'Since the category has a limited track record, assess the fund manager's experience across equity and debt market cycles rather than relying only on past returns.'
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty saw a rebound in early trade, driven by a moderation in crude oil prices, despite persistent selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and mixed global market cues.
India's balance of payments (BoP) recorded an $8.1 billion deficit in the first quarter of 2026-27 (Q1FY27), a significant increase from a $4.5 billion surplus in the corresponding period of the previous year, primarily driven by a sharp reversal in portfolio flows.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Kirshanu Sharda, an alleged middleman for suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, in a money laundering case. Sharda is accused of facilitating illegal gratification for Bhullar, with investigations revealing unexplained cash deposits and frozen assets worth over Rs 1.42 crore.
The PM CARES Fund experienced a 30 per cent decrease in domestic donations and an 18 per cent drop in foreign contributions during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Despite this, the total balance in the fund increased to Rs 8,452 crore, primarily held in fixed deposits and savings accounts. The fund's expenditure on the PM CARES for Children Scheme also saw a sharp reduction.
The Bombay High Court has issued a complete ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads and deemed the use of loudspeakers, DJs, and laser beams during religious processions "unwarranted." The court emphasized that festivals must be celebrated without causing noise and air pollution, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of existing regulations.
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.
A district consumer commission in Thiruvananthapuram has directed a cooperative bank to pay over Rs 14 lakh to a widow, Sheeba R, after it unlawfully denied her access to her deposited funds. The bank had cited an ongoing enquiry against its officials as a reason, but the commission ruled this was not a justifiable cause for withholding the money, especially given the woman's circumstances and need for funds for her mother's treatment.
Dig into the prospectus. Use the prospectus to understand the business and its risks.
India's IT services industry is witnessing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-cap companies, as AI-led pricing pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty compel firms to seek scale, capabilities, and broader market reach. This trend is exemplified by the recent merger of Happiest Minds Technologies and ITC Infotech, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions and compete for larger transformation programmes.
HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector lender, reported a reduction of 3,343 employees in FY26, bringing its total workforce to 2,11,178, even as its balance sheet expanded by 12 per cent. The bank's MD and CEO, Sashidhar Jagdishan, attributed the headcount reduction to redeploying talent from back-end functions to customer-facing roles due to technology-led efficiencies. The annual report also addressed the challenging resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty, which raised questions about the bank's governance standards.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the Reserve Bank of India to accelerate its central bank digital currency initiatives, emphasising the need to sharpen capabilities with the digital rupee amidst rapid advancements in tokenisation, agentic AI, and quantum computing. She also highlighted critical concerns regarding cybersecurity, warning that autonomous AI systems are evolving rapidly and require robust safeguards. Sitharaman proposed a federated industry platform to give India's technology ecosystem a collective international voice.
India's latest trade data reveals a significant geographical realignment, with trade surpluses growing decisively with Asian and African nations, even as surpluses with traditional partners like the US and Netherlands narrow.
Analysts predict that developments in the West Asia conflict, crude oil prices, and upcoming US inflation data will be the primary factors influencing the Indian stock market next week, alongside foreign investor activity and global market trends.
The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.
Super League Kerala is implementing a new financial model to ensure franchise sustainability and has partnered with the German Football Association (DFB) for a five-year technical roadmap. This includes establishing a residential Centre of Excellence to nurture young football talent while integrating formal education.
'Once you're wrestling with making a merger of that scale value-accretive, you're also under pressure to keep growing the balance sheet and chasing liabilities, and other things start to slip as a consequence.'
Telecom industry body COAI and the British High Commission signed an MoU to boost cooperation in AI, connectivity, and digital trust, fostering responsible tech innovation. The pact, signed at the CO.AI 2026 event, focused on AI's role in intelligent networks, security, and public services. Discussions highlighted AI's importance in combating fraud, improving network efficiency, and ensuring secure digital services. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti and Acting British High Commissioner Ben Mellor emphasised the need for balanced governance and international collaboration to ensure secure, inclusive, and responsible digital transformation.
