A paper by US National Bureau of Economic Research found that AI firms are increasingly poaching academic researchers, reportedly offering salaries of up to $20 million (₹184 crore). Top 1% of industry AI researchers earn $1.94 million (₹18 crore) on average, about $1.5 million (₹14 crore) more than their academic counterparts. Indians were also among the top-paid industry AI researchers.

Russian crude oil's cost in India hit $98.93/barrel on Friday, the highest since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Argus Media's data showed. Russian oil's cost in India, which includes shipping costs too, is 34% higher than that in Russia, where it's available for $73.73/barrel. The discount on Russian crude that India gets also fell to $4.8/barrel, the lowest in 4 months.

Unemployment rate among persons aged 15-29 was 14.8% in February 2026, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Overall, female unemployment in the 15-29 age group stood at 17.6% in February, while male unemployment reached up to 13.7%. Meanwhile India's overall unemployment rate was estimated at 4.9% in February.

Sabyasachi Ray, the executive director of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, said if ongoing West Asia war continues for three months, the industry could face a hit of about $2 billion (18,459 crore). Dubai is a critical global hub for diamonds and gems. "We may…divert [exports worth]…$800 million, but there would still be an estimated $1.2 billion impact," Ray said.

Auto component manufacturing industry is seeing its workforce migrating to their native places due to LPG shortage, said an Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) official. "Workers are finding it difficult to cook at home…some...factory canteens are shut, forcing them to leave," official said. "Currently, situation is not like…COVID but it…can escalate if not resolved," he said.

PhonePe postponed its IPO not only because of market volatility caused by Middle East war but also because of mismatch in valuation expectations, Moneycontrol reported. Domestic mutual fund houses suggested a valuation in mid to upper end of $6-9 billion, with recent suggestions of $7 billion. This was half of the $15-billion valuation PhonePe had after its last funding round.

Shares of Fino Payments Bank fell 19% intraday to hit their 52-week low of ₹136 on Monday. This comes as an Economic Times report said online gaming transactions linked to it may be recommended for an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged GST evasion. The shares closed 17.15% lower at ₹140.05 on Monday.

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed Axis Bank to pay ₹3.19 crore to a Delhi-based firm for refusing to accept demonetised currency in 2016. The commission held the bank guilty of "deficiency in service" under Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The bank's refusal deprived the firm of its only legal opportunity to deposit demonetised currency within the permitted window, it said.

The government has eased localisation requirements under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, allowing e-bus and e-truck manufacturers to import traction motors with rare-earth magnets till August 31. PM E-DRIVE Scheme stipulates that manufacturing of traction motors, including magnet fitment, be performed domestically. The deadline was extended earlier in September 2025 to March 2026, for the first time.

Union Bank of India on Monday announced that its board approved fundraising through the issuance of bonds. The board approved issuance of long-term bonds amounting up to ₹20,000 crore towards infrastructure and affordable housing, the bank said in an exchange filing. The bank will also raise up to ₹5,000 crore through the issuance of green or sustainable bonds.