Southern Railway adds extra coaches to select trains amid rising passenger demand

Southern Railway has temporarily added additional Chair Car and Sleeper Class coaches to six train services connecting Chennai, Thanjavur, Mangaluru, and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu to meet the increasing passenger demand. Passengers are advised to check the revised coach composition before planning their journeys. The augmentation includes popular trains like the Chennai-Coimbatore Shatabdi Express and the Chennai-Mangaluru corridor.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the media for the first time in two years via video link from New Delhi, coinciding with the second anniversary of her ouster. The press conference was held at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia and comes amid political tensions between Dhaka and the Awami League, with India distancing itself from the event.

A new 10.30-km highway link, the PR-07 spur, will soon be constructed to ease traffic around Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. It will connect the Ambala-Chandigarh section of NH-205A with the Zirakpur bypass and is expected to be completed within two years. This project will divert 20,000 vehicles daily from congested areas, benefitting long-distance and freight vehicles.

The Silver Line project in Kerala has been paused, as efforts are now being directed towards improving the current railway network through various upgrades. The proposed high-speed rail project has been deemed unfeasible, and the Railway Ministry has approved nine new projects worth ₹11,650 crore, including three new railway lines.

Elon Musk ambitiously predicts SpaceX will reach $1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030, despite posting a $542 million net loss in the second quarter. The company's space segment contributed $4.3 billion, while its connectivity segment, including Starlink, brought in $4.29 billion. SpaceX also announced a partnership with Nvidia for "space compute" design.

HSBC recommends 10 Indian stocks due to improving earnings outlook, strong domestic demand, and potential for foreign investor flows. India is a stable market with potential for $25 billion inflow. 73% of companies met or exceeded earnings expectations. HSBC prefers domestic sectors like financials, autos, retail, hospitals, and select industrials.

SEBI, India's market regulator, is unlikely to review the newly implemented Closing Auction System (CAS). The system has faced criticism after the Benchmark Nifty 50 experienced sharp spikes in closing trade. However, SEBI believes there are no flaws in the system and expects participation to increase. The CAS involves a five-minute transition period, followed by an order entry period.

The Maharashtra government has directed officials to fast-track work on Mumbai Metro Line 10 connecting Mira Road and Gaimukh. Additionally, the state has approved the planning of 11 new metro corridors across the MMR, Pune and Nagpur to further strengthen metro connectivity. The projects aim to enhance connectivity, decrease travel time, and provide efficient public transport.

Rapido's food delivery platform Ownly has rapidly gained success, onboarding 25,000 restaurants in Bengaluru and planning to expand to five other major cities. Co-founder Aravind Sanka discusses Ownly's cost structure, zero fees, and the state of Rapido's core mobility business. The company aims to create a new market and increase its market presence.

Motilal Oswal has identified three companies with strong potential for returns: Safari Industries, Jain Resource Recycling, and Emami. These companies have target prices indicating an upside potential of 34% to 50%. Motilal Oswal cites capacity expansion, demand for recycled metals, and steady domestic demand as key drivers, but cautions about risks such as competition and input cost spikes.

Vadodara Junction's new Bullet Train station on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor will be built above Platform No. 7 and inspired by the city's banyan tree. It will serve as a major transport hub with easy access to the city's bus services and interstate bus depot. The station will also offer modern amenities like waiting lounges, baby care rooms, restrooms, and retail shops.

Massachusetts has declared August 15 as India Day, recognizing the country's independence from British rule and the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the US economy and society. The state's governor and mayor have issued proclamations, highlighting the significant Indian population in Massachusetts and their impact in various fields. The Indian-American community is proud of the recognition.

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a new expressway connecting Jewar Airport with Ganga Expressway, reducing travel time and boosting industrial development and employment opportunities. The 74.467 km long route will initially have six lanes and can be expanded to eight lanes in the future.

The DOJ settled a $3.2 million case with OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, for discriminatory hiring practices. OpenAI preferred temporary visa holders over US workers during the PERM process, violating the Immigration and Nationality Act. OpenAI denies the claims but agreed to settle as the Trump administration seeks to reform the H-1B visa program.

Macquarie has chosen TVS Motor, Divi's Laboratories, and Titan as its top picks in India due to their strong business growth and potential for future success. Phoenix Mills has been added to their 'Rising Stars' list, while Bharat Electronics, Dixon Technologies, and Hyundai Motor India remain in their 'Hitters' list.

India's economy is expected to exceed $5 trillion by FY2028-29, according to the IMF. The government is implementing a broad-based growth strategy to achieve this milestone, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, infrastructure, tax reforms, and digitalization. The plan also includes measures to boost exports, FDI, and prudent fiscal management.

