Business
Friday the 13th Mayhem: Israel’s Bombshell Triggers Market Carnage

Overview of the Shock
On June 13, 2025, a pre-dawn Israeli missile strike on Iran’s nuclear and military sites triggered a sudden wave of global financial fear. India’s Sensex plunged roughly 1,300 points, oil spiked to $78/barrel, and gold topped ₹1 lakh per 10 g, creating an unmistakable “Friday the 13th” bombshell in markets

What Triggered the Tumult
The missile attack aimed at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and missile factories, killing senior IRGC officials and prompting Iran to launch retaliatory drones—spurring fears of wider conflict and oil supply disruptions
Oil & Gold: The Safe‑Haven Surge
Worries over disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz triggered a Brent spike to $78.50, the biggest single-day jump since early 2022
Simultaneously, gold futures on MCX crossed ₹1,00,403/10 g on safe-haven buying

Sensex & Nifty: Market Carnage
Sensex fell over 1,300 intraday points, while Nifty dropped below 24,500; though it recovered slightly, ending down ~570 points on global risk-off sentiment Nifty closed at ~24,719, down ~0.7%, and Sensex ended around 81,118—a 0.7% decline
Sectoral & Global Ripples
- Energy & Oil Stocks: BPCL, HPCL, IOC down ~3–3.5% on margin concerns
- Airlines: Stocks like SpiceJet, InterGlobe fell ~4% amid rising fuel costs
- Bond Markets & Currencies: Treasury yields dropped; Swiss franc, Japanese yen surged, while Indian rupee slipped over ₹86/$
Globally, MSCI Asia ex‑Japan dropped ~1%; S&P & Nasdaq futures fell ~1.7–1.8%
Is Friday the 13th Truly ‘Unlucky’?
While today’s plunge was undeniably brutal, long-term data shows Friday the 13th hasn’t historically brought disproportionate losses. On 42 such trading days since 2000, Nifty has fallen only 46% of the time—averaging a gain of +0.35%

What Happens Next
- Geopolitical trajectory: Investors await Iran’s response—any escalation could keep oil elevated and markets jittery.
- Inflation & Policy Watch: High oil prices may challenge RBI’s inflation control efforts.
- Market strategy: Experts advise watching for policy rates, currency stabilization, and geopolitical de‑escalation as key recovery triggers.
Business
Invest in Bitcoin with Just ₹100 in India: A Beginner’s Guide

Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly accessible in India—now, you can start investing in Bitcoin with as little as ₹100. Here’s how the landscape has evolved and why this is a game-changer:

Fractional Ownership of Bitcoin
Unlike a whole Bitcoin, which costs around ₹1.05 crore today, the cryptocurrency can be bought in fractions (called satoshis). This allows investors to enter the market with minimal amounts. Platforms like CoinDCX, Mudrex, Unocoin, WazirX, Flitpay, and CoinSwitch support purchases as low as ₹100
How to Buy with ₹100: Step-by-Step
Here’s a simplified guide using any of the major Indian exchanges:
- Choose a Crypto Exchange
Select a trusted platform like CoinDCX, WazirX, or Unocoin—all allow ₹100 minimum purchases - Sign Up and Complete KYC
You’ll typically submit your PAN, Aadhaar, and a selfie to comply with Indian regulations - Deposit ₹100 INR
Use UPI, IMPS, or net banking to deposit the money into your exchange wallet - Buy Bitcoin
Go to the Bitcoin (BTC) page, enter ₹100, and buy. You’ll receive a fraction of a Bitcoin accordingly - Store Securely
Keep your BTC in the platform’s wallet or transfer to a cold wallet for enhanced security.

Start a Systematic Bitcoin Plan
Many exchanges like Unocoin and Mudrex offer Systematic Buying Plans (SIPs) or recurring buys, letting you invest ₹100 daily, weekly, or monthly. This helps average out volatility and build holdings over time
Benefits of Micro-Investing
- Beginner-Friendly: Low-risk entry for crypto newcomers
- Portfolio Diversification: Helps spread investments across assets
- Dollar-Cost Averaging: Reduces market timing risks
- Build Discipline: Start small and gradually scale
ZebPay highlights that fractional ownership empowers individuals to invest even with limited funds

Points to Watch
- Platform Fees: Small investments could be disproportionately affected by transaction fees—choose low-cost platforms
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrencies aren’t legal tender in India, though buying/selling is allowed; tax rules apply
- Volatility Risk: Bitcoin prices are highly volatile—invest only what you can afford to lose
Why ₹100 Matters in the Big Picture
Even tiny investments can compound over time. For example, ₹100 monthly SIPs could grow significantly during bull cycles. Plus, they help new users get comfortable with the market mechanics before scaling up.

Final Takeaway
Thanks to fractional Bitcoin and user-friendly Indian platforms, you no longer need large capital to start. With just ₹100, you can:
- Start building crypto exposure
- Experience hands-on how buying, storing, and selling works
- Leverage SIPs to manage volatility and grow steadily
Just choose a reliable crypto exchange, do your KYC, invest ₹100, and begin your crypto journey today!
Business
Priya Nair to Make History as HUL’s First Woman CEO and MD in August 2025

In a historic move, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s largest FMCG company, has announced that Priya Nair will become its new CEO and MD starting August 2025. This marks the first time a woman will lead the ₹6 lakh crore market cap giant.

