BusinessLine Podcasts

Episodi

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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 17, 2026 17.09.2026 2min

  1. NSE to launch IPO amid investor caution over derivatives-fuelled growth The National Stock Exchange is set to launch its ₹22,569-crore IPO, making it one of India’s largest public offerings. However, investors are weighing the valuation against slowing derivatives trading volumes, a key growth driver for the exchange. The offer is entirely an offer-for-sale by existing shareholders, valuing NSE at around $46 billion. 2. EPFO wage ceiling raised to ₹25,000 The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month. The move is expected to benefit nearly 8 crore subscribers by boosting provident fund savings and social security coverage, while also increasing monthly PF contributions for eligible employees. 3. Fuel retailers urge government to exempt MDR charges Fuel retailers have requested an exemption from the proposed ₹5 Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions above ₹2,000. Petrol pump operators argue that their already thin margins make it difficult to absorb additional payment-processing costs and warn they may stop accepting larger UPI payments if relief is not granted. 4. UPI MDR opens new revenue pool for PSPs The introduction of MDR on select UPI transactions above ₹2,000 could create a new revenue stream for payment service providers such as PhonePe and Paytm. Industry participants say the eventual benefit will depend on how the fee is shared among banks, PSPs and UPI app providers. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 16, 2026 16.09.2026 5min

  Bond yields hit 7.10% as crude spike, RBI OMO sales and rupee weakness trigger market selloff RBI files caveat in Tata Sons listing dispute to safeguard its regulatory position India’s August exports surge 26.13%; trade deficit narrows to $26.86 billion Government says 96% of UPI merchant transactions remain charge-free; panel to decide MDR on payments above ₹2,000 Markets tumble as bond yields hit 7.10% amid crude spike, RBI OMO sales and rupee weakness Indian markets witnessed one of their sharpest declines in recent months on Tuesday, weighed down by a combination of rising crude oil prices, soaring global bond yields and continued weakness in the rupee. Investor sentiment deteriorated through the day as concerns mounted over inflationary pressures and tighter financial conditions. The BSE Sensex plunged 777.94 points, or 1.04 per cent, to close at 74,003.82, after touching an intraday high of 75,436.44. The NSE Nifty 50 lost 279.50 points, or 1.19 per cent, to end at 23,118.60, its lowest closing level since April 6, 2026. The index also witnessed a sharp reversal from its intraday high of 23,592.85. The selloff extended beyond benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 100 declined 2.1 per cent, while the Smallcap 100 dropped 2.4 per cent, marking the steepest single-day fall for both indices since May 12. The market weakness came as bond yields moved higher, with investors closely tracking RBI open market operation sales, elevated crude prices and developments in global debt markets. RBI moves early to protect its position in Tata Sons listing dispute In another significant development, the Reserve Bank of India has taken a proactive legal step in the Tata Sons listing dispute. According to reports, the central bank has filed a caveat in the Bombay High Court after rejecting Tata Sons’ request to surrender its Core Investment Company registration. The move is intended to ensure that the RBI has an opportunity to present its arguments before any court grants interim relief to Tata Sons or any other party challenging the regulator’s decision. The development follows the RBI’s decision to reject the company’s application to exit the regulatory framework governing upper-layer non-banking financial companies. By retaining Tata Sons’ status as an Upper Layer NBFC, the RBI has kept the company subject to stricter regulatory requirements, including the possibility of a public listing. Legal experts describe the caveat as a precautionary measure designed to prevent any interim order from being issued without first hearing the regulator’s position. India’s exports jump 26.13% in August; trade deficit narrows to $26.86 billion Meanwhile, fresh trade data offered some positive news for the economy. India’s goods exports registered strong growth in August 2026, rising 26.13 per cent year-on-year to $43.81 billion, compared with $34.74 billion in August 2025. The growth marks the strongest export performance recorded so far in the current fiscal year. Imports also increased during the month, rising 14.1 per cent to $70.67 billion. However, the pace of import growth remained lower than that of exports, helping narrow the country’s trade deficit to $26.86 billion from $27.2 billion a year earlier. The strong export performance was led by sectors such as engineering goods, petroleum products and textiles, highlighting continued resilience in key export industries despite a challenging global environment. No charges on UPI transactions up to ₹2,000; government yet to decide on MDR for higher-value payments Rounding out the day’s developments, The government has defended the proposed UPI Merchant Discount Rate framework, highlighting that 96 per cent of person-to-merchant UPI transactions are below ₹2,000 and will remain charge-free. While consumers and person-to-person UPI users will continue to pay no transaction fees, a panel comprising financial institutions and NPCI will decide on charges, if any, for merchant transactions above ₹2,000. The clarification follows a government notification safeguarding free UPI and RuPay debit card transactions up to the ₹2,000 threshold. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 15, 2026 15.09.2026 4min

