29 C 
UPI MDR may return, but only some merchants will have to pay, Finance Ministry clarifies
The finance ministry said any future MDR on UPI will be nominal and limited to merchant transactions above a specified threshold, while consumers and most merchants will face no charges. The move aims to support UPIs long-term sustainability, security and infrastructure.
PhonePe, Razorpay back selective UPI charges for large merchants
PhonePe cofounder and chief executive, Sameer Nigam, and Razorpay cofounder and chief executive, Harshil Mathur, have argued in favour of a sustainable business model that echoes the position of the Payments Council of India (PCI). The industry association has sought to separate free everyday payments from charges on select merchant transactions to ensure commercial viability of the service.
Orunodoi 3.0 will provide monthly financial assistance to more than 37 lakh women in Assam from August. The social security scheme aims to empower families and promote financial inclusion among beneficiaries.
Elon Musk's X is replacing its Creator Revenue Sharing with the Original Content Rewards Programme, focusing on original posts.
Crude Check: Uncertainty remains
But hold shorts with strict stop-loss
The EPFO offers pension benefits to employees with over 10 years of service in the EPF scheme, following the EPS 1995 guidelines. Members can withdraw their PF amount at retirement and opt for various pension schemes depending on their circumstances.
West Bengal's 7th Pay Commission will consider demands for pay parity with Central government salaries and for increasing annual increments from 3% to 5% to address existing anomalies and economic realities.
Health insurance portability allows switching insurers without losing benefits like waiting periods and no-claim bonuses. However, issues arise from agents misusing this process for profit.
UPI MDR: Who will pay, who wont, and what the new rules mean | Government clarifies
The government confirmed UPI will remain free for consumers and small merchants, with potential MDR charges applicable only to select transactions above a threshold.
Buying or selling property in India poses challenges for NRIs due to complex regulations and tax rules. A missing PAN card can lead to higher TDS, while compliance errors can result in delays.
The Delhi government launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana to provide 2,500 monthly to eligible women. The application began on August 1, 2026, with over five lakh registrations by Saturday afternoon. Women aged 21-60 with an annual income of up to 2.5 lakh can apply.
The 8th central pay commission begun its four-day state visit to the national capital, with plans to interact with associations, federations, unions of central government, UT employees located or registered in Delhi.
Annapurna Yojana: When will the 3,000 August instalment be credited? CM Adhikari reveals date
Under the Annapurna Yojana, beneficiaries receive 3,000 monthly. Complaints arose regarding the August instalment delays, causing confusion.
UPI is and will remain free: PhonePe's Sameer Nigam assures amid growing doubts over MDR Bill
Nigam's comment comes a day after the Payments Council of India clarified that UPI would remain free for consumers. It also noted that small merchants would not be required to pay MDR for accepting UPI payments.
RBI proposes leverage buffer for branches of global systemically important banks
Under the draft directions, a branch of a G-SIB operating in India will be required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 3.5 per cent, along with the leverage ratio buffer applicable to the parent global bank, including any additional buffer prescribed by its home regulator.
Starting to invest at 25? 4 simple steps to build your financial roadmap
Rony, a 25-year-old first-time earner with low risk tolerance, is overwhelmed by investing. A structured four-step formula can guide him: maintain liquid funds for emergencies, prioritise insurance, allocate investments based on timelines, and track real returns to make informed decisions.
Foreign flows into Indian bonds may remain muted despite tax relief: SBI Funds
Foreign investment in Indian government bonds is projected to stay subdued as global yields alongside domestic interest rates reduce investor attraction. The postponement of India's inclusion in global bond indices further curbs foreign portfolio investments. The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to keep interest rates steady for a considerable duration, with heightened global yields providing minimal support to local interest rates.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the state govt is considering legal options, including appealing to the Supreme Court, after the Punjab HC directed it to clear pending DA within 15 days.
Apollo Micro Systems reported a 43% year-on-year rise in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 25.2 crore, while revenue surged 88% to Rs 251.3 crore. EBITDA rose 18% to Rs 48 crore, though margins moderated. The defence company said its best-ever first-quarter performance reflects strong execution and continued sector demand.
