IND-PAK Border on Edge | YouTube Loves India | Market outlook - Volatility Ahead, but India Steady

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc⁠ 1.⁠ ⁠YouTube Doubles Down on India’s Creator Economy YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, at the WAVES 2025 summit, pledged an additional ₹8.5 billion to India’s creator ecosystem, on top of ₹210 billion already invested over the past three years. With over 100 million Indian channels uploading in 2024 and more than 15,000 surpassing 1 million subscribers, Mohan called India a rising “Creator Nation.” The platform clocked 45 billion watch hours from Indian content last year alone. Backing this digital momentum, the Indian government announced a $1 billion creator economy fund and the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, supported by global tech giants like Nvidia, Google, Apple, and Meta. 2.⁠ ⁠India-Pakistan Border Tensions Escalate Post Pahalgam Attack Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan has intensified military deployments across the India border. Radar systems and Chinese SH-15 howitzers were positioned in Rajasthan’s Longewala sector. The Pakistan Air Force launched large-scale exercises involving F-16s, J-10s, and JF-17s, signaling heightened readiness. India, in turn, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, calling out Pakistan’s alleged cross-border terror links. The geopolitical mood remains tense, with both countries maintaining high alert levels. 3.⁠ ⁠Pre-IPO Funding Faces Chill as Markets Wobble Volatile public markets have started to dent private funding too—especially pre-IPO deals. Investors, including HNIs and family offices, are pushing for discounted valuations, stricter terms, and longer timelines before committing funds. Big names like Zepto, Groww, and Cred are said to be in talks, but several deals are being renegotiated or delayed. While 2024 saw $355 million raised across 17 pre-IPO deals, caution is now the dominant theme. Weak post-listing performances by firms like Ola Electric and Swiggy, and the broader 7% decline in Nifty since September, have soured sentiment. 4.⁠ ⁠Markets Cautious, But India Still a Bright Spot A Mint survey of 30 investment professionals reveals that while volatility is expected to remain high—thanks to Trump’s tariff war and domestic uncertainty—India may still emerge as a relatively stable investment zone. Over 77% of experts expect continued choppiness over the next quarter, though 63% believe large-cap stocks now offer attractive entry points. Mid- and small-cap stocks remain under watch after sharp corrections. Gold, meanwhile, is shining bright—up 31% in 2025 so far—and expected to outperform equities again if global turbulence persists. IPOs have largely dried up, but 53% of analysts see a cautious revival in high-quality names later this year. 5.⁠ ⁠Sebi Clears IndusInd Execs of Insider Trading Sebi has closed its investigation into insider trading allegations against IndusInd Bank’s former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and deputy CEO Arun Khurana. It found all ESOP-related trades were disclosed and occurred post-vesting. However, a forensic audit revealed Khurana had knowledge of the incorrect forex derivative accounting that caused a ₹1,960 crore hit. While insider trading wasn’t established, governance questions linger. The bank is still grappling with reputational fallout amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices