Business
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Congress questions government on commodity price rise
The HinduArchived
On 22 August 2026, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said sugar stocks were at a nine-year low and prices had risen about 40 percent in recent months. He asked why India halted exports and allowed one million tonnes of duty-free import. He also asked if cane and grain sent toIndia receives $511.5 million FDI under new neighbour policy
ReutersArchived
India received 511.5 million dollars in foreign direct investment under its revised policy governing investments from neighbouring countries, according to government data cited by Reuters. The policy, introduced in 2020 requiring prior government approval for investments from bor
India's retirement income replacement rate is just 35-40%
MintArchived
India's retirement income replacement rate, the share of pre-retirement income that retirees receive, stands at around 35 to 40 percent, well below the global average of about 60 percent, according to PFRDA chairman S. Ramann. He said monthly contributions to the National PensionBitcoin surges 25% after US Treasury bond move
CoinDeskArchived
Bitcoin rose about 25 percent to surpass 78,000 dollars this week after the US Treasury doubled the size of its buyback operations for long-dated government bonds, helping pull the 30-year yield down from a 19-year high. The move triggered a short squeeze that liquidated roughly
Walmart flags Q3 sales hit from Flipkart sale shift
MoneycontrolArchived
Walmart said the shift in timing of Flipkart's Big Billion Days sale to the fourth quarter will create a headwind of over 100 basis points to third-quarter sales growth, with a similar boost expected in the fourth quarter. Walmart's international business grew 7.9 percent in the
Government blames hoarding, low output for sugar price rise
Telegraph IndiaArchived
Sugar prices in India have risen sharply, with ex-mill rates climbing from about 47 rupees to 62 rupees per kilogram in ten days. The government has blamed hoarding and lower output, not ethanol blending, and ordered states to curb black-market sales. Retail prices reached 56 rup
Congress asks Centre to review E20 petrol policy
TelegraphArchived
On 21 August 2026, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh asked for an immediate review of the Centre's E20 policy and for non-ethanol petrol to remain available at pumps. E20 is petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol. He said the party would not accept a fuel policy that ra
Kejriwal links sugar price rise to ethanol blending policy
The StatesmanArchived
On 20 August 2026, Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal said sugar that sold at Rs 46 a kilogram 17 days earlier was now Rs 65. He linked the jump to diversion of sugarcane for ethanol under the Centre's blending programme. He said India may now import sugar after trying to s
Cabinet clears Rs 9450 crore railway lines in four states
The HinduArchived
On 19 August 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved four Railway Ministry multitracking projects at about Rs 9,450 crore. The lines cover 410 km across eight districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Completion is listed for 2030-31 under
Upstox begins preparations for potential IPO
Trade BrainsArchived
Upstox has reportedly begun talks with investment banks about a potential initial public offering that could raise around 400 million dollars, according to a Bloomberg report. The Mumbai-based discount brokerage, founded in 2009, is expected to appoint advisers soon and would bec
NIFTY50, Sensex fall for third straight session
UpstoxArchived
NIFTY50 and Sensex fell for a third straight session on Wednesday, each down about half a percent, as 110 stocks including HDFC Bank, ITC, IRFC and Hindustan Unilever hit fresh 52-week lows on the NSE. NIFTY50 traded near 24,039 and Sensex near 76,857 by early afternoon, with Coa
Pilots ask DGCA to test 25 percent of crew yearly
Telegraph IndiaArchived
The Federation of Indian Pilots on 18 August 2026 asked the DGCA to raise annual random drug testing of pilots from 10 percent to at least 25 percent, with repeat selection allowed. It also sought oral-fluid, or saliva, screening beside urine tests. President C S Randhawa said la
Tata Sons adjourns AGM after trusts miss quorum
The HinduArchived
Tata Sons adjourned its annual general meeting in Mumbai on 18 August 2026 after it failed to secure a quorum, the first such halt in the holding company's history. Chairman N Chandrasekaran attended in person at Bombay House. The two principal Tata Trusts could not jointly nomin
IT Ministry clears Rs 7,877 crore component projects
The HinduArchived
The electronics ministry on 17 August approved projects worth Rs 7,877 crore under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme. S. Krishnan said 31 proposals should yield Rs 82,243 crore of production and close to 10,000 jobs. Ashwini Vaishnaw handed over the approvals. The tr
Jio brings back Prime with a one-year price lock
Telegraph IndiaArchived
Reliance Jio is relaunching Prime membership with a one-year price guarantee after Bharti Airtel discontinued cheaper 1.5 GB daily data packs. Sources said existing prepaid and postpaid users can join for Rs 300. Customers on other networks may enrol by porting or taking a new co
CEA asks for E10 to return beside E20
Times of IndiaArchived
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran wrote that restoring E10 alongside E20 would calm most public concern. Since 1 April, E20 has been the only petrol variant at pumps nationwide. He co-wrote the column with consultant Akash Poojari and marked the views as personal. Last
Foreign asset scheme runs till 31 December 2026
The HinduArchived
