India and Africa aim to double bilateral trade by 2030. Africa has abundant reserves of critical minerals, while India offers competitive services in agriculture, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. The recent restrictions on mineral trade by China have emphasized the need for collaboration between the two regions. Multilateral platforms like the WTO also present opportunities for cooperation.
A recent Canadian government report exposes the presence of Khalistani terrorist groups operating and raising funds within the country. These groups use violence to establish new political systems and exploit non-profit and charitable organizations to generate billions of dollars in illicit proceeds annually.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuses to visit Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to ongoing missile attacks on Ukraine. Instead, he suggests Putin come to Kyiv. Putin is open to a meeting, but emphasizes it must follow Ukraine's laws and maintains his opposition.
Gen Z, often labeled as lazy and expressive, is currently facing a mental health crisis. They are utilizing AI chatbots and social media for support, but also struggling with negative emotions and screen exhaustion. As the stigma surrounding mental health discussions decreases, studies have revealed a link between screen usage and declining mental health.
American academic Terril Jones shared insights on India-US relations under Trump's presidency. Trump's distinctive negotiating style involved positioning himself as a global peace broker and claiming credit for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which was denied by PM Modi. Jones also discussed Trump's strategy of high demands and tariffs, and China's increasing global leadership.
The iconic James Bond franchise introduces a new face, Patrick Gibson, as the youngest Bond in history through the upcoming video game '007 First Light'. The game, set to release in 2026, follows a young and dashing agent on his journey to earn his license to kill. With a star-studded voice cast and various action elements, the game marks the end of the series' hiatus since 2012.
The Indian equity market is facing challenges as the Nifty and Sensex remain stagnant and lag behind other emerging markets. Despite positive factors like GDP growth and GST restructuring, investor sentiment is low due to concerns about slow capex allocation, global trade negotiations, US tariffs, and FII selling. A multi-asset investment approach may be beneficial in this situation.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is expected to become the first trillionaire in the world due to a new pay grade adding 423.7 million shares worth $1 trillion to his paycheck. This would make him wealthier than entire nations and have a major impact on various sectors, global politics, and scientific research. He would also be 100 times richer than the Ambani family.
The Ashoka Emblem at the Hazratbal shrine was vandalised by a mob, who said that it goes against the basic principles of Islam. A video of men and women damaging the emblem has gone viral on social media, with many condemning it as "shameful". Waqf Chair calls it a "terrorist attack" and demands action against perpetrators.
Laura Loomer claims Trump is considering blocking outsourcing to Indian IT companies, and White House trade adviser Navarro and American activist Posobiec seem to support this decision. This could harm India's economy and result in job losses. Some argue it could also hurt American workers in the long run. Social media users have mixed reactions.
President Trump has signed an executive order granting tariff exemptions to trading partners for industrial exports like nickel and gold, as well as pharmaceutical compounds and chemicals. The move is in line with Trump's aim to decrease U.S. trade deficits and gain concessions from partners. The exemptions, effective Monday, cover items that cannot be produced in the U.S.
Traditional Indian drinks like buttermilk, kanji, and sol kadhi are natural and effective in supporting digestion and gut health. They offer a sustainable and balanced approach to digestive wellness, making them a great alternative to trendy probiotic drinks. Despite the popularity of imported brands, these traditional recipes have been passed down for generations and are equally powerful.
US President Donald Trump threatens to impose additional tariffs on the European Union as a response to the bloc's $3.47 billion fine on Google for breaking anti-monopoly laws. This is the fourth time the EU has penalized Google with a hefty fine. Trump also denounces the EU's discriminatory actions against American companies and plans to take action to nullify the penalties.
The Seagle wireless speaker from Just Corseca is the top choice for users who prioritize a longer battery life for their Bluetooth speaker. With 30 hours of playback time and a 2400mAh battery that charges quickly, this speaker offers convenience and portability. It also boasts powerful sound, multiple playback options, and seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3.
Organisations are relying on AI to manage other AI systems and some are even considering it as a supervisor for humans. However, only a third plan to use AI as full employees. The report stresses the importance of new structures for human-AI collaboration and the increasing costs of implementing AI.
PM Modi will not address the UN General Assembly this month, with Brazil and US being the first speakers. Trump will address the session on September 23, while India will be represented by a minister on September 27. The UNGA session will focus on peace, development, human rights, gender equality, and climate change. Other high-level meetings will also be held during the week.
President Trump has three finalists for the next chair of the Federal Reserve: Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, and Christopher Waller. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not interested. Trump wants someone who supports his interest-rate cuts and has criticized current chair Jerome Powell. The decision will greatly impact the economy and financial markets.
