Digamber Finance, a prominent non-banking financial company (NBFC), has diversified its lending portfolio by entering the small business loan segment. The move marks a strategic expansion aimed at strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) ecosystem. With MSMEs accounting for a significant share of the nation’s GDP and employment, the new loan vertical is expected to enhance credit access for entrepreneurs who often remain underserved by traditional banking channels.

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue surged to Rs. 1.86 lakh crore in August, underscoring continued resilience in consumption and business activity despite global uncertainties. The figure reflects a notable year-on-year growth, driven by higher compliance, stronger manufacturing output, and a robust services sector. Economists view this as an encouraging indicator of sustained domestic demand and fiscal health.

India’s tea industry faces renewed uncertainty as the United States considers a tariff hike on imported tea, a move that could undercut the competitiveness of one of the country’s most prized export commodities. While India ranks among the world’s top tea producers, its reliance on premium exports to Western markets makes it vulnerable to shifts in trade policy. Industry stakeholders warn that higher tariffs could squeeze profit margins, reduce demand, and open the door for competitors like Kenya and Sri Lanka to gain ground.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) achieved a significant milestone in August, crossing 20 billion transactions in a single month for the first time. The surge highlights the rapid adoption of digital payments across the country, driven by retail users, small businesses, and growing integration with financial services. The total value of transactions also rose sharply, underscoring the platform’s central role in India’s cashless economy.

India’s electricity consumption recorded a 4.4% year-on-year increase in August, reflecting sustained economic activity and rising industrial demand. The country consumed approximately 151.5 billion units (BU) of power during the month, compared to 145.1 BU in August last year. The uptick in demand was driven by higher manufacturing output, increased commercial usage, and rising household consumption, although a relatively mild monsoon tempered the overall surge.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has renewed calls for the creation of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) development bank, positioning it as a strategic financial instrument to advance regional integration and strengthen economic cooperation. Addressing member states, Xi underscored the need for deeper financial collaboration to counter global economic uncertainties and to accelerate infrastructure growth across Eurasia. The proposed institution, he argued, would not only bolster trade and investment flows but also serve as a stabilizing force amid shifting geopolitical realities.

India’s white-collar job market is witnessing renewed momentum, with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) roles emerging as the key drivers of growth. Corporate hiring activity has picked up across sectors, reflecting both the country’s resilient economic outlook and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies by businesses. While demand remains strong for professionals in core areas such as finance, IT, and consulting, specialized digital roles are experiencing particularly rapid growth.

In a significant relief for both the aviation industry and households, the government has announced a downward revision in fuel prices. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF), a major cost component for airlines, has seen a sharp price cut, providing respite to carriers grappling with high operating expenses. Simultaneously, domestic LPG cylinder rates have been reduced, offering some relief to families struggling with rising living costs.

Real estate developer Supertech has handed over approximately 6,000 flats to homebuyers, yet more than 15,000 customers remain stranded without possession. Once regarded as a key player in India’s property market, the company has faced prolonged delays, insolvency proceedings, and legal hurdles that have disrupted thousands of families’ housing dreams. While recent deliveries indicate partial progress, the scale of pending obligations underscores persistent challenges in the sector, from liquidity constraints to compliance bottlenecks.

Bengaluru-based Cuzor, a technology-driven startup specializing in power management and connectivity solutions, has raised Rs. 5 crore in funding from Ramesh Kannan, Managing Director of Kaynes Technology. The infusion of capital marks a significant step in the company’s growth trajectory, providing resources to scale operations, expand product offerings, and strengthen its market positioning.