The financial and operational struggles of state-owned power distribution companies (discoms) have been revealed in a new report. Inadequate tariff hikes, high losses, regulatory assets, and debts are major issues. The Supreme Court has taken action, but the success of discoms' implementation remains uncertain.
India and the US have decided to restart talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement after the postponement of the 6th round of discussions. The talks were productive and focused on different aspects of the agreement. The first phase of the deal has a target of $500 billion trade by 2030, with tariff and market access being the main challenges in the negotiations.
Ashok Leyland, a Chennai-based company, will introduce its first hydrogen-powered vehicle in two years, signaling a significant change in India's automotive industry. Hydrogen, known as the cleanest energy source, has many advantages over traditional fuels. The government is supporting hydrogen-based vehicles with five ongoing pilot projects.
JPMorgan Chase's decision to reduce India's weight in its flagship bond index has not affected the market, with experts predicting limited impact. India's recent sovereign rating upgrade and expected US interest rate cuts make it an attractive destination for foreign investors. Despite the rebalancing, India's strong fundamentals and growing investor base will continue to attract capital flows.
The CCI is investigating Google and Microsoft's integration of AI solutions with their office suites to determine if it violates competition laws. Both companies have incorporated AI into their products, with Google offering it in business and enterprise plans and Microsoft in their Microsoft 365 suite.
Mother Dairy has lowered prices for milkshakes, butter, ghee, jams, and cheese after the GST Council's tax rate reduction. The changes will take effect on September 22 and range from Rs 2 to Rs 30. Other companies like Amul and HUL are also expected to adjust their prices. The transition may pose challenges.
Unilever has named Srinivas Phatak, an India-born executive, as its new CFO and board member. With extensive finance experience and a successful interim CFO stint, Phatak will be instrumental in driving the company's growth and managing the upcoming spin-off of its ice cream business. He will receive a fixed annual salary of €1.2 million.
The PFRDA has permitted fund managers to offer personalized schemes with full equity exposure in order to attract private-sector subscribers to the National Pension System. This new framework will increase flexibility but at a higher cost and also create room for product innovation and market growth for pension funds.
Manufacturing companies like Godrej & Boyce and Hawkins Cookers are offering fixed deposit schemes with attractive rates to tap into retail liquidity due to lower bank deposit rates and tightening credit conditions. This is a trend that reflects the need for companies to diversify funding and bridge asset-liability mismatches.
Coal India has received an exploration license for a rare earth elements block in Andhra Pradesh, signaling its move towards diversification. The company is also working on extraction technologies and has discovered high concentrations of rare earth elements in coal samples. India has approved a National Critical Mineral Mission with a budget of Rs 34,000 crore
A daily guava can improve health with Vitamin C and fibre. A recent study uncovers its ability to prevent liver cancer. Researchers have found a cost-effective way to create cancer-fighting compounds from guava, which could revolutionize treatment. This discovery could make medication more accessible and successful, especially with the increasing cases of liver cancer worldwide.
Kawasaki India is offering discounts on its mid-segment models due to an upcoming price hike, making it the perfect time to purchase a motorcycle. The Z650, Z650 RS, and Ninja 500 are all receiving discounts up to Rs 47,000. With a cashback voucher, customers can save on the ex-showroom price of these models, making them a great choice.
Indian govt has clarified that recalling or re-labelling is not mandatory for medicine packs manufactured before new GST rates. NPPA has stated that revised price lists must be issued to dealers, retailers, and authorities. Companies can re-label existing stock in a phased manner without causing shortages. The GST Council has reduced taxes on healthcare products and made 33 medicines GST-free.
GameKraft, a real money gaming platform, has filed an FIR against its former CFO, Ramesh Prabhu, for diverting funds through private accounts, leading to a loss of Rs 250 crore. Prabhu has admitted to the diversion in an email and has been untraceable since March 1. This incident highlights the issue of corporate governance in India, which has also been seen in other cases involving
TCS, India's largest private employer, has been accused of unethical layoffs and rescinding job offers without severance pay. An employee has claimed that the company maintains a "fluidity list" and has been "coercing" people to tender resignations on its basis.
The car care products market in India is booming due to an increasing number of vehicle owners preferring DIY options. There is a high demand for cleaning and interior care items to maintain appearance and protect against weather. Rising consumer awareness and a growing middle class with higher incomes are fueling the demand for premium and eco-friendly products.
Maruti Suzuki's share price is rising after their Victoris model received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. This marks a turning point for the brand, which was previously criticized for safety concerns. JM Financial, Nomura see current safety push a turning point for the stock.
