The rise of generative AI has propelled smart speakers as the next big computing platform dominated by Amazon, Google, and Apple. Creating a successful voice assistant demands significant investment in software and an ecosystem of apps and developers. Companies are now prioritizing controlling the entire technology stack for personalized AI experiences with the emergence of large language models.
Kotak Institutional Equities' report suggests that ITC's tobacco business and non-tobacco operations are undervalued in the market. The company's tobacco business is currently valued at only 11 times one-year forward earnings, leaving little room for growth. In contrast, its non-tobacco businesses could see faster growth and improved margins.
India's capital expenditure cycle is on the rise, fueled by government spending and a rise in overseas projects. CLSA predicts a widespread cycle, with specific stocks in infrastructure, defence, and capital goods standing out. Top engineering and construction companies have seen a surge in order backlog, and four of the five key components of central government spending are thriving.
NHAI has invited bids for a 44-km stretch of NH-27 from Jhansi to Orai to be upgraded from four lanes to six lanes under the Hybrid Annuity Model. The project, estimated to cost Rs. 1,453.66 crore, aims to improve traffic flow and ease congestion on the important east-west highway. The wider road is expected to benefit travellers, freight operators, and the Bundelkhand region.
SEBI approves NSE's Rs 30,000 crore IPO, set to launch in September. The IPO is expected to be one of India's largest-ever stock market debuts, with a projected listing on September 25. The proposed issue is structured as an offer for sale.
Western Railway has extended the trips of several Special Trains running on Special Fare, including services connecting Mumbai–Ahmedabad and Mumbai–Indore. The extended services will run until November, providing passengers with more travel options. The special trains will have stoppages at major urban centres across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
Pranav Constructions, a Mumbai-based company, is launching its IPO today with a price band of Rs 118-124 per share and a total issue size of Rs 351 crore. The IPO includes a fresh issue and an OFS, with a major portion of the proceeds being used for redevelopment projects. The grey market premium is currently at Rs 44, suggesting potential profits for investors. Minimum lot size applies.
Russia and India have entered into a circular trade in the oil industry, with Russia buying back petrol while supplying crude. Vortexa data shows a rare reversal, with gasoline moving from India to Russia. However, Indian refiners have not seen any pricing advantages. Despite a decrease in Russian crude imports in August, Moscow remains the top supplier.
The traditional view of degrees as a means of achieving success and social mobility in India is being challenged. The focus should now be on practical learning and industry alignment, rather than simply accumulating credits. This will better prepare learners for the workforce and benefit both individuals and the country.
Volvo's new flagship SUV, the EX90, boasts a serene and powerful driving experience with advanced technology and Scandinavian design. Priced at around Rs 1 crore, it features a whisper-quiet cabin, 456 horsepower engine, all-wheel drive, and air suspension for superior performance and safety.
India's Gen Z professionals are digitally connected but lack confidence in networking, hindering their career growth. LinkedIn reports that this hesitation is causing them to miss out on opportunities, as inside connections increase chances of being hired by 8.5 times. Ruchee Anand of LinkedIn advises redefining networking in a changing economy.
The GST Council's 57th meeting has been rescheduled to October 7 due to the BRICS Summit. The Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will prioritize reducing litigation and simplifying GST registration for businesses with tax credit over Rs 2.5 lakh per month.
The CEO of Paisabazaar prioritizes long-term growth, consumer trust, and execution at scale in personal finance. Their leadership style involves a hands-on approach and empowering teams. Weekdays are busy with meetings and travel to meet partner banks, while weekends are for family time and hobbies. They value their phone and admire the success of RuPay.
OpenAI's ChatGPT has launched sponsored ads in India, joining forces with WPP and Omnicom for media. These ads will target both free and ChatGPT Go users, challenging Google and Meta for a piece of India's digital marketing budget. While ChatGPT's ad campaign costs more than other platforms, it is a specialized option for BFSI, travel, education, real estate, and durables.
The Rakhi weekend saw a rise in e-commerce sales, with young digital-first shoppers making up 40% of the rush. They preferred lifestyle products like perfumes and accessories over traditional gifts. The fastest-growing category is affordable premium or "masstige", but legacy brands face challenges in scaling.
The National Pension System (NPS) has expanded its options for retirement investing, with new schemes and a diverse investment universe. Investors can diversify across asset classes, fund managers, and strategies for a balanced portfolio. The new default contribution allocation feature makes managing contributions easier.
The government aims to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in plantations by leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) and allowing 100% FDI in sectors like tea, coffee, and rubber. Their goal is to reach $100 billion in agriculture exports by 2030, with a focus on horticulture and processed foods, and support from countries like New Zealand.
