Commerce minister Piyush Goyal announced that trade agreement talks with the US are progressing rapidly, with the next negotiation round scheduled for August in India. Both nations aim to finalize the initial agreement tranche by fall, targeting a significant boost to bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion.

India's new trade deal with the UK includes safeguard measures, allowing tariff hikes on British imports if domestic industries face harm. Valid initially for two years, extensions up to four years are possible, with UK retaliation rights triggered only after the extension. Provisional safeguards can be enforced for 200 days in emergencies.

Edelweiss MF CEO Radhika Gupta advocates for a balanced approach to personal finance, emphasizing both saving and enjoying life's experiences. She also addressed the common misconception surrounding SIPs and mutual funds, clarifying their relationship to equities. Furthermore, Gupta proposed a solution to India's obesity issue by suggesting restaurants offer half-plate portions.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India will receive due recognition for its unique cultural products under the new FTA with the UK, citing the Prada-Kolhapuri chappal controversy. The government aims to protect and promote Indian GI products in global markets, with potential for significant international business.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is set to significantly boost India's seafood exports by eliminating UK import tariffs, potentially increasing exports by 70%. This levels the playing field with countries already enjoying UK duty benefits. The agreement also extends to other sectors like textiles, leather, and IT, benefiting Indian MSMEs and job creation.

India and the UK have signed a comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA), but only a quarter of UK exports will receive immediate duty-free access. India has safeguarded sensitive sectors like dairy and strategically important goods under 'Make in India'. The agreement balances sensitivities and strengths, aiming to shed the 'tariff king' label while improving trade certainty for businesses.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the newly signed India-UK FTA as a game-changing agreement, offering significant opportunities for Indian farmers, businesses, and youth. The comprehensive FTA, awaiting UK Parliamentary approval, aims to eliminate duties on 99% of Indian exports to the UK.

India and the UK are signing a trade agreement. This deal will remove tariffs and make trade easier. Maharashtra will export more engineering goods and medicines. Gujarat will see growth in pharma and seafood exports. Tamil Nadu's textile and leather industries will benefit. Other states like Andhra Pradesh and Punjab will also experience export growth.

A Policybazaar report reveals a surge in NRIs seeking medical treatment in India, driven by significantly lower costs. Health insurance purchases by NRIs have jumped 150% in 2024-25. Treatment costs in India can be 60-90% less than in the US, with heart bypass surgery costing Rs 4.5-8 lakh compared to Rs 60 lakh-1.3 crore in the US.

ITC Ltd. is set to invest Rs 20,000 crore across its diverse business sectors over the next five to six years, following the inauguration of eight new manufacturing facilities. The company, having already invested 4,500 crore in capex over the last two years, is also eyeing potential acquisitions to bolster growth.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Intershipping Services Hub, an Indian subsidiary of a UAE-based firm, and Captain Abhinav Kamal for allegedly aiding Russian oil trade. These sanctions, limited to EU entities, freeze European assets and restrict business dealings.

Following Sunjay Kapur's sudden death, a family dispute has emerged at Sona Comstar. Rani Kapur, Sunjay's mother, alleges suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and contests the appointment of his wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, to the board. The company proceeded with its AGM, approving Priya's appointment, asserting Rani is not a shareholder and denying any wrongdoing, emphasizing adherence to corporate governance.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that corporates will not be allowed banking licenses. The monetary policy committee retains flexibility on interest rates. Future rate decisions will depend on inflation and growth outlook. There is no plan to revise the 26% limit on promoter shareholding in private banks. RBI supports diversified ownership. The ultimate responsibility for a bank's operations lies with its board.

NSDL's upcoming IPO has set its price band at Rs 760-800 per share, a 22% discount from unlisted market values. The Rs 4,011.6 crore issue, opening July 30, involves existing shareholders like IDBI Bank and NSE offloading stakes. Targeting a Rs 16,000 crore valuation, NSDL's IPO draws comparisons to HDB Financial's discounted pricing.

Etihad Airways is growing its fleet. It received its first Airbus A321LR aircraft. This is part of an order for 30 jets. The first route will be from Abu Dhabi to Phuket. The aircraft will also fly to Kolkata, Bangkok and other cities. Etihad plans to carry 38 million passengers by 2030.

The Indian rupee weakened to 86.52 against the US dollar due to declining domestic equities, rising crude oil prices, and continuous foreign fund outflows. A stronger dollar and uncertainty surrounding the US-India trade deal further pressured the rupee. Investors are also cautious about upcoming monetary policy decisions and geopolitical tensions, influencing the currency's near-term outlook.

Following the death of Chairman Sunjay Kapur, Sona Comstar proceeded with its AGM, despite Rani Kapur's request for postponement, citing attempts to usurp the family legacy. Rani Kapur alleges suspicious circumstances surrounding her son's death and claims sole beneficiary status, while the company asserts she hasn't been a shareholder since 2019.

