India is updating its bilateral investment treaties to make them more favorable for foreign investors, with a focus on attracting FDI through mechanisms like ISDS. However, BITs alone may not be enough to attract FDI, as market size and geopolitical factors also play a role. The 2015 model BIT requires local remedies to be exhausted before international arbitration.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has launched a tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft worth Rs 1 lakh crore to upgrade the Indian Air Force's cargo fleet and improve strategic airlift capabilities. The programme will involve top Indian defence companies, highlighting a push for domestic participation and manufacturing.
Tata Group stocks in focus as chairman announces decision to not seek reappointment in 2027. Jefferies retains four preferred Tata names – Indian Hotels, Tata Consumer Products, Tata Steel, and Voltas – with 'Buy' ratings. Titan and Trent are 'Hold' calls, while Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and Tata Power are 'Underperform' calls.
Gold prices remain strong amid global uncertainty, impacting not only the yellow metal but also companies lending against it. Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance, two major names in the gold loan space, are seeing strong gold-linked growth. Jefferies has given different outlooks on the two stocks, downgrading Muthoot Finance to 'Hold' and maintaining a 'Buy' rating on Manappuram Finance.
The State Investment Promotion Board of Andhra Pradesh, led by CM Chandrababu Naidu, approved investments of Rs 2.08 lakh crore for 25 projects, estimated to generate 21,627 jobs. These projects include data centres, green energy, and technology sectors. Naidu instructed officials to address public concerns regarding data centres and emphasized on timely execution of projects.
N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, will not seek a third term, raising questions about his successor. A trusted Tata veteran may be chosen, but the amendment to Tata Sons' Articles of Association may affect potential candidates. The board has six months to decide before Chandra's term ends.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary since 2025, is leaving her role at the end of August. At 28 years old, she was the youngest person to ever serve in this position and the second longest-serving press secretary in either of Donald Trump's administrations. While her replacement is not yet announced, Trump has asked her to stay on as a top advisor.
The MoRTH has invited bids for the construction of a four-lane bypass on the Kota-Jhalawar section of NH-52 in Rajasthan.The project, estimated to cost ₹376.85 crore, will be developed under the EPC mode. The selected contractor will have two years to complete the work, followed by a five-year maintenance period. This bypass will improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in the area.
DMRC announced a new 26.46-km metro corridor between Rithala-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli) under Phase IV, with 21 stations passing through key areas like Rohini, Bawana, and Narela. A ₹1,373 cr civil works tender has been invited for the project, which is expected to improve connectivity and strengthen public transport in north-west Delhi and the NCR.
NASA and ISRO have joined forces to establish a Moon Base, the first permanent human outpost on the lunar surface. This partnership strengthens the deep space collaboration between the US and India and solidifies India's role in the future of lunar exploration. The Moon Base will serve as a hub for international research and aligns with India's own Space Vision.
Morgan Stanley predicts a stronger earnings cycle in India with potential for growth in various sectors. Their strategy favors domestic cyclicals and sectors like Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials. They also see opportunities in India's rising consumption, manufacturing, and investments in energy, defense, semiconductors, fertilizers, and data centers.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved a ₹334.89-crore elevated corridor project at Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh. The 3.584-km flyover will bypass nine railway level crossings, reducing delays for cargo vehicles and improving internal cargo movement. The project is expected to be completed in 30 months and will result in more efficient cargo evacuation.
Indian Railways extends services of Bandra Terminus-Jaipur Superfast Special trains to manage extra passenger traffic and provide additional travel options. The special trains will run until September 2026, with Jaipur-Bandra train on Sundays and Bandra-Jaipur on Mondays. Ticket booking for extended services opens on August 13, 2026.
The Nabi Karim station in Delhi will have two platform levels serving two Phase 4 corridors of the Magenta Line. Commuters will need to change trains at this station, but DMRC plans to use clear signage and floor markings to avoid confusion. The Magenta Line will also expand with Phase 5A, connecting RK Ashram Marg to Indraprast.
Mishra Dhatu Nigam, or MIDHANI, is a Government of India enterprise in the Ministry of Defence that produces titanium alloys, superalloys, and special steels used in aerospace, defence, space, and other strategic applications. The company has an order book of Rs 2,290 crore, with Rs 660 crore in titanium orders and a Rs 1,000-crore capital expenditure program planned over the next three years.
US President Donald Trump is considering a fresh set of tax-relief proposals as his approval ratings fall to some of the lowest levels of either of his presidential terms.