Trump has chosen his Doral golf club near Miami to host the 2026 G20 summit, sparking concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical violations. His properties have been a source of controversy in the past, and the Doral property was among those vying to host the event.
President Trump renamed the Department of Defense to the "Department of War" to highlight its role in preventing conflict. The Pentagon quickly changed signs and titles, receiving praise from Defense Secretary Hegseth. The costly and criticized process is seen as a tribute to the department's history and heritage.
Trump signs executive order to designate countries as state sponsors of wrongful detention and impose sanctions on those holding Americans. China, Iran, and Afghanistan among those targeted. U.S. puts Americans first, warns anyone using them as bargaining chips will pay the price. 72 Americans already returned, including from Russia and Afghanistan.
Trump denies plans for regime change in Venezuela, but accuses Maduro of winning a "strange" election. The US has ordered 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to combat drug cartels, following a "highly provocative" flight by Venezuelan jets near a US warship. Trump links overdose deaths to wartime losses and vows to continue military operations against designated narco-terrorist organizations.
US President Donald Trump assured that the relationship between India and the United States is special and there is no need to worry about occasional disagreements. However, he expressed disappointment over India's purchase of Russian oil and high tariffs.
The Honor X9c 5G smartphone showcases the power of AI in mid-range devices with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and MagicOS 8.0. It also features a 108MP OIS Motion Sensing Camera and a 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery for extended battery life and fast charging. With its tough build and innovative hardware, the Honor X9c stands out from the crowd and delivers a seamless user experience.
India's EV adoption is on the rise, with 2 million EVs sold in 4 years. The high upfront cost is a barrier to mass adoption, but the government is offering a 5% GST rate to make EVs more affordable. Automakers are also working on battery localisation and innovative ownership models, but the expansion of charging infrastructure is still needed.
India's semiconductor industry is undergoing a transformation due to policy support, entrepreneurial drive, and global demand. Startups and global companies are utilizing the government's incentive scheme and cloud-based EDA to advance design services, IP development, and AI processors. This demonstrates India's potential to lead in semiconductor innovation, aided by cloud.
Stellantis, a carmaker in India for 5 years, aims to expand product range, reach more customers, and increase production. CEO Shailesh Hazela says India is a tough market and they are learning and adapting to customer preferences. Investments in design, engineering, and manufacturing have been made, with plans to expand retail reach and introduce more electric vehicles.
SpiceJet, a budget carrier, reported a net loss of Rs 234 crore in Q1FY26 due to geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions. However, the company remains resilient and is taking steps to improve fleet reliability, reduce costs, and expand its network. The passenger load factor remained steady at 86%, and the net worth improved to Rs 446 crore. The stock has declined by 45% in the past year.
Dassault Aviation has acquired a majority stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace, with Reliance Aerostructure's stake decreasing. This guarantees warranties and long-term service commitments for customers in India and abroad. DRAL is now Dassault's global centre of excellence for Falcon aircraft, and a final assembly line for Falcon jets will be established in Nagpur.
The implementation of a new 40% tax on pan masala, cigarettes, and tobacco products will be based on their retail sale price (RSP) to prevent tax evasion and expand the tax base. This change is similar to the previous excise duty regime and will increase the tax burden for the sector. However, it may also lead to higher tax liabilities for manufacturers and distributors.
Vedanta secures Rs 17,000 crore bid for Jaiprakash Associates after winning challenge process against Adani Group. The company's strong assets and support from NARCL helped it emerge as the winner, adding a new business vertical to its portfolio. This marks a rare instance of a mining company successfully acquiring a debt-laden company.
RBI to cut cash reserve ratio by 25 bps, injecting Rs 60,000-70,000 crore into banks. Move will ease liquidity stress during busy season and allow for better management without disrupting other segments. Excess liquidity to be released by December through reverse repo auctions, improving bank margins.
Indian spot market saw a 45% drop in electricity prices in the first four days of September due to heavy rains and increased sell bids. Real-Time Market also experienced a decrease in prices and a surge in traded volumes. This trend has been ongoing for months, aided by moderate temperatures and higher renewable energy generation.
Donald Trump accuses Democrats of creating a hoax around Jeffrey Epstein and claims the DOJ has provided all requested documents. Survivors of Epstein's abuse are demanding a list of alleged abusers, and the House Oversight Committee is conducting a probe. Trump sees the inquiries as a distraction from his success as a Republican president.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed her willingness to ease investment restrictions on China, but expects reciprocal action on market access and non-tariff barriers. She addressed the impact of US tariffs and assured support for affected industries. India will maintain its oil trade with Russia and remain committed to its fiscal deficit target for the year.