Unclaimed mutual fund dividends rise 15.7% to Rs 2,689 crore in FY26: Sebi
Unclaimed mutual fund dividends rose 15.7 percent to Rs 2,689 crore in 2025-26. Unclaimed redemption proceeds saw a slight decline of 0.5 percent during the same period. Combined unclaimed amounts in mutual funds reached Rs 3,811 crore by March 31, 2026. SEBI enhanced measures to help investors and nominees access their unclaimed holdings. Initiatives like DigiLocker integration and Niveshak Shivirs aim to reduce unclaimed assets.
A $110 million question: How safe are crypto wallets and whats the best way to store bitcoin?
Bitcoin has evolved into a mainstream financial asset but carries significant risks, as highlighted by its sharp price drop. Despite being recognised for tax purposes in India, investor caution persists regarding crypto safety.
NBFC gold loans continue near 70% growth, reach Rs 3.41 lakh crore in June: RBI
Non-banking financial companies saw gold-backed lending grow nearly seventy percent year-on-year. This strong expansion continued into June 2026, outpacing overall retail loan growth. Housing and vehicle loans also displayed robust credit growth during this period. The Reserve Bank of India strengthened regulations for gold and silver collateral loans. Credit to industry and services sectors experienced a moderation in growth.
Sumadhura Group to invest Rs 2,000 cr on construction of housing project in Bengaluru
Sumadhura Group plans to invest Rs 2,000 crore in an ambitious new housing project spanning 17 acres in Bengaluru's Whitefield-Kannamangala Corridor. This development aims to deliver an impressive 2.5 million square feet of residential space. With a strong pipeline exceeding 40 million square feet, this project underscores the robust growth opportunities in East Bengaluru.
US Treasury yields fall as jobs report dashes hike bets
U.S. Treasury yields saw a drop on Friday following an unexpected decline in July's job numbers. Traders subsequently lowered their predictions for an interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve in the upcoming September meeting. While the unemployment rate dipped, labor participation faced a decline, coupled with slower wage increases. This shift in the jobs market could indicate a shift towards a more dovish stance from the Federal Reserve.
RBI has proactively helped UCBs; cooperatives should look at regulator differently: Amit Shah
Union Minister Amit Shah encouraged urban cooperative banks to view the RBI's support positively. He highlighted the central bank's proactive assistance to the sector recently. Shah also emphasized the safety of small borrowers for lenders. The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation will relocate its head office. This move aims to strengthen the cooperative banking sector across key states.
India's resilient economy to support markets but global risks remain elevated: SEBI
Indian equities faced a difficult 2025-26, with the Nifty 50 and broader indices declining around 14% in US dollar terms
Nifty and Nifty Bank Prediction for the week 10 Aug26 to 14 Aug26 by BL GURU
NMDC cuts iron ore prices from August 8
The company's cumulative production during April-July 2026 stood at 19.16 MT, while sales were at 15.15 MT, reflecting sustained operational momentum
Nomination mandatory for demat accounts, MF folios from Sept 1: What if you don't want a nominee?
SEBI revised nomination norms for single-holder demat accounts and mutual fund folios, effective September 1, 2026. Here's what to do if you don't want to choose a nominee.
10 personal finance rules to build wealth, reduce risks and create a financially secure future
Check out the 10 essential personal finance rules every Indian should follow to build wealth, manage taxes, reduce debt, invest through SIPs, and secure financial stability with insurance, emergency savings and disciplined investing for long-term financial success.
Bitcoin hovers near $65,000 as key resistance caps further upside; Ethereum gains momentum
Bitcoin hovered near $65,000 as resistance around $65,000$65,600 capped further gains, while Ethereum showed stronger momentum above $1,900. Analysts said improving macro conditions are supportive for risk assets, but technical confirmation remains crucial. Crypto ETFs also saw steady inflows, signalling continued institutional demand despite mixed risk sentiment.
PPF vs SCSS vs SSY: Which government savings scheme suits your financial goals best in 2026?
Compare PPF, SCSS and SSY to understand their interest rates, eligibility, tax benefits, and investment features. Learn which government-backed savings scheme best matches your retirement, long-term wealth creation or girl child financial planning goals.
