The finance ministry has approved an 8.25% interest rate for EPF deposits, which will benefit over 70 million members this month. This rate was fixed by the Central Board of Trustees in March and is the highest among debt-oriented products. EPFO mostly invests in government securities and contributions receive tax deductions. In FY24, the rate was raised to 8.25%, but fell to 8.1% in FY22.
Indian equity markets saw a positive day on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty rising 889 and 265 points, respectively. IT and metal stocks were the top performers, while mid- and small-cap stocks also saw gains. The rise in IT stocks was due to a correction in global AI and semiconductor stocks, while strong industrial production data drove the rally in metal stocks.
Inox Wind has secured a 200-MW turnkey order worth ₹1,600 crore from NLC India, taking its order book to 4.7 GW. The project will be commissioned within 24 months and Inox Wind will handle all aspects of execution. The company's diversified order pipeline and strong manufacturing infrastructure puts it in a good position to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in India.
The use of maize and rice as feedstock for ethanol production has increased substantially in the past six years, with maize surpassing rice in the last couple of years. In the ESY 2024-25, 13.11 MT of maize and 5 MT of rice were used for ethanol production. In the ESY 2025-26, 6.79 MT of maize and 5.4 MT of rice were used. The inclusion of maize as a feedstock has
CareEdge Ratings predicts that a potential disruption at the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb could raise Brent crude prices to $130-135 per barrel, resulting in credit difficulties for Indian companies. West Asian tensions have expanded to the Red Sea, with Iran instructing Houthis to prepare for closure and reported attacks on Saudi oil vessels.
India's services sector experienced a decline in growth in May, with 17 out of 19 sectors showing a decrease compared to April. Despite this, the sector remains a crucial contributor to the economy, with 8 sectors recording double-digit growth. Accommodation and food services saw the highest expansion, while IT and computer related services saw a slower growth.
The Indian government is considering allowing FDI in inventory-based e-commerce platforms for export of domestically made products to boost demand and benefit MSMEs. The previous ban aimed to protect local producers, but now the focus is on facilitating exports and accessing global markets. However, there are concerns about potential risks and unfair competition.
Economists believe that the government's plan to decrease the debt-to-GDP ratio to 49-51% by March 2031 will be difficult due to changes in GDP series and external fiscal challenges. Meeting this target would require strong nominal GDP growth and gradual fiscal consolidation, which may be hard to achieve.
India's methanol prices have doubled due to Gulf production disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict. Imports from Middle East have decreased while imports from China, Venezuela, and Malaysia have increased. Global methanol output has been affected and prices are expected to stay high. The Indian government is working to decrease dependence on imports.
The Gujarat government is reviving the struggling Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard through modernization and expansion. Phase I of the project will add 4.5 million LDT per annum of recycling capacity, aiming to improve competitiveness and prepare for future demand.
M&M approves transfer of truck and bus business to subsidiary SML Mahindra for ₹525 crore. This will create an integrated commercial vehicle platform and simplify M&M's business structure while strengthening its presence in the sector. The transfer will ensure continuity for all stakeholders - dealers, customers, suppliers and employees.
Hindustan Unilever's stock is trading close to its 52-week low of Rs 2,016, a significant drop from its 52-week high of Rs 2,715.44. Analysts believe that the stock's technical indicators suggest caution, with MACD in negative territory and RSI near the neutral zone. Despite the recent recovery, HUL continues to trade below its 200-day EMA, indicating a weak trend.
L&T's shares saw a 3.8% surge after reporting strong quarterly earnings for FY27, despite challenges in the West Asia region. Key brokerages maintained their ratings and raised price targets, citing a resilient performance and strong order inflow prospects of Rs 15 lakh crore. The company's management expects normalisation in execution and a 10-12% revenue growth in FY27.
Jefferies maintains 'Buy' ratings on Indian stocks across various sectors, citing improving earnings visibility and favourable sector-specific trends. Top picks include Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Hindustan Unilever, Coforge, KFin Technologies, AU Small Finance Bank, and IDFC First Bank.
Montblanc's new Writers Edition fountain pen, dedicated to Bram Stoker, is priced at $223,000 and draws inspiration from Dracula's gothic imagery. It features Stoker's signature and a clip designed like a vampire bite, continuing the brand's tradition of honoring literary figures through symbolism and craftsmanship. Although not their priciest pen, it is one of their most exclusive releases.
Indo-MIM IPO to list on NSE and BSE on July 30 with strong demand seen during subscription period. Investors can check allotment status on various platforms. Grey market shows healthy premium, but remember it is unofficial. IPO subscribed 72.34 times, with QIB showing strongest demand.
