The Economic Times

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, set out with Project OT to create an AI-driven future for the company, proposing substantial team reductions in favor of AI automation. Yet, internal pushback and fears over efficiency stymied the next phase of this initiative. Investors also expressed doubts regarding Meta's large-scale investments in AI. In the end, the company shifted its focus back to prioritizing its human employees.

At 20, Barron Trump has an estimated fortune of about $150 million, with most of his reported wealth tied to the Trump familys cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial. His new $39 SOLLOS energy drink venture has added another business to his portfolio, while the reported fortune is higher than his mother Melania Trumps estimated $20 million wealth.

Indian companies show stronger sales growth entering fiscal year twenty twenty seven. Manufacturing sales accelerated significantly, driven by key industries like automobiles. Operating profit growth also jumped across major sectors, improving margins. Companies faced elevated input costs, which impacted raw material expenses. However, improved pricing power helped absorb these higher costs effectively.

A $30,000 Brooklyn wedding reception reportedly turned into a nightmare after the bride, groom and 30 of 112 guests fell ill with vomiting, diarrhoea, chills and abdominal cramps. A lawsuit alleges that food served at the reception was contaminated with norovirus. On the other hand, a health department investigation said the specific source of the outbreak could not be determined.

These plants are competing for sun, nutrients, water and especially pollination in this harsh environment of limited but intense sunlight.

Aragen Life Sciences has filed its DRHP with Sebi for an IPO comprising a Rs 800 crore fresh issue and an OFS. Proceeds will fund debt repayment, capacity expansion and equipment purchases. The CRDMO reported strong FY24FY26 growth, with revenue reaching Rs 2,178 crore and profit Rs 258 crore in FY26.

HDFC Bank shares fell to a fresh 52-week low after a US investor filed a securities fraud class-action lawsuit against the bank and two senior executives. HDFC Bank called the allegations meritless and said it would defend the case vigorously, adding to recent concerns weighing on the stock.

NABARD and NaBFID have signed an initial pact to strengthen collaboration. This agreement focuses on financing infrastructure projects with significant rural impact. The memorandum provides a framework for joint financing and knowledge sharing. Key areas include water, sanitation, irrigation, and post-harvest storage facilities. This partnership aims to advance rural prosperity and bridge the rural-urban divide.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor met Piramal Group Chairman Ajay Piramal discussing economic ties. Gor lauded Piramal's growing United States footprint as a strong investment example. The Ambassador also met Cummins CEO Jennifer Rumsey regarding company operations. India's trade surplus with the United States narrowed in the recent fiscal year. These meetings highlight strengthening bilateral cooperation and business expansion opportunities.

Rising sugar prices are raising concerns over higher input costs for consumer companies, with Goldman Sachs identifying Britannia Industries as the most exposed among companies it covers. Nestle India and Varun Beverages could also face pressure. Tight global supplies, festive demand and adverse weather conditions are driving the commoditys sharp rally.

Pushp Brand, backed by A91 Partners and Sixth Sense, has received SEBI approval for its IPO, comprising an OFS of up to 74.45 lakh shares. The Indore-based packaged spices company has expanded across 24 states and union territories, while posting strong revenue, EBITDA and profit growth alongside improving margins.

Systematix has initiated coverage on Timex Group India with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 820, implying around 30% upside. The brokerage expects strong growth through FY29, with revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT projected to grow at CAGRs of 29.1%, 37.3% and 40.5%, respectively, supported by premiumisation, margin expansion and strong cash generation.

German auto parts maker Mahle GmbH is revisiting plans to list its Indian business in Mumbai, according to people familiar with the matter. The potential IPO could raise around $300 million to $400 million, with the company expected to appoint advisers and begin preparations soon. Mahle had previously considered an India listing in 2024 but did not proceed.

Pushp Brand has officially secured approval from Sebi for its initial public offering, with existing shareholders set to sell up to 74.45 lakh equity shares. Promoters and other investors are engaged in the Offer for Sale. Founded in 1974, the company operates under the renowned Pushp and Munimji brands and is gearing up to introduce Pushp Kadak Chai in the second quarter of FY27.

Indian IT companies are buying client technology units to secure larger partnerships. This strategy aims to boost contract values as organic growth slows down. TCS, Wipro, and HCLTech have recently made significant acquisitions. These deals involve acquiring intellectual property and engineering talent. This trend revives a past strategy of acquiring captive centers.

