Instant Finance Updates

CBIC waives Excise Duty on petrol with higher Ethanol Petrol ​containing 22% to ‌30% ethanol will be exempt from ​excise ​duty,

📝 Telecom companies seek waiver of spectrum usage charges for legacy bands Major cellular operators have submitted a joint representation to the department of telecommunications requesting financial relief on older frequency allocations. The industry argues that removing these levies will free up capital required for expanding nationwide 5G network infrastructure. 📝 Public sector banks plan massive fundraising via infrastructure bonds this fiscal State owned financial institutions are preparing to issue long term debt instruments to fund large scale highway, power, and urban development projects. The bonds attract strong institutional interest from insurance companies and pension funds due to stable yields. | 📝 Auto components industry revenue projected to grow 10 percent in current financial year A leading credit rating agency report highlights that strong domestic vehicle demand and rising export orders will drive revenue growth for auto parts manufacturers. Profit margins are expected to remain stable due to softening raw material costs like steel and aluminum. 📝 Government invites initial bids for strategic disinvestment of regional cargo subsidiary The department of investment and public asset management has issued a preliminary information memorandum for selling the entire state stake in the shipping logistics entity. Potential bidders have been given six weeks to submit expressions of interest. 📰 Mint 📝 Sovereign gold bond scheme next tranche opens for subscription next Monday The finance ministry announced the launch dates for the upcoming series of the government backed gold investment instrument. The issue price will be determined based on the simple average closing price of gold reported by the India bullion and jewellers association. 📝 Corporate earnings growth slows down to single digit in latest quarterly review An analysis of listed companies indicates a moderation in net profit expansion due to higher operational expenses and base effects from the previous year. Sectors dependent on rural consumption showed gradual recovery while commodity firms faced margin pressures. 📝 Foreign institutional investors turn net buyers in Indian capital markets this week Foreign portfolio investors reversed their selling trend by injecting substantial capital into domestic equities and debt instruments over recent trading sessions. Improved global liquidity conditions and stability in macroeconomic indicators renewed overseas investor confidence. 📝 Startups face valuation corrections as venture capital funding remains selective Technology startups looking to raise late stage capital are experiencing downward adjustments in their market valuations. Global venture capital firms are prioritizing profitability pathways and sustainable business models over rapid user acquisition metrics. 📝 Central bank issues master direction on information technology governance for NBFCs The monetary authority has mandated a comprehensive framework for non banking financial companies to strengthen cybersecurity measures and IT risk management. The guidelines outline clear responsibilities for board sub committees regarding data protection and digital lending operations.

