In a recent podcast with YouTuber Raj Shamani, Vijay Mallya, the embattled businessman formerly behind Kingfisher Airlines, addressed the long-standing issue of unpaid salaries to airline staff. Apologizing publicly for the financial troubles faced by his employees, Mallya explained the legal hurdles that prevented him from paying outstanding salaries, despite available funds. He also discussed the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on his business decisions and reiterated his willingness to return to India for a fair trial.

Gold prices witnessed a modest uptick on Friday, rising Rs 144 to Rs 98,018 per 10 grams in futures trading, driven by increased speculative interest and firm spot market demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), August delivery contracts gained 0.15 percent amid active turnover. Globally, gold futures in New York advanced 0.42 percent to USD 3,366.66 per ounce, reflecting a bullish tone in the international market.

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty saw a robust surge in early Friday trade after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) delivered a larger-than-anticipated 50 basis point reduction in the repo rate, lowering it to a three-year low of 5.5%. The move comes as a response to economic growth slowing to a four-year low of 6.5% in FY25. Key rate-sensitive sectors including real estate, banking, and auto led the market rebound. The central bank maintained its GDP projection but lowered inflation expectations to 3.7%, citing a favorable monsoon outlook and subdued global oil prices.

Procter & Gamble (P&G), the global FMCG leader behind brands such as Tide, Pampers, and Bounty, has announced plans to reduce its global office workforce by approximately 7,000 employees over the next two years. This downsizing, representing around 15% of its non-manufacturing staff, coincides with P&G's strategic initiative to streamline its product portfolio by exiting select categories and divesting smaller brands in targeted markets.

Ratan Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Stainless, emphasized the growing challenges posed by rising imports from countries like China and Vietnam, particularly to India's stainless steel sector. Speaking at the Global Stainless Steel Summit (2025) in Mumbai, Jindal urged the government to impose necessary duties on these imports to protect domestic manufacturers, particularly MSMEs, and safeguard local employment.

In a crucial advisory, India's market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), has alerted investors to be cautious of fraudulent communications falsely claiming to be from Sebi officials. The regulator has noted that some individuals have been targeted by scammers using official letterheads, logos, and seals of Sebi to falsely demand payments or personal information. Sebi has urged the public to verify such communications through its official website and to be vigilant when approached by individuals requesting payments or sensitive details on its behalf.

In a significant move aimed at improving the business environment, the Punjab Cabinet recently approved amendments to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958. The amendments are designed to ease the compliance burden for small businesses while simultaneously enhancing worker protections. Notably, establishments with fewer than 20 employees will be exempt from most provisions of the Act, and overtime allowances have been increased.

Thales, the French multinational corporation specializing in aerospace, defense, and electronics, has inaugurated its first-ever lab in India, located in Bengaluru. The facility focuses on inflight experience and aviation global services, providing an advanced space for engineers to work on cutting-edge projects in avionics, air traffic management, and flight management.

The Indian rupee reversed its two-day losing streak, gaining 7 paise to close at Rs. 85.80 against the US dollar on Thursday. This uptick was supported by positive domestic equity movements and a rise in Asian currencies, though a strong US dollar index limited significant appreciation. The rupee's volatility is also impacted by external factors, including fluctuating crude oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and domestic expectations surrounding the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy.

Television actress Hina Khan has officially married her long-time partner, Rocky Jaiswal, after 13 years of togetherness. The couple shared a series of intimate wedding pictures on social media, where Hina expressed the emotional depth of their relationship. From a humble beginning on the sets of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai to overcoming life’s challenges, including Hina's battle with cancer, their love story has been a testament to resilience and unwavering support. Hina also shared her ongoing cancer journey with fans, alongside updates on her latest work in entertainment.