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india
Finance Weaker rupee may push foreign assets over FAST-DS Rs 1 crore limit, raising tax bill
The rupee's 14-33% decline over three to seven years may push foreign holdings above the FAST-DS Rs 1 crore limit, potentially disqualifying taxpayers from the 60% tax-and-penalty disclosure window. The Income Tax Department's voluntary scheme, open since August 16, uses March 31, 2026 as the exchange-rate date for assets, but experts disagree on whether income should be converted at that date or the year-earned rate. Taxpayers with over Rs 1 crore in undisclosed income are weighing updated returns alongside FAST-DS, but face risks of void declarations if facts are suppressed.
Commodities 45 Indian power plants face critically low coal stocks as monsoon hits supply
India's Central Electricity Authority data showed 45 power plants with critically low coal stocks as of August 25, up from 31 at end-July. Monsoon rains hit mining and transport in Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, while weaker-than-normal rainfall lifted electricity demand. BigMint reported stocks fell 19% in August to 30.95 million tonnes, about 10 days of operation.
Manufacturing Botenz enters India with nut powder range, targeting 1.8 lakh consumers
Botenz, a food innovation company backed by investors from Montenegro, Bulgaria, Israel and Russia, is entering India with a nut powder range covering peanut, almond, cashew, pistachio and sesame. The company targets approximately 1.8 lakh consumers and 1,200-1,500 outlets across India within five years, with production scale-up planned.
Commodities Gold, Silver Price Prediction: MCX Gold Targets Rs 170,000 as Bullish Bias Firms
MCX Gold is trading at Rs 161,900 with a target of Rs 170,000, while silver eyes resistance at Rs 249,000 and then Rs 256,000. Abhilash Koikkara of Nuvama Professional Clients Group maintains a bullish bias on both metals, citing descending triangle breakouts and consolidation above key supports.
Finance NABARD and NaBFID sign MoU to fund rural infrastructure projects
India's NABARD and NaBFID have signed an MoU to jointly finance rural infrastructure projects, combining NABARD's rural expertise with NaBFID's infrastructure financing capabilities. The pact covers joint financing, advisory services, debt syndication and capacity building, targeting areas such as cold-chain, irrigation and rural roads.
Manufacturing JSW, SAIC weigh capital infusion to lift MG Motor India output to 1 million units
JSW Group and SAIC are discussing additional capital for MG Motor India to scale Halol plant capacity to 1 million vehicles annually from 220,000. The venture, deploying Rs 3,500 crore, launched the Tomahawk EV and PHEV ahead of Diwali, targeting 70% localisation by 2027.
Technology India Records Highest Mobile Threat Detections Among 8 Asia-Pacific Markets in Q1 2026: Kaspersky
India logged the most mobile threat detections among eight Asia-Pacific markets in Q1 2026, with 18,187 cases, ahead of Indonesia's 15,163. Kaspersky also reported a 49% year-on-year rise in average detections per affected user, alongside a resurgence of the Rewardsteal and Thamera trojans.
Manufacturing Foxconn scouts 200-acre Gujarat land parcel for mobile and high-end electronics plant
Taiwan-based Foxconn is scouting more than 200 acres in India for a technology park and high-end electronics plant, with a site near Sanand in Gujarat under consideration, according to Business Today. The company has surveyed the plot and expects to finalise the location in the coming weeks, with other states also in contention.
Trade India-EU FTA Breakthrough Driven by Realism, Pragmatism, Says EU Ambassador
The EU Ambassador told ANI that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement breakthrough was driven by realism and pragmatism, with negotiations concluded in a little over a year after gaining momentum from 2025. He said CBAM would primarily affect Indian steel and iron exports, and that low-emission steelmakers could benefit. The FTA is expected to be signed within less than a year, supported by parallel cooperation on investment protection and technology.
Trade India seeks review and expansion of 15-year-old free trade pact with Japan
India on Wednesday reiterated its demand for a review of the 15-year-old Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and signalled willingness to expand the pact's scope, Business-Today reported. Bilateral trade stands at $27.5 billion, with India's trade deficit widening to $15.5 billion from $11 billion in 2022-23.
