Heavy rainfall in Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening brought relief from the heat and humidity, with the maximum temperature dropping to 37.8°C. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning until August 5. Waterlogging in several areas of the city caused traffic disruptions and challenges for pedestrians.
The Reserve Bank of India is carefully planning the launch of a central bank digital currency and emphasizing responsible use of AI in the financial sector. Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar announced new initiatives at the Global Fintech Fest, such as integrating AI in financial systems and creating a framework for ethical AI adoption.
Nissan will introduce the new SUV Tekton in India in 2026, produced at Renault's Chennai factory. It will rival popular models like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Nissan's India managing director, Saurabh Vatsa, promises a more premium vehicle compared to their previous model, Terrano. This is a part of Nissan's efforts to revive its presence in the Indian market.
The WTO predicts a 2.4% growth in global merchandise trade in 2025, thanks to strong performance in the first half of the year. The report notes the effects of tariff wars on trade, with a delay in their impact until 2026. The rise in demand for AI products is a key factor in trade growth, especially in South-South trade. Services trade is also expected to increase, influenced by AI.
Five more states – Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir – will join the government’s flagship scheme that seeks to provide unique IDs for farmers.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman warns against weaponizing technology and stresses the importance of ethical boundaries. She emphasizes the need for safeguards against digital deception and highlights the role of AI in shaping the financial future. India ranks third in fintech and leads in digital payments.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal will visit Brussels to meet with EU negotiators and take stock of progress made on the proposed FTA. Minister Piyush Goyal will also be in Brussels to discuss the agreement. Negotiations have resumed after an 8-year gap and are expected to conclude by the end of the year. The FTA covers 23 policy areas and is crucial as the EU is India's biggest trading partner.
Netflix India has partnered with IICT and Ficci to support students in the country for AVGC-XR. A memorandum of understanding was signed at Ficci FRAMES 2025 event. The agreement includes scholarships for select students identified by IICT, funded by Netflix's creative equity fund. The fund aims to create opportunities for underrepresented talent in the media and entertainment industry.
The premium housing segment dominates the residential market, with homes above Rs 1 crore making up 52% of sales in Q3 2025. This has impacted the market's health and prices, as high-end home sales grew by 15% while the sub-Rs 1 crore segment declined. New launches and slower absorption are driving prices up and increasing unsold inventory, but the market remains stable.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plans to allocate spectrum to satellite broadband operators in December, with commercial services starting in 2026. However, the delay in finalizing administrative pricing is due to the DoT seeking clarifications from Trai, including the use of DBN fund to subsidize user terminals.
The government has intervened to resolve the dispute within Tata Trusts, with Noel Tata and N Chandrasekaran meeting with top officials. The government wants dissenting trustees to follow the "Tata way" to prevent any negative impact on Tata Sons. A meeting of the Trusts is scheduled for October 10, with four dissenting trustees seeking more control over Tata Sons.
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new guidelines for expected credit loss framework, replacing the current provisioning system. The guidelines include staging criteria for asset classification and higher provisions for certain loans. The impact on minimum regulatory capital requirements will be minimal and there will be a five-year transition period.
NPCI has launched biometric authentication for UPI transactions, using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. This eliminates the need for managing multiple OTPs or card details, making onboarding faster and simpler for first-time users, senior citizens, and those without easy access to cards.
Axis Bank CEO Amitabh Chaudhry plans to expand the bank's financing capabilities through mergers and acquisitions following RBI's proposal for a framework for domestic banks. The bank aims to compete with foreign banks in bond and loan syndication and become a leading player in the Indian corporate market.
The PMO-led group is reviewing India's audit regulations to help local firms compete with the Big Four. Changes in advertising and amendments in the Companies Act are being discussed to create large Indian multi-disciplinary partnership firms. CEO of Grant Thornton Bharat, Vishesh Chandiok, highlights the importance of these changes in an interview.
The PRIP scheme, valued at Rs 5,000 crore, aims to boost India's pharmaceutical industry by promoting innovation and providing financial assistance for R&D, technology development, and product commercialization. Its effectiveness relies on sustained support, faster regulatory approvals, patent protection, and private funding.
Media veterans at FICCI Frames Summit stress on light-touch regulation for growth and innovation in the media and entertainment sector. The sector, valued at Rs 2.5 lakh crore, is expected to reach Rs 3 lakh crore by 2027. Aroon Purie criticizes TRAI for choking the industry, while Sanjay Jaju emphasizes on the need for responsible growth in the OTT industry.
TVS Venu International, the luxury and lifestyle venture of TVS Motor Company's founding family, has acquired French porcelain maker JL Coquet. Led by Tara S Venu, Atelier Expressions is focused on acquiring heritage brands that embody artistry and elegance. JL Coquet will continue its expansion with new showrooms in New York and Seoul, under Atelier Expressions.