Bayer is using genome editing technology to create climate-resistant seeds for crops like corn, cotton, and rice in India. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the seed industry. By 2030, Bayer plans to release genome-edited corn and soybean varieties, with two rice varieties expected to be planted by the end of this year.
RBI's efforts to boost foreign currency inflows have resulted in $136 billion, but the rupee has only appreciated by 1.36%. The central bank is now prioritizing currency management due to a significant forward position and global uncertainties. The rupee is expected to remain stable with RBI's intervention, as their strategy has shifted towards actively managing FX flows and rebuilding reserves.
Employee associations across ISRO centres seek assurance from Chairman V Narayanan regarding future roles, recruitment, and job security as India shifts rocket and satellite production to private industry. Concerns raised about strategic autonomy, quality control, and safety.
India has introduced a new dedicated railway network for freight trains spanning 2,843 km, consisting of two corridors covering 1,337 km and 1,506 km. This aims to improve the speed and capacity of goods transportation, addressing challenges such as congestion and delays. It also promotes efficient logistics, stronger supply chains, and sustainable growth with lower carbon intensity.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) to supply 7.62x39 mm ammunition for the AK-203 assault rifles being produced for the Indian armed forces. This adds a new layer of localization to the large-scale small-arms manufacturing project and supports India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' objective.
India's efforts to improve its high-voltage transmission network received a boost as CG Power's new facility in MP rolled out its first power transformer. 50-acre site will produce 220 kV to 1,200 kV transformers, with a monthly capacity of 35 units. This'll contribute to India's domestic production of large, high-voltage units, starting with an initial capacity of 10,000 MVA.
Gujarat is aiming to become a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047 through a shift towards high-tech and sustainable industries. The state has prepared regional master plans and is actively attracting big businesses and global capital in areas like AI, semiconductors, and green energy. This transformation is set to drive economic growth and development in Gujarat.
Indore Metro expands with Phase-1 (Reach-II), adding 11 km and 11 stations to the existing network. This will improve connectivity between residential, commercial, and employment centers, and will also link to important destinations like the railway station, old markets, and airport. The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs sees this as a positive step for India's transportation system.
Five stocks have received bullish calls from multiple brokerages, making them top picks in the latest consensus stock picks. HDFC Bank, UltraTech Cement, Reliance Industries, Sterlite Technologies, and Siemens Energy India have been backed by Motilal Oswal, Jefferies, Nuvama, and CLSA with positive ratings and target prices, with expected upsides ranging from 22% to 54%.
Pakistan cricket in turmoil as players are dropped and recalled without clear reasoning, causing chaos and suspicion within the team. The recent poor performance on the tour of England has led to knee-jerk reactions and scapegoating of players, highlighting the lack of administrative integrity and clear thinking in the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Maruti Suzuki's launch of four new products in under a year, including the Baleno facelift, did not increase their market share despite high sales. The Victoris and eVitara contributed to overall sales growth but did not attract new buyers from competitors.
AI is gaining importance in smartphone technology, with 29% of buyers prioritizing it. 82% of buyers are influenced by AI features, especially contextual assistance. However, performance, battery life, and camera quality are still valued by consumers. Smartphone makers are integrating AI into all price points, and Apple and Samsung have launched models with advanced AI capabilities.
Maruti Suzuki India has launched the new Baleno at a starting price of Rs 6.09 lakh, taking aim at rivals like Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Toyota Glanza. With a festive season pricing strategy, the company hopes to offer a strong value proposition, but prices may rise after the festive period.
HRT can alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce Alzheimer's risk, but it carries potential risks, such as a slight increase in breast cancer risk. The decision to use HRT should be personalized based on factors like age, health history, and symptoms. Lifestyle changes can also promote overall health during and after menopause, as there is no direct alternative to HRT.
Cannabis-derived products, specifically THC and CBD, are gaining popularity in the wellness industry. However, safety and regulation concerns have been raised by doctors due to potential risks, interactions with other medications, and self-medication. Individual tolerance and effects vary, and cannabis should be used as a precision-based therapeutic tool.
Indian poetry has moved from traditional spaces to social media, where short-form videos are creating a new generation of audiences. Hindi and Urdu spoken-word creators have built large online followings, while platforms like Reels are driving major cultural conversations.
India is revamping its village planning strategy with the VB-G RAM G Act, introducing a scientific and geospatial approach through the Draft Framework for the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan. The framework will utilize data from multiple platforms to tackle climate change, water security, and disaster management.