Section 44AD allows eligible small business owners to declare income on a presumptive basis without maintaining detailed books. However, taxpayers must still disclose turnover and other taxable income sources while filing ITR.
SBI missed digital payments bus, now playing catch-up with YONO Pay: Chairman CS Setty
State Bank of India chairman admits missing digital payments bus, while YONO app attempts to catch up. Banks and fintech firms argue UPI merchant payments may soon incur charges. UPI processes billions of transactions monthly, with rising infrastructure and cybersecurity costs. SBI reported a 13.73% rise in consolidated net profit for the June quarter.
CAS chaos splits Sensex and Nifty: How long will this last?
SBI Securities Sudeep Shah expects Nifty to remain rangebound, with 24,30024,800 as key levels. He prefers a buy-on-dips strategy, citing constructive trends. Smallcaps remain bullish, while FII short covering could support markets. Traders should watch key technical levels for Nifty, Trent, Kalyan Jewellers and Swiggy for directional cues.
Edelweiss Mutual Fund temporarily suspends SIPs and STPs in its 7 funds
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has suspended existing SIP and STP subscriptions in seven schemes from August 11, 2026, citing limited overseas investment headroom. Six affected funds are international schemes, while one is thematic. The suspension will continue until additional overseas investment capacity becomes available, with resumption subject to AMC discretion.
Wall Street Is deepening Its crypto grip and rewiring the market
Wall Street is gaining greater influence over crypto as hedge funds and asset managers replace retail traders as key market forces. Institutional investors accounted for 72% of spot trading on Wintermutes OTC desk in the first half of 2026. Derivatives, ETFs and structured products are reshaping market liquidity and volatility.
Mukul Agrawals winning picks: 9 stocks rallied over 50% in CY26; one fresh Q1 addition
Investor Mukul Mahavir Agrawals portfolio rose 12% to around Rs 7,720 crore by June 2026. Several holdings delivered strong CY26 gains, led by Apollo Pipes, Hind Rectifiers and KRN Heat Exchanger. The portfolio also saw a new addition, Arisinfra Solutions, highlighting Agrawals continued focus on high-growth stocks.
Vedanta and Infosys among 5 stocks with highest dividend yield. Check details
Five high-dividend-yield stocks include Vedanta, Gujarat Pipavav Port, Castrol India, TCS and Infosys. As of July 29, 2026, Vedanta topped the list with a 12.9% yield, followed by Gujarat Pipavav Port at 6.9%. Investors should consider fundamentals, valuation, sustainability of dividends and risks alongside dividend yield.
Edelweiss Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund is open for subscription. Should you invest?
Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched Indias first REIT-focused index fund, offering exposure to listed REITs and real estate companies through a single investment. The fund tracks the Nifty REITs & Realty Index, with a 60:40 REIT-to-realty allocation, targeting long-term investors seeking diversified real estate exposure.
5 equity mutual funds that delivered over 20% returns in 10 years for SIP investors. Do you own any?
Five equity mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised SIP returns over the past decade. Quant Small Cap led with 24.2%, followed by Nippon India Small Cap, Invesco India Mid Cap, Quant ELSS Tax Saver and Nippon India Growth Mid Cap. Investors should consider risk, goals and investment horizon beyond past performance.
Molbio Diagnostics collects Rs 281 cr from anchor investors ahead of IPO
Molbio Diagnostics has successfully attracted Rs 281.5 crore from anchor investors ahead of its much-anticipated initial public offering. The company aims to raise between Rs 904 crore and Rs 940 crore through this public issue, with funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements and new equipment for manufacturing facilities. Additionally, current shareholders will participate by selling portions of their stakes. The company
Natural gas loses momentum despite geopolitical risks: Will prices recover?
Natural gas prices remain subdued despite Middle East tensions, as abundant U.S. production, rising LNG supplies and healthy inventories outweigh geopolitical concerns. Weather-driven demand has also weakened following the winter rally. While near-term prices may remain rangebound, growing LNG exports, Asian demand, power generation and natural gas
Concurrent Gainers: 15 stocks that gain for 5 days in a row
Fifteen BSE 500 stocks posted gains in each of the five sessions from August 3 to 7. Apar Industries led with a 16% five-day gain, followed by Welspun Corp and Authum Investment.