CBDT opened the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme from 16 August to 31 December 2026. Undisclosed foreign assets up to Rs 1 crore attract 30 percent tax plus an equal levy, a 60 percent outgo. Already-taxed foreign assets omitted from a return, up to Rs 5 crore,Small taxpayers get window to declare foreign assets
The HinduArchived
The Income Tax Department opened FAST-DS from 16 August to 31 December 2026. Undisclosed foreign assets and income up to Rs 1 crore attract 30 percent tax plus an equal levy, a 60 percent outgo. Already-taxed foreign assets omitted from a return, up to Rs 5 crore, need a flat Rs
Kisan Vikas Patra doubles money in 115 months
MintArchived
Kisan Vikas Patra offers a government-backed 7.5 percent annual interest rate for the July-September 2026 quarter, with invested money doubling in 115 months, or nine years and seven months, under current terms. The explainer covers the scheme's maturity period, investment limits
EPFO explains membership rules for EPF subscribers
MintArchived
A Mint explainer answers frequently asked questions on becoming an Employees' Provident Fund subscriber, covering membership conditions, employer obligations and pension scheme rules under the EPF Act. It notes coverage is mandatory for establishments with 20 or more employees, a
Diaspora deposits cross $50 billion, RBI ends window
ThePrintArchived
Indian banks raised more than $52 billion through FCNR(B) deposits from overseas citizens since June, prompting the RBI to close its special swap facility on August 31, a month ahead of schedule. Including other foreign borrowings, total inflows reached $56.85 billion. The RBI ha
Tata Trusts dispute clouds Tata Sons' AGM
The Hindu BusinessLineArchived
Tata Sons' 108th annual general meeting, scheduled for August 18, faces uncertainty after Maharashtra's Charity Commissioner restricted the Sir Ratan Tata Trust from holding meetings over an alleged lifetime-trustee violation. Since the trust's presence is required for quorum, th
Government cuts petrol export duty to nil
The HinduArchived
India's government cut the export duty on petrol to nil and reduced levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to Rs 24 and Rs 19.5 per litre respectively in its latest fortnightly review. There is no change to domestic excise duty. Reviews have run every two weeks since March 27
Reliance and Rolls-Royce to co-develop AMCA fighter jet engine
India TodayArchived
Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announced strategic intent on August 14 to jointly develop an indigenous combat engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program. The companies plan to explore setting up a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India covering eng
RBI ends special forex swap facility early after strong inflows
The Economic TimesArchived
The Reserve Bank of India will close its special forex swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits early after it attracted $52.3 billion in inflows. The scheme will now accept only deposits mobilised until August 31, with swaps available until September 11. Introduced in June, it along w
Chakan industries explore Khandala relocation over infrastructure issues
India TodayArchived
Around 20 industrial units in Maharashtra's Chakan are exploring relocation to Khandala after months of discussions over poor roads, congestion and recurring accidents. The move raises concerns over roughly 4,000 jobs and Rs 1,000 crore in business activity. State officials say f
Trichy and Thanjavur draw share of TN investment MoUs
Times of IndiaArchived
Tamil Nadu's first Vettri investment conclave on August 13 placed food, paper and wind-tower work in Trichy and Thanjavur. Podaran Foods committed Rs 185 crore and TABP Snacks Rs 220 crore, together listed as 1525 direct jobs in Trichy. TNPL commissioned a Rs 350 crore tissue pla
Minister says mining law leaves minor minerals to states
The HinduArchived
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2026, passed by Parliament on August 13, does not take away states' rights over minor minerals. He said the law covers specified major minerals in eleven states. Reddy told reporters the aim w
Parliament curbs state taxes on mineral rights
LiveLawArchived
Parliament has passed the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha cleared it on August 13 following the Lok Sabha a day earlier. New Section 9D bars states from taxing mineral rights or mineral-bearing land by quantity, value or royalty except on conditions
Tamil Nadu lines up 1.58 billion dollar overseas pacts
ReutersArchived
Tamil Nadu is set to sign about Rs 15050 crore, or 1.58 billion dollars, in new projects by overseas firms, a government source told Reuters on August 13. The figure covers more than a dozen foreign projects inside a wider pack of 97 agreements worth Rs 67452 crore. Officials sai
Bombay HC seeks ED reply on Mallya asset plea
NDTVArchived
The Bombay High Court on August 12 asked the Enforcement Directorate to file an affidavit on whether the settlement over Vijay Mallya's attached assets is complete. Justice Milind Jadhav said the long commercial dispute with an SBI-led bank consortium needs to end. Mallya's 2020Tamil Nadu signs 97 investment MoUs in Chennai
The HinduArchived
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government signed 97 memoranda of understanding worth over Rs 67452 crore at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave in Chennai on August 13. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Industries Minister S Keerthana attended the exchanges. Officials said th
What the Jio Credit JV signals for lenders
CNBCArchived
The structure lets Bank of America begin below a controlling threshold yet reach nearly half of Jio Credit if warrants convert after regulators clear the path. Pairing a global bank balance sheet with Jio Financial Services rapid asset growth frames a bet on Indian consumer credi
