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RBI Allows Minors Aged 10+ to Operate Bank Accounts

In a push for early financial literacy, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed minors aged 10 and above to open and operate savings and term deposit accounts independently. Banks may also offer internet banking, ATM cards, and cheque books to these accounts, based on their risk policies. However, overdrafts are strictly prohibited. For children under 10, accounts must be managed by a parent or legal guardian — including mothers. Banks must update internal policies by July 1, 2025, and perform due diligence at onboarding and beyond.

Modi and Vance Signal Breakthrough on India-US Trade Deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting US Vice President J.D. Vance said they’ve made “significant progress” on the India-US bilateral trade agreement, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost economic ties. In Delhi, the two leaders discussed cooperation across defence, tech, energy, and semiconductors. The talks build on Modi’s February visit to Washington and follow brief interactions in Paris. Modi also confirmed plans to host President Trump later this year, expected to deepen what officials call a people-driven strategic partnership amid rising global protectionism.

Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Over Missing Permits

The Maharashtra transport department has shut down 75 Ola Electric stores and ordered the closure of 46 more for operating without mandatory trade certificates. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed that an additional 270 stores are under scrutiny. Raids in Mumbai and Pune led to the seizure of 192 unregistered vehicles. Ola claims it’s transitioning from distribution centers to a direct-to-consumer model, and is working to bring all stores into compliance. Maharashtra, Ola’s biggest market, accounted for 12% of its FY25 sales. The crackdown comes as Ola trails Bajaj and TVS in monthly retail rankings, and its stock has dropped 38% year-to-date.

Google Pays ₹20 Crore to Settle India Antitrust Case

Google has become the first company to use India’s new settlement framework, paying ₹20.24 crore to resolve an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The case centered around Google’s contracts with smart TV makers, which allegedly forced bundling of Play Store and Play Services and blocked rival Android forks. Under the New India Agreement, Google must now unbundle these services for smart TVs sold in India. The settlement, offered with a 15% discount, followed input from 45 stakeholders. The move comes as the EU considers similar action against Big Tech, especially amid tensions with the US over tariffs.

Xiamen Airlines Returns Boeing Jet Amid US-China Trade War

In a sharp blow to Boeing, China’s Xiamen Airlines returned a new 737 MAX to the US, citing high tariffs on American imports. The jet, already painted in Xiamen’s livery, landed at Boeing’s Seattle base after being pulled from the company’s Zhoushan plant in China. The reversal follows a fresh tariff war: 145% US tariffs on Chinese goods, countered by 125% Chinese tariffs on US imports. The price hike made the $55 million aircraft financially unviable. China has asked its airlines to pause Boeing purchases and is exploring support for carriers with leasing agreements. With 20% of Boeing’s projected global demand tied to China, the move adds pressure to an already strained US-China relationship. Boeing has not commented on the return.

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