Dhoot Transmission raises Rs 918 crore from 72 anchor investors ahead of Rs 3,067-crore IPO
Dhoot Transmission has raised Rs 918 crore from 72 anchor investors ahead of its Rs 3,067-crore IPO, with domestic mutual funds accounting for 61.27% of the anchor allocation. The company will use the proceeds to repay debt, fund expansion and pursue acquisitions.
Top 5 stock market lessons from legendary investor Peter Lynch that you should follow
Legendary investor Peter Lynch
Reliance Industries, ITC among 10 stocks that saw highest buying by LIC in Q1. See full list
LIC increased its holdings in several major stocks during Q1FY27, with Bharti Airtel, Maruti Suzuki and ITC among the biggest buys, based on Prime Database data.
Explained: Want to choose the right mutual fund? Check these 10 key ratios
Choosing a mutual fund requires more than examining past returns. Investors should assess risk-adjusted performance using metrics such as Alpha, Beta, Sharpe, Treynor, Information and Sortino ratios, along with standard deviation, semi-standard deviation and R-squared. These measures help compare funds, understand volatility, evaluate manager performance and determine suitability for individual investment goals.
Looking for mutual funds to invest in August? Here are 10 top picks
ETMutualFunds has shortlisted 10 equity mutual funds across five categories based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size for August.
PPFAS Mutual Fund CIO Rajeev Thakkar said the recent underperformance of Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is neither unusual nor significant. He defended its long-term strategy, lower cash allocation, and private-bank exposure, including HDFC Bank. Thakkar said market volatility creates opportunities, while the fund avoids popular themes and sees potential in IT services amid AI disruption.
India's gas demand returns to pre-disruption levels, but global LNG competition rises: Equirus
India's natural gas consumption recovered to near pre-disruption levels in June 2026. This recovery was broad-based across key sectors, indicating positive demand growth. Imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption rose significantly, increasing India's import dependence. City gas distribution and miscellaneous users led the demand increase during this period.
Dollar drops as weak US jobs data pushes out Fed hike expectations
The US dollar lost ground against key currencies due to unexpected job losses in July, raising fears about economic stability. As a result, the markets predict that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged. Additionally, the disappointing employment figures led to a sharp decline in Treasury yields, while gold prices surged as the dollar weakened.
Rupee steady as oil firms buy dollars
The Indian rupee showed minimal movement against the dollar on Friday, closing nearly unchanged. Oil companies actively bought dollars to restrict any considerable appreciation of the rupee. State-run banks also contributed to dollar selling in the market. The rupee fluctuated within a narrow scope, revealing a slightly negative trend, while Brent crude oil prices stabilized around eighty-three to eighty-four dollars per barrel.
GI-tagged Mithila Makhana makes first sea shipment from Bihar to Australia
Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana has been exported to Australia for the first time. This significant shipment of eighteen metric tons directly benefited local farmers in Darbhanga. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority facilitated this historic sea route export. Modern facilities are preparing Bihar's agricultural products to meet global quality standards.
Gold prices jump 7% to log best weekly gain in 8 months. Start of another yellow metal bull run?
Gold prices surged 7% this week, marking their strongest weekly gain in eight months as falling crude prices, weak US jobs data and resilient central bank demand boosted the metals appeal. With geopolitical risks and rate-cut hopes providing further support, analysts see potential for gold to resume its long-term bull run.
FIIs now backing India's consumers, not capex: July data reveals major rotation
Foreign investors returned to Indian equities in July, but their buying reflected selective, defensive positioning. Consumer services, healthcare and consumer durables attracted Rs 25,298 crore, while capital goods, telecom and automobiles faced heavy selling. The shift highlights stronger preference for domestic consumption, healthcare and discretionary growth over capital expenditure-driven sectors.
EPF Rules 2026: 3-category withdrawal system and new voluntary top-up limits explained
The new EPF Scheme allows voluntary contributions beyond the wage ceiling and simplifies withdrawals. If an employee resigns, the wait for EPF withdrawal has increased from 2 to 12 months.
