The Economic Times

NPCI states GST on UPI Merchant Discount Rate is not a burden. Transactions under two thousand rupees have zero MDR and no GST. Over ninety-six percent of merchant transactions are below this threshold. Merchants can adjust GST paid on MDR against their tax liability. Small merchants receiving under one lakh rupees monthly are exempt from MDR.

Mutual funds added 24 stocks to their portfolios through at least 15 schemes in August 2026, with 11 of these stocks delivering over 25% YTD returns. Welspun Corp and Apar Industries emerged as the top performers, gaining 240% and 126%, respectively.

Amid rising interest rates and fluctuating bond yields, JM Financial has pinpointed nine NBFCs as top stock picks. These picks showcase a diverse performance spectrum, with some stocks dipping while others have enjoyed robust gains over various timeframes. Investors are encouraged to delve into net interest margin dynamics and asset quality trends when making their selection.

PhonePe and Google Pay could earn about $900 million annually from Indias new UPI merchant fee regime by March 2028, according to Bernstein estimates, strengthening their already dominant position. The 0.4% fee on merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 could also encourage payment apps to expand in rural areas and push smaller rivals towards higher-value transactions.

UBS has raised its Meesho estimates across NMV, contribution profit and EBITDA, citing stronger seller and buyer growth and improving unit economics. The brokerage expects contribution margins to expand as logistics costs ease and advertising revenue grows. Meeshos ability to sustain user additions, ordering frequency and NMV growth remains central to its outlook.

HDFC Bank shares rose to a nearly seven-week high of Rs 749.30, extending gains to 5% over three sessions, after ET reported that the RBI is weighing Anup Bagchis candidature for the banks CEO and MD post and has sought feedback from IRDAI and ICICI Bank CEO Sandeep Bakhshi.

Justice R C Chavan resigned from Maharashtra's Uniform Civil Code committee on September 19. He cited disagreements over the committee's functioning and external official involvement. Chavan alleged meetings concluded without substantive discussion and member suggestions were ignored. He also questioned the need for an officer from outside the state. His resignation aims to allow the government to fill the vacant committee seat.

Scientific research indicates dogs can significantly enhance social interactions for their owners. These canine companions often act as catalysts for conversations with strangers and neighbors. Pet ownership, particularly dog walking, is linked to stronger community connections and social capital. Regular dog walks may also help reduce feelings of loneliness, especially among older adults. Ultimately, dogs provide a simple and effective reason to connect with other people.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed noisy scenes over holiday demands. An NC MLA demanded restoring Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's holiday or cancelling Maharaja Hari Singh's. BJP MLAs opposed this, leading to a ruckus and slogans. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and follow assembly rules. BJP members staged a walkout after their demands were not immediately met.

Lionel Messi will wear a special jersey for his final Argentina match. He announced his retirement from international football after a decorated career. Messi led Argentina to major titles, including the World Cup in 2022. His international record includes numerous appearances and goals scored. He will now focus on his club career with Inter Miami.

A teacher found unusual rock formations during a fossil hunt. These formations revealed a rare sequence of four Tyrannosaurus rex footprints. The trackway, stretching seven meters, offers insights into the dinosaur's movement. Researchers estimate the T. rex walked at a brisk human pace. This discovery provides direct evidence of a dinosaur's ancient journey.

GST collections show economic activity holding up after the overhaul. Consumers are upgrading to better products and larger screen televisions. Automobile dispatches have remained particularly strong after the tax changes. FMCG companies saw an initial pickup in volumes after the GST changes. Geopolitical events and rising input costs present new challenges.

Six engineers have been suspended after an inquiry into the supply of contaminated drinking water in Jyolikot, Nainital, where cases of jaundice and other waterborne diseases were reported and two deaths occurred. The action followed directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

India's men's table tennis team exited the Asian Games after a defeat to South Korea. The women's table tennis team advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Thailand. Indian shooters Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Mairaj Khan competed in skeet qualification events. Sakshi Chaudhary progressed in boxing while Taniksha Khatri advanced in fencing. Other Indian athletes participated in various sports including kabaddi and swimming.

Hindustan Copper shares rose after the company announced a Rs 7,000 crore investment over the next 5-6 years and signed MoUs with major PSUs to expand its mining portfolio, while also partnering with Chiles CODELCO on mining expertise and capacity building.

Embassy Developments shares rallied up to 8% to Rs 63.80 after signing an MoU to sell an entire residential tower at Embassy Terazza in Juhu to Angel One CMD Dinesh Thakkar for Rs 711 crore. Spanning 63,000 sq ft, it is India

Textile stocks rebounded on Tuesday, recovering most of the previous sessions losses after US President Donald Trump signed a Russia sanctions bill into law. Raymond led the gains with a 10% rally, while Pearl Global Industries, Gokaldas Exports, Arvind and Vardhman Textiles also advanced.

Motilal Oswal has initiated coverage on Solar Industries with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 23,000, citing strong growth prospects across explosives and defence. The brokerage expects revenue and profit to grow at 43% and 34% CAGR, respectively, through FY30.

Pace Digitek shares surged over 13% to Rs 175.37 on Tuesday after its material subsidiary, Lineage Power, bagged a Rs 488.46-crore BESS order from NTPC GE Power Services. The project at the Barh Super Thermal Power Project involves BESS containers, maintenance, and extended warranty through December 2026.

Indian equities traded higher as softer crude prices and easing bond yields improved sentiment. Sensex and Nifty extended gains, while broader markets also advanced. Analysts highlighted a possible sectoral shift towards fairly valued largecaps and improving technical momentum.