  Welcome to The Morning Report, brought to you by Renil S Varghese—your quick dive into the top stories shaping the business world today. Fast, insightful, and to the point.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 14, 2026 14.09.2026 3min

  BRICS Summit: Weaponisation of tech, critical minerals could hinder shared progress, warns Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could become a hurdle to shared progress, and called on BRICS countries to ensure inclusive access to technology while pursuing growth that balances development with environmental sustainability. Modi said the grouping needed to strengthen resilience and ensure that the benefits of solutions developed within BRICS were also adaptable and accessible to countries of the Global South, addressing a session on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth” at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. “The weaponisation of technology and critical minerals can become a hurdle in our shared progress. Therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in technology adoption,” Modi said. India steers BRICS to consensus on trade, coercive measures amid West Asia rift India pulled off a critical diplomatic balancing act at the BRICS Summit on Saturday, securing consensus among all 11 member nations on a joint declaration that voices serious concern over the rise of “unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures” running contrary to WTO rules, and resolves to strengthen the multilateral trade body. Negotiators worked through the night to bridge deep rifts between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict to arrive at language acceptable to all, sources close to the development said. The resulting New Delhi Declaration condemns unilateral coercive measures as violations of international law, calls for protecting global trade, energy flows and supply chains, demands an end to the blockade against Cuba, and voices concern over escalating tensions in West Asia, while avoiding direct mention of specific countries. HDFC Bank’s board shortlists two candidates for top position Fast-tracking the process for selection and appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan’s successor, HDFC Bank’s board on Saturday shortlisted two candidates whose names will be submitted to the RBI for approval. While the bank did not disclose the names, market participants indicate that the shortlist may have emerged from a pool including Paresh Sukthankar, K Balasubramanian, Vishaka Mulye, Jimmy Tata and Vibha Padalkar. The board also approved the creation of an additional Whole-Time Director position to strengthen succession planning, appointed Jimmy Tata as Executive Director, and re-appointed V Srinivasa Rangan as Executive Director. Tata Sons faces pressure to list after RBI rejects its de-registration as a core investment company Tata Sons Private Ltd will have to prepare for a stock market listing after the Reserve Bank of India rejected its application for de-registration as a Core Investment Company. The decision means Tata Sons will continue to remain on the RBI’s list of Upper Layer Non-Banking Financial Companies, a classification that requires listing on stock exchanges. The development follows the RBI’s August 6 release of the NBFC-UL list, which included Tata Sons while noting that its de-registration application was under examination. The move comes amid leadership developments within the Tata Group, including Noel Tata’s growing influence through Tata Trusts and N Chandrasekaran’s decision to step down as Chairman of Tata Sons when his term ends in February 2027. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 11, 2026 11.09.2026 2min

  Today's top 4 1.FSSAI widens food safety crackdown to dark stores, cloud kitchens, labels and trademarks 2.NPCI launches UPI Tap & Pay and AI-Powered 'My UPI' 3.India launches trade portal to help exporters reach US buyers 4.Apple iPhone Duo, 18 Pro Max, Pro launched Prices in India: Full List A quick look at four key business, technology, trade and consumer developments shaping the day.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 10, 2026 10.09.2026 2min

  Today's top 4 stories! Adani group sells 5.5% stake in airports business, raises $1 billion GLP-1 boom pushes pharma companies deeper into wellness, nutraceuticals US Government suspends Cognizant’s PERM applications for foreign workers From 20 days to 60 minutes: GIFT City’s investor onboarding gets a digital makeover A quick look at four key business, healthcare, technology and financial developments shaping the day.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 9, 2026 09.09.2026 2min

  Get today’s top business news, market headlines about the Stock Market, Sensex & Nifty trends, key market insights, economic highlights, and the latest updates from India and global markets.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 8, 2026 08.09.2026 2min

  Get today’s top business news, market headlines about the Stock Market, Sensex & Nifty trends, key market insights, economic highlights, and the latest updates from India and global markets.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 7, 2026 07.09.2026 2min

  Get today’s top business news, market headlines about the Stock Market, Sensex & Nifty trends, key market insights, economic highlights, and the latest updates from India and global markets.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 04, 2026 04.09.2026 3min

  From SEBI proposing net settlement for mutual fund cash-market trades and the Supreme Court disposing of SEBI’s plea against NSE after a ₹1,491-crore settlement, to World Bank’s Neelkanth Mishra defending India’s 7.8% GDP growth and the rupee hitting a 10-week closing high, here are the top business, technology, auto and policy stories shaping the day.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 03, 2026 03.09.2026 3min

