The Economic Times

Harbhajan Singh explained his move from AAP to BJP citing unaddressed concerns within his former party. He felt his ideas for sports promotion were not heard by the Aam Aadmi Party leadership. Protests occurred at his home after he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party this April. Singh questioned AAP's unfulfilled promises regarding Punjab's significant drug abuse problem. He emphasised his commitment to India and Punjab's welfare above political discourse.

N Chandrasekaran's resignation as chairman of Tata Sons highlights rising tensions with the controlling Tata Trusts, which owns 66% of the holding company. This shake-up raises alarms over potential instability within the conglomerate. Investors express unease regarding the group's capacity to pursue independent goals, especially as it navigates losses in aviation and e-commerce while striving to launch global products.

An Indiana Tim Hortons employee will not face criminal charges after a fight with a 75-year-old customer who later died. Prosecutors explained why the workers injuries, including facial scratches, bruising and hair pulled from her scalp, played a key role in the decision. The employee's use of force during the altercation at Tim Hortons was justified as 'defense', the prosecutors said.

Black Hole Star Discovery: Astronomers using Nasas James Webb Space Telescope may have discovered a new type of cosmic object called a black hole star. The strange red object, known as MoM-BH*-1, appears to combine features of stars and black holes and could offer new clues about how galaxies and supermassive black holes formed in the early universe.

Solar Industries shares surged over 8% after the company reported a 93% YoY rise in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 652.55 crore and 70% revenue growth. Strong defence, domestic and international explosives businesses, a Rs 21,350 crore order book and Rs 14,000 crore FY27 revenue guidance boosted investor confidence in growth prospects.

Jubilant FoodWorks posted a higher first-quarter profit on Thursday. This increase was aided by steady growth at Domino's India. The company also saw continued store expansion during the period. Profit rose about six percent year-on-year for the quarter. This marks a significant financial performance for the business.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran will not seek reappointment in February 2027. The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has begun the succession process for the next chairman. A complication arises as the Sir Ratan Tata Trust cannot convene trustee meetings currently. TV Narendran, Tata Steel MD, is among the names being discussed for the top position. The selection committee will recommend the next chairman, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Black Box has announced a remarkable eighteen percent rise in profits for the June quarter, attributed to a solid order book and growth in its Brazilian sector. Revenue from operations surged to Rs 8,986 crore, a significant eighty-three percent increase, achieving a record quarterly revenue of Rs 1,719 crore. Plans are underway for Black Box to recruit three thousand new professionals predominantly in the US by the year 2030.

Shriram Properties faced a significant profit decrease of forty-six percent in the June quarter, largely affected by rising operational expenses and taxes. Nevertheless, the company recorded a slight increase in total income to Rs 271.04 crore and experienced a ten percent rise in sales bookings to Rs 484 crore. Their project pipeline remains strong, extending through various cities in India.

Tata Sons, the group's holding company, is primarily owned by charitable trusts. These philanthropic trusts, established by the Tata family, support various social causes. The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust collectively hold a majority stake. Noel Tata, as chairman, does not personally own these significant Tata Sons shares.

Navi Ltd. is preparing for an Indian IPO targeting up to $315 million, with JM Financial, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan advising. The fintech firm seeks a valuation of up to $2 billion and plans to file by December. The offering is expected to comprise only a primary share sale.

The new chairman of Tata Sons faces a myriad of financial hurdles and strategic choices. Air Indias transformation hinges on hefty investments and a defined route to profitability. Meanwhile, the semiconductor initiative from Tata Electronics calls for both time and sustained financial support. The third big issue involves Tata Digitals road-ahead.

Corporate India began fiscal year twenty twenty-seven with strong revenue growth. Aggregate revenues for listed companies rose twenty-two percent year-on-year in the June quarter. Profitability remained under pressure, with operating profit margins declining significantly. Excluding the oil sector, performance was considerably stronger with healthy profit growth.

ICRA said India Incs Q1 FY27 earnings began on a stronger-than-expected note, with revenue growth accelerating to 22%. Despite margin pressure from higher commodity costs and weakness in oil refining and IT services, consumption-led sectors remained resilient. Healthy corporate balance sheets, rising capex and improving credit metrics offer support.

Thyrocare Technologies shares fell after promoter Docon Technologies sold around 1.58 crore shares, cutting its stake from 60.92% to 51.02%. Docon remains the diagnostics companys promoter and holding company.