Pune's Inner Ring Road project, costing ₹14,200 crore, aims to enhance connectivity between key transport, IT, and industrial hubs. Authorities are prioritizing land acquisition and project formalities to finish within 6-7 months. The 83.12 km road will feature 11 tunnels, 17 major bridges, and 9 interchanges, offering a solution to traffic congestion in the city.
Tripura government signs landmark MoUs with National Stock Exchange to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship and investment in the state. Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha calls it a crucial step towards economic development and empowering youth. The partnerships aim to support MSMEs, enhance skills of government officials and familiarize young people with capital markets.
The MSME Development Bill 2026 introduced by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in Rajya Sabha aims to enhance payment processes, ease compliance, and expedite dispute resolution for MSMEs. It mandates CPSEs to use TReDS for invoice settlement and proposes a national digital platform for MSME registration. It also sets deadlines for government departments to clear pending payments to MSMEs.
Mumbai is undergoing a transportation revolution with the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Tunnel project. The 9.239-km tunnel will be completed in 54 months, cutting travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive to just five minutes. With two lanes and a design speed of 80 kmph, it will ease traffic congestion on busy roads, reducing journey time by 20-30 minutes.
Macquarie maintains 'Outperform' rating on diverse set of Indian companies, citing governance clarity, capacity expansion, and resilient operating performance as key drivers. The brokerage recommends focusing on long-term growth drivers rather than near-term volatility.
Cipla and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories started FY27 with varying earnings, but both confirmed their core businesses' strength despite challenges. Cipla achieved record first-quarter revenue, while Dr. Reddy's faced lower earnings due to a semaglutide API provision.
KFin Technologies, a major player in India's mutual fund sector, had a mixed June quarter due to lower yields and a slowdown in IPOs. But top brokerages are optimistic about the stock, citing its strong position in the growing mutual fund industry, expansion into new businesses, and cost-saving measures.
He built IKEA into a $58 billion global empire, yet Ingvar Kamprad drove a 20-year-old Volvo, flew economy class, and shopped at flea markets until the end of his life. Nicknamed 'Uncle Scrooge' for his lifestyle, the billionaire believed frugality wasn't just personal — it was the philosophy that built his entire company.
A rare home tour of Sonam Wangchuk's Ladakh residence reveals how mud walls, passive solar design and composting toilets keep the house warm through brutal Himalayan winters, without a single heater.
Andhra Pradesh is rapidly becoming a top destination for renewable energy in India, with a four-fold increase in capacity addition by 2025-26. Investor-friendly policies, faster project clearances, and significant investments in infrastructure have led to this turnaround. This surge not only supports India's clean-energy goals but also creates opportunities for investment and employment.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approves projects worth Rs 2,480 crore for infrastructure, irrigation, sports, technology, women's welfare, administration, and farmer support. Major decisions include hosting the Women's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026, boosting drone technology, irrigation projects, IT parks, and digital governance tools.
DCM Shriram shares jumped 7% as the company reported a six-fold increase in net profit for Q1, including a positive tax adjustment and exceptional gains. Revenue surged 9.5%, driven by the Chemicals and Fenesta Building Systems segments. EBITDA increased 11%, and margin expanded marginally. The company's share price has risen 2.3% in the last five trading sessions.
American Airlines faced a nationwide ground stop due to a technology issue, but the order was lifted for all US airports except Charlotte Douglas International. The airline's CEO had previously warned about rising fuel costs, which resulted in a $700 million increase for the third quarter. However, American Airlines still reported record revenue and strong demand in the second quarter.
Coforge rallied after Jefferies, Nomura and Nuvama raised target prices following a strong June quarter. Brokerages said robust deal wins, a healthy order book and faster-than-expected Encora integration outweighed acquisition costs, strengthening confidence in the mid-cap IT company's growth outlook.
The Trump administration on Tuesday announced new restrictions on Chinese-made robots and power inverters, saying the move is needed to protect the US artificial intelligence industry from national security threats and bring the manufacturing of important technologies back to the country, Reuters reported.
Indian Railways introduces Hubballi–Rameswaram special train services between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with five additional trips being added due to a good response from passengers. The extended services will run from early to end of August 2026, providing more travel options along the route. The train will pass through several key stations in both states.
Western Railway has announced a new weekly special train between Veraval and Prayagraj to meet the increased travel demand. The train will run every Friday from August 7 to September 25, 2026, and will connect several cities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It will have Third AC, Sleeper, and General Class coaches, and booking will open from July 30, 2026.