The Indian stock market will remain open on August 28 despite Raksha Bandhan celebrations, with the NSE, BSE, MCX and NCDEX operating normally. Investors can also check the remaining six market holidays for 2026, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Diwali-Balipratipada, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Christmas.

Piramal Finances first QIP since listing attracted bids worth around Rs 21,000 crore, nearly 10 times the Rs 2,100 crore on offer, amid strong demand from global investors and major domestic mutual funds. BlackRock, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and several leading Indian AMCs participated in the issue, which was priced at the upper end of the Rs 2,000-2,110 range.

Hindalco Industries has commissioned India's first Superfine PPT ATH manufacturing plant. This new facility at Belagavi will meet domestic demand for the specialty alumina product. The plant utilizes in-house technology and operates entirely on renewable energy sources. This development strengthens Hindalco's specialty alumina portfolio and enhances fire safety solutions. The indigenous production reduces import dependence and supports the wire and cable industry.

Motilal Oswal has initiated coverage on Adani Enterprises with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 3,880, implying 25% upside from the prevailing market price. The brokerage expects EBITDA to more than double by FY29, supported by airports, new energy, roads, copper and other infrastructure businesses. It also sees faster earnings growth and easing leverage as key drivers for the stock.

Power capex stocks such as Hitachi Energy India, GE Vernova, TD Power and CG Power witnessed an uptick on Thursday, tracking Nvidias strong data-centre growth and bullish revenue outlook. Expectations of sustained AI infrastructure spending boosted sentiment, while US restrictions on Chinese power equipment added to optimism over demand for Indian suppliers.

Lupin shares fell after Citi downgraded the stock to Sell and cut its target price to Rs 2,050. The brokerage expects weaker US base-business sales, margin pressure and limited benefits from new products. Citi also reduced FY27 EPS estimates by 14%. Lupins technical indicators remain bearish despite its oversold RSI reading.

Indias private space sector is shifting from prototypes to commercial operations, with the government targeting a fivefold expansion of the space economy to $4045 billion by 2030. The startup ecosystem has grown to over 400 companies, with Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, Agnikul Cosmos and Digantara emerging as key private players.

Bombay Burmah Trading shares rose sharply on Thursday after the Supreme Court recalled its earlier observation linking the company to a Rs 4,655 crore lease-rent liability. The court said the amount had neither been notified to BBTCL nor finally determined after giving the company an opportunity to respond, easing concerns over potential financial exposure.

High net worth investors continue to hold substantial positions across some of Indias leading listed companies.

Nepal flash floods were caused by a glacial collapse, not an earthquake. This event originated in Tibet and caused significant destruction in Nepal. The disaster killed 162 people and left 750 individuals missing. Among the missing are 133 Indian nationals who were in the affected areas. The US Geological Survey confirmed the glacial collapse after further analysis.

Authorities have taken control of more than fifty-three acres of land near the Prime Minister's official residence following a court's dismissal of the Delhi Race Club's plea. The club's lease has remained unrenewed since 1994, leading the Land and Development Office to pass the site to the CPWD for management. The central case is set to be heard again on September 26, 2026.

Tamil Nadu will release Mettur Dam water for 45 days starting September 1. This decision considers drinking and irrigation needs despite monsoon rainfall shortages. The Supreme Court directed Tamil Nadu to approach the Cauvery Water Management Authority. Karnataka has reportedly released water as directed by the authority previously. The court will next hear the Cauvery water sharing dispute on August 31.

Skyways Air Services IPO culminates its bidding process today, attracting considerable interest from investors. The issue was subscribed 5.08 times, reflecting a robust demand from retail participants. Current grey market trends indicate a potential listing gain of around thirty-one percent. The firm intends to allocate the funds raised towards managing existing debt and enhancing working capital, with anchor investors pledging Rs 174.5 crore as part of the offering.

Hindustan Copper shares fell around 3%, after the government concluded its Rs 2,982-crore OFS, which was oversubscribed. The company also faces Rs 14.43-lakh fines each from BSE and NSE over board composition compliance. Despite short-term pressure, the stock has delivered strong long-term returns.

Capri Global shares fell nearly 3% after BSE and NSE imposed fines of Rs 74,000 each plus taxes for delayed compliance with SEBI listing regulations. The company said the penalties have no material financial or operational impact and plans to seek a waiver. The stock remains up 35.43% in 2026.

Vijay Kedias top five stock holdings and how they have performed over the past month.