Motilal Oswal has given a target price of Rs 125 on Restaurant Brands Asia, the company behind Burger King outlets, with a possible 75% upside. Factors driving this positive recommendation include strong sales, new menu additions, expansion plans, and improved profit margins. While the India business performed well, Indonesia remains a challenge.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is closely monitoring fuel quality and has found only two cases of contamination out of over 2,000 samples tested. Strict action will be taken against any retail outlet with contamination. The government has instructed Oil Marketing Companies to prevent contamination and recently uncovered an organised fuel adulteration racket in Lucknow.

Paytm's share price dropped by 1.5% on the NSE after reports of 1.5 crore shares being sold in block deals, amounting to Rs 2,038 crore. Existing investors Saif Partners, Saif II Mauritius, and Elevation Capital V are rumored to have sold their stakes. However, this news has not been independently verified. The company's share price has risen by 7.2% in the past five trading days.

The Centre's decision to reduce its holding in LIC through an Offer for Sale (OFS) resulted in an 8% drop in share price. The government plans to initially offer 2.5% equity and has the option to sell an additional 4% stake. The floor price is set at Rs 382 per share, 10% lower than the previous day's closing price, in order to meet SEBI's minimum public shareholding requirements.

President Trump has publicly rebuked Chevron and ExxonMobil for profiting off of high oil prices while international crude prices have dropped. Gas prices in the US remain high, causing Americans to blame both companies and Trump for the affordability crisis. However, experts argue that oil companies do not control fuel prices and rising costs continue to burden Americans.

Macquarie maintains 'Outperform' ratings on Adani Green Energy, GAIL, Maruti Suzuki India, and Escorts Kubota due to their strong earnings visibility, growth drivers, and expansion plans. Despite facing different challenges, these companies have potential upside ranging from 13% to 29%, supported by positive demand outlook and margin pressures.

Divi's Laboratories, one of India's largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, has reported strong quarterly results with a 28% increase in revenue and a 72% jump in EBITDA. Brokerage firm Jefferies has maintained a 'Buy' rating on the stock and raised the price target to Rs 10,200, citing strong sales growth and margins.

NSDL and CDSL, the two depositories behind every demat account in India, have reported their Q1 results. NSDL's topline saw a 66% jump, largely due to a one-time project, while CDSL's revenue rose 13%. Motilal Oswal has a neutral stance on both stocks, with a target of Rs 930 for NSDL and caution on CDSL's investments.

Jefferies reaffirms positive stance on select group of companies after reviewing their latest June quarter performance. The global brokerage retains 'Buy' ratings on eight stocks across various sectors, with target prices indicating upside ranging from 16% to 41%.

BTS' Jin makes a huge profit of 8.21 billion won by selling his luxury home in Seoul's Hannam The Hill complex. The 235-square-meter apartment was bought in 2019 for 4.49 billion won in cash. The sale was made just before stricter tax rules for multiple homeowners were reinstated by the Korean government. Jin is believed to own two other units in the same complex and other properties as well.

The Nifty saw a sudden spike of 200 points during closing trade today, causing a divergence with the Sensex. This was due to the introduction of the new Closing Auction Session by the exchanges, aiming to improve price discovery and reduce volatility. Despite initial hiccups, experts believe this will boost investor confidence and align Indian market practices with global standards.

India and Germany are close to signing a deal for six next-generation submarines worth Rs 90,000 crore. This will boost the Indian Navy's capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region and support the government's efforts for domestic manufacturing of advanced defence platforms. The submarines will have Air Independent Propulsion technology, making them more efficient in underwater combat.

Marvel didn't lose Spider-Man in a legal battle — it sold the rights in 1998 while clawing back from bankruptcy, turning down a $25-million deal for nearly its whole roster along the way. Here's the full story behind Sony's hold on Marvel's most valuable character.

In Q1 FY27, HUL delivered steady volume-led growth with robust 23% EBITDA margins, appealing to growth investors seeking reliable earnings stability and premiumisation upside. Meanwhile, ITC stands out as a high-yield value pick driven by non-cigarette FMCG momentum. Global brokerages see over 40% upside in one.

The long-running rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has found a new point of disagreement.

Musk believes money could become almost meaningless within the next 10 years as artificial intelligence and robots make goods and services so abundant that people may no longer need money in the way they do today.

Tom Holland's fourth solo outing as Spider-Man, titled "Brand New Day," has become the second-biggest global opening weekend in box office history, behind only "Avengers: Endgame." The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, has received widespread praise from critics and audiences, with a 90% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 98% audience score, tying the MCU's record.

Jefferies, an international brokerage house, has given a 'Buy' rating on Swiggy, Tata Steel, and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) with target prices indicating potential upside ranging from 22% to 47%. Swiggy has reached contribution margin break-even, Tata Steel's domestic business remains strong, and M&M's volumes are up.