In its second season, The Paper's editor-in-chief takes on a powerful local club. Haiwaan follows a blind martial artist caught in a murder case, while The Revolutionaries delves into India's freedom struggle. Last Man in Tower examines greed and displacement in Mumbai's real estate boom. Ghamasaan is a crime thriller set in the rugged ravines of Bund.
Gallery Sumukha celebrates its 30th anniversary with a solo exhibition by sculptor G Ravinder Reddy, featuring five sculptures exploring beauty, identity, and the human image. KNMA's In-Rhythm exhibition brings together Bice Lazzari and Nasreen Mohamedi's work, while Inheritors of Earth explores plants as living participants.
Coffee and citrus flavors are being combined to create refreshing summer drinks. This trend is not new, with the mazagran originating in Algeria and coffee and orange juice being popular in Brazil. Specialty cafes and popular brands like Starbucks and Nestle are incorporating citrus into their coffee offerings.
The cancellation of the Met's exhibition on John Galliano raises the issue of separating an artist's work from their personal actions. Galliano's past offensive remarks resulted in the decision, reflecting the challenge of reconciling an artist's talent with their wrongdoing.
Travel clothing is evolving to meet the demands of modern travellers, with features such as packability, weather resistance, hidden storage, and lightweight fabrics. This trend is seen in products like the Nobero and ZILO travel hoodie, H&M's shirt dress, and UNIQLO's packable jackets.
CircleChess and NeuroStellar's partnership combines technology and chess to measure cognitive performance using a smart headband. This trend of integrating technology into sports is also evident in wearable sensors, AI coaching systems, and smart vests for data analysis. However, finding a balance between the use of technology and traditional methods will be crucial.
India launched its first imaging satellite, EOS-05, from a geosynchronous orbit using GSLV-F17 rocket, showcasing their improved remote-sensing and disaster-monitoring abilities. The advanced sensors on the satellite can capture detailed data on land use, vegetation health, soil moisture, water bodies, urban growth, and atmospheric conditions.
In "The Silent Syndicate," Ameer Shahul explores the influence of global private equity firms on India's healthcare industry. He raises concerns about their control over healthcare decisions and pricing, using the case of KIMSHEALTH as an example. This book sheds light on the impact of these firms on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the country.
The author of "Batanagar: A Personal History of India's Forgotten Company Town" reflects on the decline of the Bata company and its township, where she grew up. She paints a nostalgic picture but also acknowledges the flaws and impact of India's turbulent history on the community. The book appeals to those with a connection to Bata and raises important issues.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's net worth has skyrocketed to $198.8 billion thanks to the company's acquisition of Hugging Face for $12.9 billion. He is now the 8th richest person globally, with his wealth primarily coming from his 3% stake in Nvidia. The deal is expected to enhance AI accessibility.
Western and Central Railway have announced maintenance blocks that will affect Mumbai local train services. Western Railway will have a 5-hour block on September 6, while Central Railway will have special traffic and power blocks at Titwala for platform extension work. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check for updates before travelling.
India's private space industry has experienced significant growth since 2014, with over 400 start-ups emerging by 2026. This has disrupted the long-standing monopoly of ISRO and is driven by policy reforms, investor interest, and government support.
Royal Enfield launched the new Himalayan 440, a simpler and affordable adventure motorcycle, addressing the demands of its rider community. It replaces the 411cc model with a larger engine, reduced vibrations, and updated features. The 440 also targets budget-conscious buyers and celebrates the brand's legacy.
The tech hiring landscape in India is changing, with a 95% increase in job openings in smaller cities. This is driven by the IT Services and BPM sector, with Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, and Jaipur experiencing the most growth. Companies are attracted to these cities due to lower costs and talent retention. However, this trend may not last long as the tech job market shows signs of recovery.
Goldman Sachs reports that Persian Gulf oil exports are higher than what is visible due to tankers turning off their tracking systems while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. This has created a disconnect between observable tanker movements and actual exports. The bank also highlights the high shipping risks in the region, with recent confirmed tanker strikes.
Sebi's review of the CAS has been well-received by market players, with trading-linked stocks and brokerages seeing a boost. Proposed reforms include a hybrid settlement mechanism and aligning closing times of cash and derivatives markets. BSE's CEO recognizes the need for improvement and suggestions from market participants include using VWAP for derivatives settlement.
The Income Tax Department has launched Form 1 for the FAST-DS 2026 scheme, allowing small taxpayers to declare undisclosed foreign income or assets. The form must be filed electronically by December 31, 2026 and has four parts. This scheme offers a simple way for individuals to report unreported foreign income and assets, with lower taxes and fees, and is open to former Indian residents.