Indian e-commerce company Shiprocket to launch IPO on August 12, looking to raise Rs 1,617.48 crore through a fresh issue and offer for sale. IPO price band set at Rs 92-97 per share, with subscription closing on August 14. Shares trading at 27.8% premium, with allotment on August 17 and listing soon after.
US Presidential Counsellor Peter Navarro said he was “firebombed” by Indians on the internet after he wrote about India’s growing role in the Russian oil trade during the Ukraine war.
Bihar and West Bengal, known for their production of rice, wheat, and maize, will be joining the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) next season. This scheme offers subsidized insurance against crop damage caused by natural disasters. Currently, 25 states and Union Territories are already implementing the scheme, with a budget of Rs 12,200 crore allocated for the current fiscal year.
SBI's research department predicts that the Indian economy grew at 8% in the April-June quarter, supported by strong consumption and demand, industrial activity, and government spending. This projection is higher than the RBI's forecast of 7%. The report also mentions that high-frequency indicators and monsoon progress point towards continued growth momentum.
BRICS nations are working towards connecting their fast payment systems and central bank digital currencies, while also promoting the use of local currencies for cross-border trade. India is determined to internationalize the rupee and expand the use of local currencies.
India's direct tax collections grew by 23.1% to Rs 8.11 lakh crore during April 1-August 10, driven by a slowdown in refund payouts. This accounts for 30.1% of the government's target for the fiscal year, with a pace much higher than projected. Corporate tax collections rose by 19.8% and personal income tax by 23.4%, while STT collections saw a sharp increase of 51.3%.
A parliamentary panel has advised Indian Railways to expand its freight basket beyond traditional commodities and review freight rates annually. It also recommends modernizing infrastructure and addressing crew shortages on dedicated corridors.
Newly widened ₹70 crore Green City–Madhopur Bandha road in Gorakhpur provides relief to commuters travelling towards Lucknow, Varanasi, Nepal and other districts. The road will reduce traffic in the city and improve movement for residents and heavy vehicles. It also addresses waterlogging issues and is part of a larger plan to strengthen the bypass network.
India's RITES Limited is supplying 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway, with production taking place at RCF Kapurthala. The first 20-coach LHB rake, featuring new design elements, will be released soon. The coaches have been modified to meet Bangladesh Railway's needs and offer improved safety and efficiency.
Renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has announced a collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art to create jewellery, accessories, and clothing inspired by the museum's art collection. The first collection, debuting at New York Fashion Week, will be inspired by the Byzantine Empire.
"Pied-à-terre, a French phrase meaning "foot on the ground," has become a symbol of luxurious living in cities like Paris. However, the term has taken on a new meaning in New York City, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani proposed a "pied-a-terre tax" on secondary residences worth over $5 million. The tax was temporarily blocked due to a lawsuit filed by homeowners.
The Indian smartphone market is struggling in the second half of 2026 due to high memory costs and cautious consumers. IDC and Counterpoint predict a decline in shipments and a 15% increase in smartphone prices. Chinese brands, including market leader Vivo, are most affected. The entry-level market is declining, while the $400-600 segment is growing.
AI is transforming the entry-level job market, prompting engineering colleges to teach it as a core skill. This goes beyond producing AI engineers, as students from all fields must be equipped to utilize AI. Colleges are adopting problem-based, interdisciplinary learning and educating students on the potential and constraints of AI.
Bernstein has increased its target price for One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, due to the expected implementation of a merchant discount rate for UPI transactions. This could greatly boost Paytm's profits and the brokerage has factored this into their projections from FY28E. They have also maintained an 'Outperform' rating and raised the target price to Rs 2,200.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) increased their stakes in Lenskart Solutions, Billionbrains Garage Ventures, HFCL, Anthem Biosciences, Pine Labs, and JSW Infrastructure during the first quarter of FY27, according to Elara Securities. These six stocks were the top additions in the brokerage's June-quarter list, with Lenskart leading the pack with a 3x increase in FII holding.
Jaipur's metro network is expanding with the second phase of the project, connecting areas like Harmada, Vidhyadhar Nagar, Todi Mod, and the airport. The project has a cost of ₹13,037 crore and will have 36 stations, covering areas like Sitapura, VKI, and Harmada Ghati. This will greatly benefit the public and improve transportation in the city.
HAL, the Indian defence manufacturer, plans to give shareholders a dividend of Rs 10 per share, which is 200% of the face value. The decision will be made at the AGM on August 28, 2026, with a record date of August 14 and payment in September. HAL has a consistent history of dividend payouts and will announce Q1 results on August 12. The stock has been steadily rising.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes artificial intelligence will create an abundance of jobs instead of causing mass unemployment.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have finally turned buyers in Indian equities after several months of heavy selling. In July 2026, FIIs invested $2.5 billion, their highest monthly inflow in 13 months. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also remained supportive with $3.7 billion of inflows.
