"There will be no tolls in the Hormuz Strait for 60 days during the Cease Fire Period," US President Donald Trump said on Saturday. However, he also floated the possibility of the United States imposing charges on vessels using the strategic waterway if a broader deal with Iran fails to materialise.
India's most consumed soil nutrient, urea, has seen a 60% decline in landed cost due to eased global supplies and diversified imports. The Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers has finalized bids for imports of 1.7 million tonnes at a price range of $390/tonne - $393/tonne. The government is reassessing the initial fertiliser subsidy budget due to a price spike caused by the West Asia war.
India's electric vehicle exports to Europe increased by 17 times in the first quarter of the current financial year, contributing to a 15% rise in overall motor vehicle exports and establishing India as a key player in sustainable mobility. Spain, the UK, and Germany were the top destinations, with growing opportunities in Latin America.
The EU has approved 21 Indian fishery establishments, increasing the total to 123 and boosting exports of aquaculture shrimp and cephalopods. With 625 EU-approved units and the EFTA trade agreement, market access to Norway and Switzerland will improve. India's marine product exports are expected to double in the next few years, with a record $8 billion in exports last year despite high US tariffs.
Ashiana Housing, a leading player in India's senior living market, aims to generate 50% of its revenue from this segment by 2030. With the elderly population projected to reach 230 million by 2036 and a limited supply of 25,000 units, there is a huge potential for growth. This market is considered less cyclical and offers steady sales and higher margins, making it a desirable asset class.
India's aerospace components market is predicted to grow from $1.5 billion to $4 billion by FY 29 at a 28% CAGR, driven by rising demand for aircraft and engines. This is causing capacity constraints in traditional manufacturing hubs, leading to Indian companies like Raymond and PTC Industries expanding their capabilities to join global supply chains.
Navi Mumbai International Airport welcomes its first dedicated international freighter aircraft, an Airbus A330F from Hong Kong Air Cargo. The three-times-a-week service is projected to increase cargo movements by six weekly flights, carrying 60 tonnes per flight. The airport aims to have 13 international freighter services, already operating with IndiGo Cargo and Air India Express.
Indian pharmaceutical companies are moving away from the US market and focusing on premium specialty and complex drugs due to Washington's tariffs on imported drugs. Q1 results show growth in domestic and emerging markets, but the US market is struggling. Companies are diversifying and investing in complex generics, biosimilars, and specialty medicines to decrease reliance on the US market.
India's BoP is projected to have a significant surplus in 2026-27 due to increased inflows from the RBI's swap facilities. The current fiscal year estimates range from $40 billion to $100 billion. Despite previous deficits, the capital account surplus is expected to grow thanks to the RBI's efforts to attract foreign investment.
Mahindra & Mahindra is looking to expand globally with their new pickup, Scorpio Lifestyler. They are studying potential buyers and use cases, and seeking market feedback before increasing production. Target markets include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, with potential for the UK and other RHD markets.
Last week, the combined market capitalisation of five of India's top 10 companies dropped by over Rs 1 lakh crore due to various factors such as high crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and mixed global cues. TCS, Reliance, and SBI were the biggest losers, while LIC and Bharti Airtel saw gains. Despite losing over Rs 31,000 crore, Reliance remains the most valued Indian company.
India's space sector is booming with 440 startups registered on the DPIIT Start-up India Portal. The country has set its sights on a larger share of the global space economy, which is projected to reach $100 billion. With sector reforms, IN-SPACe as a single-window regulator, and 18 authorized startups, India's space ecosystem is becoming more diverse.
Aheesa Digital Innovations, an Indian semiconductor startup, has achieved first-pass silicon success with their broadband networking chip, VIHAAN. This marks a significant milestone towards mass production and self-reliance in semiconductors for India.
BEML has been awarded a contract worth Rs 184.25 crore by HAL to produce fuselage aerostructures for the LCH Prachand programme, aligning with PM Modi's goal of establishing India as a major defence technology provider. The contract will span 5 years and enhance BEML's position in the country's defence manufacturing sector.
Adani Group to boost clean energy in Odisha with 2 nuclear plants, renewable projects and pumped-storage plants. Met with state leaders to expedite plans and focus on sustainable energy development and long-term energy security. India to benefit from the expansion.
Brokerages are positive on several stocks post their Q1FY27 results, with potential upside ranging from 9% to 42%. Strong earnings, improving margins, order-book visibility, new capacity, defence spending, and better demand trends are among the reasons for the positive views. Stocks with multiple positive ratings include Hindustan Aeronautics, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and more.
As the festive season approaches, sweets brands face challenges due to food safety regulations and rising costs. Khoya Mithai, Ghantewala, and Heritage Foods are taking measures to ensure quality and hygiene, while expecting a 15-20% increase in sales. Haldiram's and Heritage Foods are also ramping up production to meet higher demand.
