The Economic Times

Bankers said some lenders now plan to borrow more short-term funds, possibly at a higher rate, to finance the promised leverage to FCNR(B) clients after the Reserve Bank of India advanced the deadline for swap support. These funds will have to be replaced with a long-term loan or bond later, leading to a temporary mismatch between banks' foreign deposits and borrowings.

Senior representatives of some of the country's largest NBFCs met on August 14 to discuss the issues they intend to raise with the RBI. The lenders will make a formal representation through the Finance Industry Development Council, the industry body representing NBFCs, this week, according to the people.

Parag Sharma expects the company, India's second-biggest non-bank lender by market value, to sustain 18-20% credit growth annually and maintain 8.5% margins, without having to raise capital every few years to expand its asset base.

The financial services landscape is evolving, emphasizing the importance of software and data infrastructures. In India, digital payments are surging, showcasing a strong shift toward online transactions. However, institutions grapple with legacy systems and fragmented data. As global account ownership climbs, theres a pressing need for speed and security in financial systems. The future hinges on leveraging AI and building robust infrastructures for continued growth and innovation.

The Reserve Bank of India has instructed rating agencies to refrain from categorizing it as the regulator overseeing bank deposits. This recent directive raises the possibility that these credit assessment organizations may halt the evaluation of bank deposits entirely. With threats of deposit outflows and potential bank instability stemming from any downgraded ratings, the landscape of retail deposit reactions remains mixed.

India reached 460 for 9 after two days of play in Galle. Devdutt Padikkal scored 167, his highest score in Sri Lanka. Dhruv Jurel provided stability with a crucial 51 runs. Rain interruptions limited play, impacting the overall match duration. India remains confident in their bowling attack to secure a result.

Hamas officials were present at some of the meetings between mediators and with Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, the diplomat said. A senior Israeli official said Kushner and Mladenov were scheduled to meet on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on August 9 said Trump's latest roadmap for Gaza peace was 'unacceptable'.

A traditional Mexican proverb serves as a critical reminder against complacency in our ever-evolving world. It underscores the importance of seizing opportunities to avoid future regrets and being outpaced by change. By recognizing moments that demand action, we can adapt and thrive amidst the shifting tides of modern life. This timeless wisdom still resonates today, highlighting the necessity of awareness and prompt decision-making in navigating lifes challenges.

Sheeps wool may soon have a surprising medical purpose. Scientists at Kings College London turned wool-derived keratin into a bone regeneration scaffold. In rat skull injuries, the material helped new bone grow with a more organized structure than conventional collagen scaffolds. The finding gives regenerative medicine a sustainable biomaterial from an abundant agricultural resource. It also raises a bigger possibility: waste wool could become a useful tool for future bone repair and tissue engi

Jinny Lu, a once-overlooked pug rescued from South Korea, took home the title of World's Ugliest Dog in a competition that values uniqueness and highlights the importance of adopting pets in need. Having previously placed second, her triumphant win showcases that a dog's worth transcends mere appearances. This event not only celebrates diverse beauty but also advocates for providing every dog with a loving forever home.

Iran's economy shows signs of recovery from recent war impacts. Economic activity is gradually resuming, according to the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Purchasing Managers' Index reports indicate relative improvement in economic conditions. Private sector efforts and government engagement are contributing to this positive trend. Sustaining this recovery requires greater international engagement from Iran.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar linked festival restrictions to urban Naxalism. He spoke at a Dahi Handi event, defending traditional Hindu celebrations. The government supported Govinda groups in legal battles over festival rules. Shelar stated concerns should not curb cultural events. He pledged to protect Marathi and Hindu festivals with precautions.

Sohail Khan candidly shared his reality show journey, highlighting his significant weight loss and the challenges he faced, including a stomach infection during his first week. The support from his fellow contestants compelled him to endure five weeks in the house. Notably, Sohail refused claims of using Ozempic or fat burners for his transformation, while his brother Salman Khan previously mentioned a twelve-kilogram weight loss.

Aluminum foil is a versatile tool for gardeners, offering a range of cost-effective solutions. For instance, reflective ground cover enhances sunlight exposure for plants, while strips hung around the garden can keep pesky birds at bay. By creating foil collars, gardeners can shield tender seedlings from crawling pests and minimize soil moisture loss.

Six food companies have corrected misleading labels and trademarks after FSSAI notices. Livyor Ventures Pvt Ltd withdrew its 'vegan and healthy' claims on edamame beans. Honest Innovations For You Pvt Ltd and Heliostone Specialities Pvt Ltd revised their trademarks. Rajasthan Agro and General Industries removed all misleading claims and stopped PPM usage. Iota Nanotechnology Pvt Ltd removed claims and stopped non-standardized water production.

Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Sachin Tendulkar are among investors in Purple Style Labs, the parent of Pernias Pop-Up Shop, which is gearing up for a 660 crore IPO by August-end. The company has received Sebi approval and has expanded from an online platform into physical retail, with 14 Experience Centres across India and London.

Berkshire Hathaway's successor Greg Abel is deploying its large cash reserves. The firm recently bought back shares and invested heavily in equities. Alphabet stock saw a significant purchase, becoming a major holding. Berkshire's cash pile decreased after these strategic acquisitions. The company reported strong quarterly operating profit and net income increases.

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the legendary

Last week witnessed a drastic shift in the market, with five leading Indian firms losing a collective Rs 1 lakh crore in valuation. Tata Consultancy Services faced the brunt, seeing its market cap plummet the most. In contrast, five other companies thrived, experiencing notable valuation gains. Despite this volatility, Reliance Industries sustained its position as the most valuable domestic entity amidst the overarching bearish trend in equities.

Nine Sensex stocks offer a potential upside of 20% to 41% over the next 12 months, based on average analyst targets compiled by Trendlyne. HDFC Bank leads the list, followed by Axis Bank, Reliance Industries and NTPC.

Persian Gulf allies express growing weariness with Iran peace deal negotiations. United States officials reject assessments of President Trump's diplomatic handling of Iran. The US is adopting a low-key approach towards Iran, avoiding immediate military action. Regional intermediaries are working to revive a memorandum of understanding for the Strait of Hormuz. Divergences exist among Gulf states regarding the appropriate course of action against Tehran.

Cami Clark, wife of Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, has remained largely unknown outside Silicon Valleys elite despite her proximity to some of the technology worlds most powerful figures. Her unconventional career includes a women-focused pornography startup, a pitch for investment to Jeffrey Epstein, ties to Eric Schmidt and a proposed role in Anthropics early funding.

A Polish bus overturned on a Hungarian motorway, resulting in twelve fatalities. At least ten individuals sustained injuries in the early Sunday morning accident. The bus was traveling towards Nyiregyhaza when it veered off the road. Preliminary information suggests the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Authorities have taken the bus driver into custody following the incident.

Indian Bank plans to raise $400 million via External Commercial Borrowings this week. The bank may raise an additional $600 million through ECB before December 2026. It also aims to gather USD 2 billion from FCNR(B) deposits, seeing good demand. The Reserve Bank of India has already closed its concessional swap facility early. These efforts support the bank's business growth and digital initiatives.

In the upcoming week, nearly one hundred companies have announced record dates for dividends, making it crucial for investors to hold shares prior to these dates for eligibility in corporate actions. Notably, companies like Bandhan Bank and LIC Housing Finance are part of this corporate movement, which includes dividend payments, bonus issues, and stock splits, reflecting significant adjustments across the market.

EPL Ltd anticipates its beauty and cosmetics segment will drive future growth. The company expects continued momentum after reporting strong June quarter topline growth. EPL has raised its near-term revenue guidance to sixteen to eighteen percent. A proposed merger with Indovida aligns with EPL's global leadership strategy. This transaction is expected to be completed by early next year.

ORIX Corporation sees India as a primary global growth market for its services. The company plans to significantly expand its vehicle fleet in India soon. India's economic growth and increasing foreign investment support this expansion. Changing mobility trends and entrepreneurship also drive ORIX's optimistic outlook. This strategic focus anticipates substantial future growth in vehicle leasing and rentals.

Indian equities are likely to remain range-bound in the week of August 1721, with elevated crude prices, global uncertainty and shifting US Fed expectations keeping investors cautious. Sensex fell around 500 points and Nifty 205 points last week, while broader markets declined further. Analysts highlight four key factors that could drive Dalal Streets direction this week, including crude prices, global cues, inflation risks and geopolitical developments.

Anticipation is high in the primary market as six firms prepare to launch IPOs this week, including Blackstone-backed Horizon Industrial Parks and Lalithaa Jewellery Mart. With an increase in public issues, these companies aim to secure funds for growth and development. Following several recent market activities, this wave of IPOs could significantly enhance the total listings for the year.

New South Wales will begin a gun buyback program in November. This initiative follows a shooting spree that tragically killed fifteen people. Australians are proud of their gun laws, but firearms numbers are increasing. The buyback aims to be the nation's largest since 1996. Individuals returning firearms can receive up to one thousand Australian dollars.

