Indian stock markets closed on a positive note on August 13, with both key indices ending higher. BPCL, Infosys, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, Brigade Enterprises, RVNL, Vishal Mega Mart, Deepak Nitrite, HG Infra Engineering, Zydus Lifesciences, and Muthoot Finance are some of the counters likely to dominate the market chatter today.
Chennai Customs officials are accused of corruption and demanding bribes by Wintrack Inc, a logistics firm. The government denies any wrongdoing and blames the importer for misdeclaration and misclassification. However, the founder of Wintrack Inc, Prawin Ganeshan, stands by the allegations and presents evidence of bribes paid.
The Patriot teaser, featuring Mammootty and Mohanlal, has been released, creating excitement on social media. The espionage film, directed by Mahesh Narayan, promises an action-packed plot and marks Mammootty's return after an illness. The teaser gives a glimpse of a retired JAG officer's covert mission to clear his name and protect his nation.
Jolly LLB 3, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, has officially entered the Rs 100 crore club in its second week. Despite a decline in sales, the film's star power and hard-hitting theme made it a family-friendly hit. However, with new Dussehra releases, Jolly LLB 3 may lose traction at the box office. The film had a 13.49% overall occupancy rate in its second week, with Kolkata
Lionel Messi, the football legend, is set to embark on his GOAT tour to India in 2025, his second visit to the country in 14 years. The tour will feature four cities and a range of events, including masterclasses, concerts, and meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rumors suggest a visit to Kerala in November. Tickets for the event start at Rs 3,500.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a multi-agency capability exercise and performed the Shastra Poojan ceremony in Kutch. He warned Pakistan against any misadventure in the Sir Creek area and expressed concerns over their recent military build-up. Singh emphasized India's efforts for peaceful resolution but stated that any aggression would be met with a decisive response.
TCS is restructuring its workforce due to changing demand and automation, offering up to two years' salary as severance packages to long-serving employees. The company has implemented a 35-day bench policy, cut 2% of its workforce, and is delaying the onboarding of 650 lateral hires. Affected employees will receive notice period pay and career transition assistance.
October is a month of festivals in India, starting with Dussehra on October 2 and ending with Chhath Puja. In between, several important festivals like Diwali, Karwa Chauth, and Valmiki Jayanti are celebrated. The month also marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the author of Ramayana, Valmiki. The Diwali festival period begins on October 18, with Dhanteras, and ends on October
Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin their ICC Women's ODI World Cup journey on Thursday, with the goal of surpassing their past performances. Led by Fatima Sana, Pakistan will face India in a highly anticipated match. Bangladesh, who has shown growth since their debut in 2022, is determined to make their fans proud.
Jeon Hye Bin, star of K-drama Beyond the Bar, warned followers of theft in Ubud, Bali after losing 15 million Korean won during a family trip. She went there to celebrate her son's birthday and revisited her wedding location in Bali.
Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s rom-com Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, produced by Dharma Productions, has sparked mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter). While some viewers praised its light-hearted humor, colorful sets, and the cast’s sparkling chemistry—especially Varun and Janhvi—others dismissed it as overhyped, unoriginal, and boring.
Nuvama Institutional Equities raises target price for Bajaj Consumer Care by 5.5% due to GST rate cut and positive monsoon forecast. Company aims for double-digit revenue growth and mid-to-high single-digit volume growth in the ADHO portfolio over the next 5 years. GST cuts to benefit the majority of the portfolio, plans to expand presence in lower unit packs for further growth.
Taylor Swift's highly anticipated album 'Life of a Showgirl' is set to release tomorrow, but it has been overshadowed by leaked lyrics and a controversy involving Kai Trump's clothing line. The 17-year-old granddaughter of President Trump has been accused of copying a logo from a collaboration with NFL player Travis Kelce, while Swift remains focused on her album release.
The Election Commission of India has released the final voter roll for Bihar with 7.42 crore eligible voters after conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to remove illegal voters and ensure fair elections. This process resulted in a decrease of 47 lakh voters from the initial list and addressed the opposition's claims of "vote theft."
In August, India's power sector saw a 4% YoY growth in demand and generation, thanks to factors like higher rainfall and capacity addition. Hydro and renewable sources played a significant role in this increase. Power tariffs remained stable, while coal production and raw material prices saw a slight rise. This growth signals a recovery after a sluggish period.
Maharashtra government allows establishments to operate 24 hours a day, except for businesses serving alcohol. This decision aims to boost business and improve the night-life experience for people. One of the key requirements is to ensure employees get a weekly break of 24 hours. Theatres can now operate without time restrictions, increasing earnings for shop owners during the festive season.
ICICI Bank's report suggests a possible interest rate cut by the Monetary Policy Committee in December due to external factors and slowing domestic growth. The report notes a shift in the MPC's policy language to a more dovish tone, with external members supporting this possibility.