PayPal CEO Alex Chriss believes that the future of money lies in domestic digital wallets, which will create a borderless payments ecosystem. With the launch of PayPal World, the company aims to connect local wallets to its platform, allowing users to make payments anywhere in the world.
Titan, India's largest jewellery retailer, is expecting a significant portion of its festive season sales to come from old gold exchange programs. Despite a rise in gold prices, the company reported a growth in domestic sales. However, there has been a decline in buyer count, with premium consumers driving sales.
Taylor Swift's new project 'The Life of a Showgirl' has been a huge hit, with her album breaking records and the accompanying movie topping the Box Office with $50 million in its opening weekend. The release party, featuring exclusive footage and insights from Swift, was a fan favourite. This cements Swift's position as one of the most successful artists in both music and film.
Passenger vehicle retail sales during Navratri period saw a 35% increase year-on-year, setting the tone for a record-breaking Diwali season. Lower GST rates and festive fervour led to a surge in sales, with a 6% overall growth in September. Two-wheeler, three-wheeler, commercial vehicle, and tractor sales also saw healthy gains.
US and India are determined to finalize their Bilateral Trade Agreement by November, despite the US government shutdown. Talks have been ongoing, with India pushing for the removal of additional tariffs and a reduction in reciprocal tariffs. The talks were postponed in August due to oil-related tariffs, but have resumed with a visit from the US chief negotiator.
British energy company bp plans to increase investments in India's energy sector, particularly in natural gas, renewable energy, and efficiency technologies. They will be participating in upcoming rounds of Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OELP) and have partnerships with Reliance Industries and ONGC.
Tata Capital's IPO, valued at Rs 15,512 crore, has been subscribed to 75% on the second day of the sale. The company received bids for 24,96,33,260 shares against 33,34,36,996 shares on offer. The QIB portion received 86% subscription, while non-institutional investors and retail investors subscribed to 76% and 67% respectively. The IPO will conclude on Wednesday and the company will use the
LG Electronics India Ltd, the Indian arm of South Korea's LG, saw its IPO fully subscribed on the first day of bidding. The three-day IPO received bids for 7,44,73,685 shares against 7,13,34,320 shares on offer. The IPO size is Rs 11,607 crore and the price band is Rs 1,080 to Rs 1,140 per share. The company will not receive any IPO proceeds as it is an offer-for-sale
A recent study challenges the notion that diet sodas are healthier than sugary beverages. It shows that even one diet soda per day can raise the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by 60%, while sugary drinks increase the risk by 50%. This condition can lead to serious health issues, making water the best choice for hydration.
The World Bank has increased India's growth forecast for this year to 6.5%, but lowered it to 6.3% for next year due to US tariffs. The report also notes India's robust private consumption and investment, aided by government initiatives and infrastructure developments.
The Trump family is known for their impressive height, with Donald Trump standing at 6'2 and his youngest son Barron towering at 6'9. Despite his love for soccer, Barron's height has hindered his dream of pursuing a career in the sport. He has now shifted his focus to business and cryptocurrency becoming one of the wealthiest teenagers with a net worth of $150 million.
Sujeeth's action-packed blockbuster "The Call Him OG" starring Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi (in his Telugu debut), Prakash Raj, Priyanka Mohan, and more has been a hit at the box office, earning over Rs 180 crores domestically and Rs 283 crores worldwide. It faced tough competition from other releases and saw a decline in collections on its 12th day, despite Pawan Kalyan's star power.
Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors, experienced a significant decline in sales in Q2 FY26 due to a six-week shutdown caused by cyber attacks. All markets were affected, with the UK being the most impacted. Production is gradually resuming and upfront cash is being provided to smaller parts suppliers.
The Indian real estate sector remained strong in Q3 of 2025, with a 1% increase in sales in major cities. Mumbai and Chennai saw growth, while Pune experienced a decline. The market is stabilizing after a prolonged upcycle, thanks to lower inflation and interest rates. Developers should shift focus to affordable housing as demand for luxury homes is weakening.
Motilal Oswal maintains a 'Buy' rating on Avenue Supermarts despite weak Q2 FY26 growth and margins. DMart's revenue grew 15.4% YoY in Q2 FY26, driven by store additions and mid-single digit SSSG. However, margin pressures are expected to continue due to muted SSSG. The company added 8 stores in Q2 FY26 and is expected to add 60 net stores in FY26.