Finance India's Finance Minister Sitharaman cites financial sector boom to woo Canadian investors
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman invited Canadian investors to increase participation in India's growth story, citing robust scheduled commercial banks, rapid NBFC growth and a digital ecosystem that reduced access costs. She flagged 100% FDI in insurance, GIFT City and supply-chain alternatives as key attractions.
Commodities India's Lower Sugar Quota for Domestic Sales Failed to Tame Demand, Says Industry
India's lower monthly sugar sales quotas failed to tame demand, with wholesale prices surging to Rs 6,036 per quintal by August 26, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Mills dispatched 7% more sugar than allotted between October 2025 and May 2026, while ISMA estimates closing stocks at just 36 lakh tonnes by September 30.
Manufacturing India’s Next Fashion Opportunity Lies in Profitable Premium Brands, Not Scale at Any Cost
Vineet Gautam of 91Brands and Rajesh Narkar of Confluxe told the ETRetail ShopFWD Summit that India's fashion future depends on profitable premium brands, disciplined positioning, unit economics and technology rather than scale. They said demand is emerging beyond metros, with consumers in cities like Ajmer, Indore and Gorakhpur willing to pay for value-for-money propositions.
Trade India, Japan Working to Expand Scope of Trade Pact, Piyush Goyal Says
India and Japan are working to expand the scope of their 15-year-old CEPA, Minister Piyush Goyal said. Two-way commerce grew 9.18 per cent to USD 27.47 billion in 2025-26, while the trade deficit widened to USD 15.4 billion.
Commodities Indian retail, mill gate sugar prices drop after nearly two-month rally
Sugar prices in India declined in mill-gate and retail markets on Monday after a nearly two-month rally, following government measures including duty-free raw sugar imports of 1 million tonnes and tighter stock limits for bulk users. Ex-mill S-30 grade prices in Maharashtra fell over 10 per cent from the August 20 peak. Global raw and white sugar futures also weakened.
Finance Rs 30 Lakh a Month for an Intern? India's High-Speed Trading Firms in Fierce Talent War
Indian high-frequency trading (HFT) firms are offering record compensation to interns, including Rs 3 million a month from Quadeye, as they compete for quantitative talent. The pay surge comes amid tighter derivatives regulations, a 17-month low in NSE futures and options turnover, and a 3% decline in proprietary trading gross profit.
Commodities Onion prices surge 45% YoY; Centre to roll out Kanda Express from Monday
Average onion prices in India rose to Rs 42/kg on Saturday, 45% higher than a year ago, prompting the Centre to run Kanda Express trains from Nasik to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati. NAFED and NCCF have procured 1.2 lakh tonnes as buffer stock, while Maharashtra's kharif onion output is reported down 5-7%. Sugar prices also firmed to Rs 62.5/kg in the national retail market.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 priority markets outpace three-year average
India's rice exports to 26 priority markets totalled ₹23,476 crore and 4.79 million tonnes between November 2025 and March 2026, exceeding the three-year average by 1.1% in value and 5.6% in volume. Eleven of 26 markets saw year-on-year growth in both value and volume, led by the UAE. The industry is shifting toward promoting specific Indian rice varieties through culinary pairings at BIRC 2026.
Commodities Gold Rates Hold Steady Across Indian Cities on August 26; 22-Carat at ₹15,090 Per Gram
Gold prices in India were unchanged on August 26, with 22-carat gold at ₹15,090 per gram nationally, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. City-wise rates across Coimbatore, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh and other centres held flat. The report provided no international spot data or week-over-week comparisons.
Commodities Sugar Falls as Weaker India Prices Curb Import Expectations
Raw sugar futures fell as much as 3% in New York to 17.13 cents/lb and white sugar dropped 3.9% in London after easing local prices in India reduced expectations for imports. India's new 1 million-ton duty-free import allowance and a redirection of advance-imported sugar reduce the need for fresh cargoes, according to analysts. Dry weather in Brazil and slipping crude prices add to bearish sentiment.
