also saw a significant drop. Speculation about a potential US-Iran nuclear deal influenced the market. This deal could ease sanctions and increase oil supply. Earlier gains from the US-China trade truce reversed. Concerns about oversupply also contributed to the market downturn. Investors are now awaiting the US April wholesale inflation report.

Bharti Airtel's consolidated net profit surged to Rs 11,022 crore in Q4 FY25, a five-fold increase driven by tariff hikes and a one-time tax gain. Total revenue rose 27% to Rs 47,876.2 crore, with India's revenue climbing 15%. ARPU increased to Rs 245, and the company expanded its network infrastructure with significant capital expenditure.

In a surprising turn, the US and China have agreed to de-escalate their trade war, with the US significantly reducing tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing responded by lowering its tariffs on US products. This truce, reached in Geneva, has stunned markets and analysts, as it appears China secured its objectives without major economic reforms.