Munjal Auto Industries reported a strong Q1 FY27 performance, with consolidated revenue rising sharply and the company turning profitable from a year-ago loss. Both its auto components and composite products segments recorded healthy growth, while a mark-to-market gain on mutual fund investments also supported other income.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran is preparing to step down after nearly a decade, putting succession, Tata Sons listing and the balance of power with Tata Trusts under scrutiny. The Tata Trusts hold 66% of Tata Sons, while Shapoorji Pallonji Group owns 18.4%. RBI rules could pressure Tata Sons to list, adding urgency ahead of the August 18 shareholders meeting.

Sugar stocks rose sharply on Thursday as domestic sugar prices climbed 8-10% in a month to a seven-year high. Rising global sugar prices, worsening supply prospects in Brazil, higher ethanol blending, weather risks and lower output estimates in Thailand and India are tightening global supplies and supporting sugar prices.

UBS upgraded MCX to Buy from Neutral and raised its target price to Rs 3,800, citing attractive valuations, resilient trading volumes and positive regulatory developments. The brokerage also raised its FY27-FY29 EPS estimates by 4%-9%, while expecting strong commodity volatility and operating leverage to support earnings growth.

Shares of KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration hit a upper circuit on Thursday, following a strong Q1 FY27 earnings performance. The rally was driven by robust demand across both domestic and international markets.

Lenskart

Tata Trusts has started the process to find N Chandrasekarans successor as Tata Sons chairman after he decided not to seek another term. His current term is set to end next year in February. The move ends months of uncertainty over his reappointment and comes as the Tata group navigates major bets across aviation, semiconductors, electronics and digital businesses.

While the Nifty 50 stayed nearly flat, midcaps delivered strong gains, with 14 stocks rising 50% or more and several doubling investor wealth over the past year.

Larsen & Toubro will build India's largest single-cluster artificial intelligence infrastructure facility. This project marks the company's entry into the AI Factory business. The facility will house ten thousand NVIDIA B300 GPUs for AI workloads. It will combine hyperscale data center infrastructure and accelerated computing capabilities.

Tamil Nadu's government signed ninety-seven new MoUs totaling over sixty-seven thousand crore rupees. These agreements were exchanged at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investors Conclave 2026 event. The pacts are expected to generate employment for more than one lakh individuals across various sectors. Key industries benefiting include automotive, renewables, and life sciences. Electronics, R&D, and data centres also represent significant investment areas.

Parliament has approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to enhance mineral exploration and development across India. It provides greater flexibility for mining lease holders regarding additional mineral inclusions. The bill also removes restrictions on the sale of minerals from captive mines.

Vibrio Vulnificus Louisiana Outbreak: Louisiana has reported five deaths linked toVibrio vulnificusinfections, raising concerns about the flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters. Here is what to know about the outbreak, oysters, symptoms and safety precautions.

Harbhajan Singh defends Gautam Gambhir against criticism for his coaching methods. He acknowledges Gambhir's straightforward approach may be difficult for some to accept. Gambhir's coaching saw India win major tournaments while facing Test defeats. Harbhajan believes Shubman Gill is an ideal leader for the Indian cricket team. He rates Gill highly as a cricketer and a human being.

Tata Trusts said Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) cannot participate in its meeting due to restrictions imposed by the Charity Commissioner, preventing SRTT and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust from jointly nominating three members to the search committee for N Chandrasekarans successor. Tata Trusts may seek urgent legal relief, while Tata Sons reviews whether its August 18 AGM can proceed.

Kitchen cabinet shelves often attract dust and sticky residues, turning cleaning into a difficult task. However, a clever hack using aluminum foil creates a barrier over these shelves, capturing spills and crumbs before they cling to the surface. Once the foil gets dirty, simply peel it off and lay down a fresh piece. This technique streamlines kitchen upkeep and prolongs shelf cleanliness, making your space more manageable.

Maharashtra plans to make Marathi language knowledge mandatory for all cab drivers. Drivers failing to meet this requirement face potential license suspension or cancellation. The state transport minister confirmed the August 15 deadline for compliance. This rule aims to improve communication and ensure safer journeys for passengers.

Josh Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, is set to buy the Los Angeles Lakers alongside former Disney CEO Bob Iger in a reported $12.5 billion deal. The blockbuster transaction has put Kushner in the spotlight, raising interest in the businessmans career, multibillion-dollar fortune, family background and rise from tech investor to NBA team owner.

