Business

The US plans to raise H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000, potentially disrupting Indian IT companies’ onshore projects. Nasscom flags concerns over the one-day implementation deadline and calls for adequate transition periods to minimize global business and talent disruptions

EPFO now allows members to download Annexure K online, making PF transfers smoother and faster. The move ensures transparency, accurate account details, and seamless service. Passbook Lite provides a simplified view of contributions and withdrawals through the EPFO portal

Royal Enfield has partnered with Flipkart to sell its entire 350cc motorcycle range online, starting September 22, 2025, in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Customers will receive delivery and after-sales support through authorised dealers, with GST benefits included

Aurobindo Pharma said a fire at its subsidiary APL Healthcare’s Unit-IV in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, temporarily disrupted production. Two lines were impacted, causing a 3 per cent hit to monthly capacity. The blaze was swiftly controlled, with no casualties reported.

The Supreme Court will hear Vodafone Idea’s plea on September 26 seeking to quash the DoT’s fresh Rs 5,606 crore AGR demand for FY 2016-17. The operator argues that the dues were crystallised by the 2019 verdict, amid government-backed resolution efforts

India Global Forum and QETCI have signed a pact to develop a UK-India quantum value-chain map, catalysed by UKIFF. The partnership aims to promote joint R&D, talent mobility, and commercial adoption, with an initial overview scheduled for next year

A Delhi court set aside an order asking journalists to remove articles critical of Adani Enterprises, ruling it unsustainable without hearing them. The court said such sweeping directions threatened free speech and directed a fresh hearing on AEL’s defamation plea

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed GST 2.0 as a bold reform that will enhance ease of living and business. Taking effect on September 22, the reforms slash tax rates on everyday foods, easing household expenses and boosting MSMEs and farmers

OYO’s parent firm PRISM has launched CheckIn, a new vertical unifying its premium hotels, homes, and experiences. Available in India and soon globally, CheckIn aims to serve the luxury travel segment with curated stays in destinations worldwide

Suzuki Motorcycle India announced price cuts of up to ₹18,024 across models from September 22, 2025, passing on GST rate reduction benefits to customers. The GST cut also lowers spare parts costs, enhancing affordability ahead of the festive season

Sensex and Nifty opened lower on Friday after three days of gains, with profit-booking in heavyweights like TCS and ICICI Bank. Adani Group stocks surged as SEBI cleared the conglomerate of stock manipulation charges made by Hindenburg Research.

The rupee depreciated 7 paise to 88.27 against the US dollar on Friday, pressured by strong dollar trends, weak domestic equities, and US tariff concerns. Forex traders see support at 87.70 and resistance around 88.40 amid volatile market cues.

The United States has revoked and denied visas to certain Indian business executives and corporate leaders over alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors. While the identities remain undisclosed, the US embassy stated that firms linked to fentanyl precursor trade will face heightened scrutiny.

In a fragmented global order, plurilateralism offers agility and strategic alignment

SEBI has exonerated the Adani Group and its associated entities from all allegations raised in the Hindenburg Research report, stating that the claims were not substantiated. The regulator found no violations of related party transaction norms or LODR rules, and clarified that retrospective application of amended definitions was legally untenable. The proceedings were closed without penalty or directions.

Maruti Suzuki has slashed prices across its entire model range by up to Rs 1,29,600 from September 22, passing on GST rate cuts. Entry-level cars received deeper reductions, encouraging two-wheeler users to upgrade while boosting passenger vehicle sales

Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) acquired a 20 per cent stake in Yes Bank from SBI and other investors, becoming the largest shareholder. The deal strengthens governance, Japan–India trade flows, and corporate banking growth, with Yes Bank receiving upgraded AA- ratings.

The Finance Ministry has urged central government employees to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) before September 30, 2025. The Ministry highlighted benefits, tax incentives, and a one-time UPS-to-NPS switch facility for timely processing of requests

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said urban demand may be stronger than reflected in official data, citing UPI growth and SME spending. He projected FY26 growth at 6.3–6.8 per cent and emphasised the need for innovation to sustain exports

The GST 2.0 rationalisation has reduced rates across textiles and logistics, easing structural anomalies, cutting costs, and boosting demand. The reforms will make garments more affordable, lower freight costs, strengthen SMEs, and enhance India’s export competitiveness, particularly in textile

Online gaming firm Gameskraft has laid off 120 employees after India passed the Online Gaming Act, 2025, banning real-money gaming. The company cited regulatory pressures for halting operations, while FY25 profits also fell due to a ₹231 crore accounting adjustment

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said India and the US are likely to resolve their tariff stalemate within 8–10 weeks. Talks are underway to cut reciprocal duties, while both sides intensify efforts toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement

The rupee weakened 16 paise to 88.01 against the US dollar on Thursday, tracking a stronger greenback and Fed rate outlook. While equities rallied, traders await India-US trade talks, as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal projected 6% export growth this year.

Sensex and Nifty opened higher on Thursday, led by IT stocks, after the US Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points. Market sentiment improved on expectations of further rate cuts, earnings revival, and positive India-US trade negotiations.