Wall Street saw slight gains Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq near record highs, as investors anticipated a busy week of earnings, data, and trade deadlines. Intel's disappointing earnings contrasted with rallies from Deckers and Boston Beer. Markets are closely watching Trump's trade negotiations and the upcoming Federal Reserve policy meeting for further direction.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a key social security initiative for unorganised sector workers, has exceeded 8 crore enrolments, according to the Finance Ministry. The PFRDA-administered scheme added 39 lakh new subscribers this fiscal year. Launched in 2015, APY provides a guaranteed monthly pension of 1,000 to 5,000 after age 60.

Gold prices in Delhi declined by Rs 500 to Rs 99,120 per 10 grams due to easing global trade tensions and reduced safe-haven demand. A stronger US dollar and diminished expectations for US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts further contributed to the price drop. Silver prices remained steady at Rs 1,15,000 per kilogram.

India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a further dip of $1.183 billion, settling at $695.489 billion by July 18, according to RBI data. This decline, marking the second consecutive weekly drop, was primarily driven by a decrease in foreign currency assets. However, gold reserves saw a rise of $150 million, reaching $84.

India's new trade deal with the UK lacks carbon tax exemptions. This could hurt Indian exports like steel and aluminium starting 2027. The UK will impose carbon taxes following the EU's lead. Ajay Srivastava of GTRI highlights the trade imbalance. Indian exports worth $775 million may face tariffs. India views carbon taxes as discriminatory.

Cipla reported a 10% increase in consolidated profit after tax, reaching 1,298 crore for Q1 FY26, driven by strong sales in India, Europe, and Africa. Total income from operations rose to 6,957 crore. The company's India market sales grew by 6% to 3,070 crore, while North America sales saw a 7% decline. Following the earnings announcement, Cipla shares traded 3.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting experienced a decline in DTH revenue in FY25, reflecting a shrinking pay TV user base, while private FM radio witnessed revenue growth. DTH revenue fell by 25% over two years, whereas FM radio revenue steadily increased. This shift indicates changing viewer preferences towards digital platforms, impacting the traditional DTH sector.

Nayara Energy, an Indian oil refiner backed by Russia, has appointed Sergey Denisov as its new CEO, succeeding Alessandro des Dorides, who resigned due to EU sanctions targeting the company's ties with Rosneft. Despite EU pressure, Nayara remains a key private-sector refiner and fuel retailer in India, with New Delhi distancing itself from the EU's actions.

Rani Kapur, mother of the late Sunjay Kapur, has requested Sona Comstar to postpone its AGM, citing her son's death. She alleges being coerced into signing documents without understanding them during her grieving period. Kapur also expresses concerns about recent management changes and lack of transparency, seeking a delay to properly evaluate proposed resolutions and gather information.

LVMH, grappling with declining sales and consumer fatigue, plans a second Texas factory amid US-Europe trade tensions. CEO Bernard Arnault advocates for trade agreements while the company navigates challenges in its fashion and leather goods division. Despite a sales drop, LVMH sees potential in its brands and a revival in China, facing competition from mass-market players.

Bajaj Auto may halt electric scooter production in August due to China's rare earth magnet curbs, impacting Chetak and GoGo models. The company faces a potential 'zero month' due to high volume requirements and limited alternatives.

India has achieved its goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol, five years ahead of the initial 2030 target, according to ISMA. This accomplishment has led to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and substantial financial benefits for farmers and distilleries.

Alphabet's strong earnings have propelled its market value, rewarding investors. This surge has also elevated CEO Sundar Pichai to billionaire status. Pichai's wealth stems from his leadership and compensation, a rarity for non-founder tech CEOs. Alphabet's success is fueled by artificial intelligence and cloud service demand.

Donald Trump confronted Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during a visit to the Fed's headquarters, criticizing renovation cost overruns and reiterating his demand for lower interest rates. Trump, accompanied by White House officials, questioned the $3.1 billion project, a figure Powell disputed.

Gold price prediction today: Analysts predict continued pressure on gold rates with a bearish near-term outlook. Technical indicators suggest limited upside potential, favoring a 'Sell on Rise' strategy around 99,000 with a stop-loss at 99,450.

After years of restrictions, Australia has lifted its ban on American beef imports, a move celebrated by President Trump as a victory for US ranchers and proof of the quality of American beef. The decision follows strained trade relations and threats of tariffs, with US officials attributing the breakthrough to President Trump's firm stance and improved US quality control measures.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in red on Friday. While Nifty50 went below 25,000, BSE Sensex was down over 300 points.

Asian markets declined, ending a winning streak amid uncertainty over US Federal Reserve rate cuts. Japan and Australia saw losses, while South Korea saw slight gains. Wall Street hit new highs, driven by technology, despite broader market weakness. Investors are now more confident about limited economic impact from tariff policies.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has spoken of 'fantastic' progress in India-US trade deal negotiations. Both countries are looking for a mini or interim agreement before the August 1st deadline. India seeks preferential market access, while the US pushes for access to India's agriculture and dairy sectors.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research suggests a cautiously optimistic market outlook for July 25, 2025, highlighting Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPL) and National Aluminum as top stock picks. Nifty is rangebound, supported by key technical levels, while Bank Nifty consolidates with a bullish undertone.