Business

The Centre plans GST rationalisation by Diwali, lowering tax on passenger vehicles and two-wheelers from the current 28% to 18%, benefiting entry-level models. The proposal, expected in September’s GST Council meet, aims to boost affordability, sales, and economic growth

Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade on Monday, driven by GST reform plans and S&P’s sovereign rating upgrade for India. Auto, consumer discretionary and cement stocks led gains, while select IT and infrastructure stocks lagged amid global mixed cues

Average daily UPI transactions in India reached Rs 90,446 crore in August 2025, with SBI as the top remitter. Peer-to-merchant payments surged, groceries dominated volume, and digital payments increasingly replaced cash, reflecting robust growth and financial inclusion, according to SBI Research.

The DGCA had sent IndiGo a show-cause notice earlier last week for training 1,700 pilots using ‘non-qualified simulators’

India’s semiconductor market is expected to reach USD110 billion by 2030. Four new projects worth Rs 4,600 crore will create 2,000 skilled jobs, strengthen local chip production, and reduce reliance on Taiwan, supporting defence, EVs, AI, and high-performance computing sectors

Ola Electric announced its Gen-3 initiative with the launch of Bharat Cell 4680, Ferrite Motor technology to replace rare earth magnets, and AI-powered MoveOS6. Founder Bhavish Aggarwal also unveiled the Pro Sport scooter and futuristic Diamond Head motorcycle prototype

A statutory review committee to assess the law every three years will ensure that the new Act remains relevant

Nationwide survey to revise economic indicators and align with global standards

The Finance Ministry has proposed a simplified two-tier GST system with “standard” and “merit” slabs, aiming to reduce taxes on essential and aspirational goods. Linked to PM Modi’s Independence Day pledge, reforms target relief for citizens, MSMEs, and sustainable long-term growth

RBI pause reflects a wait-and-watch approach amid global uncertainties and the impact of the previous rate cuts

The government has passed four key amendments to the Income Tax Act, effective FY26. These cover sovereign fund exemptions, block assessment reforms, correction of a standard deduction error, and tax parity for the Unified Pension Scheme with the National Pension System

Cognizant will give salary hikes to about 80 per cent of eligible employees from November 1, with high single-digit increases for top performers in India. The move follows similar pay revisions by TCS, despite slowing bookings in early 2025

A PRF report says India can play a pivotal role in reshaping Southeast Asia’s semiconductor and rare earth supply chains amid US-China tensions. Ongoing ASEAN trade renegotiations and bilateral pacts could help counter Chinese dominance and strengthen regional partnerships

Cheaper food and fuel prices drive down wholesale and retail inflation; RBI projects CPI at 3.1 per cent for 2025–26

From October 4, 2025, RBI will mandate banks to clear cheques within hours instead of up to two days. The Cheque Truncation System will shift to continuous clearing in two phases, enhancing efficiency, reducing settlement risks, and improving customer experience

Bitcoin surged to a record \$124,210 before easing slightly, driven by expectations of US Fed rate cuts, Trump administration’s pro-crypto reforms, and institutional buying. Ether also hit a multi-year high as overall crypto market capitalisation crossed $4.18 trillion

From August 15, SBI will charge Rs 2–Rs 10 plus GST for online IMPS transfers above Rs 25,000, while smaller transactions stay free. Salary package account holders remain exempt. Branch charges are unchanged, and customers are advised to check applicable exemptions

Hyderabad’s premium housing market, led by properties priced at ₹1.5 crore and above, saw 8,205 units sold in H1 2025, accounting for 49% of total sales. Western suburbs dominate, while northern areas are emerging hotspots, JLL reports.

Shares of One97 Communications, Paytm’s parent, surged nearly 6% to a 52-week high after the RBI granted in-principle approval for Paytm Payments Services to operate as an online payment aggregator, lifting a 2022 ban on onboarding new merchants

Move also removes restriction on Paytm Payments Services Limited from onboarding new merchants which was imposed on the company on November 25, 2022

The RBI projects inflation at 3.1 per cent for 2025–26, with a likely uptick above 4 per cent by year-end.

They allege safety lapses, misleading public statements, and demand a time-bound probe from the Civil Aviation Ministry

Trade talks on the India-US bilateral agreement continues, with the sixth negotiation round scheduled for August 24 in India

India has expanded its ban on Bangladeshi imports via land ports to include more jute products, routing them only through Nhava Sheva seaport. The move, amid worsening ties, follows earlier restrictions on garments and processed foods, impacting $770 million in trade