The Economic Times

Emkay Global has initiated coverage on GMR Airports with a Buy rating and a Rs 120 target price, implying 25% upside from the current levels. The brokerage expects non-aeronautical and adjacent businesses such as duty-free, cargo and airport-linked developments to drive incremental profitability, while stronger earnings and cash flows support margin expansion and deleveraging through FY29.

Jefferies upgraded Welspun Living to Buy and more than doubled its target to Rs 260, while initiating coverage on Raymond Lifestyle with a Rs 900 target. The brokerage expects FTAs, China+1 sourcing and improving export competitiveness to drive multi-year growth.

India aims to export digital financial services leveraging its extensive fintech experience. This expansion seeks to diversify services exports beyond traditional IT and professional sectors. Fintech offers a significant opportunity for India to reach global markets. India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) exemplifies successful digital public infrastructure. This unique experience can now be shared with developing nations worldwide.

In a major crackdown by the Delhi Government following the Satya Niketan building collapse that claimed seven lives, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take strict action against illegal construction, including the use of bulldozers against illegal structures.

ASM Technologies share price rallied sharply on Wednesday to hit a record high after the company approved a Rs 526-crore preferential issue involving entities linked to Radhakishan Damani and Mukul Agrawal. The engineering services firm will issue 10.78 lakh shares at Rs 4,875 apiece, while existing investors will gain fresh exposure.

A thought-provoking Russian proverb hints that hands take action while eyes experience fear. This underscores the importance of taking steps before summoning the confidence needed to tackle obstacles. Often, the mind expands the size of the task at hand, but engaging in physical actions simplifies challenges into achievable parts, naturally easing apprehension. By commencing with small tasks, individuals can sidestep self-doubt and generate positive momentum.

The long-running matter had previously resulted in significant changes to the administration of Indian cricket. The apex court had appointed a committee led by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha to recommend reforms for the BCCI, including the drafting of a new constitution for the cricket body.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar suspended over twenty BRS MLAs today. These legislators faced suspension for disrupting the House and raising slogans. The suspension occurred amid demands for discussion on law and order issues. BRS leaders also plan to meet the Telangana Governor regarding these matters. Meanwhile, another adjournment motion addressed government employee benefits.

Indian business confidence strengthened in Q2FY27, with CIIs index rising to 66 from 60.8. Companies are increasingly optimistic about domestic demand, capacity utilisation and hiring, with 53% planning to expand their workforce, even as global trade and commodity-price risks persist.

India's BRICS engagement has shifted from seeking a voice to offering indigenous solutions. The nation now actively shapes global order with scalable innovations and partnerships. Digital Public Infrastructure, like UPI, offers a blueprint for inclusive growth across emerging economies. BRICS facilitates exchange, allowing countries to adapt technology to their specific needs. This evolution demonstrates emerging economies building and innovating workable alternatives for global trade.

A Kerala man who paid 5,800 for a 90-day M4 Marry.com subscription after struggling to find a marriage match had his account blocked before the service ended. The Kasaragod consumer commission found the termination was done without proper enquiry and ordered the company to refund 4,000 and pay 5,000 in litigation costs.

An oxygen cylinder exploded near a community hall in Okhla Phase-1 on Wednesday. The blast tragically killed one person instantly at the scene. Four other individuals sustained injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital. Emergency services, including water tenders and a first responder vehicle, arrived quickly. Further details regarding the incident and the deceased's identity are still awaited.

The Supreme Court questioned a notice issued to a student for attending a protest. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated no penal action would be taken against students. The court will seek an explanation from the executive magistrate. This notice was issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Flash floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi River have disrupted vital trade with China. Damaged infrastructure has forced cargo trucks onto longer, more expensive alternative routes. This disruption impacts the timely arrival of consumer goods for upcoming festivals. Traders face significant financial losses and increased transportation costs for imports. The floods also caused a severe humanitarian crisis with many deaths and missing persons.

India has condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's sovereign territory. These strikes targeted civilian and economic facilities, which is unacceptable. The attacks threatened regional security and stability, undermining vital navigation routes. The Houthi strikes on energy facilities wounded over seventy people. This incident highlights the risk of the Iran conflict escalating regionally.

Could living near mountain lions actually make you safer? Recent studies suggest that the presence of mountain lions could improve road safety for local communities by driving deer away from congested roadways to more secluded areas. This shift in deer behavior towards daylight hours significantly decreases the chances of nighttime vehicle collisions. The findings reveal surprising ecological advantages stemming from large carnivores, emphasizing their role in wildlife management.

Paytm shares surged on Wednesday, as investors welcomed the companys push into enterprise AI, marking an expansion beyond its core payments business. The stock has gained over 20% in the past month, significantly outperforming the broader Nifty 500 and Nifty 50.