Regulations & Compliance Indian wheat body urges FSSAI to issue crop-specific risk-based sampling and testing guidelines
According to a report by The Hindu BusinessLine, the Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to issue wheat-specific, risk-based sampling and testing guidelines and publish an operational due-diligence checklist for grain processors. WPPS Chairman Ajay Goyal outlined proposals including a consolidated commodity-pesticide MRL map, a Wheat Safety Data Passport, and a two-season national surveillance pilot before revising pesticide or mycotoxin limits.
Commodities Crystal Crop launches DOMINARIS solution for management of downy mildew in grapes
Crystal Crop Protection Ltd has launched DOMINARIS, a technology-led solution for managing downy mildew in grapes. The product features a dual mode of action, strong acropetal movement and rain fastness, and is designed to protect foliage and support uniform bunch development. Company executives said it helps safeguard crop health, quality and profitability for grape growers.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 markets rise despite challenges; BIRC 2026 to drive diversification
India's rice exports to a 26-market basket reached Rs 23,476 crore, with volumes of 4.79 million tonnes in the November-March period, beating the prior three-year average. Growth was led by the UAE, Belgium and Germany, with 11 of 26 markets rising in both value and volume. BIRC 2026 aims to shift India from volume-led to application-led rice export diversification, including an ITC Hotels-curated Global Rice Festival.
Finance Bank Holiday Today: RBI Closes Branches in 19 Cities for Id-E-Milad on August 26
Bank branches in 19 Indian cities are closed on Wednesday, August 26, for Id-E-Milad, Milad-un-Nabi and Thiruvonam, according to the RBI's holiday calendar. Digital services such as ATMs, UPI, internet banking and mobile banking remain available, but physical branch services like document submission and verification are suspended in the affected centres.
Commodities UP Sugarcane Dues: Over 94% of Farmer Payments Cleared in Current Season
Uttar Pradesh has cleared over 94% of sugarcane dues to farmers in the current crushing season, with 99 sugar mills achieving 100% payment. An official statement from the Cane Development Department reported record crushing of 9,220 lakh tonnes over nine years and direct transfer of Rs 3.25 lakh crore to farmers, alongside higher productivity and sugar recovery rates.
Finance Zee moves SAT, seeks one-day extension for warrant subscription after Rs 75 crore delay
Zee Entertainment Enterprises has approached the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) seeking a one-day extension to complete a warrant subscription by promoter entity Sunbright Mauritius Investments, after about Rs 75 crore of the subscription amount was credited after the deadline. SAT, which had earlier allowed the warrant issuance and set an Aug 21 deadline, is expected to rule on Thursday.
Finance EAC-PM Report Seeks Bank Mergers to Create Global-Scale Lenders
A report by the PM Economic Advisory Council recommends consolidating Indian banks into a few large institutions of equal size to build globally competitive lenders. The study shows mean technical efficiency of scheduled commercial banks recovered to 88.3% in FY26 from 78% in FY20, with public sector banks leading the turnaround.
Finance RBI Turns Net Buyer of Dollars in June After Two Months of Heavy Sales
The Reserve Bank of India turned net buyer of dollars in June, purchasing $561 million after selling $6.1 billion in May and $3.6 billion in June 2025. An NRI deposit swap scheme boosted inflows, narrowing cumulative FY net sales to -$14.5 billion and cutting the forward short position to -$103.3 billion.
Finance Federal Bank Shares Fall 3% on Merger Talks with Jana Small Finance Bank
Federal Bank shares closed 3% lower after reports of merger talks with Jana Small Finance Bank, which fell 2%. Both lenders told stock exchanges they evaluate business opportunities in the ordinary course, without confirming or denying the discussions. RBI had returned Jana's universal banking licence application in June 2025.
Finance Air India Seeks $1.5 Billion From Owners Tata and Singapore Airlines in Phased Capital Infusion
Air India has approached Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines for a $1.5 billion phased capital infusion, its first major shareholder funding since 2021. The request follows a Rs 22,238 crore FY2026 loss, more than double the prior-year deficit, and comes as chairman N Chandrasekaran prepares to step down in February 2027.