TVS has shown impressive growth in the Indian two-wheeler market, with a 27.15% increase in sales in the first half of 2021. This puts them in a strong position to compete with leaders Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India. While catching up to the top two players may be difficult, TVS's performance across all segments has solidified its position as a major competitor.
The government has introduced a one-time voluntary disclosure scheme for taxpayers to declare their undisclosed foreign assets and income. Taxpayers have until December 31 to declare their foreign bank accounts, property, and other assets by paying a specified tax or fee. Tax experts advise eligible taxpayers to act quickly.
Golf is not just about winning majors or prestigious tournaments, it's also about the small moments of competition and camaraderie. The Nearest-to-the-Pin prize, no matter how small, brings out the fierce competitor in every golfer, from CEOs to professionals. Even on the tour, practice rounds become more intense when there's money on the line.
New research suggests that consuming less protein may increase lifespan, despite the current trend of high protein diets. Bhakti Samant, a chief dietician, advises a well-rounded meal containing vegetables, whole grains, protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Protein requirements differ based on age, health, and lifestyle.
Lamborghini has unveiled the Revuelto Super Veloce (SV), a limited edition, track-focused version of its flagship supercar. It boasts a powerful 1,065hp engine and improved acceleration and braking performance. The SV also features a motorsport-derived drive mode, manually adjustable dampers, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
India's growing senior population is driving a focus on preventive health and lifestyle management, with half of the population prioritizing longevity. The use of digital tools and AI-supported health solutions is on the rise, and the global longevity and wellness industry is projected to reach $106.0 billion by 2033.
The sleep industry is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of new products and technologies like smart sleep trackers, aromatherapy, and breathable bedding. Companies like Eight Sleep and Wakefit are utilizing AI to personalize sleep experiences, while brands like Ohria Ayurveda and Hilton are incorporating sleep rituals.
Magome and Tsumago, two well-preserved post towns in Japan, offer a glimpse into the Edo-period history through traditional inns, homes, and cuisine. The 8-km trail connecting them allows visitors to experience the old meeting the new, with a train and bus ride through the Kiso Valley. These towns were once vital rest stops for travellers on the Nakasendo highway.
Tahini, a creamy paste from sesame seeds, is a staple in middle eastern cuisine. Chefs are now using it in unexpected ways in Indian dishes, adding a nutty and rich flavor. With its health benefits, practicality, and deep roots in both cuisines, tahini has become a popular and versatile ingredient.
Outdoor advertising is transforming with technology and immersive experiences. Brands are adopting 3D and digital billboards to make a lasting impact in busy cities. This signifies a shift in marketing approach from just gaining visibility to providing interactive experiences.
23-year-old engineering student Mansi Kalyan changed her late-night snacking habits to include fiber-rich options like beans, lentils, and chia-based items. This not only improved her digestion and energy levels, but also reflects a larger trend among young consumers prioritizing fiber in their diets.
Natural disasters are named for communication and preparedness, based on cultural significance or local languages. The recent typhoons, Dim-Sum and Dolphin, are named after Cantonese cuisine and Chinese white dolphins. Atlantic hurricanes follow an A-Z sequence, with some names retired due to destruction. Earthquakes and volcanoes are named after locations, while tsunamis are not named.
Despite the pandemic, the Indian economy is thriving, but there are worries about low consumption. In his book Breakpoint, Saurabh Mukherjea delves into the struggles of the middle class, who are crucial to the economy. Unemployment, stagnant incomes, and the effects of AI on employment are addressed, along with the risks of overspending and speculation.
AI-powered voice recorders are changing the game for audio capture and organization. They can transcribe, identify speakers, and summarize meetings. Available in different sizes and with unique features like vibration sensors and noise-cancellation, they come at a cost with limited free transcription minutes and specialized charging accessories.
The prestige and international attention of Unesco World Heritage Sites come with challenges for communities like Vlkolínec in Slovakia and the Maasai in Tanzania, including over-tourism and land use restrictions. This has sparked debates about the impact on the rights and livelihoods of locals.
The Power of Pull by Rob Snyder focuses on customer demand for business success. Daron Acemoglu's What Happened to Liberal Democracy? delves into the rise and fall of liberalism and proposes a new theory for its future. In Design Love In, Marcus Buckingham advocates for the power of love in driving performance and growth.
A young filmmaker's controversial movie about three generations of men in modern Hungary is now followed by a sprawling family novel that explores themes of perversion, betrayal, and class privilege. The novel follows the Lázár family through the country's turbulent century, from the fading years of the Habsburg monarchy to the aftermath of the Hungarian uprising in 1956.
