UPI transactions surged in August 2025, with groceries and quick commerce leading the growth in share, reflecting deeper penetration into household spending. Eating places and pharmacies also saw robust increases, consolidating UPI’s dominance in daily-use and small-ticket purchases. Conversely, securities broking and debt repayment categories experienced declines due to regulatory and market shifts.
Global cloud and enterprise tech giants are increasingly prioritizing India, appointing new country heads to leverage its growth potential. This trend, seen across companies like Google Cloud and Databricks, underscores India’s emergence as a key strategic market, moving beyond just a sales office. Databricks is investing $250 million and expanding its workforce significantly.
The RBI has ordered Bengaluru-based BNPL firm Simpl to immediately cease its payments operations for running a system without explicit central bank authorization. This action is part of the RBI’s broader campaign to regulate digital credit, addressing concerns over unsecured lending and weak oversight. Simpl also faces Enforcement Directorate scrutiny for alleged FDI and foreign…
The RBI’s monetary policy committee is widely expected to keep policy rates unchanged this week, balancing resilient growth and benign inflation against external uncertainties. While a pause is the base case, a dovish tone is anticipated. Some economists, including SBI, advocate for a 25-basis-point cut, citing the benign inflation trajectory.
Opec+ is poised to approve another oil production increase of at least 137,000 barrels per day next Sunday. This decision comes as rising oil prices, recently topping $70 per barrel partly due to Ukrainian drone attacks, encourage the group to regain market share. Having already boosted output significantly since April, the upcoming move could further…
India’s celebrity brand landscape is undergoing a decisive shift, with female stars significantly strengthening their position. Their collective brand value surged nearly 29% to $594 million in 2024, far outpacing the 2% rise for male celebrities. This sharper growth, coupled with increased endorsements and digital engagement, signals women are redefining influence in the brand endorsement…
Mega Camerupt made its fiery debut in Pokémon GO during a Mega Raid Day, offering trainers a rare chance to capture its stunning shiny form. The event, held on September 28, 2025, boosted shiny odds to 1 in 10, making its dark, volcanic appearance a prized catch for collectors. This limited-time challenge also provided valuable…
After six sessions of continuous selling, traders anticipate a potential market bounce-back on Monday, despite an underlying weak trend. US-India trade uncertainties, including H-1B visa fee hikes and pharma tariffs, continue to weigh on sentiment. Foreign fund activity and the upcoming RBI policy decision will be crucial in determining market direction.
Donald Trump praised the 24-karat gold in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, calling it the “best ever” and noting foreign leaders’ awe. He personally purchased and expanded the gold decor, adding trim, cherubim, and trophies. His “gold guy” replicated Mar-a-Lago’s gilded style, leading to a “golden office for the golden age.”
The ED is intensifying its probe into the 1xBet online betting platform, considering property attachments for individuals linked to money laundering. Celebrities, including cricketers and filmstars, who endorsed the illegal platform, may be named as accused in the upcoming chargesheet. Some have appeared for questioning, while others face further summonses, indicating a widening investigation into…