Logistics Bullet Train Project Update: 74 km of Piers Completed on Shilphata-Zaroli Section, NHSRCL Says
According to Business-Today, India's first bullet train corridor is in active construction, with nearly 74 km of viaduct piers completed on the 135.45-km Shilphata-Zaroli elevated section, NHSRCL said. Three mountain tunnels have broken through, and three elevated stations are coming up at Thane, Virar and Boisar. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the progress "a whole new vibe."
Commodities India's July crude steel output rises 1.9% to 14.4 mt even as global output slips
India's crude steel production rose 1.9 per cent year-on-year to 14.4 million tonnes in July, even as global output slipped 0.3 per cent, according to worldsteel. India retained the No. 2 producer slot with January-July output up 6.1 per cent at 101.1 mt, while China's July output fell 3.6 per cent. worldsteel forecasts 2026 global steel demand growth of just 0.3 per cent.
Regulations & Compliance India Poised to Ban Carbosulfan, Citing Health Risk to Human and Animal Population
India's Agriculture Ministry has proposed an immediate ban on the insecticide Carbosulfan under the Insecticides Act, 1968, following a Registration Committee recommendation that it poses risks to human and animal health. Stakeholders have until September 19 to submit feedback before the draft order takes effect. The ban would affect FMC India's Marshal brand and comes as FMC Corporation sells its India crop protection business to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 million.
Commodities Indian Agriculture Minister asks ICAR to tackle onion price gap
India's all-India modal onion price reached Rs 50/kg on Tuesday, with Punjab and Delhi prices up 130% and 83% respectively over three months. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked ICAR to reduce the farm-retail price gap and questioned trader-driven inflation. The government is dispatching buffer-stock onions via 'Kanda Express' rail rakes to sell at Rs 35/kg in Delhi, amid a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes for 2026.
Commodities TNAU forecasts ₹65-70/kg groundnut prices at harvest
TNAU's DEMIC has forecast groundnut prices at ₹65-70 a kg for the upcoming harvest, based on 25 years of price data from Tindivanam and Sevur markets. India, the world's second-largest groundnut producer, harvested 119.42 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while trade sources expect arrivals to decline amid monsoon fluctuations.
Logistics Welspun One Targets Year-End Completion for World Trade Center Thane Project
Welspun One plans to complete the World Trade Center Thane project by end of 2026, investing over ₹1,000 crore in 1.2 million sq ft of Grade A offices, retail and Urban Distribution Centres. The project is 30 per cent leased, with Aditya Birla Group and Welspun Group among confirmed occupiers.
Commodities Sugar ex-mill prices fall 18% to Rs 55 per kg after record high
Ex-mill sugar prices in India fell 18% to Rs 55 per kg after touching a record Rs 67 per kg last week, according to a Business Today report. Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra attributed the drop to the government's decision to allow sugar imports and action against hoarding and speculation. Production for 2025-26 is estimated at 306 lakh tonnes, against annual domestic demand of 280-285 lakh tonnes.
Commodities India emerges as new ‘swing supplier’ of refined oil products as Middle East crisis reshapes
India is emerging as a global 'swing supplier' of refined oil products, with Singapore becoming its largest export destination at $4.3 billion. Refinery capacity expansion, discounted Russian crude and supply disruptions in Russia and the Middle East are driving the shift, according to Business-Today.
Commodities 'Resale' sugar prices drop in India even as retail rates soar to a new high
Resale sugar prices in key Indian states dropped ₹400-500 a quintal after the government allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports, while retail prices rose to a record ₹58.15 per kg. Global raw and white sugar futures also slipped, and production estimates for 2026-27 were trimmed to ~306 lakh tonnes.
Commodities India readies year-wise drilling, rig deployment roadmap for Samudra Manthan
India’s Oil Ministry is finalising a year-wise roadmap for drilling, seismic surveys and rig deployment under the $8.8 billion Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme. The programme, backed by ₹84,000 crore in Phase-1 funding, targets 10-15 million tonnes of oil equivalent of incremental annual production.
