Despite large inflows of foreign funds mobilised through the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) concessional swap schemes, the rupee has seen little impact because the dollars have largely been absorbed into the central bank's reserves instead of being released into the spot market, according to market participants.
The finance ministry has announced that all banks, including Regional Rural Banks, will remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026, to ensure public convenience amidst a proposed three-day strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) starting September 28, 2026. The strike, if it materialises, seeks a 5-day banking week and pension reforms.
Gold futures experienced their seventh consecutive daily decline, falling to Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams, driven by escalating military exchanges between the US and Iran which have pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the exorbitant markup on cancer drugs by hospitals, calling it "carnage" and "broad daylight dacoity." The court highlighted a case where a cancer drug was marked up ten times its retail price and urged the Centre to implement a uniform 16% margin on all medicines. It also raised concerns about hospitals forcing patients to buy medicines from their in-house chemists.
Gold prices in India extended their losing streak, falling by Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,60,900 per 10 grams, influenced by hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh and rising oil prices, which have increased expectations of an interest rate hike.
Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant tumble in early trade, with the Sensex tanking nearly 700 points, driven by uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations, a fresh spike in crude oil prices, and persistent foreign fund outflows.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly refuted Opposition allegations that the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specific UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was influenced by external pressure. She clarified that the decision was a professional one made by the payment ecosystem, not a government imposition or a tax on consumers, with collected funds distributed among banks and UPI entities to ensure a sustainable digital payments framework.
Delhi Police arrested three individuals in Shaheen Bagh for allegedly hoarding and black marketing domestic LPG cylinders. The accused were caught after a raid and found to be illegally transferring subsidised gas for profit.
India's services activity expanded in August, but the pace of growth cooled to the second-slowest since March 2022, despite stronger output and new business, according to the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has dismissed Ketan Parekh's appeal challenging Sebi's denial of his request to cross-examine two traders from Capital Group, related to an alleged front-running scheme.
Do not exit in panic or buy falling stocks without reassessing fundamentals; instead, build a watchlist and invest gradually with a disciplined, long-term approach.
"When you have more liquidity than good investment opportunities, there is no reason for MFs to sell a winning trade."
The National Stock Exchange of India's initial public offering (IPO) was subscribed 5.69 times, with qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) showing the strongest demand, as the Rs 22,561-crore issue moves towards allotment and a planned listing on the BSE.
The merged InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy entity aims to significantly expand its distribution network across India, offering insurance, mutual funds, and loans, with a strong focus on 'Bharat' (rural India), according to CEO Ankit Agarwal.
The new range brings Ola's 46-series LFP cells to its most affordable scooter lineup aimed at India's mass-market electric vehicle (EV) buyers.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to extend tokenisation to various financial asset classes, building on its successful trials with certificates of deposit (CDs). This move aims to enhance the efficiency of issuance, trading, and settlement of financial assets, leveraging blockchain technology and wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for atomic settlements.
'Your retirement corpus isn't just a big pile of cash for 'one day' -- it is the salary you pay yourself when you no longer want to go to work.'
Tata Motors has launched the Sierra Legend Series, a new line of its iconic Sierra mid-SUV, designed to democratize premium features across all variants. This strategy, dubbed "Luxury, From The Base," aims to challenge traditional industry norms by offering high-end comfort, refinement, and technology even in entry-level models, ensuring the Sierra remains a benchmark in the competitive Indian automotive market.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade after three days of decline, driven by a rally in Sun Pharma following its USD 11.75 billion acquisition of US-based Organon & Co, alongside a positive trend in global equity markets.
A new CLSA report indicates that Eternal's Blinkit is significantly widening its lead in India's quick-commerce sector, particularly beyond major metropolitan areas, by expanding its dark store network and securing a first-mover advantage in over 180 cities.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select high-value UPI transactions is not a tax or cess, and its collections will not go to the government. She explained that MDR is a charge within the digital payments ecosystem, shared among participants to maintain infrastructure, and will not be passed on to consumers. The NPCI's new framework, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, with most transactions remaining free and small merchants exempt.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed his belief that the growth of cricket in the United States has been slower than anticipated, but he remains optimistic about its potential, especially with the US national team's increasing competitiveness and the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of several establishments across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, including an IRCTC-linked supplier and three ISKCON outlets in Juhu, due to severe hygiene and safety violations. This action is part of a state-wide crackdown initiated by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, targeting issues like pest infestation, improper food handling, inadequate sanitation, and misleading product claims.
More than a dozen companies, including quick commerce firm Zepto, logistics platform Shiprocket, and housing finance company Truhome Finance, are preparing to launch their initial public offerings (IPOs) next month, collectively aiming to raise over Rs 25,000 crore.
A high-level committee, including representatives from banks and payment associations, is set to decide on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants. While person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 remain free, the move follows a recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, sparking debate and clarification from the Finance Minister that only certain high-value merchant transactions might incur charges.
'The changes in its leadership team will help address the scepticism that has engulfed the bank over the recent period.'
Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the North East Seva Innovation Challenge (NESFIC), envisioning the region as India's 'living laboratory' for technology and problem-solving. The initiative aims to empower young innovators to address real-world challenges faced by government, industries, and citizens, with a focus on practical implementation and government procurement.
Government sources clarify that the 0.4% merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, will not be passed on to consumers. The charge, paid by merchants, aims to create a sustainable revenue framework for the digital payments ecosystem, with funds shared among banks and UPI entities. Small merchants using QR codes for up to Rs 1 lakh monthly are exempt.
Survivors of the recent flash floods along Nepal's Bhotekoshi river have shared harrowing accounts of desperate escapes, witnessing homes collapse, and friends being swept away by torrents of water, mud, and debris. Many described a frantic race to higher ground as the 'monster thing' of water and mud approached.
'The number of airport bundles that may be awarded to a single bidder would be capped.'
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced declines due to a sharp rally in crude oil prices, continuous foreign fund outflows, and geopolitical uncertainties. Regulatory developments in the banking sector, particularly the implementation of the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework, also contributed to the selling pressure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.
Indian stock markets rallied in early trade after US President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned military strikes on Iran, citing requests from Gulf leaders and ongoing "very big discussions" that could lead to a deal. This de-escalation, coupled with foreign fund inflows and gains in IT and Adani group stocks, contributed to the positive market sentiment. Track Sensex and Nifty on May 19, 2026.
West Bengal's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that fines for spitting, littering, open defecation, and using single-use plastic bags will be enforced from Tuesday, with penalties ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200, aiming to change public behaviour rather than generate revenue.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed flat on Friday, with elevated crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties and a rebound in US Treasury yields making investors cautious and preventing a decisive market rally.
Experts laud the decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, along with a dedicated fund for small merchants, is seen as crucial for creating a sustainable digital payments ecosystem, incentivising expansion in rural areas, and funding innovation while keeping most transactions free for users.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced significant declines, with the Sensex falling 493 points and the Nifty dropping for the sixth consecutive day, primarily due to elevated crude oil prices reaching USD 91 per barrel and diminishing hopes for a diplomatic resolution in West Asia.
Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to investor caution over rising bond yields, a weaker rupee, and fresh fuel price hikes, which have revived inflation concerns.
'Xi is conveying that China is a pre-eminent power, and India should modulate its actions or approaches accordingly.'