Dhanush, a successful actor in the Tamil film industry with a net worth of Rs 200 crore, shared a childhood story of struggling to afford idlis and selling flowers to buy them. Some doubted the authenticity due to his father's career. At the audio launch of his film Idli Kadai, he reminisced about the satisfaction of buying idlis with their own hard-earned money.
The ED has summoned celebrities like Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, and Sonu Sood for promoting the illegal betting app 1xBet. Other celebrities, including former cricketers and actors, have also been questioned in the investigation into the platform's financial transactions. This case exposes the ambiguity of India's gambling laws and the dangers for Indian users on unregulated platforms.
Simple Energy, a Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has developed India's first rare earth-free EV motor. This breakthrough comes amidst China's control over rare earth elements, which nearly halted the EV industry in India. Simple Energy's in-house manufacturing and research has led to a 95% localized production line.
Hero Motors, part of the Hero Group, has been given the green light from SEBI for its Rs 1,200 crore IPO. The funds will go towards debt repayment, expanding capacity, and potential acquisitions. The IPO will be divided into a fresh issue of Rs 800 crore and an offer for sale of Rs 400 crore, with 50% allocated to QIBs, 15% to NIIs, and 35% to retail investors.
FBI Director Kash Patel defends his handling of the Charlie Kirk assassination investigation, vowing to not be influenced by false information. Calls for his removal continue, with potential replacements being Andrew Bailey or Dan Bongino. While progress has been made, doubts linger over Patel's leadership and he faces scrutiny from both Democrats and Trump supporters.
Jaish-e-Mohammad's top commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri has confirmed that family members of the group's chief, Maulana Masood Azhar, were killed in India's Operation Sindoor strike on Bahawalpur. The attack, targeting Jaish's headquarters, resulted in the deaths of 10 family members and four close associates of Azhar.
KPI Green Energy secures Rs 3,200 crore loan from State Bank of India to expand renewable power plants, in line with Indian government's green energy push. The company also issues its first green bond, with 65% guarantee from GuarantCo, to raise 6.7 billion rupees. This move will aid in achieving growth plans and generating significant impact in the sector.
The number of fatal brain-eating amoeba cases in Kerala has reached 67 with 18 deaths. A 17-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram is the latest victim, contracting the infection from a pool. The state has closed the pool and sent water samples for testing. Avoiding stagnant freshwater and using nose clips while swimming can prevent the infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
Nitin Gadkari, the Road and Transport Minister, refutes claims of involvement in ethanol production by Cian Agro. He explains that the company was established before ethanol blending was implemented and is now run by his son, contributing less than 0.5% to total ethanol production. Gadkari dismisses allegations of personal gain and labels them as false propaganda and a paid campaign.
ACS officer Nupur Bora was arrested for possessing disproportionate assets worth Rs 3 crore, including Rs 2 crore cash. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that she had been under surveillance for six months due to her involvement in controversial land transactions. Bora, a 36-year-old lecturer turned ACS officer, had transferred Hindu land to suspicious individuals for money.
BMW has released the new S 1000 R in India with updates and three colour choices. It boasts a fierce design, strong 999 cc engine, and a wide range of features. It rivals the Honda CB1000 Hornet, Kawasaki Z900, and Ducati Street Fighter V4 in India, while facing stiff competition from fully-faired bikes such as the Kawasaki ZX-10R and Honda Fireblade worldwide.
Twitch, the popular streaming platform, is facing backlash after a viral video compilation of streamer HasanAbi sparked outrage. Elon Musk joined the debate, calling for HasanAbi's ban and drawing attention to Amazon's oversight of Twitch. HasanAbi fired back, accusing Musk of amplifying cherry-picked clips and using his influence to distort narratives.
Nissan is dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility and supporting the government's alternative fuel initiatives. Their popular model, the Magnite, is fully compliant with the new E20 petrol and comes with a 10-year warranty. The company remains committed to continuous product innovation and providing environmentally-friendly solutions.
Swiggy plans to sell its 12% stake in Rapido, with Prosus NV looking to invest $150-180 million for the largest portion. At a proposed valuation of $2.5-2.7 billion, Swiggy's stake could be worth over $320 million. Rapido's entry into food delivery has made it a potential competitor, leading Swiggy to reassess its investment.
Paresh Rawal and director Priyadarshan have reconciled and will work together on Hera Pheri 3. Their bond has grown stronger after their disagreement and Rawal says their relationship is now more open. The film will start filming in February or March and there will be no Baburao spin-off as the character needs his co-stars.
Euro Pratik Sales, a Maharashtra-based decorative wall panels and laminates company, has opened its IPO for subscription from September 16-18, with a target of raising Rs 451.32 crore through an offer-for-sale (OFS). The issue will list on the BSE and NSE on September 23, with a price band of Rs 235-247 per share.