The landscape of retail lending is shifting as non-bank lenders swiftly embrace smaller ticket personal and consumer durable loans. NBFCs and fintech firms are not just leading originations by both volume and value; they are redefining lending opportunities as the economy continues to develop. Banks are still integral, providing necessary funding to NBFCs and utilizing securitization, contributing to a dynamic credit ecosystem with expanded avenues for access.

Announced at Global Fintech Fest 2026, the partnership positions PhonePe as Indias first app to offer a unified suite of Visa-powered cardless payment solutions for consumers and micro-merchants.

India's Financial Intelligence Unit issued notices to fifteen Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers. These firms operated without complying with anti-money laundering regulations in India. The Director of FIU-India also ordered the takedown of illegal applications and URLs. Fifteen firms were brought under the AML/CFT framework in March 2023. Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers must register with FIU-India and follow mandated obligations.

A large fire erupted at Surat's Shyam Sangini textile market around midnight. The blaze affected numerous shops located on the market's sixth floor. Over 25 firefighting vehicles and 150 personnel battled the intense flames for hours. The fire was brought under control after approximately seven to eight hours. One firefighter sustained injuries during the extensive operation and was hospitalized.

Uber is cutting about 3,300 jobs while sharply limiting fully remote work to just 1% of its workforce. Most remote employees will be asked to move closer to designated team offices, while the three-day hybrid policy stays. Managers will also be expected to work alongside their teams as Uber reshapes its workplace structure.

Sterlite Technologies shares hit a fresh 52-week high after rising 5% to the upper circuit, taking their 2026 gains to 745%. The rally follows the companys growth plans, capacity expansion and strong Q1 performance, supported by robust demand for optical connectivity products.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched a new ocean research vessel for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with Union minister Jitendra Singh virtually launching the ship. The 89.5-metre vessel is designed for multidisciplinary oceanographic research, deep-sea exploration and seismic surveys, and will operate at depths of up to 6,000 metres while supporting scientists with laboratories and specialised equipment.

IFCI shares fell sharply on Wednesday after reports suggested NSE could price its IPO below earlier indications and reduce the stake offered. The proposed price band of Rs 1,7001,785 values NSE at around Rs 4.4 lakh crore. IFCIs indirect exposure to NSE through Stock Holding Corporation has put its shares under pressure.

Flying activities from Uttar Pradesh FTOs will halt during the BRICS Summit. Restrictions will be in force from September eleventh to thirteenth for security. Similar prohibitions apply to FTOs in six other northern states. Light aircraft and drones are banned within a 300-kilometer Delhi radius. These measures ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the upcoming summit.

Quote of the day by Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra was an iconic figure in American entertainment, whose remarkable career traversed the realms of music, film, and television during the twentieth century. Renowned for his distinctive vocal phrasing and heartfelt performances, Sinatra helped shape a cultural era. His timeless songs and celebrated acting continue to resonate, marking him as a pivotal influence on American music and the arts.

PC Jeweller shares have surged 38% in a week and 40% in a month as the company moves closer to becoming debt-free. The jeweller has repaid outstanding dues to 10 of 14 consortium banks and cleared more than 96% of the remaining debt.

Graphite India shares surged 18.5% after GrafTech announced a minimum 30% hike in graphite electrode prices, raising hopes of improved realisations and margins. The companys June-quarter profit rose 28.4%, while EBITDA margin expanded sharply to 17.1%.

IIFL Finance denied reports of Fairfax exiting the company. These reports suggested a stake sale to fund an IDBI Bank acquisition. Blackstone is reportedly in talks with Fairfax for this stake. This potential deal comes as India's financial sector attracts acquisitions. Blackstone previously invested in Federal Bank last year.

Adani Enterprises shares rose over 4% after Adani Airport Holdings announced a Rs 9,825-crore equity raise from Alpha Wave Global, Premji Invest, Temasek and BlackRock-managed funds. The funds will support airport expansion, modernisation and Airport City projects. AAHL expects the investment to boost capacity, while Adani Enterprises continues delivering strong share-price gains.

ESDS Software share price has surged 235% from its IPO price in just four sessions, with the stock hitting the upper circuit in every session since listing. While analysts remain positive on the companys long-term growth prospects, they flag elevated valuations and execution risks.

Despite their appealing valuations, Indian largecap stocks are currently on a downward trend. Meanwhile, the mid and smallcap sectors are enjoying consistent monthly SIP inflows. Analysts predict that a trend reversal for largecaps is on the horizon, spurred by upcoming mega IPOs from NSE and Jio. Investors are encouraged to prioritize largecap stocks with robust earnings visibility.

BSE shares fell sharply on Wednesday after Bernstein initiated coverage with an Underperform rating and a Rs 2,820 target, implying 17% downside. The brokerage expects retail participation in equity derivatives to moderate and BSEs market share gains to peak in FY27. Meanwhile, CAS-related volume concerns add to the pressure.

