India's GDP exceeded expectations in the first quarter of the current financial year, driven by a strong services sector, government consumption, and low statistical deflator. Despite this, analysts are not revising their forecasts for the full year due to challenges such as the US tariff on Indian merchandise. While agriculture and tertiary sectors saw growth, private sector investment were low.
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.
Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace giant, is increasing its stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace (DRAL), a joint venture with Reliance Infrastructure. After the transaction, DRAL will become a subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, with Reliance Infra holding a 49% stake. The move aims to strengthen guarantees and service commitments for customers in India and worldwide.
Inox Wind's share price is expected to rise by 31%, with Nuvama retaining a 'Buy' recommendation due to strong revenue visibility until FY27. The Inox Group has undergone restructuring and is expanding its renewable energy focus. Inox Green has entered the solar O&M market and IRSL is expanding its manufacturing and service capabilities.
Dwayne Johnson, also known as 'The Rock', has gone from pro-wrestler to Hollywood actor and entrepreneur. His latest film, 'The Smashing Machine', received critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival. Despite early struggles, he built a successful brand and launched his own production house, tequila brand, Teremana, and a men's skincare line, which has gained immense popularity.
Indian defence forces have shifted their strategy post Balakot airstrike, prioritizing increased aerial attack capacity and precision strikes. CDS Anil Chauhan stresses the significance of political support and discretion in military operations. Operation Sindoor utilized lower airspace and drones, but airstrikes remain crucial for achieving political goals.
Punjab is facing severe floods due to intense monsoon, causing damage to homes and crops. Several Bollywood celebrities and political leaders have come forward to help the victims, including Diljit Dosanjh who has adopted 10 villages in the Majha region for long-term rehabilitation. Other celebrities like Sonu Sood, Satinder Sartaaj, and Randeep Hooda are also providing support.
Imagine Marketing, the parent company of boAt, has seen a 13.5% drop in unlisted share price in 6 months, following the trend seen in HDB Financial and NSDL before their IPOs. While revenue has declined, Imagine Marketing turned net profit positive in 2025. The upcoming IPO is expected to raise Rs 13,000 crore, with a fresh issue of Rs 900 crore.
China has pulled out of Pakistan's CPEC project and declined to fund the ML-1 railway upgrade during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Beijing. Despite signing MoUs worth $8.5 billion, Pakistan failed to secure new funding or major projects. This, along with improving ties with the US and India's growing alliance with China and Russia, has created a complex geopolitical situation.
Elon Musk's absence from a White House dinner allowed other tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Bill Gates, and Sam Altman to gain prominence. Five Indian-origin tech moguls were also present. Notable figure Chamath Palihapitiya, a Trump supporter and megadonor, was among the invitees.
The recent GST rates rationalisation in the cement industry is expected to increase demand and prices, with larger players planning to raise prices by Q1 FY27. Nuvama predicts that consumers will benefit from most of the benefits, but some companies may be affected if states reduce incentives and subsidies.
The markets experienced a slight drop, with Nifty struggling at 24,700 and Sensex remaining flat. ITC's share price fell 3% due to GST concerns, while Persistent Systems and Ola Electric faced losses. However, Vodafone Idea saw a 6% increase. BSE's stock corrected significantly but is expected to see profit growth due to lower costs and colocation income.
President Trump signed an executive order to reduce tariffs on Japanese car imports and other goods, easing the burden on Japan's export-driven economy. The deal, announced in July, includes $550 billion of Japanese investment in U.S. projects. The lower tariffs, effective in seven days, prevent the 15% levy on Japanese imports from being added to existing higher tariffs.
Indian benchmark indices started positively, but optimism faded as sectoral pressure dragged markets lower. Realty, IT, FMCG, pharma, PSU banks, energy, infra, and metals all traded weak. Broader markets also showed signs of caution with Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 slipping. Valuation concerns and global pressures ahead of Q2 earnings have led to cautious investor sentiment.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to face off in the US Open 2025 men’s singles semifinal, with the 38-year-old Serbian aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and the 22-year-old Spaniard seeking revenge. This will be their first-ever meeting at the US Open, adding to the excitement. Djokovic leads the rivalry by 5-3, but Alcaraz has proven himself as a strong competitor, defeating Dj
Justin Bieber's surprise release of his new album, Swag II, has caused excitement among fans worldwide. The album cover has taken over billboards and social media, while Bieber made headlines for surprising a bride at her wedding. He also dedicated a song to his wife, Hailey Bieber, shutting down divorce rumors. Meanwhile, his former girlfriend Selena Gomez got engaged.
A laid-off employee expressed frustration on Reddit after finding out a meeting about "organizational alignment" was actually a layoff announcement. The employee had suspected this earlier and noticed a lack of communication from management. The layoff resulted in their department merging with another, with some colleagues receiving more notice.
JSW Cement's share price is facing selling pressure after reaching a record high on September 04. The government's infrastructure push and lower GST are anticipated to increase demand in the future. However, Motilal Oswal advises caution as the company's debt levels remain high. JSW Cement plans to reduce costs by Rs 400 per tonne in the next two years through cost efficiency measures.