Paytm management has received a Sebi show-cause notice over the timing and classification of information disclosed in a December 2023 corporate announcement. The company said its key managerial personnel are evaluating the notice and will respond within 14 days. The development comes after Paytm reported strong Q1 FY27 earnings and Bernstein raised its target.

Jefferies believes Tata group stocks should remain driven by business fundamentals despite N Chandrasekarans planned exit as Tata Sons chairman in February 2027. The brokerages top picks are Tata Consumer Products, Tata Steel, Indian Hotels and Voltas.

Bharti Airtel could see a 2% rise in ARPU after withdrawing four entry-level prepaid plans, including the popular Rs 299 pack, JM Financial said. Subscribers will now need to opt for the Rs 349 plan, a roughly 16% price hike, while Rs 199 and Rs 219 plans remain unchanged.

Gaja Alternative Asset Management is set to launch its Rs 550 crore IPO on August 19, with a price band of Rs 152-160 per share. The issue comprises a fresh issue and OFS, with proceeds aimed at funding sponsor commitments and strengthening its investment portfolio.

Credent Connect N Care raised Rs 26.53 crore from 10 anchor investors ahead of its IPO, with Abakkus Asset Management emerging as the largest participant. The healthcare logistics companys Rs 93.90-crore IPO opened on August 13 and will remain open until August 17. The issue carries a price band of Rs 179189.

Muthoot Fincorp filed draft papers with Sebi for a Rs 3,000 crore IPO. The company aims to strengthen its capital base and fund business growth. Its gold loan business has seen significant expansion over two decades. Muthoot Fincorp reported increased profits and revenue in the last fiscal year. The diversified NBFC operates a large branch network and digital platform.

Astral shares surged nearly 10% after strong Q1 FY27 results, with profit rising 51.8% YoY. Citi retained a Buy rating with a Rs 1,900 target, while UBS maintained Accumulate. Nuvama upgraded the stock to Buy, citing strong pipe volumes and margin prospects, while Motilal Oswal retained Buy and CLSA maintained Hold.

A parliamentary committee suggests a self-reliant revenue model for UPI's financial sustainability. Amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act now permit transaction charges on digital payments. The committee noted a significant funding gap between allocations and operational costs. Future merchant discount rate charges will be nominal and apply to limited high-value transactions.

Tata Motors shares jumped after Q1 FY27 net profit surged 83% YoY to Rs 2,560 crore, aided by mark-to-market gains on Tata Capital investments. Revenue rose 19% YoY to Rs 20,667 crore.

As investors navigate Dalal Street, theres a growing sentiment that large-cap stocks might soon reclaim leadership. Despite slight gains in the Nifty 50 index, small-cap segments have showcased remarkable dynamism. Recent mutual fund data indicates an ongoing fascination with high-risk small and mid-cap schemes. Interestingly, large-cap funds faced their first monthly outflow in two and a half years.

Lenskart Share Price: Lenskart shares rose after Q1 FY27 profit surged 182% YoY to Rs 228 crore, while revenue grew 34% and EBITDA jumped 61%. Margins also improved sharply, with product margin crossing 70%. Jefferies, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs remain positive, citing strong growth, margin expansion and premiumisation, with target prices implying up to 22% upside.

Jio Financial Services shares: Bank of America agreed to acquire up to 49.9% in its lending arm Jio Credit through a Rs 18,268 crore joint venture deal. The US bank will initially take 26.5%, with the stake potentially rising to 49.9% via warrants, subject to approvals. Jio Credit had an AUM of Rs 30,667 crore as of June 2026.

Indian equities extended losses on Thursday, with Sensex falling over 150 points and Nifty declining over 95 points amid expiry-day volatility. Bajaj Finance and IndiGo led gains, while M&M and Kotak Mahindra Bank slipped. Broader markets remained mixed, with auto and financial stocks gaining, while IT, metal, pharma and FMCG indices declined.

Sebi is considering sweeping SME IPO reforms to broaden eligibility, boost investor participation and reduce listing costs. Proposed changes include allowing companies valued up to Rs 4,000 crore to list on SME platforms, removing minimum trade sizes, and easing market-making and underwriting requirements. The regulator is expected to issue a consultation paper seeking public comments.

Behari Lal Engineerings Rs 302-crore IPO saw strong demand, with the issue subscribed over two times on Day 1. The IPO carries a 26% grey market premium, indicating expectations of a strong listing. Investors are also weighing the companys expansion plans, capacity addition and diversified industrial customer base ahead of the August 14 closing date.