Business

Tariff Reduction and Trade Commitments Announced The United States and India on Saturday announced that they have reached a framework for an interim trade agreement, under which America will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent. The development was confirmed through a joint statement issued by the White House.Framework Linked to Ongoing Bilateral Trade Talks According to the statement, the framework reaffirms the commitment of both countries to the broader US India Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. These talks were launched by US President Donald J Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025.The framework also includes provisions for additional market access commitments and aims to support more...

Extended Timeline for India’s Largest Oil and Gas Acreage Offering The government has extended the deadline for submitting bids under the tenth round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy, known as OALP-X, by an additional three months. The new bid submission closing date is May 29, 2026, as updated by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons.This marks the fourth extension for the current bid round. While no official reason was cited for the revised timeline, the extension allows potential investors more time to review the recently liberalised rules framed following the passage of the Oilfields Regulation and Development Amendment Bill.OALP-X Launch and Previous Extensions OALP-X was launched in February during India Energy Week 2025...

Move Aims to Boost Credit Access and Strengthen Last-Mile Lending The Reserve Bank of India on Friday announced a significant step to improve access to formal credit for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) by enhancing the limit for collateral-free loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh. The move is aimed at supporting entrepreneurial activity and strengthening last-mile credit delivery across the sector.The announcement was made by Sanjay Malhotra, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, while unveiling the sixth and final bi-monthly monetary policy review of the current financial year.The revised limit will apply to all loans to MSE borrowers that are sanctioned or renewed on or after April 1, 2026. The central bank said that detailed...

Inflation Projections See Modest Increase The Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation projections upward for the current financial year and the first half of the next fiscal, citing a rise in prices of precious metals as the primary driver.For 2025–26, the central bank now projects inflation at 2.1 percent, higher than its earlier estimate of 2 percent made in December. Looking ahead, consumer price index based inflation is projected at 4 percent for the first quarter of 2026–27 and 4.2 percent for the second quarter of the same fiscal year.Recent Inflation Trends Remain Subdued Headline CPI inflation remained low in recent months, standing at 0.7 percent in November and 1.3 percent in December 2025. Food prices continued to...

Policy Decision Reflects Benign Inflation and Easing Growth Concerns The Reserve Bank of India on Friday kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, aligning with expectations as inflation remained manageable and growth concerns eased. The assessment follows increased government spending in the Union Budget and reduced tariff pressures after a trade agreement with the United States.The central bank’s six member Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to retain the repurchase or repo rate at 5.25 percent. The RBI also maintained its neutral policy stance, signalling that rates are likely to remain on hold for now.External Developments and Trade Relief Support Outlook Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced a...

RBI Moves to Strengthen Customer Protection in Digital Payments The Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday announced a proposed framework to compensate bank customers up to Rs 25,000 for losses arising from small-value fraudulent transactions. The announcement was made while unveiling the last bi-monthly monetary policy of the current financial year.The proposed compensation framework forms part of a broader effort by the Reserve Bank of India to enhance consumer protection amid the rapid adoption of digital banking and payment systems across the country.Discussion Paper Planned on Digital Payment Safety As part of the policy measures, the central bank will release a discussion paper outlining possible steps to improve the...

Gurugram, Friday, February 6, 2026: ACME Solar Holdings Limited (BSE: 544283, NSE: ACMESOLAR) on Friday announced two key developments that strengthen its renewable energy portfolio and financing profile. The company secured a 301 MW assured peak supply FDRE project, while its wholly owned subsidiary received a long-term AA- credit rating for a 300 MW solar project. ACME Solar Wins 301 MW Assured Peak Supply FDRE Project ACME Solar has secured a 301 MW / 1,204 MWh assured peak supply FDRE-VII project through an e-reverse auction conducted on February 5, 2026. Following this win, the company’s overall contracted portfolio has expanded to 8,071 MW, covering solar, wind, storage, hybrid, FDRE and round-the-clock solutions. The formal...

Haryana, Friday, February 6, 2026: Talbros Automotive Components Limited (BSE: 505160 | NSE: TALBROAUTO) on Friday announced that it, along with its joint ventures, has secured multi-year orders aggregating over ₹1,000 crore from leading original equipment manufacturers across domestic and international markets. The orders are scheduled to be executed over the next five years, with commercialisation expected to begin from FY27. The wins span the company’s full product portfolio, including gaskets, heat shields, forgings, chassis components, hoses, and anti-vibration parts. Strong Order Inflows Across Core Businesses The latest order inflows reflect a diversified mix of export-led demand, domestic business, and growing exposure to...

Mumbai, February 6, 2026 (Friday): YES Bank confirmed the receipt of ₹282 crore as part of a one-time settlement with a borrower linked to a non-performing advance, marking a recovery from a previously stressed exposure.The bank had entered into a settlement agreement with the borrower in November 2025, under which a total amount of ₹288 crore was agreed as full and final settlement of outstanding dues. Of this, ₹282 crore has already been received, while the remaining balance is expected to be realised shortly.According to the bank, the net proceeds from the settlement exceed the underlying net carrying value of the asset on its books, resulting in a positive financial impact from the recovery. The receipt of funds is expected to...

Leadership and specialised talent remain key drivers of higher compensation growth General annual salary increments across industries are expected to stabilise in the range of 8 to 12 percent, reflecting a more balanced and sustainable compensation environment in 2026. At the same time, professionals with niche technical skills and strong leadership capabilities continue to command significantly higher pay hikes, with compensation increases of up to 30 percent when switching jobs.According to the Salary Guide 2026 released by Michael Page India, demand remains firm for talent that brings specialised expertise and strategic leadership depth, even as overall salary movements moderate after several years of accelerated growth.Senior...

