The relationship between the United States and India has regained "historic momentum," according to Al Mason, Honorary Senior Advisor at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
India's BoP had a $8.1 billion deficit in April-June, with current and capital account positions worsening. However, strong capital accounts and a special window for non-resident Indians have eased concerns. The current account deficit was impacted by high energy prices, but services trade surplus and remittances balanced it.
The government aims to use RBI's CBDC to distribute food subsidies and reduce leakages in the free ration scheme. This will be done through pilots, allowing beneficiaries to redeem them at empanelled FPSs, addressing challenges in biometric authentication and ensuring secure transactions. A parliamentary panel has suggested using CBDC features to improve subsidy delivery efficiency.
Story TV is launching The Bose Network, an AI-integrated historical thriller based on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's life, on August 15. The series covers four countries and four years of wartime history, using AI in post-production to create period settings. The company plans to produce 1,000+ AI-powered shows, and the series will be accessible in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on the Story TV app.
A potentially record-breaking El Nino is forming in the Pacific, with a 69% chance of being the strongest since 1950. The US-based NOAA predicts it will continue to strengthen, potentially affecting India's southwest monsoon. However, it could bring positive effects to the northeast monsoon season. The impact on India's monsoon is uncertain due to various factors.
The US's efforts to limit Chinese imports with tariffs have been unsuccessful, resulting in a change in trade and suspicions of Chinese products being shipped to 40 countries, including India. The White House released a report proposing ways to improve enforcement and implement AI to detect risky shipments.
Eight Australian universities are expanding their presence in India by setting up branch campuses and centres, with four opening this year. The focus is on STEM and business courses, with a 50% cost reduction for students. Australia is becoming a top choice for Indian students, with a 22-member delegation showcasing their offerings and engaging with stakeholders.
HSBC has waived off forex markup for Indian residents using their credit cards from August 15. This applies to both in-store and online foreign currency transactions. While HSBC has extended this to all their credit cards, other issuers like Axis Bank, RBL, and IDFC First are limiting it to premium card variants.
In July, WPI inflation in India decreased to 9.78% due to lower fuel prices, while wholesale food and core inflation increased. The rise in inflation was driven by higher energy prices due to the West Asia conflict. Experts predict a gradual decline in WPI inflation, but the effects of higher fuel and food prices are evident in other inflation measures.
Mahindra Truck and Bus Division (MTBD) plans to boost its share in India's heavy commercial vehicle market to 10-12% by FY31 by introducing the fuel-efficient Blazo-I truck and ensuring better after-sales support with a 48-hour breakdown guarantee. This move is targeted towards attracting a younger and more tech-savvy customer base.
OpenAI, a top AI startup, is facing a series of high-level departures as it gears up for its public offering. Denise Dresser, the Chief Revenue Officer, is the latest to resign, following a string of leadership changes and researchers leaving for a competitor. Dresser, who joined less than a year ago, cited personal reasons for her departure.
India's electronics exports have reached Rs 4.24 lakh crore in FY2025-26, driven by mobile phone manufacturing and government incentives. Women now make up 30% of the workforce, and the industry has generated 12 lakh jobs. The country is the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with a focus on domestic manufacturing and the growth of the digital economy contributing to its success.
CLSA has chosen Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, and Larsen & Toubro as top players in the defence manufacturing sector. India's Make in India initiative is predicted to bring a Rs 10.3 lakh crore opportunity in the next 10 years, including military aircraft, transport planes, helicopters, and defence upgrades.
Samsung Electronics has opened a new HVAC manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra to cater to the growing data centre infrastructure market. The plant will produce advanced cooling systems for AI data centres and other critical infrastructure in India and the Asia-Pacific region.
The Indian Navy launched the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), INS Shruti, in Kolkata. The vessel is designed to support a wide range of missions, including maritime surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, and anti-piracy operations.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) saw a 5% drop in share price due to a disappointing Q1. Despite some positives from JLR, the stock has plummeted. Uncertainty surrounds the stock due to Tata Group's succession plan and varying target prices from major brokerages. Motilal Oswal rates 'Sell', Nomura remains 'Neutral', and JM Financial has a different view.
Abakkus Mutual Fund's analysis reveals that the Nifty 50 is still 8% away from its January peak, while the Nifty Midcap 150 is almost back at its record level. The Nifty 100 and Nifty Smallcap 250 also require gains of 6.9% and 3.92%, respectively, to recover their previous peaks.
The US Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General (OIG) has stepped up its investigation into possible fraud in the H-1B visa programme, with Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito personally leading checks at business locations in Dallas, Texas, this week.
Light House Green Data Centre, a five-month-old company in Tamil Nadu, made headlines at the Vetri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026 with a Rs 10,000-crore investment deal for an AI-enabled data centre. Despite having a paid-up capital of only Rs 1 lakh, the company's proposed investment is 10 million times its current capital.
Jefferies has a 'Buy' rating on MCX, Gateway Distriparks, and Nykaa, with separate growth triggers for each stock. MCX is backed by potential FPI participation, Gateway Distriparks by capacity expansion and rail opportunity, and Nykaa by sustained growth and profitability. Risks include regulatory execution, competition, and valuation. MCX, Gateway Distriparks, and Nykaa.
Boost, a 50-year-old health food drink brand, has become the 21st brand in Hindustan Unilever's portfolio to surpass Rs 1,000 crore in sales. Despite a decline in the category, Boost has achieved steady growth and expanded into new markets and consumer segments. However, it faces challenges from protein drinks and supplements, as well as regulatory scrutiny.
The IPO of Milky Mist Dairy Food has attracted significant attention from investors due to its high valuation and focus on value-added dairy products. The IPO has been oversubscribed by 54.57 times, indicating a strong response. The company's revenue and profits have been growing steadily, and the IPO proceeds will be used to repay debt.
Motilal Oswal has given a ‘Buy’ rating on Gokaldas Exports, Laxmi Dental, and VIP Industries. These stocks have potential upside ranging from 39% to 46%. Gokaldas Exports is expected to benefit from its diversified manufacturing footprint, Laxmi Dental from stronger international demand and VIP Industries from premium products and a sharper brand strategy.
Karnataka witnessed a statewide bandh organized by pro-Kannada groups to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. While major cities remained unaffected, there were some disruptions. The bandh was sparked by the CWRC's decision, leading to demands for a permanent solution.
The introduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on selected UPI merchant transactions could result in a significant boost in revenue and profits for Paytm. This move could create a revenue opportunity of Rs 8,000-11,500 crore for the payments industry, with Paytm being one of the biggest beneficiaries.
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.