Who is Priya Nair?
Priya Nair is a seasoned business leader known for her sharp marketing acumen and visionary leadership. Currently serving as Executive Director & Chief Marketing Officer, she has been a part of HUL for over 25 years.
Her Journey at HUL
Joining HUL in the 1990s, Priya Nair quickly rose through the ranks:
- Spearheaded major brand revamps for Dove and Lux
- Led market-defining campaigns that connected deeply with Indian consumers
- Known for driving sustainability and purpose-led initiatives
Her strong focus on consumer insights and brand-building has been central to HUL’s continued growth.

The Significance of Her Appointment
Priya’s appointment shatters the glass ceiling in India’s corporate world, inspiring countless aspiring women leaders. At a time when gender diversity at the top remains a challenge, this milestone is a huge step forward for inclusivity in corporate India.

Replacing Rohit Jawa: The Leadership Transition
Rohit Jawa, who took over as CEO and MD in 2023, will be stepping down in August 2025. Under his leadership, HUL strengthened its digital transformation and expanded its rural market footprint. The transition is expected to be smooth, with both leaders working closely to ensure continuity.
What This Means for HUL
- Continued focus on innovation and digital growth
- Stronger emphasis on sustainability and purpose-driven brands
- Potential acceleration in women leadership development programs
This leadership change signals a new era for HUL as it aims to solidify its position not just as an FMCG giant, but as a progressive, future-ready organization.

Market Reactions and Future Expectations
Market analysts and investors have largely welcomed the announcement. HUL’s shares have remained stable, signaling confidence in Priya’s leadership. Many expect her to drive further premiumization of brands and expand international collaborations.
Business
Sunil Mittal & Warburg Pincus Bid for 49% Stake in Haier India

- Consortium Offer: Sunil Mittal’s family office and Warburg Pincus have jointly bid approximately ₹6,000 crore ($720 million) for a 49% stake in Haier Appliances India
- Valuation Gap: This price reflects a steep discount compared to Haier Group’s initial $2 billion valuation
- Employee Stake & IPO Plan: Deal includes a 2% equity grant to Indian employees, with Haier India exploring an IPO within two years to provide exit route

Strategic Rationale
- Consumer Electronics Push: Mittal aims to tap into booming demand for home appliances—ACs, fridges, washing machines—by entering a rapidly growing segment
- Joint Control Setup: The purchase structure envisions a 49/49 split between Mittal-Warburg and Haier Group, with 2% reserved for employee equity, granting joint control
- Discounted Entry: Lower-than-expected bids reflect concerns over high royalty and brand usage fees paid to Haier’s China HQ

Market & Operational Impact
- Manufacturing Scale: Haier India runs three domestic plants, with ₹8,900 crore revenue in 2024 and 36% YoY growth
- PE Involvement Adds Muscle: Backed by experienced private equity, the consortium could drive operational efficiency, product expansion and scale-up ahead of IPO.
- Broader Ecosystem Sign: The high-profile move signals increasing domestic appetite for strategic partnerships in consumer durables.

Outlook & Next Steps
- Finalization Timer: While advanced talks are ongoing, a definitive announcement may arrive soon as the exclusivity window closes
- IPO Countdown: Public listing of Haier India within 24 months remains a key exit strategy for both Haier’s parent and new investors.
Why This Matters
- Diversification Play: Mittal’s entry signifies expansion beyond telecom, aligning with rising Indian consumerism in appliances.
- Valuation Signal: A steep discount highlights the importance of brand and royalty structures in valuation models for overseas-led subsidiaries.
- Employee Empowerment: 2% ESOP shows growing trend for shared ownership and retention in joint ventures.

Related Coverage
- “Private Equity Trends in Indian Manufacturing M&A”
- “Haier India: Growth, IPO Timeline & Market Position”
- “Airtel’s Mittal: From Telecom to Consumer Durables”
-
Celebrity Lifestyle2 months ago
Ex-Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Buys Ultra-Luxury Apartment Worth ₹69 Crore in Gurugram
-
News2 months ago
India offers zero-for-zero tariffs on auto parts, steel from US
-
News2 months ago
Operation Sindoor Live Updates: Pakistan used Turkey-made drones to target 26 locations, military sites in north India
-
Business4 weeks ago
Amazon sets 30‑day relocation deadline for corporate staff—opt out by resigning in 60 days
-
Cricket2 months ago
IPL 2025 Suspended: IPL suspended for only this many days? BCCI told when the tournament will start again!
-
Glamour & Entertainment3 weeks ago
Telegram Channels Disseminating Pro‑Russian Propaganda in Poland
-
News2 months ago
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Arrives In Srinagar, To Review Overall Security Situation In J&K
-
Cricket2 months ago
Who will replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 for India in Test cricket?