India and the US are progressing towards a bilateral trade agreement, even as the impact of a US court order on potential tariffs is assessed. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the advancements alongside ongoing trade deal negotiations with the EU at the CII's Annual Business Summit 2025.
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The rupee weakened by 7 paise to close at 85.55 against the US dollar, influenced by volatile equity markets and rising crude oil prices. Investors were cautious ahead of GDP data release, while the dollar strengthened after a US court ruling on tariffs. Despite FII selling, India's growth outlook remains robust, as highlighted by the RBI.
RBI's recent report reveals a shift in credit distribution, with metropolitan bank branches' share declining to 58.7% in March 2025, from 63.5% five years prior, due to faster credit growth in non-metro areas. Despite this, metropolitan branches still lead in deposit mobilization, growing at 11.7%.
Schloss Bangalore Ltd, owner of "The Leela" brand, had a weak stock market debut, listing below its IPO price. Shares opened at Rs 406 on NSE and Rs 406.50 on BSE, against an IPO price of Rs 435. Despite the brand's strength and expansion, investor caution prevailed. The IPO was subscribed 4.5 times.
India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, scheduled for July 8-10 in New Delhi, anticipates over Rs 8,000 crore in investments across energy storage, electric mobility, and green hydrogen. Organized by IESA, the event expects participation from international delegates and aims to foster business deals and collaborations. This will accelerate India's clean energy manufacturing ambitions, supported by state and central ministries.
Suresh Narayanan, retiring CMD of Nestle India, reflected on the 2015 Maggi crisis as a major career challenge. He successfully revitalized Maggi after a nationwide ban due to safety concerns. Under his leadership, Nestle India saw significant growth, expanding its product portfolio and increasing capital expenditure, demonstrating a commitment to manufacturing in India.
Britain plans a significant boost to its defence industry. The government will invest £1.5 billion in new weapons factories. This aims to increase production capacity. The move comes ahead of a major defence review. The review will address the threats from Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. The UK also plans to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP.
Starting July 2025, the GST Network will time-bar GST returns after three years from the due date, impacting filings like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. Implemented from August 2025, this measure, stemming from the Finance Act, 2023, aims to improve compliance and clear backlogs.
Tata Sons' board has cleared company secretary Suprakash Mukhopadhyay of any ethical violations after reviewing an internal probe into his ties with Divinion, a family-owned financial firm. While Mukhopadhyay failed to disclose his connection, the board concluded there was no intentional breach of conduct. Concerns arose over potential conflicts of interest, given Divinion's links to current and former Tata employees.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that embracing rapid technological advancements can significantly boost economic productivity, a primary goal for policymakers. Speaking at the Institute of Economic Growth, she highlighted the increased focus on capital expenditure post-Covid, with states recognizing its growth-enhancing multiplier effect.