Bengaluru, once a digital payment leader, is seeing a shift back to cash transactions as small vendors, facing GST notices and potential harassment over UPI data, are avoiding digital payments. These unregistered businesses fear scrutiny due to transaction data indicating taxable turnover.
India faces trade deficits with most countries having free trade agreements. These partners contribute significantly to India’s overall trade deficit. Newer agreements show better utilization compared to older ones. Reviews of trade pacts with ASEAN and Korea are underway. India’s reliance on FTA partners has increased, with imports rising. Efforts are ongoing to balance trade…
India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $18.78 billion in June, surpassing market forecasts and improving from May’s figures, driven by decreased exports and imports. Merchandise exports reached $35.14 billion, while imports totaled $53.92 billion. The services sector contributed a strong surplus of $15.62 billion, with exports at $32.84 billion and imports at $17.58 billion.
Reliance Infrastructure’s stock has soared 101% in the past year, fueled by debt reduction and a credit rating upgrade. Technical analysis suggests a potential rise to ₹500 if momentum continues, contingent on surpassing the ₹400 resistance level.
While gold has seen steady gains due to global uncertainties, silver has significantly outperformed it recently, with a nearly 20% increase since April 1st. This surge is fueled by silver’s extensive industrial applications, particularly in rapidly growing sectors like solar panels and electric vehicles.
Asian markets displayed mixed performance amid renewed concerns over President Trump’s tariff plans. Japan’s Nikkei 225 saw gains, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up slightly. Conversely, South Korea’s Kospi and Shanghai’s Shenzhen experienced declines, the latter influenced by slower Chinese economic growth attributed to escalating trade tensions.
A State Bank of India report forecasts record-low retail inflation in India by July 2025, projecting FY26 CPI inflation between 3.0% and 3.2%, significantly below the RBI’s 3.7% forecast. This follows a recent 50 basis points rate cut, with the RBI now focusing on capital formation.
China’s economy experienced a slight slowdown in the last quarter due to the intensified trade war with the US, yet it sustained a robust 5.2% growth. The first half of the year saw an overall growth rate of 5.3%, propelled by strong export performance and a temporary respite from US tariffs.
Jane Street has deposited nearly Rs 4,844 crore into an escrow account for SEBI, fulfilling a key requirement of the regulator’s interim order. The firm seeks the lifting of trading restrictions following this compliance. SEBI is reviewing the request, while Jane Street reserves the right to challenge SEBI’s findings, maintaining its trading strategies were legitimate.
Regional Indian food brands are growing using quick commerce platforms. They are reaching new customers beyond their home states. Brands like Sweet Karam Coffee and Two Brothers Organic Farms see significant sales via these platforms. Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale uses quick commerce to enter new cities. BigBasket notes increased demand for regional snacks.