Indegene, a healthcare tech firm, has acquired BioPharm, a specialized marketing agency, for $106 million. The deal aims to boost Indegene's AI-led pharma marketing portfolio and expand its capabilities for global pharmaceutical companies. BioPharm has a strong client roster, including 17 of the top 25 biopharma companies, and offers expertise in omnichannel strategy and targeted engagement.
Pawan Kalyan's 'They Call Him OG' received a strong opening day with Rs 90 crore, but failed to sustain the momentum on weekends. Despite the intense fan following and stellar performances, the film faced competition from other releases like 'Kantara: Chapter 1' and 'Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari'. With a 60% dip on weekdays, the film grossed Rs 7 crore on Day 7.
TV Mohandas Pai accused Nirmala Sitharaman of not stopping tax terrorism and shared the case of Wintrack Inc's closure due to harassment by Chennai Customs. He called for action to protect taxpayers, but CBIC clarified the issue was due to misdeclaration and misclassification. Chennai Customs dismissed the allegations as false and a tactic to pressure officials.
RBI maintains neutral stance, open to accommodative measures as inflation eases and growth projections revised downward. Efforts to boost credit flow and ease regulatory burdens to support economic growth and ensure financial stability. Steps to enhance digital payment security and address concerns around digital locking.
The US will provide Ukraine with intelligence on Russian energy infrastructure targets, and is asking NATO allies to do the same. This is the first known policy change under President Trump's tougher stance on Russia. The US is also considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, which could hit Moscow and European Russia.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become the first person ever to have a net worth of $500 billion, with his company's stock soaring by nearly 4%. This milestone is attributed to Musk's departure from the Trump administration and his re-alignment with Tesla's well-being.
India's gas market is struggling due to low demand, decreasing domestic production, and costly LNG prices in Asia. JM Financial's report reveals the impact on gas companies, with those tied to Henry Hub prices performing better. Despite this, the future looks promising with new LNG capacity set to launch in 2026.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has formed a Select Committee on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment Of Provisions) Bill, 2025, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya as its chairperson. The committee includes 26 members from various political parties. The bill aims to decriminalize minor offences and facilitate ease of doing business.
Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski has confirmed that ICE agents will be present at Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance, stating that there is no safe haven for illegal immigrants in the US. This statement comes amid controversy surrounding ICE's immigration crackdown and the Puerto Rican singer's concerns about touring in the country.
The India-EFTA TEPA has been implemented, granting Indian exporters and service providers access to a market with a combined GDP of USD 5.4 trillion. The agreement includes a strong IP chapter and is predicted to bring in investments worth USD 100 billion and generate one million jobs in India. India is strengthening its ties with developed nations with confidence and success.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and others on the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces at the port of Ashdod. The UN called for Israel to stop threatening the flotilla and let it deliver aid to Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the vessels were safely stopped and passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port.
Fitch does not expect the U.S. government shutdown to affect sovereign ratings in the near term, but warns of potential economic impact depending on duration. The shutdown could lead to loss of federal jobs and has already caused flight delays. S&P Global cautions of secondary economic effects and estimates a potential 0.1-0.2% decrease in GDP growth for every week the government is closed.
Trump and Xi will discuss soybeans, a major topic in their upcoming meeting. China's lack of soybean purchases during the trade war has hurt U.S. farmers, who are now turning to South America for supplies. Trump promises to use tariff revenues to aid farmers. No specific timeline for China to resume purchases, but expectations are high for China to buy more U.S. agriculture products.
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd every year, commemorates the birthday of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat and played a crucial role in India's fight for independence through non-violent means. His teachings of truth, love, and non-violence continue to inspire people even today.
Jane Goodall, a renowned scientist and activist, died at 91 after a lifetime of studying primates and advocating for conservation. Her pioneering work in primatology and efforts to engage the public through media have had a lasting impact. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute and continued to raise awareness about climate change until her passing.
Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla is interested in purchasing the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, but finds the current valuation of $2 billion too high. Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi believes this deal could establish a new minimum price for all teams. RCB is currently worth $269 million, making it the most valuable franchise in the league.
Roche Pharma, a Swiss healthcare major, has announced a 1.5 billion Swiss franc investment in India over the next five years. This marks a significant expansion as India becomes a key growth and innovation hub for the company. Other EFTA-based firms have also outlined new investment plans in India, with a total of 19 companies committing to invest in the country under the TEPA framework.
The CBRE South Asia report shows that fashion and apparel brands were the main players in D2C retail leasing in H1 2025, making up 60% of new leases. High streets were the preferred format, with a significant increase in D2C brands' share of retail leasing. Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad were the top cities for retail leasing.