Despite the government's efforts to boost domestic consumption through GST rationalisation, the stock market has only seen a minimal increase of 0.18%. Experts attribute this to various factors including Trump's tariffs, weak GDP growth, and FPI selling. This impact is reflected in sectoral indices, particularly in auto, consumer discretionary, and consumer durables.
The rupee fell to a new low of 88.26 on Friday, down 11 paise from the previous close. The main reason for the fall was the rumor of tariffs being imposed on the Indian IT sector. However, RBI intervention helped in some appreciation. The demand from importers and FPI outflows also contributed to the depreciation.
Girish Mathrubootham, founder of Freshworks, will retire as executive chairman on December 1 after 15 years with the company. This comes as the SaaS industry is evolving with the emergence of AI. Mathrubootham will now focus on his venture capital firm, Together Fund, and support the growth of AI startups.
India's engineering exports to the US will decrease by $7.5-$8 billion due to 50% tariffs, resulting in a decline in new orders. This will significantly affect the sector, accounting for a quarter of the country's merchandise exports. Steel and auto sector exports will also decline, but the biggest challenge is the 50% drop in sales of other engineering goods.
The recent GST reforms have brought relief for manufacturers, especially in the automobile industry. Tata Motors is the first to pass on the full benefit of the GST reduction to customers, with price cuts on all models. The revised GST structure has made cars more affordable, with small cars becoming 5-13% cheaper and luxury brands facing a flat 40% tax.
The ICC has announced record-low ticket prices of just Rs 100 for the upcoming Women's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. This move aims to attract a large crowd and promote the growth of women's cricket globally. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will begin on September 30 and has a record prize pool of USD 13.88 million. Fans are already booking tickets for the highly-anticipated event.
The government's tax reforms have neglected detergents, a crucial part of the FMCG industry. While other daily-use products have received a GST reduction, detergents are still taxed at 18%. Industry experts consider this a significant oversight, as lowering taxes on detergents could have increased consumption.
Vedanta has acquired the debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates in a Rs 17,000 crore bid, beating Adani Group. The bid value is Rs 12,505 crore, and multiple companies including Dalmia Bharat and Jindal Power participated in the bidding process. JAL, with interests in real estate, cement, power, hotels, and roads, was taken to insolvency proceedings after defaulting on loans.
Uno Minda Limited conducts nationwide raids to combat counterfeit products, seizing 4,280 fake handle bar switches. A recent operation in Sirsa, Haryana targeted a major wholesaler and seized 2,740 counterfeit switches. Collaborating with investigative agencies, the company also conducted raids in Bihar and Assam to dismantle illegal operations.
Flipkart and Amazon are preparing for a competitive sale season with attractive pricing, early access for members, and partnerships with banks and brands. The GST cut allows for better offers and benefits for consumers. Smartphones, electronics, appliances, fashion, and lifestyle products will have heavy promotions, with financial partnerships and quick commerce playing a key role.
Kotak Institutional Securities predicts a 3-5% increase in health insurance premiums due to the loss of input tax credit after the full GST exemption on individual life and health policies. However, this could lead to a 12-15% decrease in prices for customers, boosting demand for the sector. Companies will have to pass on the GST burden on other services to customers.
SpiceJet, a top Indian airline, suffered a net loss of Rs 234 crore in Q1 FY26, a sharp decline from the Rs 158 crore profit in Q1 FY25. The company's revenue also dropped by 34% to Rs 1,120 crore due to geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions.
Congress faces backlash for comparing Bihar to 'bidi' in a post criticizing GST rates. The remark has caused political outrage and could affect opposition's prospects in Bihar elections. Congress has apologized, but BJP leaders are still condemning the party for insulting Bihar and its people. This is not the first instance of Congress facing criticism for derogatory remarks.
Joint investments are convenient for succession planning but can result in duplicate reporting to the tax department, causing notices for non-earning joint holders. This is due to the mandatory reporting of high-value transactions under the PAN of all joint holders, leading to a mismatch between tax returns and AIS. Assessees can respond to tax notices by providing evidence of ownership.
Quant Mutual Fund is launching a new Specialised Investment Fund that allows investors to go short in the market, reducing risk and providing additional alpha. It will be managed through systematic active investing and perform well in market corrections. However, there is a shortage of talent for this type of management.
The Indian rupee reached a record low of 88.27 against the US dollar, attributed to foreign fund outflows and concerns over potential US tariffs. Despite a weak dollar and lower oil prices, the rupee continued to decline. The RBI attempted to intervene, but the impact was limited due to ongoing tariff announcements by Trump and selling by foreign investors.
The Indian luggage industry is undergoing a transformation as new-age companies emerge as strong competitors to traditional players. These companies are growing at a faster rate due to their modern designs and cost-effective production methods. This has resulted in a decline in margins for legacy players, while new-age companies now hold 25% of the organised luggage market.