Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty saw gains in early trade, driven by a decline in crude oil prices due to easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and strong buying interest in the IT sector.
India's Next-Gen GST reforms are proving instrumental in driving robust economic growth, simplifying tax compliance, and fostering a more inclusive business environment across the nation, aligning with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', writes Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Anup Saha, currently a Wholetime Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2027, with the Reserve Bank of India's approval.
Punjab & Sind Bank MD and CEO Swarup Kumar Saha clarified that merchants cannot pass on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges to customers for UPI payments, ensuring consumers only pay the displayed price. The new MDR structure, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% charge on P2M transactions above Rs 2,000, with specific flat rates for certain sectors, but small-value transactions remain free.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin at a banquet featuring exquisite delicacies from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The curated menu highlighted unique regional ingredients and culinary traditions, serving as a cultural exchange alongside significant bilateral discussions on trade, migration, nuclear energy, and defence.
AI infrastructure firm AM Intelligence announced plans to invest over USD 20 billion in the next 15 months to significantly expand its data centre capacity, including firm orders for 20,000 NVIDIA Rubin GPUs. This expansion will bring its total capacity to 100 Megawatt initially, with a broader goal of 1 GW of compute-as-a-service capacity globally, establishing it as a major buyer of advanced AI hardware.
'It could be in IT, it could be in administration, it could be in legal, it could be in technical services, but entry level jobs are rapidly disappearing because AI is taking them over.' 'So, the big question what would happen if the bottom rung of the ladder is removed?'
Two Indian nationals have been charged in a US federal court for their alleged involvement in a transnational scheme to distribute counterfeit Ozempic, a popular diabetes drug. The scheme involved obtaining fake drugs from China, deceptive packaging, and continued even after FDA warnings, with the accused facing significant jail time if convicted.
The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has begun deliberations on significant reforms, including decriminalising nine offences, softening provisions for 24, and raising the threshold for criminal prosecution to Rs 5 crore. The proposed changes also include scrapping the arrest powers of GST officers and introducing an 'invoice matching system' to combat fake input tax credit claims, aiming for a trust-based taxation approach and enhanced ease of doing business.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the drug sale and distribution licences of Cipla Pharma & Life Sciences Ltd's carrying and forwarding (C&F) warehouse in Pune. This action follows alleged violations related to packaging, storage, documentation, and recall of Reactin Plus Tablets, a Schedule H drug. The FDA cited issues like misbranding, inadequate storage conditions, and deficiencies in record-keeping, reiterating its commitment to ensuring medicine safety and compliance.
Analysts predict that the Reserve Bank of India's interest rate decision, the evolving situation in West Asia involving the US-Iran conflict, and crude oil prices will be the primary factors influencing investor sentiment in the Indian stock market this week.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged significant investment in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and quantum technology, identifying them as India's next major growth frontiers. Speaking at an IIT Madras Alumni Association event, she emphasized the need to build hardware, skills, and institutional ecosystems to harness these technologies, countering perceptions that India is lagging in AI. Sitharaman also highlighted the potential for increased investment in defence production, particularly in unmanned systems and drones, stressing collaboration between academia and industry.
The Social Reckoning may lack the crackling energy of The Social Network, but Aaron Sorkin delivers a timely warning about what happens when a world-changing platform escapes the control of its creator.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra reiterated India's cautious stance on cryptocurrencies due to concerns over monetary sovereignty and capital flows, while actively promoting underlying technologies like distributed ledger technology and tokenisation. He also addressed the global rise in public debt and hardening bond yields, attributing it to increased government and private spending, including that driven by AI, and noted the implications of global interest rates on India's monetary policy.
Coal inventories at nearly half of India's thermal power plants have fallen to less than 25 per cent of required stocks, with 80 out of 190 plants at critical levels as of September 24, prompting the Centre to invoke emergency provisions and consider mandating imported coal usage.
Dr Smriti Nathani explains whether de-tanning soaps and scrubs work, which ingredients may help pigmentation, and why over-exfoliation can worsen skin darkening.
Banking services across India, particularly at public sector banks, are set to be disrupted for three days starting Monday due to a nationwide strike by bank unions. The strike, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is primarily to press for a five-day working week and other demands, despite the finance ministry's appeal for dialogue.
'While the population remains relatively young, its age structure is beginning to shift, setting the stage for a much older population later this century.'
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that negotiations for the India-US trade agreement have reached a 'plateau', indicating limited scope for further concessions from either side, while also highlighting the US's aim to reduce its trade deficit with India.
Global payments solution major Mastercard has fully exited Indian fintech firm Pine Labs, selling its entire 4.31 per cent stake for Rs 933 crore through block deals on the BSE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for a global framework to combat cross-border cyber frauds and deepfakes, highlighting the need for governments, tech companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Modi stressed that technology thrives on trust and that India is ready to share its expertise in tackling cyber threats. He also noted the rapid expansion of 5G and the success of digital governance initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer.
India's top 11 listed real estate developers are projected to achieve combined presales of 1.82 trillion by FY27, a significant increase from 1.49 trillion in FY26, demonstrating sustained sales momentum despite market challenges.
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has commenced its three-day meeting, with a majority of economists and bankers anticipating a 25 basis point rate hike to counter escalating inflation risks, particularly from West Asia conflicts.
Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), stated that the uncertainty surrounding how long commodity costs will remain elevated is a greater concern for the company than the actual price increases. He noted that commodity prices have risen significantly over the past five to six months, impacting margins and necessitating faster cost-reduction efforts, though no major production or supply-side issues are currently foreseen.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened in positive territory, primarily driven by a strong performance in IT stocks, sustained foreign fund inflows, and a dip in global crude oil prices, despite a hawkish stance from the US Federal Reserve. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 30.
Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw significant gains in early trade, driven by a sharp decline in crude oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions, alongside renewed foreign fund inflows.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw early gains driven by lower crude oil prices and buying in Reliance Industries, even as the Reserve Bank of India maintained its benchmark policy rate for the fourth consecutive meeting, reinforcing confidence in the domestic economy.
India-EU FTA opens a bigger European market for Indian carmakers while giving European brands greater access to India.
'Separate needs from wants and minimise discretionary spending.'
An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Punjab police, Harjit Singh, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men while on duty at the Bhagtawala Grain Market in Amritsar. The incident occurred around 3 am, and the officer was declared dead at a private hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral ties, covering trade, defence, and energy, against the backdrop of heightened trade friction due to the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'.
Property insurance premium rates are increasing by 25-30 per cent, primarily due to a reduction in discounts, following substantial claims from natural calamities like the Gujarat floods, which caused an estimated 5,000 crore in losses.
'Treating stock brokers as merchants for MDR is fundamentally misplaced.'
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is set to introduce a new, more investor-friendly bilateral investment treaty (BIT) framework, which is expected to receive Cabinet approval shortly, aiming to provide sharper protection for investors from both sides.
Festival shoppers are increasingly turning to EMIs and other affordability options for high-value purchases, especially beyond metro cities.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has advocated for a bamboo-based economy to drive sustainable development, create rural livelihoods, and offer green alternatives to plastic. Speaking at a summit, he highlighted bamboo's crucial role in climate change mitigation, its potential to empower local communities, and its benefits for farmers.
Leading appliance and consumer electronics manufacturers are set to increase prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines, and other products by 5 to 8 per cent from October 1, citing rising input costs for metals like copper and steel, crude derivatives, and currency exchange volatility due to the West Asia crisis.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened higher on Friday, primarily driven by a significant surge in Bajaj Finance shares following its strong Q1 FY27 earnings report, coupled with continued foreign fund inflows and a dip in crude oil prices. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 31.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.