📰 Economic Times 📝 Sensex, Nifty hit record highs as IT, banking stocks lead market rally The Indian benchmark indices reached historic peaks during early trade today following sustained institutional buying. Strong global cues and robust inflows into technology and financial sectors driven by positive corporate earnings expectations contributed to the upward momentum. 📝 Government plans new policy framework to boost electronic manufacturing incentives The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is preparing a revised production linked incentive scheme aimed at components manufacturing. The policy seeks to deepen the domestic value chain and reduce import dependency on critical electronic inputs over the next five years. 📝 RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5 percent citing inflation concerns The Reserve Bank of India monetary policy committee has decided to maintain the benchmark lending rate for the consecutive meeting. The central bank stated that while economic growth remains resilient, persistent food price pressures require a cautious approach to achieve the medium term inflation target. 📝 Top private lenders report double digit credit growth in first quarter updates Major private sector banks have registered strong loan growth driven primarily by retail advances and commercial banking segments. Preliminary quarterly data indicates robust credit demand despite higher borrowing costs and tighter regulatory norms on unsecured lending. 📝 Direct tax collections rise 15 percent in current fiscal driven by advance tax Central board of direct taxes data reveals a substantial increase in net direct tax receipts compared to the corresponding period last year. Higher corporate tax compliance and rising personal income tax filings have contributed significantly to the revenue growth. 📰 Business Standard 📝 Wholesale price index inflation eases to 1.2 percent in May on lower fuel costs Official data released today shows that wholesale inflation slowed down due to a reduction in international crude prices and manufactured product costs. However, vegetable and primary food article prices remained elevated, limiting a further decline in the index. 📝 Sebi proposes stricter disclosure norms for high risk foreign portfolio investors The capital markets regulator has floated a consultation paper aiming to enhance transparency among overseas funds operating in Indian equities. The proposed regulations require detailed ownership details for entities holding concentrated sectoral assets to prevent potential market manipulation. 📝 Aviation ministry reviews rising airfares on metro routes ahead of monsoon season The union aviation minister held a meeting with airline executives to address public concerns regarding sudden ticket price hikes on major domestic corridors. Carriers were advised to monitor capacity utilization and ensure fair pricing practices during peak travel periods. 📝 Core sector output growth accelerates to 6.2 percent led by coal and steel The production index of eight infrastructure industries showed improved performance driven by substantial expansion in domestic coal mining and steel manufacturing. Cement production also registered positive growth supporting ongoing public infrastructure projects. 📝 Indian rupee appreciates against US dollar amid tracking weakness in greenback The domestic currency gained ground in early interbank foreign exchange trade supported by foreign fund inflows into local equities. Weakness in the dollar index against major global currencies provided additional support to the rupee. 📰 Financial Express 📝 GST council meeting likely to discuss tax rationalization for online gaming next week The upcoming goods and services tax council session is expected to review the implementation of the uniform tax rate on the online gaming sector. State finance ministers will evaluate revenue collections and industry representations regarding operational challenges under the current structure.

The Karnataka HC issued SOPs for inclusive access for disabled in buildings. Check whether your building has these. (TOI)

The Electronic Manufacturing Services market could grow 3x to hit $150 billion by FY30, says KPMG. (ET)

Airtel renamed the recently launched "Priority Postpaid" to "Fast Lane". (BS)

Youngsters getting driving licences may benefit from this, if it happens - the validity will be till the age of 50, instead of the present 20 years. Looking at the number of road accidents and traffic violations, I'm of the opinion that tests should be done every year! (TOI)

Indian astronomers have discovered five rapidly spinning neutron stars in two ancient star clusters. We are, however, still looking for solutions on how to stop people driving on the wrong side, or spitting on the roads! (DH)

Canada is the latest country to join those that have banned Social Media for children. A bill banning it for those under 16 is being tabled in their parliament. (TOI)

Anthropic launched a new AI model for Claude... It's called Fable5. From what I've read, it can suck up your tokens faster than a Vegas slot machine! (BS)

The domestic currency strengthened in early trade as the American dollar weakened against major global currencies amid soft employment data. 📝 GST Collections Maintain Upward Trajectory Crossing High Threshold The monthly gross goods and services tax revenue remained robust, reflecting sustained consumption patterns and tightened compliance measures. 📝 Automobile Retail Sales Jump Twelve Percent In May Led By Two Wheelers Vehicle registration data from the dealer association indicated strong rural demand revival and steady premium passenger vehicle sales. 📝 Green Energy Major Secures Mega Funding For Renewable Capacity Expansion A leading clean energy firm finalized a massive debt facility from international lenders to construct solar and wind power plants across western states.

