Quick-service restaurants are expecting a rebound in the second half of the current fiscal year, as consumer demand remains low. Jubilant FoodWorks is the only company with positive growth, while others saw stagnation or decline in same-store sales. Despite this, companies remain positive due to improved consumer sentiment, policies, and lower food inflation.
President Trump has three finalists for the next chair of the Federal Reserve: Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, and Christopher Waller. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not interested. Trump wants someone who supports his interest-rate cuts and has criticized current chair Jerome Powell. The decision will greatly impact the economy and financial markets.
Trump has chosen his Doral golf club near Miami to host the 2026 G20 summit, sparking concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical violations. His properties have been a source of controversy in the past, and the Doral property was among those vying to host the event.
President Trump renamed the Department of Defense to the "Department of War" to highlight its role in preventing conflict. The Pentagon quickly changed signs and titles, receiving praise from Defense Secretary Hegseth. The costly and criticized process is seen as a tribute to the department's history and heritage.
Trump signs executive order to designate countries as state sponsors of wrongful detention and impose sanctions on those holding Americans. China, Iran, and Afghanistan among those targeted. U.S. puts Americans first, warns anyone using them as bargaining chips will pay the price. 72 Americans already returned, including from Russia and Afghanistan.
Trump denies plans for regime change in Venezuela, but accuses Maduro of winning a "strange" election. The US has ordered 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to combat drug cartels, following a "highly provocative" flight by Venezuelan jets near a US warship. Trump links overdose deaths to wartime losses and vows to continue military operations against designated narco-terrorist organizations.
US President Donald Trump assured that the relationship between India and the United States is special and there is no need to worry about occasional disagreements. However, he expressed disappointment over India's purchase of Russian oil and high tariffs.
The Honor X9c 5G smartphone showcases the power of AI in mid-range devices with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and MagicOS 8.0. It also features a 108MP OIS Motion Sensing Camera and a 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery for extended battery life and fast charging. With its tough build and innovative hardware, the Honor X9c stands out from the crowd and delivers a seamless user experience.
India's EV adoption is on the rise, with 2 million EVs sold in 4 years. The high upfront cost is a barrier to mass adoption, but the government is offering a 5% GST rate to make EVs more affordable. Automakers are also working on battery localisation and innovative ownership models, but the expansion of charging infrastructure is still needed.
India's semiconductor industry is undergoing a transformation due to policy support, entrepreneurial drive, and global demand. Startups and global companies are utilizing the government's incentive scheme and cloud-based EDA to advance design services, IP development, and AI processors. This demonstrates India's potential to lead in semiconductor innovation, aided by cloud.
Stellantis, a carmaker in India for 5 years, aims to expand product range, reach more customers, and increase production. CEO Shailesh Hazela says India is a tough market and they are learning and adapting to customer preferences. Investments in design, engineering, and manufacturing have been made, with plans to expand retail reach and introduce more electric vehicles.
SpiceJet, a budget carrier, reported a net loss of Rs 234 crore in Q1FY26 due to geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions. However, the company remains resilient and is taking steps to improve fleet reliability, reduce costs, and expand its network. The passenger load factor remained steady at 86%, and the net worth improved to Rs 446 crore. The stock has declined by 45% in the past year.
Dassault Aviation has acquired a majority stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace, with Reliance Aerostructure's stake decreasing. This guarantees warranties and long-term service commitments for customers in India and abroad. DRAL is now Dassault's global centre of excellence for Falcon aircraft, and a final assembly line for Falcon jets will be established in Nagpur.
The implementation of a new 40% tax on pan masala, cigarettes, and tobacco products will be based on their retail sale price (RSP) to prevent tax evasion and expand the tax base. This change is similar to the previous excise duty regime and will increase the tax burden for the sector. However, it may also lead to higher tax liabilities for manufacturers and distributors.
Vedanta secures Rs 17,000 crore bid for Jaiprakash Associates after winning challenge process against Adani Group. The company's strong assets and support from NARCL helped it emerge as the winner, adding a new business vertical to its portfolio. This marks a rare instance of a mining company successfully acquiring a debt-laden company.
RBI to cut cash reserve ratio by 25 bps, injecting Rs 60,000-70,000 crore into banks. Move will ease liquidity stress during busy season and allow for better management without disrupting other segments. Excess liquidity to be released by December through reverse repo auctions, improving bank margins.
Indian spot market saw a 45% drop in electricity prices in the first four days of September due to heavy rains and increased sell bids. Real-Time Market also experienced a decrease in prices and a surge in traded volumes. This trend has been ongoing for months, aided by moderate temperatures and higher renewable energy generation.