Morgan Stanley has upgraded Torrent Pharma to 'Overweight', while downgrading Mankind Pharma to 'Equal-weight' after its recent rally. The brokerage believes faster JB Pharma integration, stronger earnings visibility and leadership in India's GLP-1 market make Torrent Pharma its preferred pick, whereas Mankind's recovery is largely priced in.

ITC's share price increased by 3% following the release of its first-quarter results for FY27. While the company's cigarette revenue saw a 22% decline due to high taxes, its FMCG segment showed a 15% growth. Two brokerage houses have conflicting opinions on the stock, with one recommending to hold and the other to buy. The company's market capitalization stands at Rs 3.8 lakh crore.

Capital One Financial has, for the first time, publicly linked its decision to close bank accounts belonging to the Trump Organisation to concerns about anti-money laundering rules. 

OPEC+ has approved another increase in oil production for September, bringing an end to the group’s plan to gradually restore the voluntary production cuts it had announced in 2023. 

India and New Zealand have signed an FTA to enhance trade and investment. Air New Zealand is gearing up for direct flights to India, anticipating growth in business, tourism, education, and freight. The FTA is likely to improve air connectivity and draw more Indian tourists to popular destinations in New Zealand.

Air India is accelerating the retrofit process of its Boeing 787-8 fleet by building a maintenance facility in Shanghai. The goal is to upgrade all 26 aircraft by 2027, with the first one already undergoing upgrades. Other global facilities are being considered to speed up the process, and 10-12 aircraft are expected to be upgraded by April 2027 with two retrofit lines in operation.

Venkatesh Naidu, CEO of Bajaj Capital Insurance Broking, has 24 years of experience in the insurance industry. He prioritizes customer satisfaction by asking two key questions before approving projects. His weekdays are dedicated to work, while weekends are for family, spirituality, and his love for movies and golf.

India's three-row electric vehicle market is booming, with Tata Motors, MG Motor India, and Maruti Suzuki launching new models. Sales of six- and seven-seater EVs are rising, with Mahindra leading the segment. The entry of mainstream manufacturers is intensifying competition. The market is witnessing a shift towards larger SUVs and MPVs, contributing to the segment's growth.

Persistent Systems reported a decrease in profit due to forex losses, but saw growth in EBIT and revenues. They also achieved their highest-ever quarterly Total Contract Value of $1.15 billion, driven by large deal wins. The company plans to enhance its AI capabilities and expand globally with the acquisition of Nagarro for EUR 1.4 billion.

Indian Navy launches fifth and final vessel under Diving Support Craft programme at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in Kolkata, marking completion of indigenous shipbuilding project. Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel, Indian Navy, attended the event, which showcased India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Governments worldwide are turning to artificial intelligence to enhance public services, but success depends on the architecture of public systems. India's use of digital infrastructure and trusted identities has proven effective in the Jal Jeevan Mission. To fully utilize AI, interconnected digital architecture must be established to create knowledge loops.

Gen Z is changing the advertising game, with Instagram becoming a hub for group chats and brands facing competition from creators, memes, and genuine conversations. Platform-specific strategies are crucial, with YouTube for longer content and Snap for intimacy.

The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers (Gen 2, ₹39,900) are a discreet and stylish gadget that combines the functionality of a phone, camera, and AI assistant. They are lightweight and easy to use, with impressive camera and speaker capabilities. However, at the high price point, concerns about battery life and privacy arise. Overall, they are a convenient and enjoyable accessory, but not a necessity.

Investors have experienced difficulties due to economic changes, market volatility, and increased bond yields. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to maintain interest rates in the first half of FY27, but could raise them later due to global rates and high commodity prices.

Active momentum funds have outperformed market indices with an average return of 9% in the last six months. Using quantitative models and qualitative research, these funds rebalance portfolios, reduce exposure to weakening trends, and capture strong stocks. This allows investors to benefit from emerging opportunities, making them ideal for volatile markets. However, momentum investing is cyclical.

In July, India's petroleum consumption showed a mixed trend with petrol and diesel demand increasing, while LPG and aviation turbine fuel consumption declining. Petrol consumption rose by 8.65% and diesel by 9.41%, while LPG demand plunged by 17.42% and aviation turbine fuel by 1.44%.

India's strict regulations on investments from neighboring nations have greatly decreased Chinese FDI, with only one proposal worth $0.11 million approved in FY26. Recent relaxations in FDI policies for bordering countries are crucial in increasing inflows and capital formation. Hong Kong saw more successful proposals, but all FDI from neighboring countries must go through government approval.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, marks its 20th anniversary amidst the challenge of becoming a globally competitive airline. While its efficient and reliable operations revolutionized Indian aviation, it must now broaden its portfolio and enter premium segments to sustain its leadership.