Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.
State debt is rising because revenues are disappointingly weak. Ten states have debt ratios exceeding 30 per cent. In 2023-2024, states were borrowing simply to meet day-to-day expenses, points out Debashis Basu.
A new white paper released by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reveals that Tamil Nadu's direct debt has nearly doubled to an alarming 10 trillion in the past five years, exposing significant fiscal strain and a substantial debt burden on every citizen.
A viral Rs 2.5 lakh school trip to Japan has exposed the soaring, extraneous costs of modern Indian education. From textbook monopolies to elite excursions, these hidden fees create intense classroom peer pressure even as parents face a financial spiral. We ask you, Dear Reader, to share your experience with us.
Shareholder payouts by India Inc, including dividends and buybacks, increased by 2.2 per cent year-on-year in FY26 to $5.06 trillion, but this growth lagged the 18.8 per cent rise in reported net profit for the third consecutive year, leading to the lowest dividend payout ratio in 12 years.
The primary objective should be to figure out a way to grow at 7 to 7.5 per cent with inflation around 4 per cent. Any policy that can help us get there must be experimented with. Those that work should stay. Those that do not should go, suggests Karan Bhasin.
Indian stock markets are set to be influenced by developments in US-Iran negotiations, crude oil prices, and foreign investor activity in the upcoming holiday-shortened week, according to market analysts.
Mercedes-Benz India is exploring a larger role for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in its portfolio, with plans to potentially introduce the technology in more models beyond the newly launched S-Class plug-in hybrid. This strategy aims to cater to luxury car buyers who are hesitant about fully electric vehicles due to concerns over charging infrastructure and range.
From Baahubali to Peddi, these blockbuster South Indian films drew criticism for romanticising toxic masculinity and reducing their female leads to objects of desire.
'...A new challenge has emerged in the form of Mythos.'
Holoflex Ltd, a leading anti-counterfeiting and security solutions provider, plans to invest Rs 30 crore over the next two years to establish a second manufacturing facility. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for integrated brand protection solutions and growing concerns over counterfeit products across various sectors, including essential goods. The company aims to significantly boost its revenue and strengthen its position in the rapidly growing anti-counterfeiting market.
Electric passenger vehicle retail sales in India surged by 81.2 per cent to 26,682 units in May, with Tata Motors leading the segment, while electric two-wheeler sales also saw a substantial 62.76 per cent increase, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).
Global investment firm KKR remains optimistic about India's long-term growth, citing rising incomes, premiumisation, financial deepening, and demand for quality services as key drivers for its consumption story, even as higher energy prices and AI disruption pose near-term challenges.
India's economy in FY26 saw significant momentum from investment demand, with gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) accelerating to 8.2 per cent, while private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) also grew steadily, according to provisional estimates.
Delhi Police have arrested an immigration consultant accused of defrauding a woman of approximately Rs 1.83 crore by falsely promising Canadian immigration through a business investment programme.
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over $700 million worldwide, yet it sparks debate over the power of fandom versus the need for a truthful depiction of an artist's controversial life.
LAMF allows investors to access liquidity while staying invested.
'I own a few cars that I have had specified minutely to my taste, and it does feel nice to know that there are no other vehicles like them anywhere in the world.'
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 41.8 lakh on Canara Bank for non-compliance with KYC norms and incorrect account classification, and Rs 3.1 lakh on Puran Associates Pvt Ltd for asset classification violations.
A special CBI court in Tripura sentenced three executives of a chit fund company to six years of rigorous imprisonment each for swindling Rs 5.5 crore from over 800 depositors.
Ludhiana Police have busted a large cyber fraud racket, arresting 132 people involved in running fake call centres that targeted foreign nationals through various online scams.
Indian stock markets are expected to remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly the US-Iran situation, and crude oil prices this week, with analysts also highlighting the influence of the rupee-dollar trend, foreign investor activity, and upcoming inflation data.
Why would a country that requires close to $90 billion in net foreign capital annually to create jobs, build productive capacity, and sustain rapid growth permit $30 billion of capital to flow abroad, thereby contributing to pressure on the rupee? asks Debashis Basu.
The India-Oman free trade agreement, operationalised on June 1, is set to create significant export opportunities for India's labour-intensive and value-added sectors, including textiles, gems and jewellery, and marine products, while also strengthening energy security.
'I can feel people around me thinking that this guy was about to die, and now he's back.'
A new report by ADP reveals that one in two Indian companies plan to adopt AI-powered payroll systems within the next 12 months, driven by the need for automation in workforce management, compliance, and compensation decisions. However, firms are increasingly cautious about data protection risks, especially with the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
Indian liquor brands are increasingly focusing on Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana as the next major growth engine for premiumisation, driven by expanding luxury portfolios, craft spirit launches, and upgraded retail experiences, as state governments embrace reforms.
'When I look at India's relative valuations, these are by far the lowest I have seen in my 35-year career.' 'The relative 12-month trailing performance is among the weakest I have seen, and foreign investor positioning is at a 16-17 year low.'
'You empower a man, you are not necessarily empowering a family, you are just empowering him.'
'The MPC is likely to prioritise the key mandate, which is inflation, while relying on other instruments to stabilise the currency and bond markets.'
Too many EMIs draining your salary? Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the safe borrowing limit that protects your income from a dangerous debt trap.
JSW Motors, part of the JSW group, is set to enter India's passenger vehicle market with plans to launch 15 new-energy vehicles (NEVs) over the next four years, with deliveries commencing from December 2026.
Rajasthan Police dismantled a cyber fraud operation, arresting 17 individuals for allegedly defrauding an accountant of Rs 5.30 crore by impersonating his company's chairman on WhatsApp.
The luxury carmaker plans to drive growth through local assembly of the MINI Countryman, expansion into 10 new cities and a broader product portfolio.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry is developing machine-readable SMART standards using AI to reduce industry compliance burden. This initiative aims to modernise India's standards ecosystem, with the Bureau of Indian Standards transitioning from a regulator to a facilitator, promoting private sector testing and faster processes.
Thane police have solved the murder case of a 24-year-old civil engineer, Arbaz Khan, whose body was found in a drum in a nullah in Vasai. A nurse, Mehjabin Sheikh, and her brother have been arrested in connection with the crime, which stemmed from a failed extortion attempt.
'While higher prices may create some financial burden for patients and caregivers in the short term, uninterrupted access to treatment remains the greater priority.'
We who were dreaming of being the third largest economy in dollar terms, have slid back to sixth, thanks to the falling rupee. We are moving about with begging bowls for investments and trade opportunities, which will be a while in materialising, if ever, notes Shreekant Sambrani.
Corporate India is projected to offer salary increments ranging from 8.6 per cent to 10.2 per cent across various industries in the financial year 2026-27, primarily fuelled by a sustained demand for skilled and execution-focused talent, according to a TeamLease Services report.
The primary objective of introduction of polymer notes was to increase its life and not to combat counterfeiting.
