European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Delhi that the EU and India aim to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) this year. A deal of this scale would be the largest of its kind globally. Talks, relaunched in 2021, face hurdles in agriculture and manufacturing but are progressing. The EU is also exploring a security and defense partnership with India. As U.S.-EU trade tensions escalate under Trump’s policies, Brussels seeks stronger Indo-Pacific ties. With $135 billion in bilateral trade, India and the EU are deepening collaborations in AI, semiconductors, and clean technology.    

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has retained the interest rate on provident fund deposits at 8.25% for 2024-25, as confirmed by sources. This rate was increased from 8.15% for 2023-24, reversing a decrease to 8.1% in 2022-23, the lowest in over 40 years. The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) has proposed this rate, which now awaits approval from the Finance Ministry. Once approved, over 7 crore EPFO subscribers will see the updated rate credited to their accounts. The EPFO interest rate has varied over the years, reflecting broader economic conditions.

Russia's state seizures of foreign firms' assets, including U.S. and European companies like Glavprodukt and Carlsberg, offer a stark warning to those considering returning under a potential Trump-inspired thaw in relations. These assets have been placed under "temporary management," yet many businesses, including Glavprodukt, report lasting losses and diminishing control. Moscow's intention to restore ties with Western firms remains uncertain, with no clear plan for returning assets. The Russian state's takeover strategy, which includes shifting ownership to regime loyalists, has thus far been damaging for the companies involved, with little chance of reversal.

Tata Motors' stock has dropped 44%, erasing Rs 2 lakh crore in market value, primarily due to weak demand for its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) division in key markets like China, the UK, and the EU. The company faces challenges from increasing competition and potential U.S. import tariffs on European cars. Despite these hurdles, analysts see a potential buying opportunity, citing attractive valuations and the possibility of a JLR recovery. CLSA upgraded the stock, forecasting a 40% upside, while BNP Paribas maintains a cautious outlook, acknowledging the stock's current consolidation phase.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Amrut Distilleries has introduced 'Amrut Expedition,' India's oldest and rarest single malt whisky, priced at ₹10.5 lakh per bottle. This exclusive release is limited to just 75 bottles worldwide, making it a coveted collector's item. The whisky has undergone a unique 15-year maturation process, spending eight years in European Sherry casks and an additional seven years in American ex-Bourbon casks, resulting in a deep, complex flavor profile. Each bottle features a diamond-cut design with gold engravings and includes a handcrafted silver peg measure. The packaging, a blend of metal and wood, took six months and five prototypes to perfect. Amrut Expedition is available in select markets, including India, the USA, the UK, Europe, Dubai, Singapore, and Australia.     

The Income Tax Department is set to initiate a nationwide crackdown on 40,000 taxpayers for failing to deposit TDS/TCS. A 16-point strategy, utilizing data analytics, will be employed to identify and investigate defaulters, focusing on recurring offenders and discrepancies between tax deductions and payments. Non-intrusive methods will be used, beginning with notifications to taxpayers who may have missed payments. The effort aims to create a fairer tax system by taking strict action against willful defaulters, while offering compliance relief for honest taxpayers. This initiative follows the simplification of TDS rates in the recent Union Budget.

BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill criticized Air India, claiming it would win an "Oscar" for "worst airlines" due to broken seats, poor staff, and terrible customer service. His X post sparked responses from other passengers, including Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who also reported broken seats on a flight. Chouhan questioned the airline's management under Tata, while the airline apologized and promised to address concerns. Despite criticism, some defended Air India, noting its fleet and service improvements since Tata's takeover in January 2022. Congress also took a jab, pointing out issues in aviation and railway sectors. Air India has made significant investments in fleet upgrades.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently announced its annual salary hikes, with payments starting in April 2025. However, the company faced a significant setback as its market valuation plummeted by Rs 53,185.89 crore to Rs 13.7 lakh crore, marking a massive loss. This decline was part of a broader market dip, with the combined valuation of eight of the top-10 most valued firms dropping by Rs 1,65,784.9 crore. TCS’s stock dropped 2.82% from February 17-21, 2025, contributing to its market cap decline. Despite this, TCS remains one of the top most valued firms, following Reliance Industries.

Tesla is set to enter India, but its cars may still be expensive. A report by CLSA says even with reduced import duty, Tesla's cheapest Model 3 could cost ₹35-40 lakh on-road. In the US, this model costs around $35,000 (₹30.4 lakh). Extra costs like road tax and insurance will push prices higher. Tesla has started hiring in India and plans to launch in Delhi and Mumbai. Experts say Tesla must set up a factory in India to lower prices. Without local production, its cars may be too costly for most Indian buyers.

Tesla is making a renewed effort to enter the Indian market after two previous attempts. Following CEO Elon Musk's recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the company plans to import vehicles produced at its Berlin plant and is exploring potential factory sites in India. This initiative aligns with India's March 2024 policy allowing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to import up to 40,000 fully assembled EVs over five years at a reduced customs duty of 15%, contingent upon a $500 million investment in local manufacturing. This move comes as Tesla faces significant sales declines in key markets, including a 59.5% drop in Germany and a 63.3% decrease in France in January 2025. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Musk's plans to establish a factory in India, adding complexity to Tesla's international strategy.