Capgemini has announced that Sanjay Chalke will take over as CEO of its India operations from January 1, 2026, succeeding Ashwin Yardi who will retire and become non-executive chairman. Chalke brings over two decades of leadership experience and will join the group executive committee.
Mumbai-based Runwal Developers has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for its IPO, aiming to raise Rs 2000 crore. The IPO structure includes a fresh issue of Rs 1,700 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 300 crore by promoter Sandeep Subhash Runwal. The company plans to use the proceeds for debt repayment and prepayment.
Sterlite Electric, a subsidiary of Vedanta Group, has submitted a draft prospectus to SEBI for an IPO. The company aims to raise Rs 1400-1500 crore through a mix of fresh issue and equity shares sale. Promoters Anil Agarwal and Twin Star Overseas will also participate. The company is a leader in power transmission and distribution with a strong global presence.
EFTA pushes for Bilateral Investment Treaty with India to secure investments under TEPA, offering $100 billion over 15 years. EFTA's market access covers 92.2% of tariff lines, with full liberalization on non-agricultural goods and concessions on processed agricultural products. India offering concessions on 82.7% of tariff lines, with a focus on gold.
SKF India has completed its industrial business demerger, creating a new independent entity to be listed in November. Shareholders will receive one share of the new entity for every share held. This will unlock value for shareholders and allow SKF India to focus on its automotive operations. The company plans to invest in growth sectors like infrastructure, railways, renewable energy, and others.
Swiggy, a top Indian food delivery company, plans to reach break-even on contribution margin by December-June next year. Its CFO believes the ongoing sale event may impact profitability, but will drive category growth and customer recall. Swiggy's quick commerce arm, Instamart, has experienced a rise in gross and average order value.
The PFRDA has introduced the Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF) for non-government NPS subscribers, allowing fund managers to customize and offer multiple schemes with equity exposure up to 100%. This will cater to different investor preferences and potentially increase enrolment. The finance minister also proposed training women as 'Pension Sakhis' to promote NPS.
NITES, an IT employees union, has written to the Maharashtra CM seeking intervention in illegal mass layoffs at TCS. TCS refutes allegations, stating only a limited number of employees were affected by their realignment. However, NITES claims over 2,500 employees in Pune have been forced to resign or terminated, violating the Industrial Disputes Act and causing financial and emotional distress.
Indian benchmark equity indices ended their eight-session fall on Wednesday, emerging as the second-best performing market in Asia after the Philippines. The Reserve Bank of India's measures, including removing the cap on overlap in bank and group entity businesses, boosting IPO financing limit, and licensing new UCBs, fueled a rally in banking stocks.
The FIU IND has taken action against 25 offshore VDA SPs for non-compliance with the PML Act, 2002. These include well-known companies like Huione, Paxful, and Changelly. Non-registration may result in takedown of their apps/URLs. Currently, only 50 VDA SPs are registered with FIU IND, and unregistered entities catering to Indian users will face consequences. VDA SPs were brought under the AML-CFT
RBI takes steps to promote internationalisation of rupee, plans to introduce reference rates for major trading partner currencies. Deepening forex market with new rates, rupee rises 10 paise. Governor Malhotra monitoring rupee movements, will take appropriate steps. Considering Indonesian rupiah and UAE dirham, more to follow.
LG Electronics India is expanding its manufacturing capacity by setting up a new plant in Andhra Pradesh and expanding existing plants in Noida and Pune. The company aims to make India a global manufacturing hub and cater to both domestic and export markets. With a strong financial position and increasing demand for premium products LG is confident in its ability to tap into more developed market.
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LG Electronics' Indian unit is launching an IPO on October 7-9 to raise up to Rs 11,605 crore through an offer for sale. The company will offer 101.8 million shares at a price range of Rs 1,080-1,140 apiece, making it the top appliance maker listed on Indian bourses with a valuation of Rs 77.2K. No fresh issue component is included in the IPO.
The IBBI is developing new regulations to address practical challenges and incorporate previous Supreme Court rulings in the resolution process. A solution to the clash between IBC and PMLA is expected to be released within a month. The IBC Amendment Bill 2025 is being prepared for Parliament's approval.
Dussehra, a festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil, is being celebrated on October 2 this year. It marks the end of Navratri and is observed with various rituals across India. In North India, Ravana's effigy is burnt, while in the East, goddess Durga's idols are immersed in water. This festival is linked to the epic story of Ramayana and is followed by Diwali.
Passenger vehicle sales in September saw a rise due to GST rate cuts and Navratri, with Maruti Suzuki being the only major manufacturer to decline. Tata Motors regained second spot and Mahindra & Mahindra saw high demand for SUVs. Hyundai slipped to fourth, while Toyota saw a 16% increase. The industry expects a strong festive season and positive outlook for growth.