Track all the latest Q1 FY27 earnings announcements, corporate developments and management commentary as companies including Delhivery, Eveready Industries India, Medi Assist Healthcare Services, Oswal Pumps, Studds Accessories report their June quarter results.
Titan's June quarter profit surges 63% YoY, income up 40%
Titan Company has shown impressive growth, reporting a staggering 63% increase in profit, largely driven by a surge in demand for jewellery during the Akshaya Tritiya festival. The consolidated income jumped by 40%, reaching around Rs 20,753 crore. Notably, jewellery sales, excluding bullion, rose by 43% to Rs 18,253 crore, while the watches and EyeCare segments also saw significant revenue boosts.
Wall Street Week Ahead: Inflation data to test record-setting US stocks, Fed rate views
Upcoming inflation data poses a challenge to the stock market's recent technology-driven surge. Analysts predict a rise in consumer prices, which might sway the Federal Reserves monetary policy. Meanwhile, easing geopolitical concerns and dipping oil prices have provided some reprieve to investors. Strong corporate earnings are exceeding forecasts, fostering a positive outlook for stocks, while fluctuations in yields and oil prices are being meticulously observed.
Ola Electric's Q1 revenue drops 45% YoY but loss narrows to Rs 336 crore
Ola Electric faced a significant downturn in its June quarter operations, reporting a steep forty-five percent decline in revenue compared to last year. The company earned four hundred fifty-five crore rupees in the first quarter, with vehicle registrations also dropping as compared to the previous year. Despite this, Ola's net loss displayed a slight improvement, narrowing by about twenty-one point five percent year-on-year, with overall unit deliveries also decreasing.
LICs 16 lakh crore money trail: Top stock buys & biggest exits
Hindalco posts record Q1 profit of Rs 7,013 crore as aluminium prices soar
Hindalco Industries achieved record profit and sales in the June quarter, driven by soaring aluminium prices and a rebound at Novelis. The company is now focused on executing ongoing projects valued at fifty thousand crore rupees while exploring further investments for future growth. Aluminium prices are projected to stay robust, despite a slight sequential dip.
SBI's Q1 profit jumps 10% YoY on loan growth, beats Street estimates
State Bank of India announced a notable ten percent growth in net profit for the June quarter, driven by robust loan growth that amplified its operating income. The year-on-year increase of fifteen percent in net interest income signifies healthy core earnings from its lending activities. Additionally, the bank aims to raise ten billion dollars through specialized FCNR(B) deposit schemes.
SGX to drop India-linked single-stock futures
The Singapore Stock Exchange's recent decision to halt trading in single stock futures linked to Indian equities marks a pivotal shift, likely spurred by Indian regulators' scrutiny of derivative contract practices on SGX. This alteration may compel foreign investors to realign their approaches toward accessing Indian stocks, potentially resulting in increased trading activity at GIFT City with a revised revenue-sharing framework.
D-Street overcomes CAS pain to post weekly gains
In a week marked by volatility, Indian equity indices ended on a positive note, showcasing their ability to bounce back. The initial worries prompted by the closing auction system quickly faded, as diminishing global oil prices and easing geopolitical conflicts uplifted investor sentiment. Mid and small-cap sectors demonstrated significant strength, with institutional investors, both domestic and foreign, snapping up Indian equities.
LEAP India IPO: Look before you LEAP
Dominant pooling franchise and debt reduction cannot offset the aggressive valuation for LEAP India
The US FIRE model can be customised by Indians to suit their requirements. The customisation can include a larger corpus, a lower withdrawal rate, a separate fund for healthcare expenses, and following the three-bucket strategy.
Retirement planning requires more than choosing investments. Experts explain why starting early, maintaining asset allocation, accounting for taxes and inflation, and investing consistently can help build a larger retirement corpus and improve long-term financial security.
Todays Stock Recommendation: August 04, 2026
The stock idea that we have for you today is Ashok Leyland.
Indias economy at a crossroads: Robust revenues, emerging headwinds
Arun Singh, Chief Economist at Dun & Bradstreet, speaks on the significance of record GST collections, rising import-linked tax revenues, trends in the newly introduced Index of Services Production (ISP), and the evolving fiscal deficit situation.
Indias 5G roadmap: Can telcos turn scale into profits?