Godrej Consumer names Malbari MD and CEO
ReutersArchived
Godrej Consumer Products appointed Aasif Malbari as managing director and CEO after Sudhir Sitapati resigned effective August 11, 2026. Malbari, previously global CFO and president of Godrej Africa, takes charge from August 12 subject to shareholder approval. Vishal Kedia becomes
Bill opens door to MDR on larger UPI payments
The HinduArchived
Parliament cleared changes letting the government notify charges on specified electronic payments, ending a blanket zero merchant discount rate shield for UPI. Reports cite a possible 0.25 to 0.5 percent merchant fee on transactions above Rs 2,000. Officials say consumers stay fr
Sensex drops 388 points as Brent nears $90
The HinduArchived
On August 11, the BSE Sensex fell 388.19 points, or 0.49 percent, to 78,154.25, while the NSE Nifty declined 112.10 points to 24,471.70. Brent crude rose 2.18 percent to 89.63 dollars a barrel. UltraTech Cement, Axis Bank, InterGlobe Aviation, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance and Pow
FDA suspends Blinkit Malad dark store licence
Times of IndiaArchived
Maharashtra FDA suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce's Malad West dark store after an August 7 inspection found unhygienic storage, cockroach infestation and expired or damaged stock beside fresh items. Officers cited missing handler fitness records and absent protective
Mittal calls 1991 Budget speech Freedom Day
RediffArchived
Bharti Enterprises founder Sunil Mittal said Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget speech felt like Freedom Day for entrepreneurs locked by licence controls. He recalled watching the Directorate General of Technical Development abolished and imports suddenly opened. Mittal said 1991 deliv
Parliament clears path for possible UPI MDR
The HinduArchived
Parliament cleared the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill, 2026, amending payment settlement law so government can notify which electronic transactions may attract charges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said consumers will not pay a UPI fee under the Bill itself. No MDR
Rewa MP defends ethanol blending at flight event
Times of IndiaArchived
BJP MP Janardan Mishra from Rewa defended ethanol blending at the inauguration of Rewa-Bhopal and Rewa-Kolkata flights, asking whether pure petrol would come from critics' fathers' houses. He cited about eighty percent crude oil import dependence and India's twenty percent ethano
Rural jobs person-days fall nearly half in July
India TodayArchived
Under the VB-G RAM G rural jobs scheme, July person-days fell to 7.67 crore from 15.33 crore a year earlier, a decline of 49.94 percent. The programme replaced MGNREGS from July 1 and guarantees 125 days of work with an outlay of Rs 1.52 lakh crore. First-month figures show jobs
SBI Q1 profit rises 10 percent to Rs 21,121 crore
ReutersArchived
State Bank of India reported a standalone net profit of Rs 21,121 crore for the April-June quarter, up about 10 percent from Rs 19,160 crore a year earlier and above analysts' estimates. Net interest income rose about 15 percent to Rs 46,992 crore. Gross advances grew strongly an
Sensex, Nifty fall as banks drag and crude rises
The HinduArchived
Indian equity benchmarks declined on August 7 as selling in banking and financial stocks outweighed gains in parts of IT and autos. Midday trade reports showed the Sensex down hundreds of points and the Nifty below 24,600. Elevated Brent crude above $83 a barrel and caution ahead
Lok Sabha clears MSME delayed payments bill without debate
The HinduArchived
The Lok Sabha on August 7 passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Amendment Bill, 2026, without debate amid Opposition protests. Rajya Sabha had cleared it on August 3, so Parliament has now approved the legislation. It focuses on delayed payments through faste
Lok Sabha passes taxation amendment bill amid din
The HinduArchived
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, which passed it amid din without discussion. The bill replaces a June 5 Income-tax Amendment Ordinance and amends income-tax, finance and payment-settlement laws. It incl
National Handloom Day marks weavers' global push
The HinduArchived
India marked National Handloom Day on August 7, commemorating the launch of the 1905 Swadeshi Movement on the same date. Officials said the sector supports more than 35 lakh weavers and allied workers, over 72 percent of them women. Textile Minister Giriraj Singh described handlo
Handloom urged as India's next growth story
The HinduArchived
An op-ed ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7 argues India should treat handloom as a strategic sector. The country has more than 35 lakh weavers, women form about 70 percent of the workforce, and handloom supplies roughly 15 percent of cloth. The piece urges GI branding. I
RBI governor says consumers already bear UPI costs
Times of IndiaArchived
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said consumers already bear UPI costs through the broader economy even when merchants face no explicit fee. He called enabling merchant charges very premature and said the focus remains strengthening payments infrastructure. The goal cited is about 80
Sensex, Nifty open higher on Reliance and softer crude
The HinduArchived
Indian equity benchmarks opened higher on August 6, with the Sensex up 201.43 points at 78,782.43 and the Nifty up 16.35 points at 24,641. Gains were led by Reliance Industries and other heavyweights as Brent crude eased to about 79.35 dollars a barrel. Asian cues were mixed to w
Air India names Tewolde Gebremariam as new CEO
Economic TimesArchived
Air India on August 5 appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson. Gebremariam led Ethiopian for over a decade, growing revenue more than fourfold and nearly tripling the airline fleet size. Exact onbo