📰 Economic Times 📝 India Q4 GDP Growth Beats Estimates Rising To 7.4 Percent The country reported higher than expected economic growth for the final quarter, driven by strong manufacturing performance and increased government infrastructure spending. 📝 Reserve Bank Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged At 5.25 Percent Citations On Inflation The central bank monetary policy committee decided to maintain the current benchmark lending rate to ensure inflation aligns with the target while supporting growth. 📝 Foreign Portfolio Investors Pump 12000 Crores Into Indian Equities This Week Domestic stock markets witnessed significant capital inflows from overseas institutional investors due to stable macroeconomic indicators and strong corporate earnings. 📝 Corporate Earnings Show Steady Margin Expansion In March Quarter Results Financial reports from top listed companies indicate improved profitability and resilient revenue growth despite global supply chain challenges. 📝 Government To Divest Five Percent Stake In Major Public Sector Undertaking The finance ministry announced plans for a minority stake sale through an offer for sale route to meet disinvestment targets for the fiscal year. 📰 Business Standard 📝 Manufacturing PMI Rises To Three Month High On Strong Domestic Demand The purchasing managers index for the manufacturing sector showed accelerated expansion, indicating robust factory activity and new business orders. 📝 Benchmarks End Higher As IT And Banking Stocks Lead Market Rally The Nifty and Sensex closed the trading session with gains following positive global cues and heavy buying in major banking and technology shares. 📝 SEBI Proposes New Regulations To Tighten FAndO Trading Norms For Retail Investors The capital markets regulator released a discussion paper aiming to increase entry barriers and margin requirements for individual traders in the derivatives segment. 📝 Crude Oil Prices Stabilize Around Eighty Dollars Per Barrel Amid Supply Shifts Global oil benchmarks remained steady as production adjustments from major exporting nations balanced out slowing demand growth projections. 📝 Direct Tax Collections Exceed Revised Estimates For Financial Year The income tax department reported a substantial increase in direct tax receipts, supported by better corporate compliance and higher advance tax payments. 📰 Financial Express 📝 Direct Benefit Transfer Saves Government Over Eighty Thousand Crores In Leakages The digital welfare payment system successfully eliminated ghost beneficiaries and streamlined subsidy distribution across multiple central schemes. 📝 Aviation Sector Records Fifteen Percent Growth In Passenger Traffic Domestic airlines witnessed a sharp rise in traveler numbers during the holiday season, leading to higher capacity utilization and improved load factors. 📝 Telecom Operators Seek Trai Intervention On Unregulated Over The Top Services Major telecommunication companies requested the regulatory authority to establish a level playing field regarding licensing fees and infrastructure costs. 📝 Core Sector Output Expands By Six Percent Driven By Coal And Electricity Data from the commerce ministry showed steady growth in the eight infrastructure industries, providing a positive signal for industrial production. 📝 Private Equity Investments In Indian Real Estate Touch New High Institutional funding into commercial and residential property segments saw a major surge, with global funds favoring premium office spaces. 📰 Mint 📝 Startup Funding In India Rebounds With Two Billion Dollar Inflows Venture capital and private equity investments into tech startups showed signs of recovery after a prolonged period of cautious capital deployment. 📝 Rupee Appreciates Against US Dollar Following Weakness In Greenback Index

Not surprisingly, Football is the 2nd most watched sport in India. But who would've thought Kabaddi would be No. 3 ahead of Wrestling, Hockey, Badminton, Athletics, Boxing... And where are Chess and Shooting and Archery - where we win medals? (Mint)

Flat buyers are entitled to interest under RERA for each month's delay, says the Bombay High Court. (TOI)

Do you own a vehicle that's over 20-25 years old? The auto manufacturer is looking for you... to recycle your vehicle as per Govt rules!! (BS)

There are 3 lakh direct deaths from drug-resistant infections. That number is higher than death by cancer, diabetes and kidney disease COMBINED! (TOI)

72% of Indian households are connected to the internet. The most common activity they use it for is watching movies, TV shows and news. What does your household use it for most of the time? (Mint)

"Dark patterns" that force customers into unintended actions, are costing them ₹28,000 crore! Cleartrip ranks among the most harmful, while MakeMyTrip is perceived as the safest. Flipkart is another one where distrust exceeds trust. (BS)

Which country has how many nuclear warheads? (BS)

PepsiCo is running 35 driverless trucks on Arizona roads. From these to succeed on any road, you need fairly predictable and disciplined traffic - neither of which exist on Indian roads! (WSJ)