  From PayPal cutting nearly a quarter of its India workforce and the NCLAT keeping lenders’ appeals pending over Subhash Chandra’s repayment plan, to the drone industry flagging over 50,000 illegal drones and a growing EV talent shortage in the auto sector, here are the top business, technology, auto and policy stories shaping the day.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 02, 2026 02.09.2026 3min

  From the NCLT staying approval of Subhash Chandra’s ₹6.25-crore repayment plan and VinFast halting plans to manufacture three EVs in India, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for SCO economic connectivity and UPI hitting a record 24.51 billion transactions in August, here are the top business, technology, auto and policy stories shaping the day.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, September 01, 2026 01.09.2026 3min

  From Mahindra Aerostructures securing an Airbus contract for A320 aircraft parts and Oppo and Toyota tapping India’s growing anime audience, to the Supreme Court declining a PIL on ethanol-content labelling at fuel pumps and strong festive demand lifting two-wheeler and truck sales, here are the top business, technology, auto and policy stories shaping the day.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, August 31, 2026 31.08.2026 2min

  Get today’s top business news, market headlines about the Stock Market, Sensex & Nifty trends, key market insights, economic highlights, and the latest updates from India and global markets.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, August 28, 2026 28.08.2026 2min

  45 Indian power plants face critically low coal stocks amid monsoon disruption Coal inventories at several thermal power plants have fallen to critical levels as monsoon rains disrupt supplies and electricity demand remains high. Government data shows 45 power plants are operating with critically low coal stocks, raising concerns about fuel availability for power generation. ChatGPT Ads set to rewrite the rules of digital advertising in India OpenAI is set to roll out advertising on ChatGPT in India for logged-in users on its Free and Go plans. The company says ads will not affect ChatGPT’s responses, but the move is expected to accelerate the shift towards contextual advertising and create new opportunities for businesses. Maharashtra sold most PVs, CVs in Q1 FY27: SIAM Maharashtra recorded the highest passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle sales among all States in the first quarter of FY27, according to SIAM data. The State outperformed Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its position as India’s largest automotive market. 100% FDI, Insurance for All by 2047 provide great opportunities for Canadian firms: FM Sitharaman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has invited Canadian insurance firms and pension funds to increase investments in India. Highlighting the country’s 100 per cent FDI policy in the insurance sector and the goal of achieving Insurance for All by 2047, she said India offers significant long-term opportunities for global investors. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, August 27, 2026 27.08.2026 2min

  Sugar prices ease as mill gate rates fall after record highs Mill gate and wholesale sugar prices have begun easing after touching record highs last week. Industry sources say mill gate prices have fallen by around ₹1,500 a quintal, while wholesale rates have softened across major cities. However, retail sugar prices continue to remain above ₹60 a kilogram. NCLT clears Subhash Chandra’s ₹6.5 crore repayment plan against ₹22,006 crore claims The National Company Law Tribunal has approved Zee Group founder Subhash Chandra’s revised repayment plan in a personal insolvency case. The plan allows repayment of ₹6.5 crore against admitted claims of more than ₹22,000 crore, translating to a recovery of about 0.03 per cent for creditors. Chennai Airport’s proposed Terminal 5 may be built between two runways Chennai Airport is exploring plans for a new Terminal 5 on an under-utilised parcel between its two runways. Officials say the proposed terminal could increase annual passenger handling capacity to around 55 million while requiring minimal land acquisition. Detailed studies and approvals are still pending. Promoters cash in on rally with ₹13,000 crore worth of August block deals Promoters and investors are using the recent market rally to monetise holdings through bulk and block deals. August has seen transactions worth around ₹13,000 crore, with major deals involving Groww parent Billionbrains Garage Ventures and Welspun Corp. Analysts say strong valuations are encouraging stake sales despite subdued movement in the broader market.
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, August 26, 2026 26.08.2026 2min

