Business

UPI recorded over 20 billion transactions in August for the first time, marking 34 per cent annual growth. Daily transactions averaged 645 million, with Maharashtra leading in digital payments, highlighting India’s rising adoption of cashless transactions, according to NPCI and SBI data.

Gold prices hit a record high of ₹1,05,937 per 10 grams on MCX, driven by global bullish sentiment, festive demand, and US rate cut expectations. Comex gold also soared to a lifetime high, further fueling domestic market momentum

Trump’s policies towards India — from deportations, tariffs to siding with Pakistan — exposed the risks of overreliance on any one power

RSS leader Ramlal said India can convert the US 50 per cent tariff challenge into an opportunity. He urged self-reliance, adoption of swadeshi products, investor-friendly policies, and stronger law and order to attract industry and boost exports

India’s economy continues to grow robustly despite US tariffs, with domestic consumption driving 68% of GDP. Corporate investments, like Apple’s $2.5 billion India expansion, signal confidence, highlighting risks that Trump’s confrontational trade stance could weaken America’s long-term strategic and economic position.

The Enforcement Directorate seized luxury vehicles, cash, and jewellery in a money laundering probe linked to a ₹1,396 crore bank fraud involving Odisha-based businessman Shakti Ranjan Dash and his firms, allegedly tied to shell transactions with Himachal's Indian Technomac Company Ltd

India’s Department of Posts has fully suspended all mail to the U.S., including letters and gifts under $100, due to new U.S. regulations removing duty-free exemptions. The move follows carrier refusals amid unclear customs processes under the new tariff regime

India is formulating an action plan to counter a 50% US tariff hike impacting key exports, Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur said. Despite fiscal deficit concerns, the government remains confident in achieving targets amid strong economic fundamentals and domestic demand growth

India’s new Online Gaming Act bans real-money games, raising concerns about jobs, revenue, and digital growth

A US federal appeals court has struck down Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, saying only Congress has the authority to impose them. The ruling offers potential relief for India, though tariffs remain until October 14 pending a Supreme Court challenge

Eight opposition-ruled States support GST rate slab reduction, consumer benefits, and compensation for revenue losses. Congress stresses the council meeting should advance cooperative federalism and fully transfer levies on sin and luxury goods to State

Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani introduces "Riya" — a feature similar to Alexa or Siri; will allow hands-free access to calls, music, etc, in multiple Indian languages

Hyundai Motor India's Rs 27,870-crore IPO in Oct 2024 is the biggest initial share-sale, surpassing the Rs 21,000-crore offering by LIC in May 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun, said India and Japan can diversify and balance trade while building new frontiers in semiconductors, manufacturing, and global value chains. He highlighted Suzuki’s Rs 70,000 crore investment and India’s reforms

The government has appointed former RBI Governor Urjit Patel as India’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund for three years, replacing KV Subramanian. Patel, who earlier served at the AIIB and IMF, resigned as RBI Governor in 2018

Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Friday after two days of losses, led by value-buying. Key Sensex stocks gained while FIIs sold equities. India awaits US-India trade negotiations amid the 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods.

The Indian rupee slipped 18 paise to 87.76 against the US dollar on Friday due to persistent foreign fund outflows and US tariffs. RBI interventions and government support measures aim to stabilize currency and mitigate impact on exporters.

The CBI has arrested Airtel’s territory sales manager and two middlemen in Assam for illegally selling ghost SIM cards used in cyber frauds, including digital arrest scams. The arrests followed raids that uncovered incriminating evidence and KYC misuse

Maruti Suzuki India Chairman R C Bhargava called for a united Indian response to 50 per cent US tariffs and welcomed GST restructuring. He expects small car sales to revive with proposed tax cuts and highlighted the need for cleaner, affordable vehicle alternatives

Apple and Samsung have sent cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi over advertisements mocking their premium smartphones, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy models. The companies argue Xiaomi’s campaigns risk damaging brand reputation in India’s fiercely competitive premium market

Airbus Helicopters has awarded Mahindra Aerostructures a contract to manufacture the main fuselage of its H125 helicopter in Bengaluru, with first delivery in 2027. The deal strengthens Airbus’s ‘Make in India’ plans and expands Mahindra’s aerospace role

Maruti Suzuki has rolled out its first Made-in-India electric SUV, the e-Vitara, from its Gujarat plant, now a global EV hub. Backed by government schemes, India targets 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 and reduced carbon emissions by one billion tonnes

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava urged Indians to stand united against the US’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, calling it economic bullying. He also welcomed proposed GST restructuring, expressing hope for reduced tax on small cars to boost consumers

Former US Charge d’Affaires to India Donald Heflin warned that Washington’s broken diplomatic norms and loss of career diplomats are complicating trade talks with New Delhi. While cautiously optimistic about incoming envoy Sergio Gor, he cautioned US unpredictability may strain ties