US Imposes Tariffs on Drone Imports and Components Due to National Security Concerns

Mahindra has introduced its powerful SUV model—the Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Edition. This version is the flagship product of the BE 6 lineup and features an updated dashboard design, a three-screen configuration, new connectivity features, and a refreshed interior.

The existing powertrain options are retained in this model. The Sporteq Edition will be priced higher than the standard BE 6. Currently, the vehicle starts from 18.90 lakh rupees, including export duties, and reaches 26.90 lakh rupees, including export duties.

The BE 6 is a coupe-style crossover, and Mahindra has not made changes to the overall design in the Sporteq Edition. The car is equipped with LED lighting, sharp body lines, 'flush' door handles, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The main difference lies in the application of the Sporteq emblem on the vehicle.

The most significant changes concern the interior. In the Sporteq Edition, the dual-screen system has been replaced by a triple-screen system, which includes three 12.3-inch screens. This configuration was previously seen in the XEV 9E and XEV 9S models. Furthermore, the dashboard has been completely redesigned.

The new dashboard offers improved access to USB Type-C ports and wireless charging support, as well as additional storage space. The interior is finished in a combination of black and taupe colors, and the upholstery has been updated. The BE 6 SportEQ offers a range of new connectivity features.

Mahindra has introduced six new TEQ technology packages that provide personalization, connectivity, and vehicle operation-based functions. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with a panoramic glass roof, a Harman Kardon audio system, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 360-degree view camera, an ADAS system, and multiple driving modes.

The Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq uses the same electric powertrain as the current model. The vehicle comes with 59 kWh and 79 kWh batteries and features a rear-mounted electric motor. This car is capable of producing 286 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The claimed range with the larger battery is 682 kilometers. There have also been no changes to the charging options.

According to insiders, private equity firm Silver Lake is in talks to acquire Workday. This potential deal could be among the largest software acquisitions in industry history.

The news of the start of negotiations caused a sharp rise in Workday's shares by almost 18% on Thursday. Sources reported that Silver Lake and the company specializing in human resources and financial management software have been discussing a possible agreement for the past few months. These negotiations are ongoing, and sources emphasized that there are no guarantees of a deal closing, as the discussions are confidential.

Before the publication of the Reuters report, which announced the negotiations, the market value of the company, based in Pleasanton, California, was about $43 billion. After this news, the company's shares soared, and on Thursday they closed at $206.45, giving Workday a market capitalization of about $51.1 billion. On Friday, the price slightly decreased by 3.8%.

One insider noted that Silver Lake may attract additional investors to finance this deal. Previously, this private investment firm collaborated with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners when completing the acquisition of video game developer Electronic Arts for approximately $55 billion last year.

Neither Silver Lake nor Workday provided immediate comments in response to inquiries about the situation.

Pressure from Artificial Intelligence

Before the news broke on Thursday, Workday's shares had fallen by about 15% this year as investors began to question the sustainability of traditional software in the era of rapidly developing artificial intelligence. The stock price has dropped more than 40% compared to its 2024 peak.

Private equity firms have generally refrained from large software acquisitions this year due to concerns related to AI, which makes it difficult to assess the future growth and value of companies using traditional software. This has contributed to a shortage of large software buyout deals this year. For example, Hg Capital agreed in January to acquire financial software company OneStream for approximately $6.4 billion—one of the largest software acquisition deals announced this year.

The potential takeover of Workday would be significantly larger, making it one of the most serious tests of private equity appetite for traditional software business models amid the industry's transformation influenced by AI. The deal would also follow Thoma Bravo's agreement to acquire payroll software provider Dayforce in a transaction worth about $12.3 billion.

Silver Lake has experience investing in technology and software companies, including computer manufacturer Dell Technologies, cloud software provider VMware, and experience management software developer Qualtrics.

Workday was founded in 2005 by former PeopleSoft executives Anil Bhusri and David Duffield, and went public in 2012. The company provides cloud software for human resources, payroll, finance, expenses, and planning. It serves over 11,500 customers worldwide and has offices in South Africa. Bhusri returned to the CEO position at Workday in February, replacing Carl Eisenbach, as the company grapples with growing pressure from AI on traditional business software.

Ahead of the key BRICS summit in India, a proposal has been put forward regarding the interconnection of payment systems and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which could represent a significant shift in the global financial landscape. This issue has become one of the most important and complex items on the agenda, determining whether the bloc can achieve its stated goal of creating a multipolar financial order or if a gap will remain between declarations and actual actions.

The essence of the proposal is to create a digital bridge between the internal payment networks of BRICS countries. Currently, if Brazil wants to pay for goods to South Africa, funds often pass through US banks, taking days and incurring commissions of 3–5%. The proposed system would enable direct, near-instantaneous settlements in local currencies using blockchain-like technology, ensuring simultaneous payment to both parties without intermediaries. Furthermore, no currency is being replaced; instead, each nation's digital money learns to interact with one another.

This issue holds particular significance for India. In April 2025, India overtook Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, but within a year, its position slipped to sixth behind Japan and the UK. India's nominal GDP was approximately $3.92 trillion, lower than the initial forecast of $4.18 trillion. The decline was attributed to the weakening of the rupee against the dollar amid the Middle East conflict.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) notes that India remains one of the world's largest fast-growing economies; however, the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar after the start of the war between the US and Iran in late February 2026 led to its devaluation by nearly 5%, reaching a historical low of 96 rupees by mid-May. Since IMF ratings are based on nominal GDP in dollars, a weaker rupee mechanically reduces India's dollar GDP. The IMF itself pointed to the continuous depreciation of the rupee caused by the situation in the Middle East as a reason for the rating downgrade.