  Defence Ministry opens DRDO’s conventional missile tech to private companies In a major step towards opening up missile manufacturing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed conventional missile technologies to private companies. The decision comes nearly three months after businessline reported on the government’s plan to reduce the dominance of defence PSUs in missile production. Earlier this year, several DRDO tactical missile projects were allocated to a mix of public and private firms, including Adani, Bharat Forge, ICOMM and Solar Defence, signalling a broader push to expand private sector participation in defence manufacturing. Centre weighs 100% random dope testing of airline pilots The Centre is considering expanding mandatory drug testing for airline pilots from the current 10 per cent requirement to 100 per cent, with tests conducted at random intervals. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the proposal has been communicated to the DGCA. If implemented, India would become the first country to require random drug testing for all airline pilots. Indian airlines currently employ more than 11,000 pilots, with the total pilot population in the country estimated at around 25,000. US sanctions four Indian firms under Iran-focused ‘Operation Economic Outcast’ The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies for their alleged involvement in importing Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products under its new Operation Economic Outcast campaign targeting Iran’s revenues. The companies named are Portease Partners LLP, Sadashiva Overseas Ltd, PP Softtech Pvt Ltd and Prakrutees Infra Impex India Pvt Ltd. The Indian government is monitoring the situation and awaiting further details on the nature and scope of the sanctions before deciding its response. Karnataka suspends food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket over Datura listings Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences and registrations of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after poisonous Datura fruits and seeds were found being sold on their platforms as food products. The regulator has directed the companies to immediately remove all Datura-related listings, advertisements and promotional material. Officials said Datura is poisonous and its sale for human consumption is not permitted under food safety regulations. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, August 25, 2026 25.08.2026 3min

  Tamil Nadu govt abandons Parandur airport plan, looks for alternative site The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government has dropped the plans for a new ₹27,400 crore greenfield airport at Parandur following resistance from local villagers. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday made the official announcement in the State Assembly that the project, which was proposed by the previous government has been abandoned, with the government seeking to avoid the displacement of residents and loss of agricultural land. Vijay said he went in person to the project site and assured the villagers of his support. At a political rally in Vikravandi, he announced said that a new airport should not be built at Parandur and had called for the project to be shifted to another location. The government is now examining a few alternative sites that could accommodate the airport without significantly affecting residential areas and agricultural lands. The move marks a departure from the earlier proposal to develop the airport at Parandur, which had attracted opposition from residents and farmers over concerns about land acquisition and its impact on agricultural activity. Sun Pharma’s recall of eyedrops: Experts raise concerns on implementation and enforcement The recent voluntary withdrawal of Sun Pharmaceutical’s eye drops has raised concerns on the implementation and enforcement of recalled products - as some retailers and regulatory officials claim they did not have information on the recall. Sun had initiated a voluntary withdrawal mid-July on 11 eye drops as a “precautionary measure”, it said in a letter to partners. A month on, businessline was able to procure a couple of the recalled products, for example, from local chemists. Drug regulatory experts call for a realtime system to communicate product recalls across the supply chain, and consumers, in public interest. Pointing to the “patchy” implementation of the recall, and subsequent enforcement, they said, regulatory action should ensure the recall is effective. ESIC crackdown: Over ₹2,400 cr social security money trapped in 6.45 lakh recovery certificates pending for a decade The ESIC has launched a crackdown to recover ₹2,473 crore social security money through 6.45 ‘Recovery Certificates’ linked to employers, pending for over a decade due to structural and legal hurdles. Under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948, when an employer fails to pay required social security contributions, interest, or damages, the ESI Corporation issues a Recovery Certificate to enforce collection in order to fund a self-sustaining and health insurance programme for workers. Taking a leaf out of successful “Nudge (Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable)” campaign of Income Tax department to recover evaded taxes, the ESIC too decided to give up the traditional coercive action and use technology to prompt owners to submit amount due to each of them, said Ministry sources privy to the development. Though under the ESIC Act, the officials are authorised to issue orders for attachment and sale of the employer’s movable or immovable property and also arrest or detain defaulters in extreme on-compliance cases. Overall, 24,521 attempts were made before and after the chatbot were used to launch the campaign to recover ₹1,029 crore arrears across the country from employers as part of the Social Security Code, 2020. The ESIC had managed to get around ₹77 crore before the use of technology, sources said. Centre gives in-principle nod to lease -out 11 AAI airports in five bundles After extensive inter-ministerial consultations, the Centre has finally decided to lease out 11 Airports Authority of India (AAI) airports through five bundled concessions, official document reviewed by businessline showed. Accordingly, the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) has given in-principle approval for the leasing out of the airports. The development marks a key step forward in the Centre’s plan to bring private-sector participation into the operations, management and development of these airports. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
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  Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, August 24, 2026 24.08.2026 2min

  Get today’s top business news, market headlines about the Stock Market, Sensex & Nifty trends, key market insights, economic highlights, and the latest updates from India and global markets.
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  E20 Fuel: The hero India needs, or the villain drivers fear? | Overthinker’s Anonymous | EP 02 21.08.2026 6min

  Is E20 fuel the hero India needs, or the villain drivers blame for everything? In this episode of Overthinker’s Anonymous, Richa and Renil unpack the branding, public perception, and controversy surrounding E20 petrol. From energy security and ethanol blending to mileage concerns and engine anxiety, we explore why India’s green fuel transition has become such a polarising topic. Is E20 a climate-friendly breakthrough or simply the latest target of consumer frustration? Let’s overthink it.