The Economic Times

Indian bank stocks saw unusually wide price gaps between the NSE and BSE during Thursdays closing auction, with IndusInd Bank recording its widest exchange price difference in more than two decades. The divergence has intensified scrutiny of the new auction system amid thin liquidity, monthly expiry pressures and concerns over market manipulation.

India

B SE, Muthoot Finance and Hindustan Zinc led five stocks with the highest revenue growth over the past year, alongside strong profit growth and five-star Value Research ratings.

On Friday, Indian equities bounced back, driven predominantly by a surge in technology stocks. Investors showed renewed interest in undervalued IT shares, aided by a decline in crude oil prices. After a prolonged period of selling, foreign investors reversed their trend, becoming net buyers in July and August. Broader market indices also benefited from this trend, as mid and small-cap stocks appreciated.

Jio Platforms has gained Sebi's green light for its anticipated initial public offering, which is projected to garner between $3.5 and $4 billion. This marks Reliance Industries' first IPO in almost 20 years. The firm intends to issue new equity shares, albeit only representing a minor equity stake. A portion of the raised funds will help in offsetting loans for Reliance Jio Infocomm.

This year, numerous firms across various sectors are grappling with a lack of returns, a stark contrast to the previous years' performances. Key industries such as automobiles, FMCG, and IT are showing marked declines. Interestingly, capital goods stocks have demonstrated resilience, fueled by increased infrastructure spending. This downturn in the market parallels a slowdown in systematic investment plan inflows.

Retail shareholder counts fell sharply in several widely held stocks during Q1FY27. Suzlon Energy, Tata Motors, Yes Bank and Adani Green Energy were among the biggest decliners.

Infosys confirmed its executive Lax Gopisetty is unreachable after visiting Nepal. The company is working with agencies to establish contact and ensure his safety. Devastating floods have impacted Nepal, leaving many Indians missing or stranded. India stands ready to provide assistance to Kathmandu in managing the crisis. The Ministry of External Affairs reported stranded Indian nationals have crossed into Nepal.

In Noida, a local resident listed her semi-furnished apartment for rent at 29,000 per month, igniting spirited discussions online about rental pricing and value. Including essential kitchen appliances, the property also boasts community features like a gym, swimming pool, and parking. This prompted users to weigh in on whether this cost signified luxury living or necessitated sacrifices in lifestyle choices.

Tata Sons received a three-month extension for its annual general meeting. The meeting was deferred due to restrictions on the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. This prevented a quorum, impacting the company's governance. The extension protects minority shareholders' interests during this period. An AGM can be held sooner if trust restrictions are lifted.

Johns Hopkins research from 2000 and 2006 represents an important scientific progression in the search for ways to repair damaged nervous systems. The original experiment involving 18 paralyzed rodents provided evidence that neural stem cells could migrate toward spinal-cord injury and coincide with functional improvement.

Dissenting banks say unresolved pleas for a forensic audit and asset trailing to be conducted on Subhash Chandra's financials to probe how his networth fell from more than Rs 40,562 crore when he issued the guarantees to Rs 32 crore in 2025, the crowding out of lenders by related party entities in the committee of creditors (CoC), and the role of resolution professional (RP) Shiv Nandan Sharma in admitting questionable entities as creditors highlights the difficulties in recovery in high-profile

In 1905, an engineering blunder redirected the Colorado River into a desert basin, unintentionally giving rise to California's Salton Sea. Initially, this man-made lake flourished as a vibrant resort destination, attracting countless visitors. However, over time, rising salinity and dwindling water levels have altered its appeal. Despite these challenges, the Salton Sea continues to serve as a crucial habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.

India will chair the BRICS Summit, focusing on development and innovation. The summit will address resilient supply chains and promote trade in national currencies. Global institutional reforms and BRICS Bank projects will also be discussed. Unilateral sanctions against member countries are expected to receive attention. Leaders from eleven BRICS and ten partner countries will attend the event.

Bodies of four Naga civilians killed in Manipur's Kangpokpi district were retrieved on Friday. Armed assailants attacked a vehicle on Thursday, killing four and injuring two others. Security forces faced disruptions but later reached the site to retrieve the bodies. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh directed immediate action against those responsible for the attack. The United Naga Council accused two militant outfits of involvement in the ambush.

The latest liquid concrete flow of water from the Himalayas has far too many precedents in India and Nepal; what happens on the Chinese side during such events is hard to gauge but it must be just as bad. It seems we are wilfully ignoring Nature's repeated signals to slow down, accept the realities of our fragile eco-systems and manage expectations accordingly. 'Development' cannot exclude those who live in remote areas but nor should it endanger them.