Indian IT stocks lost around Rs 55,000 crore in market value after the US suspended Cognizants PERM labour certification filings, raising fresh concerns over tighter scrutiny of work visas and alleged visa fraud.

Prominent investors such as Radhakishan Damani and Ashish Kacholia are making waves with their significant stakes. Madhusudan Kela and Vijay Kedia are also investing heavily in select companies. Recent surges in Shaily Engineering Plastics and Neuland Laboratories catch the eye. Additionally, Dolly Khanna's investment in Chennai Petroleum shows impressive growth, all of which pique the market's interest.

Indias defence sector is entering a new growth phase, with the combat use of indigenous weapons boosting the credibility and export potential of locally developed systems. Defence spending has risen sharply from Rs 2.53 trillion in FY14 to Rs 6.81 trillion in FY26, while the governments Atmanirbhar Bharat push is creating long-term opportunities.

The Prasol Chemicals IPO entered Day 2 of bidding after garnering 41% subscription on the first day. Priced at Rs 643676 per share, the Rs 500 crore issue carries a grey market premium of Rs 30, implying around 4% upside. Anand Rathi has assigned a Subscribe for Long Term rating to the issue.

Invesco India Midcap Fund has impressively delivered a 426% return over a decade, showcasing an investment strategy that values robust earnings potential and strong management teams. The fund employs a concentrated portfolio approach with a moderate turnover rate, aiming to compound earnings over three to five years. This blend of growth and value investing fosters ongoing value creation for its investors.

Biocon shares rose after a block deal involving around 1.65 crore shares. Investor Active Pine was reportedly looking to sell up to 1.66 crore shares, or about 1% stake, for around Rs 638 crore at a floor price of Rs 385 per share, implying a discount of up to 1.9% to the market price. The seller will face a 30-day lock-up on further stake sales.

Glass Wall Systems Rs 427.89-crore IPO was subscribed 2.52 times on Day 1, led by strong retail demand. A Rs 56 GMP indicates a potential 31% listing gain, while Anand Rathi has recommended subscribing for the long term.

A U.S. diplomat warned that Taiwan Strait conflict would impact the global economy more than World War Two. He stated the upcoming U.S.-China summit offers a chance to prevent miscalculations. Taiwan is enhancing its defense capabilities to deter potential threats from China. The island nation rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and increases its defense budget. China maintains reunification is an unstoppable historical trend, preferring a peaceful outcome.

Indian stock markets experienced significant losses as Sensex and Nifty declined. Soaring oil prices and other factors spooked investors, leading to a market downturn. Major IT stocks like Infosys and TCS saw considerable drops, impacting the overall market. Broader markets also followed the downward trend, with midcap and smallcap indices falling. The total market capitalization saw a substantial reduction of approximately two lakh crore rupees.

Pranav Constructions IPO enters its final bidding day with strong investor demand and a 35% grey-market premium. The Rs 351.03-crore issue was subscribed 18.21 times by Day 2, led by NIIs. Backed by improving FY26 financials, Mumbai redevelopment exposure and an expanding project pipeline, analysts recommend subscribing, while highlighting execution and concentration risks.

Rakesh Mehta death reason: Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta, 74, was found dead at his Noida home on Sunday. Police recovered a note in which he cited the reason for his death. Mehta served as Delhi's chief secretary from 2007 to 2010 under Sheila Dikshit, overseeing preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and had earlier headed the Delhi Transport Corporation.

Over the past two years, eight Nifty stocks have experienced declines, with notable IT giants like TCS and Infosys pressured by shifts in client spending patterns. Additionally, Tata Motors faced a dip due to difficulties at Jaguar Land Rover, while valuation worries plagued Trent, alongside ITC's tax complications. Nevertheless, a faction of fund managers remains optimistic about large-cap stocks, indicating a mixed outlook for investors.

Jefferies has pinpointed five promising defense stocks poised for significant gains. This forecast comes in the wake of a substantial proposal from DAC aimed at enhancing the defense sector. The brokerage predicts a notable upward trajectory in India's defense exports through fiscal 2030, with Hindustan Aeronautics and Solar Industries leading the pack in anticipated returns. Additionally, Bharat Electronics, Data Patterns, and Astra Microwave are highlighted as enticing investment prospects.

For a continued uptrend, India's Nifty index relies heavily on the resurgence of the banking and IT sectors. Banks are poised for a quicker recovery owing to factors like enhanced liquidity and credit growth. Meanwhile, while IT firms navigate the complexities posed by AI, they still present attractive valuation opportunities for selective investments. Foreign investor activity remains pivotal in determining market trends, with small and mid-cap stocks currently gaining traction.

Coforge shares fell after Chairperson Om Prakash Bhatt resigned. An internal audit identified concerns regarding the board evaluation process and its presentation. Bhatt stated his resignation was appropriate given the circumstances and disagreements. The company clarified his departure followed audit findings and board discussions. Coforge reported strong financial results in its first quarter.