India

Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced the successful closure of a Rs. 3,900 crore private credit fund, underscoring the bank’s strategic push into alternative credit markets. The fund aims to provide structured financing solutions to mid-sized enterprises and high-potential companies, addressing a financing gap in India’s rapidly expanding corporate debt sector. With investor appetite for private credit rising due to attractive risk-adjusted returns, Kotak’s initiative positions the bank as a frontrunner in private debt solutions.

SpaceX has successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking another step in the company’s aggressive expansion of its global broadband network. The mission underscores SpaceX’s operational consistency and its focus on scaling satellite-based internet services worldwide. With each launch, the company strengthens its commercial foothold in the fast-growing space connectivity market, which is attracting rising interest from governments, enterprises, and consumers.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has raised concerns over the impact of the current goods and services tax framework on the earnings of app-based drivers, calling for a reassessment of the levy. According to the industry body, higher tax incidence on digital mobility platforms has reduced take-home incomes for drivers while increasing costs for consumers. The issue has gained urgency as gig economy workers face rising living expenses and fluctuating demand.

India’s equity markets delivered a strong performance, adding Rs 4.55 lakh crore to the combined market capitalization of the country’s leading listed companies. The gains were driven by positive investor sentiment, firm global cues, and renewed buying interest in heavyweight stocks. Reliance Industries emerged as the biggest beneficiary, accounting for a substantial share of the value creation, supported by strength across its energy, telecom, and retail businesses.

A term gaining rapid traction across digital platforms, “Ghooskhor Pandat” has emerged as a satirical symbol in India’s online discourse on corruption and public accountability. Rather than pointing to a specific individual, the phrase has evolved into a broader metaphor representing unethical conduct, bribery, and institutional decay. Its popularity underscores growing public frustration and the power of social media to shape narratives around governance and integrity.

The India vs Pakistan Under-19 World Cup encounter has once again brought global attention to one of cricket’s most compelling rivalries, this time on the sport’s most important youth platform. Beyond the scoreboard, the match represents a proving ground for future international stars and a test of temperament under pressure. With both teams arriving on the back of strong tournament performances, expectations were high among fans, selectors and analysts alike.

The impending India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to significantly boost India’s footwear and leather exports, reducing tariffs and easing market access in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Industry bodies project that the agreement will enable Indian manufacturers to enhance competitiveness, diversify export destinations, and increase revenues by Rs. 8,000–10,000 crore annually.

Godfrey Phillips India reported a measured improvement in profitability for the third quarter, reflecting disciplined cost management and stable pricing amid a tightly regulated operating environment. Net profit rose 8.7 percent year on year to Rs 343.3 crore, underscoring the company’s ability to sustain earnings momentum despite volume constraints and rising compliance costs. The performance highlights the resilience of its core cigarette business, supported by brand strength and operational efficiency.

ATM cash withdrawals across India continued to decline in 2025, underscoring the steady shift toward digital and contactless payment systems, according to a recent report. The trend reflects growing consumer confidence in UPI-based transactions, wider acceptance of cards and QR codes, and increased penetration of mobile banking in both urban and semi-urban markets. While cash remains relevant for specific use cases, its role in everyday transactions is steadily shrinking.

In a landmark move aligned with the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), several European banks have announced plans to open 15 new branches across India, signaling strengthened financial ties and confidence in the Indian market. This expansion aims to facilitate cross-border trade, provide advanced banking services, and enhance corporate and retail banking capabilities. Analysts view this as a significant vote of confidence in India’s regulatory environment, economic growth, and investment potential.