India and the United Kingdom have officially finalized a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after more than three years of negotiations. The agreement, concluded on May 6, 2025, is expected to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. It includes major tariff reductions, such as India agreeing to gradually lower import duties on 99% of UK goods, including significant cuts on Scotch whisky and automobiles. The deal also improves mobility for Indian professionals in the UK by easing visa procedures and providing exemptions from social security contributions for seconded workers. While the agreement is widely celebrated as the UK’s most substantial post-Brexit trade win, some sectors have raised concerns over gaps in intellectual property rights and data privacy provisions.
FTC Implements Rule Against Hidden Fees
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s new rule targeting hidden or deceptive fees has come into effect starting May 12, 2025. This regulation is aimed at industries like live-event ticketing and short-term lodging, where customers often encounter undisclosed fees added at checkout. The rule mandates that businesses clearly present all mandatory charges upfront, eliminating practices such as bait-and-switch pricing. The FTC intends this move to restore consumer trust and foster transparent pricing. While the rule currently applies to specific sectors, it is expected that similar regulations could be introduced in other industries that employ misleading pricing strategies.
Paramount and Skydance Merger Progresses
Paramount Global and Skydance Media are advancing with their proposed $8 billion merger, which is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025. The merger has already secured approvals from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the European Commission, although it remains under review by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. As part of its first-quarter earnings report, Paramount Global reported a 9% growth in revenue from its streaming platform, Paramount+, largely due to the addition of 1.5 million new subscribers. Despite this, the company experienced an overall revenue decline of 6% compared to the previous year, primarily due to the absence of Super Bowl broadcasts that boosted 2024 figures.
AWS Launches Amazon Q Business for Enterprises
Amazon Web Services has launched Amazon Q Business, a new generative AI assistant developed to improve enterprise productivity. This tool integrates seamlessly with various AWS services to automate data analysis, report generation, and customer support workflows. During a recent showcase, AWS demonstrated real-world applications of Amazon Q Business, including use cases by companies such as Zoom and the NFL. The AI assistant allows users to generate insights and perform tasks using natural language commands, streamlining decision-making processes and enabling faster responses in business environments.
Apogee Therapeutics Releases Q1 2025 Financial Results
Apogee Therapeutics has announced its financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting strong progress in its clinical pipeline. The company is advancing its Phase 2 APEX trial of APG777 for atopic dermatitis, with interim data expected mid-year. It has also initiated a Phase 1b trial for APG777 in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, with results projected for early 2026. Financially, the company posted a net loss of $55.3 million for Q1—less than the anticipated loss of $72.3 million—indicating better-than-expected fiscal management.