The IT sector experiences a drop in stocks due to selling pressure, causing the Nifty IT Index to fall by 2%. Major companies like Infosys, TCS, and HCL Tech are all affected, along with all 10 constituents of the index. Weak global cues, volatility, and concerns over US jobs data and Fed rate cut also contribute to the decline.
India Yamaha Motor has introduced new color options for the R15 series, such as Metallic Grey, Metallic Black, and Matte Black. These updates aim to increase customer enthusiasm and solidify the R15's position as the top sportsbike in its category. With its outstanding performance and handling, the R15 remains a sought-after choice for young riders, competing with bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar.
The Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing ITR to September 15, 2025, but only 4.56 crore people have filed as of September 4. Out of these, only 3.17 crore have been processed, leaving 3 crore yet to file. Late filing can result in penalties and delayed refunds. The deadline might not be extended again, so it is advised to file early.
Swiggy and Zomato are preparing for the effects of new GST reforms which will make them responsible for taxes on local delivery services. They may increase delivery fees to protect their margins, potentially impacting consumers and the industry. However, some experts believe this could improve supply chain efficiency and benefit farmers and consumers.
Maruti Suzuki's new compact SUV, the Victoris, has received a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. It is expected to be more affordable than the Grand Vitara and offers advanced safety features like six airbags and ABS with EBD. The Victoris scored high in adult and child occupant protection, making it the second Maruti product to achieve a perfect safety rating.
Trump hosted a dinner with top tech leaders, including Zuckerberg, Gates, and Cook, but Musk was absent, causing speculation. Musk clarified he was invited but couldn't attend. The internet was upset by Gates' presence, saying Musk should have been there. Relations between the tech CEO and Trump have soured in recent times.
Widespread rainfall continues in Gujarat, with 195 talukas receiving rain in the past 24 hours. Umarpada in Surat recorded the highest rainfall of eight inches, while several other areas received over six inches. The IMD has forecasted sporadic showers until the monsoon withdraws around September 25.
Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir Trust in Mumbai is planning a Rs 100-crore expansion, including the acquisition of Ram Mansion and Siddhivinayak Cooperative Housing Society. This will allow for the construction of new facilities and an underground parking lot for 450 cars.
Motilal Oswal has upgraded Swiggy to 'Buy' and reiterated its 'Buy' recommendation on Eternal (Zomato), predicting a strong growth rebound for both platforms. With GST reforms, festive tailwinds, and easing competition, the brokerage sees potential for a 32% upside for Swiggy and a 29% upside for Eternal.
TVS has launched the new Ntorq 150 in India at a price of Rs 1.19 lakh. It competes with the Hero Xoom 160 and Yamaha Aerox 155. The Ntorq 150 features a fresh design, projector headlights, all LED lighting, and a TFT instrument display with smartphone connectivity. It is powered by a 149.7cc engine that produces 13bhp and 14.2Nm of torque, with a top speed of 104kmph.
Fashion icon Giorgio Armani, worth $12 billion, died at 91 with no heirs to inherit his luxury label. He transformed menswear and had a successful RTW brand. His diverse business ventures made him the third richest Italian. The future of the brand now lies in the hands of his family and closest business partners.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's new GST reforms have caused controversy with a steep tax increase on IPL tickets. While industrialist Harsh Goenka supports the reforms, he questions the 40% tax on IPL tickets, which may discourage fans from attending matches. However, cinema-goers have received some relief with lower GST rates for tickets.
Barron Trump, the son of Donald and Melania Trump, has been absent from NYU for seven months despite enrolling in September 2024. His whereabouts and involvement on campus have been questioned, with rumors of conspiracy theories and concerns from his mother, Melania. A NYU professor believes Barron may have dropped out.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb cautions US President Donald Trump that his aggressive approach towards India and the Global South may result in losing influence to China and Russia. Stubb emphasizes the importance of viewing India as a strategic partner and not alienating them with tariffs and sanctions.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, a defence PSU, has declared a final dividend of Rs 2.71 per share for the financial year 2024-25. The record date for eligibility is September 19, 2025, and the AGM is scheduled for September 26. The company has a history of regular dividends, with a 17% return in the past year. The market capitalisation is Rs 1.08 lakh crore.
TVS Motor Company has launched its latest scooter, the NTORQ 150, at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1,19,000. With this, TVS has entered the above-125cc scooter category, aiming to strengthen its position in the premium scooter segment. The company has invested Rs 100 crore in this product and is tapping into the growing sporty scooter segment, which has seen a 11% growth.
Elon Musk's Starlink is set to bring satellite broadband services to India after obtaining provisional spectrum for trials. The company will establish ground infrastructure at 10 sites, with Mumbai as its hub, and must comply with Indian security norms before launching. Officials predict affordable monthly charges, making it a viable option for underserved areas.
Kettleborough VC, a solo general partner (GP) venture capital firm, has launched Fund II with a target corpus of Rs 60-80 crore and plans to invest in 10-12 startups. Nisarg Shah, founder of Kettleborough VC, discusses the rise of solo GP firms in India, his standout investments, and the sectors he is bullish about.
Experts believe that the recent GST rate cuts, including a special rate for sin goods, could increase GDP growth by 10-60 bps annually. This will be driven by higher consumption, improved compliance, and lower inflation. However, the government should not tighten fiscal policy to counter the consumption boost.