Indian equity benchmarks ended the day higher, with the Nifty 50 closing 0.12% higher and the Sensex jumping 0.17%. The Nifty Bank settled 0.24% higher, while midcap stocks surged. The BSE Midcap declined 0.45%, and the BSE Smallcap finished 0.15% lower. Analysts believe that the markets may see a short-term pause, but the overall trend remains positive.
NITI Aayog CEO emphasizes the significance of robust trading ties with neighbouring countries, especially China and its $18 trillion economy. Reforms to be announced before Diwali, with first reports already submitted. Learning from other nations, increasing trade with neighbours crucial. CEO urges focus on Asia and competing with China, acknowledging past missed chances for India.
For decades, Indian families have looked at the United States as the ultimate destination, a place where hard work, education, and opportunity could rewrite one’s destiny. For many young Indians, the way to live those dreams was through marriage, with families hoping to find a match working on H-1B visa in America.
The World Bank predicts India's economy to grow at 6.5% in FY26, making it the fastest-growing major economy. However, US tariffs on Indian exports could hinder growth. The report emphasizes the need to reduce trade barriers and invest in AI skills to boost growth and create jobs.
The sale of Coldrif cough syrup has been banned in multiple states due to high levels of toxic substance DEG. 14 children, mostly under 5, have died from consuming the syrup, sparking a nationwide investigation and arrests. The Centre has warned against giving the syrup to children under 2 and suggests safer alternatives like honey and steam inhalation.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a foreign currency settlement system in GIFT IFSC to enhance liquidity management and ensure compliance. India ranks third in fintech and leads in digital transactions. The government aims to support the fintech sector while also making strides in the global AI arena with a $1.3 billion mission.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a must-see event featuring iconic performances from top artists like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. Taylor Swift has yet to perform, but Bad Bunny will headline next year's show with a political message. Swift clarifies rumours of her refusal, stating she was never formally offered and is focused on her own projects.
Indian authorities are investigating Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, for allegedly evading import taxes on missile components. The amount of tax evaded is significant and Adani denies any wrongdoing. This is not the first time the conglomerate has faced regulatory investigations.
September auto retail sales saw a mix of slow growth and high demand due to Shraadh and buyers waiting for revised GST rates. However, as Navratri and new rates began, sales picked up with a 34% YoY growth. Two-wheeler and passenger vehicle sales also saw a decline in September, but remained higher on a yearly basis. Overall, the auto sector reported a 5.22% YoY growth.
Parag Parikh, former CFO of Adani Total Gas, has joined GPS Renewables as CEO of GPSR Arya. With over 25 years of experience, he brings valuable expertise in finance and business leadership. GPS Renewables, with partnerships with major oil companies, is developing biogas projects worth $1 billion and expanding into bioLNG and green methanol.
Institutional investments in India's real estate sector grew 11% YoY to $1.27 billion in Q2 of FY26, but saw a 9% YoY decline in the first half of 2025 due to cautious investor approach amid global tension. However, the average investment in the past 5 years has been $4 billion, with a total of $4.3 billion in Jan-Sept 2025. Domestic investors are now dominating the market, with foreign
Kareena and Karisma Kapoor faced challenges in their early careers, rejecting successful films and experiencing less-than-stellar debuts. However, they persevered and became superstars in the Indian cinema industry, with hits like Raja Hindustani and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
America’s richest real estate tycoon, Donald Bren, has reportedly cut ties with his son amid serious accusations of defrauding investors of over $2 million. David Bren, the 33-year-old son of the billionaire, finds himself surrounded by a slew of lawsuits over an “ultimate man cave” scam.
JM Financial upgrades Marico's target price to Rs 825 and maintains a 'Buy' rating, indicating a 16% potential upside. Strong sales and expected earnings growth in the second half despite GST disruption. Revenue growth in the 30s exceeds expectations due to pricing and recovery in other segments. Copra prices may affect margins in the short term.
Tesla's custom Optimus humanoid robots made their red carpet debut at the premiere of Tron: ARES, the highly-anticipated third installment of the sci-fi series. Tesla boss Elon Musk shared photos and videos of Optimus at the premiere on social media. However, amidst the buzz, a lawsuit against Tesla for a robot attacking a worker during a maintenance shift went unnoticed.
Maithili Thakur, the 25-year-old singer from Bihar, is making headlines once again as she is rumored to be contesting in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 from her home constituency, Madhubani. BJP in-charge for Bihar, Vinod Tawde, shared pictures of his meeting with Maithili and her father, along with Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, in New Delhi. Maithili rose to fame after her
SEBI has sent show cause notices to Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power, led by Anil Ambani, for violating regulations and acts. This comes after Reliance Infrastructure settled a dispute with CLE Private Limited. Reliance Power has clarified that it has no exposure to CLE.