A special court in Mumbai has discharged the now-defunct Dewan Housing Finance Corp Ltd in a ₹5,050 crore money laundering case, holding that the company, now under new ownership, is entitled to statutory protection following the completion of its insolvency resolution process.Immunity Limited to the Corporate Entity While granting relief to DHFL as a corporate entity, the court made it clear that the protection does not extend to individuals linked to the alleged offences. Those who were involved in the company’s affairs prior to the insolvency process will continue to face prosecution.The order, passed on February 2 and made available on Wednesday, stated that once a resolution plan is approved by the competent authority, the...

Mumbai, February 5, 2026: Mobavenue AI Tech Limited (BSE: 539682) has commenced operations in the Latin America region, marking a significant step in the company’s international growth strategy. The expansion is being led through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mobavenue Global Holdings Ltd., and covers key digital markets including Brazil, Chile, and Argentina.Strategic Entry into High-Growth Digital Markets The Latin America foray targets some of the region’s fastest-evolving digital economies, where adoption of artificial intelligence across digital advertising and consumer engagement platforms is accelerating. The company plans to deploy its AI-led technology platforms across core workflows such as user acquisition, engagement...

Mumbai, February 5, 2026: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (BSE: 533107, NSE: SWANDEF) has secured a significant defence export order from the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for the supply of a state-of-the-art naval training ship. The vessel is intended to support advanced training and maritime operations of the Royal Navy of Oman, with delivery expected within 18 months. Key Details of the Order The order marks a major milestone for the company’s defence shipbuilding operations and strengthens India’s position in the global maritime and defence manufacturing space. The project also reinforces bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Oman. Vessel Specifications and Capabilities The training ship will have the...

Bengaluru, February 5, 2026 – Strides Pharma Science Limited on Wednesday announced a key operational milestone for its US business, with its step-down subsidiary Strides Pharma Inc receiving an inspection closure report for its formulations facility at Chestnut Ridge, New York.The inspection at the Chestnut Ridge plant was conducted between December 17 and December 23, 2025, and covered manufacturing practices along with capabilities related to drug-device combinations. The assessment also included the company’s recent filing activity in the nasal sprays segment.Following the review of the company’s responses submitted after the inspection, the facility has now received confirmation that the inspection has been formally closed...

Mumbai, February 4, 2026 – Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (NSE: MOTHERSON, BSE: 517334) on Tuesday disclosed that its indirect wholly owned subsidiary in France, SMRC Automotive Modules France SAS, has been levied a monetary penalty following a routine audit related to social contribution calculations. The penalty has been imposed on SMRC France after an audit covering the periods 2022, 2023, and 2024, relating to adjustments in social security contribution computations. Penalty Details and Financial Exposure According to the disclosure, the French subsidiary has been directed to pay a penalty of €74,592, which translates to approximately ₹79.41 lakh. The order was dated January 28, 2026, and was received by the subsidiary...

Consultation Paper Seeks Greater Clarity, Fairness, and Reduced Regulatory Uncertainty Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India on Wednesday proposed a comprehensive revamp of the Fit and Proper Person framework governing market intermediaries, aiming to strengthen procedural clarity, fairness, and predictability in regulatory assessments.In a consultation paper, the regulator suggested amendments to Schedule II of the Intermediaries Regulations, 2008, which define the Fit and Proper Person criteria applicable to intermediaries, their key management personnel, and persons in control. The proposed changes focus on codifying procedural rights, refining disqualification triggers, and reducing uncertainty for applicants...

End of Trade Frictions Can Spur Investment Decisions Securities market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Wednesday said that the easing of trade frictions through international trade agreements, including the recent deal with the United States, plays a critical role in removing uncertainty from the investment environment and accelerating capital formation in the country.Responding to queries on whether such trade arrangements could encourage higher foreign capital inflows, Pandey noted that the removal of regulatory and trade-related overhangs helps investors take clearer and faster investment decisions. According to him, greater predictability around policy and capital flows creates...

Mumbai, February 3, 2026 BASF India Limited (BASF) has received a formal no-objection clearance for its proposed restructuring plan involving the separation of its Agricultural Solutions business into a wholly owned subsidiary, BASF Agricultural Solutions India Limited. Key Development The approval clears the way for BASF India to move ahead with its plan to transfer its Agricultural Solutions business into a separate entity through a demerger. The observation letter confirms that there are no objections to the proposed scheme at this stage, allowing the company to proceed with the next steps in the process. The restructuring is aimed at creating a more focused operational structure, enabling each business to pursue independent growth...

Finance Minister Welcomes Major Trade Breakthrough Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the United States to reduce tariffs on Indian goods, calling it a significant boost for the Made in India initiative. She said Indian products will now face a reduced reciprocal tariff of 18 percent, improving their competitiveness in the American market.In a social media post, the finance minister described the move as good news for Indian manufacturing and exports, stating that people in both countries stand to benefit from closer economic cooperation.Modi Trump Talks Lead to Tariff Reduction The tariff cut follows a high level telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President...

Mumbai, February 3, 2026: Indian equity benchmarks opened sharply higher on Monday, with the NIFTY 50 and BSE Sensex logging strong gains, supported by positive sentiment following the announcement of reduced US tariffs on Made-in-India products after India–US bilateral discussions. Nifty 50 Records Broad-Based Rally The Nifty 50 opened at 26,308.05, rising 1,219.65 points or 4.86 percent from its previous close of 25,088.40. The index remained firmly in the green through early trade, touching an intraday high of 26,373.20. Market breadth was decisively positive, with all 50 index constituents advancing, indicating broad-based participation across sectors. Key Nifty metrics:ParticularsDetailsOpen26,308.05Intraday High26,373.20...