Hazardous substances near Shattuck Chemical Company prompted a settlement for restoration projects. Funds supported habitat improvements along Colorado's South Platte River and Eastern Plains. Restoration projects enhanced wetland and riparian areas for migratory birds. Denver's Overland Pond Park also saw habitat and riverbank improvements.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded the immediate release of thirteen arrested Trinamool workers. The arrests followed a ruckus during the dismantling of an alleged illegal signboard. She questioned the police's actions and the use of a gas cutter at the site. Banerjee asserted that the Trinamool Congress would soon return to power. She also criticized the BJP government and the state police for their actions.

During World War I, a clandestine German telegram sparked a controversial proposal for Mexico to launch an attack on the United States. British intelligence successfully intercepted and decoded this crucial message, revealing offers to regain lost territories. The confirmation of the telegram's authenticity by Germany swayed public opinion in America dramatically, alongside escalating submarine warfare, ultimately leading the United States to declare war against Germany in April 1917.

Hero MotoCorp acquired 1.18 crore shares of Ather Energy for Rs 1,758 crore. This purchase significantly deepened Hero MotoCorp's existing holding in the electric two-wheeler maker. The Government of Singapore was the seller in this substantial block deal transaction. Hero MotoCorp's stake in Ather Energy now stands at approximately 32.8 percent. This move strengthens Hero MotoCorp's position in India's growing electric mobility market.

Nifty faces potential pressure on Monday following US Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh's hawkish inflation comments at Jackson Hole. Elevated US bond yields, a stronger dollar, and rising crude oil prices threaten foreign institutional flows, while technical analysts highlight 24,200 as a key resistance level for the Indian stock market.

Blackstone plans to sell up to 25.03% of Knowledge Realty Trust units. This offer for sale aims to meet regulatory public unitholding requirements. The sale includes a base offer and an oversubscription option for additional units. The transaction will occur over two trading days on BSE and NSE. Blackstone and related entities currently hold a significant stake in the trust.

Reliance Group has rejected Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra's claims as baseless. Chandra disputes a Rs 3,900 crore claim before the National Company Law Tribunal. He stated his group borrowed Rs 45,000 crore and repaid most of it. Reliance expressed dismay over Chandra's remarks about their media businesses. The group holds Chandra in high regard as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Sebi has banned Trafiksol and its promoters from the securities market for one year. Monetary penalties were also imposed on the company and its two promoters. The regulator found misleading financial disclosures and inflated revenue figures in the company's IPO documents. Sebi also noted concealment of material facts and submission of false information regarding Oasis Corpcare. The IPO was unwound after Sebi directed Trafiksol to refund investors and cancel shares.

Purple Style Labs secured Rs 306 crore from anchor investors before its upcoming IPO. The company will open its initial public offering for subscription on Monday, August 31. This luxury fashion platform operates under Pernia's Pop-Up Shop, offering curated designer products. It sources items from 1,109 active designer brands, focusing on wedding and occasion wear. Purple Style Labs utilizes an omni-channel model with 14 global experience centers.

Quote of the Day by Burt Lancaster: Burt Lancasters quote, I judge a restaurant by the bread and by the coffee, explores the importance of quality, simplicity, and attention to detail when experiencing food and hospitality. The quote suggests that a restaurants true standard can often be recognized through its simplest offerings rather than only its expensive or elaborate dishes. Good bread and well-prepared coffee can reveal the care, consistency, and quality that go into the overall dining exp

India and China will implement an eight-point consensus from recent Special Representatives talks. Both nations will now determine how to operationalize the agreed agenda points. Discussions focused on maintaining peace and creating conditions for stable bilateral relations. Expert groups will advance discussions on boundary delimitation and border management. Future meetings and hotline channels were also agreed upon for better communication.

Bihar faces significant flood threats as river water levels continue to rise. Heavy rainfall and flash floods in Nepal have caused major rivers to swell. Authorities have opened barrage gates and are monitoring river embankments closely. People are being moved from low-lying areas to safer locations. Disaster response teams are on standby for any emergency situations.

A powerful storm swept through New York's Capital Region on Thursday. Downed trees and scattered debris caused significant disruptions in several communities. The Washington County Fair closed early for safety due to the severe weather. Power outages created traffic problems and darkened intersections in Wilton. Rensselaer County also continued recovering from earlier storm damage.

Six BSE 200 stocks hit fresh 52-week highs on Friday as the Sensex gained 331 points. Coforge, GSK Pharma, Glenmark Pharma, Laurus Labs, Oracle Financial Services Software and Piramal Finance showed strong momentum, with several posting double-digit monthly gains.