Indias telecom sector has achieved one of the fastest 5G deployments anywhere in the world. But after the record-breaking rollout comes the tougher question: how do operators turn massive network investments into sustainable returns?
AgniKul Cosmos and Indias reusable rocket push
In this exclusive conversation AgniKul Cosmos Co-Founder & CEO Srinath Ravichandran and Co-Founder & COO Moin SPM discuss Mission 2, reusable rockets, and how 3D printing is transforming Indias private space sector.
Todays Stock Recommendation: August 3, 2026
The stock that we have today is MRPL
US stocks: S&P closes at record high as soft jobs report eases rate-hike concerns
The US stock market enjoyed a significant boost on Friday as the S
LIC weighing plans to invest in health insurance, fintech: R Doraiswamy, MD, LIC
LIC said the governments 31,552-crore offer for sale reflects investor confidence and helped achieve 10% public shareholding. The insurer will focus on growth, margins and distribution, while the government must raise public shareholding to 25% by 2032.
NBFC credit surges 14.4% to 59.3 lakh crore in June, retail loans lead growth: RBI data
Non-banking finance company credit grew 14.4 percent year-on-year in June. Retail loans saw the fastest expansion, increasing by 20.3 percent. Housing and vehicle loans, and gold jewellery loans showed robust growth. Credit to industry expanded by 6.7 percent, while services sector credit grew 17.6 percent. Agriculture and allied activities credit increased significantly by 17.9 percent.
Market cuts odds of Fed hike after jobs data, but economists still see case for tightening
The weak job report for July has tempered expectations surrounding a Federal Reserve rate increase. Consequently, futures markets now indicate a diminished probability of a rise in interest rates next month. Despite calls from several Fed officials for tighter monetary policy to counteract inflation, the economic community remains split on what lies ahead in rate decisions. The Federal Reserve is actively tracking inflation trends to shape its future policies.
Dollar falls against yen, euro as weak US jobs data clouds Fed outlook
The US dollar weakened against major currencies on Friday. Unexpected job losses in July fueled economic concerns and clouded Fed rate outlook. The unemployment rate declined, but labor force participation hit a multi-year low.
Can a 15,000 monthly SIP build a 5 crore corpus in 30 years? Heres the maths
Investing 15,000 every month for 30 years, assuming an average annual return of 12%, can potentially build a corpus of around 5.29 crore.
PhonePe launches fixed deposit (FD) distribution allowing customers to compare and book high-yield fixed deposits with partner banks and NBFCs online. Here's a stepwise guide on how to book deposits using the app
Would your family know where your money is? Why every investor needs a financial inventory
A Will and nominees alone may not be enough to help your family access your assets. Estate planning experts explain why every investor should maintain a financial inventory, what it should include, and how it can save loved ones time, confusion and legal hassles.
Emergency fund: Today, we explain the 3-6-9 rule that salaried individuals and even those without stable income can use to build their savings for a rainy day or to safeguard against extenuating circumstances.
Raymond Realty Q1 net profit falls 19 pc to Rs 13.43 cr on higher expenses
Raymond Realty experienced a 19% drop in profit for the quarter that ended in June, primarily due to increased operational costs that affected net earnings. Despite this, the total income rose to Rs 535.71 crore year-on-year. Moreover, the company reported impressive sales bookings of Rs 700 crore in the first quarter of FY27, representing a substantial increase from Rs 306 crore during the same period last year.
Gold hits seven-week high as weak U.S. jobs data dents rate hike bets
Gold prices reached a seven-week high on Friday owing to surprising job losses in the United States that lowered the likelihood of upcoming rate hikes. This trend puts gold on track for its best weekly gain in seven months, as reduced interest rates boost its allure over yield-producing investments. Additionally, silver and platinum prices witnessed notable rises.
OMCs began rigorous testing for E20 fuel contamination at pumps from Mid-July: Oil Minister
The Minister reveals that only 4 cases of contamination of E20 fuel was found
RBI rejects Religares demerger proposal
The regulator has not disclosed the specific reasons for rejecting the proposal
South Korean market meltdown barely ruffles India; IT stocks steal the show
The Nifty 50 closed at 23,985, down just 0.04%; Nifty IT index rallies 3.3%