Donald Trump accuses Democrats of creating a hoax around Jeffrey Epstein and claims the DOJ has provided all requested documents. Survivors of Epstein's abuse are demanding a list of alleged abusers, and the House Oversight Committee is conducting a probe. Trump sees the inquiries as a distraction from his success as a Republican president.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed her willingness to ease investment restrictions on China, but expects reciprocal action on market access and non-tariff barriers. She addressed the impact of US tariffs and assured support for affected industries. India will maintain its oil trade with Russia and remain committed to its fiscal deficit target for the year.
Despite the government's efforts to boost domestic consumption through GST rationalisation, the stock market has only seen a minimal increase of 0.18%. Experts attribute this to various factors including Trump's tariffs, weak GDP growth, and FPI selling. This impact is reflected in sectoral indices, particularly in auto, consumer discretionary, and consumer durables.
The rupee fell to a new low of 88.26 on Friday, down 11 paise from the previous close. The main reason for the fall was the rumor of tariffs being imposed on the Indian IT sector. However, RBI intervention helped in some appreciation. The demand from importers and FPI outflows also contributed to the depreciation.
Girish Mathrubootham, founder of Freshworks, will retire as executive chairman on December 1 after 15 years with the company. This comes as the SaaS industry is evolving with the emergence of AI. Mathrubootham will now focus on his venture capital firm, Together Fund, and support the growth of AI startups.
India's engineering exports to the US will decrease by $7.5-$8 billion due to 50% tariffs, resulting in a decline in new orders. This will significantly affect the sector, accounting for a quarter of the country's merchandise exports. Steel and auto sector exports will also decline, but the biggest challenge is the 50% drop in sales of other engineering goods.
The recent GST reforms have brought relief for manufacturers, especially in the automobile industry. Tata Motors is the first to pass on the full benefit of the GST reduction to customers, with price cuts on all models. The revised GST structure has made cars more affordable, with small cars becoming 5-13% cheaper and luxury brands facing a flat 40% tax.
The ICC has announced record-low ticket prices of just Rs 100 for the upcoming Women's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. This move aims to attract a large crowd and promote the growth of women's cricket globally. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will begin on September 30 and has a record prize pool of USD 13.88 million. Fans are already booking tickets for the highly-anticipated event.
The government's tax reforms have neglected detergents, a crucial part of the FMCG industry. While other daily-use products have received a GST reduction, detergents are still taxed at 18%. Industry experts consider this a significant oversight, as lowering taxes on detergents could have increased consumption.
Vedanta has acquired the debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates in a Rs 17,000 crore bid, beating Adani Group. The bid value is Rs 12,505 crore, and multiple companies including Dalmia Bharat and Jindal Power participated in the bidding process. JAL, with interests in real estate, cement, power, hotels, and roads, was taken to insolvency proceedings after defaulting on loans.
Uno Minda Limited conducts nationwide raids to combat counterfeit products, seizing 4,280 fake handle bar switches. A recent operation in Sirsa, Haryana targeted a major wholesaler and seized 2,740 counterfeit switches. Collaborating with investigative agencies, the company also conducted raids in Bihar and Assam to dismantle illegal operations.
Flipkart and Amazon are preparing for a competitive sale season with attractive pricing, early access for members, and partnerships with banks and brands. The GST cut allows for better offers and benefits for consumers. Smartphones, electronics, appliances, fashion, and lifestyle products will have heavy promotions, with financial partnerships and quick commerce playing a key role.
Kotak Institutional Securities predicts a 3-5% increase in health insurance premiums due to the loss of input tax credit after the full GST exemption on individual life and health policies. However, this could lead to a 12-15% decrease in prices for customers, boosting demand for the sector. Companies will have to pass on the GST burden on other services to customers.
SpiceJet, a top Indian airline, suffered a net loss of Rs 234 crore in Q1 FY26, a sharp decline from the Rs 158 crore profit in Q1 FY25. The company's revenue also dropped by 34% to Rs 1,120 crore due to geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions.
Congress faces backlash for comparing Bihar to 'bidi' in a post criticizing GST rates. The remark has caused political outrage and could affect opposition's prospects in Bihar elections. Congress has apologized, but BJP leaders are still condemning the party for insulting Bihar and its people. This is not the first instance of Congress facing criticism for derogatory remarks.
Joint investments are convenient for succession planning but can result in duplicate reporting to the tax department, causing notices for non-earning joint holders. This is due to the mandatory reporting of high-value transactions under the PAN of all joint holders, leading to a mismatch between tax returns and AIS. Assessees can respond to tax notices by providing evidence of ownership.
Quant Mutual Fund is launching a new Specialised Investment Fund that allows investors to go short in the market, reducing risk and providing additional alpha. It will be managed through systematic active investing and perform well in market corrections. However, there is a shortage of talent for this type of management.
The Indian rupee reached a record low of 88.27 against the US dollar, attributed to foreign fund outflows and concerns over potential US tariffs. Despite a weak dollar and lower oil prices, the rupee continued to decline. The RBI attempted to intervene, but the impact was limited due to ongoing tariff announcements by Trump and selling by foreign investors.