Retail sugar prices are easing as ex-mill rates decline significantly. The government will now allocate sugar fortnightly to mills from September. This new system aims to prevent artificial scarcity and ensure smooth supply. Mills must dispatch sold sugar within seven days of sale.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has achieved unparalleled impact and transformative outcomes. This initiative has significantly reshaped India's financial landscape and global financial inclusion efforts. Millions of unbanked adults now have access to basic banking services and digital transaction tools. Women's participation in the financial system has increased substantially through these accounts. Rural and semi-urban areas are now better served by this extensive banking network.

Norway's new King Haakon VIII ascended the throne after his father's death. He once sought distance from royal life and its constant public attention. Haakon found freedom and a sense of self while living in California. His marriage to Mette-Marit brought him closer to public engagement. The new king now faces family scrutiny and institutional challenges.

Norway mourns the passing of King Harald V at age 89, a monarch who reshaped royal traditions over his remarkable 30-year reign. His commitment to modernizing the monarchy is reflected in his choice to wed commoner Queen Sonja, illustrating a shift towards greater inclusivity. As Crown Prince Haakon ascends the throne as King Haakon VIII, King Harald's profound legacy of love and duty will continue to resonate.

The income-tax tribunal ruled in favor of Spencer Stuart International BV. Executive search fees were not treated as technical services under the tax treaty. The tribunal deleted a tax addition related to expense reimbursements. A separate dispute concerning management fees was sent back for fresh examination.

Jio Platforms has received Sebi approval for its proposed Rs 37,700 crore IPO, bringing Reliance Industries much-awaited listing closer. The issue could value Jio at nearly Rs 9.5 trillion and become Indias largest IPO. The company plans to use Rs 27,500 crore of proceeds to repay borrowings of Reliance Jio Infocomm.

Indian equities rebounded on Friday, ending a two-session losing streak as heavyweight IT stocks led gains. Nifty rose 0.35% to 24,175.65, while Sensex gained 0.43% to 77,264.51. Analysts expect consolidation amid mixed global cues and geopolitical uncertainty.

Motilal Oswal says several headwinds facing Indian equities are easing, supported by stronger earnings, positive FII flows and domestic demand. It remains Neutral on equities but Overweight on mid- and small-caps, while preferring gold over silver and accrual-focused fixed-income strategies.

SBI General Insurance reported 10.9% year-on-year GDPI growth to Rs 3,506 crore in Q1 FY27. Comprehensive income rose 17.4% to Rs 573 crore, while health, engineering and personal accident segments delivered strong growth, alongside a 2.0-times solvency ratio.

Sensex plunged over 2,000 points during Thursdays closing auction session before recovering some losses, while Nifty remained comparatively stable. Market experts attributed the sharp divergence largely to thin trading volumes on BSE. The episode has renewed scrutiny of the new CAS mechanism, particularly around monthly expiry and its impact on price discovery.

Retail investors increased holdings in 124 smallcap stocks for the fourth straight quarter. Despite subdued sector performance, nine stocks delivered 50%-150% gains alongside steadily rising retail ownership.

India's economy could reach $5.1 trillion by FY29, according to OmniScience Capital. Stronger real growth and healthier balance sheets support this expansion. The pandemic and rupee depreciation had previously delayed this $5 trillion ambition. Real GDP growth averaged 7.4% between FY22 and FY26. An optimistic scenario projects India's GDP reaching $5.9 trillion by FY29.

HSBC has initiated coverage on recently listed Manipal Health with a Buy rating and Rs 1,000 target price, implying 26% upside. The brokerage sees strong growth potential from improving hospital utilisation, the Sahyadri turnaround, higher-margin speciality mix and deleveraging, with adjusted PAT expected to nearly triple by FY29.

Ola Electric shares rallied on Friday after the EV maker launched its new S1Z scooter range with indigenous Bharat Cell LFP technology. The stock has rebounded nearly 79% from its March low, while the new models target Indias mass-market EV segment with prices starting at Rs 79,999.

NCLT has approved a resolution plan allowing Zee founder Subhash Chandra to pay about 6.5 crore against 22,006.57 crore in admitted claims in insolvency case. The 99.97% haircut has sparked controversy, but the claims relate to his role as a personal guarantor, not personal borrowing. Creditors can retain recovery rights against the principal borrowing companies.

JM Financial has retained its Buy rating on Metropolis Healthcare with a target price of Rs 734, implying 27.2% upside. The brokerage calls it the cheapest among Indias leading listed diagnostic players, citing attractive valuations, network expansion, stronger B2C growth and improving margins as key drivers.