India's economy is projected to lose momentum in the second half of fiscal 2026-27, with tighter financial conditions, elevated energy prices, and broadening inflation pressures posing significant risks, according to DBS Bank economist Radhika Rao.
'Every period of excessive optimism eventually gives way to a correction, while periods of extreme pessimism often create the best investment opportunities.'
Merchants will be subject to an 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, but can mitigate this burden by claiming input tax credit (ITC), according to tax experts.
Warren Buffett has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, a role he held for over 50 years, transitioning to chairman emeritus while his son, Howard Buffett, takes over as the new chairman.
India's current account deficit could widen to 1.7 per cent of GDP, or about $71 billion, if crude oil prices stay above $90 a barrel for a significant part of the second half of FY27.
Industry leaders at an AIMA panel discussion emphasised the need for businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and invest in technologies like artificial intelligence to build resilience and achieve long-term growth. They highlighted the current era of uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rapid regulatory changes, stressing that tactical responses are as crucial as long-term strategy.
J R D Tata, chairman of the Tata group from 1938 to 1991, said that whenever he had to make a difficult decision, he would ask himself, what will be good for India, and what will be good for the Tatas. If he had a doubt, he would decide in favour of India. In the long run, it would turn out well for the Tatas too, he said, points out Arun Maira.
The benchmark Sensex plummeted 813 points to a three-month low, with the Nifty settling below 23,450, as escalating tensions in West Asia drove crude oil prices above USD 100 per barrel, leading to widespread selling in IT, FMCG, financial services, and oil & gas shares.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that no decision has been made regarding allowing Delhi and Mumbai airport operators to own and run airlines, as the government is carefully considering the implications of relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, including potential conflicts of interest and the need for more airlines.
A Delhi consumer commission has directed Punjab and Sindh Bank to refund Rs 10,000 to a customer whose ATM transaction failed to dispense cash but debited the amount. The bank was also ordered to pay compensation for delayed reversal, mental agony, and litigation expenses, highlighting a deficiency in service.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw an early rebound after significant losses, driven by value buying, though elevated oil prices and anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision tempered gains. Track Sensex, Nifty on September 16.
A stake sale by Tata Trusts will help it to have a larger corpus that could be used to balance the unequal dividends that flow from Tata Sons on an ongoing basis.
Used-car financing has seen significant growth, but borrowers must be aware of higher interest rates, conservative loan-to-value ratios, shorter tenures, and the risk of owing more than the car's depreciated value. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions.
List all unavoidable expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, education and medical bills.
'A balance had to be struck between the economic cost of taking action at this point against the need not to fall behind the curve in controlling inflation and anchoring inflation expectations.'
RBI Deputy Governor Shirish Chandra Murmu has dismissed concerns that the new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 will increase cash transactions. He also clarified the 'cash paradox' of rising digital payments alongside cash in circulation, explaining cash's dual role. Murmu further detailed the RBI's extensive regulatory changes aimed at reducing compliance burdens and emphasised that accountability for AI-driven decisions in finance will remain with institutional boards.
India-EU FTA opens a bigger European market for Indian carmakers while giving European brands greater access to India.
The Bharatiya Janata Party received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters alone during the last five state assembly elections, more than seven times the Rs 207 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has called for the PM CARES Fund, which holds over Rs 8,452 crore, to be used to improve infrastructure in rural schools and build more than 1,000 new high-tech schools, highlighting the dire conditions faced by children.
'If crude remains above $100 per barrel, with restricted retail-price increases, OMCs could face negative petrol and diesel marketing margins, higher LPG under-recoveries, higher crude-landing, freight and insurance costs, working capital and debt accumulation and inventory losses if crude subsequently corrects sharply.'
A Delhi consumer commission has directed Punjab and Sind Bank to refund Rs 10,000 to a customer whose ATM transaction failed to dispense cash but debited his account. The bank was also ordered to pay significant compensation for delayed reversal, mental agony, and litigation expenses, reinforcing consumer rights in banking disputes.
The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.
