LIC's persistency of individual policies has been declining over the past five years, with the 61st-month persistency ratio reaching a five-year low of 46.88% in FY26. This means that less than half of policyholders continued paying premiums through the fifth policy year. The insurer is taking measures to improve persistency, but the focus on non-participating products.
UltraTech Cement's share price rose 1.8% on Tuesday after the company's first quarter results for FY27 met brokerages' estimates. Nuvama Institutional Equities raised the price target to Rs 15,209 and maintained its Buy rating on the stock, citing strong performance and guidance. The company's domestic grey cement volume grew 13% YoY in Q1FY27, with blended EBITDA per tonne at Rs 1,214.
DMart, a major retail chain, is facing tough competition from fast delivery platforms. Despite plans to open more stores, sales growth at older metro stores has slowed. DMart Ready, its online grocery business, has left 14 cities in the past 15 months. Experts believe that the quick commerce industry will reign supreme, potentially limiting DMart's growth.
Hollywood's 2026 box office is projected to hit $10 billion, driven by a mix of franchise blockbusters, star-driven originals, and low-budget sleeper hits. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael have already crossed the $1 billion mark globally, and Toy Story 5 is expected to follow.
A life jacket worn by Titanic survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli has sold for roughly $906,000 at a UK auction, nearly double its pre-sale estimate. Believed to be the only survivor's life jacket ever offered at auction, the signed artifact was part of a wider Titanic memorabilia sale that also saw a lifeboat seat cushion fetch $527,000.
ESPN analyst and former NFL player Ryan Clark was laid off by the sports news outlet on Monday. The 46-year-old, who played 13 seasons in the NFL, was informed during an "NFL Live" show. The layoff is part of wider company layoffs at parent company Disney, which will also affect other employees on Tuesday. Clark had been with ESPN for over 11 years.
Midday market update: Domestic equity market under pressure, Nifty 50 and Sensex in negative territory. Top movers and shakers include Karur Vysya Bank, CMPDI, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, UltraTech Cement and Paytm. Pharma stocks see buying interest despite broader market weakness.
Jefferies reaffirmed its 'Buy' rating on Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, and Poonawalla Fincorp after assessing their June quarter earnings. The brokerage raised target prices for Reliance Industries and Poonawalla Fincorp, while making a marginal increase for UltraTech Cement.
SBI Funds Management, India's largest asset manager, debuted on the secondary market with a 7% premium from its issue price. Emkay Global and Equirus Securities gave positive coverage on the stock, citing SBI's brand, distribution, and potential for growth in the mutual fund market. SBI AMC is expected to benefit from the evolving investment needs of Indians.
A Kalitta Air Boeing 777 had a tailstrike while landing at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, causing fiery sparks on the runway. Witnesses recorded the incident and the company's COO confirmed the safe landing. The FAA stated the plane departed from Brussels. The cargo airline renewed its partnership with ACL Airshop to enhance cargo operations.
Indian-origin Kanishka Narayan becomes UK's first AI minister to attend Cabinet, retaining his role and gaining cabinet status under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Narayan, a Labour politician from Wales, has a background in economics and business, and has pledged to create 1,000 job opportunities for Vale residents by 2030.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other parts of the country started marching towards Delhi on Tuesday morning to attend a mahapanchayat at Kisan Ghat. The farmers are protesting against the proposed India-US trade deal, which they fear could hurt Indian agriculture and the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural workers.
Chris Fall, the head of US Centre for AI Standards and Innovation, has resigned after only three months in the role. This adds to the list of resignations in the current administration. Arvind Raman, director of National Institute of Standards and Technology, will temporarily take over. No replacement has been announced, but Raman, an Indian-origin, is searching for potential candidates.
India on Monday condemned an attack on a merchant ship near Ukraine’s Odesa port that killed four Indian sailors and left another critically injured.
The incident took place on Sunday evening, July 19, when the MV Golden Leo came under attack while leaving the Ukrainian port. The ship had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals.
GIFT Nifty cautiously started Tuesday's trading session below the 24,200 mark, down 0.7%. Global market trends, crude oil prices, gold and silver rates, Q1FY27 earnings, and SBI Funds Management's stock market debut will be closely watched. Indian benchmark indices ended lower on Monday, while US stock futures were trading higher.
The Trump administration on Monday announced a fresh 50% tariff on certain goods imported from Canada. According to the White House, the move comes in response to what it called Canada's "discriminatory treatment" of American cars, alcohol and dairy products.
Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is aggressively expanding its clean energy and digital commerce businesses. The company plans to commission 20 GW of solar and 40 GWh of battery manufacturing this year, with a goal to scale up to 120 GWh. Along with its renewable energy venture, Reliance Retail is also investing in hyperlocal delivery infrastructure and a revamped JioMart app.
Lamine Yamal is a World Cup champion at 19 — and already owner of a €14 million Barcelona mansion once shared by Gerard Piqué and Shakira, complete with six bedrooms, a Mediterranean view and a private recording studio.
The Indian stock market opened the week with a decline due to various factors such as banking stocks, crude oil prices, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Private banking stocks, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, saw a heavy sell-off after announcing Q1FY27 earnings.
Silicon Valley investor and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has criticised the US government's latest immigration rule, saying it could weaken the country's future in technology and innovation.
HDFC Bank and Axis Bank were the biggest losers in the banking sector as their Q1FY27 earnings disappointed investors. This led to selling pressure across most banking counters, causing the Nifty Bank index to trade 1.5% lower. However, a few public sector banks managed to hold their ground.
Gujarat's data centre policy is set to attract a massive Rs 6 lakh crore investment and decrease operating costs by 22%. With plans to add 7.5 GW of data centre capacity, the policy promotes renewable energy by mandating 51% electricity from renewable sources. This could drive a demand for 45-137 GW of solar capacity, significantly increasing its share in power.
RIL's stock rises 1% after Q1 earnings, Motilal Oswal retains 'Buy' rating with lowered target price. Q1FY27 sees a strong rebound in energy profitability, offsetting weaker retail performance. Jio is expected to be the primary growth engine, with ambitious targets set for Reliance Retail. Capex peak behind, free cash flow generation expected to lead to net debt decline.
The new trading week will see close monitoring of global markets, crude oil and precious metal rates, and Q1FY27 earnings. Indian equities may open cautiously with GIFT Nifty, while last week ended with strong gains for Indian benchmark indices. Asian markets are mixed, US stock futures are up, and US markets closed lower on Friday. Domestic investors are increasing their equity holdings in India.
US President Donald Trump was loudly booed by many at the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday when he stepped onto the field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
HDFC Securities' discount broking platform, HDFC SKY, has integrated smallcase-powered model portfolios into its platform, offering users curated baskets of stocks and ETFs. This reflects the growing trend in India's online broking industry to differentiate themselves by offering research, investment ideas, and portfolio management tools.
The export diversification strategy has resulted in significant growth in exports to countries outside Europe and NAFTA, such as ASEAN and Africa. In the first quarter of this financial year, exports to these regions saw impressive growth, while exports to the US and Europe declined.
The NEP 2020 has introduced changes in the education system, including revised curricula, new assessments, and teacher training. However, the focus on creating a meaningful experience for students is lacking. Despite schools implementing NEP policies, students still face pressure, comparisons, and judgmental assessments.
Maruti Suzuki will launch the Brezza facelift on July 24, featuring a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine. This launch comes as the Brezza faces tough competition from the Tata Nexon, which has dominated the compact SUV segment due to its multi-powertrain strategy. Tata's ability to offer petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric options has given it an edge over Maruti.
Car owners often focus on comparing vehicle features instead of insurance, but as repair costs and vehicle technology increase, considering long-term financial value is crucial. A bundled 1+3 year plan for new car buyers offers protection against inflation and premium increases, with upfront discounts and coverage for claim shocks.
Australian universities, such as VU Delhi NCR, Flinders University, and Deakin University, are increasing their presence in India. VU received UGC approval during PM Modi's visit and will begin classes in August, offering degrees in Business, Data Science, Cyber Security, and IT. Flinders University plans to open an international campus in Bengaluru by 2027.
AI and digitalisation will greatly boost the oil and gas industry, with a potential value creation of $500 billion by 2030. E&P companies investing in these technologies could earn an extra $80 billion annually. The greatest potential lies in subsurface workflows, where AI is reducing timelines and costs. With accelerated adoption, the industry could generate over $300 billion by 2030.
IMFA, a top Indian metals and ferro alloys company, will invest ₹4,000 crore to double production, expand mining, use more renewable energy, and enter ethanol and critical minerals. Already invested ₹2,000 crore, plans ₹1,500-2,000 crore more. With growing demand for stainless steel, IMFA aims to boost local sales and exports. Company also prioritizes diversification.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has used AI to transform Oslo's Munch Museum, allowing visitors to create their own drawings and connect with the museum's archive. Other museums, like the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, are also utilizing AI to improve the visitor experience and increase accessibility.
Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, talks about his efforts to grow the travel industry by venturing into experience-led segments and promoting initiatives like EasyDarshan and EV-led mobility solutions. He prioritizes understanding consumer needs and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, while also making time for his personal interests in travel, technology, and content.
Wendy's, a global QSR brand, initially struggled in India due to limited availability and high prices. But with new master franchisee Rebel Foods, they have seen success with 250 stores and Rs 200 crore in revenues. Rebel Foods has implemented four key strategies to drive growth, including expanding to new regions, introducing local flavors, and adopting an omnichannel model.
Amul, the renowned dairy brand, turns 80 this year with a turnover of Rs 1 lakh crore, a first for any food brand in India. Its success lies in its social commentary and marketing tactics. Serving consumers and producers, Amul has diversified its product range and empowers farmers through its cooperative foundation.
The Tempt ICY is a compact and practical gadget that combines a fan and cooling plate for instant cooling on the forehead, neck, or wrist. With strong airflow, a 4,000mAh battery, and a price of around ₹2,000, it offers a balance between regular fans and high-end cooling devices. Its 14000+ RPM Turbo Speed, fast recharge, and 12-hour runtime make it a convenient choice.
OnePlus has launched the Pad 4, a tablet aimed at professionals and students looking for a work device. It boasts a large 13.2-inch 3.4K display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip for high performance, a large cooling system, and a long-lasting battery with 80W fast charging.
The Women Farmers Empowerment Act in Maharashtra recognizes women in agriculture as farmers and provides them with a certificate to access government schemes and benefits. This legislation aims to bring women agricultural laborers into government records and provide them with equal benefits as male landholders.
Experts call for higher and more frequent revisions of minimum wage in India, as current levels have been stagnant for a decade. Government working to form Central Advisory Board to recommend first statutory national floor wage. Proposed wage could help address low wages in informal sector, but may impact companies' balance sheets and inflation.
India's economy is well-prepared to handle external disruptions, including the recent Iran-US tensions, due to diversified energy supplies and resilience to manage shocks. The country is expected to sustain economic growth and mitigate fiscal pressures with adequate access to oil supplies.
The IPO market has received a significant boost as SBI Funds Management's issue was oversubscribed 41.66 times, raising hopes for other major listings. 177 companies have approval to raise Rs 2.94 lakh crore, while 71 companies are waiting for clearance to raise Rs 1.84 lakh crore.
The electric scooter market in India is rapidly growing, with a 75% increase in registrations in June 2026. Major players like TVS and Bajaj have found success in the Rs 1-1.25 lakh segment, leading other brands like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, and Ather to enter this market. Smaller players like Simple Energy are also joining in.
Samsung Electronics America (SEA) is making workforce changes at its New Jersey office, possibly resulting in relocation or role optimization. However, this is not a complete layoff as relocation options are being offered. The headquarters will move to Texas by 2026. The decision follows a 19-fold increase in profits thanks to AI chip demand and future plans.
Martha Stewart, at 84, has a strict morning routine that includes waking up at 4 a.m. to read, do puzzles, and exercise before starting her day. Her discipline and schedule have been crucial to her success and have made her a role model for many. Her detailed routine has resonated with those seeking structure and balance in their lives.
US Department of State issues new travel advisory urging increased caution for Americans abroad, especially in the Middle East, due to escalating tensions and potential for unforeseen dangers. US military reports two American service members killed in Jordan, with a third missing, as US forces launch new airstrikes against Iran.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament starts on July 20 amidst protests over government's invitation to rebel MPs. The government wants a smooth session, but rebel alignments have changed the lower house arithmetic. Key bills on income tax, Supreme Court judges, birth and death registration, national honor, and MSME will be discussed.
The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has approved a package of Rs 7,834 crore for four comprehensive schemes to improve infrastructure, power, education, and rural connectivity. These schemes will bring together central and state initiatives to bridge development gaps.
The Kasheli Depot for Mumbai Metro Line 5, which is currently 23% complete, will support the operation of trains on the 32-km Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Ulhasnagar corridor. It will have facilities such as a workshop line, inspection bays, a test track, and a Depot Control Centre. The depot will also play a crucial role in maintaining and ensuring the safety and reliability of services.
The Aadhaar app has been downloaded 4 crore times and has recorded 11 lakh address changes and 49 lakh mobile number updates. It offers features like biometric lock/unlock and e-Aadhaar download, making it a convenient platform for managing personal details and accessing Aadhaar services.