Motilal Oswal recommends buying Gopal Snacks, Cello World, and Lemon Tree Hotels with potential gains of 30% to 43%. Gopal Snacks will benefit from distribution expansion and cost savings, while Cello World needs demand recovery and better capacity utilization. Lemon Tree Hotels is banking on expansion and higher management income.
Jefferies highlights medium-term growth and market-share opportunity across India's listed travel-tech companies, with TBO Tek delivering the strongest quarter among the three companies in comparison. MakeMyTrip remains the largest by market capitalization, while Ixigo faces margin pressure due to investments in technology and hotels.
SCR announces special trains between Charlapalli and Velankanni. The trains will run on two occasions in August and September and will connect passengers from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The special trains will have 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches. The move aims to handle the expected rush and provide an alternative rail option for passengers.
Indian Railways has extended the special train service between Ranchi and Anand Vihar Terminal till September 2026, with eight services planned in each direction. The train will run every Saturday and Sunday, providing more travel options for passengers from Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The train will make key stops at stations such as Ranchi, Daltonganj, Sasaram, and Ghaziabad.
The NSE has revealed that BSE will join the Nifty 50 index, replacing Wipro. This will affect the flow of passive funds between the two stocks. BSE's inclusion in the index could boost demand for their shares, while Wipro will move to the Nifty Next 50. The Nifty 100 and Nifty 500 will also experience changes, with multiple stocks entering and exiting.
Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation to American victims of attacks linked to Tehran, turning Iran’s own demand for war reparations back on the country.
The Donald Trump administration has revoked more than 175,000 US visas issued to foreign nationals, the State Department said on Monday. The move comes as the administration continues its wider immigration crackdown, which has taken away travel and immigration rights from tens of thousands of people.
The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group has acquired a 1.4 GW solar portfolio from ReNew Solar Power for Rs 4,859 crore, as part of the surge in mid-sized mergers and acquisitions in the renewable energy sector. This is one of many deals in the past six months, as companies aim to expand their portfolios through inorganic growth.
Despite El Nino's negative impact on the southwest monsoon, frequent low-pressure systems in July improved rainfall in central India and reduced the deficit from 36% to 12%. Climate experts predict continued variability in rainfall, but recent showers have aided kharif crop sowing. While the monsoon season has seen below-average rainfall, there are signs that El Nino may have a beneficial effect.
India's unemployment rate reached 5.4% in April-June 2026, the highest in four quarters, affecting both rural and urban areas. The rise in joblessness was mainly among young females in cities. Out of the 566 million employed, 402 million were male and 164 million were female. The labour force participation rate also decreased, raising concerns about the declining female participation rate.
Acer India aims to boost market share in PC segment through premium laptops, gaming PCs, and offline retail. Chief sales officer, Sanjeev Mehtani, prioritizes profitability and expansion in untapped areas. Despite challenges, Acer is now the second-largest PC maker in India. Focus on enterprise, small and medium businesses, and reclaiming lost ground.
TCG Real Estate, a part of The Chatterjee Group, has launched a new residential brand, Yukio, with two properties in Pune and plans to add 1,500 more beds in other cities. It aims to cater to the evolving urban housing landscape and provide curated amenities for young professionals.
India to produce first gene-edited rice this winter, Pusa DST Rice 1, with high tolerance to salinity and alkalinity. Expected to increase yield by 10-30% under stress conditions and promote sustainable agriculture. Genome-editing technology used for precise changes in plant genes, reducing environmental impact. Will be available for widespread adoption by farmers in upcoming seasons.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg urges for a reevaluation of AI policies in the US and introduces Muse Glimmer, an open-weight model for agentic tasks on consumer hardware. He defends the use of AI distillation and advocates for less restrictions on training data to maintain the country's leadership in open source. Meta also plans to release its advanced model, Muse Spark 1.2, soon.
India and the SACU are finalizing a PTA that will lower duties on select items. This is happening amidst South Africa's plan to raise duties on cars from India and China. The ToR outlines the goals and areas of focus for trade talks, aiming to enhance trade and collaboration in key industries.
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC introduced two new investment funds, Apex Equity Long-Short Fund and Apex Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund, with a flexible equity investment approach. These funds provide diversified exposure to the equity market and can adjust equity exposure according to market conditions. They are ideal for long-term growth and are open for subscription until August 24, 2026.