The Indian luggage industry is undergoing a transformation as new-age companies emerge as strong competitors to traditional players. These companies are growing at a faster rate due to their modern designs and cost-effective production methods. This has resulted in a decline in margins for legacy players, while new-age companies now hold 25% of the organised luggage market.
Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace giant, is increasing its stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace (DRAL), a joint venture with Reliance Infrastructure. After the transaction, DRAL will become a subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, with Reliance Infra holding a 49% stake. The move aims to strengthen guarantees and service commitments for customers in India and worldwide.
Inox Wind's share price is expected to rise by 31%, with Nuvama retaining a 'Buy' recommendation due to strong revenue visibility until FY27. The Inox Group has undergone restructuring and is expanding its renewable energy focus. Inox Green has entered the solar O&M market and IRSL is expanding its manufacturing and service capabilities.
Dwayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock', has gone from pro-wrestler to Hollywood actor and entrepreneur. His latest film, 'The Smashing Machine', received critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival. Despite early struggles, he built a successful brand and launched his own production house, tequila brand, Teremana, and a men's skincare line, which has gained immense popularity.
Indian defence forces have shifted their strategy post Balakot airstrike, prioritizing increased aerial attack capacity and precision strikes. CDS Anil Chauhan stresses the significance of political support and discretion in military operations. Operation Sindoor utilized lower airspace and drones, but airstrikes remain crucial for achieving political goals.
Punjab is facing severe floods due to intense monsoon, causing damage to homes and crops. Several Bollywood celebrities and political leaders have come forward to help the victims, including Diljit Dosanjh who has adopted 10 villages in the Majha region for long-term rehabilitation. Other celebrities like Sonu Sood, Satinder Sartaaj, and Randeep Hooda are also providing support.
Imagine Marketing, the parent company of boAt, has seen a 13.5% drop in unlisted share price in 6 months, following the trend seen in HDB Financial and NSDL before their IPOs. While revenue has declined, Imagine Marketing turned net profit positive in 2025. The upcoming IPO is expected to raise Rs 13,000 crore, with a fresh issue of Rs 900 crore.
China has pulled out of Pakistan's CPEC project and declined to fund the ML-1 railway upgrade during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Beijing. Despite signing MoUs worth $8.5 billion, Pakistan failed to secure new funding or major projects. This, along with improving ties with the US and India's growing alliance with China and Russia, has created a complex geopolitical situation.
Elon Musk's absence from a White House dinner allowed other tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Bill Gates, and Sam Altman to gain prominence. Five Indian-origin tech moguls were also present. Notable figure Chamath Palihapitiya, a Trump supporter and megadonor, was among the invitees.
The recent GST rates rationalisation in the cement industry is expected to increase demand and prices, with larger players planning to raise prices by Q1 FY27. Nuvama predicts that consumers will benefit from most of the benefits, but some companies may be affected if states reduce incentives and subsidies.
The markets experienced a slight drop, with Nifty struggling at 24,700 and Sensex remaining flat. ITC's share price fell 3% due to GST concerns, while Persistent Systems and Ola Electric faced losses. However, Vodafone Idea saw a 6% increase. BSE's stock corrected significantly but is expected to see profit growth due to lower costs and colocation income.
President Trump signed an executive order to reduce tariffs on Japanese car imports and other goods, easing the burden on Japan's export-driven economy. The deal, announced in July, includes $550 billion of Japanese investment in U.S. projects. The lower tariffs, effective in seven days, prevent the 15% levy on Japanese imports from being added to existing higher tariffs.
Indian benchmark indices started positively, but optimism faded as sectoral pressure dragged markets lower. Realty, IT, FMCG, pharma, PSU banks, energy, infra, and metals all traded weak. Broader markets also showed signs of caution with Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 slipping. Valuation concerns and global pressures ahead of Q2 earnings have led to cautious investor sentiment.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to face off in the US Open 2025 men’s singles semifinal, with the 38-year-old Serbian aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and the 22-year-old Spaniard seeking revenge. This will be their first-ever meeting at the US Open, adding to the excitement. Djokovic leads the rivalry by 5-3, but Alcaraz has proven himself as a strong competitor, defeating Dj
Justin Bieber's surprise release of his new album, Swag II, has caused excitement among fans worldwide. The album cover has taken over billboards and social media, while Bieber made headlines for surprising a bride at her wedding. He also dedicated a song to his wife, Hailey Bieber, shutting down divorce rumors. Meanwhile, his former girlfriend Selena Gomez got engaged.
A laid-off employee expressed frustration on Reddit after finding out a meeting about "organizational alignment" was actually a layoff announcement. The employee had suspected this earlier and noticed a lack of communication from management. The layoff resulted in their department merging with another, with some colleagues receiving more notice.