The Economic Times

A 24-year-old female biker from Mumbai named Riddhi Thakkar died after her motorcycle collided with a trailer truck. The accident occurred on National Highway 30 near Markatola Ghat in Chhattisgarh. She was traveling with a group of bikers towards Bastar when the truck crossed lanes. Riders and locals assisted her, and she was taken to a hospital. Doctors declared her dead on arrival, and police are searching for the truck driver.

Six people died and 14 were injured after water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel at the THDC hydroelectric project in Pipalkoti, Uttarakhands Chamoli district, on Thursday, officials said. Twenty of 22 trapped workers were rescued, while information on the remaining two was unavailable.

Hillhouse Investments plans to double its India investments over the next few years. Real estate is a key focus area for the global investment firm. Data centers represent a significant long-term opportunity for substantial growth. The firm has already deployed over two billion dollars in India. Hillhouse aims to build a full-stack platform supporting India's macro drivers.

Bank of America is set to invest a substantial $1.9 billion into Jio Financial's Jio Credit, marking a significant show of confidence in India's booming retail loan sector. This collaboration merges Jio's innovative digital capabilities with the seasoned financial knowledge of Bank of America, enabling a strategic expansion in the rapidly growing Indian economy. Regulatory approvals will be required to finalize this impactful venture.

Insurance rates for fire, cyber, professional indemnity and directors liability fell sharply in the June quarter as abundant capacity intensified competition. Marsh India expects the buyer-friendly market to persist, with companies using lower prices to secure broader coverage and higher limits.

Employers can now contribute $2,500 each year to Trump Accounts designed for children's savings. Alongside this, employees have the option to make pre-tax payroll contributions to these accounts. Known as Invest America accounts, the initiative seeks to boost awareness and encourage responsible savings for the future. Additionally, Michael Dell's foundation has pledged a whopping $6.25 billion to enhance savings programs for children across the U.S.

Foreign portfolio investors led anchor investor selling in IPOs. Heavy anchor exits around the 30-day unlock window pressured stock prices. Smaller IPOs experienced higher anchor investor exits and selling intensity. Anchor investors continued selling beyond prescribed lock-in periods significantly.

Leicester City's Thai owners, King Power, have reportedly placed the club up for sale. This comes after successive relegations from the Premier League and Championship. The club was also docked six points for financial rule breaches last season. A US investment bank is assisting in finding a buyer for the club. The Foxes begin their League One campaign this Saturday.

Warner Bros. officially announced that a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is currently in the works. The first installment achieved remarkable success, selling over forty million copies globally. Anticipation is high for this new chapter, which is expected to enhance the company's profit outlook significantly. While fans eagerly await updates on gameplay and release schedules, a fresh television adaptation of the franchise is also being undertaken.

Somali referee Omar Artan officiated the UEFA Super Cup after missing the World Cup. He was denied entry to the United States due to alleged terrorist ties. UEFA offered him the Super Cup match after the Miami incident. Artan expressed gratitude to UEFA and the Confederation of African Football. This appointment also signifies a political gesture by UEFA towards FIFA.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Navy can maintain an indefinite blockade of Iran. Ships will be rotated in and out of the region as needed for sustained pressure. President Donald Trump asserted complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy has redirected over fifty commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade. Military forces have also disabled and boarded several ships during operations.

Israeli troops occupied Palestinian homes in Qusra village on Thursday. Settlers had trapped Palestinian families in a siege since the weekend. The United Nations reported some fifteen Palestinians were trapped without water or electricity. The Israeli military stated soldiers were deployed to protect residents and maintain security. The U.S. Ambassador called the settlers Israeli terrorists and their actions criminal.

An explosion struck an ammunition manufacturing plant in Colleferro near Rome on Thursday. Local authorities confirmed the incident at the former Simmel Difesa facility, now KNDS Ammo Italy. Initial reports indicated no injuries and all workers were safe following the blast. The explosion may have originated in the plant's powder-pressing department. Emergency crews responded to the site as the fire continued to burn.

Bangladesh has enforced earlier closing times for businesses to save electricity. Severe gas shortages are significantly impacting the nation's power generation capacity. Load-shedding now extends for up to twelve hours daily across several regions. Global energy market volatility, including the Iran crisis, exacerbates import challenges. The country faces a persistent gap between its energy demand and available supply.

Quote of the Day by Cher: Chers quote, If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen, explores the importance of determination, ambition, and persistence in achieving personal goals. The quote suggests that when a person genuinely wants something, they can look for solutions, overcome obstacles, and find ways to turn their dreams into reality rather than allowing difficulties or setbacks to stop them.

Quote of the day by Lewis Carroll: Lewis Carroll's quote distinguishes genuine joy from mere amusement. He believed true happiness aligns with life's deeper aspects. Constant mockery can diminish the importance of serious matters. Finding a balance between humor and seriousness is a key life lesson.

The quote of the Day by Nikola Tesla, I do not think you can name many great inventions that have been made by married men explores the famous inventors provocative views on marriage, creativity, ambition and the sacrifices behind extraordinary achievement. Nikola Tesla meant that he believed great inventions often require intense focus, and marriage could bring responsibilities that divide that attention.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Harvard University. The administration alleged Harvard failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment. Judge Richard Stearns ruled the lawsuit did not show an ongoing civil rights violation. This decision means the legal challenge against the university has been unsuccessful. The court found no plausible evidence of current federal law breaches on campus.

Aditya Birla Group companies will pay a brand royalty starting June 2026. A 0.25% revenue royalty is mandated, capped annually at Rs 225 crore. Grasim Industries expects royalty payments well below the established ceiling. Hindalco and Novelis will also adopt this new royalty payment structure. This transition marks a move towards more structured corporate governance practices.

Quote of the day by Tom Holland: Tom Holland's famous quote, I think the most important thing is to be grateful for what..., is a simple reminder to be grateful for what we have. The Spider-Man stars words carry a message about happiness, family, love, and meaningful relationships. In a world that moves fast, this quote asks us to pause. Sometimes, appreciating the people and moments in our lives is the greatest lesson of all.

Sensex gained 114 points while Nifty fell over 40 points on expiry day, reflecting divergent benchmark moves. Softer inflation supported sentiment, but elevated crude prices and geopolitical risks kept investors cautious, with Nifty remaining rangebound between key technical levels.

SEBI has proposed revamping Accredited Investor rules by adding securities-market assets as an eligibility criterion, simplifying accreditation and expanding deemed eligibility. The changes could increase eligible investors to nearly 4 lakh and ease access to alternative investment products.

Sebi is set to broaden the criteria for accredited investors, allowing individuals boasting securities assets of Rs 5 crore to qualify for participation. Additionally, body corporates with assets totaling Rs 20 crore will also be considered eligible. This strategic move is designed to encourage greater engagement in alternative investment funds. Interested parties are invited to submit their public comments by September 3.

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.