Logistics From 600 to 5,000 Packages an Hour: FedEx Unveils $150 Million Delhi Cargo Hub
FedEx plans a $150 million integrated air cargo hub at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, boosting package processing capacity from 600 to 5,000 packages per hour. The facility at GMR Cargo City will strengthen air cargo connectivity across North and East India, supported by government efforts to expand cargo hubs and air freight stations.
Regulations & Compliance Centre proposes complete ban on Carbosulfan insecticide over health, environmental risks
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has proposed a complete ban on the insecticide Carbosulfan, citing its high toxicity and environmental risks. The draft order prohibits import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use, and directs the Registration Committee to recall all certificates of registration.
Finance Rupee Slips to 95.74 Against US Dollar as Crude Prices, Importer Demand Weigh
The rupee weakened 4 paise to 95.74 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, pressured by higher crude prices and importer demand, according to Business-Today. The RBI's intervention through state-run banks kept the currency range-bound around ₹95.50–96.00, with the dollar index at 99.04 and Brent crude at $92.45 a barrel. The central bank's USD-INR swap facility has mobilised $73 billion in forex inflows as of August 21.
Finance RBI Steps In to Support Rupee as Oil Prices and Dollar Demand Rise
The RBI likely intervened in the foreign exchange market on Tuesday to support the rupee, which was little changed at 95.7350 per dollar despite elevated oil prices and corporate dollar demand, four traders told Reuters. Brent crude traded at $92.45 a barrel, the dollar index at 99.04, and India's equity benchmarks opened lower. Separately, the RBI's special USD-INR swap facility mobilised $73 billion in forex inflows as of August 21.
Commodities Gold Prices Rise Across Indian Cities on Aug 20; Bengaluru Posts Higher Gains
Gold prices in India rose across all seven cities tracked by The Hindu BusinessLine on August 20, 2026, with 22-carat gold up ₹395 per gram in most metros and 24-carat up ₹415. Bengaluru posted larger gains of ₹404 and ₹425 per gram. Kolkata had the highest rates at ₹14,750 per gram for 22-carat and ₹15,488 for 24-carat.
Finance Only 1 in 15 Indians Carry Active Smartphone Protection Even as 72% Report Damage
A new OneAssist-Hansa Research study finds fewer than 1 in 15 Indian smartphone owners carry active device protection, even as 72% report accidental damage and 82% have dropped their phones. The study, based on 1,260 respondents, identifies cost concerns, limited understanding, and claims distrust as structural barriers, and highlights the refurbished device segment as a parallel adoption front.
Commodities Coffee Board and SCAI announce third India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru for February 2027
The Coffee Board of India and the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) announced the third India International Coffee Festival (IICF 2027), scheduled for Bengaluru in February 2027, with participation expected from over 50 countries. Organisers cited rising global demand for Indian coffee and an expanding domestic speciality coffee culture as the backdrop to the event.
Finance Yandra Haragopal, former NABCONS MD, appointed Managing Director of NABFINS
The Hindu BusinessLine reported that Yandra Haragopal has been appointed Managing Director of NABFINS, a NABARD arm based in Bengaluru. Haragopal previously served as MD of NABCON/NABCONS for over two and a half years. NABFINS provides affordable financial services and cash-flow-based credit to low-income groups.
Commodities Govt to offer city gas distributors 200 SCM extra gas to push household PNG switch
India's oil ministry will provide city gas distributors an additional 200 SCM of lower-priced APM gas for every new billed household PNG connection above a set threshold, effective September 1. The incentive is designed to cut the payback period for PNG connections to about three years from around 10 and accelerate the switch from LPG to piped gas, following supply disruptions during the West Asia crisis.
Commodities Kerala Agri Varsity to Support Agri-Enterprises in Value Addition, Market Expansion
Kerala Agricultural University will continue supporting agri-enterprises that add value to produce, generating higher income and employment. The Agri Business Incubator provides training, incubation and market linkages for FPOs and entrepreneurs, with success stories like Juz Crush exporting processed products and PALA Santhom Factory FPO winning a state-level Best FPO award.