AceVector Ltd has set its initial public offering price band at Rs 30-32 per share. The company's Rs 420-crore IPO will open for public subscription on September 25. This offering includes a fresh issue and an offer-for-sale by existing shareholders. AceVector operates a digital commerce ecosystem which includes Snapdeal and Unicommerce. The company is scheduled to debut on the stock market on October 5.

Welspun Corp has emerged as the top-performing Nifty 500 stock in 2026 after a 236% rally, overtaking AI infrastructure play HFCL. The sharp gains have been driven by strong investor interest in the companys oil, gas and water transmission business. The key question now is whether the rally can sustain.

Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy shares surged nearly 8% on Tuesday to Rs 186.66 after winning domestic and international orders exceeding Rs 985 crore. The orders include a 534.3 MWp solar project in Rajasthan and a 616 MWh energy storage capacity project in South Africa.

Waaree Energies shares rose after securing a 2 GW solar module supply order from a leading domestic solar developer for FY27-FY28. The contracts value remains undisclosed. Despite the order, the stock has declined recently and trades below seven of eight SMAs. FIIs raised their June-quarter stake, while mutual fund holdings fell.

Tata Group stocks are undergoing substantial fluctuations amid an unsettling boardroom conflict as Tata Trusts questions the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as Chairman. Market analysts advise investors to hone in on the core fundamentals and disregard the temporary corporate commotion. Companies like Tata Steel and Tata Motors are highlighted as sound investment choices, showing promise for long-term growth and accumulation due to their solid performance.

Polycab shares have fallen 17% from their June peak after UltraTech entered the wires and cables segment. Jefferies retained its Buy rating and Rs 11,100 target, implying 33% upside, citing strong demand, volume growth and Polycabs distribution strength.

Sansera Engineering shares rallied after Goldman Sachs raised its target price to Rs 4,990 from Rs 4,500 while retaining its Buy rating. The revised target implies 16.1% upside, with the stock already up over 140% in 2026. Goldman sees investments by Applied Materials and Lam Research in India supporting local supplier ecosystems and R&D, potentially driving longer-term growth for Sanseras ADS component business.

As of September 21, four NSE F&O stocks recorded an increase of over 8% in futures open interest compared to the previous trading session. Oracle Financial Services Software led the gains with an 11.43% rise, followed by Sona BLW Precision Forgings, Patanjali Foods, and BSE.

Four Nifty 500 stocks closed over 1.5% above their VWAPs on September 21, signaling stronger-than-average trading prices.

Five Nifty500 stocks were highlighted in the RSI Trending Up scan on September 21, based on data from StockEdge. Mankind Pharma, Cohance Lifesciences, Kaynes Technology India, Fertilisers And Chemicals Travancore and Jaiprakash Power Ventures recorded rising RSI values.

IPO-bound Moneyview paid CEO Puneet Agarwal a one-time Rs 160 crore performance incentive in FY26, reducing reported net profit by about Rs 120 crore after tax. The company said the payment was non-recurring and has no plans for similar incentives. Moneyviews Rs 1,092-crore IPO opens September 24 at Rs 32-34.

This year has seen a remarkable surge in unlisted shares, particularly with MSEI, witnessing a staggering rise of approximately 108% year-to-date in the unlisted market. Simultaneously, CSE shares have gained momentum, echoing the trend amidst increasing investor interest in smaller exchanges following the NSE IPO filing. Factors such as revival plans and enhanced broker integrations are fueling this noteworthy shift.

Four Nifty500 stocks appeared on the White Marubozu bullish scanner on September 21, according to StockEdges technical scan data. Engineers India, Mankind Pharma, Aditya Infotech and UTI Asset Management Company recorded gains during the session.

Indias wealthy business families are increasingly shifting from traditional family businesses to family offices, private equity and startup investments. The trend reflects changing succession strategies as younger heirs cash out or diversify inherited wealth. From Sanghi Industries to Dabur and Homemade Bakers, Indias next-generation business heirs are reshaping how family fortunes are managed and invested.

Pakistani fighter jets struck suspected militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan on Monday. These strikes killed twenty-eight militants and at least three civilians, according to reports. Afghanistan condemned the aggression and vowed a fitting response to the airstrikes. The Pakistani government blamed militants based in Afghanistan for recent attacks. This escalation threatens regional mediation efforts and complicates bilateral relations.

Sonaselection India IPO allotment status is likely to be finalised today. The Rs 141.57-crore public issue was subscribed 2.01 times. Investors can check their share allotment status online via KFin Technologies, BSE, and NSE websites. The stock is set to list on September 24, 2026.

Lockheed Martin has secured a US Army contract worth up to $1.2 billion to produce the Increment 2 variant of its Precision Strike Missile, following a successful test against moving maritime targets. The award comes as the defence contractor expands production capacity to 550 missiles annually amid rising demand for long-range strike weapons.

Pine Labs shares will be in focus today as Mastercard Asia Pacific is likely to sell up to 49.7 million shares (4.3% stake) worth Rs 892.5 crore via a block deal. The floor price is fixed at Rs 179.50 per share. Meanwhile, Motilal Oswal initiated coverage with a Buy rating.

The SME IPO segment is set for a busy session today, with Vama Wovenfab, Shakti Polytarp and Quanto Agroworld scheduled to make their stock-market debuts on September 22, 2026.

US President Trump inaugurated a new White House helipad with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Major television networks boycotted the event in protest of CNN's ban. Trump posted about the helipad's maiden voyage on his social media. Media access restrictions have overshadowed the helipad project and a state visit. The president has focused on building projects during his term.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France and the US have agreed to work together to ease energy-market tensions, protect critical infrastructure in West Asia and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks came as Iranian officials arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly amid regional tensions.