National Working Parents Day, observed on September 16 in the US, brings attention to the struggles of working parents in balancing their duties at home and work. It serves as a reminder for self-care and a healthy work-life balance, while also acknowledging the dedication of parents and promoting community support. Tips for achieving balance include self-care and seeking help when needed.
Siddharth Jain, executive director of Inox Group, has become the first businessman in India to purchase a Tesla. The American electric vehicle giant officially launched in the country in July, sparking interest in the luxury car market. Jain shared his excitement on social media, dedicating the milestone to Tesla CEO Elon Musk and expressing his long-awaited dream come true.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman shared a story about how PM Modi personally checked on her after her first budget speech. He did not praise her for her maiden budget speech in the Parliament, but for something he continues to check on even today. Wondering what it is? Well, it is her health. He even sent his personal doctor to attend to her.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old student, confessed to killing Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a Utah event in a Discord group chat with over 30 people. He also messaged his roommate about stashing a gun used in the shooting. Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt after his father convinced him to turn himself in.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has received a significant order worth Rs 2,500 crore for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu. The order includes the installation of nuclear reactor and turbine systems, as well as supplying supporting equipment. This comes just a day after L&T won a large-scale work order for the bullet train project
Royal Enfield has decreased prices for their 350cc motorcycles, with the base model starting at Rs 1.38 lakh. This is due to the Government's revision of GST rates and abolition of compensation cess, resulting in a decrease of up to Rs 22,000. However, larger models like the Super Meteor 650 have seen a rise of almost Rs 30,000 due to a higher GST of 40%.
Honda has launched the new CBR1000RR-R superbike in India at a price of Rs 28.99 lakh. This is Rs 2.33 lakh more expensive than the previous model. The new CBR1000RR-R features updated bodywork and aerodynamics, with winglets for added downforce. It also has fully electronically adjustable Ohlins USD forks, Brembo brakes, and a TFT console. The 999 cc engine produces 214.5 bhp.
The capital goods sector is performing well, with the BSE Capital Goods Index up by 4% in 5 days and 21% in 6 months. Motilal Oswal has identified key opportunities in this sector, with Kalpataru Projects International (KPI) and KEC International (KEC) being top picks. KPI has received significant orders in the transmission segment, while KEC's T&D segment remains a main growth engine.
JD Vance, the Vice President, filled in for his slain friend, Charlie Kirk, on his radio show. He used the opportunity to call for national unity and announced a crackdown on leftist organizations. Vance also shared personal stories about Kirk and acknowledged his role in his political career.
MEIL wins bid to construct and run India's first private strategic petroleum reserve at Padur, Karnataka for Rs 5,700 crore. The project will take 5 years to build and 60 years to operate, with the government retaining first rights in emergencies. MEIL can also lease out storage space and trade crude oil stored in the reserve.
Delhi Police arrested Gaganpreet Kaur for the BMW crash that killed Navjot Singh. He highlighted inconsistencies between police statements and the FIR, and even spoke about the delay in taking the victim to a faraway hospital, saying that she had informed the hospital staff beforehand to prepare for an emergency.
Around 14 people, affiliated with Sakal Hindi Samaj, were detained for protesting against singer Imran Khan's performance at a pub in Pune during a live screening of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match. Despite being informed that the singer was a Dutch national, the protesters continued to obstruct the event.
Stephen Miran, a close economic adviser to President Trump, has been confirmed to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors in a close Senate vote. He will serve until January 2026 while maintaining his White House post on unpaid leave, making him the first sitting Fed governor to also be an employee of the president.
Indian markets closed slightly down on September 15, with the Sensex and Nifty both falling. On September 16, investors will focus on autos, metals, infra, and IT stocks, as well as crude oil, currency, and trade news. Asian markets rose after positive US-China trade talks. US stocks closed higher, with record highs for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.
The Indian government plans to offer a six-month exemption to electric truck and bus manufacturers, allowing them to import fully assembled motors using heavy rare earth materials without losing incentives. This is part of the PM Electric Drive Revolution scheme to address technology gaps and supply issues. However, two and three-wheeler manufacturers will not be included in this relaxation.
Major insurance companies' leaders will meet Irdai chairman Ajay Seth in Hyderabad to discuss input tax credit on life and health insurance and renewal premiums. This will be the first industry-level interaction with Seth since he took charge on September 1. Insurers seek clarity on ITC for insurance services after GST rate changes.
Stocks to watch on September 16, 2025 include Adani Enterprises, JSW Infrastructure, NTPC Green Energy, Wipro, Zydus Lifesciences, Godawari Power & Ispat, and Transrail Lighting. Adani Enterprises has won a project to build a ropeway, while JSW Infrastructure has signed a deal to modernise ports.