Business BofA survey: India becomes least-favoured Asian stock market; fund managers underweight
India has replaced Indonesia as the least-favoured Asian stock market in Bank of America's latest fund managers' survey, with 32% of respondents net underweight. The survey, covering 98 fund managers managing $272 billion in assets, cites lack of AI exposure, weak economic growth, lack of reforms and elevated valuations as key concerns.
Commodities India offers city gas distributors 200 SCM cheaper domestic gas for every new PNG connection
India will offer city gas distributors 200 SCM of lower-priced domestic natural gas for every new billed household PNG connection, effective September 1. The incentive aims to activate unused connections and expand networks, potentially cutting the payback period for distributor capital expenditure to about three years from 10 years.
Logistics Cabinet Approves Four Railway Multitracking Projects Worth Rs 9,450 Crore Across Four Indian States
Union Cabinet approved four railway multitracking projects worth Rs 9,450 crore across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, adding 410 km of track and 76 million tonnes of annual freight capacity by 2030-31, according to Business-Today. The Cabinet also cleared an NH-22 four-laning project in Bihar worth Rs 3,590.73 crore. The projects target coal, iron ore, cement, containers and automobile freight.
Manufacturing Escorts Kubota to Build ₹2,000 Crore Tractor and Construction Equipment Plant in UP
Escorts Kubota announced a ₹2,000 crore investment for a new manufacturing plant in YEIDA, Uttar Pradesh. The phased facility will add capacity of up to 60,000 tractors and 15,000 construction equipment units per annum, targeting both domestic and global markets.
Trade Trump Tariffs Fail to Dent India's Export Dependence on US; Share Stays Near 20%
The US remains India's largest export market at roughly 20% of shipments despite tariff rates peaking at 50%. Exports to the US reached $88.5 billion in the 12 months through July, while New Delhi accelerates FTA negotiations to diversify trade.
Commodities India's July Crude Oil Imports Rise Over 9% Month-on-Month, PPAC Data Shows
India's crude oil imports rose more than 9% month-on-month in July 2026, and 13% year-on-year, according to PPAC data cited by The Economic Times. Product exports rose over 8%, while fuel consumption hit a four-month high of 19.92 million metric tons. Refiners are facing a crude cost surge as Gulf premiums rise and Russian discounts vanish, the report added.
Commodities Indian steel mills face margin squeeze as global coking coal prices rise
Rising global coking coal prices, driven by supply disruptions in Australia, China and the Iran war, are squeezing Indian steel mill margins. Premium hard coking coal averaged $236 per metric tonne FOB Australia in Jan-Jul 2026, up 25% year-on-year, according to CRU. Steelmakers face higher costs and limited pricing power amid cheap Chinese steel competition.
Commodities Rapeseed meal exports push India’s oilmeal exports up 18.41% in May
India's oilmeal exports increased 18.41% year-on-year in May 2026 to 3.73 lakh tonnes, driven by a surge in rapeseed meal shipments to China and other Asian markets, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India. Total April-May oilmeal exports fell 5.37% due to a sharp drop in soybean meal, while planting data show soybean acreage marginally lower.
Commodities Gold Rate Today, Aug 19: 22K and 24K Prices for Major Indian Cities
Gold prices in India were mixed on August 19, 2026, with the national 22-carat rate at ₹14,255 per gram, down ₹85. The Hindu BusinessLine's opening line reported a city-wide rally, but its city-level data showed declines across most markets for both 22K and 24K gold. Mumbai's 24-carat 1-gram price rose ₹89 to ₹14,968, the only gain in that segment.
Business Shiprocket shares make strong debut, list at 35% premium at Rs 131
Shiprocket made a strong stock market debut, listing at Rs 131 on the NSE, a 35.05% premium over the IPO price of Rs 97. The company's Rs 1,617.48-crore IPO was subscribed 99.38 times. Proceeds will fund marketing, technology, debt repayment and potential acquisitions.