SPNI to launch new Tamil channel, Sony VIZHA, in October featuring original fiction, global reality shows, movies, and popular franchises like Kaun Banega Crorepati and Indian Idol. Aiming to connect with Tamil households through culturally relevant and emotional content, marking its entry into the competitive south Indian market dominated by Sun TV, Star Vijay, and ZEE.
The Central government has lowered taxes on exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The windfall tax on diesel exports has been reduced to Rs 24 per litre, while duty on ATF has come down by Rs 2.5 per litre. Duty on petrol exports has been reduced to nil. The government reviews rates every fortnight based on international prices.
On Independence Day, we often talk about different forms of freedom, but crossing over from India to Bhutan reveals a unique kind of freedom - freedom from driving stress and honking, and the respect for fellow road users. This was experienced during a trip from Jaigaon to Phuentsholing, Bhutan in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class named 'Gottlieb' as part of the company's 140-year global tour.
HAL, Adani Defence Systems, and BEML have joined forces to manufacture fuselage structures for the Prachand LCH, the first time private industry is involved in helicopter production. This partnership will boost capacity, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and enhance indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The Indian EHTP ecosystem experienced notable growth in the past two years, with 79 units and exports worth Rs 11,150 crore. The EHTP Scheme, promoting electronic hardware exports, provides fiscal incentives and benefits. Karnataka leads with 34 units and Rs 8,300 crore exports, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
The MoD has signed contracts worth Rs 1,577 crore with TASL and NIBE to supply loitering munition systems, munitions, and accessories for the Indian Army. This is the largest-ever purchase order for drones in Indian military history and will be executed under the 'Buy (Indian)' category. The agreements were signed in New Delhi on August 14 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
PM Modi calls for India to become a global supplier of advanced military systems, highlighting defence as the fifth 'Shakti' in his 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' vision. He stresses the need for self-reliance and leadership in hypersonic defence technologies, while also emphasizing the country's other strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, Gati Shakti etc.
Trump wants to claim the Strait of Hormuz as US territory, but Iran disagrees. The ongoing conflict has caused gas prices to rise and has led to widespread disapproval of Trump's actions. Both sides are sticking to their own versions of events, suggesting that the conflict is far from over.
PM Modi aims to achieve 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, with 5 new reactors planned in the next decade. The SHANTI Act will facilitate this growth by streamlining clearances and attracting private and public investment, while maintaining strategic control. Nuclear energy is crucial for India's energy security and will support key sectors like technology, data centers, and heavy industry.
PM Modi said the first “shakti” of the Sapta Dhara is the manufacturing sector, where India must focus on “cost, quality and scale,” warning that “there should be no compromise with quality. This will be our brand value.” The second stream is agriculture and food processing, which he tied to new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that now give Indian MSMEs access to larger global markets.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia, followed by aftershocks. A tsunami warning was initially issued but later lifted, as the quake caused heavy damage and casualties. Shocking visuals of collapsed buildings and evacuations have emerged on social media. Hospitals were also affected, with patients being evacuated and treated outside.
India's BoP had a $8.1 billion deficit in April-June, with current and capital account positions worsening. However, strong capital accounts and a special window for non-resident Indians have eased concerns. The current account deficit was impacted by high energy prices, but services trade surplus and remittances balanced it.
The government aims to use RBI's CBDC to distribute food subsidies and reduce leakages in the free ration scheme. This will be done through pilots, allowing beneficiaries to redeem them at empanelled FPSs, addressing challenges in biometric authentication and ensuring secure transactions. A parliamentary panel has suggested using CBDC features to improve subsidy delivery efficiency.
Story TV is launching The Bose Network, an AI-integrated historical thriller based on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's life, on August 15. The series covers four countries and four years of wartime history, using AI in post-production to create period settings. The company plans to produce 1,000+ AI-powered shows, and the series will be accessible in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on the Story TV app.
A potentially record-breaking El Nino is forming in the Pacific, with a 69% chance of being the strongest since 1950. The US-based NOAA predicts it will continue to strengthen, potentially affecting India's southwest monsoon. However, it could bring positive effects to the northeast monsoon season. The impact on India's monsoon is uncertain due to various factors.
The US's efforts to limit Chinese imports with tariffs have been unsuccessful, resulting in a change in trade and suspicions of Chinese products being shipped to 40 countries, including India. The White House released a report proposing ways to improve enforcement and implement AI to detect risky shipments.
Eight Australian universities are expanding their presence in India by setting up branch campuses and centres, with four opening this year. The focus is on STEM and business courses, with a 50% cost reduction for students. Australia is becoming a top choice for Indian students, with a 22-member delegation showcasing their offerings and engaging with stakeholders.