Ferns N Petals (FNP) plans to go public in 2028, with a focus on strengthening governance, financial discipline, and operational predictability. The company has crossed the ₹1,000-crore revenue mark and is seeing growth in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Its UAE business is expected to cross ₹500 crore in revenue in FY27. FNP is also using AI to improve operations.
The Trump administration has started arresting foreign nationals with expired US visas as they travel through airports, including people married to American citizens, according to documents obtained by The New York Times.
Canara Bank's new MD & CEO, Brajesh Kumar Singh, is prioritizing raising low-cost resources and improving net interest margins. The bank is shifting towards retail and term deposits, shedding bulk deposits. While asset quality has improved, delays in repayment from government-backed accounts have led to an increase in SMA-2 accounts. The bank plans to focus on domestic M&A.
OpenAI's AI models were involved in another hack against an outside company while the company was testing them, a security executive told Reuters. This is the second company known to have been affected after an OpenAI agent went out of control and broke containment during testing earlier this month.
Tesla India has opened its first approved body shop in Pune, offering test drives and after-sales service for the Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive and Model Y L. The company chose Pune due to its increasing interest in EVs and convenient location. The shop, Modi Motors, will provide genuine parts and collision repair services, reducing downtime for owners.
Chennai International Airport's modernisation has faced setbacks due to various challenges, such as the pandemic, cyclones, and heavy rains. The project is now estimated to finish in December 2026, costing ₹2,467 crore. Phase I of the expansion is complete, increasing passenger capacity to 30 million per year. Phase II, including Terminal 3, will raise capacity to 35 million.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has clarified that the claims about E20 fuel causing a significant reduction in vehicle mileage are false. According to the ministry, the actual impact is minimal, with an average vehicle only experiencing a decrease of 0.6 kmpl after switching to E20.
Air India has introduced Easy Connect in Amritsar, allowing passengers to complete check-in and immigration before flying to Delhi for international travel. This service connects to 27 destinations within four hours of reaching Delhi, with plans to add a similar facility for inbound passengers in the next two months.
NCRTC has submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Delhi-Karnal, Delhi-Bawal, Bawal-Behror and Ghaziabad-Noida International Airport corridors. The corridors aim to improve regional connectivity and link the capital with major urban and industrial areas. The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is currently the only operational corridor.
The highly anticipated films, The Odyssey and Brand New Day, are set to exceed $1 billion in box office sales. Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, both films have been highly successful, with The Odyssey slowly gaining momentum while Brand New Day is projected to have the biggest domestic opening weekend of 2026.
Oswald's, a private members' club in London's Mayfair, is renowned for its exclusivity and strict no-photo policy. Its members, including government officials and celebrities, remain mysterious due to its secretive membership process. The club's focus on wine and luxurious design adds to its appeal, making it a top destination for the city's elite.
The launch of the Kasganj–Aishbagh Daily Express has given a boost to rail connectivity in Uttar Pradesh. The new train, which runs daily, will make travel easier for passengers across western and central UP. It will connect several important towns and cities, including Ujhani, Bareilly, Pilibhit, and Lucknow.
The Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district is set to be inaugurated on August 1 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The airport, built in just 31 months, will offer modern facilities such as contact boarding bridges and self-baggage drop. It can handle 6 million passengers annually and will be expanded in phases.
The upcoming Bharuch bullet train station, located on Dahej Bypass Road, is part of the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor. The station is near completion and reflects the local heritage with its façade inspired by traditional cotton weaving. Passenger facilities such as a waiting lounge and retail outlets will also be available, along with drop-off facilities and parking spaces.
Tesla's highly anticipated Cybertruck, praised by CEO Elon Musk, has seen disappointing sales and is being compared to Ford's infamous Edsel. Despite Musk's confidence, experts believe it could be the biggest failure in the US automotive industry. The truck's controversial design and low sales have sparked worries about Tesla's future and caused a decline in stock prices.
India's data centre industry is driven by land and power availability, with TCS leading the way. They aim to reach 1 GW capacity in 5-7 years, investing USD 1 billion for every 150 MW. Stable power and renewable energy access are key, as the debate between colocation and full-stack services rages on. Clean energy is also a focus for investors.
Iran has released a threatening video targeting US President Trump's family, particularly First Lady Melania and son Barron. The Secret Service is investigating and Trump has warned of retaliation. The video, released by an Iranian media outlet affiliated with the IRGC, shows footage of potential targets in New York City.
Bharat Electronics' Q1FY27 performance and lower-than-expected order book have caused a 3.5% plunge in its shares. Despite this, key brokerages maintain a positive outlook on the stock, citing the management's 15% revenue guidance and potential large platform orders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. BEL's Q1 net profit grew 8%, and revenue surged 25%, with an order book of Rs 72,258 crore.