N Chandrasekaran's potential departure highlights board readiness for leadership transitions. Successful leaders often make succession planning more difficult for boards. Companies may have plans but are unprepared for unexpected leader exits. Internal candidates are preferred, but external searches become necessary. Effective succession requires assessing scenarios and preparing for smooth handovers.

A notable shortage of skilled talent in artificial intelligence roles is challenging Indian companies. The need for qualified AI engineers is soaring, far surpassing the available workforce. This increasing demand is fueling investor interest in startups aiming to attract vital tech expertise. Theres a significant uptick in hiring mid-to-senior professionals at global capability centers, as AI and machine learning sectors demonstrate consistent growth year-on-year.

President Droupadi Murmu hosted the Independence Day reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Vice President and Prime Minister Modi were among the distinguished guests present. The event began with patriotic renditions and honored national heroes. India celebrated its Independence Day after gaining freedom from British rule. The day also marked a historic first rendition of Vande Mataram at Red Fort.

Nawaz Sharif called for a cessation of political hostility among parties, responding to grievances from the PPP regarding the recent elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The PPP accused the elections of being marred by rigging and violence following the announcement of results. India perceives these elections as a maneuver to mask ongoing human rights abuses, with protests erupting over contentious seats and perceived interference from establishment forces.

Researchers developed a new molecule for recovering gold from electronic waste. This molecule uses electricity to drive the separation process, removing chemical steps. It selectively binds metal ions and carries a permanent electrical charge. This innovation significantly reduces chemical consumption and waste generation.

The BJP praised PM Modis Independence Day address as a comprehensive roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on self-reliance, youth empowerment, technology, defence, manufacturing and energy security. Senior leaders highlighted his Saptadhara vision, AI training for youth, expansion of nuclear power and semiconductors, and the governments efforts to combat drugs and Naxalism.

Quote of the Day by Antonio Banderas: Antonio Banderass quote, One thing I have clear is that I dont want to work for money anymore, explores the importance of finding purpose and fulfillment beyond financial success. The quote suggests that work should not be driven solely by money, but should also bring meaning, passion, personal satisfaction, and a sense of purpose into a persons life.

Iran's Armed Forces General Staff appealed to the Red Cross for pilot release. They claim three Iranian pilots are being held by Qatar authorities. These pilots were reportedly held after their aircraft were hit during a mission. The mission targeted what Iran described as an enemy military base. Qatari authorities have not yet confirmed the incident or the pilots' detention.

Madhusudan Kela

Industry leaders welcomed Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day address. The Prime Minister outlined seven key areas for national development. These streams aim to boost manufacturing, agriculture, and technological innovation. India Inc expressed readiness to invest in strategic sectors for growth. The nation anticipates achieving developed status by 2047.

Prime Minister Modi urged Indian pharmaceutical companies to reach global top five. The Indian pharma industry ranks third globally by volume and eleventh by value. This sector is projected to reach 130 billion dollars by the year 2030. Exports have grown significantly, reaching 30.5 billion dollars in 2024-25. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is poised to become a leading global player after an acquisition.

India's men's and women's hockey teams commence their World Cup journeys on August 15 and 16. Both squads compete in Pool D, facing strong international opposition in their opening matches. Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads the men's team, aiming for a historic World Cup victory. The women's team, under Salima Tete, also seeks a strong performance in the tournament. Live streaming and television coverage will be available for fans across India.

Indias IPO market enters another busy week, with five companies set to raise Rs 5,499.32 crore between August 17 and 21. Horizon Industrial Parks leads fundraising, while five recently completed IPOs, including Shiprocket, are scheduled to list.

The Sensex fell 490 points over five sessions through August 14, while 23 BSE 500 stocks declined daily. Eleven stocks dropped more than 5%, led by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, Physicswallah and Techno Electric & Engineering.

Claude's downloads and spending in India surged significantly in the June quarter. ChatGPT continues to dominate consumer spending on AI applications. Gemini is rapidly gaining user attention and engagement across the market. India's generative AI platforms are increasingly competing for dominance. The market shows rapid shifts in downloads, engagement, and spending.

2026 Independence Day: India's public sector, initially built for industrial necessity, is now undergoing a significant transformation. The government is increasingly selling stakes in state-owned companies to raise capital. This shift reflects a changing role from direct ownership to strategic shareholding. Public sector enterprises remain vital in key strategic and infrastructure sectors. The future focuses on optimizing ownership rather than complete divestment.