Devyani International witnessed an uptick on Thursday after the company said its merger with Sapphire Foods India remains on track, while a proposed secondary share sale involving Sapphire Foods Mauritius and Arctic International has been called off. The share-swap ratio remains unchanged, but the revised deal alters the expected post-merger promoter holding.

Over the last five years, various Indian stocks have reached extraordinary tenbagger returns, including remarkable surges in GE Vernova T&D and BSE shares, which soared by over two thousand percent. Other notable firms like Apar Industries and Zen Technologies also reported impressive growth. Noted investor Peter Lynch suggests that understanding your investments and maintaining them for the long haul can yield fruitful results.

Tata Power shares tumbled after the Singapore International Commercial Court dismissed the companys challenge to a $490 million arbitration award in favour of Kleros Capital Partners over a Russian coal project dispute. Tata Power plans to appeal the ruling, with the company having 28 days to approach the Singapore Court of Appeal.

The Nifty IPO Index has hit a remarkable 52-week high, showcasing an impressive appetite from investors. Recently, twelve newly listed firms have become multibaggers, showcasing exceptional returns. This upswing is driven by expanding growth sectors and a solid influx of domestic capital. Additionally, a shift in capital from large-cap stocks contributed to the stellar performance of this segment. Experts suggest CORONA Remedies and Fujiyama Power Systems for anticipated growth.

Indian equities opened marginally higher on Thursday ahead of expiry-day volatility, with Sensex and Nifty gaining around 10 and 11 points, respectively. India VIX rose 3% to 10.84. Kotak Mahindra Bank led gains, while HCL Technologies and HDFC Bank declined. Consumer durables gained, while FMCG slipped amid mixed market breadth.

In a significant downturn, HDFC group stocks saw a staggering loss of Rs 4.4 lakh crore in market capitalization over the last year. HDFC Bank suffered a 26% drop, equating to a loss of Rs 3.73 lakh crore. Similarly, HDFC Life Insurance faced a 29% decline, resulting in a Rs 47,261 crore dip.

In August, both promoters and private equity funds collectively divested shares valued at nearly 58,000 crore, marking a notable selloff as the stock market endeavored to rebound from recent downturns. The numbers revealed that private equity exits skyrocketed five times compared to previous months, achieving peak levels not seen since 2026. This influx of shares from promoters further heightened market liquidity concerns amid ongoing primary market activity.

Deepa Jewellers has set the price band for its Rs 459.72 crore IPO at Rs 168177 per share. The issue will open for subscription on September 1 and close on September 3, with listing scheduled for September 8. The offer comprises a Rs 250 crore fresh issue and an OFS of 1.18 crore shares. The IPOs P/E remains below industry peers.

Smallcap stocks led Nifty-500 earnings growth in 1QFY27, with the Nifty Smallcap-250 reporting 35% YoY growth. While strong earnings, domestic inflows and themes such as power continue to support the rally, elevated valuations and narrowing market breadth highlight the need for selective investing.

Nvidias AI boom remains strong, but rising memory costs and growing debt are emerging as key risks. The chipmaker expects gross margins to bottom at 7172% in Q4 FY27, while rising debt could pressure its financial condition and cash flows.

The final day of bidding for the Hy-Tech Engineers IPO has arrived, showcasing strong investor enthusiasm. Retail participation has surged, with subscriptions exceeding sixty times for their designated share. The IPO is projected to begin trading on September 1, 2026, post-allotment.

ICICI Prudential AMC promoter Prudential Corporation plans to sell up to 2% stake, worth over Rs 3,185 crore, to meet minimum public shareholding requirements. The sale will reduce promoter holding to 85.6%. Shares of ICICI Prudential AMC have gained over 22% in 2026, while Q1 net profit rose 23% year-on-year to Rs 965 crore.

Symbiotec Pharmalab IPO enters its final bidding day with 5.31 times overall subscription and a Rs 285 GMP. The Rs 1,757 crore issue is priced at Rs 938988 per share, with listing expected on September 1. Proceeds will partly repay debt, while investors weigh strong demand against premium valuation and risks.

The Rs 175.06 crore Annu Projects IPO entered its third day of bidding on August 27, with the issue subscribed 47% on Day 2. The IPO has attracted stronger retail participation, while its grey market premium (GMP) stands at around Rs 4, indicating a potential listing gain of about 4%. With the issue closing on August 28, investors are tracking subscription trends and GMP ahead of the listing.